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 [email protected] 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, who also produced this episode Audio Editor: Benjamin Cook Intern: Hattie Morris Principal Partners: Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer © HLA Agency

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: http://eepurl.com/iEKaM-/ or email [email protected] 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 Intern: Anna Swartz Audio editor: Alex Jones Sound recordist: Erin Millican House band: MX Tyrants This episode is in partnership with Netflix © HLA Agency

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 http://eepurl.com/iEKaM-/ or email [email protected] 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 Intern: Hattie Morris Audio editor: Benjamin Cook House band: MX Tyrants Principal Partners: Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer © HLA Agency

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. http://eepurl.com/iEKaM-/ or email [email protected] 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 Intern: Anna Swartz Audio editor: Alex Jones House band: MX Tyrants Principal Partners: Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer © HLA Agency

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: http://eepurl.com/iEKaM-/ or email [email protected] 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 Intern: Anna Swartz Audio editor: Benjamin Cook House band: MX Tyrants Principal Partners: Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer © HLA Agency

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. Sign up to the Girls On Film newsletter below: http://eepurl.com/iEKaM-/ or email [email protected] 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 Intern: Anna Swartz Audio editor: Alex Jones Sound recordist: Erin Millican House band: MX Tyrants This episode is in partnership with Netflix © HLA Agency

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/ Sign up to the Girls On Film newsletter below: http://eepurl.com/iEKaM-/ or email [email protected] 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 Interns: Anna Swartz and Oli Fyne Sound recordist: Erin Macmillan Audio editor: Benjamin Cook House band: MX Tyrants © HLA Agency

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. Sign up to the Girls On Film newsletter below: http://eepurl.com/iEKaM-/ or email [email protected] 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 Intern: Anna Swartz Audio editor: Emma Butt House band: MX Tyrants This episode is in partnership with Netflix © HLA Agency

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. Sign up to the Girls On Film newsletter below: http://eepurl.com/iEKaM-/ or email [email protected] 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 Intern: Anna Swartz Audio editor: Emma Butt House band: MX Tyrants This episode is in partnership with Universal Pictures © HLA Agency

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” Sign up to the Girls On Film newsletter below: http://eepurl.com/iEKaM-/ or email [email protected] 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 Intern: Anna Swartz Audio editor: Benjamin Cook House band: MX Tyrants © HLA Agency