Girls In Film presents: Behind The Scenes Of Motherhood
GIRL IN FILM PRESENTS:
BEHIND THE SCENES OF MOTHERHOOD
Join us on the 9th of May for a special panel talk with filmmakers Donnya Zidan and Stefanie Kolk about motherhood and the film industry. For filmmakers who are also mothers, how do industry structures and expectations shape their careers, and what changes would be needed to normalize more honest conversations about motherhood behind the scenes?The panel will include screenings of the short film Iskander by Donnya Zidan and feature-length film Melk by Stefanie Kolk.
Girls in Film (GiF) is a worldwide platform that represents, champions and connects the new generation of women, non-binary and trans creatives in the film industry. Changing the gender bias in the film industry starts by bringing women to the forefront.
Meet our speakers:
Donnya Zidan is a Dutch-Egyptian director crafting intimate, story-driven films with a distinct visual and emotional voice. With a background in acting, she draws out nuanced, authentic performances and builds deep connections with her cast. In 2023, she debuted at the Netherlands Film Festival with Iskander, a 15-minute sci-fi drama she wrote and directed, blending a groovy ’70s aesthetic with subtle elements of enchantment.
Stefanie Kolk is a Dutch filmmaker drawn to the unspoken dynamics of human connection—closeness, distance, and trust. Her short films Clan, Harbour, and Eyes on the Road premiered at Locarno. Her feature debut MELK, co-written with Nena van Driel, premiered at Venice’s Giornate degli Autori, winning Best Film at Crossing Europe, earned four Golden Calf nominations, and was named Best Dutch Film of 2024.
First Panel Talk: 16:00 – 16:20
Screening Iskander by Donnya Zidan: 16:20 – 16:35
Second Panel Talk: 16:35 – 17:00
Break: 17:00 – 17:15
Screening Melk by Stefanie Kolk: 17:15 – 18:45
