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  
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Watch Girls On Film on the BFI’s YouTube channel:  
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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.

Ep 105: Maggie Gyllenhaal talks about The Lost Daughter + Rebecca Hall & Ruth Negga discuss Passing

Today’s episode of Girls On Film is about the winner of the Un Certain Regard prize at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, How to Have Sex. Anna Smith is joined by Molly Manning Walker, who wrote and directed How to Have Sex, and Mia McKenna-Bruce, whose performance as Tara earned her the BIFA for Best Lead Performance and Best Actress at the European Film Awards.
The film shows Tara and her two best friends from school, Skye (Lara Peake) and Em (Enva Lewis), celebrating the end of their GCSE exams on a girls trip to Malia. In a flurry of neon mini dresses, fish bowl cocktails and an intriguing group of eighteen-year-olds in the same holiday complex, the girls navigate the worlds of sex, consent and self-discovery. 

How to Have Sex has been hailed by viewers as a vibrant and authentic depiction of the agonies, and ecstasies of girlhood, and in this episode Mia and Molly talk about the filming process, as well as the film’s impact on viewers, from critics at Cannes to teenagers in the classroom. Molly talks about the importance of building meaningful backstories for all her characters, and creating a ‘360 degree’ set to give her cast an authentic background to work against. 

The pair recall the excitement of working on a project like this, where club nights and football matches were a common fixture among cast and crew. They also speak to Anna about the ‘bittersweet’ response to the film, citing how it has sparked meaningful conversations about sex and consent, but also how it is exposing just how many people have been affected by the issues that How to Have Sex explores. 

How to Have Sex will be streaming exclusively on MUBI from 29 December 2023 and Girls On Film listeners can watch it with 30 days free at mubi.com/girlsonfilm

Other series mentioned in this episode: 
I May Destroy You (Michaela Coel, 2020) 
Sex Education (Laurie Nunn, 2019)

Become a patron of Girls On Film on Patreon here: 
www.patreon.com/girlsonfilmpodcast 

Follow us on socials: 
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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: Charlotte Matheson
Audio editor: Jack Howard
House band: MX Tyrants
This episode is in partnership with MUBI, a global streaming service and distributor where you can find a handpicked selection of world cinema.

© HLA Agency

Ep 165: How to Have Sex exclusive with Molly Manning Walker and Mia McKenna-Bruce

This week, Anna Smith welcomes Nicole Newnham back to Girls On Film to discuss her documentary The Disappearance of Shere Hite. The film sheds light on the groundbreaking sexologist and former Playboy model Shere Hite, who in 1976 published The Hite Report, dubbed ‘a sexual revolution in 600 pages’. Taking the intimate experiences of thousands of women across the world as its basis, Hite and a small team of grassroots feminists exposed some of the harmful ideas around female sexuality that were prevalent at the time.

In this episode, Nicole describes how she first got involved in the project, about the contemporary relevance of Shere Hite, and how Dakota Johnson became the voice of Shere Hite. With Anna, Nicole discusses some of the tragedy as well as triumph in the story of Shere Hite and the desire to explore what she calls the ‘the architecture of silence’ that attempted to remove Hite from the history books.

Other films mentioned in this episode:
Crip Camp, Nicole Newnham and James Lebrecht, 2020

You can watch The Disappearance of Shere Hite from the 12th January in UK cinemas.

Become a patron of Girls On Film on Patreon here: 
www.patreon.com/girlsonfilmpodcast 

Follow us on socials: 
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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: Charlotte Matheson
Audio editor: Alex Jones
House band: MX Tyrants

This episode is in partnership with Dogwoof and NBC Universal 

© HLA Agency

Ep 166: Director Nicole Newnham talks about sexologist Shere Hite & her doc featuring Dakota Johnson

As we post this episode, we’re coming up to the  third annual Girls On Film Awards 2024. They take place on Tuesday 20 February 2024 at Regent Street Cinema in London. We’ll celebrate the brilliant work made by women in film and will be joined by nominees, industry supporters and listeners.


We give awards in 12 categories, and the undisputed climax of the night will be the award for the category 'Female Orgasm on Screen, sponsored by Intimacy On Set' for the second year running.  In this episode, Intimacy On Set founder Ita O’Brien talks with Hedda Lornie Archbold, Girls On Film co-founder, about the four nominated films in this category: Fair Play, Joy Ride, Poor Things and Saltburn, as well as about some of the other notable films of the past year.

Ita O'Brien is an Intimacy Coordinator and Movement Director for film, television, and theatre. Since 2014, she has been developing best practice when working with intimacy, scenes with sexual content, and nudity in film, TV, and theatre. Ita pioneered the role of Intimacy Coordinator, which is being adopted in leading production houses, including HBO, Netflix, and the BBC.  Ita founded Intimacy on Set to provide trained, professional Intimacy Coordinators to the industry.

Also in this episode, Anna Smith recommends some great films by women filmmakers in the run up to International Women’s Day 2024.

Films mentioned in this episode:
Men Up
Saltburn 
Poor Things
Fair Play
Joy Ride
How To Have Sex
Barbie
Oppenheimer
Memory
Four Daughters
Copa 71
Origin

Operas mentioned in this episode:
Anthony and Cleopatra

Television series mentioned in this episode:
Bridgerton
Brave New World 

Men Up is on BBC iPlayer
Fair Play is on Netflix
Joy Ride is streaming platforms including Apple TV. 
Saltburn is on Prime Video 
Poor Things is on streaming platforms including Prime Video and Apple TV from 27 February 2024.


Become a patron of Girls On Film on Patreon here: 
www.patreon.com/girlsonfilmpodcast 

Follow us on socials: 
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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
Producer: Hedda Lornie Archbold
Audio editor: Emma Butt
House band: MX Tyrants
This episode is in partnership with Intimacy On Set

© HLA Agency

Ep 171:  Intimacy Coordinator Ita O’Brien talks about sex in Saltburn, Poor Things, Fair Play & more

This episode features the tenth Oscar winner to appear on Girls On Film. Anna Smith hears from Academy Award winner Olivia Colman who stars opposite Jessie Buckley and Anjana Vasan in the black comedy Wicked Little Letters. She also speaks to the film’s director, Thea Sharrock, and historical consultant Emily Cockayne about bringing this remarkable true story to the big screen. 

The film follows two neighbours: conservative local Edith Swan (played by Olivia Colman) and rowdy Irish migrant Rose Gooding (played by Jessie Buckley). When Edith and fellow residents begin to receive the letters, foul-mouthed Rose is charged with the crime. Anjana Vasan plays Police Officer Gladys Moss, who suspects that Rose may not be the culprit after all… 

Firstly, Anna speaks with Anjana and Thea about balancing the comedy with some of the more poignant moments in the film. They discuss Anjana’s character Gladys Moss, who is based on the first woman Police Officer in Sussex, and talk about the contemporary relevance of poison pen letters.

Next up Anna hears from historical consultant Emily Cockayne, whose book Cheek By Jowl: A History of Neighbours details some of the scandal caused by the Littlehampton case in the 1920s. 

Finally, Anna is joined by the two stars of the film, Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckely, who recall their delight in receiving Jonny Sweet’s script. Olivia talks about her background in comedy, and the pair give an insight into the set of Wicked Little Letters when they discuss their musical collaboration.

WICKED LITTLE LETTERS is released in UK and Irish cinemas on 23 February 2024.

Become a patron of Girls On Film on Patreon here: 
www.patreon.com/girlsonfilmpodcast 

Follow us on socials: 
www.instagram.com/girlsonfilm_podcast/ 
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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: Charlotte Matheson
Audio editor: Benjamin Cook
House band: MX Tyrants
Thanks to our partners for this episode STUDIOCANAL

© HLA Agency

Ep 172: Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley and more join us for a Wicked Little Letters exclusive

In this episode Girls On Film is at the 20th edition of Glasgow Film Festival. Anna Smith sits down with Festival Director Allison Gardner, then has an exclusive interview with the director of Love Lies Bleeding Rose Glass, with Oscar-nominated director of The Teacher Farah Nabulsi, and with BAFTA-nominated director of Edge of Summer Lucy Cohen.

