

Girls On Film
Anna Smith
Girls On Film is a film review podcast from a female perspective, hosted by film critic and broadcaster Anna Smith and produced by co-founder Hedda Archbold at HLA Agency
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 8, 2021 • 40min
Ep 69: International Women’s Day Industry Special with Modern Films, Raising Films & more
Hear from a host of women who have been working behind the scenes this past year to bring you amazing female-led films… and behold the launch of our 365 days of feminist film recommendations!
First up, co-founder of Raising Films, Hope Dickson Leach, updates us on a recent study undertaken by the initiative. She reveals the negative impact that working from home has had on parent and carer filmmakers during lockdown, and suggests what can be done to improve working conditions in the future.
Anna is then joined by three women from the thriving feminist production and distribution company Modern Films: Founder and Managing Director Eve Gabereau, Marketing and Distribution Manager Jacqueline Wang, and Digital Design and Social Media Manager Eva Zvendeniuk. They reflect on the ways Modern Films adapted to lockdown, thinking back to our first partnered Isolation Pod on The Perfect Candidate. They also share their favourite releases from the past year and kick off our feminist film recommendations endeavour with some fantastic suggestions!
Stay tuned for cameos from some industry friends, including Rebecca del Tufo from Saffron Screen, Sonia Zadurian from the Barbican Centre, and Claire Vaughan from Cardiff’s Chapter Cinema. Finally, join us for a throwback to some past Girls On Film guests!
Movie Mentions: Beyond the Visible: Hilma af Klint, Mr Jones, The Perfect Candidate, Misbehaviour, Wildfire, Poly Styrene: I Am A Cliché, Lady Bird, Nomadland, Petite Maman, The Portrait of a Lady On Fire, My Life as a Courgette.
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: Dan Pugsley. Principal Partner: Peter Brewer. Assistant Producer and Social Media Manager: Heather Dempsey. Assistant Producer: Elliana Jay.

Mar 4, 2021 • 47min
Ep 68: Punk doc Poly Styrene + lesbian romance Sweetheart from the Glasgow Film Festival
Our feminist picks of this year’s Glasgow Film Festival. Anna delves into personal punk rock doc Poly Styrene: I Am A Cliché and witty coming-of-age Sweetheart with cast and crew.
First, Celeste Bell reveals what it was like to make a film about her mother, the punk icon and X-Ray Spex frontwoman, Poly Styrene. Weaving archive footage with Celeste’s narration, the documentary unpicks Styrene’s eccentric and multi-layered life, and explores the effect fame had on life at home. Celeste shares the challenges of piecing together such a personal film and how the process changed her relationship with her late mother.
Next, writer-director Marley Morrison and actor Ella-Rae Smith join Anna to discuss crushes and caravan parks in Sweetheart. Marley pinpoints where the film draws on personal experiences and explains the importance of creating an uplifting lesbian love story. From Friday night discos to the magic of no phone signal, Ella reminisces about the fun they had behind the scenes. Marley and Ella also discuss the build-up to the intimate scene, having lots of women on the crew and working with Jo Hartley.
Keep listening for even more GFF21 watching recommendations.
Other mentions: This Is England; Dead Man’s Shoes; Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging; Lady Bird; Séance; The Lost Girls.
This episode is in partnership with Glasgow Film Festival and was part of the 2021 Industry Programme.
You can watch Poly Styrene: I Am A Cliché from 5 March here: www.modernfilms.com/polystyrene/watch
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.

Feb 28, 2021 • 32min
Ep 67: Judas and the Black Messiah with star Dominique Fishback and activist Mother Akua
We are honoured to bring you an extra special episode with legendary activist Mother Akua (formerly known as Deborah Johnson), and the actress who plays her in Judas and the Black Messiah, Dominique Fishback.
Directed by Shaka King, this film recounts the true events that unfolded when an FBI informant infiltrated the Illinois Black Panther Party to keep tabs on their leader, Chairman Fred Hampton, played by Daniel Kaluuya. Central to this story is the love between Fred and fellow revolutionary Deborah Johnson.
Mother Akua and Dominique Fishback come together in this emotional, inspiring and fascinating discussion to reveal what it was like to work on this film. Mother Akua shares her initial reaction to the movie being made and talks about seeing herself in Dominique’s brilliant performance. Equally, Dominique comments on the responsibility that comes with playing a real person and considers how this role has changed her. From charitable programmes to poetry, they unpick Mother Akua’s experiences in the Illinois Black Panther Party and how these were woven into the film. Dominique also recalls giggling through a kiss scene with Daniel!
This episode is in partnership with Warner Bros. 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. Executive producer: Hedda Archbold. Audio Producer: Dan Pugsley. Principal Partner: Peter Brewer. Assistant Producer and Social Media Manager: Heather Dempsey. Assistant Producer: Elliana Jay.

