It was the largest year yet for the NHFF Screenplay Competition, which continues to grow in both quantity and quality, since it was introduced in 2002. The submissions featured some especially creative and competitive material, making the process difficult for our committee to determine the three finalists we proudly list below. This year’s Academy Award® nominated, special guest industry judge, David Hemingson, will decide our 2025 Best Screenplay Award. Star Island will once again host our award winner for a one-week residency at the Star Island Family Retreat and Conference Center. The prize package includes room, board, and more—for two guests.
Harvey is drifting through life—sleeping, working, and numbing himself with opioids. When his beloved cat, Harry-Man, dies suddenly, Harvey clings to one final act of purpose: a cross-country trip to return Harry-Man to his ex. But Harry-Man is no ordinary passenger— he’s taxidermied, propped up in the front seat, a quiet reminder of everything Harvey can’t let go of.
An unexpected friendship between a nerd and a forgotten elder brings hope, laughter, and a second chance—until family forces them to fight for it.
As life takes its toll on a young man, Sam, he is reunited with his father in a very unique way. This reconnection steers Sam back onto the right path and allows father and son to get to know one another again.
THANKS TO OUR 2025 SCREENPLAY COMPETITION JUDGE
David Hemingson
Screenwriter, Producer
David is a veteran television writer who in 2023 made one of the most astonishing feature film debuts in recent memory as screenwriter and producer of Focus Features’ widely acclaimed The Holdovers, directed by Oscar® winner Alexander Payne, marking Payne’s second project he did not write. Following its world premiere at Telluride, The Holdovers immediately became an awards juggernaut, earning five Academy Award® nominations, including Best Original Screenplay for Hemingson’s work and Best Picture. Hemingson’s screenplay was a focal point of the film’s considerable acclaim, netting him a staggering 38 nods from critic associations and awards bodies, including a BAFTA nomination for Best Original Screenplay in addition to winning the National Board of Review’s Best Original Screenplay as well as the Writers Guild of America Award for Outstanding Original Screenplay. A Hollywood mainstay for nearly three decades, Hemingson’s prolific television work includes an impressive range of writing and producing credits across single- and multi-camera sitcoms, one-hour dramas, procedurals, young adult series, animation, and more.
THANKS TO OUR SCREENPLAY COMPETITION DIRECTOR
Angie Lane
Executive Director, Red River Theatres
Angie is the Executive Director of Red River Theatres, the state’s leading indie movie theater. She serves as the organization’s key spokesperson and as an advocate for the arts in NH.
THANKS TO OUR 2025 SCREENPLAY COMPETITION COMMITTEE
Joe Acone, Samuel Alicea, Jason Bagatta, Wendy Battles, Beth Boucher, Alex Brown, Jack Connolly, Jef Connor, Stephen Denis, Sean Desautelle, Dessaline Etienne, Bethany Glanville, Rob Greene, Ian Hart, Pauline Hawkins, Christina Hoppe, Rebecca Howland, Heather Inyart, Lydea Irwin, Ellie Lambert, Erin Lanford, Dylan Marsh, Curt McDermott, Austin Noto-Moniz, Andrew Parella, Naomi Raices, Madeline Randall, Eric Ratinoff, Erin Schaick, Jim White
Star Island is one of the nine Isles of Shoals located seven miles off the coast of New Hampshire and Maine. From mid-June through mid-September, all are welcome to explore the island for a day, enjoy a meal, spend the night, or attend a conference. For the last 100 years, Star Island has offered an all-inclusive summer camp experience for families and hosted a wide variety of themed weeks and personal retreats. Star is owned and operated by the nonprofit Star Island Corporation. Whether you find yourself mesmerized by the sunset in a rocking chair on the porch, exploring Gosport Harbor in a kayak, or learning about innovative environmental programs, Star Island is unforgettable.
