Hamnet: Celebrating Women-Led Storytelling

We were honoured to attend a very special screening of Maggie O’Farrell’s Hamnet, directed by Chloé Zhao, at the Soho Hotel on a very Christmasy afternoon — an event that perfectly celebrated women’s creativity and collaboration.

What a film!

At the heart of the film is Agnes, whose story drives the narrative with depth, courage, and emotional resonance. What made the experience even more remarkable was that this film was written and produced by women, showcasing the power of women supporting women in storytelling. The score by Matt Richter added a haunting and moving layer, lingering long after the credits rolled, and the film featured some of Ireland’s most loved and well-known actors, making it extra special for us.

Following the screening, a fascinating Q&A with Maggie O’Farrell, Clare Shanahan, and the film’s producer Liza Marshall, offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the five-year journey of bringing this extraordinary story to the screen. Maggie also reflected on how strange it was in 2020 to receive the Women’s Prize for Fiction while juggling sick cats, kids, and everyday life — a reminder of the human stories behind great creative achievements.

On behalf of WIN, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Claire and to Anna, Annabel, Lily, and the entire Women’s Prize for Fiction team for their continued support and collaboration. Our Irish Voices event remains a marquee highlight of 2025, and we are so excited to continue this partnership in 2026, celebrating Irish female writers and women-led creative work.

A huge thank you also to everyone who supports WIN — whether attending events, engaging online, or cheering us on. Together, we are celebrating women’s voices in literature, film, and culture, and making a meaningful difference in our community.

Nollaig Shona! 💚