Dear Virginia International Screenwriting Competition
$1,000 USD First Place, $500 USD Second Place and $250 USD Third Place
ARE YOU HOPING TO BECOME A PROFESSIONAL SCREENWRITER?
Celenic Earth Publications proudly announces the launch of the Dear Virginia International Screenwriting Competition, an exciting global competition offering screenwriters the opportunity to adapt the powerful true crime memoir Dear Virginia by Arden Ray Wolfe for the big screen. With a total prize pool of $1,750 USD, the Competition seeks to discover and celebrate exceptional screenwriting talent from around the world, with a top prize of $1,000 USD and the chance to have the winning writer acknowledged in the movie credits.
The Dear Virginia International Screenwriting Competition will run for six months, opening for entries on 18 November 2024 and concluding with the final entry deadline on May 31 2025. Entrants are invited to submit their Screenwriting adaptations at any time throughout the Competition period once they’ve paid the entrance fee. The winners will be announced on June 30, 2025.
What is Dear Virginia?
Dear Virginia is a compelling true crime memoir by author Arden Ray Wolfe, telling the heart-wrenching and inspiring story of a young Cherokee American Indian girl who, after being adopted, faces a life marked by exploitation, abuse, and oppression. Set against the backdrop of American privilege and systemic neglect, the memoir explores the protagonist’s harrowing journey through trauma and her fight for survival.
Despite facing overwhelming adversity, Dear Virginia is ultimately a story of resilience, self-discovery, and hope. Wolfe’s unflinching narrative sheds light on the hidden realities endured by many and emphasizes the power of the human spirit to heal and rebuild. This deeply moving account resonates with readers across genres, making it an impactful candidate for a cinematic adaptation that can bring these powerful themes to an even wider audience.
Competition Overview
The Dear Virginia International Screenwriting Competition invites screenwriters worldwide to adapt the powerful memoir Dear Virginia by Arden Ray Wolfe into a feature-length Screenwriting. This Competition aims to uncover and celebrate fresh screenwriting talent while bringing the moving story of Dear Virginia to life on screen.
With an entrance fee of $50 per script, participants can secure their spot in the Competition at any time—even before they begin writing. By paying the fee early, entrants gain valuable time to work on their adaptation with no rush, allowing them to craft their Screenwriting thoughtfully. Once registered, each entrant will receive an electronic copy of Dear Virginia to use as a reference for their Screenwriting adaptation.
The Dear Virginia International Screenwriting Competition runs for six months, with a final entry deadline of May 31, 2025. The sooner screenwriters enter, the more time they have to develop and refine their Screenwriting before submission.
Our Goals and Vision for the Winning Script
The Dear Virginia International Screenwriting Competition aims to bring this powerful true crime story to major streaming platforms. Our vision is to present the winning script to industry leaders like Netflix and Amazon Prime, making it essential for participants to research the specific Screenwriting formatting and storytelling styles preferred by these platforms. By aligning the Screenwriting with these standards, entrants increase the chances of a successful adaptation for a wide audience.
Additionally, the top three winners will be given exclusive consideration for an upcoming project to adapt Dear Virginia into a television series. This series would allow a deeper exploration of the book’s themes, offering a serialized format to fully capture the nuances of the story and its characters. The winning scriptwriters may have the chance to expand their work into this broader vision, potentially securing ongoing roles in the series adaptation.
How to Enter Dear Virginia International Screenwriting Competition
Entering the Dear Virginia International Screenwriting Competition is a straightforward process. Screenwriters interested in participating can get started by reaching out in one of two ways:
- Email: Contact us at [email protected] with the subject: Dear Virginia International Screenwriting Competition
- Online Form: Complete the entry form below.
Upon initial contact, entrants will receive a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to sign. This legally binding document is required to protect the intellectual property of Dear Virginia and ensures confidentiality throughout the Competition.
