Stars to attend women in film event

Actors Simone Ashley and Gugu Mbatha-Raw are appearing at an Oxford University event celebrating women working in the film industry.

The Oxford Cultural Programme is putting on the free day of screenings, talks, and panel discussions at the Sheldonian Theatre and Curzon Cinema on Monday.

The event also aims to explore changes in the perception and representation of women in film, and the challenges involved.

Also taking part are Lucy Bevan, casting director for The Batman and Barbie, Finola Dwyer, producer of Brooklyn and An Education, and actor and producer Oriane Pick.

Simone Ashley has starred in Bridgerton, Sex Education, The Sister, and the live-action version of The Little Mermaid.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw, who grew up in nearby Witney, acted as Ophelia opposite Jude Law's Hamlet in the West End and Broadway, and also in Black Mirror, Loki, Surface, and the upcoming Doctor Who spin off The War Between the Land and the Sea.

Prof Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor of the university, said it was an "honour" to welcome the guests to a "day that celebrates how women are shaping change and progress in the film and television industry".

Guests will be sharing their behind-the-scenes experiences and breaking down their creative processes.

Exclusive preview screenings will feature work by new female filmmakers, and industry professionals will provide advice on story ideas and budgeting.

There is also a screening of For Sama, a documentary about young mother Waad al-Kateab's experience of the Syrian civil war, followed by a discussion between al-Kateab and Nevine Mabro, the commissioning editor of Channel 4.

Josie Bamford, executive producer, said: "As we build our programme towards the opening of the new Schwarzman Centre at Oxford University, we passionately believe in bringing together incredible artists, creatives and thinkers to help address some of the biggest issues facing the world at this time."

Prof Tracey said: "The interaction between people with such rich and diverse experiences is sure to spark fascinating conversations."

She said the local community, university members and alumni were all welcome to the events.

You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.