The Melbourne Women in Film Festival has unveiled its landmark tenth-year program, celebrating a decade of championing women and gender-diverse filmmakers from Australia and beyond.
Running from March 19 to 23 across ACMI and Fed Square, this year’s edition feels both reflective and forward-facing, bringing together world-class features, shorts and industry conversations that put diverse voices front and centre.
“This year’s festival is a really special one for us as we celebrate our 10th anniversary. It’s an opportunity for us to look back at the festival’s achievements and to thank the community of filmmakers, artists, audiences, and volunteers that have helped this festival thrive,” said MWFF Festival Director, Sian Mitchell.
Opening Night Gala film Lesbian Space Princess sets the tone. Directed by Emma Hough Hobbs and Leela Varghese, the riotously funny debut follows introverted princess Saira on a galactic quest to rescue her ex, charting a journey of self-worth with absurd charm. Fresh from winning the Teddy Award at Berlinale, the film will also anchor a panel exploring its path from concept to screen.
Homegrown talent shines in The Offing, a psychological thriller from Melbourne filmmakers Lily Lunder and Koko Crozier. Inspired by true events, it follows two girls on a coastal getaway that unravels into chaos, offering a raw portrait of girlhood and agency.
A special 4K restoration of Jane Campion’s 1989 debut Sweetie, co-presented with ACMI and the National Film and Sound Archive, honours a film that reshaped Australian cinema. Beyond the screen, panels like What Happens After the Film is Made? and Meet the Commissioners unpack discoverability and development, while The Lifecycle of Film offers intimate mentorship.
From Māori-language feature Kōkā to vibrant Freshly Squeezed, Reel and Next Gen Shorts programs, MWFF’s tenth year is a reminder that the future of screen culture is collaborative, fearless and already here.
For more information and tickets visit mwff.org.au.
