One winner from each country to win an Xbox 360 and Halo 3.

Halo 3 screenshot

Microsoft has today announced the launch of the Halo: Recut contest, challenging budding filmmakers to create a Halo short featuring the unseen adventures of Master Chief.

The film can be made however the filmmaker wishes, whether it be using a traditional video camera, gaming footage, animation or the latest video editing software.

Competition entries are open from January 31 until March 21, 2008, after which entries will be judged by a panel of experts from the gaming industry. One winner from each country will win an Xbox 360 and a copy of Halo 3.

Each country's winning video will then be put through to the European final to be judged by Bungie Studios, with the overall winner to be given the chance to study for a month at the New York Film Academy. The prize includes return flights, accommodation, car rental and £2,000 spending money.