Making a short film. Romeo in an ice cream van.

The Shakespeare Shorts competition is a chance for you to showcase your cinematic talent to the world and take part in a global tribute to Shakespeare!

2016 is the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare's death, and we're asking the globe to celebrate his enduring legacy by bringing him back to life through film. Using all things Shakespeare as a starting point – this could be anything from a whole play or sonnet, to your favourite character or theme – we want you to create a short film, and then ask the world to vote for it.

Your video can be anything less than 5 minutes, and so long as it’s inspired by Shakespeare in some way, and doesn’t contain adult content, pretty much anything goes.

Not sure how to go about making a film but inspired to have a go? British Council Film have prepared a handy roundup of some of the best free software, apps and more, which you might like to use to help make your film here.

Each month, the top scoring entry will be awarded 'video of the month'. At the end of the year, all the monthly winners will be entered into a super prize draw to be crowned 'video of the year' and win a prize worthy of Shakespeare himself.

If the language of your film is not English, please add English subtitles.

Judges wanted

We’re currently recruiting judges for the platform from around the world and across the film industry. if you are interested, contact enquiries@cy.britishcouncil.org.

External links