Ep 210: The Women behind WICKED: FOR GOOD talk collaboration, creativity and female empowerment

Anna Smith goes behind the scenes on one of the biggest films of the year, and one of the biggest contenders in film awards season: WICKED: FOR GOOD. This sequel to WICKED came to our cinema screens in late November and Anna is thrilled to sit down with four women who helped create both films, which are a key influence in shaping the lives of young viewers today. Anna talks first with Screenwriter Dana Fox and Casting Director Tiffany Little Canfield, and then with DOP Alice Brooks ASC, and Hair & Make-Up Designer Frances Hannon. They speak about collaboration, female empowerment, the intricacies of their jobs and about working with the whole crew, including director Jon M Chu and co-writer Winnie Holzman. Tiffany, Alice and Frances were all shortlisted for the Oscars the day before this podcast was published. This episode is in partnership with WICKED: FOR GOOD Subscribe to the Girls On Film newsletter via the 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 Assistant Producer: Negin Nia Intern: Tallulah Treadaway Audio Editor Extraordinaire: Benjamin Cook Thanks to Girls On Film principal partners Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer © HLA Agency

In this episode of Girls On Film, we speak with Laura Mulvey, British feminist film theorist, filmmaker, and Patron of Girls On Film, who was awarded the prestigious BFI Fellowship in November. Laura has curated a selection of Big Screen Classics running throughout December 2025 at London’s BFI Southbank, featuring titles such as Morocco, Man with a Movie Camera, and Through the Olive Trees. A wonderful opportunity to revisit, or discover, these influential films. And in the episode we introduce a new category in the 2026 Girls On Film Awards: The Girls On Film Award for Best Editing sponsored by DISAUTHORITY. Anna chats with Maria Shevtsova, Vice President of DISAUTHORITY and Head of DISAUTHORITY Originals, about the award category, and the exciting partnership. The 2026 awards will take place on February 2nd, and we’re delighted to celebrate this new addition. Thank you to Lilac Grove Entertainment 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: Benjamin Cook Principal Partners: Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer © HLA Agency

In this live episode of Girls On Film, host Anna Smith sits down with the extraordinary women behind THE THING WITH FEATHERS, a moving new feature film adapted from Max Porter’s award-winning novel. Recorded at an exclusive Girls On Film screening of the film on 18 November at Vue West End in London, Anna speaks with: Lucy Sullivan: artist, author, and comic book creator Nicola Hicks: acclaimed sculptor and designer of Crow Leah Clarke: one of producers with THE THING WITH FEATHERS Tahra Zafar: who worked on creature and costume effects Together, they delve into the unique challenges women face in their respective fields, reflect on the artistic processes that shape their work, and celebrate the power of creative communities in sustaining and inspiring their careers. Directed by Dylan Southern and starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Vinette Robinson, and David Thewlis, THE THING WITH FEATHERS is a lyrical exploration of love, loss, and the mysterious ways we heal. A huge thank you to Vue Lumiere for partnering on this event, and to everyone who joined us for this live conversation. THE THING WITH FEATHERS is released in select UK cinemas on 21 November 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: Negin Nia Intern: Ruby Bradshaw Audio Editor: Jack Howard Principal Partners: Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer Podcast Cover: @charleston51 © HLA Agency

In this episode of Girls On Film, Anna Smith takes you out of the studio and straight to the sunny shores of Mallorca! Recorded live at the Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival, Anna hosts a Girls On Film panel on Women in Leadership, featuring a talented group of women shaping the industry with creativity and vision. Joining Anna on stage are filmmaker Alex Burunova, whose psychological drama SATISFACTION explores the delicate bond between composers Lola and Philip; BAFTA-nominated producer Sarah Brocklehurst, founder of Brock Media and known for THE OUTRUN; and Abi Harris, founder of Altitude Management, who helps artists take their creative projects to new heights. Anna also catches up with acclaimed actor Maria Dragus, known for THE WHITE RIBBON and MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS, who was in the audience at the Girls On Film panel. A huge thank you to Sandra, Maria, Vicka, and the wonderful team at Evolution Mallorca! We are already counting down to see what they have in store for next year. Do keep an eye out for dates. Learn more about Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival here: https://www.evolutionfilmfestival.com/ 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 Agency production. Host: Anna Smith Executive Producer: Hedda Lornie Archbold Producer: Negin Nia Intern: Chloe Fonge Audio Editor: Benjamin Cook Principal Partners: Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer © HLA Agency

