Whilst film continues to develop as one of the most powerful and best-loved media of our time, the industry remains overwhelmingly dominated by men. Women make up only 7% of top level film directors, only 2 of whom have ever been nominated for Oscars.

BIRDS EYE VIEW aims to promote emerging women in the British film industry. We screen 5 of the best short films by Britain's up and coming women filmmakers at nationally touring high profile cinema events, with celebrity presenters, live comedy, prize draws and panel discussions to kick-start women in their film careers.

THE HISTORY:

Launched with a one-off screening event in November 2002, BIRDS EYE VIEW has only just begun. But it has already enjoyed rapid success. In March 2003 we took BIRDS EYE VIEW on it's first national tour, screening in the major independent cinemas in Bristol (The Watershed) and Brighton (The Duke of York's Picture House) after 2 events at the Curzon Cinema, Soho. We brought in celebrity presenters: our best loved comedy actress Sally Phillips (Smack the Pony) in London, one of our fastest up and coming actresses Naomie Harris (28 Days Later, White Teeth) in Bristol, and long established international film actress Greta Scacchi in Brighton. We also gained the support of Women in Film and Television and The Directors Guild of Great Britain, who organised panel events after the screenings.

THE FEEDBACK:

" Programmes of shorts can be deeply frustrating, since shorts are as difficult to make well as full length features. BIRDS EYE VIEW, however, showed that there are more potential filmmakers among women than we might suspect, given the still male-dominated British film scene. "

" I'd like to applaud Rachel and Pinny, both for setting up Invisible Films and for showcasing the talents of these women... I was genuinely overwhelmed and incredibly impressed with the quality of the films. All of them touched me and made me think… they moved me in ways that often full-length features haven't... "

" This is just the sort of event we need on the London entertainment scene. Brave, important and long overdue. "

" Awesome! Just overwhelmingly glamourous... "

THE FUTURE:

Given this overwhelmingly positive response, the rapid expansion to date, and a fast growing support base at every level of the industry, BIRDS EYE VIEW is already becoming the flagship of up and coming women in British film today.

This Autumn we will be touring further within the UK - to London, Bristol, Brighton, Cardiff, Manchester, Birmingham, Lancaster, Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Glasgow. We are also exploring the possibilities of taking the programme to the USA and into Europe.

We will further develop the idea of fusing live comedy and celebrity presenters with short film, hosting rich and varied evenings of high quality public entertainment, whilst still providing a fantastic networking opportunity for women and men in the media.

Alongside the events, we are soon to launch a monthly online showcase for emerging female talent, in conjunction with award-winning streaming media site www.3btv.com. This will allow more women filmmakers to showcase their work in conjunction with BIRDS EYE VIEW each month.

To find out about having your film included in our monthly programme, see applications.

We will soon be launching a BIRDS EYE VIEW membership scheme. Keep an eye on this site for updates.

BIRDS EYE VIEW: Britain's up and coming women filmmakers
We show only the best, and make sure it gets seen.