Ep224: EIFF live – Molly Manners & Sophie Heldman on EXTRA GEOGRAPHY & THE EDUCATION OF JANE CUMMING

Girls On Film returns to Latitude for a fourth year, celebrating the festival’s 20th anniversary with a fabulous panel of women from film and TV, chaired by host Anna Smith. First up, Anna welcomes actor, comedian, producer and director Sally Phillips, who talks about recent television and film roles (VIRGINIA WOOLF’S NIGHT & DAY, THE HAIRDRESSER MYSTERIES) as well as a current project working with people with learning difficulties. Next Anna is joined by Girls On Film award-winner, Ebada Hassan, star of BRIDES and PROPER LADIES who talks about claiming space for women of colour and Muslim creative talent. Finally, documentary filmmaker Jeanie Finlay joins the panel to talk about her work, including latest feature ALL RIVERS SPILL THEIR STORIES TO THE SEA, a wryly humorous account of the plight of Teesside fishers who forge a pathway through grief and loss to finding power in community. All three guests discuss the last 20 years in comedy, drama and documentary, reflecting on the progress made by women in the industry, in particular the legacy of industry trailblazer Jess Search, co-founder of Doc Society, Good Pitch and Shooting People. Sally also opens up about her challenging experience making the BBC documentary A WORLD WITHOUT DOWN'S SYNDROME?. This episode was recorded at The Listening Post at Latitude Festival on Saturday 25th July 2026. Special thanks to Latitude for having us, and to our principal sponsors Peter Brewer and Vanessa Smith. VIRGINIA WOOLF’S NIGHT & DAY is currently screening at select UK cinemas. You can watch THE HAIRDRESSER MYSTERIES on BBC iPlayer. PROPER LADIES is available on BBC iPlayer. BRIDES is available on BFI Player and Amazon Prime Video. ALL RIVERS SPILL THEIR STORIES TO THE SEA will screen in cinemas nationwide from October 23rd 2026. More information about the film here: https://www.glimmerama.com/allriversspill Other films and television series mentioned in this episode: BRIDGET JONES: MAD ABOUT THE BOY (2025) AUSTIN (2024) GREEN WING (2004-7) FRENCH & SAUNDERS (2005) SMACK THE PONY (1999-2003) I’M ALAN PARTRIDGE (1997-2002) OBSESSION (2026) BACKROOMS (2026) CHEWING GUM (2015-17) YOUR FAT FRIEND (2023) SEAHORSE (2019) THE GREAT HIP HOP HOAX (2013) SOUND IT OUT (2011) A WORLD WITHOUT DOWN’S SYNDROME? (2016) AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH (2006) WHILE WE WATCHED (2022) VIRUNGA (2014) GRAND THEFT HAMLET (2024) You can also listen to Sally Phillips in ep 100, ep 148 and most recently ep 216 at the Girls On Film Awards. You can hear from Jeanie Finlay in ep 184 and her film SEAHORSE is reviewed in ep 20. You can hear more about BRIDES in ep 202. Photo credits: Sally Phillips by Pip Jeanie Phillips by Jo Irvine #girlsonfilmpodcast #annasmith #womeninfilm #latitudefestival #sallysmack #ebadahassan #jeaniefinlay #hairdressermysteries #NightAndDayFilm #VirginiaWoolfsNightandDay #smackthepony #bridesfilm #allriversspilltheirstoriestothesea #thedocsociety #goodpitch #shootingpeople 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 Watch Girls On Film on the BFI’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX…L89QKZsN5Tgr3vn7z Girls On Film is an HLA Agency production. Host: Anna Smith Executive Producer: Hedda Lornie Archbold Producers: Nicki Glossop and Charlotte Matheson Audio Editor: Heather Dempsey Social Media Producers: Dr Jade Evans and Ruby Rose Bradshaw Intern: Lucy Johnson Principal Partners: Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer © HLA Agency

