A family-owned function centre has been accused of giving 'rape apologists' a platform because it screened a documentary about the men's rights movement.

Radical feminists have posted messages on the Melbourne business' Facebook page after it hosted a Boxing Day screening of Red Pill.

While the Ultima Function Centre was flooded with messages of support, self-described 'feminist killjoy' and 'social justice warrior' Lizzie Johnsen accused them of promoting hatred against women.

The Ultima Function Centre in Melbourne has been accused of giving 'rape apologists' a platform because they screened the Red Pill documentary (film image pictured)

Self-described 'feminist killjoy' Lizzie Johnsen has posted a message on the family business' Facebook page accusing them of promoting the harassment of women

'Your business is giving a platform and audience to a message from rape apologists and men's rights activists and that is what we protest,' she wrote.

'This is not an issue of free speech but of supporting a film that is harmful and providing a platform for its toxic message.

'This film is propaganda in favour of a movement that hates women and is actively harassing and harming women all over the world.'

The function centre at Keilor Park, in Melbourne's north-west, screened the documentary by American film-maker Cassie Jaye on December 26 last year, two months after the Palace Cinema's Kino complex in the city cancelled a screening.

A petition with 2000 signatures, on change.org, had forced that cancellation.

American film-maker Cassie Jaye's documentary was pulled from a Melbourne cinema following a petition with 2000 signatures

The Ultima Function Centre, run by the Georgiades family, defended its decision to show the controversial film, which looks at men's rights activism, in the face of a concerted campaign to censor it.

'When our venue accepted a private movie screening of the documentary "The Red Pill Movie" we did not expect the violent backlash that followed,' they said on Facebook.

'We conducted extensive research and management even viewed the film to make sure it did not promote hatred of any kind before we allowed our client to hire the venue.'

One of the many comments on Facebook supporting the screening

This woman has congratulated the function centre for standing up to pressure

This man is glad the Ultima Function Centre stood strong against a campaign by feminists

Virtually all of the 103 Facebook comments, on the venue's decision to screen the film, were supportive, apart from Lizzie Johnsen's critique.

Ian Stewart's sentiments were typical.

'Do not let the hatred of radical extremists prevent you from showing a film that can promote open discussion,' he said.

Nicola Wright was also supportive.

'Well done Ultima Function Centre for standing strong and not caving to these bullying tactics,' she said.

Michael Peterson went further: 'Feminist s***. Good on you guys for not backing down because of their threats.'