Girls On Film

Philippa Lowthorpe, the writer-director behind H is For Hawk, and the film’s star, Claire Foy, join Anna Smith to discuss the moving adaptation of Helen Macdonald’s hit memoir, co-starring Brendan Gleeson, Denise Gough, Lindsay Duncan and Sam Spruell. Philippa speaks frankly to Anna about the film’s poetic embodiment of the experience of grief, which produces a story that is both powerful and inspiring. Claire and Philippa discuss the process of collaboration, and consider how the on-set dynamics allowed for an element of freedom in Claire’s performance. Claire’s embodiment of Helen is represented beautifully by Philippa, whose documentary background informed her process of capturing the moment. No film made with live, wild animals is without its challenges, and Claire and Philippa speak to Anna about the incredible experience of working with hawks on set, Claire’s own personal reflections of working with them, and the intense, ethical falconry techniques and training involved. Finally, Philippa and Claire discuss bringing the role of Helen to life in all her messy complexity with the support of the film’s producer Dede Gardner. This episode is in partnership with Lionsgate. H is For Hawk is in select UK cinemas on 23 January. Philippa Lowthorpe has also appeared on episodes 28 and 145 of Girls On Film, when she attended the Girls On Film Awards. 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 Intern: Ruby Bradshaw Audio Editor: Benjamin Cook Principal Partners: Peter Brewer and Vanessa Smith © HLA Agency

Kate Hudson joins Anna for an exclusive, in-depth conversation about her leading role in the film Song Sung Blue, an inspiring true story about a Neil Diamond tribute act, directed by Craig Brewer and co-starring Hugh Jackman. She shares the joys and challenges of taking on the role of Clare, a complex real-life character who has a dramatic journey. Kate talks frankly about the film’s exploration of mental health, about the responsibilities of playing a real character, and about the importance of maintaining a happy film set: something she and Hugh Jackman both feel strongly about. She shares how the love story personally inspired her and gives the inside track on the song recordings. Having been Oscar-nominated for Almost Famous in 2000, Kate talks about being in the awards conversation in 2026 alongside actresses she adores. She also shares how she feels about body image and women ageing in Hollywood. This episode is in partnership with Song Sung Blue. Song Sung Blue is in UK Cinemas now. You can also hear Kate Hudson on episode 134 of Girls On Film, talking about Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. Become a patron of Girls On Film on Patreon here: www.patreon.com/girlsonfilmpodcast Sign up to our mailing list here: www.girlsonfilm.org.uk Follow us on socials: www.instagram.com/girlsonfilm_podcast/ www.facebook.com/girlsonfilmpodcast

Anna Smith goes behind the scenes on one of the biggest films of the year, and one of the biggest contenders in film awards season: WICKED: FOR GOOD. This sequel to WICKED came to our cinema screens in late November and Anna is thrilled to sit down with four women who helped create both films, which are a key influence in shaping the lives of young viewers today. Anna talks first with Screenwriter Dana Fox and Casting Director Tiffany Little Canfield, and then with DOP Alice Brooks ASC, and Hair & Make-Up Designer Frances Hannon. They speak about collaboration, female empowerment, the intricacies of their jobs and about working with the whole crew, including director Jon M Chu and co-writer Winnie Holzman. Tiffany, Alice and Frances were all shortlisted for the Oscars the day before this podcast was published. This episode is in partnership with WICKED: FOR GOOD Subscribe to the Girls On Film newsletter via the 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 Assistant Producer: Negin Nia Intern: Tallulah Treadaway Audio Editor Extraordinaire: Benjamin Cook Thanks to Girls On Film principal partners Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer © HLA Agency

