Bird's Eye View

BEV returns from EIFF

'The Bigelow Effect' Panelists

 As Edinburgh Festival comes to a close, I return to BEV HQ after a heavy absorption of international film-making gems, in the delights of Scotland. I was seriously impressed before I arrived on just how many films made by women had made the line-up. Not talking hundreds, but a good 25%. I now happily return to London with a list of one’s-to-watch in my pocket.

Highlights from this year include the premieres of Debra Granik’s gripping Winters Bone, and Morag Mickkinon’s tender Donkeys – both quite exceptional. Plus brilliant first time features from Kit Hui (Fog), Stephanie Argy (The Red Machine), Anusha Rizvi (Peepli Live), Nelofar Pazira (Act of Dishonour), Lucy Martens (co-director of Out of The Ashes), and of course the stunning Third Star by Hattie Dalton, who appeared at BEV 2005 and 2009 with two of her short films. Keep your eye on BEV to see whether these women could be the next Bigelow.

'Winter's Bone' directed by Debra Granik, one of our panelists at EIFF 2010

Once again, Edinburgh was a great opportunity for BEV to connect with emerging female writing and directing talent across the industry. On Saturday I chaired a panel discussion with Debra Granik, Kit Hui, and Stephanie Argy on ‘The Bigelow Effect’ - which was pretty illuminating. All three directors had some very interesting perspectives on this issue, but mostly there was an incredible amount of positivity from the panel. All three directors recognized the challenges to women in the industry and were proud of their achievements, as our we at BEV HQ. These ladies, really are ones to watch. BEV also took our unique Pitch & Connect to Edinburgh to continue to give emerging filmmakers that connection into the industry.

The EIFF award cermony was held at Cineworld last week, where Tilda Swinton and Seamus McGarvey were among those presenting awards. And BEV are proud to announce that there were a few female winners this year. Including  the Best Feature Documentary Award that went to Laura Poitras for her fateful insight into the Al-Qaeda in The Oath. Victoria Mather picked up the McLaren Award for Best New British Animation for her film Stanley Pickle. And Anne Milne picked up not one, but two awards – the Scottish Short Documentary award and the Edinburgh Short Film Nomination  the European Film Awards 2010 with Maria’s Way. Congrats ladies!