BUDDING filmmakers from across the globe will descend on Stratford to take part in the Shakespeare Film Festival.
Organised by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust (SBT), the festival on September 21 to 23, will celebrate new films inspired by the Bard.
And as part of the upcoming festival, a competition invited people to produce a Shakespeare-related film using any form of technology – from a smart phone to the latest professional camera equipment.
This year the trust received nearly 250 entries from more than 40 countries including the UK, United States, Russia, Turkey and Iran – a record since the competition was launched in 2013.
Among the finalist entries are:
· Best film inspired by Shakespeare – Ophelia by Caterina Picone (USA). Caterina’s film explores what happens when method acting takes over the actor
· Best interpretation of a passage Shakespeare – Richard III by Mona Zaidi (Canada). Mona’s film surreal adaptation of Richard III mixing film and animation
· Best Shakespeare themed animation – Shakespearean Women Part 4 by Fin McMorran (UK). This is one of a series of short witty commentaries on Woman in Shakespeare inspired by woodcuts of the time.
· Best local film maker – Ophelia by Savanna Spika. Savanna’s film is a hard-hitting look at the struggles a modern day Ophelia might face.
· Best young UK film maker – Et Tu by Emma Parkinson (UK). Emma wins the chance to participate in Channel 4’s Random Acts programme with partner Rural Media
A special screening will be held at Shakespeare’s New Place in Stratford on September 23, where the works of the finalists will be shown and the winner of the coveted Shakespeare Shorts Film Competition, chosen by patron Sir Kenneth Branagh, announced.
And with the theme of ‘crossing borders’, this year’s programme will launch with a screening of Omkara – a Bollywood adaptation of Othello (with English subtitles) – followed by Disney’s Hamlet-influenced The Lion King.
Organiser Elizabeth Dollimore said: “Shakespeare isn’t just for scholars or aficionados, we want people of all ages and backgrounds to make their own personal connection with Shakespeare. This competition offers filmmakers from around the world a platform to express their understanding and appreciation for Shakespeare’s works, life and times, utilising the power of film to present their vision in a fresh and creative way for the enjoyment of wider audiences.”
Visit shakespeare.org.uk/filmfestival for tickets and further details.
