We’ve got a big week in store for you, with no fewer than two Best Picture nominees screening: Sam Mendes’ one-shot war epic 1917 and Greta Gerwig’s new take on the classic LITTLE WOMEN. Plus, return to the world of Jumanji, uncover secrets with Keira Knightley, learn about the life of the world’s greatest opera singer, and stick around for an AACTA-winning Australian dark comedy-drama.
• TUE 25 FEB @ 7:30 PM: OFFICIAL SECRETS (MA, 112 mins)
A British whistleblower (Keira Knightley) uncovers and exposes an illegal American spying operation designed to push the UN Security Council into sanctioning the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Also starring Matt Smith and Ralph Fiennes.
• THU 27 FEB @ 7:30 PM: 1917 (MA, 119 mins)
During WWI, two British soldiers are tasked with an urgent mission to deliver a message deep into enemy territory in order to prevent a deadly ambush on their own troops. Winner of 3 Oscars, including Best Cinematography.
• FRI 28 FEB @ 7:30 PM: PAVAROTTI (M, 114 mins) + JUDY & PUNCH (MA, 106 mins)
In PAVAROTTI, director Ron Howard takes an intimate look at the life and work of Luciano Pavarotti, the son of an Italian baker who went on to become one of the world’s greatest operatic tenors and musical talents.
Then, in JUDY & PUNCH (at approx. 9:30 PM) a 17th century couple (Mia Wasikowska, Damon Herriman) attempt to resurrect their marionette puppet show but their ambition sets off a twisted chain of tragedy, violence and revenge.
• SAT 29 FEB @ **5 PM**: JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL (PG, 123 mins)
When one of their own goes missing, a group of friends must return to the dangerous video game world of Jumanji to rescue him – but they quickly discover that the game has changed. Starring Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Karen Gillan and Awkwafina.
• SAT 29 FEB @ 7:30 PM: LITTLE WOMEN (G, 135 mins)
In the years after the American Civil War, Jo March (Saoirse Ronan) reflects on her relationship with her three sisters, each determined to live life on their own terms. Also starring Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Laura Dern, Timothée Chalamet and Meryl Streep.
** NO GUESTS SCREENINGS THIS WEEK: 1917, JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL, LITTLE WOMEN **
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ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – NEXT MONDAY @ 6 PM
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Don’t forget that the ANU Film Group’s Annual General Meeting will be taking place next Monday (March 2) from 6 PM in the Kambri Cinema. This is your opportunity to hear how we did in 2019, ask any questions you might have about the running of the Group, or even get involved yourself by joining our committee of volunteers.
All members are welcome to attend, with the agenda for the meeting as follows:
1. Administration
2. Business Arising
3. President's Report
4. Treasurer's Report
5. Questions and Answers
6. Constitutional Amendment: Allowance of Fixed Term Memberships
7. Election of Executive and General Committee
8. General Business
If you have any questions about the meeting or wish to find out more about running for the committee, please don’t hesitate to email us at info@anufg.org.au
The first week of our new season is in full swing, with Guy Ritchie’s latest star-studded crime caper, a highly acclaimed French romance, a 1993 comedy classic, and the newly crowned highest-grossing animated film of all time.
And it gets even bigger next week with highly anticipated hits including 1917, LITTLE WOMEN and JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL. Not yet a member? Now is definitely not the time to be missing out – join up (or renew) prior to any screening or online at www.anufg.org.au/join
• THU 20 FEB @ 7:30 PM: PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE (M, 121 mins)
In 18th century France, a young aristocrat who is about to be wed enters into a forbidden love affair with the female artist who has been secretly commissioned to paint her portrait.
• FRI 21 FEB @ 7:30 PM: THE GENTLEMEN (MA, 113 mins)
When a London-based American drug lord (Matthew McConaughey) decides to quit the business, an assortment of low-lifes rise up to take over his empire in director Guy Ritchie's latest.
