Shortlist for sci-fi screenwriting award pushes exciting genre boundaries

22 October, 2018

From post-apocalyptic and dystopian futures to thrilling dissections of the future of medical science and ethics, the 2018 John Hinde Award shortlist for unproduced scripts is an impressive examination of science-fiction writing at its very best; pushing the boundaries of our imagination while asking the age-old sci-fi question – what does it mean to be human?
 
Selected from a pool of over one hundred entries, the shortlist of three will be celebrated at the end of the month at a dedicated event at Brisbane Powerhouse attended by entrants, screenwriters and industry decision-makers, with the final winner announced on the night. 
 
The three shortlisted scripts are now showcased on Pathways Showcase, and can be found at the links below. 

Travis Urquhart The Last Crop 
by Tavis Urquhart

In post-apocalyptic America, a former biologist and her son are forced to join a secretive commune or face starvation, only to discover the cult's intentions are far worse.
Georgina Love Pig 
by Georgina Love

An experimental scientist raises a sentient pig as a mirror image of his dying son, but when Pig learns his “father’s” plans have a sinister bent, he fights to resist them
Matt Vesely Overheater 
by Matt Vesely

In a lazily dystopian world, humanity is ruled by an unseen alien elite, and a young couple’s romance is threatened when they rescue a robot shopkeeper from being scrapped.

The Unproduced Category of the Award, established by a bequest from the late Australian film critic John Hinde, celebrates the exciting future of Australian science-fiction screenwriting, and through industry opportunities encourages, rewards and fosters creativity in the development of sci-fi writing across the country. 
 
The 2018 John Hinde Award will be presented from 6.30pm on Wednesday 31 October 2018 at Brisbane Powerhouse. To find out more about the event and RSVP, go here.
 
The Produced Category of the Award, which last year went to Cris Jones for The Death and Life of Otto Bloom, will not be presented in 2018.