This episode was recorded live with an audience at Monkey Barrel as part of Edinburgh International Film Festival 2026, where host Anna Smith welcomed two directors whose films are both set at girls’ boarding school, though the stories they tell could hardly be more different. Anna's first guest is Molly Manners, director of EXTRA GEOGRAPHY, a hit at Sundance which received its UK premiere at EIFF in a screening presented in partnership with Girls On Film. Manners is also known for the BAFTA-winning TV series ONE DAY. She talks about her route into directing, how she recognises a good take, the leap from television to film, and the pull toward working with women collaborators, including EXTRA GEOGRAPHY writer Miriam Battye and producer Sarah Brocklehurst, both previous guests on the show. EXTRA GEOGRAPHY stars Marni Duggan, Galaxie Clear and Alice Englert. Anna's second guest is Sophie Heldman, director of THE EDUCATION OF JANE CUMMING, presented at EIFF in partnership with Reclaim The Frame. Set in Edinburgh, the film explores sexuality and prejudice in ways that prove strikingly relevant to the present day. Heldman discusses the story's origins, working with an all-women crew, and filming in Edinburgh. THE EDUCATION OF JANE CUMMING stars Clare Dunne, Flora Nicholson, Mia Tharia and Fiona Shaw. Together with Anna, Molly and Sophie compare notes on why the intensity of boarding school life lends itself so well to drama, and share their own favourite films from the genre. Where to watch EXTRA GEOGRAPHY opens in UK cinemas on 2 October. THE EDUCATION OF JANE CUMMING opens in UK cinemas early in 2027. More from EIFF Anna's picks from this year's festival: COMING HOME, the classic starring Jane Fonda PRETTY BABIES, the directorial debut of Tyler-Marie Evans, exploring sex work and exploitation with a mostly female cast SNAPSHOT, on a Victorian, all-female ghost-hunting society taking on misinformation and fake news Stay in touch: Subscribe to the newsletter at GirlsOnFilm.org.uk for film recommendations, updates and invites to special events. For partnership enquiries, email [email protected]. Details on joining our Patreon are in the show notes. Tune in soon for our new episode from Latitude Festival 2026. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review. 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 Watch Girls On Film on the BFI’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX…L89QKZsN5Tgr3vn7z Girls On Film is an HLA Agency production. Host: Anna Smith Executive Producer: Hedda Lornie Archbold Producers: Nicki Glossop & Hedda Lornie Archbold Audio Editor: Alex Jones Social Media Producers: Dr Jade Evans and Ruby Rose Bradshaw Intern: Lucy Johnson Principal Partners: Peter Brewer and Vanessa Smith This episode is in partnership with Edinburgh International Film Festival. © HLA Agency

Girls on Film Edinburgh Film Festival v5 by Anna Smith

This week Anna talks with actors Sian Clifford and Laurie Kynaston, and with director Samuel Abrahams about their new film LADY, a mockumentary about a lonely aristocrat who invites a documentary crew into her home, with events taking a surreal turn as her desire to be seen spirals out of control. The episode opens with a lively conversation recorded live at BFI Southbank, where Sian, Sam and Laurie discuss how a real life YouTuber inspired the writers, the 15 day shoot at Somerleyton Hall in Suffolk, the improvisational freedom of shooting in documentary style, and the joy of working with a tiny, trusted crew. Questions from the audience touch on class, Britishness and the film's surreal turn into invisibility. Anna then sits down with Sian Clifford one-on-one, for a more in-depth conversation, about her leap of faith in taking on the role, the emotional afterglow of the BFI screening, FLEABAG’s lasting legacy, and her recent run of releases including MOTHER MARY and THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND, and what it means to carry a film as a lead after playing mainly supporting roles. LADY is in UK cinemas from Friday 14th August 2026. This episode was made in partnership with LADY. Sign up to our newsletter at girlsonfilm.org.uk, and keep an eye on our socials for news of our upcoming show at the Edinburgh International Film Festival. Other films and TV series mentioned in this episode: Fleabag The Ballad of Wallis Island Mother Mary Ludwig Season 2 Life After Life 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 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 Producers: Nicki Glossop and Hedda Lornie Archbold Audio Editor: Elliana Jay Hamer Social Media Producers: Dr Jade Evans and Ruby Rose Bradshaw Intern: Lucy Johnson Principal partners Peter Brewer and Vanessa Smith This episode is in partnership with LADY © HLA Agency

