Tara Judah is a film writer and radio critic whose work has appeared in The Vine, The Big Issue, Metro and Overland, and she also works at Melbourne’s beloved Astor Theatre. In 2014, she is GOFF’s Festival Writer and Curator.

How’d you get involved in GOFF?

I was having breakfast with Karen and after about six hours of killer conversation (and a delicious bagel) we thought it’d be a good idea if I joined the team – all of the best conversations have to be continued and this one just so happened to turn into me joining the good ship GOFF.

Apart from GOFF, what are you working on now? 

LOTS. Between my work at the Astor, freelance writing, radio, judging films, seeing films and attending to the odd personal project there’s barely a moment spare – but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What’s one of your favourite moments involving a girl on film?

I love the way that Jo’s (Stacy Martin) masturbation scene in Nymphomaniac Vol 1 is depicted as uneventful. There aren’t enough screen representations of female masturbation as being incidental, everyday. I’m tired of being told by society that I ought to be sexy.

What’s something you think GOFF brings to Melbourne’s film festival scene?

One helluva party! It’s a lot more than a handful of films that’ll be taking over the Northcote Town Hall. Think about the best party you ever attended – well, basically that’s what we’re bringing.

If you could screen any movie you want at GOFF, what would it be?

I’d probably run a session on Sadie Benning films because I think she’s amazing and her Pixelvision shorts have always intrigued me – they highlight an important cross section between the avant-garde, the underground, feminism, lesbianism and really honest filmmaking.

Who’s a girl on film that you love?

I’ve always admired Bette Davis. She’s passionate and she won’t take shit from anyone.