SHAKE THE SYSTEM

✺

SHAKE THE SYSTEM ✺

DAY ONE

The day that kicks it all off. Expect bold conversations, unfiltered stories, and creative fire. Day One is all about breaking the rules, rebuilding confidence, and creating
work that matters.

From “Creative Exodus Is Real” to “Build the Sh*t You Want to See,” our speakers dive deep into what it really takes to survive and thrive in the industry, not the polished version, but the honest one.

You’ll leave FIRED UP, connected, and
ready to rewrite your own script.

Tuesday 11th November

✺

Tuesday 11th November ✺

DAY ONE MAIN STAGE

  • 10AM

    The Creative Exodus is Real
    Why Women + Underrepresented Talent are Leaving + why we’re NOT Going Quietly

    TALK DETAILS

  • 12PM

    Pitch Without Permission
    Reclaiming the Room + Telling Your Story Authentically

    TALK DETAILS

  • 1PM

    ADHD: Let’s Get Real! 
    Busting Misconceptions, Battling RSD + Improving our Quality of Life

    TALK DETAILS

  • 2PM

    Build the Shit You Want to See
    How to Make the Work That Doesn’t Exist Yet

    TALK DETAILS

  • 3PM

    Fail Big, Bounce Hard
    Turning Setbacks into Fuel for What’s Next

    TALK DETAILS

  • 4PM

    Mental Health Is Not Up for Negotiation
    Protecting Wellbeing in Creative Work

    TALK DETAILS

WORKSHOPS

10AM

WITH JO KNOWLER

Event announcement for a workshop titled 'Fearless Worth: How to Value Yourself (and Make Sure Others Do Too)' scheduled at 10AM.

Too often, women are made to feel like they’re “too much” or not enough. In this workshop, Jo will share practical tools and real-world strategies to help you own your value, communicate your worth with confidence, and stand strong in your power.

FEARLESS WORTH: HOW TO VALUE YOURSELF (AND MAKE SURE
OTHERS DO TO)

Close-up of Jo Knowler with long, wavy, light brown hair, smiling, sitting in an office chair.
VIEW WORKSHOP

11AM

STILLS SISTER COLLECTIVE

The Untold Power of
Female Unit Stills

Jess (founder of The Stills Sister Collective) shares why bringing female perspectives onto sets matters - from representation and trust with cast/crew, to the unique artistry and authenticity women bring to stills.

Pink background with bold black text reading "The Untold Power of Female Unit Stills 11AM - Workshop". Below, a logo says "The Sils" in red with smaller black text "Sisters Collective EST. 2025".
A woman with red hair and a black cap smiling, wearing a gray sweater and a camera hanging from her waist, standing in an indoor space. The image includes the logo 'The Stills Sisters' and text indicating Jessica Sansom is a photographer and founder of the Stills Sisters Collective.
VIEW WORKSHOP

11AM

WITH MEGAN HINE

Text on a blue background that reads, 'Wild + Ready, a survival guide for women filming in remote locations, 11AM - Workshop.'

Led by survivalist and expedition leader Megan Hine, this session equips you with the essentials to stay safe, comfortable, and in control while focusing on your creative work.

SURVIVAL GUIDE for WOMEN FILMING in REMOTE LOCATIONS

A woman in a wetsuit holding a spear, standing outdoors with cloudy sky in the background. Text overlay includes her name, occupation, and a label for day 1 and 2.
VIEW WORKSHOP

11AM

WITH MEGAN KNIGHT

Pink background with bold black and red text that reads: "Unlocking Your Creativity Feeling Scattered, Stuck, or Disconnected from Your Creative Flow? 11AM - WORKSHOP."

Feeling scattered, stuck, or disconnected from your creative flow? Join Megan for a restorative session that blends gentle reflection and somatic awareness to help you realign with your purpose, values, and sense of calm.

UNBLOCKING YOUR CREATIVITY

A smiling woman with long brown hair looking at the camera, at a beach with the ocean and sky in the background.
VIEW WORKSHOP

12PM

WITH SONIA WARGACKA

Blue background with black and white text promoting a workshop called 'Radical Imagining', a creative lab where imagination meets action, scheduled for 12 pm.

What if your boldest ideas weren’t “too much” but exactly what the world needs? In this interactive workshop, Sonia Wargacka invites you to stretch the limits of your imagination and experiment with turning radical concepts into tangible change.

A creative Lab where Imagination meets Action

Portrait of Sonia Wargacka, a producer and activist, standing outdoors with a blurred green background, wearing glasses and a denim jacket, smiling with pinkish hair.
VIEW WORKSHOP

1PM

WITH SARA MAXWELL + CARLA BENTELE

Blue background with bold black and white text that reads 'Wealth Belief Edit 1PM - Workshop'.

