Octavia Spencer to launch film contest

Los Angeles, Jan 13 (IANS) "The Help" star Octavia Spencer is spearheading a short film contest for budding directors.

The 42-year-old is inviting amateurs to create 20-minute films for her new competition.

Spencer will give away a new camera and a $1,000 cash prize to the best of the bunch, and she'll also showcase the winning entry online, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

In a post on her Facebook.com page, Spencer writes: "I was struck this past week when a young filmmaker asked me how I coped when my dreams felt far from my grasp. My answer to her and all of you is I always feel mine are always within reach.

"What many people don't know is that it takes an average of 15 years to become an overnight success. Click the Movie button below for more info:
The Help