The Script Swap program is a new initiative that provides Australian screenwriters an opportunity to receive constructive feedback from their peers and gain recognition for their achievements. Six screenplays will have the chance to win one of the Best Screenplay Awards at the 2026 Adelaide Independent Film Festival.

Screenwriters who wish to participate can submit their screenplay(s) through FilmFreeway or via email. Each screenplay will be assigned to another participant for review. All participants are required to complete a feedback form by the due date. After the program concludes, we’ll provide the feedback to the respective screenwriters. For details regarding the Best Screenplay Awards, please refer to the awards section above.

To participate in the Script Swap program, please submit under the 2026 SCRIPT SWAP category through FilmFreeway and complete the application form between 28 March - 24 April 2026.

Alternatively, you’re welcome to send us an email with your screenplay(s) attached.

Note: Screenplays must be under 20 pages and formatted to the industry standard. Please review the specific FAQs for the eligibility criteria.

Please submit your screenplay(s) under the 2026 SCRIPT SWAP category between 28 March - 24 April 2026. If you’re a first-time user, you’ll need to create a FilmFreeway account. For returning users, simply add your screenplay to a new project. Once your project is set up, select the free category and follow the submission process.

For helpful tips on setting up an account or creating a new project, please visit FilmFreeway’s Help Centre

Alternatively, you’re welcome to send us an email with your screenplay(s) attached.

Note: Screenplays must be under 20 pages and formatted to the industry standard. Please review the specific FAQs for the eligibility criteria.

To be eligible for the program, screenplays must be 20 pages or less.

Your screenplay must cover the entire story from start to finish in no more than 20 pages.

Yes! We don’t charge any fees to participate in the program.

Of course! Follow the ‘How do I participate in the program?’ to get started. The Script Swap program is open to all screenwriters across Australia.

All participants are required to provide constructive feedback on the dedicated feedback form. If you submit multiple screenplays, please be prepared to complete additional feedback forms. Your feedback is due no later than 11 July 2026.

Your screenplay will be assigned to another screenwriter participating in the program and vice versa. If you’re an established screenwriter, we’ll aim to pair your screenplay with a screenwriter who has similar strengths.

We need time to review all submissions, identify each writer’s strengths, and match them with a screenwriter whose strengths align.

If we’ve not received your feedback by 11 July 2026, you’ll be ineligible for the Best Screenplay Awards.

The Script Swap program is designed to strengthen screenplays for production or grant applications through peer-to-peer feedback.

The AIFF has no intention of producing your screenplay without going through the Option Purchase Agreement process and legally obtaining the rights. We also have strict rules that each participant must adhere to throughout the program.

Please use one of the free software programs or format your Microsoft Word document to match the industry standards. If your screenplay is not formatted correctly, it’ll be considered ineligible for the program.

You’ll receive the feedback associated with your screenplay via email on 29 August 2026.

Absolutely! If you’ve completed the feedback form before 11 July 2026, you’re more than welcome to send it to us earlier. However, please ensure you have reviewed your feedback for any spelling mistakes prior to sending it to us.

As long as each screenplay is no longer than 20 pages, you can submit as many as you like. If you submit multiple screenplays, please be prepared to complete additional feedback forms.

Of course you can. We’ll assign your screenplay to another student (if available) in the program to review and vice versa.