WILDsound Festival showcases the best of new writings from around the world today. Submit your story to the relevant festival contest and earn a performance video showcase reading.
NOTE: Submit and garner full feedback notes on your work no matter what! (Exception is the poetry contests where every submission gets their work posted on the network.)
STAGE PLAY Writing Contest – Full feedback on your original stage play. Winners get their play performed by professional actors and made into a video. SUBMIT NOW
RELATIONSHIP Poetry Contest – Submit a poem that’s about a relationship via Submittable. SUBMIT NOW
ENVIRONMENTAL Screenplay Contest – Full Feedback on all submissions. Get your ENVIRONMENTAL Screenplay performed by professional actors and made into video. SUBMIT NOW
There is no festival like this!
Mainly what this contest does is give exposure to the writer. They will be able to obtain a solid agent, plus get notice by producers looking for writers like yourself. NOTE: The writer will always own 100% rights to their story. The only thing we do is help the writer. Either with notes on their next draft, or gain exposure by having their story showcased at our festival.
“Poet” is a dance film inspired by Chinese poet Yu Xiuhua, a rural woman with cerebral palsy, who recently became famous in China. Many started to know her works from her audacious Poem “Crossing Half of China to Sleep with You”. Living in a conservative rural village in southern China where prejudice against women, disability, and divorce are high, she managed to break free from an unwanted marriage and live her life as a writer despite the satirical voices around.
Review by Parker Jesse Chase
“Poet,” is a visual exploration inspired by the life and work of Chinese poet Yu Xiuhua. Known for her bold and audacious poem “Crossing Half of China to Sleep with You,” Yu Xiuhua’s story is one of resilience and triumph over societal prejudice. Living in a conservative rural village, our leading lady breaks free from an unwanted marriage and pursues her passion for writing despite the challenges posed by her disability and societal expectations.
The film begins with a striking black-and-white series of special insert b-roll shots. These close-ups—feet moving, a bundle of sticks, serene landscapes, wheat fields, and trains—set an intimate and contemplative tone. The inclusion of mundane objects like a mop across the floor juxtaposed with nature and movement creates imagery immediately drawing the viewer in.
As the scene shifts amidst the atmosphere of the company inside the train, we see the dancer amidst a group of passengers. In the confined space between two train carts, the dancer’s movements mimic the accelerating pace of the train, a metaphor for the poet’s journey and the momentum of her life. The choreography is tight, the movements deliberate, capturing the intensity and urgency of breaking free from societal constraints.
The transition to an open field is a pivotal moment in the film. Here, the pace slows, reflecting a shift to a more serene and introspective state. The night sounds—whistles and rustling—underscore the dancer’s movements, which now emulate the gentleness of the wind.
This segment beautifully contrasts the previous scenes, offering a sense of calm and freedom. The introduction of color marks a significant transformation in the narrative. A close-up of an insect and the accompanying rattling buzz symbolize the vibrancy and complexity of life. The dancer, now in a wheat field, moves with a sense of liberation, fluttering arms like a bird in flight. The sight of an actual bird passing overhead reinforces the theme of freedom and connection with nature.
The scene where the dancer cradles a haystack exudes joy and peace, capturing a moment of pure, carefree interaction with the natural world. The transition from the frenetic energy of the train to the tranquil beauty of the open field mirrors the journey from struggle to emancipation. The actor’s performance is exceptional, maintaining a dynamic pace through the dance transitions. The choreography effectively narrates the arc from the mechanical movements of the train, through the darkness of night, to the brightness of a new day. The dancer’s white attire likely symbolizes a new beginning, emphasizing themes of rebirth and renewal as color infuses the film in its latter part.
“Poet” is a moving homage to Yu Xiuhua’s work. Through its evocative imagery and dance sequences, the film not only celebrates her life and work, but also offers a universal message of hope and resilience.
The story unfolds as Angelica and Patricia navigate a night of wine, food, and conversation. Patricia’s detached and cold approach to the interaction becomes evident, but Angelica, desperate for connection, overlooks her flaws.
“BFFR,” a short film written and directed by Erika Apelgren, explores the dynamics of an unlikely friendship through a night of wine, food, and a banter of conversation. Angelica (portrayed by Sharon Gardner) and Patty (portrayed by Apelgren) are significantly dignified as foiled characters; their approaches to life create an intriguing and heartfelt dynamic and narrative.
