Shaun M Jooste 
Are you a screenwriter looking for your big break? Do you dream of seeing your work adapted for the big screen? Celenic Earth Publications is thrilled to announce the Dear Virginia International Screenwriting Competition, a global contest that invites talented writers to adapt the compelling true crime memoir Dear Virginia by Arden Ray Wolfe into a feature-length screenplay.
This exciting competition offers a unique opportunity to showcase your screenwriting skills, win cash prizes, and potentially have your script pitched to major streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime.
About the Dear Virginia International Screenwriting Competition Competition
The Dear Virginia International Screenwriting Competition challenges screenwriters to bring the gripping story of Dear Virginia to life on screen. The memoir follows the harrowing journey of a Cherokee American Indian girl who faces unimaginable trauma but ultimately finds hope and healing. This true crime drama is the perfect canvas for creative minds eager to adapt a powerful narrative into a cinematic masterpiece.
With a total prize pool of $1,750 USD, the contest rewards the top three entries:
- 1st Place: $1,000 USD, a Distinction in Screenwriting Excellence certificate, and acknowledgment in the movie credits.
- 2nd Place: $500 USD and the Distinction in Screenwriting Excellence certificate.
- 3rd Place: $250 USD and the Distinction in Screenwriting Excellence certificate.
How to Enter
Entering the Dear Virginia International Screenwriting Competition is simple:
- Check the Dear Virginia International Screenwriting Competition landing page.
- Sign Up: Email [email protected] or fill out the form on the competition’s landing page.
- Sign the NDA: You’ll receive a Non-Disclosure Agreement to sign, ensuring confidentiality.
- Pay the Fee: Reserve your spot by paying the $50 entry fee upfront. The earlier you enter, the more time you’ll have to write and refine your script.
- Receive the Book: Once registered, you’ll be sent an electronic copy of Dear Virginia to reference for your screenplay.
- Submit Your Script: Complete and upload your screenplay before the final deadline on May 31, 2025.
Judging and What’s Next
Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of experienced judges, including:
- Arden Ray Wolfe, author of Dear Virginia, reviewing story adaptation.
- Artemis Bullwark, editor, analyzing script structure and editing.
- Shaun M Jooste, CEO of Celenic Earth Publications and principal screenwriter, assessing cinematic potential.
While there is no guarantee that the winning script will be produced, CEP will pitch the winning screenplay to industry professionals and platforms, including Netflix and Amazon Prime. Winners will also be considered for a separate project to adapt the memoir into a television series, offering even more opportunities for aspiring writers.
Don’t Miss Out! Enter Today
The Dear Virginia International Screenwriting Competition is your chance to showcase your talent, gain recognition, and take a step closer to your screenwriting dreams. With cash prizes, professional acknowledgment, and the potential to pitch your script to major platforms, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.
Learn more and secure your entry on our Dear Virginia International Screenwriting Competition landing page. We can’t wait to read your screenplay!