• SAT 22 FEB @ **5 PM**: FROZEN II (PG, 103 mins)
After a mysterious voice calls out to her, Elsa – accompanied by Anna, Olaf and Sven – embarks on a journey to discover the origin of her magical powers and save their kingdom.
• SAT 22 FEB @ 7:30 PM: COOL RUNNINGS (G, 98 mins)
Four Jamaicans form their country's first-ever bobsled team and set out to compete in the 1988 Winter Olympics with the aid of a disgraced coach (John Candy) in this 1993 comedy classic.
** NO GUESTS SCREENINGS THIS WEEK: FROZEN II **
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ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING ON MONDAY 2 MARCH + NEW DOORPERSON NEEDED
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Want to make a difference in the world, save lives or raise heaps of money for charity? If so, you’re probably better off volunteering your time elsewhere. But if you’re interested in helping out with the running of a cinema and Australia’s largest film society, this message is for you!
In case you didn’t know, the ANU Film Group is run by a dedicated and hard-working group of volunteers. Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) on MONDAY 2 MARCH at 6 PM is where we report back to our members on how we did in the year just past, and what our plans are for the future. All members are welcome to come along and find out about the inner workings of the ANUFG or ask us any questions you might have.
The AGM is also an opportunity for members to get in on the action themselves by volunteering to join the ANUFG’s committee, as we select a new administration to guide us through the next 12 months. Being on the committee allows you to be involved in everything from film selection and booking to marketing, graphic design, communications, social media, fundraising, event planning and much more. It’s hard but rewarding work – and somebody’s gotta do it!
We are also on the lookout for a new doorperson to assist us at screenings. Doorpeople are the friendly faces of the Group who greet you as you enter, and scan your membership card. If you are a current member, punctual, have a cheerful disposition and are skilled in the fine art of card scanning, this may be for you!
As with committee positions, this is a volunteer position but doorpeople receive a free membership for the following season as a token of our thanks after satisfactorily completing a required number of sessions.
If you are keen to volunteer, have any questions or would simply like more information about the AGM or volunteering opportunities within the ANUFG, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@anufg.org.au
The last week of our Summer season is here and we’ve got some terrific films lined up to close things out with a bang! And it’s Oscar Week too, so don’t miss thrilling double Oscar winner FORD V FERRARI and Renée Zellweger’s Oscar-winning performance as Judy Garland, as well as a feel-good British comedy featuring the music of Bruce Springsteen.
• FRI 14 FEB @ 7:30 PM: FORD V FERRARI (M, 152 mins)
In 1966, automotive designer Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) and driver Ken Miles (Christian Bale) work together to build a revolutionary race car to take on Ferrari in the legendary 24-hour Le Mans race. Winner of 2 Oscars for Best Film Editing and Best Sound Editing.
• SAT 15 FEB @ **5 PM**: BLINDED BY THE LIGHT (PG, 117 mins)
In 1980s England, a British-Pakistani teenager learns to live life, understand his family and find his own voice after he discovers the music of American rocker Bruce Springsteen in this British coming-of-age comedy from director Gurinder Chadha (BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM).
• SAT 15 FEB @ 7:30 PM: JUDY (M, 118 mins)
In 1968, thirty years after starring in THE WIZARD OF OZ, Hollywood actress Judy Garland (Renée Zellweger, in her Best Actress Oscar-winning role) arrives in London for a run of sold-out concerts and finds herself both reminiscing about her storied past and discovering her new future.
** NO GUESTS SCREENINGS THIS WEEK: FORD V FERRARI, JUDY **
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FREE SCREENINGS NEXT WEEK
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Fortunately, you won’t have to wait long until screenings kick off for our new season – just two days, in fact!
Our Autumn 2020 programme kicks off on Monday 17 February with a FREE screening of KNIVES OUT. This encore screening of the all-star whodunit screens as part of O-Week, courtesy of the ANU Students’ Association.
