The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust (SBT) has today [25/02/25] announced that entries for its annual Shakespeare Shorts Film Competition are now open. As part of the Trust’s multi-year project, The Women Who Made Shakespeare, the judges encourage entries inspired by the life, works and times of William Shakespeare from women and female-identifying cinematic talents, of all ages and abilities, anywhere in the world.
Launched by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust with Sir Kenneth Branagh and Lolita Chakrabarti continuing as its patrons, Shakespeare Shorts is an annual short film competition celebrating the continued impact of William Shakespeare’s work and championing emerging filmmakers from around the world.
As part of the SBT’s multi-year project celebrating The Women Who Made Shakespeare, this year fledgling filmmakers of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to showcase their creativity, talent and storytelling expertise by submitting short films inspired by Shakespeare’s remarkable female characters, from love-struck teenagers to shrewd political players and even witches.
The judges seek to amplify female voices and perspectives, as well as celebrating women filmmakers, directors and actors anywhere in the world. However, people of all genders, ages and backgrounds are encouraged to enter.
‘’Every year we love to see entries from budding filmmakers around the world as they engage with Shakespeare’s iconic works in innovative and creative ways.
‘’As we enter the second year of The Women Who Made Shakespeare, we look forward to seeing how filmmakers bring Shakespeare’s female characters to life and share their stories with the world. Short films might explore these characters directly or examine broader archetypes such as heroes, anti-heroes, female friendships, and women’s roles in society.”
Commented Frances Hall, Audience Engagement Manager at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
Entries can be created using any form of technology from a smartphone to camera equipment.
This year, entries are invited in the following categories:
- Best film inspired by the theme ‘Shakespeare’s Female Characters’ (up to 10 mins)
- Best film inspired by Shakespeare and his legacy (up to 10 mins)
- Best ‘Shakespeare Shorter Shorts’ (up to 3 mins)
- Best Shakespeare-themed inspired animation (up to 5 mins)
- Best Shakespeare inspired film or animation by a young filmmaker aged under 16 (up to 10 mins)
Last year, Shakespeare Shorts attracted 76 entries from over 26 countries, including Spain and Japan. Winners included Two Emilia's Podcast, directed by Charlie Mitchell from the United States. This short film won ‘’Best film inspired by the theme ‘The Women Who Made Shakespeare’’ and the Patrons' Choice Award. Winners last year can be viewed on our YouTube channel.
Closing date for submissions is Saturday 31 May. For more information regarding guidelines, categories, and deadlines, please visit https://www.shakespeare.org.uk/explore-shakespeare/shakespeare-shorts/.
For more information on ‘The Women Who Made Shakespeare’ visit https://www.shakespeare.org.uk/a-multi-year-project.