The Purple List, a prestigious initiative by New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, has unveiled its 2026 picks, showcasing the exceptional talent of graduate film students and recent alumni. This year's selection, inspired by the renowned Black List, features five captivating screenplays that have impressed industry insiders through a blind reading process. The chosen scripts are as diverse as they are compelling, offering a glimpse into the future of cinema.
One standout entry is Kobayashi, a sports biopic/comedy penned by Vincent Lee Accettola. It tells the incredible true story of Takeru Kobayashi, a Japanese athlete who made history at the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. Accettola, an Asian American filmmaker and NYU student, brings a fresh perspective to the genre, having previously had his script Blue Comedy featured on the Purple List in 2024. This screenplay has the potential to turn competitive eating into a mainstream American sports spectacle.
Aisha Ford's Little Rhonda is a coming-of-age/family drama that explores the complexities of a teenager's relationship with her estranged mother and caretaker father. Ford, an award-winning filmmaker, adds a layer of authenticity to the story with her latest short, Brownies, which earned her accolades at the Academy Award-qualifying Reel Sisters of the Diaspora. This screenplay promises an emotional journey that resonates with audiences.
Mira Peng's Lychee Girl is a unique coming-of-age/sci-fi tale set in rural southern China during the 1990s. It follows Yue, a dreamy trans girl raised as a boy, who encounters surreal visions of a spaceship. Peng, a writer and filmmaker from Hunan, China, brings a distinct cultural perspective to the screen, having previously worked on The Little Prince(ss) for Disney Launchpad. This script offers a blend of fantasy and reality, challenging traditional gender norms.
Taylor Sanghyun Lee's Rounds is a powerful drama that delves into the aftermath of a violent shooting in a Presbyterian church community. It explores the theme of forgiveness and the impact of impending deportation on two Korean-American families. Lee, an NYC-based filmmaker, has already gained recognition with her debut feature, which was selected for the 2026 Sundance Screenwriters Lab and the 2025 TIFF & CJ K-Story Fund. This screenplay addresses important social issues and humanizes the struggles of its characters.
Lastly, Juan Pablo Daranas Molina's The Other Family is a gripping thriller/drama set in crisis-stricken Cuba. It follows a desperate father's obsessive pursuit to retrieve stolen shoes from his son. Daranas Molina, a Cuban filmmaker and previous Purple List recipient, brings a sense of urgency and moral complexity to the narrative. His thesis film, executive-produced by Spike Lee, further showcases his talent. This screenplay has the potential to captivate audiences with its intense storytelling and exploration of human morality.
The Purple List, now in its 15th year, has become a launching pad for many successful filmmakers. With a track record of turning featured scripts into finished feature films, it serves as a testament to the power of storytelling and the impact it can have on the industry. As these screenplays continue to develop, the film world eagerly anticipates the future contributions of these talented artists.
