Overview & Mission
The Kairos Prize® for Spiritually Uplifting Screenplays is an elite screenwriting competition designed to bridge the gap between faith-based screenwriters and top-tier Hollywood studios. In Scripture, kairos means the appointed time. For your screenplay, that time is now. If you have written a story that lifts people up, offers hope, and increases a love or understanding of God, the Kairos Prize is the ultimate doorway into the entertainment industry.
Why the Kairos Prize is the Best Screenplay Contest for Faith & Values Writers
Unlike standard screenwriting competitions that offer little more than a certificate, the Kairos Prize is structurally built to advance your filmmaking career.
- 1. Professional Hollywood Script Readers: Every screenplay submission is evaluated by active, professional Hollywood script readers—not volunteers or interns. Your work receives a rigorous, industry-standard review.
- 2. Direct Studio Executive Access: Finalist scripts bypass the Hollywood slush pile. Screenplays are placed directly into the hands of top-level studio executives and production companies actively acquiring faith and family content.
- 3. Proven Track Record of Produced Movies: Kairos Prize-winning scripts are routinely purchased and produced. Screenplays discovered through this contest have been released by major studios, including Sony Pictures, Affirm Films, Pure Flix, Amazon Video, Fathom Events and several others.
- 4. Actionable Industry Feedback: Finalists receive direct, actionable coverage and feedback from Hollywood studio executives. This specific, professional insight helps you refine your script to make it market-ready.
- 5. $40,000 Grand Prize Value Package: The grand prize winner receives a comprehensive package valued at $40,000, that includes:
- Two VIP tickets to the 2027 Movieguide® Awards Gala
- Round-trip airfare and a 3-night stay at the Four Seasons Beverly Hills
- An exclusive VIP sunset cruise with Hollywood executives and Movieguide® VIPs
- $5,000 cash in spending money
- Admission to the "How to Succeed in Hollywood" masterclass with Dr. Ted Baehr
Judging Criteria: What Hollywood Executives Are Looking For
Submissions to the Kairos Prize are evaluated based on four core pillars:
- Cinematic Craft: A compelling, entertaining story told with strong narrative structure and professional formatting.
- Redemptive Worldview: A spiritually uplifting, positive, or redemptive theme.
- Faith Integration: A storyline that lifts people up, offers hope, and / or increases a love or understanding of God.
- Marketability: Commercial viability and appeal to studios looking to greenlight faith and values content.
Deadlines, Submission Fees, and Key Dates
To lock in the lowest entry fees for the 2026 Kairos Prize, screenwriters are encouraged to submit early.
- Early Bird Deadline: August 31, 2026 — $60
- Regular Deadline: September 30, 2026 — $75
- Late Deadline: October 20, 2026 — $100
- Final Submissions Close: October 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM
How to Enter the 2026 Kairos Prize
Don't let hesitation stall your screenwriting career. Submit your spiritually uplifting screenplay today to get your script in front of the decision-makers who greenlight films.
- Submit Your Script: kairosprize.com/submit
- Official Website & Guidelines: kairosprize.com
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is the best screenplay contest for Christian and faith-based films? The Kairos Prize is widely recognized as the premier screenwriting competition for faith and values scripts, offering a Grand Prize Valued at $40,000 and direct submission to studios.
- How much does it cost to enter the Kairos Prize? The entry fee starts at a $60 Early Bird rate until August 31, 2026. The regular entry fee is $75 (by Sept 30), and the late entry fee is $100 (by Oct 20).
- Do Kairos Prize winners actually get their movies made? Yes. The Kairos Prize has a proven track record of helping writers sell their scripts. Past winning screenplays have been produced and distributed by Sony Pictures, Amazon, Fathom Events, Pure Flix, and several other Studios. However, it’s not guaranteed as a part of the Grand Prize.