Bonus Episode - Petra Costa - Director, Writer & Producer (Apocalypse In The Tropics)

Klara Kaliger - Actor, Director & Writer (Hopes & Beans, Back Of The Net)

In this episode, I chat with Klara Klariger, about the journey behind Hopes and Beans, a comedy short that explores the realities of social anxiety with humour and heart. Klara is a Croatian-born, London-based actor, director and writer. Klara shares insights into the film, why comedy can be such a powerful way to talk about difficult experiences, and how everyday awkward moments can become meaningful stories on screen. We also dive into her creative beginnings in theatre, what led her to fall in love with performing, and the experience of starting her own improvisational theatre group. From stage to screen, it's a conversation about creativity, vulnerability, and finding confidence through storytelling, and letting go of your ego on set. Whether you're a filmmaker, performer, or someone who has ever overthought a simple social interaction, this episode is full of honest reflections and inspiration. You can find out more about Klara and her work here: klara kaliger - Google Search [https://www.google.com/search?q=klara+kaliger&sca_esv=17f789f08622b6fb&sxsrf=ANbL-n6n_NPcl1n2JN_axf6CnzBtt6uUsg%3A1772979549055&source=hp&ei=XYWtaZaTAbzt7M8P5sK9kAQ&iflsig=AFdpzrgAAAAAaa2Tbdehhtc8Wl-yZurURMC5txVqzGHL&ved=0ahUKEwjWtdrBv5CTAxW8NvsDHWZhD0IQ4dUDCCk&uact=5&oq=klara+kaliger&gs_lp=Egdnd3Mtd2l6Ig1rbGFyYSBrYWxpZ2VyMgUQLhiABDIFEAAY7wUyBRAAGO8FMgUQABjvBTIFEAAY7wVIzh5QAFj1D3AAeACQAQGYAY8LoAHsPKoBBTYtMy40uAEDyAEA-AEBmAIDoALpH8ICBRAAGIAEwgIGEAAYFhgewgIIEAAYFhgKGB7CAgsQABiABBiGAxiKBZgDAJIHAzctM6AH8R6yBwM3LTO4B-kfwgcHMy0xLjAuMsgHiAGACAA&sclient=gws-wiz]

Rosie May Bird Smith - Writer & Director (Egg Timer)

In this episode of The Reel Girl's Club, I sit down with Writer & Director Rosie May Bird Smith to talk about her brilliantly surreal short film Egg Timer - a dark comedy that turns the pressure of the biological clock into a bold, hilarious, and chaotic cinematic experience. Rosie shares how the idea came to life, her process for creating eye-catching practical effects, and how she used humour and absurdity to explore deeper personal themes about womanhood and fertility. We also dive into her beginnings as a director of commercials, writing to briefs and creating treatments for brands such as Andrex, Asda, Durex and Muller Light, finding your creative voice as a filmmaker and much more. In this episode: * The inspiration behind Egg Timer * Why surrealism and comedy are powerful tools for female storytelling * Behind-the-scenes details from the film's production * How to use your creative voice while working to a brief for huge brands Whether you're an emerging filmmaker, a film lover, or just someone who's ever felt "the clock ticking", this conversation, and Rosie's film Egg Timer is just for you. For more information, find Rosie's website here: Rosie May Bird Smith [https://www.rosiemaybirdsmith.co.uk/] Production company: Biscuit Filmworks - Rosie May Bird Smith [https://biscuitfilmworks.com/us/commercial/rosie-may-bird-smith/] Rosie's Instagram: Rosie May Bird Smith (@rosiemaybirdsmith) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/rosiemaybirdsmith/?hl=en] Egg Timer Instagram: Egg Timer (@eggtimerfilm) • Instagram photos and videos [https://www.instagram.com/eggtimerfilm/#] Rosie's Vimeo: Rosie May Bird Smith - Director & Screenwriter [https://vimeo.com/rosiemaybirdsmith] Rosie's IMDb: Rosie May Bird Smith - IMDb [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm16371762/] Rosie's LinkedIn: Sign Up | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/authwall?trk=gf&trkInfo=AQEduNayAUvCPwAAAZpyG6oYrGp168PROcvdWKx1OLVGID7gujlQrZhkCwl0kfmXrc4WI_25VBLr5wpx4QG9WVn6MBOh0CpWUlx2Picn5YYmXvVjvmkFEeGx0IOrgKEGiMeeDJ0=&original_referer=https://www.google.com/&sessionRedirect=https%3A%2F%2Fuk.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Frosiemaybirdsmith] Directors Notes: Egg Timer by Rosie May Bird Smith // Comedy // Directors Notes [https://directorsnotes.com/2025/09/23/rosie-may-bird-smith-egg-timer/]

Julie Magnaudet - Writer & Director (The Contraception Fair)

In this episode of The Reel Girls Club, I'm joined by Swiss/French Writer & Director, Julie Magnaudet, whose work shines a light on the complexities of women's lives. With a background in both writing and filmmaking, Julie brings a sharp eye for storytelling that blends intimate character work with broader social themes, Her latest short film, The Contraception Fair - produced by Candid Broads Productions - offers a witty yet poignant look at contraception, autonomy, and the cultural narratives that shape women's choices. In honor of World Contraception Day, Julie shares the inspiration behind the project, her creative process as a writer and director, and the importance of telling stories that challenge stigma and spark conversation. It's an engaging discussion about cinema, reproductive rights, and the power of women behind the camera, Learn more about Julie's work here: juliemagnaudet.com [http://juliemagnaudet.com] Watch The Contraception Fair trailer here; The Contraception Fair — Candid Broads Productions [https://www.candidbroadsproductions.com/contraceptionfair]

Issabella Orlando - Writer, Filmmaker & Creative Producer (Topos)

In this episode of The Reel Girl's Club, I'm joined by Canadian-Italian, filmmaker, writer and creative producer Issabella Orlando, to explore her stunning short film, Topos - a poetic reflection on place, heritage, and the archeology of identity. Blending ancient myth with visual storytelling, Topos meditates on what it means to be rooted in a place, to inherit memory, and to make art that honors cultural lineage. Issabella and I discuss how material culture, language and sound shape narrative - and how a short film can carry deep emotional and historical weight. We also touch on Issabella's background in Classics and archeology, and her broader vision for storytelling that bridges the past with the present, and much more. You can discover more of Issabella's work here [https://www.issabellaorlando.com/] and here. [https://issabellaorlando.substack.com/]

Bonus Episode - Petra Costa - Director, Writer & Producer (Apocalypse In The Tropics)

In this special bonus episode, I'm joined by Oscar-nominated (The Edge Of Democracy) filmmaker Petra Costa to discuss her powerful new documentary Apocalypse In The Tropics, now streaming on Netflix. The film explores the rise of evangelical power in Brazilian politics and the erosion of democracy through a deeply personal lens. Petra shares the story behind the making of the film, her creative process, and what it means to document history in real time. A short but essential conversation with one of the most fearless voices in contemporary documentary filmmaking today. Watch Apocalypse In The Tropics on Netflix here [https://www.netflix.com/fr-en/title/81989009] Disclaimer: This conversation includes discussion of religion and its role in politics.