The second annual MFA Screenwriting Competition, presented this spring by the LMU School of Film and Television, spotlighted the most innovative and socially relevant scripts emerging from second- and third-year graduate students of LMU’s esteemed Writing for the Screen and Writing and Producing for TV programs. In addition to celebrating these talented writers, LMU honored acclaimed screenwriter and author Charles Yu, who has helped redefine what inclusive storytelling in Hollywood looks like today.
Speaking ahead of the event, Dean Joanne Moore said, “We are proud to once again highlight the best work by our exceptional MFA screenwriting students alongside Charles, who is a role model as both a visionary creator and a voice for social justice. This competition is not just about celebrating sharp, original, and impactful screenwriting. It is about launching careers and giving LMU students a direct line to the heart of the business.”
This year’s scripts competed in categories of drama, comedy, and social justice – which is at the core of LMU’s mission – and were judged by a distinguished panel of industry leaders from Anonymous Content, UTA, Entertainment 360, NBCUniversal, MACRO Entertainment, Warner Bros. Discovery, Bellevue Productions, Heroes & Villains Entertainment, Underground Films, Temple Hill Entertainment, and AGBO.
Creator, showrunner, and executive producer Charles Yu was recognized for “Interior Chinatown,” adapted from his groundbreaking National Book Award-winning novel and executive produced by Oscar winner Taika Waititi. The Hulu series was praised by TheWrap upon its release as, “a caustic indictment of Asian stereotypes in pop culture that doubles as a touching exploration of race and assimilation.” Yu’s previous credits include Disney’s WGA Award-nominated “American Born Chinese,” HBO’s seven-time Emmy Award winner “Westworld,” and FX’s Emmy-nominated “Legion.”
Accepting the award, Yu remarked, “Many people worked hard to bring this story to life, and it is wonderful to have their passion, creativity, and work recognized by your institution which shares the fundamental values of community and education.”
Congratulations to the 2025 MFA Screenwriting Competition Award recipients:
Drama Feature Award
Winner: STARLINE POST by Emma Benten
After the disappearance and presumed death of her fiancé, an interplanetary post officer finds herself pulled into a conspiracy to defy death itself — all centered around a mysterious machine that allows people to visit simulations of their dead loved ones.
Honorable Mention: THE RETURN OF THE GANGSTER by Brian Releford
It’s Christmastime, and Hiram, an ex-gangster looking to forget his past, finds a home and a family. However, he’s forced to act, unleashing the animal within, when violent gangs threaten his newfound family.
Comedy Feature Award
Winner: QUEEN! by Trinity Jones
When a people-pleasing cheerleader, obsessed with winning homecoming queen, accidentally outs herself and ruins her chances of winning, she’s forced to strike a deal with the editor of the school paper to regain her chances of winning or face her mother’s disapproval.
Honorable Mention: REPOSSESSED by Andrew Emmerson
When Delilah is accidentally exorcised of the demon who’s been protecting her since childhood, she and her friends must go on a journey to track down their lost demon friend before supernatural forces get to her first.
Drama Pilot Award
Winner: THE BOARD by Rey Garnica
A boy captures a Mafia boss to save his family.
Honorable Mention: ELECTUS by Taylor McMullan
In the future where men are nearly extinct, a matriarchal society flourishes under Hathor’s worship. As the first male born through parthenogenesis, Mukai grapples with his identity and duty to procreate. But when outside forces threaten the temple, he must choose between defending his home or forging his own path.
Comedy Pilot Award
Winner: DRUNKLE by Moth Reis
“Drunkle” is the story of waste-of-space Casey, who tries to force a bond with his loner nephew Tomas so his sister Terri won’t kick him out of her guest room and finds himself making a real connection.
Honorable Mention: BEV CART GIRLS by Jordyn Caldwell
After her scholarship falls through, a young woman returns to her job as a beverage cart girl at a golf course, juggling her dreams, quirky coworkers, and self-doubt.
Social Justice Feature Award
Winner: ALOHA ‘AINA by Kurtis Williams
Inspired by true events, a Native Hawaiian activist leads a daring mission to illegally land on the island of Kaho’olawe in order to defy U.S. military bomb tests, protect her ancestors’ sacred land, and reclaim her people’s heritage.
Social Justice Pilot Award
Winner: IMAGINARY FRIENDS by Ollie Chernaik
Owen is an intellectually challenged boy who can see ghosts at his high school. Shenanigans ensue.