On behalf of everyone at the ANU Film Group, we would like to thank all of our members for their incredible show of support over the past 12 months. We know it hasn’t been easy – and the fact that we were shut down for over eight months surely didn’t help – but we’re very grateful for everyone that has stuck with us this entire time, as well as those that came back over the past few weeks to welcome us back.
As a bit of a Christmas treat, we’re excited to announce new batch of screenings coming up soon in the new year that will be presented as part of the second annual Kambri Film Festival. The festival will run this year from January 21 to February 7, with screenings every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, featuring a mix of family-friendly screenings at 3 PM and evening sessions for adults at 7 PM.
Best of all, entry into these screenings is absolutely FREE and open to anyone and everyone, so here’s your chance to bring family, friends and guests along. Registration is still essential, but memberships are not required, which means that sessions could potentially book out – so be sure to register to secure your seats sooner rather than later!
The entire line-up for the festival – along with registration links – can be found now at https://kambri.com.au/event/kambri-film-fest-2021/ so make sure you check out all that’s on offer. The specific screenings that are being presented by the ANU Film Group are listed below for your convenience:
• FRI 22 JAN @ 7 PM: RADIOACTIVE (M, 110 mins)
After the death of her husband, pioneering scientist Marie Curie (Rosamund Pike) continues their transformative work into radioactive elements, which she soon discovers has the capacity to save lives – or destroy them. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
• SAT 23 JAN @ 7 PM: TENET (M, 150 mins)
In director Christopher Nolan’s latest, a CIA agent is inducted into a secret time-bending organisation and dispatched on a dangerous mission to stop an international arms dealer from starting World War III. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
• FRI 29 JAN @ 7 PM: MISBEHAVIOUR (M, 107 mins)
In 1970, members of the Women's Liberation Movement devise a plan in order to disrupt the live London broadcast of the Miss World beauty pageant, but the end result is even more revolutionary that they could have imagined. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
• SAT 30 JAN @ 7 PM: RAMS (PG, 119 mins)
In remote Western Australia, two brothers (Sam Neill, Michael Caton) engaged in a decades-long feud must put aside their grievances to save their family's prized sheep from disease. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
• FRI 5 FEB @ 7 PM: HAPPIEST SEASON (M, 102 mins)
A young woman's (Kristen Stewart) plans to propose to her girlfriend while at her family's annual holiday party are upended when she discovers that her partner hasn't yet come out to her conservative parents. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
• SAT 6 FEB @ 7 PM: THE COMEBACK TRAIL (M, 103 mins)
An indebted movie producer (Robert De Niro) attempts to kill an ageing actor (Tommy Lee Jones) in a stunt on his new movie as part of a life insurance scam. But when he survives, they are forced to up the stakes. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
What a week it has been!
Thank you to everyone who has registered to attend the first of our comeback screenings – BILL & TED FACE THE MUSIC – this Saturday at 7 PM. If you haven’t secured your seat yet, make sure to do so before registration closes at 7 PM tonight (24 hours prior to the screening). You can register by CLICKING HERE
Remember that entry into these comeback screenings is for current ANU Film Group members ONLY. Due to capacity restrictions, no guests will be permitted and no new memberships are being sold for now, but members can still bring up to two children under the age of 16 along to screenings at no charge.
Not sure if you’re a member? Feel free to drop us a line at info@anufg.org.au with your membership number and we’d be happy to check for you.
Generally speaking, anyone who was a member at the time of the shutdown in March this year will have their membership rolled over to next year. For example, if you bought an Annual membership in February 2020 – it will now restart when our full season programming resumes in February 2021 and remain valid until February 2022. In other words, we’re treating 2020 as if it didn’t happen!
Find out more about the new COVID-19 rules and our comeback screenings in the detailed FAQ on our website by CLICKING HERE
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ADDITIONAL COMEBACK SCREENINGS
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Even though your membership won’t officially restart until February 2021, we will still be running a number of free comeback screenings over the summer period as a ‘thank you’ to all existing members who stuck with us over the past eight months.
