Girls On Film

Mental health, gender disparities, beastly characters, and musicals. Billie Piper joins Anna Smith to talk about her bold writer-director debut Rare Beasts. The film sees single mother Mandy (played by Billie) pursue a relationship with an openly misogynistic man (Leo Bill). From insecurities to inspirations, Billie shares the process of building this bleakly comic story. She also raves about working with friend-of-the-pod Kerry Fox, and reflects on her first experience of directing men. Become a patron of Girls on Film on Patreon here: www.patreon.com/girlsonfilmpodcast Follow us on socials: www.instagram.com/girlsonfilm_podcast/ www.facebook.com/girlsonfilmpodcast www.twitter.com/GirlsOnFilm_Pod www.twitter.com/annasmithjourno Watch Girls On Film on the BFI’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX…L89QKZsN5Tgr3vn7z Girls On Film is an HLA production. Executive producer: Hedda Archbold. Audio Producer: Emma Butt. Principal Partner: Peter Brewer. Assistant Producer and Social Media Manager: Heather Dempsey. Assistant Producer: Elliana Jay.

Anna delves into Channel 4’s urgent new documentary Sex, Myths and the Menopause with director Linda Sands and producer Kate Muir. Presented by Davina McCall, this show dispels the taboo surrounding menopause and demands that we start to have open conversations on the subject. Kate shares the personal experiences that compelled her to write a book and produce the film. Linda describes working with Davina and how she set the tone for the doc. They then explore the limited – and often terrible – representations of menopause in the movies. Next, Anna is joined by GP and women’s health expert Dr Nighat Arif to discuss the mental and physical wellbeing of women before, during and after menopause. Dr Nighat discusses the part she played in the Channel 4 doc and explains the importance of recognising the intersectionality of menopause – it is not just a ‘white woman problem’. She reveals she is a bit of a film buff and picks out some on screen menopause moments with Anna. This discussion is jam-packed with useful medical tips and uplifting messages for all! Find out more about the doc here: https://www.channel4.com/programmes/davina-mccall-sex-myths-and-the-menopause Start your research here: International Menopause Society: www.imsociety.org Menopause Matters: www.menopausematters.co.uk The Menopause Charity: www.themenopausecharity.org #ActingYourAgeCampaign – http://www.mrsnickyclark.com/-acting-your-age--campaign.html Movie & TV Mentions: Nomadland; Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri; Olive Kitteridge; The Hot Flashes; Something’s Gotta Give; The Piano; Top of the Lake; Sex and the City 2; Fleabag; Call My Agent; Bombay Begums; House of Cards; The Golden Girls; Desperately Seeking Susan. Dr Nighat Arif: @DrNighatArif Kate Muir: @muirkate Linda Sands: @LindaBSands1 Become a patron of Girls on Film on Patreon here: www.patreon.com/girlsonfilmpodcast Follow us on socials: www.instagram.com/girlsonfilm_podcast/ www.facebook.com/girlsonfilmpodcast www.twitter.com/GirlsOnFilm_Pod www.twitter.com/annasmithjourno Watch Girls On Film on the BFI’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX…L89QKZsN5Tgr3vn7z Girls On Film is an HLA production. Executive producer: Hedda Archbold. Audio Producer: Emma Butt. Principal Partner: Peter Brewer. Assistant Producer and Social Media Manager: Heather Dempsey. Assistant Producer: Elliana Jay.

