Girls On Film

Anna Smith

Girls On Film is a film review podcast from a female perspective, hosted by film critic and broadcaster Anna Smith and produced by co-founder Hedda Archbold at HLA Agency

  1. Ep 220: The queer feminist horror hit of Cannes + talking gender & body image with Parno Mittra

    May 27

    Ep 220: The queer feminist horror hit of Cannes + talking gender & body image with Parno Mittra

    This episode of Girls On Film comes to you from the French Riviera. We’re here for the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival. Anna welcomes five guests who talk about films and feminism amid the glamour that is Cannes. First up, Anna discusses the gender balance in some of the festival’s stand out films with film critic Sucharita Tyagi. Their discussion ranges from feminism and trans rights in the darkly comic Teenage Sex And Death At Camp Miasma to the healing power of a canine friend in Chilean dog movie La Perra (Winner of the Palm Dog Award). Next Anna is joined by writer-director Katharina Rivilis in Cannes with her first feature, I’ll Be Gone In June, a semi-autobiographical film in which a young woman’s exchange year in New Mexico is set against the backdrop of 9/11. Film critic and journalist Tomris Laffly joins Anna to talk about her festival highlights including Palme D’Or Winner, Fjord, Marie Kreutzer’s Gentle Monster and comedy drama A Woman’s Life. Finally Anna welcomes Shrimoyee Chakraborti and Parno Mittra to talk about female friendship, their passion for film and their documentary feature, Spirit Of The Wildflower, directed by Shrimoyee and exec produced by Parno. Set in rural India this film follows the lives of two siblings who unite to form a business marketing the traditional tribal drink, mahua. The film explores themes including family, community, feminism and transgender identity. Films mentioned in this episode: I’ll Be Gone In June Spirit Of The Wildflower Teenage Sex And Death At Camp Miasma (release date Aug 21 2026) Elephants In The Fog (Winner of Un Certain Regard Jury Prize) Clarissa Hope I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning (Winner of the Palm Dog Grand Jury Prize) L’Affaire Marie-Clare (Women On Trial) La Perra (Winner of the Palm Dog Award) Once Upon A Time In Harlem Fjord (Winner of the Palme D’Or) Garance Gentle Monster Thelma and Louise (1991) A Woman’s Life Minotaure (Winner of the Grand Prix) Girls On Film would like to thank our fabulous sponsors for their support in Cannes: Astella Jewellery; DISAUTHORITY; Elstree Studios; Hech Nutrition; HLA Agency; IMDb; Jane Owen PR; JJDConsultancy; Lilac Grove Entertainment; Strike Media; The Members Club In Cannes; Variety. Become a patron of Girls On Film on Patreon here: www.5patreon.com/girlsonfilmpodcast Follow us on socials: www.instagram.com/girlsonfilm_podcast/ www.facebook.com/girlsonfilmpodcast www.twitter.com/GirlsOnFilm_Pod www.twitter.com/annasmithjourno Sign up to the Girls On Film newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/iEKaM-/ Or email girlsonfilmsocial@gmail.com to be signed up. 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: Nicki Glossop Audio Editor: Benjamin Cook Social Media: Dr Jade Evans and Ruby Rose Bradshaw Principal Partners: Peter Brewer and Vanessa Smith Sponsors: Lilac Grove Entertainment © HLA Agency #girlsonfilmpodcast #annasmith #womeninfilm #womenfilmcritics #cannesfilmfestival #PalmedOr #festivaldecannes #cannes2026 #diversityincannes #parnomittra #su4ita #shrimoyeec #katharina_rivilis #AstellaJewellery #disauthority #IMDb #jopr #JJDConsultancy #elstreestudios #LilacGroveEnt #hlaagency #HechNutrition #strikemedia #variety #themembersclubincannes

    49 min
  2. Ep 219: From Mexico to Cannes: a new film about Leonora Carrington + How to do PR at a film fest

    May 8

    Ep 219: From Mexico to Cannes: a new film about Leonora Carrington + How to do PR at a film fest

