Arts

Hackney Wicked Women WI ‘’Girls Just Wanna Watch Films’’ launch

The Women’s Institute is currently having something of a resurgence amongst London’s ladies. Groups are popping up all over the capital offering women the chance to get together, make new friends, learn new skills and do their bit for the local community. This week I visited the launch of a new monthly film-screening event hosted by The Hackney Wicked Women WI.

wiked2The Hackney Wicked Women branch was started in November 2013 to provide a WI group for the women of Hackney Wick and surrounding areas. Perhaps not your stereotypical WI, the group is largely made up of young women in their 20s.

In addition to their monthly meetings the Hackney Wicked Women decided they wanted to celebrate women in the film industry by hosting a series of film screenings.

The film club, aptly named “Girls Just Wanna Watch Films” will be a monthly event featuring movies written by a woman, directed by a woman or featuring a strong female character. As well as providing a fun night for members and non-members alike they are breaking the WI habits and opening the doors to men as well (!)

The first film, screened last night at the bar in the Genesis Cinema on Mile End Road, was 90’s cult classic Point Break.  This high action thriller about a surf gang who rob banks and an undercover cop who is trying to bring them down from the inside, was the perfect choice to kick start the series. This fourth film from female director Kathryn Bigelow showcases so much macho testosterone you would be hard pushed to find a male director with bigger balls!  Beautifully merging romance and action Kathryn flies the flag for girl power within the film industry.

As launches go the event was fairly well attended, there were a few WI members missing and a few stragglers arrived after the start but it soon packed out. The Bar at the Genesis Cinema is the perfect venue for film screenings; boasting a HD projector and very comfortable sofas. The low lighting, candles and cocktails made for a cosy atmosphere-perfect for watching Swayze and Reeves battle it out! Overall the night was a success, everyone had a great time and enjoyed some quality female filmmaking. It is certainly something I will be adding to my calendar for next month.

If you would like to attend the August ‘’Girls Just Wanna Watch Films’’ event or simply want more information on joining the Hackney Wicked Women WI then visit www.hackneywickedwomen.wordpress.com or follow them on twitter @WickedWomenWI.

Reviewed by Carolyn Owlett

Their Monthly Screenings @ Genesis Cinema

93-95 Mile End Rd.

London E1 4UJ

wickedwomenwi film club