Did you know that only 6% of film directors and 12% of screenwriters are women? That's perhaps a bit too much testosterone for anyone's good. Birds Eye View tries to shift that balance a wee bit by promoting and developing the work of women in film around the world - and throws in a bit of celebration in the shape of its film festival. Kicking off today and running for nine days at the BFI Southbank, ICA, Picturehouses and The Gate, you can share some cinematic sisterhood.
Feature films include double Oscar nominated Frozen River, the critically acclaimed French film Grown Ups / Les Grandes Personnes and Berlinale favourite The Heart is a Dark Forest. A retrospective season takes a look at Vamps, Vixens and Femmes Fatales, which means you get to experience Hollywood icons like Ava Gardner, Rita Hayworth, Marilyn Monroe, Louise Brooks and Barbara Stanwyck on the big screen. There's also a shorts programme where you can catch Sam Taylor Wood's Love You More, starring Andrea Riseborough.
With special events including a masterclass with American Psycho director Mary Harron and a bunch of silent films getting the live musical accompaniment treatment, there's plenty to tickle the fancy of anyone - not just those without dangly bits. The Birds Eye View Film Festival runs from today until 13 March, although the BFI's season runs to 25 March.
