c2c Railway is supporting a local film company producing a new feature documentary film about the ‘Essex Girl’. Witchcraft & Stilettos: Redefining the Essex Girl Narrative is about exposing the impact the common stereotype has on women and girls from the county.
The dictionary definition is Essex Girl (noun) a young woman from Essex… vulgar, empty headed and promiscuous.
South Essex film production company, Blatella Films, are producing the film with a targeted cinema release of Autumn 2026.
The film will feature women from across the county, expressing their thoughts and experiences with the stereotype, and will also highlight the various women and groups challenging it.
Three women who work for c2c Railway were recently interviewed about their experiences and opinions on the well-known ‘Essex Girl’ stereotype as part of the project.
Alice Shimali, Head of Communications at c2c Railway, said: “We’re proud to support this important documentary film and to work with a local Essex film production company to help bring it to life. The ‘Essex Girl’ stereotype has had a real and lasting impact on how women from the county are perceived – and how they sometimes feel about themselves. At c2c, many of our colleagues live and work in Essex, and their voices, experiences and achievements tell a very different story. This film aligns strongly with our values and our commitment to championing the communities we serve and the women who help shape them.”
Over the remaining eight weeks of filming, Blatella Films will interview multiple women from across the county. The film’s director Natalie Scarsbrook said this of the support from c2c Railway:
“It’s hard making an independent feature film, and especially as a female filmmaker anyway, so to have the support of such a well-known and respected organisation shows they really care and support their communities.”
“This film highlights an insidious stigma that follows hundreds of thousands of women across the county, and across their route. By supporting this film c2c are showing they understand the important role they can play in supporting their communities.” She continued.
c2c Railway has implemented a number of security and safeguarding strategies on their trains to keep passengers safe. Last November, it officially marked its White Ribbon Accreditation with a special train decal, underscoring the train operating company’s commitment to ending male violence against women and girls. The prestigious accreditation is granted to organisations that have implemented robust strategies to support the cause and promote gender equality. The symbolic gesture highlights c2c’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness and foster positive change within the railway industry and the wider community.
