Marilyn Horowitz / PANO Screenwriting Award

Marilyn Horowitz / PANO Screenwriting Award

Status: Program concluded; PANO organization ceased operations in 2025

Award Amount: $5,000 unrestricted cash prize

Geographic Scope: Primarily New York-based, but open to applicants nationally/internationally

Eligibility:

Applicant must identify as a woman, non-binary, or gender non-conforming writer

Must have written at least two completed feature film screenplays

Must be a paid member of PANO in good standing (Filmmaker or Veteran membership)

Non-members can submit with entry fee that includes one year of qualifying membership

Must apply with the same name listed on PANO profile

Must use real name and contact information

No co-writers or writing teams

Each eligible applicant may submit only one application

Ineligible: Produced scripts; scripts with major studio affiliation; scripts that have secured U.S. distribution; films in development, produced, financed, or initiated by major film studio or television network

Focus Areas: Original screenwriting for feature films with strong original voice

What They Don't Fund:

Projects that promote hate or excessive violence

Pornographic or obscene content

Commercial advertising or products

Prize Details (Grand Prize Winner):

$5,000 unrestricted cash award

Two NYU textbooks by Marilyn Horowitz: "The 4 Magic Questions" and "How to Write A Screenplay in 10 Weeks"

"How To Sell Your Screenplay in 30 Days" written with Paula Landry ($100 value)

One hour of coaching with Marilyn Horowitz ($500 value)

One hour of coaching with Paula Landry ($300 value)

Prize Details (2nd Prize):

Two NYU textbooks by Marilyn Horowitz

"How To Sell Your Screenplay in 30 Days" ($100 value)

One hour of coaching with Marilyn Horowitz ($500 value)

One hour of coaching with Paula Landry ($300 value)

Prize Details (3rd Prize):

Two NYU textbooks by Marilyn Horowitz

"How To Sell Your Screenplay in 30 Days" ($100 value)

Requirements:

Screenplays must be 85-120 pages

Must be proofread and in industry-standard PDF format

Must be copyrighted and registered with the WGA

No produced or previously distributed scripts

Winners must share news of winning on website/social media with PANO's name and @panonetwork tag

Grand Prize Winner must submit report after 6 months on how grant was spent

Grand Prize Winner required to submit personal information (email, phone, address, bank info) for grant disbursement

Background: PANO (formerly NYC Women Filmmakers) served thousands of underrepresented filmmakers from 2015-2025. This award honors Marilyn Horowitz's contribution to screenwriting education and supports emerging female screenwriters.