Five minutes with... Mrs Francesca Malster, Head of Film Studies at King's Ely from September 2024

Your full name:

Francesca Malster

Where did you grow up?

Ely! I have lived in several other places since, but Ely will always be home.

Education:

I studied English Literature and Sociology at Leeds University.

Your previous role and place of work:

I was Head of Film and Media Studies at St Ivo Academy in St Ives.

What are you most looking forward to about your new role and working at King’s Ely?

Working with such a lovely group of staff and students, in such beautiful surroundings.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

As a child, I was always either reading or drawing, so my dream was to be a librarian.

Hobbies/interests outside of school:

I still always have about five books on the go, and I also love art, nature, and music.

Any pets?

I have a slightly crazed tortoiseshell cat called Iris, who likes to wake me up by biting my nose.

What is your favourite meal/food?

I love strawberries.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

Flying has always appealed.

Who is your hero?

I really admire the creativity and courage of Patti Smith.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Winning multiple Blue Peter badges was up there for quite a while, but now I would say bringing up my two children.

What was the last book you read?

‘The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle’ by Haruki Murakami. 

What song are you most likely to sing at a karaoke?

I can assure you; you do not want to hear me sing!

What is your favourite film?

Unsurprisingly, this is a question I get asked a lot, but it is also a question that I find almost impossible to answer because there are so many films that I love. ‘Black Narcissus’, ‘The Seventh Seal’ and ‘Midnight Cowboy’ are films I could watch over and over. I am also a huge Studio Ghibli fan.

Do you have any phobias or fears?

I am really claustrophobic, so I avoid lifts at all costs.

If you could share a meal with any four individuals, living or dead, who would they be?

Frida Kahlo, David Bowie, Douglas Adams, and Stanley Kubrick. We could talk about art, music, books and films, and I think they would have some interesting tales to tell.

Name three things you would want with you if stranded on a desert island for a week:

A big fat book, a hammock, and some water.