Anna is at Italian Global Series, a festival which transforms two Northern Italian cities into the meeting place for the world’s leading television creatives. First up, Anna is joined by multi-BAFTA winning writer, Sally Wainwright and Olivier-award winning actor, Tamsin Greig to discuss comedy-drama series, RIOT WOMEN. They explain why a TV show about five middle-aged women starting a rock band might just be the perfect way to begin a conversation about the menopause. Sally shares advice to women writers and to the industry’s gatekeepers. Tamsin suggests how today’s young actors might approach the challenge of gaining a foothold in the industry. Anna then meets Chiara Sbarigia, President of Italy’s Audiovisual Producers Association, which is one of the festival’s organisers. Chiara talks about the festival’s genesis and the venues, history and Italian hospitality which make it so unique. Chiara also shares her experience as a woman working her way up the career ladder in Italy’s audiovisual industry. A huge thank you to Italian Global Series for partnering on this episode. To find out more about Italian Global Series visit the festival’s official website at https://italianglobalseriesfestival.it/en/ You can watch RIOT WOMEN on BBC iPlayer in the UK, and BritBox in North America and across Europe. Television and Radio Series mentioned in this episode: STAR TREK: VOYAGER STAR TREK: PICARD FALLING LA FAMIGLIA PANINI LAURA’S TREATMENT LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE RIOT WOMEN HAPPY VALLEY LAST TANGO IN HALIFAX GREEN WING THE ARCHERS 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 Sign up to the Girls On Film newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/iEKaM-/ Or email [email protected] to be signed up. Girls On Film is an HLA production. Host: Anna Smith Executive Producer: Hedda Lornie Archbold Producer: Nicki Glossop Audio Editor: Elliana Hamer Social Media: Dr Jade Evans and Ruby Rose Bradshaw Intern: Lucy Johnson Partners for this episode were Italian Global Series © HLA Agency #girlsonfilmpodcast #annasmith #womeninfilm #italianglobalseries #riotwomen #menopause #ARXX #tamsingreig #sallywainwright #rosaliemaecraig #joannascanlan #ameliabullmore #lorraineashbourne #thearchers #happyvalley #lasttangoinhalifax #gentlemanjack

This special episode of Girls On Film comes to you from Vue West End, Leicester Square. At our Q&A screening of VIRGINIA WOOLF’S NIGHT & DAY host, Anna Smith is joined by the film’s director Tina Gharavi, lead actor Haley Bennett and writer-producer Justine Waddell. Justine talks about her ‘free adaptation’ of Woolf’s 1910 novel and shining a light on Edwardian England’s forgotten female scientists. Tina expresses gratitude for the film’s dream cast – which in addition to Haley Bennett, includes Jennifer Saunders, Timothy Spall, Jack Whitehall, Lily Allen, Misia Butler, Elyas M’Barek and Sally Phillips. She also reflects on the joys of shooting in North East England and the challenges of balancing playfulness and experimentation with the demands of script, budget and schedule. Haley speaks of finding inspiration in her character, Katharine Hilbery’s big dreams and belief in her own instincts. Set against the backdrop of the suffragette movement the film brings into sharp focus the choices and limitations faced by early twentieth century women but also their determination to break down barriers and create new pathways. Other films mentioned in this episode: ELOISE AT THE PLAZA SIXTEEN CANDLES THE BREAKFAST CLUB A huge thank you to Vue Lumière for partnering on this episode. VIRGINIA WOOLF’S NIGHT & DAY is in UK cinemas from Friday 19 June 2026. 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 Sign up to the Girls On Film newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/iEKaM-/ Or email [email protected] to be signed up. 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: Nicki Glossop Audio Editor: Heather Dempsey Social Media: Dr Jade Evans and Ruby Bradshaw Partners for this episode were Vue Lumière © HLA Agency #girlsonfilmpodcast #annasmith #womeninfilm #NightAndDayFilm #VirginiaWoolfsNightandDay #virginiawoolf #haleybennett #sallyphillips #jennifersaunders #misiabutler #elyas_m’barek #lilyallen #jackwhitehall #suffragettes #astronomers

