We bring you a dark comedy double bill with the women behind new releases Black Bear and I Blame Society.

First, Anna welcomes seasoned guest, film & tv critic Rhianna Dhillon, to catch up on the awards season. They share their thoughts about this year’s EE British Academy Film Awards winners, from Promising Young Woman to Nomadland, and place their bets for the Oscars. Are more diverse filmmakers and actors being recognised this year?

Next up, actress and producer Aubrey Plaza joins Anna to talk about her role as Allison in Black Bear. This artistic comedy-drama centres an actress on a difficult film shoot in a remote location. Delving into the themes of the film, Aubrey considers the harmful myth of the ‘genius’ director and why it’s important for actors to feel safe on set. She further describes her relationship with feminism and recalls a time she spoke up for a poorly written female character. Keep listening for an exclusive insight into Aubrey’s upcoming projects!

Finally, writer-director and actress Gillian Wallace Horvat tells Anna how her short doc evolved into the murder mockumentary I Blame Society. Another film-within-a-film, this funny thriller sees a struggling director decide filmmaking and killing are not so dissimilar. Gillian reveals the personal experiences that inspired her to make the film and speaks her mind on the term “strong female lead”. She also reflects on how female horror directors are sometimes treated differently to their male counterparts.

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In this episode, we chat to two awards-nominated filmmakers about their very different female-focused films.

Anna’s first guest is Shannon Murphy, director of Girls On Film favourite, Babyteeth. This darkly comedic drama finds seriously ill teenager Milla (Eliza Scanlan) falling in love with drug dealer Moses (Toby Wallace). Shannon describes her initial reaction to the script, delves into the complex relationship between mother Anna (Essie Davis) and daughter Milla, and unpicks THAT dinner scene. She also celebrates her female Heads of Department, including production designer Sherree Phillips, costumer designer Amelia Gebler, and hair and makeup designer Angela Conte. Don’t miss out on an exclusive insight into Shannon’s work on the exciting TV adaptation of Naomi Alderman’s The Power.

Next, Anna dives into My Octopus Teacher with co-writer and co-director Pippa Ehrlich. This wildlife documentary follows diver Craig Foster as he forms an unlikely friendship with a female octopus. Pippa recalls first meeting Craig and explains why his octopus story resonated with her. They discuss some surprising animal encounters and how this story has an unexpected feminist angle. Keep listening for Pippa’s great advice for young filmmakers!

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AaaaWoooo! Anna goes running with the wolves in this episode as she talks to some of the team behind magical animation Wolfwalkers, which has been nominated for Animated Film at the EEBAFTA Film Awards 2021.

In 1650s Ireland, an unlikely friendship forms between apprentice hunter Robyn (Honor) and free-spirited girl Mebh (Eva), who comes from a mysterious tribe rumoured to transform into wolves by night.

Anna first delves behind the scenes with producer Nora Twomey. Nora recounts her route into filmmaking and the genesis of Cartoon Saloon, the animation studio she co-founded. They discuss the power and responsibility of family animation, narrowing in on the important messages that Wolfwalkers highlights. From the process of voice casting the two female leads, to the unique animation style that veers away from the “princess image”, there is lots of inspiring feminist chat to wrap your ears around!

Next up, young voice actors Honor Kneafsey and Eva Whittaker join Anna for a fun chat about their characters Robyn and Mebh. They talk about female friendship, how their characters are positive role models for young girls, and the actresses that inspire them. They further give us an insight into the world of voice acting and how they juggle acting with school work. Keep listening for tips on how to be a wolf!

Other movie and TV mentions: Big Hero 6, Stranger Things, The Secret of Kells, From Darkness, The Breadwinner.

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In this episode, we mark the release of revenge thriller Promising Young Woman by discussing the important debates on sexual harassment taking place in the UK.

CW: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault.

