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Joanne Mitchell - Feature

Updated: May 11


BROKEN BIRD

Directed by JOANNE MITCHELL

Writers: Tracey Sheals, Dominic Brunt, Joanne Mitchell

Produced by Catalyst Studios

Starring : Rebecca Calder (Sybil), James Fleet (Mr. Thomas), Sacharissa Claxton (Emma), Jay Taylor (mark).

"She likes poetry and dead things"

In a new exclusive interview on Horror Valentines, Ella spoke with Joanne Mitchell about Catalyst Studios.

Hi Joanne, what can you tell us about the core focus or mission behind Catalyst Studios, and what are you hoping for it to contribute to the wider genre landscape?

My focus behind my current work is to tell a story or stories from a female gaze/perspective, that are interesting and valuable with universal themes that appeal to any audience. I think this will contribute to the ever increasing value in the horror genre.


How does Catalyst Studios represent your female-gaze stan and what continues to drive you in this space creatively or professionally, and why does this work matter to you personally? 

I am passionate about women's voices being heard and their vision being seen within the film industry and for the audiences at large. I'm wanting to continually create stories that women can be a vital part of and for women to be in control of or at least equal to their male counterparts.


Being a woman who’s taking an active role within a genre space that is still evolving in terms of representation, what is your perspective on the role of women in genre today, and where do you see the most meaningful change happening? 

I think women are incredibly interesting and valuable story tellers within the genre. creating multi-dimensional characters that will appeal to any audience. I think this is because women are so interesting and multi-faceted themselves, they just need to be given the opportunity for their confidence to grow in a very male environment. This is happening, but slowly. There's still work to be done.


Being so passionate about female perspective and female representation, how does that translate into participating in this Cannes genre platform and what does it mean for your work? What are you hoping it helps unlock or amplify? 

It means a great deal to be participating in this Cannes genre platform - we need more visibility, which will in turn propel us to keep going in what sometimes can be a very difficult industry, with so many knock backs. Confidence and trust is key. Women have a lot to say and are capable of so many great things. I think we need more opportunities so that we can prove ourselves. In front and behind the camera, technical and creative departments. I'm hoping to create awareness for my project/s and for all those that are involved. And also to inspire others, from my experiences.

PANEL FEATURE

Joanne Mitchell will be joining the Women in Genre panel at the Marché du Film, Cannes Film Festival 2026.

Women in Genre: Shaping Careers, Opening Doors & Building Power

Presented by Yes She Cannes & Fantastic Pavilion in partnership with Etheria Film Festival and Wench Film Festival

MAY 16TH | 3:30 – 4:30 PM | PALAIS STAGE, MARCHÉ DU FILM

Open to all accredited attendees

Free entry | See Marché du Film Conference Schedule for details

ABOUT THE INTERVIEWER



Ella is the founder of Horror Valentines, a platform dedicated to celebrating and amplifying voices within the horror and genre space. Through interviews, features, and curated content, her work highlights emerging and established filmmakers while exploring the evolving landscape of genre storytelling. She’s also an award-winning screenwriter, with her feature film “Revolution X” currently streaming on Apple TV and Amazon Prime.


Post created by Isabella Bonfante. Follow Isabella: @isabellabonfante )

Yes She Cannes is a global platform dedicated to elevating women in film through visibility, connection and access - creating meaningful opportunities at Cannes and beyond. Follow along: @yesshecannes

 
 
 

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