About DAE

Differently Abled Entertainment (DAE) is dedicated to promoting and empowering differently abled artists in the entertainment industry by producing content that highlights their talents, voices, and lived experiences.

We believe storytelling has the power to change perceptions, break barriers, and create opportunities for those who have historically been underrepresented in film.

What This Contest Is

The DAE Inclusive Scriptwriting Contest is more than a competition.

👉 It is a pipeline for inclusive filmmaking.

This program is designed to discover powerful, diverse stories and transform them into real film productions.

Every entry directly helps fund the creation of an independent feature film that centers inclusion, representation, and marginalized voices.

How Your Entry Makes a Difference

Each $150 entry fee is transparently allocated:

$100 → Film Production Fund
$25 → Winner Prize Pool
$25 → Administrative & Judging Costs

This means every submission directly contributes to bringing inclusive stories to the screen.

Together, we are building a sustainable pathway for diverse storytelling.

What Writers Can Win

The contest winner will receive:

🎬 A cash prize from the entry pool
🎬 Full production of their feature film script by DAE
🎬 Executive Producer credit
🎬 The opportunity to collaborate with an inclusive filmmaking team

Finalists may also be considered for future DAE productions.

What We’re Looking For

DAE seeks feature-length screenplays that center themes of inclusion and representation, including (but not limited to):

Disability representation
LGBTQIA+ experiences
Racial and ethnic diversity
Economic marginalization
Neurodiversity
Cultural identity
Intersectional experiences

Writers do NOT need to personally belong to these groups, but stories must be respectful and authentic.

Contest Timeline

📅 Contest Opens: March 20
📅 Submission Deadline: September 20
📅 Top 10 Finalists Announced: October 1
📅 Winner Announced: October 15

🎬 Production of the winning film begins in 2027

Why This Matters

Inclusive stories are often overlooked in mainstream filmmaking.

This contest changes that.

By participating, writers are not only competing — they are helping build a future where diverse voices are seen, heard, and celebrated on screen.

DAE was founded in April 2021 by paraplegic actress/director, Jon-Lee "Jonni" Campbell. DAE works with people with both seen and unseen disabilities and other marginalized groups and strives to create more performance opportunities and representation for them in the fields of film, television and music.

Inclusive Scriptwriting Contest

Not just a contest — a pipeline for inclusive filmmaking.