Ep 204: Festivals Special: Shih-Ching Tsou, Jane Pollard & Iain Forsyth at BFI LFF + EMIFF preview

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

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

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

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

We switch from movies to the stage to talk about SING STREET: THE MUSICAL. Anna speaks with iconic producer Barbara Broccoli about her approach in adapting the film into a stage show. Barbara came on our 100th episode of Girls On Film to talk about her work, the Time's Up movement, and No Time To Die. As well as producing the Bond films at Eon Productions, she has produced female-led movies such as Film Stars Don't Die In Liverpool, Nancy, Till, and Blue Road: The Edna O'Brien Story. Anna also chats with the show’s director, Rebecca Taichman, about approaching the correct tone and staging for the show. Rebecca is one of only six women to win the TONY Award for Best Direction of a Play, which she took home in 2017 for "INDECENT," by Paula Vogel. With a diverse repertoire spanning Shakespeare, contemporary plays, opera, and musicals, Taichman is a visionary director who enjoys conceiving of and co-creating new work. We're also joined by John Carney who is known for music-led films such as Once and Begin Again, and who directed and co-wrote the original feature film Sing Street. SING STREET: THE MUSICAL is running from July 8 - August 23 2025 at the Hammersmith Theatre, London. Check out the website for more details: https://lyric.co.uk/shows/sing-street/ . 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 / https://bsky.app/profile/girlsonfilmpodcast.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/annasmithjourno.bsky.social Watch Girls On Film on the BFl'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: Emma Butt. This episode is supported by Lilac Grove Entertainment. Principal Partners: Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer © HLA Agency

Host Anna Smith brings you a special episode of Girls On Film from the Mediterrane Film Festival in Malta, which this year celebrates 100 years of movie-making on the island. From Malta, Anna speaks with producer Susan Simnett, known for Brides, Chuck Chuck Baby, and Fadhia’s Tree. She also chats to Euphoria star Barbie Ferreira, who received this year’s Rising Star Award, and BAFTA-winning actor Monica Dolan, who presented at the festival’s Golden Bee Awards. Back in the UK, broadcaster, film, TV and culture critic Ashanti Omkar joins Anna to discuss three powerful new films: Daisy-May Hudson and Sophie Compton’s documentary Holloway, Athina Rachel Tsangari’s medieval drama Harvest, and Claude Barras’s stop-motion animation Savages. Harvest will be coming to UK cinemas on 18 July 2025. Keep an eye out for upcoming screenings of Holloway with Reclaim the Frame - championing intersectional feminist cinema across the UK. Check out their website for more details Savages will be released in the UK and Ireland on 1 August 2025. Find out more about the Mediterrane Film Festival on their website https://mediterrane.com/ 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: Cam Griffiths Principal Partners: Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer © HLA Agency