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FINDING SHAKESPEARE

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This amazing short film from the U.K. has a very original idea. It addresses how Shakespeare's stories are quite applicable to experiences in everyone's lives today and how his stories are as interesting as they are difficult to understand. I love that this film also puts A Midsummer Nights Dream into terms that are easily understood by viewers of any age. The production value is admirable, both the video and audio quality are very clear. The lighting is well executed. The location in a real school makes it very realistic. Although the actors are not people I know, many of them have been in other films and all of them fit their parts quite well. One thing I noticed is that some of the actors seem a bit green and don't show much emotion throughout the film. The school uniforms are so British looking, with both girls and boys wearing ties. One costume that stands out is Puck's, who wears the same costume as we see later on the cover of the book. That is a clever little thing. I recommend this for the KIDS FIRST! Film Festival because it is both educational and entertaining. If a festival has a Shakespearean focus, it would be a fabulous addition. It teaches you about how interesting Shakespeare is and how relatable it is as well. I give this 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 10 to18. Reviewed by Dariana A., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic and Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror.

Maeve, a thirteen year old student whose teacher, Miss Hayes, is determined that she and her class understand the triumph of literature that became William Shakespeare, urging them to look beyond the aged dialogue and see at the heart of each Shakespearian sonnet and play is a story than transcends the time it was born to. Unbeknownst to her, Miss Hayes has a surprising ally and one which is only visible to Maeve. Puck, our mischievous partaker and audience narrator from Shakespeare's own A Midsummer Nights Dream takes it upon himself to show Maeve that the even famed bard himself drew inspiration from the lives and histories around him. And that maybe she should look to the same.