Call For Baltimore Screenwriters!
The Mayor’s Office of Arts, Culture and Entertainment (MOACE) and the Baltimore Film Office are accepting screenplays for Mayor Brandon Scott’s Baltimore Screenwriters Competition 2026. This new, expanded initiative celebrates the talents of Baltimore-based screenwriters whose stories reflect the rich culture and vast landscape of Baltimore City. The competition awards prizes in the episodic, feature and short film formats. This program, organized by Mayor Scott, the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Culture and Entertainment, and the Baltimore Film Office, is intended to uplift Baltimore’s screenwriters and expand youth participation in the arts.
Deadline: Sunday, MARCH 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM
To qualify, the screenplay must be set in or can be filmed in Baltimore City. All screenwriters must live in or attend school within Baltimore City and eligible scripts will receive coverage from local screenwriters. Finalists will be judged by film industry professionals, film school professors and renowned screenwriters.
Awards include over $10k CASH and prizes!
Advisory Committee
Keith Mehlinger
Director of Screenwriting and Animation Program, Morgan State University
David Warfield
Screenwriter and Professor, Morgan State University
Dr. Garey Hyatt
Program Coordinator for Visual & Performing Arts, Coppin State University
Josh Wilder
Screenwriter and Professor, Coppin State University
Nikki Powell
Film Production Coordinator, Baltimore Film Office, MOACE
Obed Gant
Community Engagement & Partnership Coordinator, MOACE