Community Code of Conduct

Milwaukee Film is a community of film lovers, media makers, and knowledge seekers who strive to create an inclusive, welcoming, and safe environment for all. We represent diverse views and experiences, and we aim to treat one another—filmgoers, volunteers, artists, guests, press, board, and staff alike—with respect, courtesy, and kindness. 

We adhere to proper movie-going etiquette, including: 

  • Keeping our electronic devices dark, silent, and out of sight 

  • Avoiding disruptions of films in progress with conversation or loud noises 

  • Protecting our theater seats by keeping our feet on the floor, with shoes on 

  • Understanding that, for everyone’s safety, extra seats cannot be added to sold-out screenings 

  • Attending only the screening printed on your ticket 

  • Following all Milwaukee Film staff member instructions 

Most importantly, while we aim to encourage open discussion, debate, and dialogue among our patrons, Milwaukee Film does not tolerate discrimination, harassment, bullying, or mistreatment of any kind.  

Everyone has the right to enjoy our programs as their full, authentic selves.  

We strive to create the change we want to see in our community and our industry at large, and as such, these policies apply to all Milwaukee Film events, including all venues, virtual or in-person. We encourage our audiences to be their authentic selves while at the same time joining us in fostering an environment where all can engage and enjoy the experience. 

Harassment includes, but is not limited to:  

  • Offensive comments related to ability, age, appearance, economic standing, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, national origin, race, religious/spiritual belief, sexual orientation 

  • Deliberate intimidation or use of threatening language 

  • Stalking 

  • Following  

  • Excessive or unwanted photography or recording  

  • Intentional disruption of programs 

  • Inappropriate physical contact  

  • Unwelcome attention, sexual or otherwise 

 

What To Do –  

Milwaukee Film believes that we are all responsible for preventing discrimination, harassment, and violence. We encourage members of our community and participants in our programs to work collectively to prevent inappropriate and harmful behaviors. Strategies for intervention include disrupting the harassment, asking the harasser to stop, and asking for help.  

If you, or anyone else, are in immediate danger of physical harm, please call 911 or seek assistance from a member of our staff immediately to call 911.  

If you require assistance, or would like to report an onsite incident, please ask a staff member to speak with our head manager onsite at the venue or event. If you would like to report an incident after you have left the event or venue, please send a detailed description of the incident to conduct@mkefilm.org including your contact information so we may follow up with you if we need additional information. If you would like to inform us of an incident anonymously, please use THIS FORM to do so, but understanding that not providing contact information limits our ability to follow up on the incident. 

If someone points out that you have engaged in this behavior, it can be tempting to become defensive. Instead, we ask that you apologize, reflect a moment, and move on. If you do not understand why issue was taken with your behavior, we will be happy to discuss it with you, so that everyone can learn from the experience. 

Failure to adhere to this code of conduct may result in removal from our venue and the revoking of access to our programs.  

What This Means – Milwaukee Film’s Community Code of Conduct applies to all customers, ticketholders, students, parents, members, donors, board members, employees, vendors, press, visitors, and guests. By visiting our theater(s)/other venues, online and off or engaging with the Milwaukee Film community through phone/email communication or social media channels, you acknowledge that you are aware of and will adhere to this code of conduct. 

 

How We Built This – This was designed with the insight and knowledge of organizations in the arts, technology, and education sectors who have made tremendous efforts to author effective policies.  

We encourage everyone to have honest conversations within your community and need all of us to work together to create safer, more respectful environments.