Derby Film Festival goes online for 2020 and we're delighted that 'Women of Impact: Defying the Odds' produced with executive producer Danielle Vassell will be included in this year's programme. With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic causing cinemas across the UK to close for the month of November, the Derby Film Festival traditionally held at QUAD in Derby will now take place online.

The film will be available between 19th-25th November as part of a selection of documentary short films which can be rented on the brand new QUAD Player platform. You can head to the link here for further information on the full Derby Film Festival documentary programme line up. Our thanks to the selection team at DFF and QUAD, and all involved in making this film.

Bringing together a group of five extraordinary women, ‘Women of Impact: Defying the Odds’ shines a light on their diverse personal journeys. Surviving and thriving following a premature birth, becoming a powerful advocate for change in the foster care system after traumatic experiences growing up, and working through humiliation at school to achieving incredible heights in academia, these are just some of the moving and powerful stories of success against the odds. The experiences of a journalist carving her own path in a challenging industry, and an undergraduate from a religious family leading worship and providing guidance to others from disadvantaged backgrounds, each individual story is united by a common desire to achieve and share their wisdom with others.

Featured in the film are author and motivational speaker Danielle Vassell, academic and advocate for student development Christina Vassell, renowned journalist and broadcaster Sinai Fleary, the founder of Prosper not Perish and singer/songwriter Gabrielle Stapleton and author, consultant and advocate for foster care leavers Keeley Stephenson.