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Girls On Film | Episode 160 | 26 October 2023

Talking modern romance, consent and character with Susanna Fogel, director of Cat Person

Returning to the pod is director Susanna Fogel to talk to Anna Smith about her riveting new feature Cat Person starring the brilliant Emilia Jones, best known for her lead role in Oscar-winning film CODA. Emilia plays Margot – a young, single, and seemingly self-possessed woman who meets Robert, played by Succession’s Nicholas Braun. The film, inspired by Kristen Roupenian’s viral New Yorker short story of the same name, explores issues around dating and consent as we follow Margot in her fledgling relationship with Robert. Susanna Fogel shares how the team brought the story to the big screen, and how she hopes it will provoke discussion around issues such as consent and dating.

Also returning to the pod in this episode is Ellen E Jones, film critic, broadcaster and writer who offers her insight into Cat Person and the cinematic language used in the film. Anna and Ellen delve into the representation and perspectives of both Margot and Robert, but also Margot’s mother Kelly (Hope Davis) and Margot’s lecturer and mentor played by Isabella Rossellini. Ellen’s new book ‘Screen Deep: How film and TV can solve racism and save the world’ is out in February 2024.

CAT PERSON is in UK & Ireland cinemas from Friday 27th October 2023

Other films mentioned in this episode include:
Brainwashed: Sex-Camera-Power, Nina Menkes 2022
Blade Runner, Ridley Scott 1982
Winner, Susanna Fogel tbc
Star Wars, 1977–2019
Barbie, Greta Gerwig 2023
Spirited Away, Hayao Miyazaki 2001
Zola, Janicza Bravo 2020
How to Have Sex, Molly Manning Walker 2023
Booksmart, Olivia Wilde 2019

Television mentioned in this episode include:
Succession, 2018–2023

You can hear Emilia Jones on CODA in Girls On Film episodes 90 and 108, and Susanna Fogel on her film A Small Light in Girls On Film episode 154.

Listen to episode 160 here.

Girls On Film | Episode 158 | October 2023

Discussing gender identity, family and more with the director of 20,000 Species of Bees

With Anna Smith for this episode is writer and director Estibaliz Urresola Solaguren who talks about her debut feature 20,000 Species of Bees, and film critic Larushka Ivan-Zadeh to further discuss all that is explored in the beautiful and sensitive coming of age tale.

The tender, heartfelt drama centres on actor Sofía Otero, who won the Silver Bear for Best Leading Performance at 2022’s Berlin Film Festival for her depiction of a transgender eight-year-old girl during a family holiday in the Basque Country. The return to her mother’s hometown throws up questions of identity and belonging for not only our protagonist, but also the family that surrounds her with their own complexities and crises.

First Anna Smith talks to fellow female film critic Larushka Ivan-Zadeh, discussing the characterisation of identity and the skilful handling of a complex issue through a lightness of touch. The film features stunning central performances not only by the young star Sofía Otero but also Patricia López Arnaiz who plays the distracted but loving mother and a further brilliant ensemble. Anna is then joined by writer and director Estibaliz Urresola Solaguren who gives us further insight into the inspiration for the work, and the impact of place in the symbolism of the film.

You can watch 20,000 Species of Bees from the 27th of October in UK cinemas or at home with Curzon Home Cinema.

Other films mentioned in this episode include:
Cuerdas, 2022, Estibaliz Urresola Solaguren

You can listen to the episode here.

Girls On Film | Episode 158 | 21 October 2023

Women And Leadership At Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival 2023

Is the film industry still a man’s world, or are women now leading the way? How will AI affect things? These are just some of the questions addressed by a panel of four leading women working in film, who joined Anna Smith at this year’s Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival (EMIFF). They also talked about the creative and business side of the industry, and their work-life balance.

The 12th edition of EMIFF was produced with her usual flair and creativity by festival director Sandra Seeling, who invited Girls On Film back for another panel featuring four high profile panellists, to join Anna Smith on stage at the Sala Rivoli in Palma on 21 October 2023. In this recording of that event, listen to our guests talk about how they got started in the industry, the importance of mentorship, and how to lead well.