First up, Director of GFF Allison Gardner picks out some of her festival highlights, from Ava DuVernay’s Origin to Viggo Mortensen’s The Dead Don’t Hurt which she describes as a ‘feminist western’. Allison talks about the unique programming at GFF with 126 films included at the festival this year. She picks out the ‘Love is sweet oh!’ strand programmed by Tomiwa Folorunso, the ‘Gestures of Memory’ strand programmed by Natasha Thembiso Ruwona, and ‘What Will the Men Wear?’ programmed by Rosie Beattie. 

Next up Anna welcomes back Rose Glass to Girls On Film, who first appeared in Episode 60 to discuss her debut Saint Maud, which also showed at GFF in 2019. This year Rose is back with her hotly-anticipated second feature, Love Lies Bleeding, which had its UK premiere as the Opening Gala film at GFF. With Anna, Rose talks about the ‘dream’ casting of Kristen Stewart as moody heartthrob Lou, who meets amateur bodybuilder Jackie when she turns up in Lou’s sleepy hometown. The pair fall hard for one another and Rose describes crafting their fantastical love story, with co-writer Weronika Tofilska, which has ‘one foot in reality, and one foot somewhere stranger’... 

Anna also speaks to Oscar-nominated director Farah Nabulsi, whose debut feature The Teacher is showing at GFF. Anna asked Farah about her journey into filmmaking, from a background in business to directing her first short The Present, which went on to be nominated for the 2021 Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film.

Finally, Anna speaks with BAFTA-nominated director Lucy Cohen, whose coming-of-age film Edge of Summer tells the story of 11-year-old Evie on holiday in Cornwall in the early 1990s. When she meets local boy Adam, a mysterious discovery down an old tin mine changes everything. Lucy talks to Anna about her influences in exploring childhood on screen, citing Ratcatcher (Lynne Ramsay, 1999) and Walkabout (Nicolas Roeg, 1771), and about her excitement to be showing the film at Glasgow Film Festival. 

Thank you to our partners for this episode, Glasgow Film Festival. 

The festival runs from 28 February to 10 March. 

To buy tickets visit the Glasgow Film Festival website glasgowfilmfest.org/home/

Love Lies Bleeding is in UK cinemas from 3 May 2024.

You can watch The Teacher in Glasgow on Monday 4 March 2024  at 6pm and Tuesday 5 March 2024 at 3.15pm.

You can watch Edge of Summer in Glasgow on Friday 8 March 2024 at 8.30pm and Saturday 9 March 2024 at 3.45pm.

Other films mentioned in the podcast: 
The Mask (Charles Russell, 1994)
Origin (Ava DuVernay, 2023)
The Dead Don’t Hurt (Viggo Mortensen, 2024) 
Lousy Carter (Bob Byington, 2023)
The Teacher’s Lounge (Ilker Catak, 2023)
Thelma and Louise (Ridley Scott, 1991)
Walkabout (Nicolas Roeg, 1971)
Ratcatcher (Lynne Ramsay, 1999)
The Present (Farah Nabulsi, 2021)
Saint Maud (Rose Glass, 2019)
Girl (Adura Onashile, 2023)
Daisies (Vera Chitylova, 1966)

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the organisation or its affiliates.

Become a patron of Girls On Film on Patreon here: 
www.patreon.com/girlsonfilmpodcast 

Follow us on socials: 
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www.facebook.com/girlsonfilmpodcast 
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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: Charlotte Matheson
House band: MX Tyrants

© HLA Agency

Ep 173: Love Lies Bleeding exclusive with director Rose Glass and more at Glasgow Film Festival

In this episode of Girls On Film, Anna Smith talks about the recent Cinema for Gaza auction with two of the women behind the initiative, Helen Simmons and Julia Jackman, and she reviews some imminent releases with film critic Rhianna Dhillon and film journalist and programmer Cici Peng. 

First up Anna speaks with Rhianna Dhillon about Italian box-office hit C’è ancora domani or There’s Still Tomorrow. They discuss the representation of domestic violence in this neorealist-style debut from Paola Cortellesi, and pick up on the film’s surprisingly hopeful feel. Next up they discuss The Fall Guy, starring Ryan Gosling as a stunt-double and Emily Blunt as a blockbuster director, which is out in UK cinemas on 2 May 2024. 

A recent auction raised over £260,000 for Medical Aid for Palestinians or MAP, a charity currently working in Gaza to provide immediate medical aid to those in great need. The auction was an initiative led by film critics Hanna Flint, Leila Latif, and Sophie Monks Kaufman who teamed up with publicist Hannah Farr, and filmmakers Julia Jackman and Helen Simmons.  Anna talks with Helen and Julia about the initiative, who also share some insights into the highest-earning lots, which included Annie Lennox’s handwritten lyrics to 1983 hit Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This).

Finally, Anna is joined by film journalist and programmer Cici Peng, who shares her thoughts on Rose Glass’ Love Lies Bleeding, and Léa Seydoux’s performance in the upcoming film The Beast. Cici also speaks about her recent archival work to create a programme of hidden gems at Queer East Festival, which showcases queer cinema from East and Southeast Asia and its diaspora.  

Films mentioned in this episode: 

There’s Still Tomorrow / C'è ancora domani (Paola Cortellesi, 2024) 
The Fall Guy (David Leitch, 2024)
Jungle Cruise (Jaume Collet-Serral, 2021)
The Devil Wears Prada (David Frankel, 2006)
Ordinary Angels (Jon Gunn, 2024) 
Hoard (Luna Carmoon, 2024)
Abigail (Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, 2024)
Bonus Track (Julia Jackman, 2024) 
Love Lies Bleeding (Rose Glass, 2024) 
The Beast / La bête (Bertrand Bonello, 2024) 
The River / He liu (Tsai Ming-liang, 1997)
Bye Bye Love / Baibai rabu (Isao Fujisawa, 1974)
Nezouh (Soudade Kaadan, 2022)

You can buy Cinema for Gaza merchandise until 6 May 2024 via the links below: 
https://www.weareprintsocial.com/campaigns/cinema-for-gaza-2
https://www.weareprintsocial.com/campaigns/cinema-for-gaza 


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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 Lornie Archbold
Producer: Charlotte Matheson
Audio editor: Elliana Jay Hamer
House band: MX Tyrants

© HLA Agency

Ep 175: Cinema For Gaza, The Beast and the feminist film that beat Barbie at the Italian box office

Ep 176: Cannes Film Festival 2024, we review Bird, Megalopolis, The Girl With the Needle, and more

This episode of Girls On Film comes from Cannes, where Anna Smith speaks to Jane Crowther and Wendy Mitchell about their Film Festival highlights. Anna hosts the very first Girls On Film party at The Members Club, and speaks to some of the guests about their work at the festival and which films they’ve enjoyed.
 
First up, Anna takes us through the soundscape of Cannes and walks the red carpet for Emilia Perez. Anna joins the Women in Film and TV yacht party, to hear CEO Katie Bailiff’s speech, before heading to MUBI’s beach party. It’s a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it.
Then Anna invites film journalists Jane Crowther and Wendy Mitchell to discuss the films they’ve seen in Cannes so far, which include Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, Megalopolis, The Girl With the Needle and On Becoming a Guinea Fowl, as well as Andrea Arnold’s Bird, Wild Diamond, and feminist comedy horror The Balconettes. 
Jane talks about her new role as editor-in-chief of Hollywood Authentic, a new luxury, glossy magazine, and Wendy discusses her portfolio of projects including the upcoming Sundance London, and San Sebastian Film Festivals.
Wendy and Anna are both on the Palm Dog judging panel for Best Canine on screen, so naturally the conversation turns to the various dogs in films at Cannes. They also discuss the impact of #MeToo and Time’s Up, and recent changes at the Cannes Film Festival, including the arrival of signs stating that harassment won’t be tolerated.
Finally, we join Anna at The Members Club for Girls On Film’s own Cannes party. We hear from a few of the guests, who include Akua Gyamfi of The British Blacklist and Dame Heather Rabbats of Time’s Up, who talk about the launch of their new initiative around appropriate hair and makeup for diverse requirements on set. Anna also speaks to Nicole Weis of IFC Films, producer and comedienne Ronni Ancona, director Rachel Ramsay, and The Girl With the Needle co-writer Line Langebek Knudsen, and our wonderful supporter, IMDb founder Col Needham. 




