Ellen Kuras’ highly anticipated film “Lee,” featuring the acclaimed Kate Winslet in the role of legendary war photographer Lee Miller, is slated to make a striking entrance at the inaugural Women and World International Film Festival in London. This event will greatly highlight Winslet’s powerful performance as it anchors the festival’s premiere on November 21.
The screening will take place shortly after the film’s release on Sky Cinema on November 1 and promises to be an engaging experience for attendees, complete with a post-screening Q&A session. This discussion will feature insights from Miller’s son, Antony Penrose, along with contributions from producer Kate Solomon and screenwriter Marion Hume. The moderator for this important exchange will be Victoria Emslie, the innovative founder of Primetime.
The festival will run from November 21 to 23 and aims to spotlight the crucial roles women play in contexts marked by global conflict. Spearheading the event is Ukrainian producer-director Ksenia Bugrimova, who serves as co-founder as well as the executive and creative director. Alongside her, Mariia Vynogradova co-founded the festival and plays pivotal roles as the operational director and director of partnerships and sponsorship.
The competitive lineup will feature the U.K. premiere of “Porcelain War,” a celebrated work that recently won accolades at Sundance 2024. Supported by both the Ukrainian and Czech embassies in London, this festival is poised to showcase a compelling array of documentaries and feature films that illuminate the experiences and struggles of women in various conflict regions, including Ukraine, Syria, and Afghanistan.
Bugrimova expressed her commitment to elevating women’s voices in film and media, particularly in light of the current global challenges. She stated, “As a Ukrainian filmmaker shooting films in my war-torn country, I want to amplify the voices of women in film and media, especially during such challenging times when so many nations are fighting for justice.” Furthermore, she emphasized the multifaceted roles women occupy—from dedicated volunteers to artists portraying the painful narratives of violence and suffering in captivity—and her ambition to ensure their stories are heard loud and clear.
Vynogradova contributed her perspective, underscoring the importance of the festival’s theme in today’s world. “I believe that this topic is essential right now. The arrow that a woman holds in her teeth symbolizes her extraordinary powers and strength, while the tears reflect the softness of her heart,” she remarked, highlighting the unique duality of women’s experiences in conflict.
**Interview with Ksenia Bugrimova: Co-founder and Executive Director of the Women and World International Film Festival**
**Interviewer:** Ksenia, thank you for joining us today. You have an exciting festival coming up in London that highlights women’s contributions in contexts of global conflict. Can you share what inspired you to co-found the Women and World International Film Festival?
**Ksenia Bugrimova:** Thank you for having me! The inspiration came from a strong desire to shine a light on the often-overlooked narratives of women in war zones and conflict areas. I believe that women have not only been significant witnesses to history but also active participants and agents of change. By showcasing their stories through film, we hope to empower and raise awareness about their important roles.
**Interviewer:** One of the highlights of your festival is the premiere of Ellen Kuras’ film “Lee,” featuring Kate Winslet. Why did you select this film as a centerpiece for the festival?
**Ksenia Bugrimova:** “Lee” is a powerful portrayal of Lee Miller, a woman who defied conventions to become an influential war photographer. Kate Winslet’s performance is extraordinary and encapsulates the spirit of resilience and courage that we want to celebrate at our festival. The film’s themes resonate deeply with our mission, and we are excited to provide a platform for such impactful storytelling.
**Interviewer:** The festival will host a Q&A session with Antony Penrose and other notable contributors after the screening. What discussions do you hope will emerge from this exchange?
**Ksenia Bugrimova:** I hope that the Q&A session will lead to meaningful conversations about the legacy of Lee Miller and the broader implications of women’s experiences in conflict situations. We want attendees to reflect on how these narratives can inform current discussions around gender, representation, and the importance of storytelling in shaping our understanding of history.
**Interviewer:** The festival runs from November 21 to 23. What can attendees look forward to during this event beyond the screening of “Lee”?
**Ksenia Bugrimova:** We have a diverse lineup of films and panels that feature female filmmakers from around the world. Attendees can expect to engage with thought-provoking discussions, networking opportunities, and the chance to witness groundbreaking films that challenge traditional narratives. Our goal is to create a space where voices are amplified and stories are shared.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like an inspiring event, Ksenia. Thank you for sharing these insights, and best of luck with the festival!
**Ksenia Bugrimova:** Thank you so much! We are thrilled to be a part of this moment and look forward to welcoming everyone to the festival.
