Not everyone in the UK was distracted by lemony crepes on International Women’s Day. Last week the Bird’s Eye View festival kicked off it’s triumphant 7th year with tongue firmly in cheek. The event, running from the 8-17th March splits it’s bulging calendar between the BFI, ICA and Southbank. A static list of ‘spare rib’ screenings is carefully avoided by the BEV. The events are eclectic, inspiring and crammed with vigor. Even their trailer feels like a sassy music video. This Wednesday the 16th, BEV are hosting a specialist discussion called ‘Bloody Women’ exploring women’s contribution to the horror genre. Don’t be fooled by the uncomfortable pun, you’re in for an interesting debate touching on everything from Mary Shelley to slasher flick misogyny.Panel members include the director of Film4 Frightfest and actress Emily Booth.
This is not just a celebration of female film talent, it exists to highlight the enormous discrepency between male and female involvement in the film industry. The stats fluctatuate, but generally women account for just 6% of directors and 12% 0f screenwriters in the industry. To get a real perspective, just ask yourself, aside from Oscar winner Kathryn Bigelow, how many lady directors can you name? Chances are you can count on one hand. This is why the tireless, impressive work of the BEV holds such significance, not just in the UK, but for the global film industry.
The bill offers an impressive selection of screenings including the closing film, the ever poignant TINY FURNITURE, directed by Lena Dunham. On Saturday, THN hit three different BEV events and let us assure you, the seats were filled to fit a happy medium of gender equality.
Keep an eye out for our coverage on the BEV screenings, a mix of orgasms, folklore and stop-motion murders (and find out how I managed to accidentally sit on a directors lap before a Q & A).
Remember that sassy trailer?See it here and get a feel for what these ladies can do-Birds Eye View, THN salutes you.