With special thanks to our sponsors for the party, Rebecca Hawkes at Elstree Studios, HLA Agency, Col Needham at IMDb, and JoJo Dye at JJD Consulting.

And with gratitude to our lovely partners for this episode, Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer, for their continuing support of the podcast. 


Films mentioned in this episode: 

Anatomy of a Fall
The Balconettes 
Bird, Andrea Arnold
Black Dog
Emilia Perez
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga 
The Girl With the Needle
Megalopolis 
On Becoming a Guinea Fowl
Saltburn
Santosh
The Second Act
The Surfer
When the Light Breaks
Wild Diamond



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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 Lornie Archbold
Producer: Charlotte Matheson
Intern: Jade Evans
Audio editor: Nic Wassell
House band: MX Tyrants

© HLA Agency

Ep 176: Cannes Film Festival 2024, we review Bird, Megalopolis, The Girl With the Needle, and more

In this episode of Girls On Film, Anna Smith highlights some feminist favourites from Sundance London Film Festival. She catches up with director Shuchi Talati, whose debut feature Girls Will Be Girls follows headgirl Mira (Preeti Panigrahi) as she strives to get As in the classroom and the bedroom, and struggles with a third-wheeling mother (Kani Kusruti). Anna is joined by Shuchi as well as lead actress Preeti Panigrahi as they reflect on women’s filmmaking in India, reveal how they tackled intimacy on set together, and share Shuchi’s initiative Undercurrent, a scheme to train women to work in the lighting department on film sets in India. 

Next up, Anna hears from the singer turned actress Maisy Stella, who stars opposite Aubrey Plaza in Megan Park’s My Old Ass. The pair chat about what attracted Maisy to the role of 18 year old Elliott, who meets her 39 year old self while tripping on magic mushrooms and has to deal with the consequences of knowing how her teenage decisions will impact her later life. Maisy recalls the refreshing nature of Park’s script, which portrays a queer lead without feeling tokenistic or trite. 

Finally, Anna chats to Vicky Krieps about starring in Viggo Mortensen’s new feminist western, The Dead Don’t Hurt. She talks with Anna about ‘becoming your own department’ when your co-star is also the director, and Viggo speaks about the inspiration behind the character of Vivienne. Vicky also dispels some of the myths of progress in the film industry, while acknowledging the importance of portraying women like Vivienne in The Dead Don’t Hurt in order to move towards a more feminist cinema, but also a more feminist film set. 

The Dead Don’t Hurt is in UK and Irish cinemas now.

Girls Will Be Girls will be in UK and Irish cinemas on 20 September 2024.

Follow Girls On Film on social media to see release updates for My Old Ass.

Other films mentioned: 

Flowervale Street (David Robert Mitchell)
The Fallout (Megan Park) 
Corsage (Marie Kreutzer)
Phantom Thread (Paul Thomas Anderson)
The Lord of the Rings (Peter Jackson)
Eastern Promises (David Cronenberg)
Falling (Viggo Mortensen) 

Find out more about Undercurrent below:
https://www.undercurrentfilmlab.com/ 

Sign up to the Girls On Film newsletter below: 
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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 Lornie Archbold
Producer: Charlotte Matheson
Intern: Jade Evans
Audio editor: Jack Howard
House band: MX Tyrants

© HLA Agency

Ep 177: Feminist Filmmaking with Maisy Stella, Vicky Krieps, Viggo Mortensen, Shuchi Talati and more

In this episode, Anna Smith speaks to the creators behind Prime Video’s new series, My Lady Jane, including creator/writer Gemma Burgess and writer Meredith Glynn, as well as the executive producer of My Lady Jane, the legendary Laurie MacDonald.

Anna begins by speaking to Gemma Burgess and Meredith Glynn about the creation of the series, including the inspiration they found in their shared love of films from the 80s and 90s, and how keen they were to bring the playful tone of those films into the series. They discuss their exciting revisionist approach to history and the importance of the representation of women both behind and in front of the camera.

Next, Anna speaks to Laurie MacDonald, who was the co-head of Amblin Entertainment and the co-president of DreamWorks, and together with her husband has produced the Men in Black series, Gladiator, Minority Report, and The Trial of Chicago 7, as well as American Beauty and Free Solo. They talk about what first attracted her to adapt the book, about the depiction of women through a female gaze, and the way that the production celebrates diversity. She speaks more broadly about how things have changed for women in both the industry and gender dynamics and offers advice to listeners who are looking to work in the film industry.

Thank you to our partners for this episode, Prime Video.

My Lady Jane will be available on Prime Video on 27 June 2024.

Sign up to the Girls On Film newsletter below: 
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Watch Girls On Film on the BFI’s YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX…L89QKZsN5Tgr3vn7z

Other films and television series mentioned: 
The Boys (Eric Kripke)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Joss Whedon)
Blackadder (Rowan Atkinson, Ben Elton, Richard Curtis)
The Princess Bride (Rob Reiner)
Robin Hood Prince of Thieves (Kevin Reynolds)
Ladyhawke (Richard Donner)
A Knight’s Tale (Brian Helgeland)
Shakespeare in Love (John Madden)
Romeo and Juliet (Baz Luhrmann)
Lady Jane (Trevor Nunn)
Bridgerton (Chris Van Dusen)
Still Star-Crossed (Heather Mitchell)
Back to the Future (Robert Zemeckis)
Clueless (Amy Heckerling)
Crocodile Dundee (Peter Faiman)
Broken Arrow (John Woo)
Young Guns II (Geoff Murphy)
Twilight (Catherine Hardwicke)
My So-Called Life (Winnie Holzman)
Men in Black series (Barry Sonnenfeld)
Gladiator (Ridley Scott)
Minority Report (Steven Spielberg)
Trial of the Chicago Seven (Aaron Sorkin)
American Beauty (Sam Mendes)
Free Solo (Jimmy Chin, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi)

Girls On Film is an HLA production.

Host: Anna Smith
Executive Producer: Hedda Lornie Archbold
Intern: Jade Evans
Audio editor: Emma Butt
House band: MX Tyrants

© HLA Agency

Ep 178: My Lady Jane: retelling history from a female perspective, with the women running the show

Zoë Kravitz joins Anna Smith to discuss her directorial debut, Blink Twice, while Anna also reports from the 2024 Edinburgh International Film Festival, where she speaks with Daisy-May Hudson about her feature debut, Lollipop. 

First up, Anna welcomes actor turned writer, director and producer Zoë Kravitz, best known for her roles in ‘The Batman’ and in TV series ‘Big Little Lies’ and ‘High Fidelity’, onto the podcast. With Anna, Zoë discusses the feminist messaging in her slick thriller ‘Blink Twice’. She talks about casting the wonderful Naomi Ackie as Frida, a cocktail waitress who catches the eye of tech billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum) and is transported to his private island for sundrenched luxury, or so she thinks… 

Zoë also tells Anna about the writing process behind ‘Blink Twice’, originally titled ‘Pussy Island’, reveals her relief at turning up to set as the director without having to worry about what she looks like, and describes her approach to capturing women on camera to produce a disturbing and believable depiction of gender and power among the megarich. 

Next up, Anna reports from Edinburgh International Film Festival, where Girls On Film partners on the festival’s Closing Night sçreening of the powerful feminist music documentary, ‘Since Yesterday: The Untold Story of Scotland’s Girl Bands’.

Anna catches up with first-time feature director Daisy-May Hudson whose film ‘Lollipop’ is a heartbreaking but hopeful depiction of a mother (Posy Sterling) who battles to regain custody of her children after coming out of prison. Daisy-May speaks about the fierce maternal love of her protagonist Molly, what happens when children are required to parent, as well as the challenges faced by a first time director. Plus: karaoke as a symbol of working class joy!