And if one free screening isn’t enough, the ANU Disabilities Students Association is also partnering with us on a free sensory screening of JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL on Wednesday 19 February. Sensory-friendly screenings are intended to provide a safe environment for all by reducing sensory stimuli for those who may be sensitive to it, so this screening of the film will feature dimmed lighting (i.e. not fully off), reduced volume levels, and on-screen subtitles.
JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL will also screen as part of our members-only programme on Saturday 29 February at 5 PM.
Doors will open for both screenings at 7 PM, with the film commencing at 7:30 PM. Both screenings are open to anyone to attend – no membership is required – so spread the word and invite everyone you know along to check out Australia’s biggest and best film society for free!
• MON 17 FEB @ 7:30 PM: KNIVES OUT (M, 130 mins)
• WED 19 FEB @ 7:30 PM: JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL – SENSORY SCREENING (PG, 123 mins)
Stay tuned next week for more updates on the rest of our screenings for the week, including FROZEN II, PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE, THE GENTLEMEN and COOL RUNNINGS. New memberships and renewals for our Autumn season are available prior to any screening or online at www.anufg.org.au/join
Happy Oscars Day! Whether you’re watching Hollywood’s biggest night live during the day, later tonight, or not at all, there’s no denying that the films up for Academy Awards this year are certainly well-deserving of their nominations.
The earlier-than-usual timing of this year’s ceremony means that we are only able to screen two of the nominees (FORD V FERRARI, JUDY) this weekend as part of our traditional Oscar Week, but there will be a whole lot of the nominated films coming up as part of our Autumn season. Check out the full list below:
• FRI 14 FEB @ 7:30 PM: FORD V FERRARI – 4 nominations, including Best Picture
• SAT 15 FEB @ 7:30 PM: JUDY – 2 nominations, including Best Actress
• MON 17 FEB @ 7:30 PM: KNIVES OUT – Nomination for Best Original Screenplay
• SAT 22 FEB @ 5 PM: FROZEN II – Nomination for Best Original Song
• THU 27 FEB @ 7:30 PM: 1917 – 10 nominations, including Best Picture
• SAT 29 FEB @ 7:30 PM: LITTLE WOMEN – 6 nominations, including Best Picture
• SAT 7 MAR @ 7:30 PM: BOMBSHELL – 3 nominations, including Best Actress
• FRI 13 MAR @ 7:30 PM: STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER – 3 nominations, including Best Visual Effects
• THU 19 MAR @ 7:30 PM: RICHARD JEWELL – Nomination for Best Supporting Actress
• SAT 28 MAR @ 7:30 PM: JOJO RABBIT – 6 nominations, including Best Picture
• FRI 17 APR @ 7:30 PM: THE LIGHTHOUSE – Nomination for Best Cinematography
• FRI 24 APR @ 7:30 PM: A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD – Best Supporting Actor
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SPARTACUS – 60TH ANNIVERSARY SCREENING ON APRIL 18
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One of the highlights of our new Autumn programme was meant to be a fully restored 60th anniversary screening of the Oscar-winning epic, SPARTACUS, on April 18. As fate would have it, the screening will now also serve as a fitting tribute to its star, the legendary Kirk Douglas, after he passed away last week at the age of 103.
One of the last remaining actors of Hollywood’s Golden Age, Douglas was a prolific figure both on and off-screen throughout a career spanning six decades, which included such films as PATHS OF GLORY, LUST FOR LIFE and THE MAN FROM SNOWY RIVER.
Join us on Saturday 18 April at 7:30 PM to celebrate the life of Kirk Douglas and see all 191 minutes of his most iconic film on the big screen as it was intended to be seen. (Don’t worry – a brief intermission is included approximately 90 minutes into the film).
It’s finally here – our first new programme for 2020! We know you’ve been waiting a long time for this, so we’ll just cut to the chase.
