Dr. BSHF Foundation: September 2025 Newsletter

BACK TO SCHOOL SCREENPLAY WRITING CONTEST (2025-2026)

The Dr. Barbra Seniors Harkins Foundation believes in the power of stories, especially those crafted by young, creative minds. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce the launch of the 2025-2026 Back to School Screenplay Writing Contest! Inspired by our founding vision in 2000 – that collective action amplifies our impact – this contest offers a platform for teens aged 11-17 to unleash their inner screenwriter.

Have you ever imagined a movie with a twist only you could create? Now’s your chance! We want your scary, romantic, dramatic, imaginative, and hilarious stories!

This year, the top three finalists will receive an Amazon Fire Tablet with 8GB to continue writing their award-winning scripts! Don’t miss this opportunity to bring your unique vision to life and potentially win a fantastic prize. Ready to become the next award-winning screenwriter? Visit barbaraseniorsharkinsfoundation.org for more information and to submit your screenplay. We can’t wait to read your stories!

Dr. BSH Foundation Presents Screenwriters Panel (Online Event)

Calling all aspiring screenwriters and storytellers! The Dr. Barbra Seniors Harkins Foundation is thrilled to announce an exclusive online Screenwriters Panel, bringing you face-to-face with some of the brightest minds in film and television. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to connect with our all-star lineup of major film and TV writers:

Laura Chinn: Writer of Suncoast (2024)

Kay Oyegun: Writer for Imperfect Women, This is Us, and 911

Evan Winter: Writer of Y2K (2024)

Mohamad El Masri: Writer for Severance

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025   |   Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm    |   Location: Online

Who Should Attend?

This event is perfect for students and young creatives who love movies, TV, and the power of storytelling. If you’re passionate about writing, eager to learn about the creative process, and want to connect with industry professionals, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Get insider tips, hear inspiring stories, and gain valuable insights into the world of screenwriting.

Ready to level up your screenwriting game?

For more information, email programs@barbaraseniorsharkinsfoundation.org or register directly at the Foundation’s website: barbaraseniorsharkinsfoundation.org

Get Cracking! Exclusive Online Screening of “Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit” + Live Q&A!

Get ready for a cracking good time! The Dr. Barbra Seniors Harkins Foundation invites you to an exclusive, one-time-only online screening of the hilarious and inventive stop-motion film, “Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit”!

But that’s not all, Gromit! Following the screening, you’ll have a fantastic opportunity to delve into the world of stop-motion animation with an exclusive live Q&A session featuring experts in the field!

Behind the Scenes with Stop-Motion Pros! We’ll be joined by a professional stop-motion animator and a claymation artist to discuss the artistry and challenges behind bringing Wallace and Gromit to life!

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025

Time: 12:00 PM Pacific Time

Location: Online via Zoom (The Zoom link will be sent out the day before the screening)

How to Register: Visit the Foundation’s website to register for this Epic Film Screening.

Foundation: Upcoming Events:

September 27: Online Film Workshop: Television and Film Screenwriters

September 27: Online Film Screening: “Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit”

Ongoing: Script-writing Contest

October 18: Creature Feature: “Five Nights at Freddy’s”

October 25: Online Film Workshop: Horror Film Directors

October 25: Online Film Screening: “Monsters”

SUPPORT US

The foundation accepts donations throughout the year for all of its programs. If you would like to donate to the foundation, please visit our website at https://barbaraseniorsharkinsfoundation.org and click “Support Us” in the top right corner.