Anna also hears from Karen Needham and Col Needham from the IMDb, plus director of the BFI’s filmmaking fund Mia Bays and costume designer Rachael Fleming about their highlights from the EIFF 2024. 

Stay tuned for upcoming episodes of Girls On Film as we move into autumn and host Anna Smith heads to Sea Change Film Festival 2024. 

Find out about their festival, dedicated to women in film at https://screenargyll.co.uk/sea-change-2024/ 

Films mentioned in this episode: 

Timestalker - Alice Lowe
Xibalba Monster - Manuela Irene 
Since Yesterday: The Untold Story of Scotland’s Girl Bands - Blair Young, Carla J Easton
Blink Twice - Zoë Kravitz
Rosemary’s Baby - Roman Polanski 
To Kill A Wolf - Kesley Taylor 
Sunlight - Nina Conti
Lollipop - Daisy-May Hudson

Blink Twice was released in the UK by Warner Bros. Pictures on 23rd August, 2024

Lollipop had is world premiere at the 77th edition of Edinburgh International Film Festival (on August 20th)

Since Yesterday: The Untold Story of Scotland’s Girl Bands will hit UK cinemas from 18th October and Glasgow girl band Sophisticated Boom Boom will reform for one night only at a special screening of the film in Glasgow on the night of the release.

For more information visit sinceyesterdayfilm.com

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Girls On Film is an HLA production.

Host: Anna Smith
Executive Producer: Hedda Lornie Archbold
Producer: Charlotte Matheson
Intern: Jade Evans
Audio editor: Benjamin Cook
House band: MX Tyrants

© HLA Agency

Ep 181: Zoë Kravitz on Blink Twice + Lollipop and more at the Edinburgh International Film Festival

In this episode, Anna Smith welcomes film critic Corrina Antrobus back to Girls On Film to discuss her brand new book, I Love Romcoms and I am a Feminist: A Manifesto in 100 Romcoms. Anna is also joined by film critic Jo-Ann Titmarsh who shares her highlights direct from the Venice International Film Festival. 

First up, Corrina begins by discussing two Girls On Film romcom favourites - Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and She’s Gotta Have It, which both feature in our pod’s intro jingle. She highlights the romcoms that have often been overlooked in the genre, as well as the underlying feminism of the popular, mainstream romcoms which are often dismissed as anti-feminist. Corrina also notes the importance of diverse representation and some of the challenges of finding examples of trans romances in the romcom genre, but that by pushing for change, she has hope that things will change. **Note that there are mild spoilers for classic romcoms in this segment.**

Next up, Jo-Ann shares the exciting buzz of this year’s Venice International Film Festival and discusses her festival favourites. She notes how this year’s fest consists of all-out glamour and fabulous women rocking the red carpet and discusses her film highlights, including her top performances by women including Nicole Kidman, Julianne Moore, Tilda Swinton and Angelina Jolie. She notes the films to look out for, and ends by discussing the long-awaited sequel to Beetlejuice.

You can buy Corrina Antrobus’s book I Love Romcoms and I am a Feminist: A Manifesto in 100 Romcoms at most book retailers including Waterstones, Blackwells, WH Smith and Amazon.


Films mentioned in this episode:

Wolfs (Jon Watts)
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (Howard Hawks) - Rent on Google Play, Apple TV, Prime Video
She’s Gotta Have It (Spike Lee) - Netflix
Rye Lane (Raine Allen Miller) - DisneyPlus
Palm Springs (Max Barbakow) - Prime Video
While You Were Sleeping (Jon Turteltaub) - DisneyPlus
Pretty Woman (Garry Marshall) - DisneyPlus
Magic Mike XXL (Gregory Jacobs) - Prime Video, Apple TV
Kissing Jessica Stein (Charles Herman-Wurmfeld) - Rent on YouTube, Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play
But I’m a Cheerleader (Jamie Babbit) - Prime Video
Happiest Season (Clea DuVall) - Rent on YouTube, Prime Video
A Room Next Door (Pedro Almodovar) - Releases 25 October 2024
Babygirl (Halina Reijn). Releases 10 January 2025
Maria (Pablo Larraín)
I’m Still Here (Walter Salles)
Familiar Touch (Sarah Friedland)
Queer (Luca Guadagnino)
The Wire (created by David Simon) - Sky, NowTV
The Office (US version developed by Greg Daniels) - Netflix, Sky, NowTV, Prime Video
Birdman (Alejandro González Iñárritu) - DisneyPlus
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (Tim Burton) - In cinemas
Beetlejuice (Tim Burton) - Netflix, Prime Video
Firebrand (Karim Aïnouz) - In cinemas
His Three Daughters (Azazel Jacobs) - In cinemas
Lee (Ellen Kuras) - In cinemas
The Queen of My Dreams (Fawzia Mirza) - Releases 13 September 2024


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Girls On Film is an HLA production.

Host: Anna Smith
Executive Producer: Hedda Lornie Archbold
Assistant Producer: Jade Evans
Intern: Anna Swartz
Audio editor: Elliana Jay Hamer
House band: MX Tyrants

© HLA Agency

Ep 182: Romcoms & feminism, from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes to Rye Lane + highlights of Venice 2024

Anna Smith speaks to Lily Ahree Siegel, director of Equal Play, a new short documentary that discusses the importance of equal access to school sports for disabled children. Anna is also joined by Lindsey Dryden, director, writer, producer, executive producer, as well as co-founder of FWD-DOC, and Clare Baines, the BFI’s Inclusion Partner, to talk about equal access within the film industry and the bigger issues touched on in Equal Play.

First, Clare discusses her personal connection to the documentary, revealing to Anna how losing her eyesight at 15 affected her ability to participate in school sports. Clare also advocates the importance of educating kids about their bodies. As a disabled woman in the film industry, Lindsey highlights the inaccessibility of disabled people entering the world of entertainment. She questions the disparity between disabled stories in documentaries vs narratives and encourages more joyous cinematic portrayals of the disabled experience. Lindsey and Clare share their favourite film depictions that capture the disabled experience. They also call for a disability revolution including more on-screen celebrations about disabilities. 

Next up, Lily Ahree Siegel discusses her background within the arts and what inspired her to become a documentary filmmaker. Lily highlights access to PE and sports as an issue affecting kids worldwide, discusses the importance of inclusion passports, and shares her favourite moment on set. 

Equal Play is available to watch on Channel 4 - https://www.channel4.com/programmes/equal-play

A reminder that you can read a transcript of our episodes on Apple Podcasts by clicking the ‘transcript’ option in settings in the episode description. 

This episode is brought to you by Harder Than You Think.

Films/TV Shows/Books mentioned: 
The Gleaners and I (Agnes Varda)
We Might Regret This (created by Kyla Harris) - available on BBC
The Callers (Lindsey Dryden)
Lost In Sound (Lindsey Dryden)
Coda (Sian Heder)
Trans In America (produced by Lindsey Dryden and Shaleece Haas)
Unrest (Jennifer Brea)
Patrice: The Movie (Ted Passon) - available on Hulu and showing at LFF 2024
Crip Camp (James Lebrecht and Nicole Newnham) - available on Netflix
I Didn’t See You There (Reid Davenport) - available to rent on Apple TV, Prime Video, and Google Play
Is Anybody Out There (Ella Bee Glendining) - available on ITVX and Netflix
The Tube Thieves (Alison O’Daniel) - available on PBS 
Feminist, Queer, Crip by Alison Kafer

Websites mentioned: TV Access - https://www.channel4.com/4producers/creative-equity/tv-access-project
Sins Invalid - https://www.sinsinvalid.org/blog/10-principles-of-disability-justice
FWD-DOC - https://www.fwd-doc.org/
TripleC - https://triplec.org.uk/
DANC - https://triplec.org.uk/danc/
Deaf and Disabled People in TV - https://www.ddptv.org/

Sign up to the Girls On Film newsletter below: http://eepurl.com/iEKaM-/ or email girlsonfilmsocial@gmail.com to be signed up. 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 Lornie Archbold Producer: Charlotte Matheson Assistant Producer: Jade Evans Intern: Anna Swartz Audio editor: Benjamin Cook band: MX Tyrants © HLA Agency

Ep 183: Disabled joy in 'Equal Play' with Lily Ahree Siegel, Lindsey Dryden & Clare Baines

In this festival special, Anna Smith island hops across some of the most unique film festivals of the season, taking listeners from Sea Change festival in Scotland’s Tiree to the London Film Festival before ending in Mallorca to hear about the upcoming Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival 2024.

