Girls On Film

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.

This episode celebrates the film CODA, which has been longlisted for seven British Academy Film Awards: for Best Film, Director and Adapted Screenplay, for Leading Actress and Supporting Actor, for Casting, and for Sound. The uplifting comedy-drama follows Ruby (Emilia Jones) a 17-year-old CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), who finds herself torn between pursuing a future at music school and her fear of abandoning her family. First, our host Anna speaks to writer-director of CODA, Siân Heder and the film’s leading actress Emilia Jones. The pair discuss the reactions they’ve had to CODA from the deaf community and Siân recalls some of the challenges she overcame making this film. Emilia also reveals to Anna her experience learning multiple skills for this film, including an American accent and learning ASL in nine months. Next, Anna is joined by two incredible women working to raise awareness for Deaf and disabled audiences. They are Charlotte Little, access consultant and film critic, and Teri Devine, Associate Director for Inclusion at the Royal National Institute for the Deaf. As a CODA herself, Teri discusses the relatability of Ruby’s character and highlights some of the accurate details in the film that really stuck with her, including the humour of discussing sex through ASL. Being partially blind and deaf herself, Charlotte discusses the ways in which she relates to the film and analyses the lack of deaf access we see in the film through the Rossi family's experiences. Both Teri and Charlotte then discuss CODA through a feminist lens. An audio transcript of this episode is available to read on the below link or on our Patreon page. We welcome and encourage feedback from our listeners. If you would like to get in touch with us then please reach out on our social media or via email, girlsonfilmsocial@hlaagency.co.uk CODA is available now on Apple TV+ Become a patron of Girls on Film on Patreon here: www.patreon.com/girlsonfilmpodcast PODCAST TRANSCRIPT: https://docs.google.com/document/d/16GHpCfWKwcOoYiQerABqCnuIF3X6L5u68BqEH9n7TVg/edit 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: Dan Pugsley. Assistant Producer: Shanaiya Pithiya. House band: MX Tyrants. This episode was produced in partnership with Apple TV+.

In this Scream special, we get to the guts of the iconic horror franchise’s latest instalment – from its feminist chops to its send-up of toxic fan culture. With plenty of the wry riffs on horror tropes we’ve come to expect from the series, Scream sees much-loved mainstay characters join forces with new blood to take down the Ghostface killer. This meta-slasher may be playful, but it takes representation refreshingly seriously. Our host Anna Smith chats to Jasmin Savoy Brown, who plays Scream newcomer Mindy Meeks-Martin. The Californian star gives us her take on the film’s understated but powerful push for diversity onscreen – and reveals the representational moment that made queer fans cheer. Plus, we hear details of Scream’s South-Carolina shoot during the political turmoil of the 2020 US Election, and how collaboration and female friendship helped the rising star to deliver her best onscreen and off. Next, one of our own ‘heritage characters’, podcast regular and horror expert Clarisse Loughrey, teams up with first time guest Ada Enechi – Scream fan and senior producer at Buzzfeed. Our two guest critics join Anna to dive deep into the film’s genre-savvy thrills and bloody spills – and tell us why it could be the perfect gateway movie for the horror-hesitant. Scream is in UK cinemas 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. Producer: Heather Dempsey. Audio producer: Elliana Jay. Assistant Producer: Shanaiya Pithiya. House band: MX Tyrants. This episode was produced in partnership with Paramount.

In this episode of Girls On Film, we focus on the fantastic feminist period drama, The Colour Room. The film tells the story of working class Clarice Cliff, the first female ceramist in the pottery factories of Stoke-On-Trent, England, who revolutionised her workplace in the early 20th century. Her mantra? ‘It doesn’t make me any less of an artist to have a little fun at work.’ The Colour Room has a feminist narrative, but it’s also an universal story about following your dreams and believing in your talent. Our host Anna Smith is joined by the female force behind The Colour Room: four women who epitomise the spirit of Girls On Film. They are the director, Claire McCarthy, the writer Claire Peate and Caspian Films producers Thembisa Cochrane and Georgie Paget. Clarice Cliff wanted to enjoy her work and have fun while doing it – and our Girls On Film guests clearly did the same making The Colour Room. The four discuss their 2022 BAFTA longlisted film, starting from their discovery of Clarice Cliff and her work, to how they came to work together to tell her story. The conversation delves into Phoebe Dynevor’s and Matthew Goode’s brilliant performances as Clarice Cliff and Colley Shorter. The Colour Room is now available to watch on Sky Cinema. 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.