The first of these – BILL & TED FACE THE MUSIC – takes place this Saturday and we can now announce these additional screenings too:
• SAT 12 DEC, 2020 @ 7 PM: UNHINGED (MA, 90 mins)
A young mother and her son find themselves terrorised in increasingly dangerous ways by a mysterious and unstable stranger (Russell Crowe) following a road rage incident.
• SAT 19 DEC, 2020 @ 7 PM: WHERE’D YOU GO, BERNADETTE (M, 109 mins)
When a loving mother (Cate Blanchett) suddenly vanishes, her concerned family sets off on the adventure of a lifetime to bring her home, in director Richard Linklater’s latest.
• SAT 9 JAN, 2021 @ 7 PM: THE NEW MUTANTS (M, 94 mins)
Five teenage mutants are sent to a medical facility that will supposedly cure them of their extraordinary yet unwanted powers – but they are soon forced to face their past sins.
• SAT 16 JAN, 2021 @ 7 PM: THE TRANSLATORS (M, 105 mins)
Nine language experts are hired to translate the eagerly-awaited final book in a trilogy – but they become prime suspects when pages of the top-secret manuscript are leaked online.
Registration links and more information about each of these films can be found now on our website at www.anufg.org.au/programme. Please note that registration for some of these films may only open closer to the screening date (i.e. 4 weeks prior).
And that’s not all – there are even more screenings being confirmed that we hope to be able to announce next week. And for anyone wondering… yes, this will include TENET.
This is the news you’ve been waiting for: we finally received approval from the ANU yesterday to start running screenings again for the first time since March!
Programming a whole new season will take a bit of time, however, and we have our sights set on a full re-launch in February 2021 to coincide with the start of the new university year. But don’t worry, we aren’t going to make you wait that long to get back to Film Group…
In fact, we’re not wasting any time and will be kicking things off as soon as THIS SATURDAY (yes, you read that right!) with the most excellent BILL & TED FACE THE MUSIC at 7 PM!
This will be the first in a series of comeback screenings over the summer period between December 2020 and February 2021. These will be an opportunity to catch-up on some films you might have missed while we’ve been out of action, but are also intended as a ‘thank you’ to those of you who have patiently stuck with us over the past eight months. As such, entry into these screenings will be completely FREE for existing members only (i.e. your membership will not resume ticking over until February 2021).
As a condition of the ANU allowing us to resume our activities, however, there will be some changes to the way screenings are run:
• The capacity of the cinema is capped at 50% or 150 people
• All attendees must pre-register to attend screenings using the provided links. No walk-ins will be permitted under any circumstances.
• Attendees will also be required to check-in using the ACT Health Check In CBR app.
• Attendees must maintain appropriate social distancing by leaving 1.5 metres (or 1-2 seats) between them and the nearest person/group inside the cinema. Groups from the same household may sit together.
• Any attendees exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms will be prohibiting from entering the venue.
• Attendees are strongly encouraged to wear face masks while attending screenings.
• Attendees are strongly encouraged to use hand sanitiser stations around the Cultural Centre building, as well as use provided disinfectant wipes to clean their seat area.
We have posted a detailed FAQ with more information about the new COVID-19 rules and our comeback screenings, while you can find on our website by CLICKING HERE
Registration for the first of these screenings – BILL & TED FACE THE MUSIC this Saturday 5 December at 7 PM – is live now, so you can secure your seats by CLICKING HERE!
More films are being confirmed and will be listed shortly. A follow-up message will be sent out later this week as soon as more sessions are available for booking.
It’s been a while since our last message. Saying that a lot has happened in the world since then would certainly be an understatement.
Although most cinemas around Canberra have already re-opened in some capacity, the ANU Film Group unfortunately isn’t quite like our commercial counterparts. While that’s often a great thing (lower costs, no ads, not for profit), we also operate on the ANU’s campus and are therefore beholden to their rules and regulations.
