IF SHE CAN SEE IT, SHE CAN BE IT*

The two-stage script writing competition IF SHE CAN SEE IT, SHE CAN BE IT* is an initiative of drehbuchFORUM Wien, Austrian Film Institute and FC Gloria (NPO association aiming to actively support, empower and network female filmmakers) that was launched in 2016 and addresses the Austrian film industry. Its aim is to encourage the creation of nuanced and complex female characters beyond stereotypes in Austrian cinema. A total of €32,000 in prize money is awarded across two competition stages, with all prize funds going directly to the writers. In addition, the selected participants receive dramaturgical support throughout the development process.

Eligible are script authors and debut script authors of Austrian or EEA (European Economic Area) nationality with a permanent residence in Austria. Exposés for full-length cinema fictional films featuring at least one central female character are to be submitted.

Stage 1 – From Synopsis to Treatment

In the first stage, applicants submit concepts for feature-length fiction films intended for theatrical release that feature at least one central female character. Five innovative projects by Austrian screenwriters are selected based on their portrayal of female characters beyond conventional stereotypes. Each selected project receives a prize of €4,000 as well as dramaturgical mentoring.

Stage 2 – From Treatment to Screenplay

In the second stage, the jury selects one project from the five treatments developed during Stage 1 with the support of the prize money and dramaturgical guidance. The winning project receives an additional €12,000 in funding and further dramaturgical support for the development of a complete screenplay.

Pitching of Submitted Projects

Following the first award ceremony, the Drehbuchforum Wien and Film Fatale – Association of Austrian Women Producers organize a full-day pitching event in cooperation with the Austrian Film Institute. Selected participants have the opportunity to present their projects to leading film producers and receive valuable professional feedback through personal discussions.

How to Apply

Applications are open to Austrian citizens, Austrians living abroad, and individuals whose permanent primary residence is in Austria.

Applicants must hold the rights to the submitted project and may not have an existing contractual agreement with a production company.

Projects may be developed either individually or collaboratively. In the case of a writing team, one author submits the application on behalf of the team and lists all co-authors, whose biographies must be included.

Projects must:

  • Be intended as a feature-length fiction film for theatrical release (minimum running time of 70 minutes).
  • Include at least one central female character.
  • Be submitted by only one applicant per person.
  • Not have received prior funding.
  • Not have been submitted previously to the IF SHE CAN SEE IT, SHE CAN BE IT* competition

Applicants must submit the following to einreichung_ifshe@drehbuchforum.at

  • Completed and signed application form
  • Cover page including working title and author name
  • Short synopsis (3–5 lines)
  • Project synopsis/exposé (3–5 pages, 12-point font)
  • Character descriptions (1 page)
  • Author’s statement explaining why this story should be told and outlining ideas for its cinematic realization (maximum 2 pages)
  • Brief statement describing expectations regarding the dramaturgical support
  • Short biography and filmography/publication list of the applicant(s)
  • In the case of an adaptation, an option agreement or contract covering film adaptation rights
  • A screenplay scene with dialogue from the submitted project

Applications must be submitted digitally as a single PDF file.

Submission documents must be prepared in 12-point font and in German (English is accepted only in justified cases and by prior agreement). A cover page indicating the title and author must be included. DVDs, showreels, reference films, or other media materials will not be considered. Participants are not entitled to reimbursement of any costs incurred in connection with participation in the competition.