The Georgia Film Academy (GFA) today announced the winners of its 2024 high school scriptwriting competition. High school dramatic writing students and teachers across Georgia were encouraged to submit a 10-minute play or short film script to be evaluated based on GFA’s dramatic writing curriculum. 

Submission winners were chosen through blind evaluations by Kennesaw State University graduate students in the 'Writing for Young Adults' program as well as GFA curriculum and industry professionals.

The winners included:

10-minute play:

• 1 ^st place: Freezer Burn – Abby Bullock, Johns Creek High School         
• Teacher: Debbie Prost
• 2^nd place: Saturday Session, Love Confession – Emma Kevers, Milton High School
• Teacher: Meredith Jo Reddy

• Teacher selection: MY NEW FRIEND IS A BIGFOOT WHO LIVES UNDER AN ARBY’S – Sonny Harding, Marietta High School

Short film script:

• 1^st place: Whoosh – Abbas Kazmi, Peachtree Ridge High School
• Teacher: Jon Zopf
• 2^nd place: Penance – Ethan Rehg, Midtown High School
• Teacher selection: Odyssey ’75 – Benjamin DeWitt, Central Gwinnett High School

Winners received a $1,000 University Systems of Georgia (USG) scholarship. Those finishing second received a $500 USG scholarship. Over the summer, GFA will also host a private script reading of the winning submissions.

“It’s important to highlight the talent of our high school students and teachers across Georgia. The submissions we received showcased an impressive range of creativity, originality and storytelling that indicates a strong future for Georgia’s film and television industry,” said Aaron Levy, dramatic writing curriculum and lead trainer at GFA. “The Georgia Film Academy is proud to play a role in nurturing young talent across the state and fostering their growth.” 

Since its founding in 2015, GFA has educated high school, college and continuing education students as well as community members, teachers and more to bridge critical training gaps across the state. Through supporting the Georgia Film Consortium, a collaboration of more than 25 partner institutions, GFA offers professional courses in film, television, digital entertainment and esports to students for college credit and for those seeking continuing education with classes facilitated at industry hubs.

To learn more about GFA or to find a participating institution near you, please visit www.georgiafilmacademy.com.