The world's largest youth drama festival

International Film Festival

We’re delighted that our International Film Festival will return to schools across the globe in 2026. Through the project, young people aged 8-18 will produce their own abridged Shakespeare movies, developing confidence, creativity and resilience in the process.

From directors and actors, to editors, camera-operators, sound and lighting designers, hair-and-make-up artists, location scouts and much more, this transformative digital process has empowered teachers and students alike.

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What is it?

Shakespeare Schools International Film Festival is a cultural education project that supports schools to produce abridged Shakespeare films for a digital showcase. You can see last year's entries via the link here.

Over several months, participating schools will be supported to produce their film with a range award-winning resources and recorded CPD sessions from professional film and drama facilitators. Our Shakespeare scripts have been abridged by acclaimed writers including Sir Tom Stoppard and Jamila Gavin, and our dedicated Programmes Coordinators are on hand to support teachers through each step of the process.

Join the Festival now and give your students the chance to shine on the silver screen.

Register now


How does it work?

Step One

The project begins with access to a wealth of resources, designed to prepare any teacher, of any film experience, for the project ahead.

You'll develop all the key skills you need for the programme. We cover everything from shooting to editing, lighting to syncing sound.

 

 Step Two

Prepare, film and edit your school's Shakespeare short film.

Our team of Programmes Coordinators will be available by phone and email to support you every step of the way.

 

Step Three

Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation’s website becomes an international Shakespearean cinema, as the Festival reaches its thrilling conclusion.

We'll host films from schools across the world and release them over a weeklong celebration of our young participants.



When does it take place?

Registration for the Film Festival opens in June 2026 and schools will receive access to our online suite of resources shortly after signing up.

Films will be submitted and premiere in November/December 2026.

For more information, get in touch here. Or - if you're ready to dive in - you can register for the programme here.


How much does it cost?

Non Fee-Paying Schools Fee-Paying Schools
Cost £199 (+VAT) £439 (+VAT)
Cost Per Student £5.69* per student £12.54* per student
Includes Recorded CPD training, resources, dedicated coordinator support, and online Film Festival showcase included in fee

As a registered charity, we work hard to fundraise more than a quarter of a million pounds each year, ensuring participation in our programmes is subsidised for participating schools.

*For a cast of 35 students




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Or, take a look at the other exciting programmes that we're running this year:

More than
300,000
young people have taken part in the Festival

Our flagship project is the Festival - the world’s largest youth drama festival.

About our impact

Coram SSF is a cultural education charity that exists to instil curiosity and empathy, aspiration and self-esteem, literacy and teamwork - giving young people the confidence to see that all the world is their stage.

Learn more about us