How Australia’s oldest film festival transforms the hearts and minds of communities

Image: MIFF Volunteers at MIFF 2024 Opening Night. Photo credit: Tim Noble.

Every winter, the Melbourne International Film Festival screens groundbreaking films that create transformational change among diverse audiences. Here’s why the cultural institution needs to be financially protected, now more than ever.

Film can be a powerful lever for change.

"using MIFF, we were able to delve into a tough social issue and understand the human experience more deeply"

The medium’s potential to transform the minds and hearts of an audience was evident when the film Left Write Hook premiered at the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) last year. The locally-made documentary followed the experiences of eight female survivors of childhood sexual abuse, as they participated in a unique recovery program – one that combined the physicality of boxing with the healing power of creative writing.

"By using film as the medium and MIFF as the platform, we were able to delve deep into a tough social issue and understand the human experience more deeply,” says Brad Macdonald, Head of Philanthropy and Festival Development at MIFF.

“At the premiere, audiences watched the film and then they heard survivors tell their story on stage. Everyone was crying, having felt so moved by the strength of these women and their bravery to come forward to share their stories. It was a life-changing experience for all of the participants and audience.”

Since the film premiered at MIFF, the Left Write Hook non-profit organisation has started working with the University of Melbourne to gather an evidence-base on the impact of the creative writing-boxing program. This year, the charity also announced plans to expand into other areas across Victoria.

Left Write Hook is just one example of MIFF’s far-reaching social impact. MIFF is the oldest film festival in Australia and one of the oldest in the world. Every year, around 300 films in a variety of languages are screened to delight, teach, shock, connect and move audiences. Since 2001, MIFF has also been extended into schools to expose students to international films and encourage kids to think in new ways.

“A community building event like MIFF is more important now than ever before. For filmmakers it’s a platform to speak directly to their peers and to audiences. For audiences, it’s a chance to feel connected to the rest of the world – and to be transported into different places, cultures and perspectives.”

MIFF is an invaluable Melbourne institution. But, as Brad explains, MIFF’s longevity does not prevent it from being an ‘invincible’ institution, vulnerable to cost of living pressures. “MIFF has been around for so long, and because we often sell out and have great marketing, many people think we are invincible. But that’s not true.

"Unlike major organisations with bricks and mortar buildings or with collections, we don’t have deep reserves to call upon. Our revenue mostly comes in a six-week burst of ticket sales. Our future isn't guaranteed unless we have people supporting us.”

That’s why Brad is so grateful for philanthropic support, like the $150,000 grant provided to MIFF over three years by Phyllis Connor Memorial Trust, managed by Equity Trustees. “I want donors to see that giving to MIFF brings great personal joy. To us, to their families, and to our wonderful city.”

Brad now invites other members of the philanthropic community to consider donating to MIFF to ensure its protected contribution to Australia’s cultural and artistic identity. “I want other potential donors to see how many lives are changed through MIFF. The festival is an essential part of Melbourne’s cultural life. We have a responsibility to protect it.”

Check out the upcoming 2025 MIFF program available at www.miff.com.au.