c2c Rail supporting new feature documentary film about redefining the ‘Essex Girl’ stereotype
By Nub News Reporter 26th Apr 2026
RAIL company c2c 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, is producing the film with a targeted cinema release of Autumn 2026. Filmmaker Natalie Scarsbrook was born in Orsett, raised and educated in Grays, and now lives in Southend.
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 27 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.
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."
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