London Feminist Film Festival - 18-21 August 2016
When and where: 18 to 21 Aug 2016 Rio Cinema, Dalston, London, UK
Interview with Founder and Director Anna Read
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Why did the London Feminist Film Festival begin?
We started LFFF with an aim to support women filmmakers in the male-dominated film industry and to inspire feminist discussion and activism. To achieve this we organise an annual festival, as well as at one-off screenings throughout the year, screening films that deal with feminist issues and/or that show a feminist representation of women.
This year will be the fourth year of the film festival. What are some of the highlights?
1) The 25th anniversary screening of Pratibha Parmar’s award-winning documentary A Place of Rage. The film celebrates African American women and their achievements within the context of the civil rights, Black power, and feminist movements.
2) The inspirational and upbeat feature length ‘pop-u-mentary’ Credible Likeable Superstar Role Model follows award-winning performance artist Bryony Kimmings and her 10-year-old niece Taylor as they try to combat the hyper-sexualised and commercialised world of pop by creating their own alternative popstar role model. We will be joined for the panel discussion by director Rebecca Brand and Bryony Kimmings, amongst others.
3) Our session on Refugee Women. The panel after the screening promises to be very interesting. It will feature Sarah Graham (freelance journalist; communications executive, Women for Refugee Women), Ntombi (dancer, musician and ex-detainee featured in film Women Speak Out! Ntombi) and Melissa Chaplin (a researcher at Researching Multilinguality at Borders). It will be chaired by Vivienne Hayes (CEO, Women's Resource Centre).
How many submissions were received?
We received hundreds of submissions from all over the world.
What type of feedback have you received so far about the film festival?
The feedback has been very positive. People have told how they have found the festival inspiring and have liked the diversity and have been very vocal in suggesting themes they would like to see addressed and films they would like to see. Filmmakers have said they value having a space for women filmmakers in the male-dominated industry.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Not really. It is important to keep an open mind and feedback is something that helps the festival evolve and improve.
What are you looking to achieve by having information about the film festival more visible on We Are Moving Stories?
We are hoping to find like-minded people, who will be inspired by the festival and get involved – either in the festival itself (by attending or submitting a film) or by getting involved in feminist activism.
Who do you need to come on board (audience, publicity, media) to amplify this film festival’s message and audience?
Media and publicity to reach as far and wide as possible – in terms of submissions and audience. We are currently unfunded, so this is always a challenge.
What type of impact would you like this film festival to have?
We would like for it to grow, inform funders and inspire filmmakers. There is a huge audience for films that address these issues.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate about your film festival?
Why are many of the films we are showing not more widely available to the public?
Would you like to add anything else?
If you would like to get involved, please get in touch at info@londonfeministfilmfestival.com
Interview: August 2016
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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
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