Turn limiting beliefs into living art. Come in with a money belief you’re ready to ditch, leave with a shiny new story
that actually serves you.

From Blocked to Bloom

Two women standing on a small platform, smiling at the camera. One woman has pink hair, glasses, and wears a black T-shirt with white text, and bright pink leggings. The other woman has brown hair, and wears a black dress with sheer black fabric and gold lettering, holding a phone. They are outdoors near an RV decorated with plants and a flag.
VIEW WORKSHOP

1PM

WITH KAREN CORDING

Designed specifically for those working in the fast-paced world of the creative industries

CREATIVE BREATH

Announcement for a creative breathing workshop at 1PM encouraging unlocking creative energy one breath at a time with bold black and white text on a light blue background.
A smiling woman with curly dark hair, wearing a yellow shirt and colorful earrings, in an indoor setting with blurred background. Text overlay indicates 'Day 1' and her name and title.
VIEW WORKSHOP

2PM

WITH SHEHERAZADE BODIN

How can we tell meaningful stories without costing the Earth!

Sustainability in Filmmaking

Yellow background poster with black and red text reading 'Sustainability in Filmmaking 1PM - TALK'.
Portrait of a woman with dark, wavy hair wearing a black turtleneck and silver earrings, looking to the side against a dark mottled background.
VIEW WORKSHOP

2PM

WITH LOU DESBOROUGH

No astrology experience needed - just curiosity, an open mind,
and maybe a notebook! 

Sun and Moon Synergy

Purple background with black and white text that says 'Sun and Moon Synergy 2PM - Workshop'. An illustration of a black moon with a star inside it is at the top center.
A woman with brown hair, wearing a black sweater and light blue jeans, sitting on a black chair with a brick wall background, smiling and resting her head on her hand.
VIEW WORKSHOP

3PM

WITH AMANDA GRAHAM

NETWORKING INL: FROM AWKWARD TO AUTHENTIC

A practical, confidence-building session that helps you ditch the small talk and feel more at ease when connecting in person. Learn simple techniques to approach new people, start genuine conversations, and leave behind the pressure of “networking” in favour of creating authentic, lasting relationships.

Text on a yellow background that reads, 'Networking IRL: From Awkward to Authentic 3PM WORKSHOP' in large black and red font.
Close-up of a woman with red hair, wearing glasses with tortoiseshell frames, and bright red lipstick. She is touching her chin with her right hand. There is a black sticker on her face that says "Day 1+2". Below the image, a black text box describes Amanda Graham, a comedy writer, author, and workshop leader.
VIEW WORKSHOP

3PM

WITH MEGAN KNIGHT

Pink background with black and red text promoting a creative flow workshop at 3PM.

Feeling scattered, stuck, or disconnected from your creative flow? Join Megan for a restorative session that blends gentle reflection and somatic awareness to help you realign with your purpose, values, and sense of calm.

UNBLOCKING YOUR CREATIVITY

A smiling woman with long brown hair standing on a beach with the ocean and sky in the background
VIEW WORKSHOP
Living room with pink curtains, red velvet chairs, black and orange side tables, a black coffee table with flower arrangements, a blue rug, and modern floor lamps.
A woman with long blonde hair, wearing a navy and yellow striped sweater, holds a beige mug, sitting indoors with a blurred background of shelves and warm-colored walls.

MONEY SOFA

Take a seat on The Money Sofa
SISTALAND’s dedicated space for real, unfiltered conversations
about money in creative work.

Across both festival days, Lisa Meller will lead two interactive workshops:

Feast or Famine Finances Creative ways to stay afloat between paydays when cashflow feels unpredictable. Expect practical tools, mindset shifts, and honest talk about navigating freelance finances without losing your spark.

Lisa will also be available throughout the festival for 1:1 bookable finance coaching sessions, offering guidance on budgeting, pricing, and financial confidence for freelancers and founders alike.

SOFA SESSIONS WITH LISA MELLER 💸

  • FEAST OR FAMINE FINANCES - 2PM

    NO NEED TO BOOK AHEAD - Just pull up a cushion at The Money Sofa to catch the Feast or Famine Finances sessions, and stay for real talk on surviving the creative cashflow rollercoaster.


  • 1:1

    Want a 1:1 chat about money, freelancing, or finances between paydays? Head straight to The Money Sofa when doors open to book your slot - spaces go fast!
    Available on both days.

Two women standing in front of a vendor booth at a fair. They are holding fans that say 'HOT' and are dressed in animal print clothing. The booth has a gold disco ball, colorful decorations, and a backdrop of golden tiles.

