Bridgerton actor Simone Ashley and Surface star Gugu Mbatha-Raw will participate in an event at Oxford University to celebrate the role of women in the film industry. Industry practitioners and Oxford academics will join them to explore the perception and representation of women in film and discuss challenges faced.
The event will also feature contributions from other industry figures. Lucy Bevan, known for casting major films like Barbie and The Batman, and Finola Dwyer, a two-time Oscar-nominee and BAFTA-winning producer, will share insights from their experiences. Oriane Pick, actor and founder of Candid Broads Productions, will also be present.
Throughout the day, audiences will have the opportunity to hear filmmakers discuss their creative processes and gain insights into academic research related to the industry. A panel discussion at the Sheldonian Theatre, introduced by Oxford’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Irene Tracey, will feature prominent actors and practitioners. Dr. Stacy L. Smith, founder of the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, will participate in this panel.
The audience will also have access to exclusive screenings of new works by upcoming female filmmakers at the Curzon Theatre. These sessions will be hosted by the Ghetto Film School, with the filmmakers explaining their productions and industry professionals offering advice on story development, budgeting, and more. Additionally, there will be a screening of For Sama, depicting Waad al-Kateab’s life during the conflict in Aleppo, followed by a discussion with Waad al-Kateab and Nevine Mabro, Commissioning Editor of Channel 4.
Josie Bamford, Executive Producer for the Cultural Programme, expressed enthusiasm for the event: "As we build our programme towards the opening of the new Schwarzman Centre at Oxford University, we passionately believe in bringing together incredible artists, creatives, and thinkers to help address some of the biggest issues facing the world at this time. It is an honour to welcome Simone Ashley, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Dr. Stacy L. Smith, and many others to Oxford’s iconic Sheldonian Theatre for a day that celebrates how women are shaping change and progress in the film and television industry."
Professor Irene Tracey CBE, FRS, FMedSci, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford stated: "I am delighted that Oxford University’s Cultural Programme is bringing together leading industry talent, up-and-coming filmmakers, and Oxford researchers to celebrate and discuss the critical role of women in the film industry. The interaction between people with such rich and diverse experiences is sure to spark fascinating conversations. I hope many in the local community, as well as University members and alumni, will join us to enjoy these events in Oxford on 12 May."
Partners for these events include Oxford Brookes University, Oxford Film Foundation, and Film Oxford. Information about the full programme and ticket bookings is available online.