OVERVIEW
WIFTJA launches its inaugural Screenwriting Accelerator in 2025.
This initiative provides WIFTJA members with the training, structure, mentorship and resources needed during the crucial first stages of film development.
Four feature-length projects will be chosen for the first year of our Accelerator.
We are targeting emerging and early-career writers, who may not yet have a production credit. Participants will engage in intense development and learn how to navigate the profession of screenwriting— understanding contracts, writers’ rooms, residencies, pitching, and more.
Our fellows start their journey on an Intensive weekend, applying in-depth analysis to approach their story goals and heighten their screenwriting skills. They then come together every other week after that in a group Workshop, which provides an expansive environment for creative growth, community support and professional development. All this culminates with a Symposium conference, where our writers present their developed scripts to the local and international film industry.
The accelerator will take place from May to October, 2025 (dates tentative).
BACKGROUND
As part of WIFTI, WIFTJA’s mission seeks to advance the participation of women and GNC individuals in the screen industries. Film and television remain one of the most unequal industries in terms of gender distribution, both on-screen and behind-the-scenes.
This Accelerator will provide our membership a supportive environment where they can advance in their careers by analyzing their work, career goals and position in the industry. By connecting our members with experienced film professionals, this Accelerator will further their own industry participation and creative community and WIFTJA’s vision for gender equity and justice in Jamaica.
We know our first cohort will positively impact the sector and highlight the value of women in film.
PROGRAMME OUTLINE
We are seeking emerging or early-career writers, who may not have a production credit but already have an understanding of the basics of screenwriting.
PART A – First Weekend (Intensive):
- Participant + Project Introductions
- Story Analysis and Goal Setting
- In-depth Development
PART B – 14 Weeks (Workshop):
- Group Critique + Feedback writing
- Script Consulting
- Pitching + Professional Development
PART C – Final Weekend (Symposium):
- Public Pitch Sessions
- Networking
- Industry Events
- Panels and Roundtables
- Workshops
HOW TO APPLY
Submit your complete application via email to wiftja.workshop@gmail.com by 11:59 PM (EST) on March 31, 2025.
Applications must have the following PDF attachments to be considered complete:
- A completed application form. Download the form here.
- A cover letter explaining your interest in developing your script and your motivation for participating in this programme.
- A completed screenplay OR a treatment WITH the first 30 script pages.
- This document must be correctly formatted according to these guidelines.
- You must include a title page. DO NOT display your name, contact information or any personal identifiers in this document.
- Completed screenplays must be at least 80 pages in length.
- Treatments must have a complete outline of the story from beginning to end which includes every major character and plot point/beat, AS WELL
AS the first 30 pages of the intended screenplay. - Again, DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR NAME, CONTACT INFORMATION OR IDENTIFYING INFORMATION ANYWHERE ON YOUR SCREENPLAY OR TREATMENTS.
Writing teams of MAXIMUM two members may submit if both candidates meet all eligibility requirements. Team members must complete and sign separate Application Forms and attach BOTH to the SAME submission email. Successful teams will be treated as one fellow and not as separate participants.
Any reasonable accommodation requests must be made by email to wiftja.workshop@gmail.com by March 28, 2025. It is at the discretion of WIFTJA to consider accommodations or not.
You may request one (1) update to an application before the deadline of March 31, 2025. It is at the discretion of WIFTJA whether to allow this or not.
Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.
ELIGIBILITY
- Applicants must be active members of WIFTJA at time of submission.
- Applicants must identify as women or as GNC.
- Applicants must be Jamaican nationals or residents at time of submission. WIFTJA may reach out to verify your status.
- Applicants must be available to attend in-person sessions in Kingston, Jamaica between May and October, 2025.
- Applicants must be aged 18 or older at time of participation. If you turn 18 between the deadline (March 31) and the programme start (May 31), you are eligible to apply.
- Projects must be feature-length narrative films to be considered.
- Projects must be either the applicant’s original intellectual property or have already secured the necessary rights and permissions as an adaptation at time of submission.
- Projects must have either a complete feature-length screenplay (min. 80 pages) or a complete treatment that outlines every major beat from beginning to end.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
- Application Form (download here)
- Cover Letter
- Complete Screenplay / Treatment and first 30 pages (formatting guidelines)
APPLICATION TIMELINE
- Applications open : February 26
- Information session : TBD
- Final date to request accommodations : March 28
- Deadline for applications : March 31
All applicants will be notified by May 14, 2025 (tentative) of the status of their submission.
INFORMATION SESSION
WIFTJA will host a virtual information session in March. More details to come soon.
FAQ: Download here
FORMATING GUIDELINE: Download here
APPLICATION FORM: Download here
CONTACT
Email wiftja.workshop@gmail.com for more information related to our Accelerator.
For general WIFTJA inquiries, including membership, please contact wift.ja@gmail.com
This initiative provides WIFTJA members with the training, structure, mentorship and resources needed to improve their screenplays and their standing as screenwriters.
It is supported through funding from the UNESCO Participation Programme 2025-26
