Call for entries to Shakespeare film competition

Submissions have opened for a short film competition inspired by female characters created by William Shakespeare.

The annual Shakespeare Shorts contest celebrates the continued impact of the famous playwright's work around the world, the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust (SBT) said.

As part of The Women Who Made Shakespeare project, the trust wants women of all ages to showcase their storytelling by submitting films inspired by the poet's female characters.

The project attracted 76 entries from more than 26 countries last year, including Spain and Japan, a spokesperson for the trust said.

Entries for this year's competition can be created using any technology, such as smartphones or cameras, with a deadline of 31 May.

Frances Hall, audience engagement manager at the trust, based in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, said it looked forward to seeing how film-makers brought Shakespeare's female characters to life.

''Every year we love to see entries from budding film-makers around the world as they engage with Shakespeare's iconic works in innovative and creative ways," she said.

"Short films might explore these characters directly or examine broader archetypes such as heroes, anti-heroes, female friendships, and women's roles in society."

Entry guidelines and categories for submissions are listed on the SBT website.

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