Melbourne, Mar 17: A Melbourne filmmaker has come under fire for trying to recruit students to auction their virginity online.

Cops were called by Monash University after receiving complaints about posters, which were offering 20,000 dollars each to a male and female virgin to appear in a feature-length documentary.

Justin Sisely is promising the successful virgins 90 per cent of any cash they make from their auctions.

According to Monash, the "Virgins Wanted" posters were torn down after a family group condemned the film''s theme as prostitution.

However, Sisely claimed that he was an artist "exploring the idea of virginity as a commodity".

"It''s a one-time thing, it''s not like they''re continually going to be a prostitute," The Herald Sun quoted him, as saying.

But he admitted the film would include controversial scenes, such as the volunteers undergoing virginity tests.

Sisely also added that a couple of young virgins would welcome the financial benefits, owning to the ongoing recession.

"Potentially, there''s a truckload of money to have," he said.

He claimed that up to 100 people seeking auditions had contacted his company, Thomas William Productions.

Australian Family Association spokesman John Morrissey said the practice of auctioning someone''s virginity was immoral.

"We condemn it out of hand. It really is just a form of prostitution with virginity as the prize. It''s just so foreign to Australian values, and to family values,” he added. (ANI)