Ep 52: Saoirse-Monica Jackson talks Derry Girls + advice for young filmmakers

Saoirse-Monica Jackson joins host Anna Smith, along with talented young filmmakers Ruby Phelan and Neeraja Raj. From matriarchs to mishaps, Saoirse delves into the making of Derry Girls. This coming-of-age comedy series follows teenager Erin Quinn (Saoirse) and her friends as they navigate religion and rivalries in 90s Ireland. She also praises Cinemagic as a platform for young people and delivers a hopeful message to young filmmakers and actors. Next, Anna chats to Ruby and Neeraja about their short films screening at Cinemagic. Ruby tells us what inspired her to make mixed-medium short The Mermaid & The Artist and advises young women to stop seeking permission. Neeraja talks about her existential musical animation Meow Or Never and her hopes to see more women of colour filmmakers. All of our guests recommend some fantastic films. See the titles below with details on where to watch them in the UK and US. Saoirse’s Picks: Eighth Grade (dir. Bo Burnham, 2018, UK: Now TV, US: Prime Video) Babyteeth (dir. Shannon Murphy, 2019, US: Hulu) Rocks (dir. Sarah Gavron, 2019, UK: Netflix) Shallow Grave (dir. Danny Boyle, 1994, UK: Britbox, US: Starz) Neeraja’s Picks: Better Days (dir. Kwok Cheung Tsang, 2019, UK & US: rent/buy online) Okja (dir. Bong Joon-ho, 2017, UK & US: Netflix) Parasite (dir. Bong Joon-ho, 2019, UK: rent/buy online, US: Hulu) Ruby’s Picks: Daisies (dir. Vera Chytilová, 1966, UK: BFI Player, US: HBO) The Secret Garden (dir. Agnieszka Holland, 1993, UK: Netflix, US: IMDb TV) – ahead of Sky’s 2020 adaptation! This episode is in partnership with Cinemagic. The 31st Belfast Cinemagic Film Festival is online throughout October. There are 150+ short films screening from the best young filmmakers from the UK/Ireland. Find out more at filmfestival.cinemagic.org.uk. Meow Or Never: https://qft.vhx.tv/cinemagic-young-filmmaker/videos/animation-2 The Mermaid and the Artist: https://qft.vhx.tv/cinemagic-young-filmmaker/videos/animation-5 Become a patron of Girls On Film on Patreon here: www.patreon.com/girlsonfilmpodcast Follow us on socials: www.instagram.com/girlsonfilm_podcast/ www.facebook.com/girlsonfilmpodcast www.twitter.com/GirlsOnFilm_Pod www.twitter.com/annasmithjourno Watch Girls On Film on the BFI’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXvkgGofjDzj5mCFL89QKZsN5Tgr3vn7z Girls On Film is an HLA production. Executive producer: Hedda Archbold. Producer: Jane Long. Principal Partner: Peter Brewer. Assistant Producer and Social Media Manager: Heather Dempsey. Intern: Elliana Jay.