After signing the NDA, participants will be prompted to pay the non-refundable $50 entrance fee to reserve their spot in the competition. Paying the fee upfront guarantees a place on the list of entrants and allows screenwriters ample time to work on their Screenwriting adaptation. Please note that the fee is non-refundable should an entrant decide to withdraw or not complete their script.
Once registered, entrants will receive a watermarked electronic copy of the book and have until May 31, 2025 to submit their final Screenwriting. Multiple entries are allowed, so screenwriters may submit more than one script if they wish. However, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee for each script.
Judging Criteria
Entries for the Dear Virginia International Screenwriting Competition will undergo a comprehensive evaluation process, ensuring that each aspect of the Screenwriting is carefully reviewed. The judging panel includes experienced professionals who will assess each script across three key criteria:
- Story Development: Dear Virginia author, Arden Ray Wolfe, will review each Screenwriting adaptation to evaluate how effectively the story’s themes, character arcs, and emotional impact are captured and translated to the screen.
- Editing and Structure: Editor Artemis Bullwark will examine each entry’s narrative structure, flow, and clarity. Scripts will be reviewed for technical quality, ensuring that each Screenwriting meets professional standards in formatting and editing.
- Screenwriting Analysis: Celenic Earth Publications’ CEO and principal screenwriter, Shaun M Jooste, will provide an expert analysis of the Screenwriting’s cinematic potential. His assessment will focus on scene structure, dialogue, pacing, and how well the script translates into a visual medium.
This rigorous evaluation process ensures that the winning Screenwriting not only honors the original memoir but also stands out as a professionally crafted script ready for potential production.
Prizes and Recognition
The Dear Virginia International Screenwriting Competition offers screenwriters the chance to win cash prizes, formal recognition, and a potential career boost. Here’s what’s at stake:
- 1st Place: $1,000 USD and acknowledgment in the movie credits.
- 2nd Place: $500 USD
- 3rd Place: $250 USD
All winners will receive the CEP Distinction in Screenwriting Excellence certificate, a prestigious document recognizing their achievement and talent in the craft of screenwriting. Additionally, the 1st place winner will see their name acknowledged in the movie credits, a rare opportunity that offers industry exposure and recognition.
Beyond the prizes for the Dear Virginia International Screenwriting Competition, the top three winners will also be considered for an exclusive project to adapt Dear Virginia into a television series. This additional opportunity allows winners to expand their Screenwriting skills while bringing this compelling story to life in a serialized format.
Production Disclaimer
While the Dear Virginia International Screenwriting Competition provides an incredible opportunity for screenwriters, it is important to note that there is no guarantee the winning script will be produced or appear on platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime. Celenic Earth Publications (CEP) will leverage its industry contacts and utilize established script platforms to pitch the winning Screenwriting, specifically targeting producers and decision-makers at Netflix, Amazon Prime, and other major streaming services.
Our goal is to present the Dear Virginia adaptation to high-profile platforms; however, the decision to move forward with production ultimately lies with these networks. By participating, entrants understand that while CEP will advocate for the script’s success, the outcome is subject to the interest and discretion of streaming industry executives.
Final Thoughts
The Dear Virginia International Screenwriting Competition offers screenwriters a unique chance to adapt a powerful, true crime story with global appeal. This is more than a competition; it’s an opportunity for writers to showcase their talent, gain industry exposure, and potentially launch their careers. With prize money, recognition, and the potential to present work to major streaming platforms, this Competition stands as a gateway for promising screenwriters.
If you’re ready to bring Dear Virginia to life on screen, don’t wait—secure your entry today into the Dear Virginia International Screenwriting Competition, and start working on a Screenwriting that could capture the attention of Netflix, Amazon Prime, and beyond. Visit our website or email [email protected] to begin your journey. We can’t wait to see how you reimagine Dear Virginia and look forward to reading your Screenwriting. Enter today and let your talent shine!.
We can’t wait to see how you reimagine Dear Virginia and look forward to reading your screenplay. Enter the Dear Virginia International Screenwriting Competition today and let your talent shine!