Content Trigger Warning
​If you are creating films for our Film Challenges, as part of our challenge rules you need to identify in the credit sequence if your film has any of the following themes that some members might find difficult to watch.
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If the Leadership Team believes your content matches any of the content listed below, your film will need a trigger warning message put at the front of the video for it to be screened during the challenge screening. NFC Leadership Team to provide the template to use to note trigger warning.
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This gives members and those in the audience a chance to step away from watching if they want to.
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Thank you for helping to keep NFC open and enjoyable for those who come along to watch what you make!
Guidelines
1. When to Include Trigger Warnings
A trigger warning is required if your film contains any of the following sensitive themes or content:
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Violence: physical, emotional, or verbal abuse, including domestic violence or bullying.
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Sexual Content: explicit sexual scenes, sexual violence, or discussions of assault or harassment.
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Mental Health Issues: depictions of mental illness, self-harm, suicide, or discussions surrounding these topics.
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Substance Abuse: portrayal of drug or alcohol abuse and addiction.
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Discrimination: scenes or discussions that include racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, or other forms of discrimination or hate speech.
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Gore/Disturbing Imagery: graphic depictions of injury, medical procedures, or bodily harm.
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Trauma: including war, child abuse, or graphic depictions of personal trauma.
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Death: explicit or implied death, funerals, or conversations about death and dying.
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2. How to Present Trigger Warnings
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In the Description: Include a trigger warning at the beginning of the film description in any promotional material (including the Newcastle Film Club website, social media, or event flyers). Example: “Trigger Warning: This film contains scenes of violence and substance abuse.”
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Before the Screening: Verbally announce the trigger warning prior to the screening. If the film is being introduced, ensure the speaker includes the relevant warnings.
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Written Notice at the Event: Display a written notice at the beginning of the film noted by a graphic that lasts on screen before the film starts.
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3. Format of the Warning
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Use clear and straightforward language. Avoid euphemisms or vague phrases.
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List specific triggers relevant to the content (e.g., "Trigger Warning: sexual violence" rather than just "sensitive material").
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4. Respecting Viewers' Comfort
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Allow audience members the option to step out of the screening if they find the content distressing. Reassure attendees that this is completely acceptable.
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5. Maintaining Sensitivity
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Remember that trigger warnings are about creating an inclusive and welcoming space. Approach the topic of sensitive content with empathy and understanding.
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When discussing or presenting films with sensitive themes, be mindful of the language used to describe the material. Avoid sensationalising or trivialising the subject matter.
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To ensure that our screenings are safe, inclusive, and respectful of all members, these guidelines outline when and how to include trigger warnings for films containing sensitive content. Please adhere to these guidelines for all future submissions and screenings:
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Are we missing something?
Please let us know if we've missed out something by emailing newcastlefilmclub@gmail.com and let us know!