Shakespeare Shorts
Our global short film competition
Shakespeare Shorts 2025 - Submissions are now closed
Shakespeare Shorts is an annual short film competition brought to you by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
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. However, people of all ages and backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to enter.
Entries can be created using any form of technology from a smartphone to camera equipment.
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-themed inspired animation
(up to 5 mins) - Best Shakespeare film or animation by a young filmmaker aged under 16
(up to 10 mins) - Best ‘Shakespeare Shorter Shorts’
(up to 3 mins)
Submissions for 2025 are now closed
Our Patron, Sir Kenneth Branagh
We are honoured to have Sir Kenneth Branagh as patron and chief judge of Shakespeare Shorts, each year he selects an overall champion from the category winners. Follow the links below to find out who was crowned cream of the crop. Drumroll please....
Previous Winners
Watch the Short films