Girls On Film

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