Perth, Stories That Shift - Fried Green Tomatoes at The Backlot Cinema

Perth, Business Women Australia's Stories That Shift - Fried Green Tomatoes. at The Backlot Cinema

In partnership with The Backlot Cinema. An exclusive after-work film and conversation experience for women navigating work, business, ambition, and change.

Join Business Women Australia for another Business Women Australia at The Backlot Cinema - connection event - where powerful stories meet meaningful conversation.

This is an evening for any woman who has come across our community to connect and join the conversation: executives, creatives, thinkers and makers, business owners, professionals, emerging leaders, advisers, change-makers, contributors, and women who are simply ready for a meaningful night out with substance.

Your ticket includes a private cinema screening of the acclaimed film Fried Green Tomatoes, with a wonderful group of women, and a hosted post-film conversation exploring the themes that continue to shape women’s lives and opportunities. 

Light-themed nibbles will be provided as we mingle on arrival. Drinks will be available to purchase from the cinema throughout the evening.

The power of female friendship and platonic love, Fried Green Tomatoes explores themes of aging, resilience, and female empowerment against the backdrop of the American South.

Fannie Flagg’s novel remained on the bestseller list for 36 weeks, and the film was Academy Award-nominated for Best Actress for Jessica Tandy.

35 years after the release of the film, this story endures because of its honesty and the lessons it leaves behind. Highlighting resilience without looking away from hardship and valuing connection while recognising that it often comes at a cost, Fried Green Tomatoes shows us the power of storytelling and passing on memories.

The film also throws in the concept of food as liberation – appetite is heavily gendered and policed. Women are often socialized to take up less space, moderate their hungers, and feel shame around consumption. Stay obedient.

What has shifted since 1991?

This is not another networking event. It is a beautifully curated evening to step away from the everyday. Enjoy a brilliant film and share a thoughtful conversation that invites deeper awareness of our experiences, the stories we carry, and the perspectives of others.

The Two Suszies will facilitate a thoughtful post-film conversation, drawing out the film’s themes and inviting reflection, shared perspectives, and meaningful connection.

We have the cinema all to ourselves.

Bring a colleague, friend, daughter, mentor, client, or someone you would love to share this experience with.

For women who value thoughtful conversation, powerful stories, and meaningful connection.

Meet Suzanne Worner

Suzanne Worner is a creative-sector and community leader with more than 30 years' experience in the media, including 15 years as a film festival General Manager. A filmmaker dedicated to capturing and celebrating local stories, she has built her career around the power of storytelling to connect communities, inspire conversation, and champion diverse voices.

Suzanne is also Business Development Manager at The Backlot Perth, Development Consultant with Same Drum, and a Board Member of the Chamber of Arts and Culture WA. Alongside her work in the creative industries, she serves as Councillor for the City of Vincent's North Ward, where she continues to advocate for arts, culture, and community connection.

Meet Dr Susie Conte

Dr Susie Conte is a producer, researcher, and creative-sector professional with more than 20 years' experience across theatre, film, and community arts. Throughout her career, Susie has developed extensive expertise in producing, project management, artist liaison, partnerships, contracts, logistics, and governance, with a focus on delivering inclusive, high-quality creative experiences.

She has produced feature-length documentaries, including Parkerville: Sets, Bugs and Rock 'n' Roll and Green: The Fight for Rock and Roll, as well as the short films The Wallpaper, Private Life of a War Memorial and Pink Rabbit. Her work has supported independent filmmakers and celebrated stories that reflect Western Australia's diverse communities.

Susie has also worked across the festival sector, managing partnerships with filmmakers, distributors, and sponsors, and ensuring projects are delivered to the highest professional standards.

Her PhD research at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts explored feminist theatre and adaptation, reflecting her longstanding interest in how stories shape culture, identity, and community.

About .S2Co.

Suzanne and Susie are the co-creators of .S2Co. and also work together as The Two Suszies, bringing their shared passion for film, storytelling, and inclusive cultural experiences to this inaugural event.

.S2Co. is a not-for-profit film production company focused on creating opportunities for local filmmakers of all ages and disciplines to tell meaningful stories drawn from their own lives and communities. The organisation is committed to championing independent voices, growing creative communities, and making filmmaking more accessible to everyone.

BWA and Backlot: A partnership designed to create experiences that stay with you

Business Women Australia is delighted to partner with The Backlot Perth, Perth’s most distinctive independent cinema and event spaces. The Backlot is known for creating beautifully considered experiences where film, ideas, and people come together. Its intimate screening environment, creative energy, and commitment to thoughtful programming make it the perfect place for meaningful connection.

About Business Women Australia

Business Women Australia (BWA) is a welcoming community of women who support, inspire, and grow together. We bring together women from all walks of life, including change champions, purpose-driven women, academics, business owners and entrepreneurs, executives and managers, professionals, creatives, innovators, women on boards, learners and listeners, and established and emerging leaders from across Australia.

What makes our community special is the depth of connection. We go beyond traditional networking to create welcoming spaces where women can be authentic, share experiences, contribute their strengths, and grow alongside others.

Our focus is on conscious leadership development, knowledge and growth, personal and professional transformation, and meaningful connections.

Join us to expand your community, strengthen your leadership, contribute, and connect with women who value purpose, courage, collaboration, and genuine relationships in business and life.

Join as a member today.