Uma Thurman has been announced as the star of 2014's Jameson First Shot competition, Digital Spy said.

The competition sees aspiring film directors from South Africa, Russia and the USA sending in their short film scripts. A winner will be chosen from each country, and their films will be created with Oscar nominee Thurman playing the lead role.

The winners' films will be produced by 50 Shades of Grey producer Dana Brunetti and his company Trigger Street Productions, which he co-owns with Kevin Spacey. Spacey will act as the creative director to the projects.

Thurman said of the competition: "What excites me about being involved with Jameson First Shot is that I love the idea of finding and discovering young talent – it's what makes the film business alive.

"Even though we're making short films, I don't think anyone should feel limited in this form.

"I'm honoured to be a part of this extraordinary project and I can't wait to read the screenplays that are entered, and ultimately be the vehicle to help three talented filmmakers tell their stories to the world."

Spacey - who played the lead role in the 2012 winner's films - said that he is "thrilled" that Thurman agreed to take part in the competition.

He added that it gives the entrants "a very exciting opportunity to write for an actress of such range and skill".

Willem Dafoe headed the cast for 2013's First Shot winners. Previous winners' films have gained over 12 million hits on YouTube, and can be seen on the competition's YouTube channel.