Feb 26, 2021 • 45min
Ep 66: Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom with star Taylour Paige & casting director Avy Kaufman
We travel back to 1920s Chicago in this episode that celebrates the Netflix Original film, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. Starring Viola Davis as Ma, this musical drama tunes into one particular recording session of the famed blues singer. Anna chats to star Taylour Paige, casting director Avy Kaufman and critic Akua Gyamfi.
Anna first chats to critic Akua about Viola’s exceptional portrayal of the musical icon. They explore the character’s image, sexuality, fame and unapologetic truth. Finding Ma Rainey relevant to the present day, Akua imagines her as a 21st century influencer, and reflects on Black women in the music industries. Whether busting conventions or being busted for lesbian orgies, Ma sparks endless intrigue and admiration.
Anna is then joined by Taylour Paige who stars as Ma’s girlfriend Dussie May. Taylour unpicks her character’s role in the film and praises George C. Wolfe’s direction for allowing her to be playful. She also reveals what it was like to work with Viola both onscreen and offscreen… apparently she is quite the comedian!
Finally, Anna welcomes Avy Kaufman to the podcast - our first casting director guest! Avy gives us an insight into the world of casting. She explains how she cast actors around Viola and why it was important to get the dynamic right between her and Taylour. More generally, Avy comments on bringing diversity to the screen, how the casting process has changed during the pandemic, and what makes a good casting director.
This episode is in partnership with Netflix.
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
www.twitter.com/netflixuk
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.

Feb 23, 2021 • 46min
Ep 65: Vanessa Kirby talks Pieces of a Woman + critic Jessica Kiang
In this episode, we take a deep dive into the Netflix Original film Pieces of a Woman. This drama stars Vanessa Kirby as Martha, a woman who tragically loses her child after a home birth.
Vanessa talks to Anna about how she prepared for the role. She details the research she undertook to learn about pregnancy, giving birth, and the processes of grief. She also describes having a pyjama party with Ellen Burstyn! Looking back at Vanessa’s career, they discuss what she looks for in a character, citing Margaret from The Crown as a particularly interesting part. On approaching blockbuster roles, Vanessa talks Mission Impossible and dreading sports day at school!
Critic Jessica Kiang joins Anna to delve into Pieces of a Woman further. They celebrate Vanessa’s extraordinary performance and the breath-taking opening sequence. The critics discuss how the intimacy between writer Kata Wéber and her partner, director Kornél Mundruczó, comes across on screen. Jessica particularly enjoys how Kata and Vanessa have worked together to make Martha a relatable woman.
Jessica’s recommendations: Proxima and Dick Johnson Is Dead (both on Netflix UK now).
Other movie mentions: Three Sisters, The World To Come, White God, Jupiter’s Moon.
CW: this episode discusses the loss of a baby. If you are affected by the content of this podcast, you can find support at Sands, a stillbirth and neonatal death charity.
www.sands.org.uk
This episode is in partnership with Netflix.
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
www.twitter.com/netflixuk
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: Tom Whalley. Principal Partner: Peter Brewer. Assistant Producer and Social Media Manager: Heather Dempsey. Assistant Producer: Elliana Jay.

Feb 19, 2021 • 44min
Ep 64: Rosamund Pike and Stacy Martin - Complex Female Characters Double Bill
Anna Smith has two open, feminist discussions with two great actresses.
First up, Rosamund Pike talks about her latest movie, the fast-paced thriller I Care A Lot. She has received a Golden Globe nomination for her performance as Marla Grayson, a ruthless businesswoman who exploits the care home system. Rosamund sings the praises of Dianne Wiest and reveals her pride in the film’s LGBTQ+ representation. On sex scenes, she reveals a ‘graphic’ scene that didn’t make the cut, and discusses the introduction of intimacy coordinators on set.
Next, Anna chats with Stacy Martin about her recent roles in sci-fi film Archive and serial killer series The Serpent. Stacy considers the challenges she has faced in her career, including the backlash she received for her first film Nymphomaniac. She also delves into how she chooses her roles and why she tries to swerve the love stories. In this chock-full feminist chat, Stacy discusses the pay gap, sitting on the 16 Days 16 Films jury, and why she loves podcasts!
Stacy recommends The Ripper on Netflix, and Rosamund expresses her love for Chloé Zhao’s Nomadland.
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: Tom Whalley. Principal Partner: Peter Brewer. Assistant Producer and Social Media Manager: Heather Dempsey. Assistant Producer: Elliana Jay.

