Iron Ladies + Q&A

Directed By Daniel Draper

Iron Ladies tells the story of the working-class women who, during the 1984–85 Miners’ Strike, found themselves at the forefront of a battle against the British state.

From Scotland to Kent, women from the coalfields shed light on their experiences of the year long struggle, and how they became the backbone of the Strike.

With many still active today, the actions of these iron-willed women reshaped the landscape of political activism for working-class women.

This screening will be followed by a live Q&A with director Daniel Draper & documentary contributor Lorraine Stansbie from Barnsley Women Oppose Pit Closures.

Chester International Film Festival 2026 (CIFF 2026) is produced in partnership with Storyhouse, Chester Film Society, and the University of Chester.