Palm Springs Women in Film & Television (PSWIFT), in partnership with Stage 32, has announced its 2026 Short Script Competition, presented through PSWIFT’s Kim Waltrip’s Filmmakers Lab, centered on the theme of Sports, the Outdoors, and Mental Health.
Open to writers of all backgrounds and experience levels, the competition invites bold, original short scripts that explore how physical activity, nature, and teamwork impact mental wellbeing. Stories may address themes including resilience, healing, identity, burnout, grief, trauma recovery, inclusion, and the power of human connection—set in any sport or outdoor environment worldwide.
Submitted scripts must be narrative in genre (drama, comedy, family, thriller, or inspirational), written in English, and between 5–12 pages in standard screenplay format. All entries must be original, with writers retaining full rights to their work.
The winning script is guaranteed production, with a production value of $10,000, and will receive a premiere at the HollyShorts Film Festival, screen at the Garden State Film Festival, and air on ZPTV, a ROKU channel, offering filmmakers a rare opportunity for both high-profile festival exposure and broadcast distribution.
“Storytelling has the power to heal, connect, and create understanding,” said Kim Waltrip, Founder of the Filmmakers Lab. “This competition is about amplifying stories that show how sports and the outdoors can play a meaningful role in mental health, resilience, and hope. We’re excited to partner with Stage 32 to give writers a platform to share these important and deeply human stories.”
Stage 32 CEO Richard Botto added, “At Stage 32, we believe in storytelling that creates impact. Partnering with PSWIFT on a competition focused on sports, the outdoors, and mental health allows us to support writers who are tackling vital conversations through universally relatable experiences. These stories have the power to resonate far beyond the page.”
For submission guidelines, deadlines, and additional details, visit stage32.com
