Girls On Film

Anna Smith
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Jul 28, 2025 • 45min

Ep 198: Jane Horrocks, Priya Kansara, Daisy-May Hudson and Posy Sterling at Latitude Festival

For its 198th episode, Girls On Film returns to Latitude Festival, where host Anna Smith chairs a panel with four brilliant women in film and television. This is the third live Girls On Film podcast recording from the festival, and it’s absolutely fabulous! First up, Anna is joined by actor Jane Horrocks, who talks about her work on Absolutely Fabulous, on Life Is Sweet with director Mike Leigh, and on her role in Chicken Run, as well as the changes she has witnessed in the film and television industries over the course of her career. Next Anna speaks with Priya Kansara, known for her roles in Polite Society, Bridgerton, and Dope Girls, and then invites two of the driving forces behind the 2025 film Lollipop onto the stage, director Daisy-May Hudson and writer-performer Posy Sterling. Daisy-may also discusses her feature documentary Holloway. Together, the women talk about collaborating, imposter syndrome and the systemic changes they would like to see in the industry to improve access and representation for underrepresented groups. This episode was recorded at The Listening Post at Latitude Festival on Friday 25th of July 2025. Special thanks to Latitude, and to our sponsor for this episode, Lilac Grove Entertainment. Sign up to the Girls On Film newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/iEKaM-/ Or email girlsonfilmsocial@gmail.com to be signed up. Visit our new website www.girlsonfilm.org.uk 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: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX…L89QKZsN5Tgr3vn7z Girls On Film is an HLA production. Host: Anna Smith Executive Producer: Hedda Lornie Archbold Producer: Charlotte Matheson Audio Editor: Benjamin Cook Principal Partners: Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer Sponsored by Lilac Grove Entertainment © HLA Agency
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Jul 25, 2025 • 27min

Ep 197: Barbara Broccoli on Sing Street: The Musical with Rebecca Taichman + John Carney

We switch from movies to the stage to talk about SING STREET: THE MUSICAL. Anna speaks with iconic producer Barbara Broccoli about her approach in adapting the film into a stage show. Barbara came on our 100th episode of Girls On Film to talk about her work, the Time's Up movement, and No Time To Die. As well as producing the Bond films at Eon Productions, she has produced female-led movies such as Film Stars Don't Die In Liverpool, Nancy, Till, and Blue Road: The Edna O'Brien Story. Anna also chats with the show’s director, Rebecca Taichman, about approaching the correct tone and staging for the show. Rebecca is one of only six women to win the TONY Award for Best Direction of a Play, which she took home in 2017 for "INDECENT," by Paula Vogel. With a diverse repertoire spanning Shakespeare, contemporary plays, opera, and musicals, Taichman is a visionary director who enjoys conceiving of and co-creating new work. We're also joined by John Carney who is known for music-led films such as Once and Begin Again, and who directed and co-wrote the original feature film Sing Street. SING STREET: THE MUSICAL is running from July 8 - August 23 2025 at the Hammersmith Theatre, London. Check out the website for more details: https://lyric.co.uk/shows/sing-street/ . Sign up to the Girls On Film newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/iEKaM-/ . Or email girlsonfilmsocial@gmail.com to be signed up. Visit our new website www.girlsonfilm.org.uk 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 / https://bsky.app/profile/girlsonfilmpodcast.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/annasmithjourno.bsky.social Watch Girls On Film on the BFl's YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX...L89QKZsN5Tgr3vn7z Girls On Film is an HLA production. Host: Anna Smith Executive Producer: Hedda Lornie Archbold Producer: Charlotte Matheson Audio Editor: Emma Butt. This episode is supported by Lilac Grove Entertainment. Principal Partners: Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer © HLA Agency
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Jul 3, 2025 • 46min

Ep 196: Barbie Ferreira and more in Malta + Holloway, Harvest and Savages Reviewed

