Girls On Film

From intimacy scenes to industry tips, our fun feminist film chat went down a treat at Latitude Festival’s The Listening Post in July 2021. We were ecstatic to be back on stage for the first time since March 2020! First, Kerry chats to Anna about her directorial debut Topping Out and the short film’s unique depiction of male vulnerability. She further discusses the challenges of filming on scaffolding, explains the importance of the focus puller, and recalls working with director Jane Campion. They have an interesting discussion about the negatively gendered use of the word “difficult”. From Intimacy (2001) to Rare Beasts (2021), keep listening to hear more about Kerry’s acting experiences. Next, our Assistant Producer and occasional Audio Producer Elliana joins Kerry and Anna on stage. She discusses being a young woman trying to break into the film and tv industries, and offers an insight into the inner workings of the Girls On Film podcast over the past year. Stay tuned for tips from both Elliana and Kerry on entering the industry. Other movie mentions: Promising Young Woman, An Angel at My Table, The Piano, Hustlers. Stay up to date with where you can watch Topping Out by following Kerry @KerryFoxActs on Twitter. Elliana recommends visiting the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum, find out more here: https://www.bdcmuseum.org.uk/. And a massive thank you not only to our current team, but to everyone who has contributed to the Girls On Film podcast, including other integral members Jane Long, Tom Whalley, Dan Pugsley, Benjamin Cook, Emma Butt, Kate Archbold, Eddie Charles and Peter Brewer. If you'd like to watch Girls On Film on stage then join us at the London Podcast Festival on 9 September 2021: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/girls-on-film-2/ 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. Executive producer: Hedda Archbold. Audio Producer: Tom Whalley. Principal Partner: Peter Brewer. Assistant Producer and Social Media Manager: Heather Dempsey. Assistant Producer: Elliana Jay.

Horror experts and Censor filmmakers talk gender, guts and gore - and the things we might not want to remember… First up, critics Clarisse Loughrey and Leila Latif get to the guts of the exciting new British horror film Censor, celebrating its role in the female horror renaissance. They debate the movie’s meta-messages and share their own experiences of the video nasties era - or, in Clarisse’s case, the stateside ‘Satanic Panic’. Next, Censor director Prano Bailey-Bond and star Niamh Algar join Anna to discuss the retro chiller, set amidst the moral panic of the 1980s video nasties craze. Niamh reveals her experience of playing the movie’s highly-strung film censor Enid, whose repressed trauma rises to the surface thanks to one of the gory slashers she’s handed for the snip. From cult horror to the culture wars, Prano shares her inspirations and fascinating research for the film - plus what it was like to shoot its more stomach-churning scenes! From the feminist highlights of Censor to overdue reappraisals of genre-classics, there’s plenty to chew on for fans of a psychological scare. Censor is in UK cinemas August 20th 2021. Other movie and TV mentions: Saint Maud, Midsommar, Cannibal Holocaust, Driller Killer, The Last House On The Left, The Witch That Came From The Sea, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre This episode is in partnership with Vertigo Releasing. 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. Executive producer: Hedda Archbold. Audio Producer Emma Butt. Principal Partner: Peter Brewer. Assistant Producer: Elliana Jay. Assistant Producer and Social Media Manager: Heather Dempsey.

Dan Stevens plays a lovebot in the new female-directed film I'm Your Man... and there's a LOT to discuss! First up, critic and author Terri White joins Anna to talk about the unconventional German rom-com. It stars Maren Eggert as a woman who trials a robot (played by Stevens) designed specifically to please her. Terri and Anna debate the genre of this hybrid movie and discuss its central gender flip. They further unpick the complex character of Alma and celebrate Maren’s memorable performance of her. Next, Anna speaks to the terrific Maren Eggert herself. From working with writer-director Maria Schrader to starring opposite Brit actor Dan Stevens, she shares her experience of making the movie. Which tricky stunt failed to make the cut? What’s it like to perform sex with a robot? And is I’m Your Man a feminist film? Keep listening to find out! Want to find out more about great German films you can watch here in the UK? @kinogermanynowuk is a newly launched channel on instagram and facebook, follow now for all the latest news and exclusive content on German film releasing and streaming in the UK and Ireland. Other movie and TV mentions: Black Mirror, Blade Runner, Her, Weird Science, Little Joe, Toni Erdmann, And Tomorrow The Entire World, Downton Abbey, Night at the Museum. This episode is in partnership with German Films. 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. Executive producer: Hedda Archbold. Audio Producer and Assistant Producer: Elliana Jay. Principal Partner: Peter Brewer. Assistant Producer and Social Media Manager: Heather Dempsey.

