Sexism and ageism are the themes of a new budget production starring former 80s singer Toyah Willcox. Roz Laws spoke to her.

Calendar Girls was an award-winning, inspiring film which showcased the abilities of older women.

Right?

Not exactly, says criminal lawyer Ann Cameron. She is so disappointed with movies on offer at the cinema that she set about making her own, written by, produced, directed and starring women over 50.

“Chick flicks are almost always produced by men, and it shows,” says 59-year-old Ann.

“Most older women have ‘yes dear’ parts, standing on the sidelines away from the action.

“Even films that feature women over 50 do so in a patronising way, like Calendar Girls. The women in that film were having such a good time but in the end they decided their true purpose was to go home and look after their husbands and kids.”

So Ann, despite having little experience of the film world, has written and produced her own movie, The Power Of Three – with the help of 53-year-old Birmingham actress and singer Toyah Willcox.

“Without her enthusiasm, hard work and faith in the project, the film would not have been made,” insists Ann, from Vancouver in Canada.

The Power of Three was completed for just £50,000, with 10 of Ann’s friends each investing £5,000.

All the cast and crew have given up their time for nothing, with the promise they will be paid if the film turns a profit.

Shot on just one camera, filming in London sometimes had to be carried out in an unusual way to save money.

“We couldn’t afford some of the permits for shooting in public places, so we had to resort to guerilla filming,” remembers Willcox, who lives in Pershore, Worcestershire.

“We had to set up quietly and do it all in one take before people realised we were filming. We were actually removed from Primrose Hill.”

Filming was also hampered by Willcox having a hip replacement operation halfway through.

She reveals how a broken hip went undiagnosed for a year after a fall on stage.

“It happened at the Assembly in Leamington Spa. I caught my foot under a stage weight and fell on my microphone.

“I was limping and in pain but I didn’t realise I had broken my hip. It took a year before it was spotted and