DIONA ARILIHALLI

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How do you approach competition entries, and what have you learned from participating in these contests? Which contests have you entered...and how has your work been received overall? Have those contests been helpful to you in your writing?
I approach competitions strategically now. Early on, I entered broadly. Over time, I became more selective and focused on contests that align with the tone and level of the work. I have been fortunate to receive recognition across several competitions, and what I have learned most is that consistency of voice matters more than trying to “game” what judges want. The right script finds the right contest.

Can you share a specific challenge you've faced in your screenwriting and how you overcame it?
One challenge is balancing satire with emotional truth. It is easy to make something funny. It is harder to make it funny and still grounded enough that people recognize themselves in it. With Ballsy, I had to constantly pull scenes back from being too absurd and anchor them in recognizable behavior.

If you are balancing your “writing time” with a “day job”...how are you managing that?
My professional background is demanding, so writing has to be intentional. Early mornings, late nights, and using small windows of time effectively. The upside is that real-world experience fuels the writing. The downside is time. You learn to be efficient.

Where do you see yourself in five years as a screenwriter?
Ideally working across both film and television, with projects in production. I would like to be in a position where I am writing consistently, collaborating with strong creative partners, and telling stories that have both cultural relevance and entertainment value

What is your ultimate ambition as a writer?
To create work that resonates. Not just something people watch, but something they recognize. Something that reflects how people actually feel, even if it is wrapped in comedy or satire.

The film and television industry is constantly evolving. How do you see the role of screenwriters changing, especially with the rise of streaming platforms and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence? Have you used A.I. in your writing; if so, how have you used it?
Writers are becoming more multi-dimensional. It is no longer just about writing a script, it is about world building, positioning, and thinking about how a project lives beyond the page. AI is a tool, not a replacement. I use it for feedback and formatting. But the core voice, the perspective, and the lived experience still come from the writer. That is the part that cannot be automated.

Which film or television writers inspire you? Why?
People like the teams behind The Office, Silicon Valley, and Better Off Ted. They create worlds that are heightened but still feel painfully real. That balance is what I am always chasing.

What’s your all-time favorite movie or television show?
Good Will Hunting

What advice do you have for aspiring screenwriters or filmmakers?
Write something only you can write. There is a lot of pressure to follow trends or formulas, but the work that stands out usually comes from a distinct point of view. Also, finish things. A completed script can be infinitely more valuable than a great idea.

What else are you working on that the world needs to know about? (links to your projects?)
I am developing a slate of projects that explore modern identity and culture through different lenses. Some are comedic, some more dramatic, but they all sit in that space between truth and discomfort that I find interesting.

Where can the world find you online? (Social media links, etc.)
LinkedIn is probably the best place professionally. Additional materials and projects available upon request.