The Paraguayan National Audiovisual Institute (INAP) has announced the first National Screenplay Award (Premio Nacional de Guion), an innovative new award intended to recognise Paraguayan storytelling that is creative, identity-driven, and of narrative value. Applications can be made until 07:59 on 10 November, 2025.
Encouraging diverse voices and creative freedom
Earlier this year, INAP launched a national award for cinematographic and audiovisual research. Now, this new award is aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in filmmaking in Paraguay, opening the door to fresh voices and fresh visions. The competition puts a central emphasis on the script being the foundation of the creative process and as a driving force for the development of culture and industry.
Additionally, the programme promotes respect for intellectual property and copyright in the film sector, an essential step towards safeguarding the rights of writers and creators in Paraguay.
Prizes and more
Approved by the National Audiovisual Council in 2023, the award strives to identify the relevance of screenwriting when making a film. Through this process, INAP seeks to discover new talent and promote professionalisation in the national film industry.
The competition provides Gs. 20,000,000 (approximately US$2,800), Gs. 15,000,000 (approximately US$2,120), and Gs. 10,000,000 (approximately US$1,400) to the first, second, and third prize winners, respectively. The jury may give special mention to work that is very original, or makes a significant contribution to the language of cinema.
How to apply?
Candidates must send original or adapted feature-length fiction screenplays of at least 60 pages, either in Spanish or Guaraní or both. Adaptations are acceptable as long as the adaptation rights owner is the author or the original content is in the public domain.
Applications can be made until 07:59 on 10 November 2025, via an online form on the INAP official website. It will include a technical evaluation period between 10 and 14 November, jury selection on 14 November, announcement of finalists on 15 December, and the award ceremony on 29 December 2025.
Applicants must submit a synopsis with a pseudonym, the screenplay in full with a pseudonym, their personal information, and a copy of their ID, proof of adaptation rights if they apply, and an intellectual property certificate or registration receipt by DINAPI.
Regarding INAP
Created by law in 2018, the Paraguayan National Audiovisual Institute (INAP) promotes the Paraguayan audiovisual industry and cinema culture. The institute aims to defend authors’ rights, offer equitable access to public resources, and reinforce national cultural diversity and sovereignty.
Through promoting the Premio Nacional de Guion, INAP confirms its commitment to nurturing local talent and laying a strong base for Paraguayan cinema’s development.
