Award-winning filmmakers visit Solent for essential panel

On Monday 11 November, at Solent University’s on-site cinema, female filmmakers will come together for a screening and discussion about sexual violence in film and television.

Johanna von Fischer, who previously served as Director of the British Independent Film Awards, and who founded 16 Days 16 Films – an initiative designed to address gender-based violence – will form part of the panel, which will also screen four award-winning short films from this year’s 16 days programme.

The event will be led by Associate Professor at Solent, Dr Donna Peberdy, who has been leading a 12-month research project funded by the prestigious British Academy. Directors Alice Johannessen, Ciara Kerr, Rosie Morris and Jo Smyth complete the panel’s lineup.

‘Screening Sexual Violence: Silence Breaking and Performance Activism Post #MeToo’ has sought to understand the viability of film and television in playing an activistic role when it comes to shaping public understanding of gender-based violence. During the project, Dr Peberdy analysed 80 short films and interviewed filmmakers to inform her research, one outcome of which will soon be made available as a wide-reaching educational resource.

Before the culmination of this important research is unveiled, Donna is sharing insight into her project at this special screening event during City Eye’s seventeenth Southampton Film Week.

The upcoming event invites members of the public, students and staff to take part in a conversation about the way violence against women is portrayed on screen, creating a safe space in which to explore this important subject.

Book free tickets here.