Anna Smith is joined by two fantastic actresses and now directors, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Rebecca Hall, to discuss their daring directorial debuts: The Lost Daughter and Passing. Anna is also joined by the star of Passing, Ruth Negga. First up, Maggie discusses the central themes of motherhood and growth in The Lost Daughter, starring Olivia Colman, Dakota Johnson and Dagmara Dominczyk. Maggie reveals that her main goal was to portray honesty and authenticity; to create a space on screen where the audience would be able to see themselves reflected back at them, with every aspect feeling genuine, rather than a glamorised fantasy. Anna and Maggie then delve into the incredible cast of The Lost Daughter. Maggie talks about her mentality as an actress and choosing the women brave enough to learn something new about themselves. Next up, Anna is joined by the director and writer of Passing, Rebecca Hall, along with Ruth Negga, who co stars with Tessa Thompson. The film explores racial “passing” and has a fascinating and complicated female friendship at its core. As an actress herself, Rebecca discusses what made her turn to directing and why she wanted to tell this incredible story about the moral consequences of racial passing. It’s based on the 1929 novel by Nella Larsen, a book that has a personal resonance for Rebecca, who reveals a family connection to the story. While the film is centred on Ruth Negga’s character, Clare, hiding her true racial identity, Rebecca reveals that her directorial intention was to go deeper than that, by examining the psychological cost of living in any kind of hiding. Ruth Negga goes on to talk about some of the touching audience reactions and discusses how the story holds relevance in today’s society, whether it's to do with race, gender, queerness or any other form of identity. Both The Lost Daughter and Passing are available to stream on Netflix 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. Principal Partners: Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer. Intern: Shanaiya Pithiya. House band: MX Tyrants.

In this episode of Girls On Film, we dive into the film Ascension, which has been shortlisted for Best Documentary Feature for the 2022 Academy Awards. The film explores the contemporary Chinese Dream and the paradox of progress in China, as seen through the eyes of filmmaker and editor Jessica Kingdon. Jessica joins us and talks about her unique and successful style of filming and editing, and the challenges of gaining access to places usually hidden from the cameras. Her doc is visually driven rather than by character or story and the narrative and teases out its themes, allowing the viewers to draw their own conclusions. Jessica discusses what themes she found interesting to explore from a gender perspective and the challenges she faced in both filming and editing the documentary herself. Next, Anna reviews Ascension with critics Ashanti Omkar and Katie Smith-Wong, who discuss the film’s focus on influencers and social media as well as jaw-dropping scenes filmed in a sex doll factory. They talk about the documentary’s amazing access and its depiction of class and hierarchies, as well as the importance of raising awareness of the realities of the industry supply chain. Ascension is out in the UK on January 14th 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: Benjamin Cook. Intern: Shanaiya Pithiya. House band: MX Tyrants. This episode was produced in partnership with MTV Documentary Films.

This industry special goes out to anyone who has ever felt mistreated in a workplace. Liesl Tommy, director of the Aretha Franklin biopic ‘Respect’ starring Jennifer Husdon, returns to Girls On Film to dive deeper into the musical and give her thoughts on respect in the film industry. Liesl reveals details about the new DVD release of 'Respect', defines what respect means to her in her working life, and gives her thoughts on diversity in film criticism. Anna and Liesl also discuss how respecting other people’s rights and opinions is at the heart of a lot of other movements such as Time’s Up UK. Liesl touches on personal experiences of disrespect and feelings of powerlessness. She goes on to say how these experiences have pushed her, as a director, to create a warm and inclusive environment on set. Next, Anna is joined by Aretha Franklin fan and CEO of The Film and TV Charity, Alex Pumfrey. Dealing with everything from anxiety to racism, the charity offers free and confidential support services to anybody working behind the scenes in film, TV or cinema. Alex describes respect as a value she holds very close to her heart and talks about joining the charity at a moment when there was a huge global appetite for change. Alex discusses their current 12 month campaign, ‘Let’s Reset’, designed to destigmatise mental health. In light of other movements such as #MeToo and Black Lives Matter, Alex also gives her thoughts on progress for women in the industry. If you are working in the film, TV or cinema industry and anything discussed in the episode affects you, please visit https://filmtvcharity.org.uk/ for more support. 'Respect', starring Jennifer Hudson as Aretha Franklin, is available to own on DVD now for the first time, and includes all new never-before-seen extras. 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: Cam Griff. Intern: Shanaiya Pithiya. House band: MX Tyrants. This episode was produced in partnership with 'Respect'.