Discover the unsung female pioneers of electronic music in our Sisters With Transistors special. This one’s a real treat for your ears! First up, Anna is joined by collaborators on the doc: writer-director Lisa Rovner and pioneer Suzanne Ciani. Lisa explains the process of finding archive footage and constructing the ‘herstory’. From Buchla concerts to making music for the movies, Suzanne recalls her experience of being a female composer in the 70s and 80s. She remembers being one of the first women to solo score a Hollywood movie, The Incredible Shrinking Woman, in 1981. Keep listening for Suzanne’s discovery of a female film composer working in the 40s! And stay tuned for advice if you're keen to follow in her footsteps. Next, Anna chats to contemporary electronic composers Shiva Feshareki and Elizabeth Bernholz (aka Gazelle Twin). They recount their careers so far and talk about the unexpected positives of working in a male-dominated industry. Shiva explains how she got involved with Sisters With Transistors, and Elizabeth describes her powerful emotions when watching it. Together, they discuss the pioneers they look up to and those they have discovered through the doc. Other movie mentions: A Life in Waves (2017), Delia Derbyshire: The Myths and Legendary Tapes (2020), The Power (2021). This episode is in partnership with Modern Films. https://www.modernfilms.com/ Shiva Feshareki music: White Dwarf, from Nebula - a release due to come out on Vinyl with Matière Mémoire on 25th May / https://soundcloud.com/shivafeshareki NTS Live at Uniqlo Tate Lates, manipulating Daphne Oram and more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=At3Y93M_HkA Elizabeth Bernholz / Gazelle Twin music: The Well is featured on the OST for The Power: https://invada.bandcamp.com/album/the-power-original-motion-picture-soundtrack Unflesh is featured in Nocturne: https://invada.bandcamp.com/album/welcome-to-the-blumhouse-nocturne-amazon-original-soundtrack Suzanne Ciani music: Buchla concerts in NYC in 1975 Delia Derbyshire: Doctor Who theme Become a patron of Girls on Film on Patreon here: www.patreon.com/girlsonfilmpodcast Follow us on socials: www.instagram.com/girlsonfilm_podcast/ www.facebook.com/girlsonfilmpodcast www.twitter.com/GirlsOnFilm_Pod www.twitter.com/annasmithjourno Watch Girls On Film on the BFI’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX…L89QKZsN5Tgr3vn7z Girls On Film is an HLA production. Executive producer: Hedda Archbold. Audio Producer: Emma Butt. Principal Partner: Peter Brewer. Assistant Producer and Social Media Manager: Heather Dempsey. Assistant Producer: Elliana Jay.

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. Other movie and TV mentions: After Love, Sound of Metal, Mogul Mowgli, Promising Young Woman, Rocks, Nomadland, My Octopus Teacher, Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates, Happiest Season, Parks and Recreation, The Untitled Guy Ritchie Movie, David Holzman’s Diary, Gone Girl, Prevenge, I Care A Lot, The Last Seduction, To Die For, Species, Melancholia. This episode is in partnership with Rémy Martin. Become a patron of Girls on Film on Patreon here: www.patreon.com/girlsonfilmpodcast Follow us on socials: www.instagram.com/girlsonfilm_podcast/ www.facebook.com/girlsonfilmpodcast www.twitter.com/GirlsOnFilm_Pod www.twitter.com/annasmithjourno Watch Girls On Film on the BFI’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX…L89QKZsN5Tgr3vn7z Girls On Film is an HLA production. Executive producer: Hedda Archbold. Audio Producer: Emma Butt. Principal Partner: Peter Brewer. Assistant Producer and Social Media Manager: Heather Dempsey. Assistant Producer: Elliana Jay.

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! Become a patron of Girls on Film on Patreon here: www.patreon.com/girlsonfilmpodcast Follow us on socials: www.instagram.com/girlsonfilm_podcast/ www.facebook.com/girlsonfilmpodcast www.twitter.com/GirlsOnFilm_Pod www.twitter.com/annasmithjourno Watch Girls On Film on the BFI’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX…L89QKZsN5Tgr3vn7z Girls On Film is an HLA production. Executive producer: Hedda Archbold. Audio Producer: Tom Whalley. Principal Partner: Peter Brewer. Assistant Producer and Social Media Manager: Heather Dempsey. Assistant Producer: Elliana Jay.

