Writer, Actor, Access Coordinator, and the founder of The Dazey Hills Company

With over a decade of experience in film and TV both in front of and behind the camera. She has worked with the BBC, Netflix, Channel 4 and ITV, and is represented by Casarotto Ramsay & Associates.

A passionate advocate for accessibility and inclusion, Abbie has been recognised with the National Diversity Award (Positive Role Model for Disability) and was highly commended at the Women of the Future Awards in Arts & Culture.

At SISTALAND, Abbie will host a Safe Circle workshop:

Access Coordinators Demystified: Creating Inclusive Sets Without Fear of Getting It Wrong: A safe, welcoming space to ask the questions you’ve been too nervous to ask — and leave feeling confident about working inclusively on set.

Founder and Creative Director at Tiny Studios.

Celia is a connector and culture builder within the creative industry. She is the Founder and Creative Director of Tiny Studios, a B-Corp production company focused on working with good people and brands. She is also the co-founder of Making Moves + Movies, a community championing female and non-binary creatives, and advocating for greater inclusivity, diversity, and transparency across film.

Tiny Studios are proudly sponsoring The Power of No — a vital conversation on boundaries, burnout + saying no without guilt. Celia will be hosting this session, exploring how women are reclaiming their time and creative energy — and why the industry needs to catch up.

Multi-award-winning Production Designer, Art Director, and the Founder of SISTALAND.

An award-winning creative community and festival championing women and underrepresented voices across film, media, and the arts. With work spanning commercials, narrative film, and music, Nikita’s bold vision pushes boundaries and crafts stories that leave lasting impressions.

Passionate about building meaningful connections, she has grown SISTALAND from a grassroots network into a powerhouse platform of events, workshops, and a flagship festival, all designed to amplify diverse voices and create equal opportunities across the industry.

Whether on set or on stage, Nikita’s mission is clear: to reshape the creative landscape with authenticity, collaboration, and impact.

Director, Writer + Founder of SHORTIES

Lois is an award-winning filmmaker and the founder of SHORTIES, a hyper-feminist platform dedicated to empowering emerging voices in film. Driven by the belief that there’s room for everyone and that women and underrepresented creatives don’t need to wait for handouts, Lois has built SHORTIES into a vibrant community where talent is nurtured, connections are forged, and future filmmakers are inspired to create their own buzz.

Alongside screenings in partnership with BFI Network to showcase funded films, Lois runs workshops and writers’ labs that equip new talent with tools, confidence and networks. Filmmakers regularly cite Lois’s generosity and guidance as transformative, with one alum describing SHORTIES as “a stimulating and inspiring environment” that empowered them to grow as an artist.

With her finger firmly on the pulse of new talent, Lois balances this grassroots work with a flourishing career as a director and writer. Her debut short EB & FLO won multiple Best Female Filmmaker awards, and she has since gone on to direct the acclaimed comedy Lacy’s World, the hit theatre show Life’s A Drag, and her 5-star debut play In the Shadow of Her Majesty. She was shortlisted for BBC Comedy Writersroom (2022) and selected for the Channel 4 Comedy Pilot Writers’ Scheme with NFTS.

At the heart of all her work—whether through SHORTIES or her own creative projects—is a commitment to building networks, sparking creativity, and ensuring that underrepresented voices in film and theatre not only have space, but shine.

Explorer, Survival Consultant, and Producer

Megan is an internationally renowned survivalist and TV producer with a reputation for guiding some of the biggest adventure series across remote and extreme locations. She has worked alongside Bear Grylls and fronted survival expeditions for networks including Discovery and Netflix. With a background in psychology and a deep respect for the natural world, Megan blends technical expertise with an ability to bring out resilience and creativity in others.

At SISTALAND Festival, Megan will lead two empowering workshops designed to equip creatives for the challenges of filming outdoors:

• Field Ready: A Crash Course in Location Scouting
  An immersive introduction to finding the perfect filming location — from hidden jungle clearings to remote mountain passes. Learn how to evaluate locations for visual impact, safety, logistics, and story potential, so you can bring back not just footage but a smooth-running shoot.

• Wild & Ready: A Survival Guide for Women Filming in Remote Locations
  A practical, confidence-boosting workshop designed for women working in the outdoors — from UK fields to mountain tops, deserts, rainforests, or rural villages. Learn how to stay safe, comfortable, and in control while focusing on your creative work.

Catch Megan on Day Two of the festival.

