Next Storyteller
Competitions
Empowering storytellers to find their voice
Talent competition
Actor Competition
The New Tampa • Wesley Chapel Film Festival Actor Competition celebrates the art of performance. Open to actors of all ages, this competition invites participants to showcase their talent before a panel of industry professionals.
The winner will be recognized and presented with the Cash Award live at the Closing Ceremony—a moment to honor dedication, craft, and the transformative power of performance.
Visit Film Freeway on November 2nd for details and submission instructions.
What you receive
√ Cash grant presented at the Closing Ceremony—must be present to receive
√ One-hour consultation with an industry professional
√ Recognition on the festival’s official platforms
√ Networking opportunities with film industry professionals
√ The honor of presenting this award to next year's recipient (2028)
How you’re chosen
√ Perform a monologue or a scene from film or television, with a reader if needed
√ Performances submitted via self-tape filmed horizontally
√ Judged by industry professionals
√ Winner announced at the Closing Ceremony
√ $20 entry fee
√ Additional details/policies are explained on Film Freeway
Writer Competition
Screenwriter Competition
The New Tampa • Wesley Chapel Film Festival is proud to offer the inaugural Screenwriter Competition, designed to nurture emerging talent in our local community. This competition supports current screenwriters of all levels, who demonstrate exceptional promise in the art of writing.
We believe the next great storytellers are already among us—in our classrooms, in our workplace, in our neighborhoods, behind their cameras. This competition is our investment in their future.
What you receive
√ Cash grant presented at the Closing Ceremony—must be present to receive
√ One-hour consultation with an industry professional
√ Recognition on the festival’s official platforms
√ Networking opportunities with film industry professionals
√ The honor of presenting this award to next year's recipient (2028)
How you’re chosen
√ Submit a script for a short film, no more than 10 pages
√Scripts are submitted on Film Freeway
√ Judged by industry professionals; scripts are read in advance of the festival
√ Winner announced at the Closing Ceremony
√ $20 entry fee
√ Additional details/policies are explained on Film Freeway
Eligibility
Submission Criteria
√ Resident of New Tampa, Wesley Chapel, or the surrounding areas of Pasco and Hillsborough counties
√ Currently working in the film industry
√ Applications must be submitted by the deadline: November 30, 2026
(Applications open August 31, 2026. Limited to 10 contestants.)