First, Anna reports from this year’s Sea Change Film Festival in the Inner Hebrides. She speaks with filmmaker Jeanie Finlay (Your Fat Friend, Seahorse) and festival-goers like Reclaim The Frame’s Melanie Iredale about their time at Scotland’s only annual festival dedicated to powering women in film.
 
Next, she heads to the BFI London Film Festival to meet actor Deba Hekmat and writer Helen Simmons, whose film Last Swim has its premiere at this year’s festival. This coming of age drama tells the story of Ziba, a young woman who celebrates her A-Level results with friends while grappling with a personal secret. With Anna, Deba discusses the authenticity of the film’s dialogue, how it captured Gen Z sensibilities almost perfectly, and how she resonated with the character of Ziba. Helen reflects on working with a translator to capture an authentic Farsi that is spoken by Ziba and her mother in Last Swim, as well as speaking about the lack of representation of driven and intelligent young women in film. Anna also catches up with some friends of the podcast when she is out and about at LFF.

Finally, it’s off to Spain for a preview of the Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival. Anna sits down with festival director Sandra Lipski to discuss some of her feminist festival highlights. Sandra gives us an insight into the 2024 lineup, including the festival’s plan to welcome five time Academy Award-nominee Annette Bening to Mallorca's sunny shores.  

Films Mentioned: 
Last Swim (2024) 
Black Box Diaries (2024) 
Anora (2024) 
Conclave (2024)
All We Imagine As Light (2024) 
Twiggy (2024)
The Extraordinary Miss Flower (2024)
Las chicas de la estación (2024)
The Grifters (1990)
The Outrun (2024)
Endurance (2024)
Emilia Perez (2024)
Your Fat Friend (2023)
Widow Clicquot (2024)
Hoard (2024)

Principal Partners: Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer
Our partners for this episode: Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival

You can buy tickets for Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival from the 17th October 2024 via this link: https://www.evolutionfilmfestival.com/tickets 

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Girls On Film is an HLA production.

Host: Anna Smith
Executive Producer: Hedda Lornie Archbold
Producer: Charlotte Matheson
Intern: Anna Swartz
Audio editor: Benjamin Cook
House band: MX Tyrants

© HLA Agency

Ep 184: Festivals special: Sea Change, BFI LFF and Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival

In this special episode from the Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival, Anna Smith hosts a panel discussion on women in leadership within the film industry. 

In the third iteration of this panel, Anna is joined by three international industry leaders: Kirsty Bell, CEO of the Oscar-winning production company Goldfinch, international film publicity strategist Mia Farrell and Oscar-nominated producer Rebecca Pruzan. Together, they explore the pathways to landing leadership roles, the skills needed to thrive once there, and the shifting dynamics of gender and race in the film industry.

Kirsty Bell shares her experiences starting Goldfinch as a family business and reflects on directing A Bird Flew In—the first film shot during the pandemic, which pioneered COVID protocols on set. She also highlights the importance of supportive men in her life, and how they’ve played a role in her career.

Mia Farrell offers insights from her career as a publicist, discussing her passion for elevating films through strategic PR, as well as her advocacy for greater diversity in the industry. She tells the audience about the genesis of her impactful Screen Daily article, "Why are so few Black people in positions of power in the arthouse film PR sector?'”. Mia also shares her experiences working on The Dads, a heartfelt documentary on fatherhood and trans youth, directed by Luschina Fisher, and available on Netflix.

Rebecca Pruzan discusses her transition from a career in IT and consultancy to becoming an Oscar-nominated producer. She reflects on the identity politics at play in producing her short film IVALU, highlighting the challenges of navigating cultural sensitivities in storytelling and discussing the reaction to the film on its festival journey. 

This episode is in partnership with Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival.

You can find out more about the Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival here: https://www.evolutionfilmfestival.com/tickets 

A reminder that you can read a transcript of our episodes on Apple Podcasts by clicking the ‘transcript’ option in settings in the episode description. 

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Girls On Film is an HLA production.

Host: Anna Smith
Executive Producer: Hedda Lornie Archbold
Producer: Charlotte Matheson
Intern: Anna Swartz
Audio editor: Benjamin Cook
House band: MX Tyrants

© HLA Agency

Ep 185: The Importance of Women in Leadership at Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival

Girls On Film brings you a live recording from the BFI’s Art of Action season at the Exeter Phoenix Cinema in Devon. Host Anna Smith is joined by Priya Kansara, star of the genre-blending feminist action film Polite Society.

Following a screening of Nida Manzoor’s 2023 film, Priya discusses her lead role as Ria, a spirited young martial artist determined to stop her sister’s wedding with an audacious heist. She describes how, despite their different heritages, she instantly identified with the character of Ria, and revealed how she worked with Manzoor to put a personal spin on the film's more comedic scenes. 

Priya also discusses the reality of finding a stunt double when you’re a brown girl, calling for change in this area of the industry, as well as sharing some top tips for film industry newcomers to battle imposter syndrome. Listen to hear more!

The conversation includes a post-screening Q&A with audience questions. 
This episode is part of Art of Action: Smash the Glass, a season that celebrates the women who have advanced action cinema both on and off-screen.

The season is supported by National Lottery and BFI Film Audience Network with generous sponsorship from Packexe.

To find out more about the BFI’s Art of Action season, and, for our UK listeners, to see which films are screening near you, visit the British Film Institute website below. The season is running from October to December 2024. 
https://www.bfi.org.uk/art-action 

Also in this week’s episode, Girls On Film is delighted to be celebrating our sixth birthday with the Female Film Club - a global members’ club specifically for women in film - who are turning four. Together we share 10 years in the industry, and to mark the occasion Female Film Club are opening up their networking space to Girls On Film listeners who work the film industry: 

They offer a completely free networking space designed to help you make meaningful connections within the industry and to network with other members. With thousands of members in their database, you’ll be joining a supportive community of creatives worldwide.

With free membership, you’ll get access to the FFC app, direct messaging with fellow members, and exclusive perks like special events and industry opportunities. It’s a fantastic way to grow your network, build your skills, and get real support—some members have even landed jobs through it!

https://female-film-club.mn.co/sign_up?bundle_token=e2f89f5961bbb9100aff796e6b36e50c&plan_id=479915&utm_source=manual” 

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Girls On Film is an HLA production.

Host: Anna Smith
Executive Producer: Hedda Lornie Archbold
Producer: Charlotte Matheson
Intern: Anna Swartz
Audio editor: Benjamin Cook
House band: MX Tyrants

© HLA Agency


Ep 186: Polite Society’s Priya Kansara on starting out, stunt doubles & stardom live from Exeter

In this episode, host Anna Smith transports listeners to the world of Wicked. She speaks with three key creatives behind this enchanting film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical.  
Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, bringing this iconic story of friendship, magic, and love to life on the big screen. 
Hair, Makeup, and Prosthetics Designer Frances Hannon discusses how she approached creating Elphaba’s iconic green look. Director of Photography Alice Brooks explains how she updated the technicolour dreamworld of Oz through the film’s cinematography. And, Costume Designer Paul Tazewell describes how he developed a ‘language of clothing’ to reflect the world and characters of Oz. 
The episode highlights the significant role that Hair and Makeup Design, Costume Design and Cinematography play in bringing the story of these two complex women to life. Listeners will get a glimpse into the artistry behind the film and the collaborative effort that makes Wicked both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.
Wicked is in UK cinemas now, with part two coming next year. Let us know what you think on social media - tag Girls On Film and use the hashtag #WickedMovie.
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Girls On Film is an HLA production.

