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Prices and Booking

Special Event: Meet the Filmmakers
ICA Bar 4pm to 6pm FREE

Meet the Filmmakers with tea, cake and some jolly good chatter.

Special Event: Artprojx Presents Opera.
Tate Britain 6.30pm FREE

Filmmaker + visual artist + composer = OPERA, a fascinating screening of Films by eleven artists exploring the world of contemporary classical music. Hosted at Late at Tate Britain.

Documentary: Lakshmi and Me + Migration + Q&A tbc
ICA Cinema 1 6.30pm
UK Premiere

Filmmaker Jain explores the affable yet complex relationship with her ‘servant’ Lakshmi. Set in the mega-metropolis Mumbai, this Film is thoughtful in its questioning of friendship, identity and caste. Director Q&A TBC

Film: The Last mistress/ Une Vieille Maitresse
ICA Cinema 2 6.30pm

France 1835: in order to take the hand of a beautiful, young aristocrat, Ryno de Marigny must first disentangle himself from the grip of his ten-year love affair with devilish seductress Vellini.

Retrospective: My Best Girl  + Elysian Quartet live
BFI Southbank NFT 3 6.30pm

Maggie falls in love with Joe, her new colleague in the stock room, unaware that he is the son of the department store owner, working undercover to prove his business skills. Stars Mary Pickford.

Workshop: Building bricks -A Directing Masterclass with Sara Gavron
ICA Brandon Room 6.30pm to 8pm £10

Sarah Gavron, BAFTA-winning director, gives the inside scoop on adapting best sellers (Monica Ali’s Brick Lane) and talks about the grassroots experience of shooting in London.

Film: Antonia + Q&A tbc
ICA Cinema 1 9pm

A feel good Film about a Brazilian girlband and their various struggles living on the outskirts of Sao Paulo.

Documentary: 4 Elements
ICA Cinema 2 9pm

A visually stunning Film in four parts which captures the fundamental elements — earth, fire, water and air — and the people who pit themselves against them on a daily basis.
 

Special Event: Flying: Confessions of a free woman + Q&A
Curzon Soho 12pm to 3.30pm part one (part two 12pm Sun 9th march)

A six part-journey that takes a personal, experimental approach to female life in the 21st century. An epic new project from master storyteller Jennifer Fox.

Features: Sleepwalkingland + Q&A
ICA Cinema 1 1 to 3pm

UK Premiere

A heart-rending and fantastical tale about a boy desperate to find the family he lost in the Mozambique civil war, based on the popular novel by Mia Couto.

Workshop: 01zero-one Masterclass: Making multi-platform Films
ICA Brandon Room 2pm to 5pm £12

Learn how to transform your Films into multi-platform content, and expert advice on Film production and distribution for the digital age.

Documentary: The blood of Yingzhou Districit + Journey of a red fridge
ICA Cinema 2 2pm (repeated Cinema 2 6.30pm Thurs 13 March)

A stunning double-bill: an Oscar-winning doc following the plight of Chinese AIDS orphans rejected by their family

Workshop: London Film Academy  Masterclass: SFX on a small budget
ICA Nash Room 1.30pm to 3.30pm £10

How to use high end digital visual effects for a shoestring production.

Special Event: Games Tournament
ICA BAR 3pm to 6pm

Come along and play.

Film: Ecology + Q&A
ICA Cinema 1 3.30pm

A look at the unsettling side of family holiday takes the themes of destruction and renewal as metaphors in her visually compelling experimental feature Ecology.

Short Films: UK Shorts Docs + Q&A
ICA Cinema 2 4pm

Small in size, but not in impact, these are stunning sneaky peaks into the theatre of real life.

Workshop: Stellar Network presents: Pitch Perfect
ICA Nash Room 4.30pm to 7.30pm £5

The pitch is an art, a science and an industry requirement. Bring your pitch and come face the demons and test out your skills with some friendly professionals. Followed by drinks.

Special Event: Open Screen: Shooting people Short Film Challenge
ICA Bar 7pm to 9pm FREE

Come one, come brave: screen your Shorts (DVDs only) to a panel of industry specialists and get on the spot feedback, X-factor stylee. Followed by drinks

Special Event: Music Videos Showcase + Q&A presented by Miranda Sawyer
ICA Cinema 1 6pm

Miranda Sawyer presents a riveting round-up of recent music videos, celebrating the best of no-budget, low-budget and high-end promos from female directors at the cutting-edge of the industry. Followed by director Q&A.