British-Moroccan Director represented by Curtis Brown and 42 Branded. She recently wrapped a rom-com for Channel 5/Paramount (airing November 2025), starring Anita Dobson and Nigel Havers, and her latest Comedy Central sketch will release later this year.

Her short film Solers United premiered at BFI Flare 2025, screens on Film4 this October, and is in development as a feature. Recognised by the FA, the film’s trailer was showcased ahead of the Women’s Euros, played at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and featured on ITV News.

Sara’s earlier short F**KED won Best British Short at the Iris Prize 2023 and Best Short Film at Roze Filmdagen, later airing on Channel 4 and screening across BAFTA and BIFA festivals. It is now in early development with Wild Mercury as a TV series.

Her work has been spotlighted by Empire Magazine, Kiss FM, and the Outernet London, and she was awarded Best Director by the Sara Putt Agency Foundation in 2024. She is currently developing The Halal Chop with support from Uncertain Kingdom.

Creative Director, Co-Founder of Lucky Dip, and Host of The NDA Podcast.

Katie has spent over a decade shaping brands across the globe, with a particular flair for copy and motion. As the Creative Director and Co-founder of Lucky Dip, she believes that building great brands should always be an undeniably good time. Alongside her studio work, Katie also hosts The NDA Podcast, where she unearths the secrets and shadows of the creative industries through candid conversations.

At SISTALAND Festival, Katie will join us across both days:

• Day One – The Creative Exodus is Real (Panel Facilitator)

• Day Two – From Freelancer to Founder (Guest Speaker)

Catch Katie bringing her wit, wisdom, and no-nonsense insight to the stage.

Narrative Designer and Creative Director whose credits span League of Legends, Fable, the Arkham series, and more. Known for crafting rich worlds and choice-driven stories across AAA, mobile, film, and television, she brings a bold, cross-media approach to storytelling. Beyond her creative work, Kim is a vocal advocate for accountability and reform in the games industry—championing fairness and stronger governance—while continuing to develop ambitious new projects, including her dark “Neverland-punk” AAA concept and the horror screenplay Red Flag.

An award-winning Screenwriter, Script Editor, and Creative Consultant whose credits span 90+ TV and film development projects, including work for the BBC, Channel 4, and Zero Gravity Group. She has written 23 episodes of Apple/BBC television and is currently developing multiple comedy projects with Olivia Colman and Ed Sinclair’s indie South of the River, alongside collaborations with US and UK talent such as Tristram Shapeero (Community), Carol Kolb (Brooklyn 99), Disney, and Cartoon Network legend Travis Blaise. Known for her sharp wit, resilience, and advocacy for underestimated voices, Amanda brings boldness, hilarity, and authenticity to every project.

Bristol-based Producer and Activist whose credits span global TV hits like Sex Education (Netflix), Industry (BBC/HBO), and His Dark Materials (BBC/HBO). Alongside prestige drama, she champions stories with impact—producing award-winning projects like the documentary Rave On for the Avon, the horror short Hungry Joe, and What Was She Wearing?, a film tackling sexual harassment in schools.

She co-founded DoesItFeelGood.com, a global social impact video company, creating films across five continents for organisations driving positive change. With a Master’s in Humanitarianism, Conflict, and Development, and as a familiar face on Polish TV charity broadcasts, Sonia blends storytelling with activism to entertain, challenge, and inspire.

Black queer Film Director and Producer passionate about using documentary as a tool for authentic storytelling and social change. Her films Speak Little One and Rice At Home explore rich, intergenerational conversations and spotlight voices often left unheard.

Beginning her career in 2022 through a programme to diversify the film sector, Louise has since supported major festivals like Sheffield DocFest and Encounters. Now, she’s focused on empowering the next wave of filmmakers while continuing to bring bold visions to the screen.

London- and Norfolk-based Unit Stills Photographer with nearly 20 years’ experience. She has worked across features, shorts, and TV for BBC, Sky, Film4, Sister, Studio Soho, and the BFI, known for capturing emotionally charged, cinematic stills that elevate storytelling.

A proud neurodivergent advocate, Jessica founded The Stills Sisters Collective to support women and non-binary photographers and push for real change in access and representation. Her work blends creativity, grit, and advocacy—ensuring every frame tells a story that lasts beyond the screen

Founder of Elsie, the first global community for freelancers in female healthcare and sexual health. Today, Elsie connects over 140 members across 15 countries, spanning translators, copywriters, and researchers working in contraception, maternal health, and sexual wellbeing.

