Episodes

  • Ep 214: Laura Poitras on Cover-Up, documentary success and exposing the CIA

    Ep 214: Laura Poitras on Cover-Up, documentary success and exposing the CIA
    Feb 6 2026
    On today's Girls on Film we’re getting conspiratorial with COVER-UP - a BAFTA-nominated documentary following the career of investigative journalist Seymour Hirsch. He was an expert at exposing government corruption and scandal in the United States, and this documentary has exclusive access to him. Co-director Laura Poitras will be giving Anna the story behind the story of this thrilling film. Laura has been three times Oscar nominated for My Country, My Country, All The Beauty and The Bloodshed, and Citizenfour—for which she won. Alongside her co-director Mark Obenhaus, she's putting another gripping story onscreen here. We talk career inspirations, the art of the expose, and how being underestimated can be a woman's secret weapon. This episode is in partnership with Netflix. Sign up to the Girls On Film newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/iEKaM-/ Or email girlsonfilmsocial@gmail.com 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. Executive Producer: Hedda Lornie Archbold Producer: Heather Dempsey Intern: Ruby Bradshaw Audio editor: Alex Jones Host: Anna Smith © HLA Agency
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    19 mins
  • Ep 213: How did two women master the art of Frankenstein? With Tamara Deverell & Kate Hawley

    Ep 213: How did two women master the art of Frankenstein? With Tamara Deverell & Kate Hawley
    Feb 5 2026
    This episode of Girls on Film is all about Frankenstein – and we’re ‘a-live’ onstage from our special Q&A screening of Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation with its Production Designer Tamara Deverell and costume designer Kate Hawley. Our host Anna Smith sits down with these two exceptionally talented female heads of department – both of whom have been BAFTA and Oscar nominated for their work on the film – to find out how they created this movie’s extraordinary visuals. It’s based on a classic tale, over 200 years old and first written by a teenage girl – the 18-year-old Mary Shelley. Del Toro’s new take has garnered 9 Oscar nominations and 8 BAFTA nominations. We’re giving you the low down from the women who helped bring it to life and up-to-date on the big screen. Plus they answer questions from you lovely Girls On Film listeners in our audience Q&A. Sign up to the Girls On Film newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/iEKaM-/ Or email girlsonfilmsocial@gmail.com 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 This episode of Girls On Film is in partnership with Netflix. 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. Executive Producer: Hedda Lornie Archbold Producer: Heather Dempsey Intern: Ruby Bradshaw Audio editor: Jack Howard Host: Anna Smith © HLA Agency
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    36 mins
  • Ep 212: Claire Foy and Philippa Lowthorpe talk H is for Hawk and the joys of messy women on screen

    Ep 212: Claire Foy and Philippa Lowthorpe talk H is for Hawk and the joys of messy women on screen
    Jan 20 2026
    Philippa Lowthorpe, the writer-director behind H is For Hawk, and the film’s star, Claire Foy, join Anna Smith to discuss the moving adaptation of Helen Macdonald’s hit memoir, co-starring Brendan Gleeson, Denise Gough, Lindsay Duncan and Sam Spruell. Philippa speaks frankly to Anna about the film’s poetic embodiment of the experience of grief, which produces a story that is both powerful and inspiring. Claire and Philippa discuss the process of collaboration, and consider how the on-set dynamics allowed for an element of freedom in Claire’s performance. Claire’s embodiment of Helen is represented beautifully by Philippa, whose documentary background informed her process of capturing the moment. No film made with live, wild animals is without its challenges, and Claire and Philippa speak to Anna about the incredible experience of working with hawks on set, Claire’s own personal reflections of working with them, and the intense, ethical falconry techniques and training involved. Finally, Philippa and Claire discuss bringing the role of Helen to life in all her messy complexity with the support of the film’s producer Dede Gardner. This episode is in partnership with Lionsgate. H is For Hawk is in select UK cinemas on 23 January. Philippa Lowthorpe has also appeared on episodes 28 and 145 of Girls On Film, when she attended the Girls On Film Awards. 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 Intern: Ruby Bradshaw Audio Editor: Benjamin Cook Principal Partners: Peter Brewer and Vanessa Smith © HLA Agency
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    23 mins
  • Ep 211: Kate Hudson on Song Sung Blue, resilience & embracing change. Does love conquer all?

    Ep 211: Kate Hudson on Song Sung Blue, resilience & embracing change. Does love conquer all?
    Jan 16 2026
    Kate Hudson joins Anna for an exclusive, in-depth conversation about her leading role in the film Song Sung Blue, an inspiring true story about a Neil Diamond tribute act, directed by Craig Brewer and co-starring Hugh Jackman. She shares the joys and challenges of taking on the role of Clare, a complex real-life character who has a dramatic journey. Kate talks frankly about the film’s exploration of mental health, about the responsibilities of playing a real character, and about the importance of maintaining a happy film set: something she and Hugh Jackman both feel strongly about. She shares how the love story personally inspired her and gives the inside track on the song recordings. Having been Oscar-nominated for Almost Famous in 2000, Kate talks about being in the awards conversation in 2026 alongside actresses she adores. She also shares how she feels about body image and women ageing in Hollywood. This episode is in partnership with Song Sung Blue. Song Sung Blue is in UK Cinemas now. You can also hear Kate Hudson on episode 134 of Girls On Film, talking about Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. Become a patron of Girls On Film on Patreon here: www.patreon.com/girlsonfilmpodcast Sign up to our mailing list here: www.girlsonfilm.org.uk Follow us on socials: www.instagram.com/girlsonfilm_podcast/ www.facebook.com/girlsonfilmpodcast
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    30 mins
  • Ep 210: The Women behind WICKED: FOR GOOD talk collaboration, creativity and female empowerment

    Ep 210: The Women behind WICKED: FOR GOOD talk collaboration, creativity and female empowerment
    Dec 17 2025
    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
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    51 mins
  • Ep 209: Laura Mulvey on Feminist Filmmaking and her BFI Fellowship + Maria Shevtsova on Editing

    Ep 209: Laura Mulvey on Feminist Filmmaking and her BFI Fellowship + Maria Shevtsova on Editing
    Dec 5 2025
    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
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    33 mins
  • Ep 208: Crafting The Thing with Feathers – The Women Behind the Vision

    Ep 208: Crafting The Thing with Feathers – The Women Behind the Vision
    Nov 21 2025
    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
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    42 mins
  • Ep 207: Women Who Lead: our Power Panel at Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival

    Ep 207: Women Who Lead: our Power Panel at Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival
    Nov 7 2025
    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 girlsonfilmsocial@gmail.com 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
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    1 hr