Retrospective: I don't want to to be like a man  + Danger Girl + Zoe Rahman live
BFI Southbank NFT 3 6.10pm

Ossi’s father hires a guardian to educate his rebellious daughter. Escaping from house-arrest dressed as a man, Ossi begins to investigate whether life is more liberated this way.

Documentary: The Devil came on horeseback
ICA Cinema 2 6.30pm

This shocking expose of the atrocities in Darfur is seen through the eyes of an American ex-Marine working as a neutral observer, armed only with a still camera.

Film: Sakuran
ICA Cinema 1 8.30pm

UK Premiere

The Anti-Memoirs of a Geisha, Sakuran is a luscious visual treat from popular Japanese photographer Mika Ninagawa.

Film: Actresses / Actrices
ICA Cinema 2 8.30pm (repleated Cinema 2 8.30pm Sun 9 March)

Hilarious off-beat Film. A 40-year-old single actress struggles with maternal desires, a new stage role and a smouldering Louis Garrel.

Special Event: Birds Eye View, Whitechapel, Late Nights Event, Whitechapel Art Gallery, 7pm £7

B-movie themed antics with a stunning all girl line up of live performances (Peggy Sue & the Pirates, Florence and the Machine, and Plaster of Paris), DJ sets (Broken Hearts, Isa GT and DJ Pearl) and visuals (VJ bopa, Jewelspit and Your mum). Hosted by The Laundrettas and Girlcore.
 

Special Event: Artprojx Presents Opera Prince Charles Cinema 11AM £10 (£5 conc, artists & curators) includes brunch

Filmmaker + visual artist + composer = OPERA, a fascinating screening of Films by eleven artists exploring the world of opera and contemporary classical music.

Special Event: Flying: confessions of a free woman+ Q&A
Curzon Soho 12 - 3.30pm (part two)

A six part-journey that takes a personal, experimental approach to female life in the 21st century – epic new project from master storyteller Jennifer Fox (Flying: Confessions Of A Free Woman).

Documentary: Picking Apples, drinking tea + in the meantime + Q&A tbc
ICA Cinema 2 12.15pm

This quirky Film follows the director as she travels to a remote village in Iran. A feisty old village woman steals the show when an unexpected friendship is struck up.


Shorts: UK Shorts + Director Q&A
ICA Cinema 1 2 - 3.30pm

The best drama and animation from the hottest new talents. Followed by director Q&A.

Special Event: Overheated Symphony: Live Edit
ICA BAR 2 - 8pm

Over the last few weeks women from around the world have been making Films on their mobile phones on the subject: Overheated. Come see all this being cut into one fiery Film. For more information, or if you’re burning to upload your own mobile phone Film to add to the mix, visit www.birds-eye-view.co.uk.

NFTS Masterclass: Shooting on HD
ICA Nash Room 1.30pm to 3pm

Considering shooting on HD? Looking at new technology but can’t see the advantages? Leading director of photography, Sue Gibson will help you to make the right choice.
 

Masterclass: Screenwritting for video games
ICA Brandon Room 2 - 3.30pm

Super creative chick Katie Ellwood, writer and producer for Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, unravels the "black art" of writing narratives for video games.
 

Short Films:International Shorts 1

ICA Cinema 2 2.30pm

Whether challenging social perceptions, or asserting a distinctively beautiful aesthetic these are five Films that make a statement. Together they highlight that women are at the cutting edge of Filmmaking across the world.
 

Special Event:Fashion Films + Panel Discussion
ICA Cinema 1 4 - 5.45pm

A whole new genre is developing. Come see the best from upcoming and established Filmmakers – including a Bella Freud/John Malkovich collaboration and a Short starring Kirsten Dunst. Followed by Panel Discussion with Bella Freud, Toyin and Wendy Bevan.
 

Panel Discussion: Making films & Making babies
ICA Nash Room 4 - 6pm
FREE

If you’ve ever wondered how you could fulfil your creative ambition without neglecting the kids then this session is for you. Industry experts and women who’ve managed it share their thoughts on what’s poss.

Short Films: International Shorts 2

ICA Cinema 2 4.30pm

Ranging from the disturbing to the sublime, this is the best in observational doc making, psychological drama and comedy. Gasp with laughter and disbelief as the stories unfold.
 

Documentary: Her name is Sabine / Elle S'appelle Sabine + Q&A tbc
ICA Cinema 1 6.15- 8pm

An intelligent, moving and beautiful portrait of Sabine, a 38-year-old autistic woman, Filmed by her actress-sister, Sandrine Bonnaire.
 

