Classification Information and Content Warnings
The Melbourne Women in Film Festival is proud to showcase the work of women and gender diverse filmmakers and storytellers. This means that we sometimes include films or panel topics that may explore difficult subjects and be confronting for some audiences. Our aim is to ensure our audience has a safe and enjoyable experience when coming along to our festival and so we have included content warnings, classification and cultural information throughout the program. Please make sure you take the time to read the program descriptions and film synopses to determine whether the session/film is suitable for you.
As confronting content is varied and may produce different responses from each of us, please don’t hesitate to reach out via email at info[at]mwff.org.au. We are happy to assist with any further questions.
Classification Descriptions
If a film has been classified, it’s rating will be prominently displayed in the online and print program and brief description of content will be provide in line with the Australian Classification guidelines (e.g. Strong language, Adult themes).
We often screen unclassified films. These sessions will receive either an ‘Unclassified 15+’ or ‘Unclassified 18+’ audience rating with the exception of school screenings, other education programs and/or sessions aimed at children. Determining which description will be used will be based on Classification Guidelines and advice from the Australian Classification Board.
Definitions:
Unclassified 18+: no viewers under 18 (including infants) can legally view a film with this exemption, even with a parent or adult guardian.
Unclassified 15+: No viewer under 15 can legally view the film unless they are with a parent or reasonable adult guardian.
These descriptions do not correspond to R18+, M or MA15+, but function similarly. They acknowledge that a film has not yet been classified as suitable for anyone other than the specified age groups.