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 Watch Wolfwalkers @AppleTV here: apple.co/wolfwalkers Become a patron of Girls on Film on Patreon here: www.patreon.com/girlsonfilmpodcast Follow us on socials: www.instagram.com/girlsonfilm_podcast/ www.facebook.com/girlsonfilmpodcast www.twitter.com/GirlsOnFilm_Pod www.twitter.com/annasmithjourno Watch Girls On Film on the BFI’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX…L89QKZsN5Tgr3vn7z Girls On Film is an HLA production. Executive producer: Hedda Archbold. Audio Producer: Emma Butt. Principal Partner: Peter Brewer. Assistant Producer and Social Media Manager: Heather Dempsey. Assistant Producer: Elliana Jay.

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. Promising Young Woman is on Sky Cinema and NOW from April 16 2021. 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. Leila Latif’s article on ‘Nice Guys’: https://lwlies.com/articles/the-noble-stalker/ LevelUp: https://www.welevelup.org VAWG survey: https://act.welevelup.org/surveys/22 Ammaarah’s article on NRPF survivors: https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/domestic-violence-vawg-migrants-b1802351.html# Ammaarah’s website: https://www.ammaarahzayna.com Our Streets Now website: https://www.ourstreetsnow.org 16Days16Films: https://www.16days16films.com/ 16Days16Films x Girls On Film 2020 Awards: https://youtu.be/z7Qd3bIpIwo Article on Australian campaign & how men can help women to feel safe: https://www.stylist.co.uk/life/walk-like-a-woman-campaign-tips-for-men-make-women-feel-safe-street/252236 Sisters Uncut: https://www.sistersuncut.org/ Ammaarah’s Instagram: @_azayna Leila Latif’s Twitter: @Leila_Latif Susannah’s Twitter: @SusannahFish Become a patron of Girls on Film on Patreon here: www.patreon.com/girlsonfilmpodcast Follow us on socials: www.instagram.com/girlsonfilm_podcast/ www.facebook.com/girlsonfilmpodcast www.twitter.com/GirlsOnFilm_Pod www.twitter.com/annasmithjourno Watch Girls On Film on the BFI’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX…L89QKZsN5Tgr3vn7z Girls On Film is an HLA production. Executive producer: Hedda Archbold. Audio Producer: Emma Butt. Principal Partner: Peter Brewer. Assistant Producer and Social Media Manager: Heather Dempsey. Assistant Producer: Elliana Jay.

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). This episode is in partnership with Netflix. Become a patron of Girls on Film on Patreon here: www.patreon.com/girlsonfilmpodcast Follow us on socials: www.instagram.com/girlsonfilm_podcast/ www.facebook.com/girlsonfilmpodcast www.twitter.com/GirlsOnFilm_Pod www.twitter.com/annasmithjourno Watch Girls On Film on the BFI’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXvkgGofjDzj5mCFL89QKZsN5Tgr3vn7z Girls On Film is an HLA production. Executive producer: Hedda Archbold. Audio Producer: Dan Pugsley. Principal Partner: Peter Brewer. Assistant Producer and Social Media Manager: Heather Dempsey. Assistant Producer: Elliana Jay.

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. EE Rising Star Details: https://www.bafta.org/film/news/ee-rising-star-award-2021 https://ee.co.uk/why-ee/ee-baftas 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: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXvkgGofjDzj5mCFL89QKZsN5Tgr3vn7z Girls On Film is an HLA production. Executive producer: Hedda Archbold. Audio Producer: Dan Pugsley. Principal Partner: Peter Brewer. Assistant Producer and Social Media Manager: Heather Dempsey. Assistant Producer: Elliana Jay.

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. Become a patron of Girls on Film on Patreon here: www.patreon.com/girlsonfilmpodcast Follow us on socials: www.instagram.com/girlsonfilm_podcast/ www.facebook.com/girlsonfilmpodcast www.twitter.com/GirlsOnFilm_Pod www.twitter.com/annasmithjourno Watch Girls On Film on the BFI’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX…L89QKZsN5Tgr3vn7z Girls On Film is an HLA production. Executive producer: Hedda Archbold. Audio Producer: Dan Pugsley. Principal Partner: Peter Brewer. Assistant Producer and Social Media Manager: Heather Dempsey. Assistant Producer: Elliana Jay.