Projects in genres: Woman Director

Synopsis

Bata-ville is a bittersweet documentary record of a coach trip to the origins of the Bata shoe empire in Zlín in the Czech Republic. Against the backdrop of regeneration in their local communities, former employees of the now-closed UK shoe factories in East Tilbury (Essex) and Maryport (Cumbria) are led on a journey that begins as a free holiday but soon becomes an opportunity for a collective imagining of what entrepreneur Tomas Bata's maxim 'We are not afraid of the future' means for them in 21st- century Britain. Inspired by the contrast between the idealism of Bata and the more recent industrial decline of East Tilbury and Maryport, host/directors Pope and Guthrie lead this unorthodox coach party on a journey through Bata's legacy.  

Synopsis

In a bewitching musical drama Tina longs for what she can't have. A chopper magically appears and a whirlwind of colourful musical scenes unfolds, involving a furious mother, dancing neighbours and clowning policeman.

Synopsis

A film noir about mixed signals. Confusion. And there being no signs. A girl who desires a woman decides to take matters into her own hands after being beaten up - Only she didn't reckon on the outcome.

Synopsis

A delicate portrait of a mother and daughter's strained existence together in the Scottish countryside. A birthday celebration is hampered by a crumbling life that is held together by a daughter's love.

Synopsis

What do you do when your wife Iona Aylesbury (Kristin Scott Thomas) can’t tell the difference between a shrink and a shop, your eight-year-old son Orlando spray paints his rabbit’s name on the walls to get attention, while his gay godfather Stephen (Ralph Fiennes) lies half beaten to death in hospital. Your boss is drawing you into a scam which could cost you your career, your father Edward Aylesbury has an illegitimate love child with his former mistress Gloria (Penelope Cruz), her social worker Colin (Rhys Ifans) can’t help prying into her past and present, and your stepmother Penelope's (Harriet Walter) bond with her dogs is your best role model of a loving relationship. Every family has secrets it hides behind the walls of its home - these are the dilemmas and secrets of Marcus Aylesbury (Damian Lewis). When Marcus’s old ‘friend’ Trent (Ben Chaplin), an intelligent investigative journalist, gets wind of a story he knows will make him a media star the good old virtues of honesty, loyalty and friendship are sacrificed to the new morality of success and celebrity. Pushed by his powerhouse editor, Trent is forced to bend his ideals of using journalism to make a difference - and instead focuses on writing ‘sexy stories that sell’. This darkly comedic drama relentlessly pulls these characters into situations which threaten their stable place in a society where privilege and birth are no longer powerful enough to protect the fortunate few, and where the American values of money, beauty and success have become the cornerstones of contemporary London life.

Synopsis

Double-crossing Rich is abducted in the middle of the night by Tommy. He's taken to a deserted scrap yard and locked in the boot of a car destined to be crushed. Rescued by Ol' Duke, the two share a drink, then Rich slowly realises that something is horribly wrong.

Synopsis

Two young children wake one bright morning. To the audible and visual backdrop of a city slowly coming to life after its slumber, they discover their mother asleep, arms around a stranger. They quietly switch off her alarm and embark on a morning full of freedom, exhilaration and innocence.

Synopsis

With Cole Porter's songs, Divine Inspiration is a musical comedy about Kenneth Hawkstone, an artistic genius who can paint, write, direct and also date models. But he's suffering a mid-life and a spiritual crisis that affects his creativity. When he affirms that he doesn't believe in God, God is surprised because Kenneth is 'her' favorite creation and wants to meet him immediately.

Synopsis

Screwball comedy, setting in the 40s. Carole Hackensack, an ederly lady, has been arrested. She tries to explain her adventure.

Synopsis

Sam Moore's Doubled Up tells of the shock and awe of finding out she was expecting twins. The film is an opulent and multi-faceted song of love, panic, fear and lots of nappies. 'Visually arresting and beautifully effective' (Time Out).

Synopsis

When Brazilian teenager Eva turns up to work as a stripper in a London pub, she appears to be just another foreigner from the agency. But Eva has never done the job before and English Rachel, an old hand, is less than delighted to see her.

Synopsis

She's a grand little Irish dancer and she's bound to win at the Feis. But when skateboarders roll past the window 11-year-old Sinead would rather be out there practising her other talents. Her mother would have let her, if she was still alive. But getting past grandma isn't so easy.