Whether we have them…or not, the impact of a mother is indelible. Who is she? Where is she? How do we remember her? Can we form motherly bonds where biology isn’t included? How do we protect children who are not our own? Our Returning Mother Film Strand brings together our hopes of healing, reconciliation and honour to Mother.

What is childhood and as importantly, what is girlhood? Lines have meshed into challenging states that we’re trying to make sense of today. Our Unapologetic Girlhood Film Strand lovingly looks at girls in varying stages of finding out who they are. Whether they’re in families related by blood or not, exploring their self worth, or finding joy in life wherever in the world they are, these films reveal snippets of girlhood we need to see.

We’ve been doing a thing for some time now, but that thing has to change; but how? Our Teaching Souls Film Strand showcases films about inspiring teachers who shine a path for others to follow, films that look back to the past that can influence what’s possible for our future and in turn, teaching us how to evolve despite the obstacles we may face.

It’s time to change our eye glasses. It’s time to improve what we see as we witness trailblazers in these films about women that have contributed to visioning alternative futures. The Perceptions Changed Film Strand asks us to see others that have courageously bucked against assumptions about their lives so that we can look at what needs changing about our own.

So, you thought, age was nothing but a number? Well this Film Strand lets you know for sure! Through courageous service, deep bonds between generations, learning from elders and sensually aging, our Senior Rising Strand warms your heart whatever your generation.

Our experience of it shapes our lives and we also know when we don’t have it; Love. Be it romantically, between mother and child, or with work we do, love binds like cement in a brick house. Our Love Current Film Strand examines what love means to us in it’s many shapes and sizes.

Contained, boxed-in, boundaried. Just how do we people navigage the constraints of some of the landscaptes we might call home? These films show how creative we can be when we imagine activism, heroic actions, opportunity, connection and joy in any space, be they the inner spaces of our minds, or an extension of the dwellings we find ourselves.

We continue with our recognition of filmmaking talent through our Awards, that this year culminates in an exciting ceremony on Friday 27th November.

We’re adding new Awards too, so look out for announcements in the coming weeks. 

In the meantime, have a look at the 2026 nominations.