In this episode of Girls On Film, we speak with Laura Mulvey, British feminist film theorist, filmmaker, and Patron of Girls On Film, who was awarded the prestigious BFI Fellowship in November. Laura has curated a selection of Big Screen Classics running throughout December 2025 at London’s BFI Southbank, featuring titles such as Morocco, Man with a Movie Camera, and Through the Olive Trees. A wonderful opportunity to revisit, or discover, these influential films. And in the episode we introduce a new category in the 2026 Girls On Film Awards: The Girls On Film Award for Best Editing sponsored by DISAUTHORITY. Anna chats with Maria Shevtsova, Vice President of DISAUTHORITY and Head of DISAUTHORITY Originals, about the award category, and the exciting partnership. The 2026 awards will take place on February 2nd, and we’re delighted to celebrate this new addition. Thank you to Lilac Grove Entertainment for partnering with us on this episode. 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: Negin Nia Intern: Ruby Bradshaw Audio Editor: Benjamin Cook Principal Partners: Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer © HLA Agency

In this live episode of Girls On Film, host Anna Smith sits down with the extraordinary women behind THE THING WITH FEATHERS, a moving new feature film adapted from Max Porter’s award-winning novel. Recorded at an exclusive Girls On Film screening of the film on 18 November at Vue West End in London, Anna speaks with: Lucy Sullivan: artist, author, and comic book creator Nicola Hicks: acclaimed sculptor and designer of Crow Leah Clarke: one of producers with THE THING WITH FEATHERS Tahra Zafar: who worked on creature and costume effects Together, they delve into the unique challenges women face in their respective fields, reflect on the artistic processes that shape their work, and celebrate the power of creative communities in sustaining and inspiring their careers. Directed by Dylan Southern and starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Vinette Robinson, and David Thewlis, THE THING WITH FEATHERS is a lyrical exploration of love, loss, and the mysterious ways we heal. A huge thank you to Vue Lumiere for partnering on this event, and to everyone who joined us for this live conversation. THE THING WITH FEATHERS is released in select UK cinemas on 21 November 2025. 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: Negin Nia Intern: Ruby Bradshaw Audio Editor: Jack Howard Principal Partners: Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer Podcast Cover: @charleston51 © HLA Agency

In this episode of Girls On Film, Anna Smith takes you out of the studio and straight to the sunny shores of Mallorca! Recorded live at the Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival, Anna hosts a Girls On Film panel on Women in Leadership, featuring a talented group of women shaping the industry with creativity and vision. Joining Anna on stage are filmmaker Alex Burunova, whose psychological drama SATISFACTION explores the delicate bond between composers Lola and Philip; BAFTA-nominated producer Sarah Brocklehurst, founder of Brock Media and known for THE OUTRUN; and Abi Harris, founder of Altitude Management, who helps artists take their creative projects to new heights. Anna also catches up with acclaimed actor Maria Dragus, known for THE WHITE RIBBON and MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS, who was in the audience at the Girls On Film panel. A huge thank you to Sandra, Maria, Vicka, and the wonderful team at Evolution Mallorca! We are already counting down to see what they have in store for next year. Do keep an eye out for dates. Learn more about Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival here: https://www.evolutionfilmfestival.com/ 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 Agency production. Host: Anna Smith Executive Producer: Hedda Lornie Archbold Producer: Negin Nia Intern: Chloe Fonge Audio Editor: Benjamin Cook Principal Partners: Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer © HLA Agency

In this episode of Girls On Film, host Anna Smith speaks with two phenomenal women whose new films explore resilience, justice, and the power of female storytelling. First, Anna catches up with acclaimed actor Samantha Morton, known for her unforgettable performances in In America, Movern Callar, and She Said. Samantha discusses her role as Nessa in ANEMONE, a haunting drama following two estranged brothers reuniting in the wilds of Northern England, written and directed by Ronan Day-Lewis. She also reflects with Anna on her career choices and shares her thoughts on gender in film. ANEMONE is released in UK cinemas on 7 November 2025. Then Anna talks with Dolores Fonzi, the celebrated Argentinian actor, director, and co-writer of BELÉN, Argentina’s official submission for the 2025 International Feature Oscar. BELÉN tells the moving story of women uniting to fight injustice, inspired by true events surrounding a young woman falsely accused of infanticide. Dolores discusses the film’s real-life origins, her transition to directing, and how the movement for reproductive rights continues to shape the political landscape in Argentina today. BELÉN is released in select UK cinemas from 7 November 2025, and available on Prime Video from 14 November. This episode is in part-partnership with Amazon MGM Studios. 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: Negin Nia Interns: Chloe Fonge and Ruby Bradshaw Audio Editor: Benjamin Cook Principal Partners: Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer © HLA Agency