Our new programme for Autumn 2020 can be viewed in three different ways:
• On our website, with extended synopses, posters and cast listings, right HERE
• In PDF version of an A4 flyer you can print out available HERE
• In iCal format for importing directly into your calendar by clicking HERE
You can also pick up a new programme flyer at screenings starting from Friday. Posters are due to arrive next week.
Autumn 2020 ($30) and Annual 2020 ($90) memberships are now available for purchase – or renewal – prior to any screening or online at www.anufg.org.au/join. These will include entry into all screenings remaining on our current programme, including our Oscar Week next week with contenders like JUDY and FORD V FERRARI.
Please also note that memberships purchased online are currently taking than longer than usual to process due to high demand. If you have recently purchased or renewed a membership online but haven’t received a confirmation, we expect to be caught up by early next week. Thanks for your patience in this busy period!
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WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK
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The penultimate week of our Summer 2019 programme features the highly-anticipated sequel to THE SHINING, a new animated take on the kooky ADDAMS FAMILY, and Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar’s latest, which is up for two Oscars next week.
• FRI 7 FEB @ 7:30 PM: DOCTOR SLEEP (MA, 152 mins)
Decades after the events of THE SHINING, a now-adult Danny Torrance (Ewan McGregor) must face the demons of his past when he protects a young girl with similar powers from a cult that preys on gifted children.
• SAT 8 FEB @ **5 PM**: THE ADDAMS FAMILY (PG, 87 mins)
Gomez, Morticia and the rest of the Addams household face-off against a treacherous reality TV host in this animated new take on the creepy, kooky family. Featuring the voices of Oscar Isaac, Charlize Theron and Chloë Grace Moretz.
• SAT 8 FEB @ 7:30 PM: PAIN AND GLORY (MA, 114 mins)
A film director (Antonio Banderas) reflects on his life as the past and present come crashing down around him in this Spanish drama nominated for two Oscars this year (Best Actor, Best International Film). Presented in partnership with the Embassy of Spain.
It’s almost here – we’re just putting the final touches on uploading our new Autumn 2020 programme to our website now. We can’t wait to share it with you all very soon, so keep an eye on your email inboxes or our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ANUFG!
In the meantime, if you are looking to renew your membership for 2020, you can now do so at any screening or online at www.anufg.org.au/join at the same unchanged price of $90 for an Annual membership or $30 for a season. But there’s no rush – as most Annual memberships from last year are still valid for two more weeks until the end of our current season on February 15.
And just in case you were wondering, YES – you can definitely keep using your current card and don’t have to fill in a membership form all over again. You’re welcome!
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WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK
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We finish up the month of January with a thrilling New York City-set double feature along with a powerful French-Belgian drama that replaces the originally-scheduled MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN on Friday evening.
• FRI 31 JAN @ 7:30 PM: BY THE GRACE OF GOD (M, 138 mins)
A family man who was abused as a child by his priest joins forces with two fellow survivors to expose the rampant sexual abuse perpetrated – and hidden by – the French Catholic Church in this powerful drama from director François Ozon.
** PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS FILM REPLACES THE ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED ‘MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN’ DUE TO A RELEASE DATE CHANGE **
• SAT 1 FEB @ 7:30 PM: 21 BRIDGES (MA, 99 mins) + HUSTLERS (MA, 110 mins)
In 21 BRIDGES, an embattled NYPD detective (Chadwick Boseman) is given a shot at redemption during a manhunt for a pair of cop killers that puts the entire island of Manhattan on lockdown. Also starring Sienna Miller and J.K. Simmons.
Then, in HUSTLERS (at approx. 9:15 PM) a crew of savvy strip club dancers team up to embezzle
money from dozens of their wealthy Wall Street clients during the financial crisis of the late 2000s. Starring Constance Wu, Jennifer Lopez and Julia Stiles.
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WIN TICKETS TO A PREVIEW SCREENING OF ‘THE PROFESSOR AND THE MADMAN’
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Thanks to Transmission Films, we have tickets to give away to an advanced preview screening of THE PROFESSOR AND THE MADMAN, starring Mel Gibson and Sean Penn.
