In 2012, women directors made only 7.8% of the films released that year in the U.K., while women writers penned just 13.4% of them. (Depressingly, those numbers are slightly higher than the numbers in Hollywood.)

To help combat institutional sexism in the U.K. film industry, Film London and the British Council have launched a new film fund to support women filmmakers.

The Shakespeare’s Sister fund will provide two women-only filmmaking teams with $22,800 (£15,000) for their shorts. Each team must boast women directors, writers and producers and employ as many senior female crew members as possible.

Since the project is tied to the British Council’s celebrations of William Shakespeare’s 400th anniversary next year, the shorts should use the playwright’s works as inspiration.

The winners will also be awarded Film4 mentorship and a year-long membership to Women in Film & TV.

Applications should be submitted by November 3, 2015. The films must be completed by April 1, 2016.

Apply here.

[via Screen Daily]