Host Anna Smith brings you a special episode of Girls On Film from the Mediterrane Film Festival in Malta, which this year celebrates 100 years of movie-making on the island. From Malta, Anna speaks with producer Susan Simnett, known for Brides, Chuck Chuck Baby, and Fadhia’s Tree. She also chats to Euphoria star Barbie Ferreira, who received this year’s Rising Star Award, and BAFTA-winning actor Monica Dolan, who presented at the festival’s Golden Bee Awards. Back in the UK, broadcaster, film, TV and culture critic Ashanti Omkar joins Anna to discuss three powerful new films: Daisy-May Hudson and Sophie Compton’s documentary Holloway, Athina Rachel Tsangari’s medieval drama Harvest, and Claude Barras’s stop-motion animation Savages. Harvest will be coming to UK cinemas on 18 July 2025. Keep an eye out for upcoming screenings of Holloway with Reclaim the Frame - championing intersectional feminist cinema across the UK. Check out their website for more details Savages will be released in the UK and Ireland on 1 August 2025. Find out more about the Mediterrane Film Festival on their website https://mediterrane.com/ Sign up to the Girls On Film newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/iEKaM-/ Or email girlsonfilmsocial@gmail.com to be signed up. Visit our new website www.girlsonfilm.org.uk 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: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX…L89QKZsN5Tgr3vn7z Girls On Film is an HLA production. Host: Anna Smith Executive Producer: Hedda Lornie Archbold Producer: Charlotte Matheson Audio Editor: Cam Griffiths Principal Partners: Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer © HLA Agency
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May 31, 2025 • 38min

Ep 195: Cannes Special 2025: Trailblazing women at the Festival, with Wendy Ide & Female Film Club

We’re back in the French Riviera for a very special episode, as Girls On Film returns to the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival. This year, host Anna Smith welcomed guests to the second Girls On Film Cannes Do at The Members Club. This glamorous networking event on the beach brought together filmmakers, critics, and creatives celebrating the power of women in cinema. In this episode, you’ll hear reflections from our community on what Girls On Film means to them. Later on in the episode Anna reunites with film journalist Wendy Ide who reflects on this year’s films, which she says have been of a consistently high standard. Wendy shares her standout picks from the festival, from the fiercely divisive Die, My Love, a visceral exploration of the raw edges of motherhood and mental unravelling, to Sound of Falling, a haunting meditation on how trauma echoes through time and place. She also dives into Sirât, an allegorical road movie, in which gender and disability are refreshingly incidental, not defining. Plus other titles that are already generating serious awards buzz. And finally, we’re joined by Liza van der Smissen and Nicole Lieberman, founders of the Female Film Club. This trailblazing global network uplifts women in the industry through practical workshops, seminars and a thriving, supportive community. They share the story behind their mission and how they’re helping to reshape the future of film, one powerful connection at a time. They also unveil an exciting new opportunity: a £10,000 investment in a short film, designed to give back to their talented global community. To enter from 16th June onwards, filmmakers must join their networking space. If you’re looking to join a space that champions and supports women in film, don’t miss out – click this link to join the Female Film Club: [link: https://female-film-club.mn.co/users/onboarding/choose_plan?plan_id=1818474&bundle_token=aca8b4a8f139016aca1a9fdc680a97a8&utm_source=manual] We would also like to thank our incredible sponsors for all their support: Col Needham and Karen Needham at IMDb: [link: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt18211920/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_girls%2520on%2520film] Clare Bateman-King at Lilac Grove Entertainment: [https://lilacgrove.com/] JoJo Dye at JJD Consultancy: [link: https://jjdconsultancy.com/] Jane Owen at Jane Owen PR: [https://janeowenpr.com/] The House of Oria: [https://www.thehouseoforia.com/] Sunny Pal at Astella: [https://www.instagram.com/astellajewellery/?hl=en] HLA Agency: [https://hlaagency.co.uk/] Films mentioned in this episode: Die, My Love, Lynne Ramsay Eleanor the Great, Scarlett Johansson The History of Sound, Oliver Hermanus Mastermind, Kelly Reichardt My Father’s Shadow, Akinola Davies Pillion, Harry Lighton Romería, Carla Simón Sirât, Oliver Laxe Sorry Baby, Eva Victor Sound of Falling, Mascha Schilinski The Secret Agent, Kleber Mendonça Filho Sign up to the Girls On Film newsletter below: http://eepurl.com/iEKaM-/ or email girlsonfilmsocial@gmail.com to be signed up. 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: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX…L89QKZsN5Tgr3vn7z Girls On Film is an HLA production. Host: Anna Smith Executive Producer: Hedda Lornie Archbold, who also produced this episode Audio Editor: Benjamin Cook Intern: Hattie Morris Principal Partners: Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer © HLA Agency
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May 13, 2025 • 24min

