The Melbourne Women in Film Festival (MWFF) is back for its ninth edition, ready to disrupt, challenge, and inspire with a dazzling lineup of more than 40 features, shorts, and special events.
From 20 to 24 March 2025, ACMI and Fed Square will transform into a vibrant hub of creativity, showcasing the radical and rebellious work of female and gender-diverse filmmakers from Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, and Pasifika.
“This festival is a celebration of emerging and established voices,” said MWFF Festival Director Sian Mitchell. “It’s where the future of film is being written, and we can’t wait to share it with you.”
The festival kicks off with We Were Dangerous (2024), Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu’s powerful tale of rebellion and female friendship set in 1950s New Zealand. This opening night film sets the tone for a program brimming with bold narratives and fresh perspectives.
Audiences can also dive into Audrey (2024), a razor-sharp black comedy starring Jackie van Beek, followed by a panel discussion on gender-balanced hiring in the film industry. For those who dare, The Almost Midnight Movie Marathon offers a double feature of horror and transformation, with Alice Maio Mackay’s T Blockers and Sasha Rainbow’s Grafted.
The festival’s short film program is equally dynamic, featuring five curated selections that spotlight emerging talent and experimental works. From Freshly Squeezed Shorts to ARTRAGEOUS!, these films explore themes of identity, family, and rebellion, with a special screening of hard-to-find avant-garde shorts from Australia’s feminist and surrealist movements.
Industry professionals can join Masterclass: The Art of Visual Storytelling… on a Budget, led by art department expert Lucy Gouldthorpe, or participate in The Lifecycle of Film, a mentorship program co-presented by Women in Film and Television Victoria.
With its bold programming and commitment to celebrating women in film, MWFF 2025 is a must-attend event for cinephiles and industry insiders alike. For tickets and the full program, visit mwff.org.au.