    Anna speaks to three women with different perspectives on the film industry. First up, director Lena Vurma and actor Olivia Vinall discuss their new film Leonora in the Morning Light, a visually glorious exploration of the life and work of artist Leonora Carrington. Lena explains what drew her to make a film about one of surrealism’s lesser-known figures whilst Olivia shares the challenges and rewards of embodying a woman whose life spanned continents and who experienced war and mental illness alongside the difficulties and joys of a career as a female artist. They talk about the film’s extraordinary locations in Mexico and the South of France and the female friendship at the heart of Carrington’s story. In the second half of the show, Anna is joined by Jane Owen who discusses her role as founder of award-winning Public Relations company, Jane Owen PR. Jane tells us how her PR team prepares for the parties, networking and deal-making opportunities at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. She also shares her PR highlights of the last few years, and her love of old movies and the stars who made them. Jane talks about positive changes in the industry, which present opportunities for smaller indie films and shares the skills essential for success in film PR. Leonora in the Morning Light is on general release in UK cinemas from 29th May 2026. Find further details about the film and screenings here: https://www.modernfilms.com/leonora DIRECTORS Thor Klein & Lena Vurma CAST Olivia Vinall, Alexander Scheer, Cassandra Ciangherotti, Ryan Gage, Istvan Teglas, Luis Gerardo Mendez Other films mentioned in this episode: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes Become a patron of Girls On Film on Patreon here: www.5patreon.com/girlsonfilmpodcast Follow us on socials: www.instagram.com/girlsonfilm_podcast/ www.facebook.com/girlsonfilmpodcast www.twitter.com/GirlsOnFilm_Pod www.twitter.com/annasmithjourno Sign up to the Girls On Film newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/iEKaM-/ Or email girlsonfilmsocial@gmail.com to be signed up. 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: Nicki Glossop Audio Editor: Jack Howard Social Media: Dr Jade Evans and Ruby Rose Bradshaw With thanks to Principal Partners Peter Brewer and Vanessa Smith, and our sponsors for this episode, Lilac Grove Entertainment © HLA Agency

    37 min
  3. Ep 218: What does it take to make it in film? Tips and tales from Pippa Harris & Julie La’Bassiere

    Mar 30

    Ep 218: What does it take to make it in film? Tips and tales from Pippa Harris & Julie La’Bassiere

    Girls On Film: International Women’s Month – Industry Special To bookend International Women’s Month, here is the second of two Girls On Film episodes this March that feature inspiring conversations with high‑profile industry leaders who shape the screen industries. In this episode, we spotlight producer Pippa Harris and entertainment marketing specialist Julie La’Bassiere. They share where they started, how they rose to the top of their field, and the films that fuelled their passion. They also share the lessons they’ve learned along the way and offer empowering advice for the next generation of women ready to make their mark. Dame Pippa Harris is one of the most influential producers working today. Co‑founder of Neal Street Productions with Sam Mendes, she is the force behind some of the most acclaimed screen stories of recent years, from the Academy Award‑winning 1917 to the beloved long‑running BBC drama Call The Midwife. This year, she’s made headlines with the acclaimed adaptation of Hamnet, as well as an ambitious upcoming series of four films about The Beatles. Her latest film, The Magic Faraway Tree, is in cinemas now and Belsen: What They Found, which Pippa executive produced, has been nominated for a BAFTA in the TV Awards (Specialist Factual). Julie La’Bassiere is the Chief Strategy Officer at DDA, a leading international creative communications and PR agency specialising in entertainment and brand marketing. At DDA, she spearheads creative strategy across film, TV, gaming, and global brands. Enjoy this powerful double‑bill of industry trailblazers, sharing the films that shaped them, the paths that propelled them, and the advice that will inspire the next generation of women in film. 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 Tiktok: @girlsonfilm_podcast Sign up to the Girls On Film newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/iEKaM-/ Or email girlsonfilmsocial@gmail.com to be signed up. 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 Audio Editor: Jack Howard Social Media: Dr Jade Evans and Ruby Rose Bradshaw Principal Partners: Peter Brewer and Vanessa Smith Sponsors: Lilac Grove Entertainment © HLA Agency