Anna is joined, first off, by Nurhan Sekerci-Porst, Germany-based producer of films including In The Fade and Rheingold. From the USA, she welcomes Nicol Paone, the writer, director and producer whose film The Kill Room, which stars Uma Thurman and Samuel L Jackson, played at the festival. She is joined by her fiancé Nicole Weis, Head Of Theatrical Distribution at IFC Films. And finally she is joined by Rosie Fellner, actress, producer and owner of Rosebud Productions.

This international panel gave some riveting insight into working in the industry. The conversation takes some surprising turns and is inspiring and funny.

Films mentioned in this episode: In The Fade, dir Fatih Akin, prod Nurhan Şekerci Porst Rheingold, Fatih Akin, prod Nurhan Şekerci Porst Friendsgiving, dir Nicol Paone The Kill Room, dir Nicol Paone Everything Everywhere All At Once, dir Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert The Disappearance of Shere Hite, dir Nicole Newnham The Uninvited, Dir Nadia Conners F For Fake, dir Orson Welles Ladybird, dir Greta Barbie, dir Greta Gerwig Past Lives, dir Celine Song

TV series mentioned in this episode: Funny Or Die

Plays mentioned in this episode: Hamlet, William Shakespeare

You can listen to the episode here.

Nicole Weis, Nurhan Sekerci-Porst, Anna Smith, Nicol Paone, Rosie Fellner, Hedda Archbold

Mark Kermode Live in 3D | Show 82 | July 2023

On last night’s 82nd MK3D show at the BFI Southbank, Mark welcomed some brilliant guests.

First on stage was legendary producer of over 250 documentaries John Battsek, who has two films out this month: The Deepest Breath, available to stream on Netflix from 19 July, and Wham!, available to stream on Netflix now. John and Mark talked about these two very different narratives and what it takes to make a gripping documentary. John also talked passionately about The Film That Changed His Life, Leon Gast’s When We Were Kings (1996), on the life, sports and politics of Mohammed Ali.

Next to join Mark on stage were much-loved comedienne, writer and producer Sally Phillips, with documentary director Louis Myles, who came to talk about the short film he co-directed with Ahmed Twaij about Brentford’s football team for Down’s Syndrome kids, the Mighty Penguins. Two of the players who feature in the film, Olly Phillips and Charlie Rowley, were on stage to talk about how playing on the football team had changed their life, and what it was like to be in the film. Sally talked about the importance of representation, and various film projects authored by creators with DS, which is changing the landscape for the better, including The Puppet Asylum, and Otto Baxter: Not a F***ing Horror Story. She also talked about her DS-led projects currently in development with Captain Dolly, the in-house production company at Film Soho.

Final guest for the night was maverick director Ben Wheatley, to talk about his upcoming summer blockbuster, Meg 2: The Trench, which hits UK cinemas 4 August, starring Jason Statham and some incredible sea creatures. Ben and Mark had lots of fun talking about the making of the movie, and the diverse traditions on which the film builds, including the writing of Edgar Rice Burroughs, the special effects creator Ray Harryhausen, comics like Hook Jaw, the Japanese Godzilla movie tradition, and a film that especially inspired Ben’s directorial style in his latest feature, Mothra (‘Mosura’, Ishiro Honda, 1961).

We closed the show with Sound & Vision, paying homage to the brilliant use of music in Dream Girls (2006).

All photos by Julie Edwards

Girls On Film | Episode 149 | 31 March 2023

Oscar-nominated actress Emily Watson joins Anna Smith to talk about her new film, God’s Creatures. First up, Wendy Lloyd and Holly Tarquini tell us about their new podcasts. Wendy’s Open To Criticism talks about representation in film criticism; while Holly’s The F-Rated Podcast features discussions with remarkable women in film. They speak about the reasons they launched podcasts, and both give their recommendations for films you can watch now.

Emily Watson then makes her Girls On Film debut to talk about the challenging drama God’s Creatures, and the way it looks at gender and patriarchal society. She discusses the joys of working with two female directors, and her co-star Paul Mescal. She and Anna also look back on some of the highlights of her long and varied career so far, and talk about the industry as a whole. This segment contains discussion of sexual assault.

You can listen to the episode here.

