Young women from London can get free access to a global virtual film festival that provides a rare platform for films by, for, and featuring, young women from around the world.
Four days of virtual events and screenings begin tomorrow (18 March), at the GlobalGirl Media film festival (GGMFF).
Organised by GlobalGirl Media UK, a UK charity that helps young women break into the media and film industries, it brings diverse young women’s voices to the global stage.
The charity empowers young women, especially those from under-served communities, through digital media training to tell stories from their own powerful perspectives – with the aim of rebalancing the male-dominated media landscape.
Its film festival received more than 150 submissions from more than 30 different countries, including Yemen, Bangladesh, Australia, Italy, Venezuela, Iran, Mexico, the USA, Canada and the UK.
Highlights include
- an official selection of 36 short films from 16 countries, made by women up to 30 years old
- a range of short films on important subjects, including revenge porn and knife crime, made by GlobalGirl Media students
- pre-release screening of feature documentary I Am Belmaya, about an uneducated woman from the Dalit caste (formerly known as “untouchable”) in Nepal who finds her voice through the camera
- inspirational talks by leading women in media, including Yalda Hakim of BBC World News, Uzma Mir of Turmeric Media, and presenter, producer and comedian Zara Janjua
- panel discussion on women in film with Mia Bays and Isra Al Kassi of Birds’ Eye View
- interactive workshops with Reuters content strategist Tamara Jacobs on Finding your Voice and Developing your Story
- speed networking on Zoom
- panel talks with selected filmmakers on sexual harassment and abuse (a theme in seven of the 36 films) and mental health and disability
- festival films reviewed by celebrated TV critic Anna Smith, host of the Girls on Film Podcast
- an awards ceremony for the best documentary, best fiction film, best student film and best director
GGMFF’s talks and industry programme has been produced by GlobalGirl Academy alumni and film/media student volunteers, with many of the panels hosted by students or recent graduates.
GlobalGirl Media Film Festival’s mission is to:
- bring a wide spectrum of young women filmmakers’ voices to the global stage
- provide networking and training opportunities with industry professionals
- promote women in media and film, both behind and in front of the cameras, to achieve more equal representation in the industry
- reach disadvantaged young women who would not normally have access to films and film festival opportunities
The festival is supported. by Nutopia and Birds’ Eye View/Reclaim the Frame Community Fund.
The GlobalGirl Media Film Festival is co-hosted by GlobalGirl Media UK and GlobalGirl Media International.
A grant from Birds Eye View Films/Reclaim The Frame Community Fund will support people in the London area for whom cost is a barrier to viewing the festival.
Organisers are particularly keen to reach minority communities. The fund will cover free all-access passes (usually £15 each). As well as the 50+ films, pass holders will have access to the not-yet-released feature documentary I Am Belmaya on 19 March, and all workshops and talks.
Email dami@globalgirlmedia.org and explain briefly why you would like to attend and would need a free pass to be able to do so.
Sign up to view and take part.
More at
Facebook @GlobalGirlMediaUK
Instagram @globalgirlmedia_uk
Twitter @GGMediaUK
