Hello March
This time of year is always a blessing - it’s no longer dark outside at 4pm, the weather is (ever so slightly) warming up, and the emergence of Spring is the perfect season to try new things and bloom! Too poetic? Maybe, but in such difficult times it’s nice to find the little positives, which is exactly what our team are offering you this March in the form of recommendations, including podcasts, tv shows, and much more. But here’s a foreword from our founder, Caris Rianne first.
What have we been up to?
For the shortest month of the year, it certainly did feel long at times. Up here in the North East, we had snow for weeks! As lovely as walking Kara without her getting disastrously muddy was, I was grateful to see the winter weather pass and lighter nights arrive which certainly make the evenings feel better after logging off the laptop. Last month saw us return back to filmmaking, despite it being through short clips of our friends dogs for Lauren Bird’s music video, it was a lovely experience to be back to creating. I’ve been friends with Lauren for over 10 years now and it’s always an adventure to work on her music videos - you can check out the canine-filled video here.
With a new roadmap regarding the lockdown here in the UK, we’ve been thinking about our upcoming Women X plans. Planning how we can develop the amazing online event we crafted last October, along with hosting in a physical venue in the North East. Stay tuned for updates coming in April on that! But just last weekend, we hosted our first ever Live podcast show for Not Having It All. We were joined by 15 amazing guest hosts and had over 50 attendees join us for an afternoon of chatter. Highlights of the day and the recorded episodes will be available soon, but in the meantime, you can catch up on our latest episode all about Bridgerton here.
We also launched our brand new mentoring scheme, RP: Evolve. Last year while preparing for our festival, I thought about how we could help filmmakers who are in the early stages of their careers build their skills and confidence to advance to the next level. Hosting a festival supporting women is one thing, but how could we create a path for those who haven’t yet got to the festival stage yet? We received so many applications and choosing the final six (was meant to be four, but we couldn’t help it!) was a long and difficult process. We’re so excited to be working with Xanthus, Rochelle, Graciela, Kirsty, Kathryn, and Jennifer for the next three months!
Lastly over at RP: Editorial we have certainly been busy! Covering two wonderful festivals, you can catch up on our thoughts on the female directed short films at London Short Film Festival here. As well as catch a sneak peek at our coverage of BFI Future Film Festival through Susanna’s brilliant interview with filmmaker Neeraja Raj. With more reviews on the shorts and interviews with the filmmakers to come.
Future Fest was the first time I felt like I attended a festival with friends, as the team all discussed the sessions and the films together. As daunting as the changes are feeling, I am certainly looking forward to being back in a cinema with friends asking each other what we loved about what we saw, along with the occasional ‘What the f**k happened at the end?’.
Now back over to Sophie for your monthly recommendations.
Caris x
TV Shows
Superstore - Netflix
Superstore - Netflix
Not knowing at all what I was in the mood for, I decided on a whim to check out Superstore - and I’m so glad I did! I watched the first season within a couple of days and I’m just loving the characters. It’s an easy to watch sitcom following employees who work at a store called Cloud 9, starring the ever wonderful America Ferrera. I highly recommend if you’re struggling watching long episodes right now and want something funny with a lot of heart.
New Amsterdam - Amazon Prime
With the third season set to premiere on NBC on 2nd March, why not start watching the first two seasons of New Amsterdam! Starring Freema Agyeman of Doctor Who and Sense8, the show follows the journey of a new medical director who is starting his new role at America’s oldest public hospital. Episodes are available on Amazon Prime for any fellow medical drama fans like our Neha.
The One - Netflix
The One - Netflix
Following up on a previous book recommendation she made a few months back, Ashton is now here to tell us that the series adaptation is arriving to Netflix on March 12th! Based on the John Marrs book, the show is about a fallout from a DNA process that can tell you who your soulmate is but it isn’t the perfect idea that it seems to be. The trailer looks different to the book but just as fascinating so set yourself a reminder!
Married at First Sight Australia - All 4
If you feel like life is lacking drama at the moment, or you just want to get involved in someone else’s, then you’ll love Lauren’s recommendation. Married at First Sight Australia is currently all on All 4 and is completely wild! In Lauren’s own words, “I love watching people shout at people” so if you’re also a fan of this kind of chaotic behaviour, then definitely check it out.
That’s So Raven - Disney+
That’s So Raven - Disney+
Caris is currently living her best nostalgic life and watching all the Disney Channel tv shows in chronological order and is currently on That’s So Raven! Join her and revisit this old favourite (with arguably one of the best theme songs) to enjoy all that early noughties, non-pandemic bliss. You can catch all episodes now on Disney+.
