Indian screenwriter Abhilash Mohan, who hails from Kerala, has been named a winner at the PAGE International Screenwriting Awards 2025, one of Hollywood’s major competitions for emerging writers. His screenplay The Nightingale in Burka secured second place in the short film category, selected from more than 9,100 submissions across over 80 countries.

Centred on Zubaida, a ten-year-old Afghan girl who nurtures a fierce love for music under severe repression, the script marks the first time that an Indian citizen has been awarded at the PAGE Awards, although writers of Indian origin have been recognised in earlier editions. “The PAGE Awards have honoured some of the best new writers in recent years, and it is an incredible experience to be part of that legacy,” he said in a statement. “The Nightingale in Burka was born from the conflict between silence and expression. I am delighted that my story was able to resonate with such a distinguished jury.” Abhilash is currently in pre-production on his debut Bollywood feature screenplay.

Founded in 2003, the PAGE Awards aim to identify and elevate emerging screenwriters worldwide. Judged by Hollywood producers, executives and representatives, the competition distributes 31 awards each October along with more than $50,000 in cash and prizes. Past winners have gone on to secure agents, land writing assignments, sign option deals and work with major studios including Netflix, HBO, Amazon Studios and Paramount.