While much of 2020 has been characterised by cancelled events and postponed dates, there still remains a beacon of hope in Modern Films and Kerig Foundation's 16 Days 16 Films initiative. The short film competition platforms female filmmakers whose work explores, emotes and educates on forms of violence against women – and has just announced the jury and finalists for this year's edition.
The 2020 independent jury includes James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli, actress and social justice humanitarian Ashley Judd, and none other than Empire's own Editor-in-Chief, journalist and author Terri White. Stacy Martin, Phyllida Lloyd, Sarah Gavron, Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor, Anna Friel, Abi Morgan, Chiara Tronville, Sarah D'Angelis, Céline Bonnaire, Julie Gayet, Dr. Leyla Hussein and more make up the rest of the jury.
Sixteen finalists have been chosen from over 350 submissions, with every film clocking in at 20 minutes or under and grappling with the complexities around gender-based violence, inequality and discrimination. 16 Days 16 Films runs online from 25 November to 10 December, with one finalist short film being released per day during the 16 days, on 16days16films.com.
The competition will conclude with a digital awards event, hosted in partnership with Girls on Film and moderated by film critic and broadcaster Anna Smith. Find out more on the 16 Days 16 Films website.