In 1857, Professor James Murray (Mel Gibson) undertakes one of the most ambitious projects in history by creating the most comprehensive dictionary of words ever compiled. To speed up the process, he and his team enlist definitions from people around the world. They soon discover, however, that more than 10,000 such definitions were submitted by just one man: Dr. W.C. Minor (Sean Penn), an American Civil War veteran convicted for murder and held at an asylum for the criminally
insane.
THE PROFESSOR AND THE MADMAN is in cinemas on February 20, but you can be one of the first to see it at this preview screening:
DATE: Wednesday February 12, 2020
TIME: 6:30 PM
LOCATION: Palace Electric Cinema, 2 Phillip Law St, Canberra
To secure your tickets to the screening, all you have to do is go to this link – https://www.showfilmfirst.com/pin/802897 – but be quick, as tickets are limited and only available on a first in, best dressed basis.
We wish you all a wonderful and safe Australia Day long weekend. This week, you can catch two space-based documentaries, as well as an evening of all-star whodunits!
And keep an eye out for our new programme for Autumn 2020 which will be dropping next week. The new season will commence on Monday 17 February with a FREE screening of KNIVES OUT at 7:30 PM, with entry open to all to attend (no membership required). So in case you aren’t able to make it this weekend, you’ll have one more chance to catch the Oscar-nominated murder mystery!
• FRI 24 JAN @ 7:30 PM: APOLLO 11 (G, 93 mins) + MEMORY: THE ORIGINS OF ALIEN (M, 94 mins)
Take a thrilling and critically-acclaimed look at NASA’s historic 1969 mission to land a man on the moon in APOLLO 11 as told using hundreds of hours of never-before-seen archival footage and audio recordings.
Then, in MEMORY: THE ORIGINS OF ALIEN (at approx. 9:15 PM) discover the untold origins of Ridley Scott's 1979 iconic sci-fi film, exploring the
symbiotic process of filmmaking and the power of classical mythology as well as the works of H.R. Giger.
• SAT 25 JAN @ **5 PM**: THE MIRROR CRACK’D (PG, 105 mins)
Miss Marple (Angela Lansbury) is asked to investigate the poisoning where a visiting movie star appears to have been the intended victim in this classic 1980 whodunit based on Agatha Christie’s novel. Also starring Elizabeth Taylor, Tony Curtis and Rock Hudson.
• SAT 25 JAN @ 7:30 PM: KNIVES OUT (M, 130 mins)
An unconventional detective (Daniel Craig) is enlisted to investigate the sudden death of the patriarch of a dysfunctional family in this Oscar-nominated murder mystery featuring an all-star cast including Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis, Toni Collette and Christopher Plummer.
Like the Terminator, we are BACK tonight – so come along and join us for our first screenings of the new decade!
This week, Sarah Connor returns, Angelina Jolie reprises her role as Maleficent and Samara Weaving delivers a star-making turn in an outrageous horror-comedy. And if you’re already missing Christmas, we’ve got you covered with a new Christmas rom-com featuring the music of George Michael.
• FRI 17 JAN @ 7:30 PM: TERMINATOR: DARK FATE (MA, 128 mins) + READY OR NOT (MA, 95 mins)
27 years after the events of Judgment Day, Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) returns to fight for the future by protecting a young girl who is key to mankind’s survival – with the aid of an original T-800 (Arnold Schwarzenegger).
Then, in READY OR NOT, a bride (Samara Weaving) finds her wedding night taking a sinister turn when she is hunted by her new husband's eccentric family as part of a wedding ritual in this horror-comedy.