Host: Anna Smith
Executive Producer: Hedda Lornie Archbold
Producer: Charlotte Matheson
Intern: Anna Swartz
Audio editor: Emma Butt
House band: MX Tyrants

This episode is in partnership with Universal Pictures 

© HLA Agency


Ep 187: Crafting Wicked - behind the magic with Alice Brooks, Frances Hannon & Paul Tazewell

Anna Smith takes a closer look at the poignant, BAFTA-nominated Netflix documentary Daughters, co-directed by Natalie Rae and Angela Patton. The film intimately portrays the lives of four young Black women in the United States, navigating the emotional challenges of growing up with fathers who are incarcerated. Directors Natalie and Angela join Anna to discuss their eight-year journey bringing this powerful story to life, from filming during the pandemic to building an open and compassionate dialogue with the young women seen on screen, all culminating in the transformative Daddy Daughter Dance at the heart of the documentary. Angela Patton, CEO of Girls For A Change, shares her perspective on amplifying young women’s voices, while Natalie Rae delves into the creative and emotional process of filming such a personal and moving story in this episode of Girls On Film. 
Daughters is available to stream on Netflix now.

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Girls On Film is an HLA production.

Host: Anna Smith
Executive Producer: Hedda Lornie Archbold
Producer: Charlotte Matheson
Intern: Anna Swartz
Audio editor: Emma Butt
House band: MX Tyrants

This episode is in partnership with Netflix

© HLA Agency


Ep 188: Netflix documentary Daughters - Empowering Girls’ Voices with Natalie Rae & Angela Patton

In this special episode recorded at the 2025 Girls On Film Awards, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of women and people of marginalised genders in the film industry. Hosted by co-founders of Girls On Film Anna Smith and Hedda Lornie Archbold, the evening features inspiring speeches, awards across 14 categories, and interviews with some standout guests.

You'll hear highlights from the ceremony, including insights from Oscar-nominated directors Coralie Fargeat (The Substance) and Shiori Itō (Black Box Diaries) as well as Oscar-nominated Actress Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez). Also in this episode, attendees reflect on the importance of women-led cinema and diverse voices in the industry.
We also spotlight the sponsors and partners who made the event possible: our Gold Sponsors, CrewHQ and IMDb; our Silver Sponsor, Curzon; and our Bronze Sponsors, Netflix and Intimacy on Set. We are grateful for the support of our media partners Deadline, British Cinematographer magazine, and DDA, and to Lilac Grove Entertainment for sponsoring the reception.

The awards celebrate the ongoing progress toward more inclusive storytelling, and this episode brings you right into the heart of the celebration.
This episode is sponsored by Elstree Film Studios, who are celebrating their centenary in 2025.

Full list of winners

BEST FEATURE FILM
The Substance
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
Black Box Diaries
BEST PERFORMANCE IN A LEADING ROLE
Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths)
BEST PERFORMANCE IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Danielle Deadwyler (The Piano Lesson)
FEMALE FRIENDSHIP ON SCREEN
All We Imagine as Light
ENSEMBLE CAST
Emilia Pérez
THE GIRLS ON FILM ALLY AWARD SPONSORED BY IMDb
Mike Leigh (Hard Truths)
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY SPONSORED BY CREWHQ
Hélène Louvart AFC (La Chimera)
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
Judy Becker (The Brutalist)
BEST COSTUME DESIGN
Linda Muir (Nosferatu)
BEST COMPOSER
Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear (Moana 2)
BEST PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN
Universal (Wicked)
ACTIVIST IMPACT AWARD
Shiori Ito (Black Box Diaries)
FEMALE ORGASM ON SCREEN SPONSORED BY INTIMACY ON SET
Nicole Kidman (with Nicole Kidman, and later Harris Dickinson) (Babygirl)

Full list of commendations
ENSEMBLE CAST
Chuck Chuck Baby
BEST COMPOSER
Isobel Waller-Bridge (Wicked Little Letters)
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
Gemma Jackson (Lee)
BEST COSTUME DESIGN
Rebecca Gore (Timestalker)

Find out more here 
https://hlaagency.co.uk/category/projects/girls-on-film-awards/ 

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www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX…L89QKZsN5Tgr3vn7z
Girls On Film is an HLA production.

Host: Anna Smith
Executive Producer: Hedda Lornie Archbold
Producer: Charlotte Matheson
Interns: Anna Swartz and Oli Fyne
Sound recordist: Erin Macmillan
Audio editor: Benjamin Cook
House band: MX Tyrants

© HLA Agency


Ep 189: The Girls On Film Awards Podcast 2025 sponsored by Elstree Film Studios

Host Anna Smith brings you an exclusive conversation with Zoe Saldaña, Clément Ducol and Camille, recorded live at London’s Charlotte Street Hotel following a screening of the 13 time Oscar-nominated and 12 time BAFTA-nominated film Emilia Pérez.
Directed by Jacques Audiard, this genre-blending musical thriller tells the story of a lawyer who becomes entangled in the world of a cartel boss undergoing a dramatic personal transformation. Starring Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez and Adriana Paz, the film is generating awards buzz for its bold storytelling and powerful performances.
Joining Anna for this discussion is Oscar-nominee Zoe Saldaña, who plays Rita in the film. She shares her experience collaborating with versatile French filmmaker Jacques Audiard on bringing to life the story of four Latina women, citing how refreshing it was to embody a flawed woman, the character of Rita. She’s joined by Clément Ducol and Camille, the composers and songwriters behind the film’s evocative soundtrack, who share insights into the five-year-long creative process of bringing Emilia Pérez's distinctive musical identity to life.
This episode was recorded live on 31 January 2025 and is brought to you in partnership with Netflix.
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Girls On Film is an HLA production.

Host: Anna Smith
Executive Producer: Hedda Lornie Archbold
Producer: Charlotte Matheson
Intern: Anna Swartz
Audio editor: Alex Jones
Sound recordist: Erin Millican 
House band: MX Tyrants

This episode is in partnership with Netflix

© HLA Agency


Ep 190: Emilia Pérez with Zoe Saldaña plus songwriters & composers Clément Ducol & Camille


In this episode of Girls On Film, recorded at the 2025 Glasgow Film Festival, host Anna Smith is joined by co-founder and Executive Producer of the podcast, Hedda Lornie Archbold, to bring listeners exclusive interviews with some of the festival’s stars. They welcome insights from Festival Director Allison Gardner, star of opening gala film Tornado, Kōki, and two of the creative minds behind The Extraordinary Miss Flower. 

Allison Gardner talks about her highlights of her final year leading the Glasgow Film Festival. Kōki, the rising star of Tornado, opens up about her role as the daughter of a Japanese puppeteer in John Maclean’s thriller. And Emiliana Torrini and Caroline Catz dive into their work on The Extraordinary Miss Flower, a genre-blending love letter to love letters, set to Torrini’s dreamy soundtrack.

The Extraordinary Miss Flower will be released in the UK on 9 May 2025. Tornado will be available in cinemas from 23 May 2025.
Glasgow Film Festival 2025 runs from 26 February to 9 March 2025. For more information on screenings and tickets, visit the Glasgow Film Festival website https://www.glasgowfilm.org/home

March is International Women’s Month, and this year also marks the 20th Anniversary of Birds Eye View Festival, now Reclaim the Frame, a charity championing women filmmakers. The festival will host a Weekender from 7–9 March 2025 at BFI Southbank and Regent Street Cinema, featuring events, screenings, and a special showing of Lollipop, which featured in episode 181 of Girls On Film. 

For more details, visit reclaimtheframe.org.Sign up to the Girls On Film newsletter below: 
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www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX…L89QKZsN5Tgr3vn7z
Girls On Film is an HLA production.

