BENJAMIN H SEHAT
 BENJAMIN H SEHAT
How did you discover The Wiki Screenplay Contest, and what made you choose this contest among so many others?
I came across The Wiki Screenplay Contest on FilmFreeway. Its clear structure, professional outreach, and strong reputation among writers made it stand out as a platform where original voices are taken seriously. Where do you live? I currently live in Europe. Your script stood out among hundreds. What inspired the story, and why did you choose to write it as a screenplay instead of a novel or short story? What inspires your journey into screenwriting overall? I also write poetry and novels, but screenwriting offers a unique way to bring truth to light through visual storytelling. I’m driven by the truths buried in each narrative—stories that want to be seen, not just read. Over time, many of my scripts have ranked as finalists or semi-finalists in international competitions, and I continue refining them to make them stronger with each iteration. How do you decide which stories to tell, and what draws you to particular themes? Storytelling, for me, is a form of spiritual resonance—sometimes direct, sometimes subtle. It can emerge from a societal issue, an image, or even a single feeling. I gravitate toward themes that reveal deeper truths—whether personal, political, or mythological—and I often draw from issues affecting us on local, national, and global levels. What is your typical writing routine? How do you stay productive? I write daily. Some days it’s just one good sentence, other days it flows for pages. I rotate between writing, rewriting, and—when needed—deleting. Each mode plays a vital part in the process. I don’t force productivity, but I aim for consistency. How long did it take you to write your script, and what does your writing process look like? Do you outline, use index cards, or dive in at FADE IN? I’ve been writing daily for over two decades, even though much of it hasn’t been published. Many of my stories have long been developed in written form. I usually work from a blend of structured outlining and intuitive flow. Sometimes I begin with detailed notes, other times the story demands to start with FADE IN. How do you handle writer’s block or self-doubt? I stay consistent. I don’t punish myself on the difficult days, nor do I celebrate too much on the good ones. Writing is a long game. Momentum is more important than perfection. What tools or software do you use as a screenwriter? Final Draft is essential to my workflow. It’s where everything eventually lands. How do you approach contest submissions, and what have you learned from them? Which competitions have you entered, and how has your work been received? Contests have been a great way to get feedback and traction. I’ve entered several, and I’ve received recognition across a number of them. Here’s a brief snapshot of 2025 placements (and these scripts have improved since): • Man in Red (Short)– Finalist – Wiki Screenplay Contest • Return of the Messiah (Pilot)– Finalist – Wiki Screenplay Contest– Semi-finalist – Chicago Script Awards– Quarter-finalist – Emerging Screenwriters • Golden Heart (Pilot)– Semi-finalist – Wiki Screenplay Contest– Quarter-finalist – Palm Springs Screenplay, Emerging Screenwriters • White Camel (Feature)– Semi-finalist – Wiki Screenplay Contest– Quarter-finalist – Emerging Screenwriters • Deer Hunter and The Secret (Feature)– Quarter-finalist – Wiki Screenplay Contest– Semi-finalist – Chicago Script Awards– Honorable Mention – Santa Barbara Screenplay– Official Selection – Oxford Script Awards Can you share a specific challenge you’ve faced in screenwriting and how you overcame it? One recurring challenge is knowing how much to cut in the final draft. I tend to write dense first drafts where every character is deeply developed—sometimes even antagonist-worthy. The difficulty is deciding what to trim. But that also means I know my characters intimately and can fine-tune them to better reflect the truth of the story. And I believe truth is magnetic—it draws people in. Where do you see yourself in five years as a screenwriter? Among the top storytellers in the world—writing projects that connect globally, emotionally, and spiritually. What is your ultimate ambition as a writer? To create stories that leave audiences with a sense of emotional healing and catharsis. Many of my scripts explore trauma, transformation, and ancient spiritual archetypes. I believe in the power of storytelling not only to entertain but to evolve us as a society. The industry is changing. How do you see the role of screenwriters evolving—especially with streaming and AI? Have you used AI in your writing? Screenwriting holds a sacred responsibility—cinema shapes the collective imagination. While AI can support the process—grammar checks, structure, synonym suggestions—it still lacks the emotional and mythological depth that only human experience brings. In the end, it’s the human spirit that writes for other humans. Which film or TV writers inspire you—and why? I’ve always loved Braveheart. I was a teenager when I saw it, and it struck a deep emotional chord. Mel Gibson’s storytelling and performance left a lasting impression. I also admire global cinema and actors from many traditions. But I highlight Mel because I think he’s often under-credited for the good he’s done through his craft. All-time favorite movie or TV show? Friends. It’s a timeless comfort show for me—something I grew up with. What advice would you give aspiring screenwriters? Write. Every day. Even if it’s terrible. Especially when it is. What else are you working on that the world should know about? I’m rewriting Elusive Spirits (a supernatural thriller pilot) and Wassup Lil Mama (a gritty urban short). I’m also developing Episode 2 for both Return of the Messiah and Golden Heart. Where can people find you online? • benjaminhsehat.com • instagram.com/benjaminhsehat |