Girls On Film Awards 2023

THE GIRLS ON FILM PODCAST ANNOUNCES THE NOMINEES OF THE GIRLS ON FILM AWARDS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LONDON – 23 JANUARY 2023

LISTEN TO THE GIRLS ON FILM PODCAST HERE.

The Woman King and The Wonder lead Girls On Film Awards nominations.

The Woman King and The Wonder lead the way in the nominations for the second annual Girls On Film Awards, which take place on 23 February 2023 at The Garden Cinema in Central London.

Reflecting the ethos of the Girls On Film podcast, the awards reward excellence in female-focused films. The categories differ slightly from the usual, to spotlight the women who are sometimes under-represented in awards season. Nominees are selected by leading film critics and the winners are selected by Girls On Film.

Gina Prince-Bythewood’s The Woman King has scored five nominations, including Best Feature sponsored by EON Productions, Best Female Friendship On Screen and Best Ensemble Acting sponsored by Netflix. The Wonder received four nominations, including Best Cinematographer for Ari Wegner, and The Girls On Film Ally Award sponsored by IMDb for director Sebastián Lelio.

In a surprise turn, The Wonder star Florence Pugh has been nominated twice in the same category: for Best Female Orgasm sponsored by Intimacy on Set for The Wonder and for Olivia Wilde’s Don’t Worry Darling. This category spotlights responsible and authentic depictions of female pleasure, and the award will be presented by Intimacy Coordinator Ita O’Brien. Other nominees in this category include Good Luck To You, Leo Grande’s Emma Thompson, who is also nominated for the Feminist Superhero award for her body of work and her activism. Girls On Film are pleased that their nominations this year include excellent films that some other awards bodies or groups have overlooked, notably Causeway, Girl Picture and Women Talking.

Hosted by Anna Smith and Hedda Archbold at The Garden Cinema in Central London in the run up to International Women’s Day, the ceremony will be attended by nominees, patrons, and last year’s award winners including head of the BFI Film Fund Mia Bays, director of For Sama Waad Al-Kateab, director of Misbehaviour Philippa Lowthorpe, composer Nainita Desai, and Rocks actress Afi Okaidja.

This year the awards have expanded in several ways. Girls On Film are delighted to welcome five sponsors, four media partners, and three patrons, and two new categories are added to celebrate the work of women behind the camera:

Best Production Design
Best Cinematographer

SPONSORS:

Four of our categories are sponsored this year. They are generously supported by EON Productions, IMDb, Intimacy on Set and Netflix:

Best Feature sponsored by EON Productions
The Girls On Film Ally Award sponsored by IMDb
Best Female Orgasm sponsored by Intimacy on Set
Best Ensemble Acting sponsored by Netflix

The Girls On Film Awards are also supported by our in-kind sponsors:

The Garden Cinema
Head Gear Films

MEDIA PARTNERS:

We have the solid support of new media partners this year, two of whom are supporting a particular category:

British Cinematographer magazine is media partner for the Best Cinematographer category
Deadline is media partner for the overall Girls On Film Awards 2023
Scala Radio is media partner for the Best Composer category
Time Out is media partner for the overall Girls On Film Awards 2023

PATRONS:

We are thrilled to welcome three patrons of the Girls On Film Awards:

Amma Asante, film director

Kirsten Niehuus, CEO, Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg. Kirsten said: “I am very proud to be a patron of the Girls On Film Awards. The awards honour women in the film industry who have made a change, and work hard every day to keep pushing the boundaries for women, as it is unfortunately still not a no-brainer that all genders should be treated equal.”

Tricia Tuttle, former director of the London Film Festival and head of fiction at NFTS. Tricia said: “Girls On Film is doing such important work, celebrating and spotlighting the contributions of women within contemporary cinema, and doing so with such knowledge, passion and warmth through the podcast. And now the Awards give us an opportunity to reflect on female creatives’ stunning achievements from the previous 12 months, across the crafts, in front of and behind the camera.”