ACROSS DAY ONE + TWO

ADHDAF ARE COMING TO SISTALAND!

READ ON

OTHER HAPPENINGS..

Pink background with the word 'SHORTIES' in stylized red and pink lettering, surrounded by illustrations of four different women with diverse hairstyles and head profiles, along with small stars and sparkles.

SHORTIES POP UP

SHORTIES is an all-female filmmaking community founded by Lois Tallulah, empowering women to connect, create, and grow in film. Through monthly screenings, creative workshops, script readings, and non-cringe networking events, SHORTIES champions collaboration over competition. Expect lots of hugs, real talk, and a celebration of women rewriting the rules of the industry.

Bright yellow background with the word 'SWIF' in bold blue 3D letters, tilted to the right.

SWIF POP UP

South West Independent Film (SWIF) is a thriving community of over 500 filmmakers across the South West and Cardiff. Founded by writer-director Holly Holdsworth, SWIF connects the indie film scene through events, networking opportunities, and its much-loved weekly digest - a go-to resource for crew calls, funding, and behind-the-scenes updates. At SISTALAND Festival, SWIF brings its signature spirit of connection and collaboration, helping filmmakers access new opportunities, meet their people, and stay inspired outside the algorithm.

Blue background with white text that says 'CLUB THRIVE'.

CLUB THRIVE POP UP

Feeling burnt out, stuck, or held back by self-doubt? Club Thrive is here to help you get your spark (and confidence) back.
Through mindset tools, community, and practical coaching, Club Thrive helps women overcome money and time blocks, silence their inner critic, and close the gaps in their professional network that keep them in survival mode. Whether you’re rebuilding after burnout, balancing motherhood and ambition, or simply ready to feel seen again - come take a breath, reconnect with your purpose, and start thriving.

TECH PETTING ZOO

TECH PETTING ZOO

A woman sitting outdoors, wearing a white baseball cap, a light blue shirt, and jeans, appears to be working on a film or photography set. She is holding a clipboard and is surrounded by professional filming equipment including a camera and lighting setup.

YES, YOU READ THAT RIGHT

Curious about kit but not sure where to start? Step into The Tech Petting Zoo - a playful, hands-on space where you can get up close with the tools that bring stories to life. From cameras and lighting setups to sound gear, this zone invites you to touch, test, and tinker in a no-pressure environment. Whether you’re new to set life or brushing up on your skills, come get curious, ask questions, and build confidence with the tech that powers creative storytelling.

ACROSS BOTH DAYS + DEMOS

AND IF THAT WASN’T ENOUGH TO KEEP YOU BUSY…

  • Behind the Role

    Drop-In Sessions

    Pop by for casual, small-group chats with women and non-binary creatives working across film, media, and design. Ask anything - no panels, no pressure, just honest insights from people doing the work. Check your programme for timings on each day.

  • Crew Marketplace

    A meet-and-connect zone for freelancers, filmmakers, and creatives looking to collaborate. Drop your card or simply start a conversation - you never know who you’ll meet!

  • Refresh Station

    Step away from the noise for a moment of calm. Recharge with a drink, stretch it out, or just breathe - because rest is part of the process.

  • Marketplace Pop-Up

    Explore an edit of female-founded and creative-led brands, from wellness to stationery to sustainable goodies. Every purchase supports a small business and a bigger mission.

  • The Dream Wall

    Your space to dream out loud. Add your wildest career goals, dream collaborations, or creative wishes to the wall and see what connections spark.

  • After-Hours Fun (After 6pm)

    When the panels wrap, the party begins.
    Join us each evening for a line-up of music, good vibes, and creative connection - open to all festival and Evening-Only ticket holders. Think laid-back networking meets after-hours energy: conversations over drinks, DJ sets, pop-ups, and plenty of space to unwind and celebrate the day with your fellow creatives.

✺ Day One FAQs - Shake the System (Tuesday 11 Nov) ✺

  • Doors open at 9:00am - grab a coffee, check in at reception, and explore the space before panels kick off at 10:00am.

  • We’re at Sparks, Bristol - a creative hub right in the heart of the city. Keep an eye out for our signs (and friendly crew) to guide you in.

  • Head to the main entrance where our SISTALAND crew will scan your ticket and hand you your pass.

  • Yes! Our vendor partners and Refresh Station will be open all day for snacks, drinks, lunch and dinner options.

  • Absolutely. Your Day One ticket includes access to our Evening Entertainment - think DJs, drinks, and laid-back networking from 6:00pm onwards.

  • Yes! Drop into the Power Lounge or Recharge Bar - they’re designed for downtime, chats, or quiet catch-ups.

GOT YOUR
TICKET FOR DAY
ONE YET?

GET ME IN!