Ep 72: Promising Young Woman + a discussion about harassment, safety & intersectional feminism Girls On Film

In this episode, we mark the release of revenge thriller Promising Young Woman by discussing the important debates on sexual harassment taking place in the UK.

CW: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault.

Anna is first joined by film critic and broadcaster Leila Latif to delve into Promising Young Woman and talk about some of the relevant issues it raises. She discusses her brilliant article on ‘Nice Guys’ in the movies and recommends a thought-provoking documentary to accompany your viewing of Promising Young Woman. Anna and Leila think about past depictions of sexual assault on screen and how our understanding is slowly changing for the better.

Next, Ammaarah Zayna talks to Anna about her activism and experience as a frontline gender-based violence worker. She discusses the Sarah Everard vigil and the importance of calling out all forms of gender-based violence. As a woman of colour, Ammaarah shares her thoughts on police brutality and the frustrations of not feeling heard until more privileged women speak up. She points out that film is a tool that can not only change perceptions, but that filmmaking can be a healing process for survivors.

Finally, ex-police officer and campaigner Susannah Fish opens up to Anna about the shocking sexist obstacles she faced when joining the police force in the 80s. Considering the proposal to place undercover cops in bars, Susannah recounts a horrifying history of undercover policing. She further discusses her campaign for misogyny to be recognised as a hate crime and why we must transform the education of our boys and men.

Promising Young Woman is on Sky Cinema and NOW from April 16 2021.

Other Movie and TV mentions: I Care A Lot, The Accused, Red Roll Red, Violation, Saint Maud, Sex and the City, Nomadland & Chloe Zhaó’s previous works, the works of Ousmane Sembène, I May Destroy You, Big Mouth.

Leila Latif’s article on ‘Nice Guys’: https://lwlies.com/articles/the-noble-stalker/
LevelUp: https://www.welevelup.org
VAWG survey: https://act.welevelup.org/surveys/22
Ammaarah’s article on NRPF survivors: https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/domestic-violence-vawg-migrants-b1802351.html#
Ammaarah’s website: https://www.ammaarahzayna.com
Our Streets Now website: https://www.ourstreetsnow.org
16Days16Films: https://www.16days16films.com/
16Days16Films x Girls On Film 2020 Awards: https://youtu.be/z7Qd3bIpIwo
Article on Australian campaign & how men can help women to feel safe: https://www.stylist.co.uk/life/walk-like-a-woman-campaign-tips-for-men-make-women-feel-safe-street/252236
Sisters Uncut: https://www.sistersuncut.org/
Ammaarah’s Instagram: @_azayna
Leila Latif’s Twitter: @Leila_Latif
Susannah’s Twitter: @SusannahFish

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Girls On Film is an HLA production. Executive producer: Hedda Archbold. Audio Producer: Emma Butt. Principal Partner: Peter Brewer. Assistant Producer and Social Media Manager: Heather Dempsey. Assistant Producer: Elliana Jay.