23 Jun Witchcraft and Stilettos – The upcoming Feature Documentary looking at redefining the term “Essex Girl”!
When you hear the phrase ‘Essex Girl’ you may think of the classic 80’s version of her – blonde hair, revealing clothing, and white stilettos. Or perhaps you think of the more modern TOWIE version with the fake tan, coiffed hair, and a penchant for materialistic things. But what if it goes back much further than that, to a time when women were persecuted for being witches? And why did Essex have so many cases of witchcraft?
This is a real definition, featured in the Penguin Dictionary from 2007….
Essex Girl (noun) a young woman from Essex… vulgar, empty headed and promiscuous.
This feature documentary from Blatella Films, will explore the origins of the term, its relevance in today’s society, and the roots of Essex women being labelled as ‘outspoken’. It will also drive the on-going commitment of The Essex Girls Liberation Front (EGLF), which is a collective of women who work to challenge and redefine the negative stereotype of the term “Essex girl”. Founded by writer and activist Syd Moore, the EGLF aims to combat the stereotype by advocating for a more accurate and positive understanding of women from Essex, to re-define the term in dictionaries and beyond, and the future of Essex women reclaiming their pride in their county of birth.
About the Director
Natalie Scarsbrook was born in Orsett, raised and educated in Grays, and now lives in Southend-On-Sea, Essex. A life lived in Essex under the shadow of the stereotype.
Natalie began her filmmaking career by co-founding Blatella Films Ltd in 2012. Originally Blatella Films focused on corporate and commissioned film work, until in 2024, when they produced their first feature documentary ‘Our Journey to Pride’. This film has so far garnered 11 awards from film festivals across four continents, which is something Natalie are extremely proud of.
With this new film, Natalie is exploring her interest in feminism and activism through filmmaking. It combines a life-long passion for storytelling and history.