With a background as a content strategist for leading period care, fertility, and menopause brands, Emma brings advocacy and research to the heart of her work. She previously co-founded Back Off Scotland, the grassroots campaign that secured buffer zones around abortion clinics and influenced Scottish law.

Emma holds a Master’s from the University of Edinburgh, where her research explored how sex education shapes emotional wellbeing, and has trained over 1,400 students in domestic violence prevention and healthy relationships.

Bristol-based Composer and Cellist whose work spans award-winning documentaries, narrative drama, and opera. She has scored films including The Firefox Guardian, Seeking Sanctuary, G-Flat (dir. Peter Darney, starring Richard Wilson), Teth, No Swan In Sight, and Seed. In 2023 she completed her first opera, Orchard Street, supported by Arts Council England.

Alongside her creative work, Emma is an advocate for mothers in music. Following the birth of her son in 2020, she joined Mothers in Music and went on to publish The Unheard Symphony with the Ivors Academy Trust, a landmark report highlighting the barriers faced by composer mothers and calling for change across the industry.

Director and Creative with a background in animation and commercial production. After starting her career producing campaigns for leading brands, she moved naturally into directing—where her eye for detail and love of storytelling shine from concept through to final cut.

Her client list includes Pukka Herbs, Instax, NHS, Sainsbury’s, Habitat, Women’s Aid, and Vax. Elle is also the co-founder of Rabble Film, bristol-production house, working with the best filmmaking talent in the South West.

Multi award-winning UK-based Writer and Director specialising in comedy across scripted film, music promos, and branded content. A recipient of the BCG Pro Production Award and finalist in The Sitcom Mission, she is part of Directors UK’s Inspire scheme and a returning BAFTA Crew member.

Her films have screened at Oscar- and BAFTA-qualifying festivals including BFI London, Encounters, Vienna Shorts, and Aesthetica, while her broadcast writing credits include Nickelodeon and BBC3. Tia has directed work commissioned by BFI, Exeter Phoenix, and Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, with additional scenes on the feature film Game (Invada Studios, 2025).

Independent Financial Adviser and former solicitor, and the founder of Personal Finance Movement—a practice dedicated to making financial advice more inclusive, empowering, and personal, especially for women. With a background in law and a commitment to transparency, Lisa is known for her clear, jargon-free approach and her focus on building lasting client confidence.

In 2025, Personal Finance Movement was awarded “Championing Women’s Equality” at the FT Adviser Diversity Awards, recognising Lisa’s mission to create judgment-free spaces where women can access financial education and advice with clarity and confidence.

Alongside advising, Lisa mentors aspiring financial professionals, speaks at global events, and advocates for greater inclusion and representation in the industry. Whether guiding clients towards secure futures or shaping the next generation of advisers, she leads with compassion, integrity, and purpose.

Lu Featherstone, better known as Lu in Luland is a self-love activist, confidence coach, and the unapologetic founder of the Zero Fucks Club. After walking away from corporate life and a 20-year marriage, Lu hit the road in her iconic pink bus to spark conversations about body image, sexuality, and self-acceptance. Her work blends humour, honesty, and radical vulnerability to help women of all ages rediscover their power and live life on their own terms. Whether she’s hosting workshops, creating community online, or turning up the volume on midlife joy, Lu is rewriting what it means to be confident, free, and gloriously human.

Katie Barnett is a Freelance Social Strategist and Content Creator with seven years’ experience helping wellness, lifestyle, food + drink, beauty and health brands tell stories that connect. Living with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Katie is also a passionate mental health advocate, challenging stigma and empowering others to find joy both outside, through nature and movement, and inside, through reflection and creativity. She’s the founder of OUTSIDE INSIDE — a lifestyle and education platform blending creativity, movement, and community.

Freelance Fashion Stylist based in South West London, whose work spans the worlds of haute couture, designer, and high street fashion. With editorials published in Vogue and GQ, Hollie’s styling blends sharp creative vision with an instinct for storytelling through clothing.

Her commercial and advertorial clients include Aston Martin, Hackett, Monsoon, Vidal Sassoon, and Nationwide, among others—bringing her distinctive eye to both luxury and lifestyle brands.

Beyond her styling work, Hollie is also the Chair of Fashion UK, a branch of BECTU dedicated to championing fair pay, better working conditions, and representation within the fashion industry.

