The Chinonye Chukwu Emerging Writer Award is given to a feature-length writer who has previously participated in an Athena Film Festival Writers Lab.
The winner receives a $10,000 grant that will assist them in the development of their feature-length script. In addition to the financial grant, the writer receives a year-long intensive writing fellowship and is provided with a creative advisor to serve as a mentor.
The award is named for award-winning writer and director Chinonye Chukwu. Her script Clemency appeared on the 2017 Athena List and she is an outstanding example for emerging writers. We are proud to have her as part of the Athena Film Festival family.
Inaugural Chinonye Chukwu Emerging Writer Award Winner – 2021
The inaugural Chinonye Chukwu Emerging Writer Award was awarded to Jane Therese for her feature script, Sins of My Father which tells the story of a young woman in Ireland as she grapples with the love she has for her father, after bringing charges of abuse against him.
The Chinonye Chukwu Emerging Writer Award is sponsored by Christine A. Schantz.
