…a script competition in its 8th Year seeking submissions in the following categories: Feature Films, Short Films, TV/Web Pilots. This competition is sponsored by Keep or Destroy.

New York New Stories is dedicated to discovering and celebrating the work of screenwriters from all backgrounds and all levels of experience. Our mission is to elevate unique and creative stories that are ready to be told. With sponsorship from Brooklyn based production company Keep or Destroy, New York New Stories will award quality, original work and connect the winning screenwriter with a professional network of producers and filmmakers in order to produce their screenplay.

Six past NYNS winners and runners-up have gone on to be produced and enjoy successful festival runs.

NOTE: Scripts DO NOT have to be set in New York, from New York-based writers or New York centric in any way whatsoever.

NYNS Official Rules

Feature Length - Grand Prize Award Winner (1) will receive: a cash prize of $750, detailed coverage, a feedback and development meeting with Keep or Destroy, a pitch deck and line budget consultation, and introductions to select, applicable, industry professionals.

Short Project - Grand Prize Award Winner (1) will receive: $500*, live table read of screenplay workshopped by professional actors, detailed feedback, a development meeting, and an opportunity to have your script produced by Keep or Destroy. Open to TV/Web Pilots and Short Films.

Short Project - RUNNER UP (1) will receive: live table read of screenplay workshopped by professional actors, detailed feedback, and a development meeting with Keep or Destroy. Open to TV/Web Pilots and Short Films.

NOTE: For Feature Scripts with Coverage/Feedback: Every submitted project will receive feedback within 30 days of their submission. Feedback will include: numerical scores for: Premise, Plot, Character, Dialogue, Setting, and Overall. Each script will also receive a written evaluation on the strengths, weaknesses and prospects of the screenplay. This detailed coverage is invaluable to any writer looking to take their script to the next level.

*Short Project monetary prizes may be awarded in the form of in-kind donations. See official rules for judging criteria and submission details.

2025

Feature Film Grand Prize - Wilma by Camila Bentancur

Short Project Grand Prize - Whispering Pines by Adam Branson

Short Project Runner Up - Lyla’s Last Dance by Michael Clifton

2024

Feature Film Grand Prize - Yolanda by Kari Mote

Short Project Grand Prize - Not Without Laughter by Jermaine Manigault

Short Project Runner Up - The Officiant by Maria DeCotis

2023

Feature Film Grand Prize - Exposed by Alan Schwarz

Short Project Grand Prize - Perfect Love by Kelly McCready

Short Project Runner Up - Offspring by Hannah Silverman

2022

Grand Prize Winner - Bathroom Break by Dave Canning [produced by Keep or Destroy, 2023]

Runner Up (TV Pilot) - Going Native by Ian Trutt

Runner Up (Narrative Short) - En Memoria by Roberto Fatal and Ali Meyers-Ohki
Official Selection Sundance Film Festival 2025

2021

Grand Prize Winner - Mancha by Nicole Mejia [produced by Keep or Destroy & Netflix, 2022]

Runner Up (TV Pilot) - Sex&Magic by Carolyn Page

Runner Up (Narrative Short) - What’s Grandad by Ivy Johnson

2020

Grand Prize Winner - Lenny’s Luck by Colin Pierce

Runner Up (TV Pilot) - Night Nurse by Laura Mitchell

Runner Up (Narrative Short) - The Thermometer by Bill Liggins

2019

Grand Prize Winner - Samurai Sword by Stanley Sievers [produced by Keep or Destroy, 2020]

Runner Up (TV Pilot) - Light-Skin Lightning and the ToyBoy by Thomas F. Ray

Runner Up (Narrative Short) - The Squirrels in the Attic by Rachel Thomas Medwid