Freud & Ecstasy Wins Best Screenplay Grand Prize at HollyShorts

Our queer love story Mudslide (currently in development), has won the Best Short Screenplay Grand Prize at the HollyShorts Film Festival, one of the most influential Oscar-qualifying short film festivals worldwide and a key launching platform for emerging filmmakers.

Held annually in Los Angeles, HollyShorts is widely recognized for spotlighting exceptional new voices and connecting projects with global partners, production support, and Academy Award consideration. Receiving the festival’s top screenplay honor marks a major milestone for the project and its continued development.

The screenplay is written by Frederik Ehrhardt.

We are deeply grateful to the HollyShorts team for championing queer perspectives, for believing in a story that takes creative risks, and for welcoming us back into such a generous and vibrant filmmaking community.

Onward together.

Emily Dillard accepting the award on behalf of Freud & Ecstasy.

Frederik Ehrhardt attending HollyShorts 2025.

(Images courtesy of HollyShorts Film Festival)