In this case, the ANU has made the decision to continue restricting all non-essential activities involving external visitors until the end of Semester Two in order to mitigate the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak on campus. Regretfully, this means that we are now unable to resume screenings until November 2020.
While this news is no doubt disappointing for our members, it is equally disappointing to all of us involved in the running of the ANUFG. We volunteer our time freely to program films, manage screenings and keep the Group going all year round, for no material benefit to ourselves, but purely to foster a love and appreciation of film. Not being able to do this at a time when we could all use an escape to the movies is an additional blow. But this is just an intermission – not a curtain call – and we sorely look forward to resuming our activities as soon as we are allowed to.
In light of the ongoing restrictions, we will continue automatically extending all current Annual or Season memberships until screenings resume. The exact length of the extension will be determined by when restrictions lift, but rest assured that you will not be out of pocket if you decide to continue supporting us.
If you don't anticipate being able to attend screenings once they resume later this year, or your financial circumstances require it, we are still able to offer pro-rata membership fee refunds. If you require a refund, please send an email to info@anufg.org.au with your name and membership number and we'll be in touch.
Thank you to all of you for your continued understanding and support over the past few months. We will continue to keep our ANUFG@Home recommendations going at www.anufg.org.au/athome as well as on our Facebook page so please keep in touch and continue watching movies. In the immortal words of The Terminator, we’ll be back... not right now, but soon!
While there’s nothing quite like seeing a movie together at the ANU Film Group, we've started ANUFG @ Home to keep our members entertained and connected from the safety of your own homes. Each Thursday, we'll be putting out a list of five film recommendations comprising old favourites, new releases, hidden gems, double features, themed weeks – you name it!
The majority of our featured films will be from FREE (and legal) streaming platforms where possible, but there may some that are only available to rent/purchase for a fee or via a paid subscription service.
The first of our weekly recommendations is an Easter-themed* edition with a spotlight on Kiwi writer-director Taika Waititi. From 2019's JOJO RABBIT to his 2004 Oscar-nominated short, there's no shortage of offbeat laughs and irreverent humour to be found in his films – something we could all do with a bit of these days!
So head on over to www.anufg.org.au/athome to check out this week's recommendations, along with little blurbs and links on where to find each film. We'll also be highlighting our picks on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ANUFG) throughout the week.
And if you have any suggestions you’d like to share, please feel free to send them through to info@anufg.org.au along with some details on why you think the film should be selected. Happy viewing, and be sure to stay home, stay safe and stay connected over Easter!
* Yes, we admit that it's only Easter-themed as far as one of his films having RABBIT in the title.
It’s hard to believe that it’s been only a week since our screenings got cancelled by the ANU’s COVID-19 preventative measures. A lot has happened since that makes the decision seem sensible in hindsight: with cinema chains closing, others reducing their capacity and sessions, film festivals being postponed and distributors pulling most of their films from release, it is simply not a great time to be a moviegoer.
And while going to the movies pales in comparison to everything that’s going on right now, we are sorry that we can’t be there to give you an escape from reality. There’s nothing quite like sitting in a dark room with strangers laughing, crying, screaming – and getting lost in what's on screen – together. It may be a while until we are able to do this again, but the ANU Film Group *will* be back.
And when we do return, we want to ensure that our members aren’t out of pocket from this 14-week intermission, so we will be automatically extending all currently valid Annual or Season memberships by two full seasons (approximately 20 weeks) at no extra charge.
This means that if you have a current Autumn season membership, your membership will now expire in early October 2020. And if you have an Annual membership purchased this year, it will be valid until late July 2021. Annual memberships purchased during our Winter, Spring or Summer 2019 seasons will also be similarly extended.
Should the ANU’s ban on events continue beyond June 20th, we will continue to be flexible and advise members of any further changes or extensions.
We understand there may be some members who do not see themselves attending screenings into this extended period, or who would prefer their money back as a result of personal hardship. While our preference is to extend memberships, we are also prepared to offer pro-rata refunds if circumstances require it. If you would like a refund on your membership, please send an email containing your full name and membership number to info@anufg.org.au and we will be in touch.
