By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Call for Screenwriters Opens for 2026 Competition
XLCreativeHub has invited screenwriters and storytellers to submit synopses for its Screenwriting Competition and Creator Residency, scheduled to take place in Abuja, with submissions closing on March 16, 2026. The programme aims to discover new storytelling talent and help creatives transform original feature-length film scripts into produced films while competing for industry opportunities.
Opportunity to Turn Scripts into Produced Films
The organisers said the competition offers participants a rare opportunity to bring their stories to life on screen.
Successful applicants will compete for a professional film writing contract, a film production deal, and shared royalties.
According to XLCreativeHub, the programme focuses on developing emerging writers and supporting them through a structured creative process.
Selection Process for Finalists
A panel of professional screenwriters and industry specialists will review submissions. The judging panel includes Halima Odiegwu, Emil Guruba, and Kehinde Joseph.
Judges will review entries between March 17 and March 20. Afterwards, they will select six finalists for the competition.
The organisers will announce the finalists during a live broadcast on the hub’s YouTube channel on March 20.
Creator Residency in Abuja
The six finalists will attend a one-week creator residency in Abuja from March 22 to March 28. During the residency, mentors will guide participants and help them develop their scripts.
Each finalist will produce a completed movie script by the end of the programme.
In addition, the organisers will create a trailer from each script to showcase the stories.
Public Voting and Winner Announcement
After the residency, the trailers will be released for public viewing.
The public will vote for their favourite script between March 28 and April 6. The finalist with the highest votes will win the competition.
The organisers will announce the overall winner on April 7, 2026.
Platform for Emerging Storytelling Talent
XLCreativeHub encouraged creatives with strong story ideas to submit their synopses before the deadline.
The organisation described the programme as a platform designed to discover, develop, and celebrate emerging storytellers.
Interested writers can submit an original feature-length film synopsis for consideration before March 16, 2026.
