Girls On Film

We need more middle-aged women on screen - and this episode’s guests are leading the revolution. First, Anna chats to menopause activist Kate Muir about her latest documentary: Davina McCall: Sex, Mind and The Menopause. Kate shares behind the scenes stories about her activism, about filming the show and what has helped her in her personal menopause experience. She also gives tips for documentary filmmakers who are just starting out (bring snacks!) and shares exciting plans for hitting Hollywood. Our second guest is writer, performer and campaigner Nicky Clark, who founded the Acting Your Age Campaign and works tirelessly to pressure broadcasters and filmmakers to achieve parity when it comes to the ages of men and women on screen. She shares her choices for great depictions of women over 45 on screen, as well as a famous superhero movie that has a staggering imbalance. Finally, she shares her hopes for the future of the campaign and explains how you can get involved. UK listeners can watch Davina McCall: Sex, Mind and The Menopause on Channel 4 at 9pm on Monday 2nd May 2022, and afterwards on All4. Other films mentioned: The Lost Daughter; Nomadland; After Love. 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 Archbold. Audio Producer: Benjamin Cook. Assistant Producer: Shanaiya Pithiya. House band: MX Tyrants.

A pregnant student seeks an abortion in 1960s France in the compelling new drama Happening. Audrey Diwan's stunning film is an immersive insight into life at the time, as young women explore their sexuality but are repressed by a law that bans abortion and, as our heroine puts it "turns them into housewives.” Director Audrey Diwan joins host Anna Smith to discuss the film starring Anamaria Vartolomei. She explains why she was keen to adapt the text by Annie Ernaux, based on a true story, and how the orgasm scene was inspired by one of her own experiences. She discusses the modern day relevance of the topic and also how her gaze is informed by many aspects including her gender. Next, Anna is joined by Orla O'Connor, who was listed as one of TIME's 100 Most Influential People for her work on the Together For Yes campaign. Orla is a passionate feminist and incredible speaker who heads up the National Women's Council in Ireland, and gives a wonderful insight into the ongoing fight for reproductive rights. She also gives her personal response to Happening, and explains the importance of film in raising awareness about access to legal abortion. Happening is in UK and Irish cinemas from April 22nd 2022. Go to www.happeningfilm.com. This episode is in partnership with Picturehouse Entertainment, supported by the BFI Audience Award. 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 Archbold. Audio Producer: Emma Butt. Assistant Producer: Shanaiya Pithiya. House band: MX Tyrants.

Actor-producer Ruth Wilson speaks out about sex scenes, complex female characters and working with women in an exclusive interview for her new film True Things. Writer-director Harry Wootliff joins her and Anna for a lively, in-depth chat about the sensual drama, co starring Tom Burke as an ex convict who has an ambiguous relationship with Wilson’s Kate. They talk about the source novel and building a character who felt fresh, new, contradictory and relatable - and about communicating the heart-stopping excitement and uncertainties of a new sexual connection. Ruth discusses the discomfort that can arise from intimate scenes, and praises working with Harry and an intimacy co-ordinator on True Things. Next up, British critic Wendy Lloyd reveals the results of her extensive research into criticism in the age of #MeToo #BLM and #TimesUp. Having spoken to many critics in power, she discusses uncovering complex reactions to diversity in film reviewing - and how films such as Promising Young Woman and Red Sparrow presented a challenge to writers. Finally, Antoneta Alamat Kusijanovic joins Anna to describe the gender dynamics in Croatian culture that inspired her coming of age film Murina. She also shares how Martin Scorsese worked with her as Executive Producer, and hints at details of her next film set in New York. True Things is in UK cinemas now and Murina is in UK cinemas from April 8th 2022. 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 Girls On Film is an HLA production. Host: Anna Smith. Executive Producer: Hedda Archbold. Principal Partners: Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer. Audio Producer: Emma Butt. Assistant Producer: Shanaiya Pithiya. House band: MX Tyrants.

