Front row at the GalPal Collective ‘Directed by Her’ festival

So often it can be difficult to find community as a woman in a male dominated field. And the arts and media world are no different. The majority of leadership roles in filmmaking and direction are male. And while we don’t know what we’d do without James Cameron’s direction of Titanic, we’d love to give the stage to more perspectives, such as those of voices who aren’t always given space.

To imagine a stage inclusive to all sexualities, genders, religions, and backgrounds should be the standard for movies. Gal Pal Collective has made this real, providing ‘community cultivation for queer folk, POC, migrants + women in arts/media’. Run by co-founders Aisha Bolaji and Ashley Chadamoyo, along with two more creatives Oyin Adeyemi and Lulit Luis. Having started the collective at the passionate age of nineteen, this is a programme that welcomes growth and change, allowing members to grow their creative drive along with them. 

And there’s no better way to cheer on female empowerment and support your fellow women than by spending International Women’s Day off at GalPal Collective’s ‘Directed by Her’, on Sunday, March 8th at 3 pm. Now in their fourth year working with the Irish Film Institute, you can expect short and sweet films, and music videos from up-and-coming FLINTA filmmakers. And stay tuned for the awards being given to ‘Best Short Film’ and ‘Best Music Video’, and a ‘Best Screenplay’, awarded by the esteemed members of the Writers Club facilitators. Check out their instagram page @thegalpalcollective to see the official programme released on February 18th and 19th. 

Curious to see the architect behind the idea? International Women’s Day is the gift that keeps on giving, as you’ll get a ‘Script to Screen’ panel led by Ashley Chadamoyo herself. As a writer, she will take you on a journey through the relationship between writers and the finished product. From all the challenges to all the quick tips, Chadamoyo is holding a hand out to the next generation. 

Gal Pal aims to broaden their scope by engaging with university students who aspire to join the field. Making sure that they are the big gals and pals we all need. In collaboration with Dublin University Film Society, Gal Pal is set to host a Q&A on March 9th at 6:30pm on Fade Street, ready to answer any and all your questions ‘exploring storytelling, representation, and film curation’, following the DU Film Society FLINTA film night . The focus is students, and GalPal will be giving to ‘bold storytelling, fresh perspectives, and the filmmakers reshaping the future of film’. As their creative space grows, so do ideas, and students are at the root of that growth. 

This will not only give aspiring creatives some insight into the industry but also be an inspiration for anyone a part of this community who may not feel seen. Seeing four creatives proud to be seen and heard, becomes a guidance to take up space and be loud. 

Get a good night's rest on Tuesday because the festivities return Wednesday, March 11th, the perfect addition to the Q&A where you’ll be able to apply all your new found knowledge. Having planned an ‘introduction to storytelling workshop held for underrepresented communities in the film and arts landscape’. Aisha Bolaji, one of the founders, will be facilitating the event, creating a hands-on and intimate experience. If you can’t attend the Q&A or have never even studied anything related to the arts before, then do not worry. This workshop is designed to bring your creative instincts out, no matter how developed they may or may not be. 

And if you can’t get enough, join one of GalPal Collective’s very own members, Oyin Adeyemi for an iconic Clueless rewatch for the millionth (and counting) time. Directed by Amy Heckerling, it’s a classic rewatch for movie nights. The Irish Film Institute remains our favourite host as this is part of their Bigger Picture Series, hosted by Traitors Ireland winner and, of course, GalPal’s Oyin Adeyemi. The dress code is tartan skirts and feathers, and all things 90s!

To end the week, on Friday March 13th at The Fumbally, GalPal has brought poet and writer Ashanti Artwell to host a script session. Artwell has been featured several times from several journals and publications, they’re a ‘storyteller who uses poetry, theatre, and film to unpick life’ with experience in poetry, theatre, and film. ‘Dedicated creative space for Black and POC women and FLINTA creatives’, this is an opportunity to see an established author interact with the script, a magical moment you don’t want to miss. 

GalPal Collective is and remains a space for female voices and recognition. Making sure that whatever identity society may disregard, GalPal is here to make sure no women or FLINTA is left feeling invisible or ignored. GalPal has created a community full of creatives that have a message that needs to be heard, when women collectively work on anything founded on passion, morals, and callings, the strength is in their community and power is in numbers. 

Spice up your Sunday reset on March 15th at 7pm, with the ‘Directed by Her’ wrap party at Curveball Dublin. Intended on being a night of ‘celebration, connection, and community’, this is where it all comes together. Take all the lessons, experience, and inspiration you’ve learned from the week and channel it into finding your community. 

So make sure to get your tickets before they sell out, with all ticket proceeds going to Women’s Aid, addressing the impact of domestic violence.

Written By: Sophia Arceo, @sophiearceo

Edited By: Alex Kelleher @Alex_kelleher_