Mums in Film
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Trying to balance your passion for film with the demands of motherhood can be tough, but you're not alone. Join our Mums in Film group and connect with other like-minded souls, navigating the same challenges as you. This is a great opportunity to inspire and support each other to achieve those professional goals.
Whether you're a director, producer, writer - whatever your role, specialism or interest - and whether you are currently working in film, or finding your way back after a few years out - our group is a safe and supportive space for you to share your experiences and find solidarity with other mums in the industry. The group is open to mums, future mums and non-binary parents identifying as mothers. Sessions will be child-friendly and will take place either at City Eye or Mettricks, the cafe next door. When we meet at City Eye some toys will be provided, and tea or coffee will be available for the adults. There is lift access for buggies at City Eye and baby change facilities at both City Eye and Mettricks. We meet up on the third Tuesday of each month - with some variation around school holidays as necessary! All sessions will allow some time for informal networking, saying hello and catching up. Going forward time might also be given to a speaker, for screening a group-member's film or for focused discussion. The group is here to meet your needs so come and help us plan future sessions accordingly!
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The idea for Mums in Film was brought to City Eye by documentary filmmaker Jo Bartlett-Hubbard, who makes films for charities and the public sector as Bartlett Hubbard Films. Jo moved to the area in 2020 at the beginning of a career break, and is now starting to make films again, this time with a six year old and a one year old in the mix.
“I realised I was restarting my career in a new geographical area, I’d had three years out of the industry, and I’d effectively been on maternity leave, so work-wise I was pretty isolated,” she said. “I joined a few networks to meet up with other filmmakers in general, but there are some specific challenges that come with being a filmmaker and a mother at the same time. Filmmaking frequently demands long hours, being away on location, irregular working patterns, and a generally high level of commitment that is not compatible with meeting the needs of children. There is a well-documented huge drop-off of women leaving the industry after the age of 35, particularly in creative roles, but filmmaking obviously needs women’s voices as well as men’s. I’m fiercely protective of my film career but I’ve had to bend and mould the way I work to make sure I’m still meeting the needs of my kids too, and it’s not easy. I’d love to find out how other mothers or non-binary parents balance film work with being a parent. Hopefully we can share some creative and practical ideas, and support each other in our aims.” |