The nominees are:

Best Feature Film sponsored by EON Productions

(previous year’s winner: Booksmart)

Aftersun – directed by Charlotte Wells

Ali & Ava – directed by Clio Barnard

Corsage – directed by Marie Kreutzer

Till – directed by Chinonye Chukwu

The Woman King – directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood

The Wonder – directed by Sebastián Lelio

Best Documentary Feature

(previous year’s winner: For Sama)

All The Beauty And The Bloodshed – directed by Laura Poitras

Fadia’s Tree – directed by Sarah Beddington

Fire of Love – directed by Sara Dosa

Last Flight Home – directed by Ondi Timoner

Nothing Compares – directed by Kathryn Ferguson

Best Female Friendship On Screen

(previous year’s winner: Booksmart)

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – directed by Ryan Coogler.

With Letitia Wright and Lupita Nyong’o as Shuri and Nakia

Girl Picture aka Girls Girls Girls (Tytöt tytöt tytöt) – directed by Alli Haapasalo.

With Aamu Milonoff, Eleonoora Kauhanen and Linnea Leino as Mimmi, Rönkkö and Emma

She Said – directed by Maria Schrader.

With Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan as Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor

The Silent Twins – directed by Agnieszka Smoczynska.

With Letitia Wright and Tamara Lawrance as June and Jennifer Gibbons

The Swimmers – directed by Sally El Hosaini.

With Nathalie Issa as Yusra Mardini and Manal Issa as Sara Mardini

The Woman King – directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood.

With Viola Davis and Sheila Atim as Nanisca and Amenza

Best Ensemble Acting Sponsored by Netflix

(previous year’s winner: Rocks)

Causeway – Jennifer Lawrence, Brian Tyree Henry, Linda Emond, Jayne Houdyshell

Gangubai Kathiawadi – Alia Bhatt, Ajay Devgn, Shantanu Maheshwari, Vijay Raaz

She Said – Zoe Kazan, Carey Mulligan, Samantha Morton, Jennifer Ehle, Patricia Clarkson

Triangle of Sadness – Charlbi Dean Kriek, Harris Dickinson, Woody Harrelson, Dolly De Leon

The Woman King – Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, John Boyega

Women Talking – Claire Foy, Jessie Buckley, Rooney Mara, Ben Whishaw, Frances McDormand

The Girls On Film Ally Award sponsored by IMDb – awarded to a male screenwriter/director for a complex female screen character or a man who has given exceptional support to women in the industry.

(previous year’s winner: Bo Burnham)

Colm Bairéad for The Quiet Girl

Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert for Everything Everywhere All At Once

Sebastián Lelio for The Wonder

Jordan Peele for Nope

Best Composer

(previous year’s winner: Nainita Desai)

Chanda Dancy – Devotion and I Wanna Dance With Somebody

Hildur Guðnadóttir – Women Talking and Tár

Emilie Levienaise-Farrouch – Living

Aska Matsumiya – After Yang

Amelia Warner – Mr Malcolm’s List

Best Cinematographer

(new category)

Autumn Durald Arkapaw ASC – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Hélène Louvart AFC – Nezouh and Mother and Son

Kate McCullough ISC – The Quiet Girl

Polly Morgan ASC BSC – The Woman King

Ari Wegner ASC – The Wonder and The Power of the Dog

Rina Yang BSC – Nanny

Mandy Walker AM ASC ACS – Elvis

Best Publicity Campaign

(previous year’s winner: Misbehaviour)

Aftersun – MUBI with Organic for Theatrical & Awards Publicity and DDA for Awards Publicity

Good Luck To You, Leo Grande – Lionsgate with WDW Entertainment

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery – Netflix with Organic Publicity

Till – Universal Pictures with Organic Publicity

Triangle of Sadness – Curzon, Lionsgate and Charles McDonald

Best Production Design

(new category)

Katie Byron – Don’t Worry Darling

Ruth de Jong- Nope

Catherine Martin & Karen Murphy – Elvis

Florencia Martin – Babylon and Blonde

Kave Quinn – Catherine Called Birdy

Diversity Badge of Honour – for achievement in the area of industry representation and inclusion

(previous year’s joint winners: Michaela Coel and Ruth Madeley)

Emma Butt – Sound Editor and activist

Akua Gyamfi – Founder, The British Blacklist

Ashanti Omkar – Journalist

Gina Prince-Bythewood, Director – The Woman King

Ben Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of the British Film Institute (BFI)

