Lights, camera, action – the Melbourne Women in Film Festival (MWFF) is back with its electrifying 2025 program, running from March 20th to March 24th at ACMI and Fed Square.
This year’s festival is all about shaking things up and celebrating the rebellious, the radical, and the revolutionary work of female and gender-diverse filmmakers from Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, and Pasifika.
Melbourne Women in Film Festival
- Opening Night: We Were Dangerous | Thursday 20th March, 7pm
- Reframing Audrey | Friday 21st March, 7pm
- Freshly Squeezed Shorts 1 | Saturday 22nd March, 12:15pm
- The Lifecycle of Film | Saturday 22nd March, 2:30pm
- Next Gen Shorts | Saturday 22nd March, 4pm
- The Almost Midnight Movie Marathon | Saturday 22nd March, 7pm
- Fed Square Main Screen Shorts | Saturday 22nd March, 8pm
- Masterclass: The Art of Visual Storytelling … on a Budget | Sunday 23rd March, 11am
- ARTRAGEOUS! | Sunday 23rd March, 1:00pm
- Freshly Squeezed Shorts 2 | Sunday 23rd March, 4pm
- Fed Square Main Screen Shorts | Sunday 23rd March, 6pm
- MWFF Short Film Awards | Sunday 23rd March, 7pm
- Closing Night: Daydreams and Nightmares | Monday 24th March, 7pm
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
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With over 40 world-class features, shorts, and special events, MWFF promises to be an unmissable celebration of groundbreaking storytelling. From fierce girlhood journeys to thought-provoking experimental works, this festival is all about amplifying new voices and empowering the women leading the charge in the film industry.MWFF’s 2025 program has something for everyone. Highlights include:
- Opening Night Film: Get ready for a powerhouse of a film – We Were Dangerous (Aotearoa NZ, 2024). Set in 1954 New Zealand, this story of rebellion, hope, and female friendship will leave you inspired and ready to take on the world.
- Reframing Audrey: This panel discussion takes a deep dive into the global ReFrame certification and its impact on gender-balanced filmmaking. Following the razor-sharp comedy Audrey, it’s an unmissable conversation for anyone passionate about making the film industry a more inclusive space.
- The Almost Midnight Movie Marathon: This double bill is for all the horror and genre lovers out there. Featuring T Blockers and Grafted, expect a wild ride with a dose of thrills and chills that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
- Freshly Squeezed Shorts: Offering a juicy collection of fresh, diverse stories, the shorts programs showcase everything from wedding jitters to the complexities of womanhood and suburban life. Plus, be sure to check out the Next Gen Shorts for a sneak peek into the future of filmmaking.
- MWFF Short Film Awards: The festival’s prestigious awards ceremony celebrates the standout filmmakers of the year. Stick around for the ceremony and enjoy screenings of the winning films, followed by celebrations at Cameo, ACMI.
- Masterclass: The Art of Visual Storytelling… on a Budget: For all the indie filmmakers out there, this masterclass led by art department expert Lucy Gouldthorpe will teach you how to create visually stunning stories on a budget – perfect for anyone looking to craft an impactful film without breaking the bank.
- The Lifecycle of Film: Industry professionals won’t want to miss this one. Co-presented by Women in Film and Television Victoria, this mentorship program offers intimate roundtable conversations on all things film – from development to exhibition.
MWFF isn’t just about watching films; it’s about celebrating the trailblazing women and gender-diverse filmmakers who are shaping the future of cinema.
Festival Director, Sian Mitchell, is excited to bring audiences an incredible array of films and talks.
“This is where the future of film is being written,” says Mitchell. “We can’t wait to share it with you.”Whether you’re a cinephile, an aspiring filmmaker, or simply someone who loves to experience stories that challenge the status quo, MWFF has something for you. From exciting shorts and inspiring masterclasses to unforgettable features and discussions, this festival is all about celebrating the powerful voices shaping the future of film.
The Melbourne Women in Film Festival is proudly supported by the City of Melbourne and VicScreen. For tickets and more information, go here – see you at the movies!