Feb 9, 2021 • 36min
Ep 63: Is Wonder Woman 1984 a Feminist Movie? Helen O’Hara, Holly Tarquini & Anna Smith discuss
Joining Anna for a lively Wonder Woman 1984 debate are Empire critic Helen O’Hara and F-Rating’s Holly Tarquini.
They first discuss Helen’s new book Women vs. Hollywood: The Fall and Rise of Women in Hollywood, which is available from February 18th 2021. Helen shares some surprising facts on women’s roles in silent cinema and celebrates the increasing number of opportunities for women in film today.
Perhaps representative of this positive change is the rebooted Wonder Woman franchise, helmed by Patty Jenkins. The newest instalment is Wonder Woman 1984, it's a fluorescent sequel that sees Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) face two new villains: Barbara (Kristen Wiig) and Max Lord (Pedro Pascal).
A female-led superhero film co-written and directed by a woman sets the groundwork for a surefire feminist success, but does it hit the mark? With opposing opinions, Anna, Helen and Holly debate everything from how the film tackles sexual harassment to the backstories of the villains.
Decide for yourself by renting Wonder Woman 1984 on demand.
Find Holly Tarquini:
@hollytarq
@F__rating
@FilmBathUK
Find Helen O’Hara:
@HelenLOHara
@empiremagazine
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: Tom Whalley. Principal Partner: Peter Brewer. Assistant Producer and Social Media Manager: Heather Dempsey. Assistant Producer: Elliana Jay.

Jan 26, 2021 • 51min
Ep 62: Anti-fascist activism with Germany’s Oscar-entry, And Tomorrow the Entire World
With awards season approaching, we delve into Germany’s Oscar-entry And Tomorrow the Entire World. This urgent political drama follows new Antifa member Luisa (Mala Emde) as she finds her feet in Germany’s anti-fascist organisation.
Anna’s first guest is the writer-director Julia von Heinz. Having based the film on personal experience, Julia talks about the terrifying moments she faced as a young Antifa member and how she tried to replicate that fear and frenzy onscreen. She further delves into the cinematography choices she made with DOP Daniela Knapp and recalls the casting process for her female protagonist. Anna and Julia discuss the powerful effect of a song and why the film is sadly so relevant today.
Next, Anna is joined by critics Emma Jones and Tara Judah. Together they unpack the film’s central female friendship and explore its portrait of youth. Prompted by her favourite scene, Emma dreams of life in a commune. From protests to pregnancy tests, the critics then turn to Kiwi comedy Baby Done. They talk about the pressures of impending motherhood, and praise the depiction of a woman who's conflicted by her pregnancy. Finally, they offer a teaser review of upcoming revenge thriller Promising Young Woman.
Other movie mentions: Hunt for the Wilderpeople, The Breaker Upperers
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: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXvkgGofjDzj5mCFL89QKZsN5Tgr3vn7z
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. Intern: Elliana Jay.

Jan 22, 2021 • 42min
Ep 61: Custody battles and karaoke: Sweden’s Oscar-entry Charter + reviews with Hanna Flint
Join us as we explore Sweden’s Oscar-contender Charter. This moving drama follows Alice as she abducts her two children for a trip to the Canary Islands whilst awaiting the outcome of a custody verdict.
Anna talks to writer-director Amanda Kernell and leading actor Ane Dahl Torp about the film’s themes of divorce, motherhood, and kidnapping. Amanda and Ane also consider the dynamics of working with children and teenagers on set, and recall their first impressions of each other.
Anna then takes a deep dive into the film with critic Hanna Flint. They praise the complex mother-daughter relationship presented on screen and discuss the brilliant karaoke scene. Talking about the complexities of divorce, they make comparisons with Kramer vs Kramer.
Hanna’s movie recommendations: The Mauritanian (2021), Un Prophète (2009).
Other movie mentions: A Few Good Men (1992), The Escape (2017).
This episode is in partnership with Nordisk Film.
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: Tom Whalley. Principal Partner: Peter Brewer. Assistant Producer and Social Media Manager: Heather Dempsey. Intern: Elliana Jay.

Jan 12, 2021 • 41min
Ep 60: Actor Tuppence Middleton + Saint Maud director Rose Glass talk female mental health on screen
In the latest isolation pod, Anna chats to two creatives who are championing complex female characters in film, including intimate insights into women’s mental health.
Anna first chats to Tuppence Middleton, the star of mystery-thriller Disappearance at Clifton Hill. Inspired by the personal experiences of writer-director Albert Shin, the film follows Abby, a young woman haunted by childhood memories of witnessing a possible kidnapping. Tuppence talks about playing a flawed female protagonist and delves into the intricacies of Abby’s mind. She further explains how she found a convincing bond with her onscreen sister and takes a look back at her career so far, reflecting on past feminist roles.
Anna then talks to writer-director Rose Glass, whose debut feature Saint Maud achieved critical acclaim when it hit cinemas last year. This psychological-horror film follows Maud (Morfydd Clark), a reclusive nurse who becomes obsessed with saving the soul of her dying patient (Jennifer Ehle). Rose unpacks the individual acting styles of Morfydd and Jennifer, and dives into how she brought the complex character of Maud to life. They also discuss the surprising style of the film, Rose’s cinematic influences and the use of William Blake in the story.
Saint Maud is available on DVD, Blu Ray and digital from 1st February 2021.
Disappearance at Clifton Hill is on Netflix in the UK now.
Other movie mentions: Trap for Cinderella, A Woman Under the Influence, In Her Place, Skeletons, Mank, The Current War, Repulsion, Rosemary’s Baby, The Tenant, Persona, The Silence, Through a Glass Darkly, Taxi Driver.
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. Intern: Elliana Jay.