Documentary: Three times divorced
ICA Cinema 2 6.30pm

The shocking story of a Gaza born Palestinian woman, divorced in absentia by her abusive Israeli Arab husband, her six children taken away from her, with nowhere to live and no papers to legally remain in Israel. But she won’t give up.
 

Special Event: Comedy Film Gala

BFI Southbank NFT 1 6.45 - 8.30pm

Jo Brand, Jessica Hynes (nee Stevenson) and Shazia Mirza host a Film-music-comedy extravaganza with riotous gems from Cinema’s earliest superstars and live music from cutting edge musicians Nikki Yeoh and Serafina Steer. An unmissable launch of BEV’s hunt for the UK’s new comedy Filmmaking talent.
 

Special Event: Games Tournament
ICA BAR 8 - 10pm

Come along and play.
 

Film: Actresses / Actrices

ICA Cinema 2 8.30pm

A 40-year-old single actress struggles with maternal desires, a new stage role and a smouldering Louis Garrel. Valerie Bruni-Tedeschi directs and stars in this hilariously off-beat Film.
 

Documentary: Billy the kid + Q&A tbc
ICA Cinema 1 8.30pm

Wryly humorous, utterly compelling, Billy The Kid is a charming, thought provoking few days in the shoes of eccentric but determined teen Billy.
 

Retrospective:The Vagabond Queen + Alcyona live
BFI Southbank NFT 3 6.40pm

Cash-strapped maid Sally is the doppelganger of Princess Zonia of Bolonia. Impersonating the princess during her coronation, feisty Sally has to endure Zonia’s randy husband as well as several hilarious assassination attempts.
 

Panel Discussion: The Original and Best Girls of Film Comedy
BFI Southbank NFT3 8:20pm
Joint ticket available with The Vagabond Queen £12.50, concs £9.25

Eminent Film historian Kevin Brownlow, comic actress Lucy Porter, US critic Jay Weissberg and curator Bryony Dixon discuss the importance of creative women in silent comedy.

Documentary: Dinner with the President: A Nation's Journey

ICA Cinema 1 6.30pm

Dictator, democrat, defender or dummy — what do Pakistanis really think of President Musharraf? From the middle classes to the mullahs and Musharraf himself, this insightful and timely documentary explores issues of political power and human rights.
 

Film: The Mourning Forest
ICA Cinema 2 6.30pm

Winner: Cannes Grand Jury Prize 2007. A melancholy tale of grief and reconciliation. Young caregiver Machiko and her patient Shigeki wind up stranded in a forest where they embark on an exhausting and enlightening two-day journey.
 

Documentary Masterclass: Jennifer Fox confesses all
ICA Brandon Room 7pm to 9pm

Jennifer Fox, the Internationally acclaimed, award winning producer, director and educator, talks about her latest work, the epic Flying: Confessions of a Free Woman.
 

Special Event: Women and games, Panel Discussion
ICA Nash Room 6.30pm

Cultural critics and leading games designers debate the growing importance of women to the gaming market and the challenges faced within this male dominated industry.
 

Film: The Unpolished + Q&A
ICA Cinema 2 8.45pm

The story of Stevie, a girl caught up in a complicated adult world where child/parent roles have been washed away and responsibilities are thrown back and forth.
 

Documentary: View from a grain of sand + Q&A
ICA Cinema 1 9pm

Compelling journey through the last 30 years of Afghanistan’s history as lived by three Afghan women. A doctor, teacher and social activist tell how their lives were violently affected by war, religious fundamentalism and political chaos.

 

Film: Unrelated + Q&A
ICA Cinema 1 6.15pm

A continental-style gem following 40-something Anna as she arrives at friend Verena’s Tuscan villa. After a humiliating episode Anna fears she is condemned to a life on the periphery.

 

Documentary: OPeration Filmmaker + Q&A
ICA Cinema 2 6.30pm (repeated Wed 12 March 9pm)

A young Iraqi man is adopted as an intern by left-leaning Filmmakers on a Hollywood production, only to discover that he is demanding, ungrateful and loves George Bush. Director Q&A TBC

 

NPA Masterclass: Moving from Shorts to Features
ICA Brandon Room 6.30pm to 8.30pm

So you’ve made a Short, but your sights are set on Features. You won’t be stunned to here that you’re about to face many creative, personal and professional challenges. A panel of industry pro’s discuss strategies to manage the transition.
 

Film: Persepolis
ICA Cinema 1 9pm

One of the best and most distinctive animated Films for grown-ups in recent years, this highly accessible girl’s eye view of Iran’s Islamic Revolution is a rare treat that defies categorisation. You know you have to.