Anna is first joined by film critic and broadcaster Leila Latif to delve into Promising Young Woman and talk about some of the relevant issues it raises. She discusses her brilliant article on ‘Nice Guys’ in the movies and recommends a thought-provoking documentary to accompany your viewing of Promising Young Woman. Anna and Leila think about past depictions of sexual assault on screen and how our understanding is slowly changing for the better.

Next, Ammaarah Zayna talks to Anna about her activism and experience as a frontline gender-based violence worker. She discusses the Sarah Everard vigil and the importance of calling out all forms of gender-based violence. As a woman of colour, Ammaarah shares her thoughts on police brutality and the frustrations of not feeling heard until more privileged women speak up. She points out that film is a tool that can not only change perceptions, but that filmmaking can be a healing process for survivors.

Finally, ex-police officer and campaigner Susannah Fish opens up to Anna about the shocking sexist obstacles she faced when joining the police force in the 80s. Considering the proposal to place undercover cops in bars, Susannah recounts a horrifying history of undercover policing. She further discusses her campaign for misogyny to be recognised as a hate crime and why we must transform the education of our boys and men.

Other Movie and TV mentions: I Care A Lot, The Accused, Red Roll Red, Violation, Saint Maud, Sex and the City, Nomadland & Chloe Zhaó’s previous works, the works of Ousmane Sembène, I May Destroy You, Big Mouth.

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Anna goes searching for buried treasure with two fascinating creators of The Dig (Moira Buffini and Gabrielle Tana) and brilliant actress Monica Dolan. They unearth the true lives of the film’s female characters, behind-the-scenes stories, and more.

First up, Anna and screenwriter Moira discuss why The Dig has been such a popular lockdown watch. Moira delves into the process of adapting the book and how she brought to life the characters of Edith (Carey Mulligan) and Peggy (Lily James). On the subject of picking projects with interesting women, Moira also reflects on creating the popular TV series Harlots and her adaptation of Jane Eyre.

Next, Anna catches up with Monica on her performance as May Brown, the wife of archaeologist Basil Brown (Ralph Fiennes). Monica describes working opposite Ralph and explores the pivotal role her character has. From the struggle to shake a Suffolk accent, to the training it takes to suppress a shiver, Monica gives us a picture of life on set.

Finally, producer Gabrielle talks to Anna about putting together a “creative family” for the making of The Dig. She speaks fondly of casting director Lucy Bevan, production designer Maria Djurkovic, and costume designer Alice Babidge, among others. She also explains why she thinks women make good producers.

Other TV and Movie Mentions: Call My Agent!, Honeyland, Philomena, Harlots, Jane Eyre (2011).

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Anna talks to two British rising stars about their career prospects and what it feels like to be up for a BAFTA Film Award.

CW: This episode includes discussion of sexual assault.

First up, Saint Maud star Morfydd Clark tells Anna about working with writer-director Rose Glass on her horror hit. Expressing sympathy for her character Maud, she explains the importance of educating young women with ADHD and autism on consent. Morfydd also recalls her first film job on The Falling and celebrates the safe and artistic environment that writer-director Carol Morley created for girls on set. Keep listening for Morfydd’s funny story on standing up to male directors and her insight into reading scripts with dyslexia.

Next, Anna is joined by Rocks lead Bukky Bakray. Plucked out of secondary school by director Sarah Gavron, Bukky explains the X-Factor like casting process for her first professional role. She recalls the joys of meeting open-minded women, works through her ideas of feminism, and pinpoints the importance of intersectionality. Did Rocks almost end up on YouTube? Is Viola Davis a real person? Bukky muses on these topics and more.

Other TV and movie mentions: I May Destroy You, Mr Robot, Judas and the Black Messiah, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, You Don’t Know Me (coming soon).

Bukky’s reading recommendations: Gloria Watkins aka bell hooks and Toni Morrison.

For more on Saint Maud, find our interview with Rose Glass in Episode 60, and to delve further into Rocks, you can listen to Sarah Gavron in Episode 26.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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