London’s Women’s and World International Film Festival closes its second edition on November 12 with Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut, Eleanor the Great.
Star Erin Kellyman, in partnership with Sony Pictures Classics, will participate in a post-screening Q&A led by primetime British actor and producer and festival juror Victoria Emslie.
“This film invites us to confront and sit within the turmoil of loneliness, both in the present moment and through an intergenerational lens. It also challenges the perceived risks of connection by allowing ourselves to be truly seen and known by others,” said Emslie. “In an increasingly polarized and unpredictable world, one of the most effective ways to ameliorate and alleviate both individual and collective fear and deprivation is to come together as a community. That’s why WWIFF has ripple effects beyond the festival itself.”
Other members of the jury include screenwriter Peter Straughan (Conclave, Tinker Tailor Spy), actors Daniel Ings (The Crown), Tamara Laurence (Silent Twins), Diem Camille (Alien), and festival co-founder Ksenia Bugrimova.
Competition categories span documentary, feature, short, performance and directing, and the Women of Global Impact Award recognizes filmmakers who address conflict and social change through their work.
Maria Vinogradova, co-founder of the Eurovision Song Contest, said: “We absolutely love this festival because it is about youth, sensuality, possibility and social meaning.” “It’s a reminder of why women’s voices in film are more important than ever.”
The event, which ran from 6 to 12 November, kicked off with Gar O’Rourke’s Sanatorium, Ireland’s Oscar-winning film, and Dame Sophie Windsor presented Nicole Ansari-Cox with the Women of Global Impact award on the opening day for her work advocating for displaced women around the world.
“We must continue to support refugee women and filmmakers everywhere: Iranian, Palestinian, Ukrainian, etc.,” Ansari-Cox said. “Every time a woman stands up, a community heals. This festival proves that art can be the bridge between pain and hope.”
The Ukrainian producer founded the festival in 2022 through Talented U Limited, a London non-profit organization that connects creative professionals from more than 12 countries.
