The Ingmar Bergman Script Award
The Ingmar Bergman Script Award
Ingmar Bergman (1918–2007) is one of the most influential and respected directors and scriptwriters of all time. A true storyteller, he based most of his films on his own scripts. SF Studios produced many of his greatest films, which are part of Swedish film history and of SF Studios’ library.
SF Studios and Bergman Center have collaborated for many years to preserve Ingmar Bergman’s legacy. As part of this collaboration, SF Studios and Bergman Center want to encourage emerging filmmakers and scriptwriters to write scripts for feature films with high artistic ambitions, aiming to reach a broad audience. Stories that amuse, touch, challenge and entertain, but above all encourage a dialogue with a big audience.
The Ingmar Bergman Script Award was introduced in 2023 and is awarded annually during Bergman Week at Bergman Center on Fårö, Gotland, Sweden. The winning scriptwriter receives a prize of SEK 50,000, the opportunity to be coached by a renowned filmmaker, director or scriptwriter, and a stay at the Bergman Estate, formerly Ingmar Bergman’s private residences – today an artist residency.
Application Requirements
To apply for The Ingmar Bergman Script Award, the following criteria must be met:
- A script (90-120 pages) that is an original story in feature film format, written in Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Icelandic or Finnish, with a clear intention to engage a broad audience.*
- A concept presentation (half a page) outlining the idea, concept, and goals for the film.
- A synopsis (one page) that provides an overview of the story and its key elements.
- A CV detailing relevant experience in film and scriptwriting. The applicant must have either formal education in scriptwriting or experience writing scripts for produced films or TV series. Also specify if your project has secured any type of funding.
- Only one script submission per scriptwriter is permitted.
- Collaborative scripts with two or more writers are allowed, but the prize and mentorship will be shared among the co-writers.
* Finnish and Icelandic scripts will be translated using translation tools. Should you prefer your own English translation, please send it together with the original script.
A jury will review all submissions and select the winner of The Ingmar Bergman Script Award. The jury’s decision is final and cannot be appealed.
Apply to script@sfstudios.se. The deadline to apply for the Ingmar Bergman Script Award is February 19, 2027. The winner will be announced July 2, 2027 during Bergman Week on Fårö.
Please note that the scriptwriter retains all rights to their submitted script. No rights are assigned to Bergman Center or any other entity throughout the submission process or by winning the award.