Published by THE HERALD on June 06, 2016.

Arts Correspondent

The British Council is inviting film makers searching for an opportunity to showcase their talent to the world to submit their content of a Shakespeare inspired short story and enter it into a competition. Dubbed the “Shakespeare Shorts” the competition is a chance for film makers to showcase their cinematic talent to the world and take part in a global tribute to Shakespeare. Charmaine Chitate, project assistant at the British Council said this year is the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death.

“This is the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare and to celebrate his enduring legacy by bringing him back to life through film,” said Chitate.

“We are calling upon content from various categories using all things that depict 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.

“Interested participants may submit their entries into any one of the eleven (11) categories namely Music Video, Spoken Word, Theatre, Monologue, Graphic Arts, Performance, Blog, Writing, Short Films, Animation and Dance.”

Chitate said the remit is very broad, and filmmakers are invited to use any medium they like within film for instance filmed on their phone or using stop-motion animation.

“The platform is opening doors for people to join the celebrations of 400 years since Shakespeare’s death in a creative way, and is open to all levels of filmmaking skills. Entries may be submitted in any language with supporting English subtitles.

“The films submitted will be voted on by users and a selection of judges from across the industry, with the highest rated film making ‘film of the month’. The platform will continue for the duration of 2016 and will result in a final winner, who we hope to be able to offer a screening at a UK film festival,” she said.

She said, monthly winners will have their content featured on the platform homepage.

“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.”

The platform is being promoted in over 110 countries and is a truly international opportunity for anyone to participate in, and will be a key part of the Shakespeare Lives programme in 2016.