Agnieszka Smoczyńska – Director – The Silent Twins

Feminist Superhero – for commitment to equality and representation through their activism and work

(previous year’s winner: Mia Bays)

Viola Davis, Actress and activist

Ita O’Brien, Founder of Intimacy on Set

Sarah Polley, Director, Women Talking

Emma Thompson, Actress and activist

Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor, journalists and authors

Best Female Orgasm sponsored by Intimacy on Set – for thoughtful, meaningful and authentic depictions of female pleasure

(previous year’s winner: I’m Your Man)

Don’t Worry Darling – Florence Pugh (with Harry Styles)

Girl Picture aka Girls Girls Girls (Tytöt tytöt tytöt) – Linnea Leino with Aamu Milonoff

Good Luck To You, Leo Grande – Emma Thompson (with Daryl McCormack)

Lady Chatterley’s Lover – Emma Corrin (with Jack O’Connell)

Piggy aka Cerdita – Laura Galán with Laura Galán

The Wonder – Florence Pugh (with Tom Burke)

ABOUT THE GIRLS ON FILM AWARDS:

The Girls On Film Awards reward excellence in the field of feminism, inclusion and diversity, female representation and the female gaze. Girls On Film particularly want to celebrate the representation of diversity and of complex female characters on screen.

Girls On Film applaud and champion all female-led, female focused films but want to hand out their own awards to the films and individuals that they feel deserve particular plaudits. The eligibility period was for films released between 1 January 2022 – 1 March 2023. Nominees are selected by leading film critics and the winners are selected by Girls On Film.

Girls On Film would like to thank The Garden Cinema for their generous support of the Girls On Film Awards, and their principal partners Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer for their continued support.

ABOUT GIRLS ON FILM:

A fun, feminist film show, Girls On Film was launched by co-founders Hedda Archbold and Anna Smith to answer an urgent need to amplify female voices in film. Hosted by Anna Smith – film critic, broadcaster and former President of The Critics’ Circle – and exec produced by Hedda Archbold, it brings female film critics together with actors, filmmakers and activists to give a fresh perspective on gender in the movies.

The podcast has produced over 140 episodes, been nominated Best Live Podcast at the British Podcast Awards, been featured in Deadline, Time Out and The Guardian, and on Radio 4, Sky News, and BBC Breakfast. It was picked out as one of the top four film podcasts in the world by iNews.

Follow Girls On Film at:

ABOUT OUR SPONSORS:

Netflix is one of the world’s leading streaming entertainment services with 231 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries, feature films and mobile games across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can play, pause and resume watching, as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, and can change their plans at any time.

EON Productions is the British film production company best known for the James Bond film series, and female-focused films such as Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool and Till.

Intimacy on Set provides services to TV, film, and live performance for the production and creation of scenes with intimacy, sexual content, and nudity. Founded in 2018 by the UK’s leading Intimacy Practitioner, Ita O’Brien. The company has continued to expand both nationally and internationally and now has fully accredited Intimacy Practitioners and a growing number of Intimacy Practitioners in training, under the Intimacy on Set umbrella, all over the world.

Everyone who joins Intimacy on Set, and who has undergone the Intimacy on Set accredited training programme, are world class practitioners who have demonstrated that they can navigate the both physical and emotional journey of the creation of intimate content. They can responsibly and safely deliver the intimate content as envisioned by the director, the storytelling, and each character. Intimacy on Set are leaders in the field, whose skills and rigorous training demonstrate best practice. Their goal is for their bespoke guidelines to be adopted by the industry worldwide advocating for safe, fair, and dignified work for everyone.

Intimacy on Set have worked on numerous high-profile productions across Theatre, TV and Film and has been widely covered in the national and international media as the leading spokesperson in this space, productions include:

Theatre: Live Performance: Manor (National) – the first time an IC was employed on a production there, The Crucible (National), Spring Awakening (Almeida), Theodora (Royal Opera Company) – the first time an IC was employed on a production there, The Rape of Lucretia (Britten Pears Arts/ Royal Opera Company), Like Water for Chocolate (Royal Ballet Company) and Ruination (Lost Dog/Royal Ballet Company).

