The Reel Girls Club

TW: The following discusses themes of SA.

Today, in a BFI London Film Festival Special Bonus Episode, I'm joined by Japanese Journalist, Filmmaker & Women's Rights Activist, Shiori Ito.

In this short but insightful conversation, we discuss her recent documentary 'Black Box Diaries', which recently premiered at the BFI London Film Festival and will have it's UK cinema release on the 25th of October 2024.

Shiori is known for her role in challenging Japan's legal and cultural attitudes toward sexual violence. In 2015, Shiori accused high-profile journalist Noriyuki Yamaguchi of raping her while she was unconscious, a case that brought significant attention to issues of consent and sexual assault in Japan. After the authorities declined to prosecute, Shiori filed a civil lawsuit and won in 2019, becoming a symbol for the MeToo movement in Japan.

Her work has sparked broader conversations about gender inequality, victim-blaming, and the need for legal reforms in Japan's handling of sexual violence.

In 2020, Shiori was named one of TIME magazine's 100 Most Influential People, recognising her bravery in confronting Japan's culture of silence around sexual violence.

Shiori is also author of 'Black Box' (2017), a memoir detailing her personal experience of sexual assault and her fight for justice.

In 2018, Shiori also directed the documentary 'Japan's Secret Shame', which aired on the BBC.

Shiori continues to advocate for survivors and raise awareness through her investigative journalism and public speaking.

If you or anyone you know is affected by the themes discussed above or in the podcast, here are some useful resources:

National Hotlines - Victim Connect Resource Center

National Sexual Assault Hotline: Confidential 24/7 Support | RAINN

Sexual Assault and Rape Resources | Joyful Heart Foundation

Find Help | National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)

Want to talk? | Rape Crisis England & Wales

Help after rape and sexual assault - NHS

The national domestic abuse and sexual violence support line - 3919 - is now available in 185 languages - Women For Women France

Information and support - Mind

Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen

In today's episode of the podcast, I'm joined by Domee Shi. Domee is a Chinese-Canadian Director & VP, Screenwriter & Storyboard Artist at PIXAR Animation Studios (pinch me!)

In the interview we talk all about how Domee's childhood love of drawing, manga and anime turned into an education at Sheridan college starting out in storyboarding then finally, into a career at one of the biggest animation studios in the world.

She started out as an intern, storyboarding on Inside Out & The Incredibles 2, to name a few, and has now gone on to make her Oscar-winning short 'Bao' and has also directed her first feature length, Turning Red. She's currently co-directing on an upcoming feature-length due for release in 2025.

You can stream both Bao & Turning Red on Disney+ now!

In today's episode, I'm joined by Weronika Tofilska. Weronika is a Polish Director & Screenwriter based in London. Following studies at the Krzysztof Kieślowski Film School in Poland before later graduating from the National Film and Television School in England, she's gone on to direct the hit Netflix miniseries Baby Reindeer this year. She was also recently nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for her work on the series' fourth episode. Weronika also worked as co-writer alongside Rose Glass on the romantic thriller, Love Lies Bleeding, starring Kristen Stewart.

We chat about her studies both in Poland and the UK, her creative process when directing and the differences when working as a co-writer on a feature film, and much more!

You can find more info about her work on Weronika's website here

Follow Reel Girls Club on Instagram here

Thanks for listening!

In today's episode, I'm joined by Desiree Akhavan. Desiree is an Iranian-American Director & Writer,

You may have heard of Desiree from her award-winning film The Miseducation of Cameron Post starring Chloe Moretz or her critcally acclaimed Channel 4 TV series, The Bisexual - where Desiree explores identity & the queer experience.

In this episode, we talk about how her love for playwriting put her on a path towards a career in filmmaking, how music is inspiring her latest project, how she's finding her voice, what inspired her upcoming book 'You're Embarrassing Yourself: Stories of Love, Lust & Movies' & much more.

To pre-order Desiree's new book head to this link:

You're Embarrassing Yourself by Desiree Akhavan: 9780399588501 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books

Praise for the memoir: 'I laughed, I cried and then I laughed again' LENA DUNHAM

'The film-maker's memoir is a smart, funny, painfully honest account of a 'loser' finding success.' THE GUARDIAN

GIVEAWAY!

• I'll be giving away one copy of Desiree's new book so follow @reelgirlsclub on Instagram to be in with a chance of winning!

Disclaimer: this episode contains some swearing and some sound issues, but overall very wholesome and inspiring content!