Host: Anna Smith
Executive Producer: Hedda Lornie Archbold
Producer: Charlotte Matheson
Intern: Anna Swartz
Audio editor: Benjamin Cook 
House band: MX Tyrants
Principal Partners: Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer

© HLA Agency



Ep 191: Kōki, Allison Gardner and The Extraordinary Miss Flower at Glasgow Film Festival 2025

In this special episode recorded at the Glasgow Film Festival, Jessica Lange joins Girls On Film host Anna Smith to reflect on her extraordinary career across stage and screen. She discusses her latest film, Long Day’s Journey Into Night, which premiered at the festival, and shares insights into her rural Minnesota upbringing, early years studying mime in Paris, and her upcoming role as Marlene Dietrich.

Jessica also revisits some of her most iconic roles, from portraying Frances Farmer in the heartbreaking biopic Frances to starring alongside Dustin Hoffman in the genre-defying comedy Tootsie. She also explores her more recent work on American Horror Story, which not only cemented her status as an acting legend but also introduced her to a new generation of fans. Beloved by Gen X and Gen Z alike, Jessica’s performances continue to captivate audiences across film, television and stage.

Acclaimed as one of the greatest actresses of her generation, Jessica is the 15th Oscar winner to appear on Girls On Film.

The conversation was recorded on 1 March 2025. 

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Girls On Film is an HLA production.

Host: Anna Smith
Executive Producer: Hedda Lornie Archbold
Producer: Charlotte Matheson
Intern: Anna Swartz
Audio editor: Alex Jones
House band: MX Tyrants
Principal Partners: Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer

© HLA Agency

Ep 192: Jessica Lange on Marlene Dietrich, Minnesota and mime

In this star-studded episode, Anna Smith and co-founder Hedda Lornie Archbold delve into two exciting new films led by complex and captivating women.
First, Anna chats with Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Geraldine Viswanathan, stars of Thunderbolts*—the latest Marvel Cinematic Universe film. Together, they discuss their first meeting, stepping into a superhero world alongside Florence Pugh and bringing depth and humour to their roles.
Then, Hedda speaks with producer Rosie Fellner and actor Elizabeth Reaser about The Uninvited—a darkly funny and deeply poignant film that explores gender, aging, and identity in Hollywood. Reaser portrays Rose, a once-famous actress whose life is upended by a mysterious guest at a glamorous Hollywood gathering. The film also stars Walton Goggins, Lois Smith, Eva De Dominici, Pedro Pascal, and Rufus Sewell, and is writer-director Nadia Conners’ debut feature.
Thunderbolts* landed in UK cinemas 1 May 2025
The Uninvited is in UK cinemas 9 May 2025

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Become a patron of Girls On Film on Patreon here: 
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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 Lornie Archbold
Producer: Charlotte Matheson
Intern: Hattie Morris
Audio editor: Benjamin Cook
House band: MX Tyrants
Principal Partners: Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer

© HLA Agency


Ep 193: Thunderbolts* & The Uninvited with Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Geraldine Viswanathan, Elizabeth Reaser & Rosie Fellner

Host Anna Smith brings you an exclusive conversation with the women of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, recorded live at London’s Ham Yard Hotel. This latest instalment in the high-octane Mission: Impossible franchise sees Ethan Hunt and the IMF team race against time to confront the Entity, a rogue artificial intelligence threatening global destruction.
Joining Anna for this special panel are two talents at the heart of the action: Pom Klementieff, who takes on the role of Paris, and Angela Bassett, returning as Erika Sloane, the President of the United States. Together, they delve into the challenges of working on one of cinema’s most physically demanding franchises, explore the critical role costume design plays in shaping their characters, and reflect on the powerful, real-world impact of casting a Black woman as the US president in a fictional universe.
Sign up to the Girls On Film newsletter below: 
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Follow us on socials: 

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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 Lornie Archbold
Producer: Charlotte Matheson
Intern: Anna Swartz
Audio editor: Alex Jones
Sound recordist: Erin Millican 
House band: MX Tyrants

This episode is in partnership with Netflix

© HLA Agency


Ep 194: Women on a Mission with Angela Bassett and Pom Klementieff

We’re back in the French Riviera for a very special episode, as Girls On Film returns to the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival.

This year, host Anna Smith welcomed guests to the second Girls On Film Cannes Do at The Members Club. This glamorous networking event on the beach brought together filmmakers, critics, and creatives celebrating the power of women in cinema. In this episode, you’ll hear reflections from our community on what Girls On Film means to them.

Later on in the episode Anna reunites with film journalist Wendy Ide who reflects on this year’s films, which she says have been of a consistently high standard. Wendy shares her standout picks from the festival, from the fiercely divisive Die, My Love, a visceral exploration of the raw edges of motherhood and mental unravelling, to Sound of Falling, a haunting meditation on how trauma echoes through time and place. She also dives into Sirât, an allegorical road movie, in which gender and disability are refreshingly incidental, not defining. Plus other titles that are already generating serious awards buzz. 

And finally, we’re joined by Liza van der Smissen and Nicole Lieberman, founders of the Female Film Club. This trailblazing global network uplifts women in the industry through practical workshops, seminars and a thriving, supportive community. They share the story behind their mission and how they’re helping to reshape the future of film, one powerful connection at a time. 

They also unveil an exciting new opportunity: a £10,000 investment in a short film, designed to give back to their talented global community. To enter from 16th June onwards, filmmakers must join their networking space. 

If you’re looking to join a space that champions and supports women in film, don’t miss out – click this link to join the Female Film Club: [link: https://female-film-club.mn.co/users/onboarding/choose_plan?plan_id=1818474&bundle_token=aca8b4a8f139016aca1a9fdc680a97a8&utm_source=manual]

We would also like to thank our incredible sponsors for all their support: 
Col Needham and Karen Needham at IMDb: [link: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt18211920/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_girls%2520on%2520film]
Clare Bateman-King at Lilac Grove Entertainment: [https://lilacgrove.com/]
JoJo Dye at JJD Consultancy:  [link: https://jjdconsultancy.com/]
Jane Owen at Jane Owen PR: [https://janeowenpr.com/]
The House of Oria: [https://www.thehouseoforia.com/]
Sunny Pal at Astella: [https://www.instagram.com/astellajewellery/?hl=en]
HLA Agency: [https://hlaagency.co.uk/]

Films mentioned in this episode: 

Die, My Love, Lynne Ramsay
Eleanor the Great, Scarlett Johansson
The History of Sound, Oliver Hermanus
Mastermind, Kelly Reichardt
My Father’s Shadow, Akinola Davies
Pillion, Harry Lighton
Romería, Carla Simón
Sirât, Oliver Laxe
Sorry Baby, Eva Victor
Sound of Falling, Mascha Schilinski
The Secret Agent, Kleber Mendonça Filho

Sign up to the Girls On Film newsletter below: http://eepurl.com/iEKaM-/ or email girlsonfilmsocial@gmail.com to be signed up. 

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 
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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 Lornie Archbold, who also produced this episode
Audio Editor: Benjamin Cook
Intern: Hattie Morris
Principal Partners: Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer

© HLA Agency

Ep 195: Cannes Special 2025: Trailblazing women at the Festival, with Wendy Ide & Female Film Club

Host Anna Smith brings you a special episode of Girls On Film from the Mediterrane Film Festival in Malta, which this year celebrates 100 years of movie-making on the island.
From Malta, Anna speaks with producer Susan Simnett, known for Brides, Chuck Chuck Baby, and Fadhia’s Tree. She also chats to Euphoria star Barbie Ferreira, who received this year’s Rising Star Award, and BAFTA-winning actor Monica Dolan, who presented at the festival’s Golden Bee Awards.
Back in the UK, broadcaster, film, TV and culture critic Ashanti Omkar joins Anna to discuss three powerful new films: Daisy-May Hudson and Sophie Compton’s documentary Holloway, Athina Rachel Tsangari’s medieval drama Harvest, and Claude Barras’s stop-motion animation Savages.
Harvest will be coming to UK cinemas on 18 July 2025.
Keep an eye out for upcoming screenings of Holloway with Reclaim the Frame - championing intersectional feminist cinema across the UK. Check out their website for more details 
Savages will be released in the UK and Ireland on 1 August 2025.
Find out more about  the Mediterrane Film Festival on their website https://mediterrane.com/  
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Or email girlsonfilmsocial@gmail.com to be signed up.
Visit our new website www.girlsonfilm.org.uk 
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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 Lornie Archbold
 Producer: Charlotte Matheson
 Audio Editor: Cam Griffiths
 Principal Partners: Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer
 © HLA Agency


