SOUTH TEXAS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
PITCH GUIDELINES
The PITCH includes a live event where selected screenwriters pitch their idea or concept for a feature, short or series to a panel of producers and film professionals.
To compete in the PITCH, screenwriters must submit a title, logline, 200-300 word synopsis, main characters and concept art for an original feature or short film at filmfreeway.com/stxiff by the submission deadline. Participants may submit a script, but it is not required.
Ensure that all required elements are available on FilmFreeway and easily identifiable and findable.
1. a title
2. logline
3. 200-300 word synopsis (should include genre, theme, plot)
4. main characters
5. concept art - 3 page maximum
Concept art can be a poster, character sketch/s, location sketch/s … Concept art may be original art, clip art or computer generated/assisted.
ID/label the individual elements (logline, synopsis, main characters, concept art) so they are easily identifiable to the judges. Individual files may be attached though “Files and Attachments” on FilmFreeway. Logline and Synopsis may be included in the “Brief Synopsis” or as attached file/s. Please do not include the required files through the Upload Script file, by default it will be named “Script-Cover Page -…. or Script-No Cover Page…” and may not be easy for the judge to locate/identify. Participants may submit a script, but it is not required.
By entering the PITCH, you represent that your entry is your original work, and does not infringe on the copyright or rights of other entities.
The PITCH finalists participate in a live event in Edinburg Texas where the finalist screenwriters pitch their idea for an original feature or short to a panel of film professionals. The finalists will receive valuable feedback on their script idea and how they pitched their idea. The event will be open to the public for anyone to attend.
Finalists may pitch with a partner/co-writer. Finalists will have three (3) minutes to present their PITCH to the panel. The panel will include industry professionals that will listen to the three (3) minute PITCH, then proceed to provide feedback and ask questions about the story and writing.
The Pitch competition takes place on the Saturday. September 13, 2025, during the festival. The Finalists screenwriters must be present in Edinburg on the day of the event to qualify for a prize. The winner will be announced that same day at the STXIFF Award Ceremony. Finalists must make their own arrangements to attend the festival in Edinburg, Texas.
The Pitch Awards have two divisions
The Pitch
Pitch-Texas Young Filmmaker
Texas secondary education students only (high school, middle school and junior high).