In this special live episode of Girls On Film, host Anna Smith sits down with the creative team behind HEDDA, the daring new film from acclaimed director Nia DaCosta, also known for CANDYMAN and THE MARVELS. Recorded live on 13 October 2025 at Picturehouse Central, this Q&A follows a screening of HEDDA - a bold and contemporary reimagining of Henrik Ibsen’s classic play Hedda Gabler. The film follows the daughter of a general as she navigates a home she never wanted, a marriage that confines her, and the haunting return of a former lover. Joining Anna on stage are director Nia DaCosta and cast members Tessa Thompson, Nina Hoss, and Imogen Poots, who discuss the film’s exploration of race and gender, as well as the creative process of reinventing one of literature’s most complex and fascinating women for modern audiences. HEDDA is in UK cinemas as of 24 October 2025, and on Prime Video globally on 29 October 2025 Thank you to Amazon MGM Studios for partnering with us on this episode. 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: Negin Nia Intern: Ruby Bradshaw Podcast Cover Image: Amy Webster Audio Editor: Elliana Jay Hamer © HLA Agency

In this episode of Girls On Film, we bring you a live-recorded Q&A from our Girls On Film BFI LFF For Free panel, recorded on Thursday, 16 October at 2:00 PM at BFI Southbank. Host Anna Smith speaks with: - Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard, directors and co-screenwriters on BROKEN ENGLISH, an inventive and soulful documentary portrait of cultural icon Marianne Faithfull. - Shih-Ching Tsou, director and co-screenwriter, on LEFT-HANDED GIRL, a powerful story following a family of women returning to Taipei to begin a new chapter in their lives. Later in this episode, Anna chats with Sandra Lipski, founder and director of the Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival, joining us online from sunny Mallorca! Set against the stunning backdrop of Palma de Mallorca, the festival has become renowned for its creative energy, vibrant international community, and commitment to connecting cultures through film. Sandra shares insights into what’s in store for this year’s festival and how it has evolved since its early days. The Girls On Film Women in Leadership panel in Mallorca is on Sunday 26 October at the Es Baluard Museum in Palma de Mallorca. The panel this year will include: - Sarah Brocklehurst: BAFTA-nominated producer. - Abi Harris: founder of Altitude Management. - Alex Buruonova: writer and director, whose film SATISFACTION is playing at the festival. Learn more about the festival and our panel here: https://www.evolutionfilmfestival.com 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: Negin Nia Intern: Ruby Bradshaw Audio Editor: Benjamin Cook Podcast Cover Image: Ruby Bradshaw Principal Partners: Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer © HLA Agency

This episode of Girls On Film is dedicated to BAFTA and Oscar contender, THE SECOND TIME AROUND. The film tells a complex, sensitive, universal story, and you can watch it on Channel 4 now. Anna talks to the two stars of the film: Caroline Goodall, best known for films like The Princess Diaries with Anne Hathaway, and her two collaborations with Steven Spielberg, in Hook alongside Robin WIlliams - and in Schindler’s List. And Hannah Onslow, who featured alongside Olivia Colman in Empire of Light directed by Sam Mendes, and starred in the BBC’s This City Is Ours alongside Sean Bean. Hannah can currently be seen in Noah Baumbach’s new film Jay Kelly. Anna also talks to the writer and director, Jack Howard, and to executive producer Hedda Lornie Archbold, who also exec produces this podcast. And finally Anna talks to Rita Hirani, the CEO of MindOut, the mental health charity for the LGBTQ community, who proudly partner with The Second Time Around. Olivia Colman said: “It’s a haunting and captivating short that lingers long after it ends. It unsettles you at first, then reveals an unexpected tenderness. An extraordinary depth of story told in just ten minutes." Sign up to the Girls On Film newsletter below: http://eepurl.com/iEKaM-/ or email girlsonfilmsocial@gmail.com to be signed up. Become a patreon 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 Intern: Ruby Bradshaw Principal Partners Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer Thanks to our sponsors for this episode, Lilac Grove Entertainment. © HLA Agency