health & safety

covid-19 policy

Updated March 2024

To ensure that everyone’s festival experience is as safe and enjoyable as possible, the St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival follows Newfoundland and Labrador’s guidance on COVID-19 protection measures. Current provincial information on COVID-19 can be found at https://www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/

code of conduct

Effective Date: March 19, 2024

St. John's International Women's Film Festival (SJIWFF) is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for our patrons, staff, volunteers, and partners. Our Code of Conduct outlines the principles and expectations that guide our interactions within our organization and with others. By participating in any activities or events associated with SJIWFF, you agree to abide by this Code of Conduct.

  • Respect and Inclusivity: Discrimination, harassment, or intimidation of any kind will not be tolerated.

  • Professionalism: We conduct ourselves with professionalism and integrity in all interactions, whether in-person or online. 

  • Safety: We prioritize the safety and well-being of all participants in our activities and events. Any behavior that compromises the safety of others, including physical violence, threats, or endangerment, will not be tolerated.

Consequences of Violations

Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion from SJIWFF activities and events. 

This Code of Conduct is subject to periodic review and may be updated as needed.

safer space policy

St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival hosts events online and at a variety of different venues and spaces throughout the year, which include free events open to the general public. SJIWFF is dedicated to providing an inclusive environment in which all participants, staff and volunteers feel comfortable, safe, and free from harassment. Everyone deserves to feel safe while enjoying the Festival.

SJIWFF strives to always facilitate a safer space at our events and all affiliated programming. This is emphasized for all women and anyone who has experienced oppression; particularly Indigenous, Black, racialized, 2SLGBTQ+, non-binary, gender non-conforming, and disabled people. 

SJIWFF asks us all to be aware of language, behaviour, and to consider if it might be offensive or presumptuous towards others. This is not a space for violence, for touching without consent, or intolerance. Things we can all do to create a safer space:

  • Respect people’s physical, emotional, and spiritual boundaries.

  • Respect people’s pronouns.

  • Be aware that raising your voice or other aggressive body languages may be understood as abusive behaviour by others.

  • Respect people’s differing opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints.

  • Be responsible for your own actions. Be aware that your actions do have an effect on others despite what your intentions may be.

  • Be mindful and acknowledge that cultural differences exist, while working to embrace them.

  • Identify what makes a space safer for you.

  • Honour that safety looks different for everyone.