In this bonus episode, we’re bringing you a podcast edition of our ‘Film Industry Post-Pandemic’ panel, created in partnership with the BFI for their Woman With A Movie Camera summit, powered by Jaguar. We assembled a panel of expert women from five corners of the film industry to talk about the future of their fields following the impact of Covid-19. Anna is first joined by Allison Gardner, CEO of Glasgow Film, Claire Vaughan, lead programmer at Cardiff’s multi-artform venue Chapter, and filmmaker, writer and disability advocate Kyla Harris. They share what the pandemic has revealed about the workings of their respective facets of the industry, what changes they made to survive, and how we can hold on to some of those creative innovations to help us thrive in future. Allison shares how she made a success of Glasgow Film Festival despite ongoing lockdowns, and Claire tells Anna how she got creative with programming when cinemas closed their doors. Kyla talks about the impact of the pandemic for people with disabilities -- plus her new project documenting her endeavour to teach a friend her care regime in just one week. The panel also discuss the crucial role of caring and carers in society, and how the film industry can acknowledge and facilitate this better. In a second conversation, filmmaker and Luxor director Zeina Durra joins Anna alongside Eve Gabereau, CEO of Luxor’s female-led distributor Modern Films. They discuss the challenges of releasing an independent movie during lockdown, and how filmmakers and distributors have worked together to achieve successes like Luxor’s in this challenging time. All this and many more strong words from inspiring women. Other TV and movie mentions: Luxor, It's Personal, The Imperialists Are Still Alive! 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. Executive producer: Hedda Archbold. Audio Producer and Assistant Producer: Elliana Jay. Principal Partner: Peter Brewer. Assistant Producer and Social Media Manager: Heather Dempsey. Special Thanks: The BFI Woman With A Movie Camera summit powered by Jaguar.

Anna is first joined by Mia Bays and Be Manzini for a celebration of Sundance Film Festival: London. Mia gives a rundown of the female-directed films playing at the festival, from documentary The Most Beautiful Boy In The World to musical drama CODA. Be talks about responding to films through poetry and delivers a reading of her Sundance-inspired poem. Next up, Anna talks to director and producer Rintu Thomas about Writing with Fire. This feminist documentary follows the movements of India’s only newspaper run by Dalit women. Rintu recalls the thrills and fears of shadowing these daring female journalists. She applauds their passionate and refreshing voices, and reveals how they have empowered her. What do Indian female journalists bring to light, that their male counterparts may not? Finally, director Phyllida Lloyd returns with an update on her emotional drama Herself, a film whose story of domestic violence and housing has evolved in meaning during lockdown. She explains what attracts her to telling women’s stories and remembers that directing Mamma Mia was “a feminist mission”! Other movie mentions: Daughters of the Dust, First Date, In the Same Breath, Zola, Death in Venice, Censor, Pleasure. Sundance Film Festival: London 2021 takes place at Picturehouse Central from 29th July to 1st August. Book here: https://www.picturehouses.com/sundance. 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. Executive producer: Hedda Archbold. Audio Producer: Benjamin Cook. Principal Partner: Peter Brewer. Assistant Producer and Social Media Manager: Heather Dempsey. Assistant Producer: Elliana Jay. Special Thanks: Felicity Beckett and Edward Lomas.

From Clio Barnard’s hopeful love story Ali & Ava to Eva Husson’s star-studded WWI drama Mothering Sunday, Anna and Wendy look ahead to the most promising female-directed films premiering at Cannes 2021. Their curiosity shifts to Paul Verhoeven’s upcoming lesbian nun movie Benedetta. And finally, it wouldn’t be Cannes without the Palm Dog Award! Next Anna is joined by the director of Black Widow, Cate Shortland. The second female-focused Marvel movie sees Scarlett Johansson reprise her role as the titular superhero who is reunited with her Russian family and espionage past. Anna and Cate discuss sisterhood, Florence Pugh’s pivotal role in the film, and rebuking sexist jokes. Other movie mentions: Tangerine, The Florida Project, The Da Vinci Code, The Hill Where Lionesses Roar, Cow, Red Rocket, The Souvenir Part II, Titane, The Innocents. This episode is in partnership with Rémy Martin. 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. Audio Producer: Emma Butt. Principal Partner: Peter Brewer. Assistant Producer and Social Media Manager: Heather Dempsey. Assistant Producer: Elliana Jay.

Reeling from a screening of First Cow at Picturehouse Central, Mia and Anna join Orla Smith on Zoom for a chat about all things Kelly Reichardt. Her latest film follows the story of a Jewish chef and a Chinese businessman who set out to make their fortune in 1820s Oregon. The critics discuss the film’s tender representation of masculinity, its exploration of American mythologies, and its unique attention to menial tasks. Orla, the executive editor of Seventh Row, gives a background to Kelly’s work, and Mia, the director of Birds Eye View, advises on where to start with her challenging movies. Anna is then joined by academic Chrystel Oloukoï, who further delves into the slowness and whiteness of Kelly’s work. Discussing the video essay she made on Kelly Reichardt’s films, she holds a lens to their indigenous characters and interesting portrayal of settler colonialism. Kelly Reichardt films mentioned: First Cow (2019), Night Moves (2013), Certain Woman (2016), Meek’s Cutoff (2010), Wendy and Lucy (2008), Old Joy (2006), River of Grass (1994). Other movie mentions: Gunda, Jumbo, Lady Boss, Tove, John Ware Reclaimed. Chrystel Oloukoï's visual essay, "The Cinema of Kelly Reichardt" = https://youtu.be/XwuAwQ-WKB0 Orla Smith's book, "Roads to Nowhere: Kelly Reichardt's broken American dreams" = https://seventh-row.com/ebooks/kelly-reichardt-first-cow/ This episode is in partnership with Birds Eye View. 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. Executive producer: Hedda Archbold. Audio Producer: Emma Butt. Principal Partner: Peter Brewer. Assistant Producer and Social Media Manager: Heather Dempsey. Assistant Producer: Elliana Jay.