Ep 194: Women on a Mission with Angela Bassett and Pom Klementieff

Host Anna Smith brings you an exclusive conversation with the women of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, recorded live at London’s Ham Yard Hotel. This latest instalment in the high-octane Mission: Impossible franchise sees Ethan Hunt and the IMF team race against time to confront the Entity, a rogue artificial intelligence threatening global destruction. Joining Anna for this special panel are two talents at the heart of the action: Pom Klementieff, who takes on the role of Paris, and Angela Bassett, returning as Erika Sloane, the President of the United States. Together, they delve into the challenges of working on one of cinema’s most physically demanding franchises, explore the critical role costume design plays in shaping their characters, and reflect on the powerful, real-world impact of casting a Black woman as the US president in a fictional universe. Sign up to the Girls On Film newsletter below: http://eepurl.com/iEKaM-/ or email girlsonfilmsocial@gmail.com to be signed up. 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: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX…L89QKZsN5Tgr3vn7z Girls On Film is an HLA production. Host: Anna Smith Executive Producer: Hedda Lornie Archbold Producer: Charlotte Matheson Intern: Anna Swartz Audio editor: Alex Jones Sound recordist: Erin Millican House band: MX Tyrants This episode is in partnership with Netflix © HLA Agency
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May 2, 2025 • 39min

Ep 193: Thunderbolts* & The Uninvited with Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Geraldine Viswanathan, Elizabeth Reaser & Rosie Fellner

In this star-studded episode, Anna Smith and co-founder Hedda Lornie Archbold delve into two exciting new films led by complex and captivating women. First, Anna chats with Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Geraldine Viswanathan, stars of Thunderbolts*—the latest Marvel Cinematic Universe film. Together, they discuss their first meeting, stepping into a superhero world alongside Florence Pugh and bringing depth and humour to their roles. Then, Hedda speaks with producer Rosie Fellner and actor Elizabeth Reaser about The Uninvited—a darkly funny and deeply poignant film that explores gender, aging, and identity in Hollywood. Reaser portrays Rose, a once-famous actress whose life is upended by a mysterious guest at a glamorous Hollywood gathering. The film also stars Walton Goggins, Lois Smith, Eva De Dominici, Pedro Pascal, and Rufus Sewell, and is writer-director Nadia Conners’ debut feature. Thunderbolts* landed in UK cinemas 1 May 2025 The Uninvited is in UK cinemas 9 May 2025 http://eepurl.com/iEKaM-/ or email girlsonfilmsocial@gmail.com to be signed up. 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: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX…L89QKZsN5Tgr3vn7z Girls On Film is an HLA production. Host: Anna Smith Executive Producer: Hedda Lornie Archbold Producer: Charlotte Matheson Intern: Hattie Morris Audio editor: Benjamin Cook House band: MX Tyrants Principal Partners: Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer © HLA Agency
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Mar 18, 2025 • 46min

Ep 192: Jessica Lange on Marlene Dietrich, Minnesota and mime

In this special episode recorded at the Glasgow Film Festival, Jessica Lange joins Girls On Film host Anna Smith to reflect on her extraordinary career across stage and screen. She discusses her latest film, Long Day’s Journey Into Night, which premiered at the festival, and shares insights into her rural Minnesota upbringing, early years studying mime in Paris, and her upcoming role as Marlene Dietrich. Jessica also revisits some of her most iconic roles, from portraying Frances Farmer in the heartbreaking biopic Frances to starring alongside Dustin Hoffman in the genre-defying comedy Tootsie. She also explores her more recent work on American Horror Story, which not only cemented her status as an acting legend but also introduced her to a new generation of fans. Beloved by Gen X and Gen Z alike, Jessica’s performances continue to captivate audiences across film, television and stage. Acclaimed as one of the greatest actresses of her generation, Jessica is the 15th Oscar winner to appear on Girls On Film. The conversation was recorded on 1 March 2025. http://eepurl.com/iEKaM-/ or email girlsonfilmsocial@gmail.com to be signed up. 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: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX…L89QKZsN5Tgr3vn7z Girls On Film is an HLA production. Host: Anna Smith Executive Producer: Hedda Lornie Archbold Producer: Charlotte Matheson Intern: Anna Swartz Audio editor: Alex Jones House band: MX Tyrants Principal Partners: Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer © HLA Agency
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Mar 3, 2025 • 49min

Ep 191: Kōki, Allison Gardner and The Extraordinary Miss Flower at Glasgow Film Festival 2025

Joining the discussion are Allison Gardner, Festival Director, reflecting on her memorable final year at the Glasgow Film Festival, and Caroline Catz and Emiliana Torrini, who share insights about their work on the enchanting film The Extraordinary Miss Flower. They dive into the film's unique exploration of love through letters and its heartfelt soundtrack. The trio also touches on the evolving role of women in cinema, celebrating upcoming events that spotlight female filmmakers and their narratives, making it a vibrant celebration of creativity.
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Feb 4, 2025 • 32min

Ep 190: Emilia Pérez with Zoe Saldaña plus songwriters & composers Clément Ducol & Camille