This International Women’s Day, you are cordially invited to attend the inaugural Girls On Film Awards! This episode was recorded at a glittering ceremony at the gorgeous The Garden Cinema in March 2022, with an audience of industry luminaries. Listen in to discover who won everything from Female Friendship on Screen to the Best Female Orgasm on film - and hear speeches from some of our favourite filmmakers, including Sarah Gavron (Rocks) and Philippa Lowthorpe (Misbehaviour). The Girls On Film Awards reward excellence in the field of feminism, inclusion and diversity, female representation and the female gaze. Because the awards are in part a celebration of Girls On Film’s third anniversary, films were eligible if they were released between the launch of Girls On Film on 2 October 2018, and 4 February 2022. Thanks to The Garden Cinema, to principal partners Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer and to Rémy Martin, Belle & Co and La Gioiosa Prosecco. Here’s where to watch the nominated films: FEMINIST FICTION FEATURE Booksmart is on BBC Iplayer until Friday 11th March and on digital internationally. The Lost Daughter is on Netflix. Portrait of a Lady on Fire is available to rent on Amazon Video and other digital platforms. Promising Young Woman is available to rent on Amazon Video. Quo Vadis, Aida? is available on Netflix. DOCUMENTARY FEATURE Cow is on Mubi. Crip Camp is on Netflix. For Sama is on All 4 and on digital internationally. Rebel Dykes is on BFI Player. Writing with Fire is available to pre-order on AppleTV for March 29th 2022. FEMALE FRIENDSHIP ON SCREEN Booksmart is on BBC Iplayer til Friday 11th March. Herself is on BFI Player. Hustlers is on Netflix. Misbehaviour on BBC iPlayer. Rocks is on Netflix and will be on wider digital platforms in the coming months. Ensemble Acting Babyteeth, The Farewell, Little Women and Rocks are on Netflix. Zola is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video. GIRLS ON FILM ALLY Pedro Almodovar for Parallel Mothers, in UK cinemas and will be on Premium Video on Demand from 14th March. J Blakeson for I Care A Lot, on Amazon Prime Video. Bo Burnham for Eighth Grade, to rent on Apple TV. John Krasinski for A Quiet Place Part II is on Now TV. Jordan Peele for Us, to rent on Amazon Prime Video. COMPOSER Nainita Desai. For Sama is available on All 4. The Wall: Climb for Gold is on Apple TV, Google Play and Amazon Prime Video. Anne Dudley. The Hustle is on Netflix. Hildur Guðnadóttir. Joker is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. Morgan Kibby. Mothering Sunday is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video. Mica Levi. Zola is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video. FEMINIST PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN Misbehaviour is on BBC iPlayer. Mothers of the Revolution is available to rent on Apple TV. Rare Beasts is on Now TV. Rocks is on Netflix. Saint Maud is on Amazon Prime Video. DIVERSITY BADGE OF HONOUR Michaela Coel’s I May Destroy You is on BBC iPlayer and on digital internationally. Sarah Gavron’s Rocks is on Netflix. Ruth Madeley’s new film When Barbara Met Alan will be on BBC iPlayer soon. Years and Years is available on BBC iPlayer and on digital internationally. Ashanti Omkar. BEST FEMALE ORGASM I'm Your Man is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video. If Beale Street Could Talk and The Miseducation of Cameron Post are available to rent on Apple TV. Portrait of a Lady on Fire is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video. Queen & Slim is on 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 Girls On Film is an HLA production. Hosts: Anna Smith and Hedda Archbold. Executive Producer: Hedda Archbold. Audio Producer: Michelle Tofi. Assistant Producer: Shanaiya Pithiya. House band: MX Tyrants. Interns: Jamie Wills and Greta Gard.