What makes a father a feminist? We explore a range of movie dads in this episode to celebrate Father’s Day in the UK. Stay tuned for some great movie recommendations, including docs, dramas, and everything in between! First up, Anna Smith is joined by Ashanti Omkar from BBC Asian Network and the Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival. From Bollywood fathers to debatable blockbuster dads, Anna and Ashanti consider the types of dads we see on screen. Can the supportive dad unhelpfully play into the nagging wife trope? And can we really call Liam Neeson’s character in Taken a feminist?! Next up, Anna welcomes actor and father Sanjeev Bhaskar to the show. He reveals the strong female influences in his life and reflects on the powerful women he’s worked with on set. He shares his thoughts on our changing access to female role models over the past few decades and is grateful for his exposure to diverse perspectives. Keep listening to find out what Sanjeev finds bizarre about his father roles in both Anita & Me and Yesterday… Ashanti Movie & TV Mentions: A Quiet Place Part II, In the Heights, Eighth Grade, Juno, I Am Greta, He Named Me Malala, Bend it like Beckham, Ride Like a Girl, Sweetheart, Baby Done, Hair Love (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNw8V_Fkw28), Incredibles 2, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl, Thappad, Pride & Prejudice, Station 19, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, Never Have I Ever, Taken, Armageddon, Kindergarten Cop, Daddy Day Care. Sanjeev Movie & TV Mentions: Goodness Gracious Me, The Kumars at No. 42, Unforgotten, To Kill a Mockingbird (1962), The Apartment (1960), Harry Potter, Marriage Story, M*A*S*H, Anita & Me, Yesterday, Paddington 2, His Girl Friday, Erin Brockovich, Norma Rae (1979), Hidden Figures, Bombshell, Fargo, Wonder Woman, Bhaji on the Beach, Alien, Promising Young Woman, Judi Dench as ‘M’ in the Bond franchise. This episode is in partnership with Rémy Martin. 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. Executive Producer: Hedda Archbold. Audio Producer & Assistant Producer: Elliana Jay. Principal Partner: Peter Brewer. Assistant Producer and Social Media Manager: Heather Dempsey.

Fancy watching a fantastic documentary? This episode is full of recommendations, as we celebrate the world-renowned British documentary festival, Sheffield DocFest. First up, Anna talks with Festival Director Cíntia Gil about how this year’s Sheffield DocFest has come together. Cíntia selects a few of her favourite female-focused docs, that include everything from polyamorous weddings to weight lifting! Anna and Cíntia reflect on the surge of feminist reformative histories and new wave of female-directed docs. Is there a gendered gaze?  Next up, critic Simran Hans tells Anna why Sheffield DocFest is a special place for her. Together, they review the tumultuous personal portrait Charm Circle and the coming-of-age trans story If God Were a Woman. Simran recommends the clever and impactful short film, They Won’t Call It Murder.  Anna’s final guest is the director, producer and cinematographer of This Stained Dawn, Anam Abbas. This thoughtful doc explores the feminist movement in Pakistan. Anam details the important impact of marching and hopes her film will connect feminists across borders. She talks sisterhood, shocking moments, and what it means to be a part of Sheffield DocFest. Docs mentioned: Charm Circle, This Stained Dawn, My Name is Pauli Murray, Lift Like a Girl, If God Were a Woman, They Won’t Call It Murder. They Won’t Call It Murder clip – Courtesy of Field of Vision   This episode is in partnership with Sheffield DocFest. Book tickets at sheffdocfest.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. Executive producer: Hedda Archbold. Audio Producer: Emma Butt. Principal Partner: Peter Brewer. Assistant Producer and Social Media Manager: Heather Dempsey. Assistant Producer: Elliana Jay.

Feminism, faith and ferries to France… actor Joanna Scanlan tells Anna all about her new leading role in the film After Love. Written and directed by Aleem Khan, this tense, personal drama follows Mary (Joanna) as she uncovers her late husband’s secret. When questioned on the feminist angle of the film, Joanna makes an interesting point about our double standards on male and female bodies when it comes to a particular scene. Anna and Joanna also discuss the complex clash between the central female characters, what it was like preparing for the role, and their favourite scenes. Listen to the end to find out how Joanna’s been shaking off sexual shame in lockdown! Other Movie and TV mentions: The Thick of It, Notes on a Scandal, Pin Cushion, Girl with a Pearl Earring, Bridget Jones' Baby. #AfterLove @BFI @britishfilminstitute Sex Lives: http://www.instagram.com/sex_lives/ 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. Executive producer: Hedda Archbold. Audio Producer and Assistant Producer: Elliana Jay. Principal Partner: Peter Brewer. Assistant Producer and Social Media Manager: Heather Dempsey.