The HamptonsFilm Screenwriters Lab champions the artistic visions of up-and-coming filmmakers from around the world. Submissions open November 1 for the 25th edition (April 4-6, 2025):
- November 14, 2024: Earlybird Deadline
- December 5, 2024: Regular Deadline
- December 19, 2024: Late Deadline
- January 16, 2025: Extended Deadline
- April 4-6, 2025: Screenwriters Lab
An intimate gathering taking place each spring on Long Island’s East End, the Lab fosters emerging talent by pairing selected fellows with established writers and creative producers for a weekend of one-on-one mentorship. Over the course of the weekend, these film industry veterans advise the participating fellows on their feature length projects in a series of individual and group development sessions.
Additional events include nightly salons, roundtables, and happy hours with industry guests, board members, alumni of the Lab, and members of the local artistic community.
Director/writer Anu Valia with producer Olivia Wingate at HIFF 2024 with WE STRANGERS
HIFF was thrilled to welcome Lab participant Anu Valia (2018 Screenwriters Lab) back with her feature debut WE STRANGERS, which screened in Competition at HIFF32.
> > Learn about the history of Screenwriters Lab participants and mentors
> > Archive of Lab Screenwriters
“The Screenwriters Lab gave me two of the things that screenwriters most crave: Honest, insightful feedback from creatives working at an incredibly high level in their field, and dedicated time devoted solely to bettering our scripts. The array of mentors and industry guests provided insight into both the creative process and the professional process of getting our films made. And because this Lab coincided with the Covid-19 quarantine, it gave me the permission and motivation to continue to work, which was a huge gift in itself. There’s no doubt that this Lab has made and will continue to make my script stronger, and I know the guidance I received will have a positive impact on all my future scripts.” — Kelly O’Sullivan, 2020 Lab Fellow (MOUSE), writer of SAINT FRANCES, and Melissa Mathison Fund Recipient
Agnes Skonare and Celine Song at the 2024 Lab
“The HIFF Screenwriters Lab is a uniquely valuable experience for emerging writers, an opportunity in one-on-one sessions and group settings to hone their craft and learn about navigating the industry. Both times I’ve served as a mentor (2016, 2019) I’ve come away from the weekend energized and inspired by these new voices, and in the years since it’s been thrilling to see so many of them become established, working writers and directors.” — Michael H. Weber, Oscar® nominated co-writer of THE DISASTER ARTIST and 500 DAYS OF SUMMER
