Full Breakdown
NYU's 2026 Purple List Highlights Emerging Screenwriting Talent
4/23/2026, 12:15:35 AM
Overview of the 2026 Purple List Selections
New York University (NYU) has announced its 2026 Purple List, showcasing five production-ready screenplays from Tisch School of the Arts graduate film students and recent alumni. The Purple List, inspired by the Hollywood Blacklist, aims to highlight exceptional screenwriting talent and connect these works with industry professionals. This year’s selections were made through a blind reading process by a panel of industry insiders, including producers, writers, and directors.
The selected screenplays are:
- Kobayashi by Vincent Lee Accettola
- Little Rhonda by Aisha Ford
- Lychee Girl by Mira Peng
- Rounds by Taylor Sanghyun Lee
- The Other Family by Juan Pablo Daranas Molina
Profiles of the Selected Screenplays
Kobayashi
Written by Vincent Lee Accettola, this sports biopic/comedy tells the true story of Takeru Kobayashi, a Japanese competitive eater who revolutionized the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. Accettola, an Asian American filmmaker, has previously featured on the Purple List with his screenplay *Blue Comedy* in 2024.
Little Rhonda
Aisha Ford’s coming-of-age drama centers on Teenage Rain, whose relationship with her estranged mother and caretaker father becomes complicated as she decides to document her mother's recovery for a school project. Ford is an award-winning filmmaker, recognized for her short film *Brownies*, which was executive produced by Spike Lee.
Lychee Girl
Mira Peng’s screenplay is set in 1990s rural southern China and follows Yue, a trans girl raised as a boy. The narrative explores her surreal experiences after her mother leaves her behind, drawing her toward self-discovery. Peng has previously directed *The Little Prince(ss)* for Disney Launchpad.
Rounds
Taylor Sanghyun Lee’s drama addresses the aftermath of a violent shooting in a Presbyterian church community. As two Korean-American families face an impending deportation, they must confront their limits of forgiveness. Lee’s debut feature *Rounds* was selected for the 2026 Sundance Screenwriters Lab.
The Other Family
Juan Pablo Daranas Molina’s thriller/drama unfolds in crisis-stricken Cuba, where a desperate father becomes obsessed with retrieving shoes stolen from his son. Daranas Molina, a two-time Purple List recipient, has previously collaborated with Spike Lee on his thesis film.
Significance of the Purple List
Founded in 2012 by alumni Ashim Bhalla and Shandor Garrison, the Purple List has gained recognition for its role in promoting emerging screenwriters. Over the years, numerous selections have been adapted into successful feature films, showcasing the list's impact on the film industry. The 2026 Purple List continues this tradition, aiming to elevate the voices of diverse filmmakers and their unique stories.
Official Statements & Responses
The Purple List has been praised for its commitment to showcasing production-ready screenplays, with industry professionals emphasizing its importance in identifying and supporting new talent. The initiative has garnered attention for its successful track record, with many past selections achieving notable festival screenings and theatrical releases.
Verbatim Quotes
The 2026 Purple List not only highlights the talent emerging from NYU but also reinforces the importance of nurturing diverse narratives in the film industry.