In today's episode, I'm joined by Louisa Connolly-Burnham. Louisa is a British Actress & Director.

She had an early start as an actress, best known her for her roles in the BAFTA-winning "Wolfblood" (BBC) and "Vampire Academy" (NBC Universal). She has made appearances in Channel 4's "Drifters", ITV's "Midsomer Murders", Sky1's "Little Crackers", BBC's "Holby City", "Doctors", "Outnumbered", "Casualty" and a lead role in Nickelodeon's "House of Anubis".

Louisa is also an award-winning writer/director and founded her production company Thimble Films in 2019 and she is a member of the female filmmaking collective Cinesisters. Her directorial debut "The Call Centre", which she also wrote, had a successful festival run including the Oscar-qualifying Foyle Film Festival with a nomination for "Best International Film".

She recently wrote, directed and starred in her new short film 'Sister Wives' starring Mia McKenna-Bruce (How To Have Sex, The Witcher) & Michael Fox (Downton Abbey, Dunkirk). Sister Wives explores a fictional relationship between two women living in a polygamous society based on the FLDS cult.

Follow Louisa on Instagram here

In today's brand new 1ST episode of season 3 of the podcast, I'm joined by Ninna Pálmadóttir.

Ninna, from Iceland, is a Film Director & Writer. Her filmography includes short films Paper Boy, which was the winner of the Edda Award for Best Short Film in 2020, & All Dogs Die. Her debut feature film Solitude, premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival. Solitude is a multilayered and heartfelt story about an old farmer who has to relocate to the city and forms a bond with his local paper boy and neighbor.

In this episode, we chat about Ninna's formative years in Iceland, studying at TISCH in NYU and how she came to direct her first feature and much more!

For more info check out Ninna's IMDb HERE!

In this BONUS episode, I'm joined by .Catherine Hardwicke! Catherine is an American Screenwriter, Director & Production designer, most famously known for having directed Thirteen & Twilight!

I feel very lucky and grateful to have interviewed her, even if it was only for 15 minutes! In this short but sweet conversation, Catherine tells me what inspired her to make Thirteen, how she brought her own creative vision toTwilight, what it was like having imposter syndrome when working on Vanilla Sky as a production designer for Tom Cruise plus some advice for aspiring filmmakers.

I've never really interviewed someone so quickly before, in such a rapid-fire style, but I really hope you enjoy it and find the conversation inspiring and helpful.

PS. At the 11.34/35 time mark, Catherine showed me some of her story boarding/photographs for future film projects, incase there's any confusion to what we're referring to! I also think I may ask the same (ish) question twice as I'm clearly quite excited and nervous sorry!

In today's episode, I'm joined by Evgenia Alexandrova. Evgenia is a Russian cinematographer (or called director of photography/DOP) and is the cinematographer for both feature films by French actress Noemie Merlant, Mi Iubita Mon Amour, and The Balconettes (Les Femmes au Balcon) which will be premiering at the Cannes Film Festival this month!

Evgenia gives an insight into the application process for studying at La Femis, advice for future cinematographers, stories from working on set, her future projects and much more!

You can see more of Evgenia's work on her website here

In today's episode, I'm joined by Sophia Hardman. Sophia is a Foley Editor and Mixer from the UK who has worked on blockbuster films such as 1917 by Sam Mendes, House of Gucci by Ridley Scott and No Time To Die by Cary Joji Fukunaga as well as TV shows like Black Mirror and The Tourist.

We chat about Sophia's career beginnings at Twickenham studios, what some of the most common props used in a foley studios are, her advice for people wanting to work in foley and much more.

Disclaimer: ironically (while interviewing an expert sound person) my sound is not so great (mic gain issues) and you may also hear the odd motorbike passing my house, a car, birds tweeting...etc etc. No I was not experimenting with my own foley art. But that's the last time I record downstairs in my living room...but you can still hear the interview fine, so let's just say it adds some atmosphere!

You can check out her impressive resume on IMdb here: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6830147/

Mubi Profile: https://mubi.com/en/cast/sophia-hardman

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sophiahardman?original_referer=

In today's episode, I'm joined by Mary Harron. Mary is a Canadian Director & Screenwriter of major feature films such as, I Shot Andy Warhol, American Psycho, Charlie Says, Daliland & The Notorious Bettie Page.

In this interview, we talk about Mary's childhood growing up between Hollywood & Ontario, her student years in London, her first steps into the film world in New York, what it was like working as a music journalist for PUNK magazine and as a director on set with Christian Bale.

