Lights, Canberra, action! The nation’s capital takes centre stage in this political thriller from Foxtel, with all six episodes of the acclaimed new television series screening at the ANU Film Group over two special nights. Episodes 1 through 3 will screen tonight, followed by episodes 4 through 6 next week on Friday 16 September (see page 35 for more details).

Inspired by the novels “The Marmalade Files” and “The Mandarin Code”, written by local political journalists Chris Uhlmann and Steve Lewis, “Secret City” takes place amidst rising tensions between China and America. Swept up in a far-reaching conspiracy, journalist Harriet Dunkley (Torv) must uncover the truth hiding beneath the placid façade of Canberra – a secret city of conspiracies that threaten to put innocent lives in danger, including her own.

An all-star international cast – including Anna Torv, Jackie Weaver, Dan Wylie, Alex Dimitriades, Alan Dale and Mekhi Phifer – lend credence to the proceedings, but it’s Canberra itself that emerges as the true star of the series. Locations like Parliament House, Lake Burley Griffin and even the ANU are mesmerisingly, beautifully shot and will be sure to make you look twice the next time you’re out and about in our fair city.

2016 has been a great year for Canberra on screen. Between this and the upcoming Blue World Order – screening at the Film Group on October 19, no less – there’s plenty for those of us who call Canberra home to be proud of. Not to be missed.

Episode 1 – A Donation to the Struggle
When the body of a young man washes up on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin under mysterious circumstances, political journalist Harriet Dunkley (Torv) begins to suspect that a number of seemingly disconnected events are a part of a larger conspiracy that could threaten the safety of every Australian.

Episode 2 – The Watchers
A high profile death leads the police to question Harriet, while Attorney General Catriona Bailey (Weaver) attempts to manage the fallout from a damaging political scandal.

Episode 3 – Beware the Jabberwock
Harriet faces off against intelligence agencies who are determined to shut down her increasingly volatile story, but an unlikely ally leads her to uncover additional pieces of the puzzle.