Words: Connie Mangumbu

As we reckon with the disparities of women on screen, but especially those behind the lense, our collective consciousness descends to the necessary ‘why’s’. Why not a woman? Why... it’s (insert year)? An alleged marker for progression? I mean, by now we probably know how farcical that is, especially if history’s anything to go by. But most importantly why men? The continuation of discourse centering film and the lack of opportunities, especially, for those intersections of women of race, class and gender nonconformity, is an ever spinning hamster wheel that seems to be a discussion between those most affected, as it always is.

Think back to where you were and what you were doing the day after Issa Rae’s Emerging Entrepreneur awards speech in 2019 and how still we all were. All the grace and decorum expected of women in a society that works to simmer and silence women’s labour; channeling the bravado and bombast of the men in hip hop who aim to remind us all, at any given opportunity, that they are the sh*t. Well, when Rae took centre stage to throw expectation to the wind and told us, ”I deserve this sh*t. Bye” we turn the mic up to Nikola Vaskova, the founder of Girls in Film, the foundation putting womxn creators at the fore. Partnering with Dr Martens as part of their ‘Tough as you’ campaign, the initiative is set to provide a leg up for emerging filmmakers with £5000 grant to aid boost their projects.

Tell us a little more about Girls in Film. How did you go about founding the initiative?

We started in 2016 with an event that was an instant sellout. Initially we thought this would be an intimate series of get-togethers but it has grown into a bigger operation as we wanted to respond to the needs of our growing community.

How do you go about selecting grant nominees?

We have set a theme which is female resilience & strength. I’m looking forward to seeing ways how women respond to that in a cinematic way and we’ll pick one that we feel is an interesting take. We also want to see the strength of the teams and their ability of delivering the project.

We know of the difficulties of women in film, but can you draw from personal experience where your progression within the industry has been challenged or hindered?

I’ve had few unpleasant sexist experiences when I started in the film industry but I don’t like to focus on the negatives but rather talk about the ways in which we can combat and balance out any negative experiences women might have.

Has the political climate bolstered in a surge in your push for women?

No - unfortunately, no government has been able or interested in helping women get ahead in their industries - I don’t expect much from them and ready to pave my own path. Things used to be even worse for women under considerably ‘better’ government than we’re having now.

"I've tried my very best to live a life of my own making, and not just a series of events that happened to me. But one that I could stand back and look at and recognize my handwriting all over.” - Michelle Williams, Golden Globes, 2020. How important is it for Women in Hollywood to lead the baton on this conversation?

That’s a great quote! It’s certainly inspiring seeing women at the top of western film industry to join the forces - however I’m a little sceptical of the trickle down economics of how much difference it makes to women that are one the bottom’ of the industry and trying to make their way up. The Hollywood initiatives are yet to become fully inclusive.

Are you optimistic about the strides individuals are making in the advancement of womxn filmmakers?

If I wasn’t, I couldn’t do what I do!

What are your hopes for the future of the fund and your personal goals?

I really hope we will find a great emerging voice and help them make their vision happen. For me personally, I’d love to build on this fund and found more opportunities like this in the future.

What is to say of those who are fighting the great fight to push for access for womxn outside of supporting roles? Well, at least more names on the tips of our tongues. At most, an industry more reflective of what life looks like.

The Girls in Film fund application closes on the 4th of March 2020. Apply here.

You can also follow Girls In Film on Instagram here.

Words: Connie Mangumbu