The film starts by trying to define the connection between Angelica and Patty, two women with distinctly different energies. Angelica, desperate for connection, overlooks Patty’s detached and frivolous demeanor. This contrast keeps the audience guessing about their relationship, leading to a surprising revelation: Patty is a Best Friend For Rent.
Patty’s introduction is memorable: a bright, colorful personality hyping herself up with a swig of Jack Daniels before meeting Angelica. This starkly contrasts with Angelica’s nervous demeanor, sitting quietly in a conservative black 2-pc dress suit. The careful placement of food, the candle lights, and the delicate movements all contribute to the film’s aesthetic and emotional tone.
As they converse, the differences in their views on love and life philosophies become apparent. A moment of tension arises when Patty needs a break and runs to the bathroom, with a humorous moment with bright orange index cards, only to return with renewed determination to support Angelica. The film hints at Angelica’s grief and need for companionship, culminating in a tender moment where Patty asks if she can call her “Angie.” Angelica’s response, revealing her mother’s disdain for nicknames, adds depth to her character and hints at a troubled past.
The concept is both fun and relatable, reflecting a reality where loneliness drives people to seek out companionship in unconventional ways. The script is quick witted yet engaging, with great performances that make you question the nature of their relationship. Are they long-lost friends or mere acquaintances yearning for connection? The story is a commentary on the human need for companionship.
One standout scene features a simple knock-knock joke that highlights the personalities of the two women. The joke, “Knock knock. Orange you glad you didn’t cancel?” brings a light-hearted childlike moment amidst the dimly lit, intimate setting. The lighting and the combination between camera movements and the editing room enhance the dialogue, overall creating a sense of closeness and vulnerability.
“BFFR” is a quick-witted craft of a short film with a strong emotional core. Erika Apelgren’s direction, coupled with Sharon Gardner’s and her own compelling performances, creates a touching story about the human need for connection.
Various options to submit to the Festival. A HYBRID model. Cinema screenings for audience feedback video (not an online festival). Blog and podcast interviews. And bonus Virtual screening (optional!) geared to create community over distance, PLUS, get your film seen by the right people.
Submit via FilmFreeway:
Festival designed to expose and promote films and screenplays that work outside the system and break the boundaries in the horror genre. To bring a voice to the talented independent filmmakers & writers within the horror genre.
Submit your HORROR films and screenplays today to the festival.
Our mission is to promote screenplays, films and videos that dissent radically in form, technique, or content, and challenge and transcend commercial and audience expectations using the audience FEEDBACK festival format that the flagship festivals uses.
Film festival occurs with a private audience at least 6 times a year in Montreal and Los Angeles. Each accepted film received 2 festival screenings. Private cinema screening where they will receive their audience feedback video. And the virtual screening (4-6 weeks after) that is an industry showcase of the best HORROR films from around the world today.
Screenplay Festivals occur once a month. We perform a transcript script of the winners in a studio using professional Canadian actors and post them online for the entire world to see. (Great proof of concept video to use to promote your script.)
NOTE: Accepted works also get the opportunity to do two interviews: A blog interview and an ITunes Film Festival podcast interview.
Get FULL FEEDBACK on your 1st chapter novel. from our committee of Professional Writers, and Writing Consultants. Winners get their novel performed by a professional actor at the festival.
SUBMIT your novel now (1st chapter) To be eligible for our Writing Festival Events. Submissions take 3-5 weeks for evaluation
Just VOTED one of the top festivals in the world today!
Submit a novel book and get it seen by the world.
A great way to get your words out there, obtain the Agent you’re looking for or just get your story seen by more people. If you win, your story will be seen by 100,000s of people when it’s read online using a top professional actor. It’s a rush you’ll never experience in your life seeing it come to life that way.
FANTASY and SCI-FI Stories used to be a fringe market. Now they are in the mainstream and forever as movies, television shows, and stories in this genre are a multi-billion dollar market.
Submit via FilmFreeway:
This is a HYBRID film festival (NOT an online festival) with live screenings for the audience feedback video you will receive, plus an optional virtual 2nd showcase to enhance the film’s exposure. Festival also conducts blog and podcast interviews with the filmmaker. We have also started a filmmaker’s WhatsApp group with over 100 joined to date to chat about next project and make contacts etc….
