The Bard is back on Hilton Head Island.

First Presbyterian Church is hosting the Shakespeare Community Film Festival starting July 23. Shows start at 7 p.m. Mondays through Sept. 3 in the Fellowship Hall, 540 William Hilton Parkway. All screenings are free and open to the public.

The church held a similar series to good response several years ago, said organizer Jim Collett. The series also will coincide with the opening of a refurbished interior that includes a large gathering space near the sanctuary.

"I thought this was a great way to open up the church to the community," said Collett, a Shakespeare fan since his high school days.

July 23: "Much Ado about Nothing" (1993)

Comedy directed and starring Kenneth Branagh along with Emma Thompson, Denzel Washington, Kate Beckinsale, Keanu Reeves and Michael Keaton

July 30: "The Merchant of Venice" (2004)

Al Pacino stars as Shylock the moneylender who demands a pound of flesh in exchange for an unpaid debt.

Aug. 6: "Henry V" (1989)

Kenneth Branagh's adaptation remains one of the most critically acclaimed film adaptations of Shakespeare's work. It features Branagh in the title role, Derek Jacobi, Judi Dench, Emma Thompson and a young Christian Bale.

Aug. 13: "Romeo and Juliet" (1968)

Critic Roger Ebert calls Franco Zeffirelli's adaptation "the most exciting film of Shakespeare ever made." It's also notable because it is one of the few versions to star actual teenagers in the lead roles.

Aug. 20: "Hamlet" (1990)

Mel Gibson stars in the Franco Zeffirelli production alongside Glenn Close, Helen Bonham-Carter, Alan Bates and Paul Scofield.

Aug. 27: "The Taming of the Shrew" (1967)

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton trade barbs in the lead roles. The couple was also married at the time.

Sept. 3: "Othello" (1995)

Stars Laurence Fishburne, marking the first time an African-American actor played the title role in a major studio Shakespeare adaptation

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