Girls On Film

• Ep 202: Exploring Brides with Nadia Fall, Safiyya Ingar, Suhayla El-Bushra, and Nicky Bentham

  On this episode of Girls On Film, Anna Smith sits down with the creative team behind the British-Italian film Brides, which is the directorial debut of Nadia Fall. They discuss teenage friendship, the inspirations and themes that shaped the story, and they touch on the international collaboration behind the production. Brides follows two British Muslim teenagers, Doe and Muna, as they leave the UK for Syria in search of freedom, belonging, and purpose. Inspired by real events, the film offers a sensitive and gripping look at identity, friendship, and the search for meaning in complex circumstances. Joining Anna for a live Q&A panel are actor Safiyya Ingar (Muna in the film), writer Suhayla El-Bushra, and producer Nicky Bentham. They reflect on the inspiration behind the film, casting choices, and the emotional journey of bringing such an intense and thought-provoking story to life. Thanks to Vue Lumière for partnering with us on this episode. 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: Negin Nia Intern: Ruby Bradshaw Audio Editor: Emma Butt Principal Partners: Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer © HLA Agency

  --------  

  48:35

  --------

  48:35
• Ep 201: Emma Thompson in Dead of Winter and Sophie Dupuis on Solo

  On this episode of Girls On Film, Anna Smith speaks with the creative teams behind two strikingly different films, both exploring relationships, emotion, and identity. First, she sits down with Emma Thompson to discuss Dead of Winter, a tense new thriller directed by Brian Kirk. Thompson stars as Barb, a widow caught in a deadly snowstorm in northern Minnesota. They talk about stepping into this high-stakes role, balancing action with emotion, the challenges of filming, and the layered relationship between Barb and her late husband. Later, Anna is joined by filmmaker Sophie Dupuis to talk about her Canadian romantic drama Solo. Together, they explore the inspiration behind the story, the filmmaking process, and the themes at its core. SOLO, which is described as “a shower of glitter,” tells the story of Simon, an emerging Montreal drag queen caught between a destructive love affair and a long-awaited, complicated reunion with his mother. With the most queer cast ever assembled in a Canadian production, the film embraces queerness not as conflict, but as community, perspective, and joy. SOLO is out now in UK cinemas, go to Solofilm.co.uk for info on where to see the film whenever you are listening to this podcast DEAD OF WINTER will be released in UK and Irish cinemas from 26th September. This episode is in partnership with Peccadillo Pictures. 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: Negin Nia Audio Editor: Elliana Jay Hamer This episode is in part-partnership with Peccadillo Pictures Principal Partners: Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer Sponsored by Lilac Grove Entertainment © HLA Agency

  --------  

  37:52

  --------

  37:52
• Ep 200: pay gaps & progress: the future of film criticism & diversity in Girls On Film’s survey

  For its landmark 200th episode, Girls On Film celebrates with a very special discussion on the future of film criticism and the vital role of diverse voices. The episode begins with heartfelt, celebratory words from listeners, past guests, and colleagues, reflecting on the journey of the podcast since its launch. Host Anna Smith then unveils The Critical Gap, a ground-breaking new survey commissioned by Girls On Film and conducted by Louisa Livingston and her team at Forward Thought. Inspired by the 2018 Annenberg Inclusion Initiative research that sparked the creation of this podcast, this UK-focused study surveyed over 100 critics of all genders, addressing issues of access, diversity and pay. The findings reveal stark inequalities: women film critics earn over 19% less than men—one of the worst gender pay gaps in UK culture. The report also highlights systemic barriers and ongoing challenges faced by underrepresented groups. The full report is now available on the Girls On Film website. To discuss the findings, Anna is joined by two leading voices in film criticism: Jane Crowther, Chair of the Critics’ Circle Film Section, and Akua Gyamfi, founder of The British Blacklist. Together, they reflect on the survey, progress made, the spaces still needed for meaningful conversation, and the steps towards a more inclusive future for film criticism. Anna is also joined by Hanna Flint, co-founder of the LFF Critics Support Fund, the crowdfunded initiative offering financial aid to critics from low-income backgrounds so they can attend the BFI London Film Festival. Special thanks to Lilac Grove Entertainment for sponsoring this celebratory episode. 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: Negin Nia Intern: Ruby Bradshaw Audio Editor: Emma Butt Principal Partners: Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer © HLA Agency

  --------  

  51:37

  --------

  51:37
• Ep 199: Feminist Filmmaking with Celine Song on Materialists and Jasmin Gordon on The Courageous

  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: 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: Ruby Bradshaw Audio Editor: Emma Butt Principal Partners: Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer © HLA Agency

  --------  

  40:38

  --------

  40:38
• Ep 198: Jane Horrocks, Priya Kansara, Daisy-May Hudson and Posy Sterling at Latitude Festival

  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 [email protected] 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 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 Audio Editor: Benjamin Cook Principal Partners: Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer Sponsored by Lilac Grove Entertainment © HLA Agency

  --------  

  44:39

  --------

  44:39

Meer TV & film podcasts

Trending TV & film -podcasts

Over Girls On Film

Girls On Film: Podcasts in familie