    45 min

  4. Mar 6

    Ep 217: International Women's Day special: inspiring female figureheads in the film industry

    In this bumper episode, Anna speaks to four film heavyweights from across the globe. From the head of a renowned London film studio to a top Hollywood magazine publisher, these women are leaders in their respective fields and join us to discuss their remarkable career trajectories. Anna catches up with Dea Lawrence, the Publisher and Co-President of Variety, about how she is shaping the iconic publication’s future. She also welcomes Jen Smith, the CEO of the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority, to talk about improving the safety of creative working environments. And she takes a trip down memory lane with old friends Rebecca Hawkes and JoJo Dye, who are brimming with rollicking stories from their early years in Cannes. They also just happen to be Head of Elstree Studios and Director of the Global Entertainment Awards, respectively. Get ready for a masterclass in film business as each of our guests offers golden advice, taken from illustrious, decades-long careers. They also discuss the importance of female friendships and name the legendary on-screen women that inspire them. CIISA: https://ciisa.org.uk/ Elstree Studios: https://www.elstreestudios.co.uk/ JoJo Dye: https://jjdconsultancy.com/ Variety: https://variety.com/ Marilyn Monroe’s article, recommended by Jen Smith: https://www.marilynrememberedfanclub.com/article-marilyn-monroe-wolves-i-have-known/ Films mentioned: Imitation of Life (1959), Hello Dolly, St Trinian’s, The Misfits, Mommie Dearest, Gone with the Wind Become a patron of Girls On Film on Patreon here: www.patreon.com/girlsonfilmpodcast Sign up to the Girls On Film newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/iEKaM-/ 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 & Audio Editor: Elliana Jay Hamer Social Media Producer: Dr Jade Evans Production Assistant: Ruby Rose Bradshaw House Band: MX Tyrants Principle Partners: Peter Brewer and Vanessa Smith Thank you to Lilac Grove Entertainment for partnering with us on this episode. © HLA Agency

