AUGUSTA – The Maine Film Office, in cooperation with the Maine International Film Festival, has announced the second annual Maine Screenwriting Competition.

Beginning Oct. 15, Maine residents are encouraged to submit their completed, feature-film screenplays to the competition. The top winners will be awarded cash prizes during the seventh annual Maine International Film Festival in Waterville, July 2004.

“Maine has many talented writers whose work deserves attention and encouragement,” said Lea Giardin, director of The Maine Film Office. “This new competition should highlight that excellent work. We also hope that some of the winning scripts could become Maine-made films.”

A team of judges will read and critique each screenplay. The writers of the top three scripts will receive a detailed analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of their work from production professionals.

To download information and an application form, go to www.filminmaine.com and click on the “Maine Production News” section. Writers also can contact Sharon Thomas at The Maine Film Office at 624-7483.