"A tender, intimate and unmissable look into the lives of families who are needlessly politicised." – Benjamin Law

Meet Gus, Ebony, Matt and Graham, 10- to 12-year-olds each coping with growing up. As they navigate challenges of school, sport, friends and their futures, they do so within loving homes and with caring parents – who happen to be gay or lesbian.

It's a situation still debated over and legislated against, as director Maya Newell knows from experience. Inspired by her own upbringing in a same-sex household with two mums, she crafts an intimate portrait of childhood, showing the complexity that colours these four families far beyond the issue of sexual orientation.

Gayby Baby provides a platform to those too often ignored: the kids themselves. As marriage equality continues to inspire discussion around the world, Newell's documentary looks at the reality – not the rhetoric – of same-sex parenting.

MIFF recommends ages 8+

_{All films featured as part of the Next Gen program are approved for screening by the Australian Classification Board. Next Gen screenings are open to all ages, but people under the age of 15 must attend in the company of an adult guardian.}

School-group bookings are also available for this film; visit Next Gen for more details.