In this episode of Girls On Film, host Anna Smith speaks with two phenomenal women whose new films explore resilience, justice, and the power of female storytelling. First, Anna catches up with acclaimed actor Samantha Morton, known for her unforgettable performances in In America, Movern Callar, and She Said. Samantha discusses her role as Nessa in ANEMONE, a haunting drama following two estranged brothers reuniting in the wilds of Northern England, written and directed by Ronan Day-Lewis. She also reflects with Anna on her career choices and shares her thoughts on gender in film. ANEMONE is released in UK cinemas on 7 November 2025. Then Anna talks with Dolores Fonzi, the celebrated Argentinian actor, director, and co-writer of BELÉN, Argentina’s official submission for the 2025 International Feature Oscar. BELÉN tells the moving story of women uniting to fight injustice, inspired by true events surrounding a young woman falsely accused of infanticide. Dolores discusses the film’s real-life origins, her transition to directing, and how the movement for reproductive rights continues to shape the political landscape in Argentina today. BELÉN is released in select UK cinemas from 7 November 2025, and available on Prime Video from 14 November. This episode is in part-partnership with Amazon MGM Studios. 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: Negin Nia Interns: Chloe Fonge and Ruby Bradshaw Audio Editor: Benjamin Cook Principal Partners: Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer © HLA Agency

In this special live episode of Girls On Film, host Anna Smith sits down with the creative team behind HEDDA, the daring new film from acclaimed director Nia DaCosta, also known for CANDYMAN and THE MARVELS. Recorded live on 13 October 2025 at Picturehouse Central, this Q&A follows a screening of HEDDA - a bold and contemporary reimagining of Henrik Ibsen’s classic play Hedda Gabler. The film follows the daughter of a general as she navigates a home she never wanted, a marriage that confines her, and the haunting return of a former lover. Joining Anna on stage are director Nia DaCosta and cast members Tessa Thompson, Nina Hoss, and Imogen Poots, who discuss the film’s exploration of race and gender, as well as the creative process of reinventing one of literature’s most complex and fascinating women for modern audiences. HEDDA is in UK cinemas as of 24 October 2025, and on Prime Video globally on 29 October 2025 Thank you to Amazon MGM Studios 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 Podcast Cover Image: Amy Webster Audio Editor: Elliana Jay Hamer © HLA Agency

In this episode of Girls On Film, we bring you a live-recorded Q&A from our Girls On Film BFI LFF For Free panel, recorded on Thursday, 16 October at 2:00 PM at BFI Southbank. Host Anna Smith speaks with: - Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard, directors and co-screenwriters on BROKEN ENGLISH, an inventive and soulful documentary portrait of cultural icon Marianne Faithfull. - Shih-Ching Tsou, director and co-screenwriter, on LEFT-HANDED GIRL, a powerful story following a family of women returning to Taipei to begin a new chapter in their lives. Later in this episode, Anna chats with Sandra Lipski, founder and director of the Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival, joining us online from sunny Mallorca! Set against the stunning backdrop of Palma de Mallorca, the festival has become renowned for its creative energy, vibrant international community, and commitment to connecting cultures through film. Sandra shares insights into what’s in store for this year’s festival and how it has evolved since its early days. The Girls On Film Women in Leadership panel in Mallorca is on Sunday 26 October at the Es Baluard Museum in Palma de Mallorca. The panel this year will include: - Sarah Brocklehurst: BAFTA-nominated producer. - Abi Harris: founder of Altitude Management. - Alex Buruonova: writer and director, whose film SATISFACTION is playing at the festival. Learn more about the festival and our panel here: https://www.evolutionfilmfestival.com 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: Benjamin Cook Podcast Cover Image: Ruby Bradshaw Principal Partners: Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer © HLA Agency

This episode of Girls On Film is dedicated to BAFTA and Oscar contender, THE SECOND TIME AROUND. The film tells a complex, sensitive, universal story, and you can watch it on Channel 4 now. Anna talks to the two stars of the film: Caroline Goodall, best known for films like The Princess Diaries with Anne Hathaway, and her two collaborations with Steven Spielberg, in Hook alongside Robin WIlliams - and in Schindler’s List. And Hannah Onslow, who featured alongside Olivia Colman in Empire of Light directed by Sam Mendes, and starred in the BBC’s This City Is Ours alongside Sean Bean. Hannah can currently be seen in Noah Baumbach’s new film Jay Kelly. Anna also talks to the writer and director, Jack Howard, and to executive producer Hedda Lornie Archbold, who also exec produces this podcast. And finally Anna talks to Rita Hirani, the CEO of MindOut, the mental health charity for the LGBTQ community, who proudly partner with The Second Time Around. Olivia Colman said: “It’s a haunting and captivating short that lingers long after it ends. It unsettles you at first, then reveals an unexpected tenderness. An extraordinary depth of story told in just ten minutes." Sign up to the Girls On Film newsletter below: http://eepurl.com/iEKaM-/ or email [email protected] to be signed up. Become a patreon 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 Intern: Ruby Bradshaw Principal Partners Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer Thanks to our sponsors for this episode, Lilac Grove Entertainment. © HLA Agency

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

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