Two films that I had the utmost privilege to write, produce and direct were broadcast on BBC ALBA last weekend. It was the culmination of a really invigorating period of work that was as rewarding as it was challenging (filming in a pandemic is not the easiest) but I’m incredibly proud of the outcome and can’t thank the protagonists, contributors, actors, researchers and crew enough for working with me to tell these stories in such a dynamic way. The films will also be on the BBC iPlayer for the next few weeks or so, and can be watched via the links I have inserted below.
Perhaps you might find some time over Easter to enjoy either or both?
The films feature remarkable, and indeed pioneering women, who made a mark on history and created space for other women to excel. Celebrating women’s voices is something ‘we’ don’t do often enough – well, not ‘me’…. I do try to ensure women are amplified and acknowledged in everything I create, and thankfully BBC ALBA are supportive in broadcasting such important stories.
There’s a lot inequality to make up for!
Anyway, here’s the links and I’ve also added a blurb on each film below.
Happy Easter!
Julie Fleeting: https://bbc.in/3xraznj Sadie Smith: https://bbc.in/3E5oArY
Determined to play, nine-year-old Julie Fleeting’s life in football began with a local boys club. It was the first step in achieving a dream she didn’t even know existed. From playing professionally in America to winning multiple honours with Arsenal, and scoring more goals for Scotland than anyone else, Julie has consistently inspired, empowered and led from the front. In a story of tenacity and triumph, Julie’s journey in football is also one of family, humility and respect.
Singer songwriter Eddi Reader recently discovered that her granny and namesake, Sedania, was a shining light in Scottish football. Sadie Smith, as she was known to her teammates, was the superstar left winger of the trailblazing Rutherglen Ladies football team that dominated in the interwar period, despite attempts to push women out of football altogether. In this documentary, Eddi goes on a journey to discover more about her granny’s remarkable football career.
Margot McCuaig 