In today's episode, I'm joined by Mariayah Kaderbhai, of British Asian heritage, who is Head of Programmes at BAFTA. While you all may know BAFTA for the awards ceremony, it's also a membership organisation and charity that supports, develops, and promotes the arts of film, television and video games in the UK.

BAFTA also has an international programme of events and initiatives offering access to talent through workshops, masterclasses, scholarships, lectures, and mentoring schemes in the United Kingdom and the United States.

In this episode, we talk about Mariayah's career beginnings at the BFI and Al Jazeera English, she also shares her advice for interviewing film stars and documentary filmmakers as well as what BAFTA offers for those interested in working in the film industry, and much more,

Links for information mentioned in podcast:

Podcast: Countdown To The BAFTAs | BAFTA

BAFTA Connect Membership | BAFTA

About BAFTA Membership | BAFTA

Job Vacancies | BAFTA

BAFTA - Opportunities @ Creative Access

Disclaimer: podcast episodes are recorded on Zoom therefore the audio quality may reflect this. The episode was recorded in January 2024 so when I say next month for the BAFTAS, I mean February.

In today's episode, I'm joined by Charlotte Finlay. Charlotte is a British costume supervisor and has worked on some of the most major film productions you've definitely heard of: Harry Potter, Mission Impossible, Indiana Jones, Love Actually and much more (you can check out her full, impressive, IMDb resume here!).

Charlotte also worked most recently alongside costume designer Jacqueline Durran and with director Greta Gerwig for the biggest blockbuster of 2023 - BARBIE!

We talk all about her career beginnings in Paris, what kind of challenges a costume supervisor encounters on set, advice and tips for succeeding in the industry and much more.

In today's episode, I'm joined by Doroteya Droumeva. Doroteya is a Bulgarian screenwriter and director who now resides in Berlin.

Her debut feature film 'The Vagabonds' featured at the International Cannes Film Festival last year following the success of her short-film 'The Letter' which won the Cinefondation prize in 2011.

In this conversation, we talk about how she got into filmmaking, what inspired her to make 'The Vagabonds' and what she would like to see better representation of in cinema and much more.

In today's episode, the first of 2023, I'm joined by Canadian, award-winning, international production designer, Carol Spier.

Carol is known for her long collaboration on several films with David Cronenberg, such as The Fly, Crash and Eastern Promises, to name a few. She has also worked with other renowned directors such as Guillermo Del Toro & Jodie Foster.

In today's, short-but-sweet, episode, we talk all about how Carol went from studying interior design to working in theatre, to a lifelong career in cinema. We also talked about the 'pre pre' production process and where she finds inspiration for her set designs and much more.

In today's episode, I'm joined by Masha Novikova. Masha is a Ukrainian film director and writer. Growing up in a family of artists, Masha went on to study fine arts in Munich, Germany where she discovered a passion for video art. This led her to pursue a MA in Filmmaking at the London Film School.

This is where she made her graduation short film 'Glorious Revolution' which received 3rd prize in the Cinefondation section at the 75th International Cannes Film Festival this year. The film tells the story of a mother who, following her son's death during protests of the Maidan Revolution in Ukraine in 2014, is confronted with corruption and red tape, in order to have her son buried.

Masha is a Talents Sarajevo alumna, a member of Primetime Network UK, BAFTA Connect Network and European Women's Audiovisual Network.

In this conversation, Masha shares her advice as a director, what it was like growing up in a family of painters, what motivated her to make 'Glorious Revolution' and much more.

For more information, see Masha's website by clicking here.

You can follow @reelgirlsclub on Instagram for all updates, and if you're enjoying the show, make sure to hit subscribe so that you are the first to get all the new episodes!

In today's episode I'm joined by two guests - Camilla Baier & Rachel Pronger. Camilla is a German Programmer and Curator based in Edinburgh. Rachel is a British curator, writer and producer based in Berlin. ​

Together, they created Invisible Women, an archive activist film collective which champions the work of female filmmakers from the history of cinema. IW was created from their desire to seek out and champion the work of female filmmakers who have been overlooked, un-credited or left out of the history of cinema. By drawing attention to these forgotten stories, IW aims to reinsert female voices into the story of film.

In this episode, we talk all about their initial meeting while studying the same masters degree at the University of Edinburgh, what it was like putting on their first ever IW event and how you can get involved with IW, too.

