Welcome to Yorkshire
Published on July 27th, 2026
•In just over a week, Sheffield will host the screening of the award-winning documentary film 'Gentle, Angry Women,' which retraces a significant moment in history—the march to Greenham Common. This compelling film, produced by the Cornish company Awen Productions, follows three young women as they embark on a 110-mile journey, reflecting on the Women’s Peace Protests that took place forty years ago.
Film Overview
'Gentle, Angry Women' not only tells the story of the past but also connects it to the present. The film recently won the Celtic Media Festival Torc Award for History (Screen), highlighting its importance in today’s context.
Director Barbara Santi emphasizes that the themes of the film are especially relevant as young people face challenges such as the climate crisis, global conflicts, and feelings of isolation brought on by technology:
“In a time when young people are grappling with these issues, they need to see how previous generations of 'gentle, angry women' faced seemingly impossible odds and refused to give up.”
Screening Details
The film will be screened at the Showroom Cinema in Sheffield on Tuesday, 4th August, at 6pm. Following the screening, there will be a pre-recorded Q&A session with Director Barbara Santi, allowing audiences to delve deeper into the film's themes and production.
Journey Through History
The film follows three young women: Poppy (16), Xanthe (17), and Evie (19), as they march to Greenham Common, a site known for its historical significance in women’s activism. Along their journey, they engage with the original Greenham Women, who camped at the site for nearly two decades, fighting against nuclear weapons. These interactions spark vital conversations about contemporary issues such as climate change, women’s rights, and social justice.
Poppy (16 years old)
Xanthe (17 years old)
Evie (19 years old)
Impact and Relevance
The Greenham Common protests lasted for 19 years and were one of the largest women’s movements in British history, yet many people, especially younger generations, are unaware of their significance.
Barbara Santi herself admits:
“I belong to the generation that should have inherited and passed on these stories, yet failed to do so.”
“Every woman deserves to know her own history - yet an entire generation has been robbed of the knowledge that thousands of women once lived for years in makeshift camps, facing arrest and ridicule to prevent nuclear war.”
Voices of the Future
The film also serves as a platform for young women in the film industry, allowing them to take on technical production roles. Santi believes this practice reflects the film's ethos, which champions small acts of defiance and community building. “At its heart, this is a film about hope - about finding strength in gentle anger and discovering that the most profound changes often begin with the smallest, most personal acts of courage,” she explains.
Audience Reception
Viewers have found 'Gentle, Angry Women' to be an inspiring and emotional experience. Comments from audiences include:
“A really humbling story of collective women's activism and a roller coaster of emotions for the audience.”
“Powerful, poetic, and unapologetically bold.”
Tickets and More Information
For those interested in attending the screening, tickets and additional information about the film, including trailers, can be found on the Folklife Films website at this link.
The screening of 'Gentle, Angry Women' in Sheffield is not just a chance to watch a film; it is an opportunity to engage with important discussions about history, activism, and the role of women in shaping society. This event promises to connect the past with the present, encouraging young people to learn from those who came before them and to continue the fight for justice and equality in their own lives.