The Power of the Dog cinematographer Ari Wegner joins Anna for a special episode exploring her work on Jane Campion’s riveting western. The first woman to be nominated for the cinematography BAFTA, Ari is also only the second ever nominated for the Oscar. The Australian filmmaker - who also worked on Girls On Film favourite Zola - gives her reaction to her historic nomination, explains how she got into the business and says exactly how she felt when she got the call from Campion. Anna then delves into detail about her work on The Power of the Dog, asking Ari to explain how the photography helps to establish the key characters of Phil (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Rose (Kirsten Dunst). Ari gives a fascinating, detailed insight into individual scenes, making this a must-listen for fans of the film, as well as anyone who’s ever wondered what being a cinematographer actually involves. The Power of the Dog is available on Netflix now. This episode is in partnership with The Power of the Dog. 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 Archbold. Audio Producer: Emma Butt. Assistant Producer: Shanaiya Pithiya. House band: MX Tyrants.

BAFTA-nominated actor Ann Dowd bares her soul in an in-depth interview about the film Mass, an involving drama about two couples meeting after a tragedy. First, host Anna Smith speaks to film critic Rhianna Dhillon to review the film, which co stars Martha Plimpton, Reed Birney and Jason Isaacs. The two discuss their emotional reactions to the story, the power of the script and performances and consider the gender dynamic in the room onscreen. Next, Ann Dowd joins Anna from Toronto, to discuss the role that is winning her rave reviews and awards buzz. The actress speaks with great candour and sensitivity about her process, giving an insight into the preparation behind Mass, and the real survivors she spent time with. Finally, she gives Girls On Film listeners an exclusive hint about season five of The Handmaid’s Tale, in which she reprises her role as Aunt Lydia. Mass is available on Sky Cinema now. 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 Archbold. Audio Producer: Benjamin Cook. Assistant Producer: Shanaiya Pithiya. House band: MX Tyrants. This episode was produced in partnership with Sky Cinema.

In this episode, our host Anna Smith makes a foray into an animated comedy featuring a robot apocalypse full of "delicious sight gags, absurd one-liners and deliriously silly set-pieces" - in the words of our guest, Catherine Bray. Computer-animated science fiction film The Mitchells vs The Machines, nominated for Best Animated Feature Film at the British Academy Film Awards and at the Oscars this year, it is the first mainstream animated feature that has a queer heroine at its heart. Katie Mitchell is a feisty teen and aspiring filmmaker whose road trip with her quirky, dysfunctional family of outsiders is interrupted by an army of robots who try to capture all of humanity. They are led by evil AI genius PAL, an ‘Alexa’ or ‘Siri’ equivalent gone rogue, voiced by Olivia Colman. It’s a wild ride and a thought-provoking satire on our over-reliance on technology. First up Anna talks to Abbi Jacobson, who does a brilliant job of voicing Katie, our young protagonist. Abbi previously co-created and co-starred in the TV series Broad City. They are joined by the production designer and lead character designer for The Mitchells vs The Machines, Lindsey Olivares. This conversation on Girls On Film is the first time the two co-creators of the character Katie talk to each other about their work. Next up Anna talks to film critic Catherine Bray about her take on the film’s fabulous feminist sensibility. The Mitchells vs The Machines is available now on 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 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 Archbold. Audio Producer: Benjamin Cook. Assistant Producer: Shanaiya Pithiya. House band: MX Tyrants. This episode was produced in partnership with The Mitchells vs The Machines.

