Simone Ashley to Headline Women in Film Conference

Simone Ashley will lead the speaker lineup at the Women in Film Conference, set for May 12, 2025, at Oxford University’s Sheldonian Theatre.

The conference will spotlight change in the industry and push for further progress.

Simone will be joined by Surface actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw and the USC’s Annenberg Inclusion Initiative founder, Dr Stacy L. Smith, in a day-long event hosted at Oxford University.

Simone Ashley, most recently seen in Amazon Prime’s Picture This, will take the stage in conversation with Dr Smith. The discussion will explore her ambitions and ideas on success in film.

Dr Smith said: “Simone is a multi-hyphenate who is clearly the future of the entertainment industry.

“As we celebrate women’s work across entertainment, Simone’s voice represents the newest and next generation of leaders.

“Giving her the stage to talk about her career, her ambitions, and her vision of success will undoubtedly inspire our audience and elevate the conversation on women in film.”

Simone’s appearance will follow a session with Gugu Mbatha-Raw, known for roles in Belle, Concussion, A Wrinkle in Time and Motherless Brooklyn.

Dr Smith continued: “Gugu brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to her work and conversations like these.

“She has embodied film and television roles across the US and UK, and worked with incredible talent on screen and behind the camera.

“By joining us at Oxford, Gugu can share her unique knowledge of the entertainment ecosystem by discussing her career journey, how she has navigated the industry, and provide our audience with insights on what it is like to be an artist in the film and television business today.”

Dr Smith will also present new data on the state of women in global cinema. Her Annenberg Inclusion Initiative has long published research into gender representation in film.

She explained: “There has been significant progress for women in cinema and for content focused on women.

“Through research and data, we can see where there is more to do, particularly for women of colour in entertainment.”

The conference will feature additional panels, including voices like The Date director Oriane Pick, Oscar-nominated producer Finola Dwyer and Barbie casting director Lucy Bevan.

It will also showcase work by Ghetto Film School students and include an evening screening of For Sama, followed by a Q&A with director Waad Al-Kateab.

Oxford University’s Josie Bamford said the event is part of a wider cultural effort linked to the forthcoming Schwarzman Centre.

She said: “As we build our programme towards the opening of the new Schwarzman Centre at Oxford University, we passionately believe in bringing together incredible artists, creatives and thinkers to help address some of the biggest issues facing the world at this time.

“It is an honour to welcome Simone Ashley, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Dr Stacy L Smith and many others to Oxford’s iconic Sheldonian Theatre for a day that celebrates how women are shaping change and progress in the film and television industry.”