This episode of Girls On Film comes to you from the French Riviera. We’re here for the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival. Anna welcomes five guests who talk about films and feminism amid the glamour that is Cannes. First up, Anna discusses the gender balance in some of the festival’s stand out films with film critic Sucharita Tyagi. Their discussion ranges from feminism and trans rights in the darkly comic Teenage Sex And Death At Camp Miasma to the healing power of a canine friend in Chilean dog movie La Perra (Winner of the Palm Dog Award). Next Anna is joined by writer-director Katharina Rivilis in Cannes with her first feature, I’ll Be Gone In June, a semi-autobiographical film in which a young woman’s exchange year in New Mexico is set against the backdrop of 9/11. Film critic and journalist Tomris Laffly joins Anna to talk about her festival highlights including Palme D’Or Winner, Fjord, Marie Kreutzer’s Gentle Monster and comedy drama A Woman’s Life. Finally Anna welcomes Shrimoyee Chakraborti and Parno Mittra to talk about female friendship, their passion for film and their documentary feature, Spirit Of The Wildflower, directed by Shrimoyee and exec produced by Parno. Set in rural India this film follows the lives of two siblings who unite to form a business marketing the traditional tribal drink, mahua. The film explores themes including family, community, feminism and transgender identity. Films mentioned in this episode: I’ll Be Gone In June Spirit Of The Wildflower Teenage Sex And Death At Camp Miasma (release date Aug 21 2026) Elephants In The Fog (Winner of Un Certain Regard Jury Prize) Clarissa Hope I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning (Winner of the Palm Dog Grand Jury Prize) L’Affaire Marie-Clare (Women On Trial) La Perra (Winner of the Palm Dog Award) Once Upon A Time In Harlem Fjord (Winner of the Palme D’Or) Garance Gentle Monster Thelma and Louise (1991) A Woman’s Life Minotaure (Winner of the Grand Prix) Girls On Film would like to thank our fabulous sponsors for their support in Cannes: Astella Jewellery; DISAUTHORITY; Elstree Studios; Hech Nutrition; HLA Agency; IMDb; Jane Owen PR; JJDConsultancy; Lilac Grove Entertainment; Strike Media; The Members Club In Cannes; Variety. Become a patron of Girls On Film on Patreon here: www.5patreon.com/girlsonfilmpodcast Follow us on socials: www.instagram.com/girlsonfilm_podcast/ www.facebook.com/girlsonfilmpodcast www.twitter.com/GirlsOnFilm_Pod www.twitter.com/annasmithjourno Sign up to the Girls On Film newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/iEKaM-/ Or email [email protected] to be signed up. 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: Nicki Glossop Audio Editor: Benjamin Cook Social Media: Dr Jade Evans and Ruby Rose Bradshaw Principal Partners: Peter Brewer and Vanessa Smith Sponsors: Lilac Grove Entertainment © HLA Agency #girlsonfilmpodcast #annasmith #womeninfilm #womenfilmcritics #cannesfilmfestival #PalmedOr #festivaldecannes #cannes2026 #diversityincannes #parnomittra #su4ita #shrimoyeec #katharina_rivilis #AstellaJewellery #disauthority #IMDb #jopr #JJDConsultancy #elstreestudios #LilacGroveEnt #hlaagency #HechNutrition #strikemedia #variety #themembersclubincannes

Anna speaks to three women with different perspectives on the film industry. First up, director Lena Vurma and actor Olivia Vinall discuss their new film Leonora in the Morning Light, a visually glorious exploration of the life and work of artist Leonora Carrington. Lena explains what drew her to make a film about one of surrealism’s lesser-known figures whilst Olivia shares the challenges and rewards of embodying a woman whose life spanned continents and who experienced war and mental illness alongside the difficulties and joys of a career as a female artist. They talk about the film’s extraordinary locations in Mexico and the South of France and the female friendship at the heart of Carrington’s story. In the second half of the show, Anna is joined by Jane Owen who discusses her role as founder of award-winning Public Relations company, Jane Owen PR. Jane tells us how her PR team prepares for the parties, networking and deal-making opportunities at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. She also shares her PR highlights of the last few years, and her love of old movies and the stars who made them. Jane talks about positive changes in the industry, which present opportunities for smaller indie films and shares the skills essential for success in film PR. Leonora in the Morning Light is on general release in UK cinemas from 29th May 2026. Find further details about the film and screenings here: https://www.modernfilms.com/leonora DIRECTORS Thor Klein & Lena Vurma CAST Olivia Vinall, Alexander Scheer, Cassandra Ciangherotti, Ryan Gage, Istvan Teglas, Luis Gerardo Mendez Other films mentioned in this episode: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes Become a patron of Girls On Film on Patreon here: www.5patreon.com/girlsonfilmpodcast Follow us on socials: www.instagram.com/girlsonfilm_podcast/ www.facebook.com/girlsonfilmpodcast www.twitter.com/GirlsOnFilm_Pod www.twitter.com/annasmithjourno Sign up to the Girls On Film newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/iEKaM-/ Or email [email protected] to be signed up. 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: Nicki Glossop Audio Editor: Jack Howard Social Media: Dr Jade Evans and Ruby Rose Bradshaw With thanks to Principal Partners Peter Brewer and Vanessa Smith, and our sponsors for this episode, Lilac Grove Entertainment © HLA Agency

