9 jam packed days, 8 inspired features, 7 penetrating documentaries, 21 visionary shorts, 22 retro movies starring iconic blondes, cutting-edge fashion and music films plus BEV's commissions of new scores by hot female talent to classic silent films - Birds Eye View is the UK’s only festival celebrating international women filmmakers and it's back for the 6th year running. Added to the mix, BEV has also teamed up with Skillset to offer heavily subsidised training sessions for women who already have some professional experience in the industry
Founded by Rachel Millward as a positive response to the still startling fact that women make up only 7% film directors and 12% screenwriters, the festival champions the talented women making great work today and helps to inspire, encourage and equip more women to make more films. Without a female perspective in cinema the industry and audiences are really missing out!
Jane Horrocks officially opens the festival on March 4th at the BFI and will present a showcase of some of world's best new shorts by women, including Juanita Wilson's Oscar Nominated The Door plus a special taster of the Sound and Silents events.
A retrospective including 3 of her films and a Masterclass with Danish auteur Susanne Bier looks set to be one of the many highlights of the festival. Connected to the boundary-breaking Dogme school of filmmaking, Bier is an expert of characterisation and of portraying human emotional entanglements and is one of Europes most accomplished and adventurous film figures.
Drew Barrymores directoral debut 'Whip It' caught our attention as it's about one of our favourite subjects - Roller Derby (as any regular to Londonist will know) Starring Ellen Page, (Juno) and co-starring Drew herself along with Juliette Lewis, the film will be preceded by some live roller action on the Southbank by Londons' finest skate girls.
4th - 12th March 2010 ICA, BFI Southbank, Cinema Renoir and Ritzy Picturehouse. and other venues