    1h 11m
  5. Ep 216: Celebrating Creative Brilliance: Girls On Film Awards 2026

    Feb 16

    Ep 216: Celebrating Creative Brilliance: Girls On Film Awards 2026

    This episode takes you right to the heart of the Girls On Film Awards 2026. The prestigious awards attract a glittering array of guests and shine a light on the remarkable achievements of women and non‑binary creatives across the film industry. Hosted by Girls On Film co‑founders Anna Smith and Hedda Lornie Archbold, the evening unfolds with inspiring speeches, and conversations with standout guests, showing us once more what brilliant things we can achieve if we stand together and lift each other up. Sign up to the Girls On Film newsletter here: eepurl.com/iEKaM-/ Thanks to our wonderful presenters Ronni Ancona, Teanne Andrews, Sarah Niles, Lesley Sharp, Priya Kansara, Kerry Fox, Dame Twiggy Lawson, Hannah Onslow, Ita O’Brien, Col Needham, Maïwenn le Mouée, Blair Barnette, Meera Syal and Sally Phillips. This episode also features Emilie Levienaise-Farrouch, Autumn Durald Arkapaw ASC, Zoe Mutter, Andrea Riseborough, Idil Ahmed, Posy Sterling, Daisy-May Hudson, Nadia Fall, Suhayla El-Bushra, Nicky Bentham, Geeta Gandbhir, Jessie Buckley, Ronkẹ Adékọluẹ́jọ́, Ann Akinjirin, Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor, John Maclean, Jon M. Chu, Tamara Deverell, Pippa Harris and Liza Marshall. Thanks especially to the sponsors and partners who made the event possible: CrewHQ DISAUTHORITY EON Productions IMDb Intimacy on Set Andrew Jose Salon Astella Jewellers Curzon Elstree Studios Lilac Grove Entertainment Netflix Papa Salt Gin Stephen Webster Jewellers Deadline British Cinematographer magazine DDA Global Ask Mummy & Daddy Gourmet Confectionery Girls on Tops WorkWise for Screen Thanks to our production team: Oli Fyne - Awards producer Charlotte Homeshaw - Sound Recordist Claudia Vyvyan - Digital Assets Designer Richard Gay - Videographer Adam Southgate - Videographer Ciaran O'Brien - Gaffer Joanne Davidson - Photographer Thanks to each and every one of the volunteers who helped pull it all together on the night: Anna Penney Blair Barnette Elliana Hamer Hattie Morris Heather Dempsey Jade Evans Jo Rogers Ruby Rose Bradshaw Tallulah Treadaway Tom Oliver Tew Yvonne Potter Winners in order of appearance on the podcast: Best Composer: Emilie Levienaise-Farrouch – H is for Hawk Best Cinematography Sponsored by CrewHQ: Autumn Durald Arkapaw, ASC – Sinners Best Editing Sponsored by DISAUTHORITY: Olivia Neergaard-Holm – The Chronology of Water Best Ensemble Cast: Goodbye June Best Female Friendship on Screen: Brides and Lollipop Best Documentary: The Perfect Neighbor (Geeta Gandbhir) Best Performance in a Supporting Role: Teyana Taylor – One Battle After Another Best Performance in a Leading Role: Jessie Buckley – Hamnet Intimacy Award Sponsored by Intimacy On Set: Dreamers (Ronkẹ Adékọluẹ́jọ́, Ann Akinjirin, Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor) Ally Award Sponsored by IMDb: Jon M. Chu – Wicked: For Good Best Production Design: Tamara Deverell – Frankenstein Best Director: Chloe Zhao – Hamnet Best Feature Film Sponsored by EON productions: Hamnet Activist Impact Award: Daisy-May Hudson Commendations: Best Composer – Nala Sinephro – The Smashing Machine Best Documentary – Sadie Frost – Twiggy Ally Award – John Maclean – Tornado 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 Credits: Girls On Film is an HLA production. Host: Anna Smith and Hedda Lornie Archbold Executive Producer: Hedda Lornie Archbold Awards Producer: Hedda Lornie Archbold and Oli Fyne Social Media Producer: Dr Jade Evans Intern: Ruby Rose Bradshaw Sound Recordist: Charlotte Homeshaw Audio Editor Extraordinaire: Benjamin Cook House Band: MX Tyrants Principal Partners: Peter Brewer and Vanessa Smith Episode Sponsor: Lilac Grove Entertainment © HLA Agency

    1h 13m
  6. Ep 215: The Perfect Neighbor exclusive: director Geeta Gandbhir talks about her award-winning doc

    Feb 9

    Ep 215: The Perfect Neighbor exclusive: director Geeta Gandbhir talks about her award-winning doc

    In today’s on Girls On Film we’re unpacking The Perfect Neighbor - a powerful Netflix documentary that’s up for an Oscar and a BAFTA. It investigates the shooting of Ajike Owens, a mother of four who was beloved in her tight-knit community in Florida. Owen’s neighbour shot her in 2023, after a years-long campaign of harassment that sewed division in their shared neighbourhood. Using police body-cam footage, the documentary pieces together the events that led to this tragedy and asks important questions about what enabled it to happen. Anna sits down with its director and producer Geeta Gandbhir to talk about the making of this tough and urgent film, why its story needs to be brought to the screen, and how filmmaking like this can be a tool for social change. This episode is in partnership with Netflix. The Perfect Neighbor is on Netflix now. 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 Visit https://www.girlsonfilm.org.uk/ for more information about the podcast. 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 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

    22 min
  7. Ep 214: Laura Poitras on Cover-Up, documentary success and exposing the CIA

    Feb 6

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

    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

    19 min
  8. Ep 213: How two women mastered the art of Frankenstein - with Tamara Deverell & Kate Hawley

    Feb 5

    Ep 213: How two women mastered the art of Frankenstein - with Tamara Deverell & Kate Hawley

    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

    36 min
See All (220)

4.1
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Girls On Film is a film review podcast from a female perspective, hosted by film critic and broadcaster Anna Smith and produced by co-founder Hedda Archbold at HLA Agency

Information

  • Creator
    Anna Smith
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    220
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Girls On Film

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