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
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10AM
The Creative Exodus is Real
Why Women + Underrepresented Talent are Leaving + why we’re NOT Going Quietly -
12PM
Pitch Without Permission
Reclaiming the Room + Telling Your Story Authentically -
1PM
ADHD: Let’s Get Real!
Busting Misconceptions, Battling RSD + Improving our Quality of Life -
2PM
Build the Shit You Want to See
How to Make the Work That Doesn’t Exist Yet -
3PM
Fail Big, Bounce Hard
Turning Setbacks into Fuel for What’s Next -
4PM
Mental Health Is Not Up for Negotiation
Protecting Wellbeing in Creative Work
WORKSHOPS
10AM
WITH JO KNOWLER
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)
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.
11AM
WITH MEGAN HINE
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
11AM
WITH MEGAN KNIGHT
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
12PM
WITH SONIA WARGACKA
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
1PM
WITH SARA MAXWELL + CARLA BENTELE
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
1PM
WITH KAREN CORDING
Designed specifically for those working in the fast-paced world of the creative industries
CREATIVE BREATH
2PM
WITH SHEHERAZADE BODIN
How can we tell meaningful stories without costing the Earth!
Sustainability in Filmmaking
2PM
WITH LOU DESBOROUGH
No astrology experience needed - just curiosity, an open mind,
and maybe a notebook!
Sun and Moon Synergy
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.
3PM
WITH MEGAN KNIGHT
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
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 💸
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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.
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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.
ACROSS DAY ONE + TWO
ADHDAF ARE COMING TO SISTALAND!
OTHER HAPPENINGS..
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.
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.
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
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.
AND IF THAT WASN’T ENOUGH TO KEEP YOU BUSY…
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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) ✺
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Doors open at 9:00am - grab a coffee, check in at reception, and explore the space before panels kick off at 10:00am.
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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.
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Head to the main entrance where our SISTALAND crew will scan your ticket and hand you your pass.
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Yes! Our vendor partners and Refresh Station will be open all day for snacks, drinks, lunch and dinner options.
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Absolutely. Your Day One ticket includes access to our Evening Entertainment - think DJs, drinks, and laid-back networking from 6:00pm onwards.
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Yes! Drop into the Power Lounge or Recharge Bar - they’re designed for downtime, chats, or quiet catch-ups.