Girls On Film: International Women’s Month – Industry Special To bookend International Women’s Month, here is the second of two Girls On Film episodes this March that feature inspiring conversations with high‑profile industry leaders who shape the screen industries. In this episode, we spotlight producer Pippa Harris and entertainment marketing specialist Julie La’Bassiere. They share where they started, how they rose to the top of their field, and the films that fuelled their passion. They also share the lessons they’ve learned along the way and offer empowering advice for the next generation of women ready to make their mark. Dame Pippa Harris is one of the most influential producers working today. Co‑founder of Neal Street Productions with Sam Mendes, she is the force behind some of the most acclaimed screen stories of recent years, from the Academy Award‑winning 1917 to the beloved long‑running BBC drama Call The Midwife. This year, she’s made headlines with the acclaimed adaptation of Hamnet, as well as an ambitious upcoming series of four films about The Beatles. Her latest film, The Magic Faraway Tree, is in cinemas now and Belsen: What They Found, which Pippa executive produced, has been nominated for a BAFTA in the TV Awards (Specialist Factual). Julie La’Bassiere is the Chief Strategy Officer at DDA, a leading international creative communications and PR agency specialising in entertainment and brand marketing. At DDA, she spearheads creative strategy across film, TV, gaming, and global brands. Enjoy this powerful double‑bill of industry trailblazers, sharing the films that shaped them, the paths that propelled them, and the advice that will inspire the next generation of women in film. 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 Tiktok: @girlsonfilm_podcast Sign up to the Girls On Film newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/iEKaM-/ Or email [email protected] to be signed up. 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 Audio Editor: Jack Howard Social Media: Dr Jade Evans and Ruby Rose Bradshaw Principal Partners: Peter Brewer and Vanessa Smith Sponsors: Lilac Grove Entertainment © HLA Agency

In this bumper episode, Anna speaks to four film heavyweights from across the globe. From the head of a renowned London film studio to a top Hollywood magazine publisher, these women are leaders in their respective fields and join us to discuss their remarkable career trajectories. Anna catches up with Dea Lawrence, the Publisher and Co-President of Variety, about how she is shaping the iconic publication’s future. She also welcomes Jen Smith, the CEO of the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority, to talk about improving the safety of creative working environments. And she takes a trip down memory lane with old friends Rebecca Hawkes and JoJo Dye, who are brimming with rollicking stories from their early years in Cannes. They also just happen to be Head of Elstree Studios and Director of the Global Entertainment Awards, respectively. Get ready for a masterclass in film business as each of our guests offers golden advice, taken from illustrious, decades-long careers. They also discuss the importance of female friendships and name the legendary on-screen women that inspire them. CIISA: https://ciisa.org.uk/ Elstree Studios: https://www.elstreestudios.co.uk/ JoJo Dye: https://jjdconsultancy.com/ Variety: https://variety.com/ Marilyn Monroe’s article, recommended by Jen Smith: https://www.marilynrememberedfanclub.com/article-marilyn-monroe-wolves-i-have-known/ Films mentioned: Imitation of Life (1959), Hello Dolly, St Trinian’s, The Misfits, Mommie Dearest, Gone with the Wind Become a patron of Girls On Film on Patreon here: www.patreon.com/girlsonfilmpodcast Sign up to the Girls On Film newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/iEKaM-/ 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 & Audio Editor: Elliana Jay Hamer Social Media Producer: Dr Jade Evans Production Assistant: Ruby Rose Bradshaw House Band: MX Tyrants Principle Partners: Peter Brewer and Vanessa Smith Thank you to Lilac Grove Entertainment for partnering with us on this episode. © HLA Agency