Entitled Shrike, this new project is focused on centring queer women of colour
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY NATALIA PODPORA
Help raise funds for RTS award winner Daisy Leigh-Phippard’s new short film inspired by the Greek myth of Medusa. Entitled Shrike, the film is focused on centring queer women of colour and will address this by centring a Southeast Asian queer woman in a narrative about ambition, artistry, and overcoming systemic barriers. The predominantly female and queer-led team brings together emerging filmmakers and artists dedicated to making a difference in the film industry.
Shrike follows Steph, an ambitious clay sculptor, who has to fight in the male-dominated field of sculpture to be seen and noticed. It is a story about gender disparity in the art world and the impact of elitism on female artists.
Director Daisy Leigh-Phippard said: “Shrike is a story about finding allies, trusting in your craft, and deciding to keep going. I’m really excited to tell a story in which our protagonist, Steph, is comfortable in her queer identity and very much gains strength in her moment of need, as so many of us do, from love. I wanted to play with a character who finds herself in a male-dominated space, surrounded by idolised and objectified female forms in stone and clay, and who knows what it is to be on both sides of that art; the ‘sculptor’ and the ‘sculpted’. Without giving too much away, there’s an aspect to Steph and Andy’s relationship that is pivotal to Steph’s craft, and a love language that opens up the path for our protagonist to go forward.”
So how can you help? Like any short film, Shrike needs funding. You can donate now to their Crowdfunder page to help them reach their goal of £15,000. This funding will help to cover the costs of their cast, production, and more. As a token of appreciation, the Shrike team has curated a range of exclusive rewards for their supporters. These include downloads of the original score, invitations to the cast and crew screening, your name in the credits and more. These rewards allow the team to thank their supporters and bring them closer to the filmmaking process.
DIVA magazine celebrates 30 years in print in 2024. If you like what we do, then get behind LGBTQIA media and keep us going for another generation. Your support is invaluable.