Commission: WRC Films
“What puts a smile on my face is knowing that no woman is going to bed hungry.
No-one dreams when they're hungry”
Six charities. Six short films. My first Independent Production
Vivienne Hayes OBE, is the CEO of the Women’s Resource Centre. I met her a few years ago at her book stand at a feminist conference in Glasgow. She sold me two books and we kept in touch. One day Vivienne messaged asking if I knew anyone who could make six short films championing The Alternative Women’s Economy (AWE). It’s her initiative to help the women and girls’ sector become more economically sustainable as funding cuts and service closures grow.
She said we needed to tread lightly. The women were vulnerable women, suspicious of journalists, the budget was tight and not only was I delivering six films, I would also have to guide them all through the process.
After I said yes to the challenge, the wonderful whirlwind began.
Vivienne introduced me to her project manager Jeni Osbourne, a calm soul. We worked closely to deliver a tricky, delicate project that created so many beautiful memories, but was on time and within budget. For my first independent filming project, I had the everything role: Producer, production, story development, interviewing, scripting, logistics, finance, hiring crew, budgeting and putting people at ease.
Behind the scenes video. Heart-warming. Joyful. Inspiring
The charities involved were all based in Manchester:
Safety4Sisters : A charity supporting migrant women facing domestic abuse and insecure immigration status
Oldham Community Meals: A grassroots initiative providing hot meals and community support
Saheli: Supports Black, Asian and minoritized women experiencing domestic abuse and isolation
Women’s Resource Centre: Leading umbrella organisation for women’s charities in the UK
Rochdale Women’s Welfare Association: Supports women and families through advice and advocacy
Support and Action for Women Network: Supports Black/minoritised women affected by domestic abuse
When we walked in with a camera, we felt people’s caution. For many, anonymity isn’t modesty. It is survival. The women using these services have often been ignored by the systems meant to protect them. Many are rebuilding after abuse. Some are navigating immigration insecurity. Some are simply trying to get through the week safely.
Safety came first. Duty of Care was a priority. Six shoots in 4 days. It was pre prepped and then pre prepped some more to ensure we took it at a pace that felt comfortable for contributors, but fast enough to get what we needed. Managing expectations and vulnerability is where we all excelled as a team. Courtney Nettleford was my camera and edit hire. Courtney’s filming is beautiful and they care.
Courtney Nettleford
So much hard work went into this project. There were tears, heartache, headaches, kindness, lots of love and an immense amount of joy. I’ll leave you with what Ruth Mbera said, whilst I was interviewing her. She is the founder of Oldham Community Meals. It’s really stayed with me.
“What puts a smile on my face is knowing that no woman is going to bed hungry.
No-one dreams when they're hungry”