 

Film: Stages + Sophie + Q&A tbc
ICA Cinema 2 9pm (repeated Wed 12 March)

Despite being divorced Roos and Martin continue to battle out old disagreements over coffee and cake, meanwhile their teenage son retreats from his dysfunctional parents using the power of silence.
 

Special Event: Victoria Wood on Stage
BFI Southbank NFT1 20:30

Coinciding with BEV and BFI Retrospective on women in comedy is a BFI season celebrating Victoria Wood’s illustrious career. Ms Wood will be interviewed about her work from her initial breakthrough on New Faces right up to her more recent triumph as adaptor and dramatic lead in Housewife 49. See www.bfi.org for full details.
 

Retrospective: The Love expert + Bluebottles + Jane Gardner live
BFI Southbank NFT 3 6.20pm

Self-appointed ‘love expert’ Babs uses her matchmaking skills to marry off the women who stand in the way of her own romantic interest.
 

Documentary: Hold me tight, let me go + Q&A tbc
ICA Cinema 1 6.30pm

In a boarding school for children who have suffered severe emotional trauma and have been excluded from mainstream education, carers offer unending patience and try to change their violent behaviour.

Film: Stages + Sophie + Q&A tbc
ICA Cinema 2 6.30pm

UK Premiere

Despite being divorced Roos and Martin continue to battle out old disagreements over coffee and cake, meanwhile their teenage son retreats from his dysfunctional parents using the power of silence.

Film: XXY + Q&A
ICA Cinema 1 9pm

A young hermaphrodite child and her friend explore their sexuality and differences with open-mindedness, while her parents battle against society’s prejudice.

Documentary: Operation Filmmaker

ICA Cinema 2 9pm

A young Iraqi man is adopted as an intern by left-leaning Filmmakers on a Hollywood production, only to discover that he is demanding, ungrateful and loves George Bush. Director Q&A TBC
 

Film: Caramel
ICA Cinema 1 6.30pm

A lovely comedy-drama set around a Beirut beauty parlour, where director Nadine Labaki stars as feisty Layal and we get a glimpse of sisterhood at its best.
 

Retrospective: The Wild party + A house divided
BFI Southbank NFT 2 6.30pm

In a woman’s college full of lively flapper students, Stella ( the original ‘It’ girl Clara Bow) turns the dorm into one wild party and distracts the anthropology professor from his educational mission.
 

Documentary:Blood of Yingzhou districit  + Journey of a red fridge
ICA Cinema 2 6.30pm

Double-bill: an Oscar-winning doc following the plight of Chinese AIDS orphans rejected by their families, and followed by a 4 day trek through the Nepalese Himalayas.

Film: Expired + The Lake + Q&A tbc
ICA Cinema1 8.30pm (repeated Cinema 2 6.15pm Friday 14 March)

UK Premiere

Claire (Samantha Morton), an unimposing, sweet-tempered meter maid whose sheltered existence with her stroke-afflicted mother is jolted when she meets Jay (Jason Patric), a troubled fellow parking officer. Director Q&A TBC

Docspot: In conversation with Franny Armstrong
ICA Cinema 2 8.30pm

Franny Armstrong (McLibel, Drowned Out) previews her documentary-animation hybrid three-year climate change epic The Age of Stupid with exclusive Film clips, explaining how she raised £350k to fund it by selling shares, and answer all your other burning questions.
 

Film: Expired + The Lake
ICA Cinema 2 6.15pm

UK Premiere

Claire (Samantha Morton), an unimposing, sweet-tempered meter maid whose sheltered existence with her stroke-afflicted mother is jolted when she meets Jay (Jason Patric), a troubled fellow parking officer. Director Q&A TBC
 

Film: Closing Feature:Hotel very welcome + Q&A

+ CLOSING NIGHT AWARDS PARTY

ICA Cinema 1 6.30pm

UK Premiere

Introduction and exclusive Q&A with special guests Sonja Heiss and Chris O'Dowd ("The IT Crowd")

Sonja Heiss’ first feature is a brilliant docu-style portrayal of five Westerners travelling across well-trodden paths of Asia. Co-starring Chris O’Dowd.
 

Special Event: Closing night party + Awards
ICA BAR 8.30pm

Celebrate the best of the fest in the spirit of our closing night feature. Enjoy bhangra beats with a western edge, free drinks and asian offerings as the festival awards are announced, picked by the likes of Monica Ali and Harriet Walter