In this episode, our host Anna Smith takes the feminist film conversation to new heights by climbing into the world of sport. We take a look at the empowering documentary The Wall - Climb for Gold, which centres on the lives, perseverance and determination of four female athletes, as they prepare for and compete in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. While the focus is on climbers, this is a human story that everyone can relate to. To unpack this inspiring story about endurance and overcoming obstacles, Anna is joined by climber Shauna Coxsey MBE, composer Nainita Desai and editor Emily West. Shauna discusses her experience of watching the film for the first time and seeing the audience reactions to it. Having grown up watching sports with her dad, Shauna reveals that a French film about a climber inspired her to take up the sport. Following on from that, Nainita delves into the creative process behind her score as a microcosm for what it means to be human and the ways in which her score reflects the different personalities of all four women. Editor Emily West reveals when she got involved in the editing process and the importance of having a female gaze to tell a story about women. The Wall - Climb for Gold is available now on Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video. The soundtrack is available on Spotify as four separate singles - each one reflecting the personality and journey of the four athletes in the film: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6yyzlTFjuZqptozK4Q9wHO 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 Archbold. Audio Producer: Benjamin Cook. Assistant Producer: Shanaiya Pithiya. House band: MX Tyrants. This episode was produced in partnership with Windfall Films, part of the Argonon Group.

Mothering Sunday is a radical period drama and portrait of an artist as a young woman. During a sweltering summer in Britain between the wars, it follows domestic servant Jane Fairchild on the titular day off-duty – the day of a secret visit to her illicit upper-class lover. Starring Odessa Young, Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth and Olivia Colman, the superbly acted drama explores themes of grief, class, sexuality and creativity. Our host Anna Smith sat down with the women whose collaboration brought it to the screen – director Eva Husson, producer Elizabeth Karlsen, and composer Morgan Kibby – in a special live webinar Q&A last week. In this podcast version, you’ll hear the panel in conversation with Anna and answering questions from our listeners. Sharing their motivations and inspirations during the filmmaking process, and their memories of the movie’s pandemic-blighted shoot, they give a fascinating insight into the female creative force behind this quietly rebellious tale. One of a small but growing group of female film composers, Morgan unpacks her longtime collaboration with Eva, who she has been working with since the director’s 2015 feature debut Bang Gang. Plus, she discusses the issue of gender in film composition, and the secrets of an emotional score. Eva shares her approach to depicting intimacy onscreen, and creating a heroine in control of her sexuality. We hear how her hands-on approach to the whole production helped craft the film’s immersive atmosphere. Elizabeth tells us how the film took shape from Graham Swift’s source novel, and talks working with Normal People screenwriter Alice Birch. Plus plenty more snapshots from the set, including what one standout sequence from the 20s-set tale has in common with a 70s punk band… Mothering Sunday is available to watch at home on digital download and on DVD and Blu-ray now. 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. Producer: Heather Dempsey. Audio producer: Benjamin Cook. Assistant Producer: Shanaiya Pithiya. House band: MX Tyrants. Thanks to Cristina Garcia at Bird’s Eye View. This episode was produced in partnership with Lionsgate.

President is a new, Oscar-shortlisted feature documentary examining the controversial 2018 presidential election in Zimbabwe through stunningly close access. It’s raw, it's gripping, it’s history in the making and it’s a real story that other nations can witness and learn from. In this episode, Anna unpacks the riveting documentary with its director, Camilla Nielsson. First up, Camilla discusses President as a sequel to her film Democrats, and touches on some of her experiences during the three years of filming. Camilla opens up about the brutal reality and traumatic nature of being caught up in gunfire. She also discusses how Zimbabwean politics affect the women of the nation, and can subject them to violence if they attempt to speak out. Next, Anna is joined by film producer Signe Byrge Sørensen, who co-founded Final Cut for Real, the production company behind the film. Signe talks about the most rewarding parts of making this film and gives advice to female filmmakers and producers around the world. Speaking to Anna alongside Signe is Equity, Inclusion and Diversity consult Patricia Chinyoka, who also founded Women of Zimbabwe, which supports female-led projects in the country. Patricia shares her thoughts on the film and her experience of watching it at the premiere and witnessing the reactions of others. Signe and Patricia then talk about the latest political developments in Zimbabwe. President is available to watch now in UK cinemas and on BBC Storyville from 10pm GMT on the 9th Feb 2022. 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 Archbold. Audio producer: Cam Griff. Assistant Producer: Shanaiya Pithiya. House band: MX Tyrants. This episode was produced in partnership with Final Cut for Real.