Check out their website here where you can sign up to their monthly newsletter, follow their Instagram here & everything else here

Follow The Reel Girls Club on Instagram here

For the first episode of series 2 of the podcast, I met up with Natasza Chroscicki - live from the bustling Cannes Film Festival 2022, to chat all things ARRI, cameras, cinema, and much more!

Natasza, who is of Italian Polish heritage, is the CEO of ARRI France & Business Development Director of ARRI Mediterranean. She is also currently a Jury Member of the Cannes Film Festival 'Caméra D'Or' for the festival this year (2022).

After studying architecture in Rome, Natasza worked for a few years as a decorator in cinema and theater in Italy. In 1994, she arrived in Paris to lead Technovision France, in the footsteps of her father, Henryk Chroscicki. The latter having been director of photography, producer, distributor, and manufacturer as well as rental of shooting equipment, she has always been immersed in this wonderful world of cinema. She inherited not only his company but also this artisanal spirit essential to creation.

In 2010 she created ImageWorks, an independent sales and marketing consulting company specializing in the cinema and audiovisual sector.

Currently she is the CEO of ARRI France, Business Development Director of ARRI Mediterranean and was most recently a Jury Member of the Cannes Film Festival 'Caméra D'Or' in May 2022.

Find out more about ARRI here: https://www.arri.com/en

Disclaimer: this was my first ever, in person, live interview and not over Zoom (for once!)...recorded in a slightly noisy hotel restaurant hence the odd clinking noise, or plate clattering, but I like to think this adds some festival atmosphere :) Enjoy!

In today's episode, I'm interviewing two guests - Molly Vandermeer & Dr. Parvinder Shergill.

Molly is a British Award winning, London-based Director, Writer & Producer. Since completing an English Literature & History of Art degree, and studying filmmaking and screenwriting, Molly has been working in Drama & Documentaries and has also gained experience working in the Development of both fiction & factual content.

Parvinder is a British South Asian medical doctor within psychiatry for the NHS, a writer, public speaker, podcaster, radio show host, film director, producer, and actress.

Together, they have joined creative forces to make the short film 'Twelve' (2022), written by Vandermeer which is a drama about an Eating Disorder help group, starring Leslie Ash, Parvinder Shergill, Duncan James & Ali Bastian.

We talk all about their career beginnings in filmmaking, why creativity and art is synonymous with healing both mental and physical health, how they chose to portray eating disorders more accurately on screen and much more.

You can see more of Molly's work here and Parvinder's here

Trigger warning: this episode discusses mental health issues and eating disorders.

In today's episode, I'm joined by Laura Torenbeek. Laura is a Dutch filmmaker based in both the Netherlands and the UK. After finishing her BA in Audiovisual Media at the Utrecht School of the Arts, she continued to do her MA in Filmmaking at the Northern Film School in Leeds.

Alongside filmmaking, she is very passionate about the environment and sustainable filmmaking. This is why earlier this year she set up her own company Green Film Productions, which focusses on producing creative content and caring for the earth at the same time.

Through the company she is creating a new web series called Girls with Capes, which consists of short stories up to 7 minutes in length and which are created by different writers and directors in various formats.

She is currently working as a Health and Safety consultant at Creative Safety as well as freelance directing/producing film content.

In this episode, we talk all about sustainable filmmaking including 'planet placement' and how to make productions better for the planet.

Check out Laura's website here

Find out more about albert sustainable productions here

In today's episode, I'm joined by Ruth Pease. Ruth is a British award nominated freelance Makeup, Prosthetics & Hair Artist based in London with over 12 years experience.

Graduating from London College Of Fashion with a BA in Specialist Makeup Design For Film & TV, she threw herself into the industry as an enthusiastic designer and artist.

Working with both custom prosthetic creation and cosmetic makeup has given Ruth the opportunity to enjoy a varied career. Her work has featured on several award winning productions from 'Mystery Files II' - National Geograhic to music promo 'House' - Cool Fun, directed by Prano Bailey-Bond (WINNER - Best Pop Video, Budget at the UK Music Video Awards).

Since then her career has taken her on an exciting journey working with talent including Crispin Glover, Sam Worthington, Hailee Steinfeld, Lily Cole, Niamh Algar and many more.

Her latest work as designer of Prano Bailey Bond’s debut feature film ‘Censor’, was awarded the Méliès d’Argent for Best European Feature Film.

In this episode, we delve into her career beginnings, her experience working on gorey scenes in Censor, her love for horror movies and much more.

Follow Ruth on Instagram @4th_storm and check out Ruth's top 5 Horror Films here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CVN-h76qtqq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link