A new documentary about the movement to end normalised sexual violence, featuring activist Chanel Contos, supported by Minderoo Pictures, Screen NSW and the Shark Island Foundation, to be released through Bonsai Films.

Media Stockade has commenced production on CONSENSUAL, a feature documentary co-written by activist Chanel Contos, Jane Manning, and Rebecca Barry. Rebecca Barry and Kate Vinen co-direct the film.

CONSENSUAL follows Chanel Contos’s journey into prominence when her 2021 Instagram poll asking young Australian women to share experiences of sexual assault went viral. The post drew more than six thousand testimonies and a 44,000-signature petition, leading Chanel to found Teach Us Consent and a successful campaign to introduce mandatory consent education across Australia. Using her ‘love, not shame’ approach, Chanel guides audiences through the systems and cultures that normalise sexual violence, and towards a future built on enthusiastic consent, mutual pleasure and healthy intimacy.

The film also features interviews with cultural leaders and educators, including Daniel Principe, Zac Seidler, and Adair Donaldson.

CONSENSUAL is slated to premiere in mid-2027 through Bonsai Films, a leading independent Australian distributor of fresh and original feature films and documentaries. Production is supported by Minderoo Pictures, Screen NSW and the Shark Island Foundation.

“This story started with an Instagram post, and turned into a national movement with the support of tens of thousands of Australians. The concept of consent is now in schools, the media and conversations at home, but it’s time to put it on the big screen.”, said Chanel Contos, Co-writer and Founder of Teach Us Consent.

“Chanel’s story cracked something open in this country, and it’s been a privilege to help bring it to the screen. Kate and I have set out to make a film that’s honest but hopeful, imagining a future world where everyone benefits from better sex and relationships,” said Rebecca Barry, Director and Producer.

“Minderoo Pictures backs films that can genuinely shift attitudes and behaviour to advance gender equality, and CONSENSUAL is exactly that kind of project. We’re proud to support Chanel, Rebecca and the Media Stockade team as they bring this urgent, hopeful story to audiences here and around the world,” said Malinda Wink, Executive Director, Minderoo Pictures.

“CONSENSUAL tackles one of the most important cultural conversations of our time with honesty, courage and hope. At Shark Island Foundation, we believe in the power of documentary to challenge deeply embedded attitudes and help create lasting social change and we know this film will do both. We’re honoured to support Chanel and the team as they bring this vital conversation about consent to screens everywhere,” said Kate Hodges, Executive Director, Shark Island Foundation.

“CONSENSUAL is an entirely NSW-made project, which includes a standout creative team of directors Rebecca Barry and Kate Vinen. Kate makes her feature directorial debut with this documentary. Screen NSW is pleased to support Media Stockade, as they commence production in NSW, with their proven track record in screen projects exploring complex subject matters,” said Kylie Munnich, Executive Director, Screen NSW.