Bechdel Test Fest launched in 2014 with the motive to screen films that promote positive and dynamic representations of women on screen.
BTF screened films in and around London (but not limited to) throughout the year until 2020 and guest curated for film festivals (such as Underwire and LSFF). They brought events to cinemas such as BFI, Picturehouse, Prince Charles Cinema, Rio, Genesis and Barbican and hosted community events and talks nationwide.
They supported new release films with marketing and distribution as well as hosted rep screenings of much-loved films and classic feminist cinema. By hosting director Q&As, audience discussions or special guest intros, Bechdel Test Fest gave women-led films the VIP treatment.
Every Friday they shouted out all the female-led films out in cinemas that week on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. They also produced a monthly newsletter detailing the ‘Good Things To Happen For Women In Film’ alongside a weekly ‘Our Girl Friday’ which hailed the talents of an exceptional women in film.
The Who Is She? Podcast launched in 2019 and was a deep dive discussion into the lives of an extraordinary female filmmaker and often included interviews. The discussions and interviews were led by the final team members Caitlin Quinlan, Steph Watts, Beth Webb and Corrina Antrobus. You can listen back to past episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other good podcast providers.
What Is The Bechdel Test?
The test was inspired by American cartoonist Alison Bechdel and her friend Liz Wallace in 1985. It is also known as the Bechdel-Wallace test.
In order for a film to pass the Bechdel Test…
1: It must have at least two female characters.
2: They must both have names.
3: They must talk to each other about something other than a man.
(Image source: Dykes To Watch Out For.
Press
Vogue Magazine interview on the Bechdel Test and how much harder it needs to work. Read
Bechdel Test Fest: New film festival celebrates the fair representation of women in movies | The Independent | Read
The Bechdel Test is still important and now there’s a festival to celebrate it | Metro| Read
The Bechdel Test Fest promises year-long celebration of test-approved film offerings | The Debrief | Read
Bechdel Test Fest launch | The Guardian | Read
Prose Meets Corrina from The Bechdel Test Fest | Prose | Read
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