• SAT 18 JAN @ **5 PM**: MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL (PG, 119 mins)
In Disney’s sequel to their 2014 fantasy-adventure, Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) and her goddaughter Aurora (Elle Fanning) find their complex family ties tested by dark new forces and an impending war. Also starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
• SAT 18 JAN @ 7:30 PM: LAST CHRISTMAS (PG, 103 mins)
An unlucky woman (Emilia Clarke) gets a second chance at life and love when she meets a mysterious man (Henry Golding) in this Christmas romantic comedy inspired by the music of George Michael and Wham!
** ‘NO GUESTS’ SCREENINGS THIS WEEK: TERMINATOR: DARK FATE, MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL **
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WIN TICKETS TO ‘SEBERG’ – IN CINEMAS JANUARY 30
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Thanks to Icon Film Distribution, we have tickets to give away to SEBERG, a new political thriller starring Kristen Stewart!
Inspired by true events, the film tells the story of actress Jean Seberg (Stewart), darling of the French New Wave, who in the late 1960s was targeted by an illegal FBI surveillance program due to her political and personal involvement with the Black Power movement.
Also starring Jack O’Connell, Anthony Mackie and Vince Vaughn, SEBERG is in cinemas from January 30 – and we have five double passes up for grabs. To go into the running to win, all you have to do email us at info@anufg.org.au with (1) your name, (2) your membership number, and (3) the name of the actress who plays Jean Seberg in this film.
Entries close on Friday 24 January at 11:59 PM, with only winners to be contacted via email to organise prize collection.
We hope that you have all been keeping safe, cool and healthy over the holiday break. Screenings from our Summer 2019/20 programme will be resuming next week on Friday 17 January with many big films to come in the remaining weeks before the season ends on February 16, including KNIVES OUT, JUDY, FORD V FERRARI, TERMINATOR: DARK FATE and DOCTOR SLEEP.
And our Autumn 2020 season will then kick off just two days later on Monday 18 February. More details on our new season – as well as the full line-up – will be announced before the end of January.
Finally, while we have your attention, we'd like to think that an ANU Film Group membership has helped save you a bit of moviegoing money over the years, whether you've been a member for one year or 30.
With that in mind, we would love it if you would consider donating some of those savings to support those who have been affected by the bushfires sweeping across our beautiful country. Whether it's towards our firies, people who have lost their homes or endangered wildlife, your contribution can't go wrong.
So if you are in a position to do so, please head to this link to find out how you can donate: https://www.anu.edu.au/news/all-news/how-you-can-donate-to-bushfire-appeals
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SCREENING CHANGE: 'BY THE GRACE OF GOD' ON FRIDAY 31 JANUARY
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As you may recall, we are no longer able to screen MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN as originally scheduled on Friday 31 January due to a release date change. In its place, we will instead be screening BY THE GRACE OF GOD, the powerful new drama from acclaimed French director François Ozon.
In the film, a family man who was abused as a child by his priest joins forces with two fellow survivors to expose the Catholic Church and their inaction in the face of rampant sexual abuse. What follows is a sobering, gripping and fact-based account of a group of survivors' quest for the truth.
BY THE GRACE OF GOD will screen on Friday 31 January at 7:30 PM. We apologise for any inconvenience caused, and will endeavour to screen MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN as part of an upcoming programme.
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WIN TICKETS TO 'GO!' – IN CINEMAS JANUARY 16
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Thanks to Roadshow Films, we have tickets to give away to GO! – a new Australian family film starring Richard Roxburgh and Frances O'Connor.
The film tells the story of young Jack (William Lodder), who moves with his single mother (Frances O’Connor) to a small town in Western Australia. He soon gets involved in the competitive world of go-kart racing and eventually sets out to win the National Go Kart Championship with the help of a mysterious mentor (Richard Roxburgh).
For your chance to win 1 of 20 in-season double passes to see GO! in cinemas from January 16, all you have to do is email us at info@anufg.org.au with (1) your name, (2) your membership number, and (3) tell us the title of another film about racing coming up as part of our Summer season.
Entries will close on Thursday 16 January at 11:59 PM, with winners to be notified via email.