TV: Normal People (BBC3/Hulu), I May Destroy You (BBC/HBO), It’s A Sin (Channel 4), Sex Education Seasons 1&2 (Netflix), Gangs of London (Sky Atlantic), The Great (Hulu), Brave New World (Peacock/Sky One), Conversations With Friends (BBC3), Dangerous Liaisons, (Starz) and The Serpent Queen (Starz).

Film: The Dig (Netflix), The Last Duel (Walt Disney Studios), Lady Chatterley’s Lover (Netflix), Empire of Light (Neal Street Productions) and Magic Mike’s Last Dance (Warner Brothers).

Ita O’Brien, founder and Intimacy Practitioner, said: “Intimacy on Set is delighted to be sponsoring this award for Girls On Film and stands behind their intention to increase the visibility of female focused screen narratives, and to celebrate all voices both in front of and behind the camera. It is wonderful both to be supported by Hedda and all at Girls On Film, as well as to be supporting and sponsoring Girls On Film with the Best Female Orgasm award. It is an honour to celebrate these incredible women bringing their talent to telling these human stories, and in particular the stories of our lives as women.”

IMDb (www.imdb.com) is the world’s most popular and authoritative source for information on movies, TV shows and celebrities. Products and services to help fans decide what to watch and where to watch it include: the IMDb website for desktop and mobile devices; apps for iOS and Android; and X-Ray on Prime Video. IMDb also produces IMDb original video series and podcasts. For entertainment industry professionals, IMDb provides IMDbPro and Box Office Mojo. IMDb licenses information from its vast and authoritative database to third-party businesses worldwide; learn more at developer.imdb.com. IMDb is an Amazon company. For more information, visit https://www.imdb.com/press and follow @IMDb.

Col Needham, Founder and CEO, IMDb said: “I am delighted to support the Girls On Film Awards in 2023. The Girls On Film podcast provides a brilliant platform for female filmmakers and female film critics. It’s fun, entertaining and well-informed, and the team’s commitment to representation, diversity and inclusion means they always bring a fresh and fascinating perspective to the films they discuss. IMDb celebrates diverse movies and TV shows, talent and filmmakers, and we are proud to support Girls On Film in their endeavour to champion great films made by, and about, women,”

ABOUT OUR IN-KIND SPONSORS:

The Garden Cinema, opened in March, screens repertory seasons and new releases from around the world. Being truly independent, we choose films that are worth seeing, films you’d be happy to see more than once. Films of all genres that are true to life, well made, that left us feeling better or wiser for having seen them. With two screens and a spacious bar area for discussions and events, we’re a destination for everyone interested in film.

Erifili Missiou, Film Programmer, The Garden Cinema, said: “The Garden Cinema is thrilled to host the Girls On Film Awards for the second year running! The podcast has been highlighting women directors for years and is an essential contributor towards a healthier industry ecosystem.”

ABOUT OUR RECEPTION SPONSORS:

Head Gear Films (headgearfilms.com) are one of the top leading financiers in the UK for independent film and TV. Since their inception in 2002, they have been led by their key principles – to be producer-friendly, quick, responsive, and bespoke. These principles have taken them from financing two films a year, to over forty a year.

Phil Hunt, founder of Head Gear Films, said: “I’m delighted to be supporting what have rapidly become very prestigious awards, which put a spotlight on the much-needed voices of women, something we wholly support at Head Gear Films, as do our sister companies, Bankside Films, and Bohemia, which amplifies marginalised voices. Anna and the Girls On Film team are making a real difference to so many.”

ABOUT OUR MEDIA PARTNERS:

Deadline Hollywood (Deadline.com) first began in March 2006 as Deadline Hollywood Daily. The site was purchased by PMC in 2009 and has since become an authoritative source for breaking news in the entertainment industry, regularly included on lists of top entertainment websites. Influential industry thought leaders and key decision-makers in the entertainment, financial and other business fields track Deadline.com for news breaks multiple times a day. Due to its avid audience, Deadline.com’s postings regularly receive more reader comments than all entertainment industry news sites combined.