Ep 196: Barbie Ferreira and more in Malta + Holloway, Harvest and Savages Reviewed

We switch from movies to the stage to talk about SING STREET: THE MUSICAL. Anna speaks with iconic producer Barbara Broccoli about her approach in adapting the film into a stage show. Barbara came on our 100th episode of Girls On Film to talk about her work, the Time's Up movement, and No Time To Die. As well as producing the Bond films at Eon Productions, she has produced female-led movies such as Film Stars Don't Die In Liverpool, Nancy, Till, and Blue Road: The Edna O'Brien Story. 
Anna also chats with the show’s director, Rebecca Taichman, about approaching the correct tone and staging for the show. Rebecca is one of only six women to win the TONY Award for Best Direction of a Play, which she took home in 2017 for "INDECENT," by Paula Vogel. With a diverse repertoire spanning Shakespeare, contemporary plays, opera, and musicals, Taichman is a visionary director who enjoys conceiving of and co-creating new work. 
We're also joined by John Carney who is known for music-led films such as Once and Begin Again, and who directed and co-wrote the original feature film Sing Street.
SING STREET: THE MUSICAL is running from July 8 - August 23 2025 at the Hammersmith Theatre, London. Check out the website for more details: https://lyric.co.uk/shows/sing-street/ . Sign up to the Girls On Film newsletter here:  http://eepurl.com/iEKaM-/ . Or email girlsonfilmsocial@gmail.com to be signed up.
Visit our new website www.girlsonfilm.org.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 /  
https://bsky.app/profile/girlsonfilmpodcast.bsky.social
https://bsky.app/profile/annasmithjourno.bsky.social

Watch Girls On Film on the BFl's YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX...L89QKZsN5Tgr3vn7z 
Girls On Film is an HLA production. 
Host: Anna Smith 
Executive Producer: Hedda Lornie Archbold 
Producer: Charlotte Matheson 
Audio Editor: Emma Butt. 
This episode is supported by Lilac Grove Entertainment.
Principal Partners: Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer 
© HLA Agency


Ep 197: Barbara Broccoli on Sing Street: The Musical with Rebecca Taichman + John Carney

For its 198th episode, Girls On Film returns to Latitude Festival, where host Anna Smith chairs a panel with four brilliant women in film and television. This is the third live Girls On Film podcast recording from the festival, and it’s absolutely fabulous!
First up, Anna is joined by actor Jane Horrocks, who talks about her work on Absolutely Fabulous, on Life Is Sweet with director Mike Leigh, and on her role in Chicken Run, as well as the changes she has witnessed in the film and television industries over the course of her career. Next Anna speaks with Priya Kansara, known for her roles in Polite Society, Bridgerton, and Dope Girls, and then invites two of the driving forces behind the 2025 film Lollipop onto the stage, director Daisy-May Hudson and writer-performer Posy Sterling. Daisy-may also discusses her feature documentary Holloway.
Together, the women talk about collaborating, imposter syndrome and the systemic changes they would like to see in the industry to improve access and representation for underrepresented groups.
This episode was recorded at The Listening Post at Latitude Festival on Friday 25th of July 2025. 

Special thanks to Latitude, and to our sponsor for this episode, Lilac Grove Entertainment.
Sign up to the Girls On Film newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/iEKaM-/
Or email girlsonfilmsocial@gmail.com to be signed up.
Visit our new website www.girlsonfilm.org.uk 
Become a patron of Girls On Film on Patreon here: www.patreon.com/girlsonfilmpodcast
Follow us on socials:
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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 Lornie Archbold
 Producer: Charlotte Matheson
 Audio Editor: Benjamin Cook
 Principal Partners: Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer
Sponsored by Lilac Grove Entertainment
 © HLA Agency


Ep 198: Jane Horrocks, Priya Kansara, Daisy-May Hudson and Posy Sterling at Latitude Festival

Host Anna Smith is joined by PAST LIVES director Celine Song to talk about her new star-studded film, MATERIALISTS. Lucy (Dakota Johnson) works as a match-maker struggling to balance financial expectations with love. Celine discusses being a feminist filmmaker, her own match-making career, and the struggle of universal loneliness. She also gives some personal advice to young women in film.

Anna then speaks to Jasmin Gordon about her directorial debut THE COURAGEOUS, which follows a rebellious mother living on the edge of society who fights to keep her family together. Jasmin talks about the impact of her childhood on the film, pressure on women and mothers, and rebellion in current times. Jasmin also reveals exclusive information about her next feature film.

MATERIALISTS is in UK and Irish cinemas from August 13, 2025.
THE COURAGEOUS is comes to UK and Irish cinemas September 5, 2025. 
MOTHERBOARD releases August 15 2025.

Become a patron of Girls On Film on Patreon here: www.patreon.com/girlsonfilmpodcast
Follow us on socials:
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 www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX…L89QKZsN5Tgr3vn7z
Girls On Film is an HLA production.
 Host: Anna Smith
 Executive Producer: Hedda Lornie Archbold
 Producer: Charlotte Matheson
Intern: Ruby Bradshaw
 Audio Editor: Emma Butt
 Principal Partners: Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer
 © HLA Agency


Ep 199: Feminist Filmmaking with Celine Song on Materialists and Jasmin Gordon on The Courageous

Saoirse-Monica Jackson joins host Anna Smith, along with talented young filmmakers Ruby Phelan and Neeraja Raj.

From matriarchs to mishaps, Saoirse delves into the making of Derry Girls. This coming-of-age comedy series follows teenager Erin Quinn (Saoirse) and her friends as they navigate religion and rivalries in 90s Ireland. She also praises Cinemagic as a platform for young people and delivers a hopeful message to young filmmakers and actors.

Next, Anna chats to Ruby and Neeraja about their short films screening at Cinemagic. Ruby tells us what inspired her to make mixed-medium short The Mermaid & The Artist and advises young women to stop seeking permission. Neeraja talks about her existential musical animation Meow Or Never and her hopes to see more women of colour filmmakers.

All of our guests recommend some fantastic films. See the titles below with details on where to watch them in the UK and US.

Saoirse’s Picks:

Eighth Grade (dir. Bo Burnham, 2018, UK: Now TV, US: Prime Video)

Babyteeth (dir. Shannon Murphy, 2019, US: Hulu)

Rocks (dir. Sarah Gavron, 2019, UK: Netflix)

Shallow Grave (dir. Danny Boyle, 1994, UK: Britbox, US: Starz)

Neeraja’s Picks:

Better Days (dir. Kwok Cheung Tsang, 2019, UK & US: rent/buy online)

Okja (dir. Bong Joon-ho, 2017, UK & US: Netflix)

Parasite (dir. Bong Joon-ho, 2019, UK: rent/buy online, US: Hulu)

Ruby’s Picks:

Daisies (dir. Vera Chytilová, 1966, UK: BFI Player, US: HBO)

The Secret Garden (dir. Agnieszka Holland, 1993, UK: Netflix, US: IMDb TV) – ahead of Sky’s 2020 adaptation!

This episode is in partnership with Cinemagic. The 31st Belfast Cinemagic Film Festival is online throughout October. There are 150+ short films screening from the best young filmmakers from the UK/Ireland. Find out more at filmfestival.cinemagic.org.uk.

Meow Or Never:
https://qft.vhx.tv/cinemagic-young-filmmaker/videos/animation-2 

The Mermaid and the Artist:
https://qft.vhx.tv/cinemagic-young-filmmaker/videos/animation-5

Become a patron of Girls On Film on Patreon here: www.patreon.com/girlsonfilmpodcast

Follow us on socials:
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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. Producer: Jane Long. Principal Partner: Peter Brewer. Assistant Producer and Social Media Manager: Heather Dempsey. Intern: Elliana Jay.

Ep 52: Saoirse-Monica Jackson talks Derry Girls + advice for young filmmakers

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

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