Chuckie McEwan is a BIFA Longlisted and BAFTA recognised film producer with 15+ years experience across film, TV, documentary and commercials. Chuckie co-founded Grey Moth Originals, which actively facilitates industry access routes for underrepresented filmmakers. Since 2021 the initiative has completed 20+ short films and one feature film. She has lectured at UAL, University of Southampton, and Met Film School, and hosted filmmaker events and workshops with Girls in Film, BBC Comedy and BAFTA Connect. She is an alumni of the BFI x NFTS Beyond Shorts talent development programme, and is currently developing a feature film with the BFI.

Holly is a Producer, Writer, and Director whose work spans film, television, theatre, and education. Passionate about collaboration and inclusivity, she thrives on creating ambitious, thought-provoking stories that challenge norms and spotlight underrepresented voices.

As a Writer/Director, Holly crafts bold, genre-blending narratives centred on female characters — using absurdity and wit to dissect contemporary issues. Her perspective is shaped by her experiences as a bisexual woman from a working-class background in the East Midlands, bringing authenticity and edge to every project.

Before stepping behind the camera, Holly spent three years in art departments on productions for the BBC, ITV, Kudos, Sky, and Warp — grounding her storytelling in the practical craft of filmmaking. With an MFA in Writing for Stage and Broadcast Media from The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, she’s since written award-nominated scripts (Slamdance, WeScreenplay, Filmmatic), and her latest film Fathom is currently on its festival run.

Beyond her own work, Holly champions new talent as the founder of South West Independent Film (SWIF) — a thriving community of 500 filmmakers — and regularly leads workshops and script development sessions to help others grow in their craft.Item description

Jo Knowler is Head of People & Talent at SB Social Media UK (SupercarBlondie) & SBX Cars, where she drives culture, people development, and organisational impact. Beyond her career, Jo is also mum to spirited 3.5-year-old Theo and proud dog-mum to Frank, her nine-year-old cocker spaniel. Balancing leadership, motherhood, and life’s daily demands has given Jo a unique perspective on resilience, self-worth, and showing up authentically. Too often, women are made to feel like they’re either “too much” or somehow not enough. Jo is passionate about changing that narrative. In this workshop, she’ll share practical tools and real-world strategies to help you own your value, communicate your worth with confidence, and stand strong in your power. You’ll leave not only with a renewed sense of self-authority but also with the clarity and courage to make sure others recognise it too.

Shannon George, professionally known as Shantí, is a Jamaican-British film producer, theatre director, and creative entrepreneur based in Bristol. As founder and CEO of Brownstone Studios, she amplifies Black and Global Majority voices through film, theatre, and cultural events. Her work spans major institutions including the BFI, Arts Council England, and New Art Exchange, where she served as Cultural Film Producer. In 2024, she led Brownstone’s first sold-out magazine, spotlighting emerging UK filmmakers. With a background in Theatre Arts and Directing, Shantí blends storytelling and cultural curation to champion underrepresented narratives and redefine Black British and Caribbean representation across the arts.

Sara Jane Maxwell, Certified Financial Coach, ICF Professional Coach PCC accredited, qualified Financial Planner, ETF practitioner and Founder of Wealth Coach. Passionate to inject colour and energy into the grey of finances. Empowering individuals, couples, groups and businesses to find the joy in connecting to their money and future. Drawing on 20+ years experience in the Financial services industry, to engage and transform the relationship with money.

Sara is a speaker on the topics of Money, Wealth planning, Financial Wellbeing, Pensions, Investments and Getting out of Debt. Focusing on her three pillar structure; ‘Your Money. Know it. Own it’, having established the cashflow EDGE technique.

She draws on her background as a qualified financial planner, mortgage and protection adviser, and significant experience in individual and group employer pensions and investments.

Having looked after sales and relationships for a financial platform and group pension provider for ten years prior to the launch of Wealth Coach.

Sara works with individuals and couples one to one, speaks on podcasts, within employee focussed organisations, membership groups online and in person. She runs programmes based on her Intensive process, including one designed specifically for couples, Couples Talk Money, alongside a couples therapist. Co-hosted a live series on Instagram; Taboo Tuesdays, where the lid of shame is lifted from taboos like money.

Designer, illustrator, and the chaotic creative behind All About Me - a brand making playful art prints and eco-conscious clothing for babes, kids, and adults who love bold design and real talk.

What began as therapy through life’s madness, redundancy, and mum life has become Carla’s mission to sprinkle fun and positivity into the everyday chaos. Her work tells stories of self-belief, mindset, and finding beauty in messy, magical moments.

A lover of colour, connection, and community, you’ll often find her running workshops or popping up at markets - bringing the energy wherever she goes.