British Cinematographer magazine is a Europe-leading magazine dedicated to the art and craft of international cinematography. The flagship title, enjoyed by a global readership spanning 56 countries, is endorsed and distributed to leading industry partners including the British Society of Cinematographers. Each issue is packed with news and insight into the world of cinematography, from behind-the-scenes features from top film and TV productions to masterclasses from industry experts, and much more. It’s an essential read for anyone with an interest in filmmaking.

Zoe Mutter, editor, British Cinematographer magazine said: “As the Girls On Film podcast continues to go from strength to strength, British Cinematographer is delighted to join forces with the fantastic team on their awards event. Celebrating talent and championing diversity across the filmmaking community is our passion and we’re honoured to partner on the newly introduced Girls On Film cinematography category to continue shining a light on the incredible work this industry produces,”

Scala Radio is an entertainment radio station that breaks the mould of classical music in the UK. Presenters include Penny Smith, Angellica Bell, Mark Kermode, Mark Forrest and Simon Mayo. Alongside familiar masters such as Mozart, Beethoven and Bach, you can expect to hear contemporary works including film, TV and video game scores, showtunes from musicals and instrumental re-workings of pop and rock songs by the likes of Justin Timberlake, Led Zeppelin and Dua Lipa. You can listen to Scala Radio on Digital Radio across the UK, on smart speaker, on the Scala Radio app and at Scalaradio.co.uk

Jenny Nelson, Programme Manager, Scala Radio said: “Scala Radio is delighted to team up with the Girls On Film Awards 2023 to celebrate creative women in cinema. The Best Composer award is particularly close to our hearts as we’re committed to championing women composers across the station. The talented nominees have set a high bar in the world of film scoring and I don’t envy the judges picking the winner!”

Time Out Media’s multiple digital and physical channels span websites, mobile, social media, videos and Live Events. Across these channels, Time Out distributes its high-quality content – written and curated by a global team of local expert journalists – around the best food, drinks, culture, art, music, theatre, travel and entertainment in 333 cities and 59 countries. Since its launch in 1968, Time Out has become a global brand that advertisers and consumers love and trust.

Phil de Semlyen, Global Film Editor, Time Out said: “Girls On Film isn’t just a vital campaigning voice for female-led filmmaking, it’s a brilliant listen – a movie podcast with its fingers on the pulse, holding Hollywood to account on a weekly basis.”

————–

NOTES FOR EDITORS:

Girls On Film is an HLA production.

Executive producer: Hedda Archbold, https://hlaagency.co.uk/

Host: Anna Smith http://annasmithjourno.com/

Principal Partners: Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer

About HLA Agency:

HLA Agency produces audio podcasts, videos, films and live events, and provides bespoke, sole agency to its clients. For more information visit https://hlaagency.co.uk/

Contact details:
Executive Producer at HLA Agency Hedda@HLAagency.co.uk, (+44) 07801 074181

ENDS.

Girls On Film | Episode 95 | 27 October 2021

Anna talks to two of the women who changed the world with their anti-nuclear protests at the Greenham Common Peace Camp in the 1980s. Chris Drake and Rebecca Johnson both camped at Greenham Common for years at a time, and now their stories are being told in Briar March’s new documentary, Mothers of the Revolution. First, Anna discusses this release with two top critics, Corrina Antrobus and Angela Errigo. They discuss how much they knew of Greenham before watching the film, the galvanising spirit of the documentary, and how movements started at our kitchen tables may be the answer to tackling our own issues of the day. This episode considers the passion behind female protest, how it is depicted in the media, and why it is often left undocumented or celebrated, despite its epic history. Anna talks about this with both the critics and Chris Drake, who has some heartfelt words of encouragement for listeners. Chris and Rebecca also recall some spine-tingling memories of the Greenham camp from moments of terror to triumph, horror and humour. Mothers of the Revolution is available now on digital download.

Girls On Film | Episode 87 | 10 August 2021

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.

Girls On Film x BFI

Following the success of the Girls On Film podcast and live shows, critic, broadcaster and host Anna Smith takes a female perspective on film to the BFI at Home YouTube channel. Find all shows here.

Girls On Film | Episode 61 | 22 January 2021

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).

Contact HLA Agency

About HLA Agency