Cinesisters International Women's Day Symposium 2025

Amal

Celebrate the amazing women that make up the  film industry. A whole day of panels, workshops and a  screening of film-led films.

All is Joy Studios

Welcome to the Women's Day Film Festival! To mark International Women’s Day in cinematic style, Cinesisters, one of the UK’s leading grass roots organizations representing female directors, has created a day of celebration and networking. Join us for workshops, discussions, and screenings in the heart of London’s media district, Soho on March the 8th, 2025.Cinesisters has joined forces with illuminatrix and The Alliance for Women Film Composers to create a unique event bringing together woman to discuss the creative process, collaboration, the female gaze, and how to reframe the narrative. In a time when the number of females behind the camera is dwindling, it is more important than ever that we come together to celebrate and support one another, grow our networks, and share creative energy.Whether you’re an experienced filmmaker, an 'up-and-comer,' or just someone fascinated by the inner workings of cinema, this is a chance to engage with the women who are actively reshaping the industry both on-screen and behind the scenes. Expect insight, inspiration, and, with any luck, a few home truths about the fight for visibility in film and TV.”Our event is sponsored by Harbottle and Lewis and Ravensbourne University’s Research and Knowledge Exchange Department who is proud to support Cinesisters in hosting a special event for International Women’s Day. Join us as we celebrate and empower women in film!

Agenda

Join Victoria Emslie, actor and founder of Primetime, as she hosts a panel of cinematographers to discuss their work, experiences, and the role of a leading creative HOD. In conjunction with Illuminatrix, this discussion will feature Diana Olifirova, cinematographer of Heartstopper, We Are Lady Parts, and Bridgerton, alongside Aman Sahota, whose work includes Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts and Catherine Derry, DOP on 'The Great,'  and  'A Thousand Blows'. Together, they will explore the art and craft of cinematography and the evolving landscape for women in the field.

Cinematographers: on-set relationships and the female gaze

Sponsored by Harbottle & Lewis, this panel will explore key legal considerations for film professionals, focusing on fair compensation and rights for composers. Hosted by journalist Mona Tabbara, the discussion will feature composer Aisling Brouwer (Buccaneers, Lioness, White Riot),  music associate Sofie Sigvardt (Harbottle & Lewis), and composers Nainita Desai (For Sama, 14 Peaks, American Murder: The Family Next Door) and Carly Paradis (Line of Duty, The Innocents, The Rising). Aisling Brouwer and Carly Paradis are members of the Alliance for Women Film Composers (AWFC) and will share their insights on industry challenges and advocacy.

Film composers: a fair score and legal case studies with Harbottle & Lewis

Lunch is not included in your ticket price but there are some fantastic restaurants available around Soho.

Lunch Break

Dame Imelda Staunton and Juliet Cowan, world-renowned actresses join you for an intimate acting workshop, where they will share expert insights and career advice. Through hands-on role-play, participants will refine audition techniques, build confidence, and learn to navigate relationships with agents and directors.

 The workshop will be split into two groups, with placements on a first-come, first-served basis, providing a rare chance to learn from one of the industry's most respected talents: Dame Imelda Staunton will lead one workshop; Juliet Cowan will lead the other.

Acting workshop: learning from the greatest female talents

Accomplished Cinesister directors talk about their careers, creative processes, and experiences in the industry. They will share insights from their work on and off set, discuss the art of storytelling, and explore how they have carved out their own paths while inspiring the next generation of filmmakers.

The panel features Isabelle Sieb, director of Shetland and Vigil; Debs Paterson, known for Willow and a Discovery of Witches; Jennifer Sheridan, director of Rose: A Love Story and Rules of the Game; and Miranda Bowen, whose work includes Women in Love  The Lazarus Project. And joined by the guest Sally El Hossaini, director of The Swimmers.


Director talk: the experience of being a female/female-identifying director

A short intermission while we enjoy some snacks before our film screening with Chef Jessica Pardoe

Dinner Snacks

Sit back and enjoy a carefully curated short film festival comprised of work from members of Cinesisters, illuminatrix and Alliance of Women Film Composers.  This program was meticulously curated from over 100 entries and includes award winning work ranging from comedy to horror to experimental.  Watch some stories told from perspectives under-appreciated or often overlooked.  
Be inspired by what you’ve been missing.


Short Films Screening

The grand finale of the day will take place at the bar area in the Joy of Art bar where there will be ample opportunity to mingle with fellow creatives.  Expand your network and see what the power of likeminded individuals can create … with a delicious libation! 