The F-Rating is highlighted by the 'F' badge next to film titles and times on our website. It is applied to all films in our programme that meet the following criteria:

• F-Rated: Directed by a woman and/or written by a woman and/or starring significant women.

• Triple F-Rated: Directed by a woman and written by a woman and starring significant women.

Diversity statistics across the film industry remain deeply concerning. In 2022, only 17% of the top-grossing films had a female screenwriter, and just 11% employed a female director.

Despite publicity suggesting progress, data from the UK and overseas shows little meaningful improvement. The F-Rating exists as a direct response — to support, celebrate, and promote women in film, both on and off screen.

• To champion women in film and highlight their achievements.

• To spark conversations about who tells the stories we see on screen — and why that matters.

• To empower audiences to support gender equality in cinema.

Originally developed by Bath Film Festival, the F-Rating is now expanding across the UK. It acts like a Fairtrade stamp for film, enabling audiences to #VoteWithYourSeat and support female talent.

A film earns the F-Rating stamp of approval if it can answer “yes” to any of these:

• Does it have a female director?

• Is it written by a woman?

• Does it feature significant female characters in their own right?