Host Anna Smith brings you an exclusive conversation with Zoe Saldaña, Clément Ducol and Camille, recorded live at London’s Charlotte Street Hotel following a screening of the 13 time Oscar-nominated and 12 time BAFTA-nominated film Emilia Pérez. Directed by Jacques Audiard, this genre-blending musical thriller tells the story of a lawyer who becomes entangled in the world of a cartel boss undergoing a dramatic personal transformation. Starring Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez and Adriana Paz, the film is generating awards buzz for its bold storytelling and powerful performances. Joining Anna for this discussion is Oscar-nominee Zoe Saldaña, who plays Rita in the film. She shares her experience collaborating with versatile French filmmaker Jacques Audiard on bringing to life the story of four Latina women, citing how refreshing it was to embody a flawed woman, the character of Rita. She’s joined by Clément Ducol and Camille, the composers and songwriters behind the film’s evocative soundtrack, who share insights into the five-year-long creative process of bringing Emilia Pérez's distinctive musical identity to life. This episode was recorded live on 31 January 2025 and is brought to you in partnership with Netflix. Sign up to the Girls On Film newsletter below: http://eepurl.com/iEKaM-/ or email girlsonfilmsocial@gmail.com to be signed up. 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: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX…L89QKZsN5Tgr3vn7z Girls On Film is an HLA production. Host: Anna Smith Executive Producer: Hedda Lornie Archbold Producer: Charlotte Matheson Intern: Anna Swartz Audio editor: Alex Jones Sound recordist: Erin Millican House band: MX Tyrants This episode is in partnership with Netflix © HLA Agency
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Jan 30, 2025 • 1h 4min

Ep 189: The Girls On Film Awards Podcast 2025 sponsored by Elstree Film Studios

In this special episode recorded at the 2025 Girls On Film Awards, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of women and people of marginalised genders in the film industry. Hosted by co-founders of Girls On Film Anna Smith and Hedda Lornie Archbold, the evening features inspiring speeches, awards across 14 categories, and interviews with some standout guests. You'll hear highlights from the ceremony, including insights from Oscar-nominated directors Coralie Fargeat (The Substance) and Shiori Itō (Black Box Diaries) as well as Oscar-nominated Actress Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez). Also in this episode, attendees reflect on the importance of women-led cinema and diverse voices in the industry. We also spotlight the sponsors and partners who made the event possible: our Gold Sponsors, CrewHQ and IMDb; our Silver Sponsor, Curzon; and our Bronze Sponsors, Netflix and Intimacy on Set. We are grateful for the support of our media partners Deadline, British Cinematographer magazine, and DDA, and to Lilac Grove Entertainment for sponsoring the reception. The awards celebrate the ongoing progress toward more inclusive storytelling, and this episode brings you right into the heart of the celebration. This episode is sponsored by Elstree Film Studios, who are celebrating their centenary in 2025. Full list of winners BEST FEATURE FILM The Substance BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE Black Box Diaries BEST PERFORMANCE IN A LEADING ROLE Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths) BEST PERFORMANCE IN A SUPPORTING ROLE Danielle Deadwyler (The Piano Lesson) FEMALE FRIENDSHIP ON SCREEN All We Imagine as Light ENSEMBLE CAST Emilia Pérez THE GIRLS ON FILM ALLY AWARD SPONSORED BY IMDb Mike Leigh (Hard Truths) BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY SPONSORED BY CREWHQ Hélène Louvart AFC (La Chimera) BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN Judy Becker (The Brutalist) BEST COSTUME DESIGN Linda Muir (Nosferatu) BEST COMPOSER Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear (Moana 2) BEST PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN Universal (Wicked) ACTIVIST IMPACT AWARD Shiori Ito (Black Box Diaries) FEMALE ORGASM ON SCREEN SPONSORED BY INTIMACY ON SET Nicole Kidman (with Nicole Kidman, and later Harris Dickinson) (Babygirl) Full list of commendations ENSEMBLE CAST Chuck Chuck Baby BEST COMPOSER Isobel Waller-Bridge (Wicked Little Letters) BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN Gemma Jackson (Lee) BEST COSTUME DESIGN Rebecca Gore (Timestalker) Find out more here https://hlaagency.co.uk/category/projects/girls-on-film-awards/ Sign up to the Girls On Film newsletter below: http://eepurl.com/iEKaM-/ or email girlsonfilmsocial@gmail.com to be signed up. 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: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX…L89QKZsN5Tgr3vn7z Girls On Film is an HLA production. Host: Anna Smith Executive Producer: Hedda Lornie Archbold Producer: Charlotte Matheson Interns: Anna Swartz and Oli Fyne Sound recordist: Erin Macmillan Audio editor: Benjamin Cook House band: MX Tyrants © HLA Agency

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