RuPaul's Drag Race UK - BBC iPlayer
You’re probably already watching it, or everyone you know is, and Emily is on the hype too! The only thing getting her through this never ending lockdown is her weekly hit of serotonin, the ever fabulous Drag Race UK, which is available to watch on BBC iPlayer. If you’re not already on the bandwagon, jump on now and join everyone in their love for the iconic Bimini Bon Boulash!
The Broken Hearts Gallery - Amazon Prime
Films
The Broken Hearts Gallery - Amazon Prime
Available to rent on Amazon Prime amongst other large platforms, The Broken Hearts Gallery is a female directed romantic comedy from Natalie Krinsky. Caris was a big fan, and thought the storyline about loss was lovely - it focused on how we can not only lose people but also who we thought people were.
Godmothered - Disney+
If you don’t have the energy for anything too serious at the moment and need some fluffy Disney fun, then we have a film which is perfect for you. Godmothered stars Isla Fisher and is available on Disney+. It gave Pearl lots of Enchanted vibes, though she also felt it was quite different to usual Disney films. Watch and find out more here.
Dead Pigs - MUBI
Dead Pigs - MUBI
This one is for Birds of Prey fans - or, to be honest, just anyone who wants to catch a fantastic film by an amazing woman director! Cathy Yan’s debut feature film, Dead Pigs, is now showing on MUBI. Emily can’t wait to watch it and I think a lot of people are with her on that. Definitely catch this while you can.
Podcasts
Scam Goddess - Earwolf
All these podcasts can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or various other podcast platforms - check the link in each paragraph to find exactly where to listen.
Even Baddies Wear Helmets
Pearl is giving a shout out to a brand new podcast called Even Baddies Wear Helmets. Hosted by Billie Collins (who is doing fab work in the industry right now!), the show is about all things children’s television, speaking to those who bring it to life. The first episode featured the head of the BFI’s Young Audiences Content Fund! Find out more here.
Scam Goddess - Earwolf
Just the fantastic name of the podcast should convince you to listen but if you need more convincing, I’ll give it to you. Ashton is obsessed with this pod, which is a hilarious look at historical cons and modern scammers from host Laci Mosley aka the Scam Goddess. Each week a different comedian joins her and it’s always a joy to listen to. Jade also recommends it for the catchy theme tune. Listen here!
Code Switch - NPR
Owning It: The Anxiety Podcast
You’ve probably seen bestselling author Caroline Foran's books everywhere, but have you given her podcast a listen? She wrote two amazing books on anxiety and confidence and Caris loves her no nonsense approach to motherhood - her podcast is like therapy and coffee with a friend simultaneously!
Code Switch - NPR
Another podcast pick this week is NPR’s Code Switch which is one of Neha’s favourites. The show was launched in 2016 and is hosted by journalists of colour, discussing race, ethnicity, culture (and so much more) in a way that is very nuanced and engaging. Neha highly recommends this one and you can listen and find out more about the show here.
Let’s Learn About…
If you love learning about lots of new things then look no further. Let’s Learn About… is a great podcast (I may be biased since my friend Charlotte co-hosts but it is truly fab!) to get a taste of topics you might look up for yourself later. They’ve done episodes on various women in history, MLM schemes, time travel, mythology, cursed films - truly a variety! I also guest hosted an episode recently about weird weather phenomena (which is something I’m oddly very interested in) so give that a listen to find out about snow donuts, Catatumbo lightning, and more…
Who’s Loving You: Love Stories by Women of Colour - Sareeta Domingo
Books
Who’s Loving You: Love Stories by Women of Colour - Sareeta Domingo
Publishing on the 4th March, this book looks absolutely fantastic and both myself and Neha are highly anticipating it! Edited by Sareeta Domingo, Who’s Loving You features stories from ten authors, a selection of exciting new voices and established greats. It sounds like such a beautiful read and I can’t wait to get myself a copy and dive in. Also, the cover is absolutely stunning! Find out more here and (if you can!) please buy a copy from a local independent bookshop to support them.
The Farewell EP - Lauren Bird
Other Bits and Bobs
The Farewell EP - Lauren Bird
Us? Recommending team member Lauren’s music again? Of course! The wonderful human and singer that is Lauren Bird has The Farewell EP releasing on March 5th. Her latest songs all feature and they are truly beautiful - both melancholic and hopeful all at once. Pre-save the EP here so you are notified as soon as it’s released.
Yoga with Adriene - Youtube
If you’re looking for feel good fitness videos that are more focused on wellbeing than weight loss, definitely try out some Yoga with Adriene videos. Caris has been loving them as Adriene promotes focusing on how you feel - plus her dog is in all her videos, so it’s hard not to feel good whilst doing yoga!
