THEA'S PICK: from GROUND ZERo (Rashid Masharawi)
‘My impact film of the year is the documentary FROM GROUND ZERO, which I saw at this year’s Bristol Palestine Film Festival. It is a collection of 22 short films by artists living in the Gaza Strip. The mix of fiction, documentary, and experimental films demonstrates the vital role of that art plays in activism and telling stories of resistance.’
Thea Berry (Impact Strategy & Partnerships Manager)
Tesneem'S PICK: holding back the tidE (Emily packer)
‘An impressionist hybrid documentary HOLDING BACK THE TIDE, that stunningly captures the intersectionality of the history, environmental importance and inherent queerness of the oyster. I loved learning more about this tiny creature and have a newfound deep appreciation of their existence!’
Tesneem Elewa (Impact Coordinator)
Veronika's pick: GIRLS WILL BE GIRLS (shuchi talati)
‘GIRLS WILL BE GIRLS dares to question everything society tells us about what it means to be a woman. Set against the backdrop of a conservative Indian boarding school, it unpacks themes of patriarchy, gender dynamics, and generational trauma in a way that’s both deeply personal and universally resonant. While it’s a beautiful coming-of-age story, the romance between the lead protagonists is a sensitive exploration of female desire, highlighting how conservative cultures trap women under strict norms and expectations. The film forces us to confront the deep-rooted patriarchy that shapes women’s lives and offers a powerful conversation about autonomy, self-expression, and liberation.’
Veronika Jakubcik (Marketing & Partnerships Coordinator)
Jess' Pick: An Army of Women (Julie Lunde Lillesaeter)
‘2024 has been an incredible year for social impact films, and one of the standout highlights for me is AN ARMY OF WOMEN. The film is deeply hopeful, serving as a powerful catalyst for change, and is a beautiful portrait of solidarity and community, illustrating that we can change the systems that fail us. Attending the world premiere at SXSW in Austin was an unforgettable experience. The audience was incredibly moved, there were multiple standing ovations, followed by a powerful Q&A session with the film’s team, plaintiffs, and lawyers.’
Jess Reilly (International Sales & Acquisitions Manager)