Get your script and story performed by professional actors at the Fantasy/Sci-Fi Festival. WINNING reading every single month!
Get your short or feature film showcased at the FEEDBACK Film Festival and get an audience video. Now a monthly festival taking place in either Chicago, Los Angeles, or Toronto
All festival dates have been updated to private screenings with the same Audience FEEDBACK videos made for the short & feature films, and recorded script readings performed by professional actors for the screenplays. This is our way of showing community over distance so everyone around the world can experience our Audience Feedback videos.
We specialize in showcasing Fantasy/Sci-Fi stories and making sure that when the work is ready, the writer will benefit by at least obtaining a solid agent.
Awards & Prizes
Accepted Films get their films showcased at the FEEDBACK Film Festival. Then you’ll garner an Audience Video on your film which is a great promotional vehicle, which will set you up to get submitted to future festivals.
Accepted Screenplays get their work performed by professional actors at the writing festival. 3-5 weeks after submitting, you will be sent an email with your full feedback and told if your script is ready to be performed at our festival. We do not have finalists etc.. It is either a winner or a rewrite is suggested and you have a chance to re-submit at a discount rate.
Probably the best and most informative feedback I have ever gotten for this! Thank you so much:) I’ve been trying to figure out what isn’t quite right with the script – the notes make complete sense! Thank you again, now I know what to do to tighten it up:):)
– Tania Penn, TV Pilot
TV SCREENPLAY FESTIVAL takes place every single month. At least 4-15 winning screenplays. Winners get their script performed by professional actors and then made into a promotional best scene video (see examples on the submission page). Submit via the site or via FilmFreeway.
Submit to the TV FESTIVAL via FilmFreeway (use the TV FESTIVAL link):
This festival has a guaranteed 4-tier set up for each accepted script. (No matter what, all screenplays submitted receive FULL FEEDBACK on their work.)
1st Tier: FULL FEEDBACK on your screenplay (all submissions)
2nd Tier: Accepted scripts (25% on average of submitted entries) get a best scene of their screenplay performed by professional actors and made into a promotional video.
3rd Tier: We will send you a list of questions to answer for our blog interview that will promote you and your film.
4th Tier: Then we will set up a podcast interview on our popular ITunes show where will we will promote the winning writer and script.
(BONUS: 5th Tier. A winning screenwriter’s WhatsApp group has just been formed. Over 50 writers to date. Great way to share ideas and contacts with people in the industry.)
After Louise trades 1000 Pennies for a $10 bill, she discovers that rare pennies can be very valuable. She enlists Gene and Tina to hunt down her traded pennies, but finds something more valuable than money. Meanwhile Bob and Teddy challenge the notion “you are what you wear.”
Get to know the writer Bethany Yoder:
1. What is your screenplay about? Word to the Pennywise is a spec script set in the Bob’s Burgers’ Universe. The episode largely follows Louise, Gene, and Tina as they run around Wonder Wharf trying to find “Mr. Penny Man,” someone that Louise believes is in possession of a very rare penny. During this episode, Bob and Teddy also start questioning their clothing (and ultimately life) choices.
2. What genres does your screenplay fall under? It would fall under comedy / family / and animation.
3. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie? Oh gosh, fun question. Being any part of the Bob’s Burger’s Universe would be amazing. This is a TV episode spec, but I think it does a good job of capturing the voices of the characters and placing them in situations that fit the kind of chaos that the Belchers go through on a weekly basis. Kate and I are big fans of Bob’s Burgers’, and I think we were able to capture actions and events in an episode that other Bob’s Burgers’ fans would enjoy.
4. How would you describe this script in two words? Endearing Mayhem
5. What movie have you seen the most times in your life? Probably either Die Hard (1988) or Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941). I do like those movies, though neither of them are my favorite. I just happened to have seen them a lot.
6. How long have you been working on this screenplay? A couple of weeks.
7. How many stories have you written? About 10 short stories, a short screenplay, two spec scripts, and I’m working on finishing two TV pilots.
8. What is your favorite song? (Or, what song have you listened to the most times in your life?) Is it weird that I have to check my playlists for this? I think, maybe I have favorites depending on what I’m doing or what mood I’m in. I guess one I always go back to is the Allegretto from Beethoven’s 7th symphony (which is featured in my favorite movie 🙂 – The Fall (2006)).
9. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay? Well, this was my first TV spec script, and I don’t have a formal education or background in film. I spent a lot of time trying to educate myself on standards, and reading a few scripts and, of course, watching a lot of film / tv. But actually trying to make sure everything was formatted correctly, and told a story that made sense, but wasn’t like a procedural manual was at times frustrating.
10. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about? I do love all things film / cinema. I write posts on Vocal that analyze what I call “the Shot of the Movie,” which is basically asking the question, can a film have imagery that lasts well beyond the film, itself. I’m a big linguaphile and enjoy learning languages and reading (usually older literature, or at least that’s the kick I’m on right now). Games or trivia that involve movies – I’m also there.
11. You entered your screenplay via FilmFreeway. What has been your experiences working with the submission platform site? You know, I really like FilmFreeway, but I’m still updating things or getting used to all the features they can provide. It’s been great being able to write your own logline and summaries, enter contests, and see in real time where you sit with competitions. Also the email notifications are nice.
12. What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received? I’m a new screenwriter, so I’m always looking for opportunities to 1) practice, 2) get feedback, and 3) potentially get exposure or network. I was scrolling along on FilmFreeway and came across this contest. I thought it was so cool how we could take an existing show and try to write for that world. I really love creating stories, but I think it’s a great opportunity to practice writing spec scripts where you already have the full world, you just have to see if you can write in it. Since I’m not formally educated in screenwriting, I was really excited about the ability to get feedback. I thought the feedback was really helpful. I really appreciated all the compliments and the critiques allowed me to go back and analyze where I could make my writing stronger.
19 year olds NOMOU, ZINGER AIR, HOSU, SEEK each have personal stories related to their aerophobia which doesn’t allow them to get on flights. In their efforts to overcome their fear, they meet SUPER TALLER, their aerophobia therapist also with the ability to teleport. He offers one person who finds the most beautiful emerald a teleport to anywhere of their choice. With a time-limit of only a month, who will win the race towards a teleport and what kind of growth will they go through on the journey?
Directed by Lee Guiom
Review by Victoria Angelique:
The futuristic film ARMERALD by director Lee Guiam is a psychedelic trip that is full of special effects combined with music videos. The opening scene pulls the audience right in with a challenge utilizing award worthy effects to give the characters that are afraid of flying a chance to learn how to teleport.
A futuristic vibe is given from the very first frame of a bulky airplane flying through the clouds. The plane is not of this world, but seems like a mixture of dystopian and innovative technology. This continues when Super Teller is introduced, his costume and stylized nails appear like he came from another planet. The other characters having normal props, such as contemporary cell phones, makes the film seem like only within the teleportation facility is the world different.
The songs and dance sequences sets the film apart, further confusing the audience as it seems to force the narrative into random music videos. It gives the illusion of trying to decipher what is real for the characters and what is in their minds, as if the entire feature could be elaborate daydreams of people desperately needing to escape reality.
READY PLAYER ONE meets NOW YOU SEE ME with touches of ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW is the best way to describe ARMERALD. The competition for the emerald follows the clichéd trope of destroying spirits and relationships with the desperate desire for humanity to win. Super Taller puts Nomou, Zinger Air, Hosu and Seek through countless mind games, yet their friendship prevails. They eventually learn what the true meaning of the emerald is, able to retain the true treasure in each of their lives.
FAMILY and KIDS Books will always be needed and wanted in our society. If you can write a great family story, then you are definitely on your way to having a great career. This portion of the Writing Festival would like to present at least 20 new works of Family Novels in the next 12 months. Submit your family novel today:
Get FULL FEEDBACK on either the 1st chapter or entire novel book from our committee of Professional Writers, and Writing Consultants. Get your novel performed by a professional actor at the festival.
NEW OPTION: Or, just submit for an actor performance reading transcript of your novel (any 5 pages of your book). Great way to promote the sales of your book if you’re already published. (see examples on the video playlist below)
SUBMIT your novel now (both your 1st chapter or full novel accepted) To be eligible for our Writing Festival Events. Submissions take 3-5 weeks for evaluation
Just VOTED one of the top festivals in the world today!
Submit a novel book and get it seen by the world.
A great way to get your words out there, obtain the Agent you’re looking for or just get your story seen by more people. If you win, your story will be seen by 100,000s of people when it’s read online using a top professional actor. It’s a rush you’ll never experience in your life seeing it come to life that way.
Festival Reviews 