Thank you once again for your understanding and support in these difficult times. We look forward to being back to doing what we – and you – love before too long. In the meantime, please keep safe, stay healthy and look after each other!
We know nothing beats seeing a movie at the ANU Film Group, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t still catch some great movies at home while we’re out of action. In addition to paid services like Netflix, Stan, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and Foxtel, there are also a number of free, legal alternatives with a terrific selection of films at no cost (though you may have to sit through some ads):
• SBS On Demand: Catch-up streaming service offering local and international content from the various SBS channels, including many foreign and independent films that you’ll often find at the Film Group. There is no cost to view, but registration is required and content includes advertising. Find out more by going to www.sbs.com.au/ondemand
• Kanopy: provided by Libraries ACT, this on-demand streaming services features a wide-ranging collection of Australian, indie and classic films, downloadable and accessible on multiple platforms. Registration using an ACT Library card is required and viewing is limited to eight titles a month. Find out more by going to actcanberra.kanopy.com
• 7plus: The Seven Network’s on-demand service features mostly TV shows for catching up but also includes a selection of new movies for free viewing (with ads). Find out more at 7plus.com.au
• ABC iview: ABC’s free catch-up service features mostly TV content from their various channels but also a number of new and notable local documentaries worth a look. Find out more at iview.abc.net.au
• Classic Cinema Online: Wish there were more old movies at the Film Group? Then this is the streaming site for you – with a whole range of movies, serials and silent films from the Golden Age of Hollywood, all legally accessible and free of charge. Find out more at www.classiccinemaonline.com
On the afternoon of Friday March 13th, the ANU announced that they will be implementing a series of precautionary measures to minimise the risk of the COVID-19 virus spreading on campus. This includes the cancellation of all non-essential public events and social activities – which unfortunately will include ANU Film Group screenings.
As a result, all ANU Film Group screenings from MONDAY 16 MARCH to SATURDAY 20 JUNE have been CANCELLED until further notice.
Due to the short notice period, this week’s upcoming screenings of STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER (Friday 13 March), DOLITTLE and CATS (Saturday 14 March) will still be proceeding as planned.
In light of this cancellation, we will be automatically extending all currently valid Annual or Season memberships by two full seasons (approximately 20 weeks) at no extra charge. More information about these extensions can be found in this news article HERE.
We thank you for your understanding in this difficult time – and apologise for the inconvenience and disappointment caused by these unprecedented circumstances. Please keep an eye on this mailing list or visit our website (www.anufg.org.au) or Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ANUFG) for the latest information and updates as they become available.
From 2020, the Entertainment Book will be transitioning into a completely digital product with their Digital Memberships. You’ll still get the same discounts from the same great restaurants, cafés, shopping, attractions, travel, accommodation and more – valued at over $20,000 – but from the convenience of your own mobile device.
As always, 20% of the cost of each Entertainment Digital Membership purchased through us goes towards ANU Film Group fundraising, so you can get yourself a good deal while supporting us too!
As an added bonus, if you buy yours before March 31st, you’ll get up to 3 months of extra membership and a free $10 JB Hi-Fi eGift card just by entering the promo code GIFTME at check out.
To order yours, simply go to www.anufg.org.au/entbook. Memberships start at $69.99 for single-city membership, with multi-city and multi-year memberships also available.
Find out more about the Entertainment Book at www.entertainment.com.au
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WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK
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This week, the ANU Film Group brings balance to the force with the concluding chapter of the legendary Skywalker saga, an acclaimed crime drama from Colombia and a globe-spanning documentary from Austria.
Of course, balance cannot exist without the dark side – and we’ve got a doozy of a double of duds coming up on Saturday!
First up is Robert Downey Jr. talks to animals in the kid-friendly DOLITTLE, then Andrew Lloyd Webber’s blockbuster musical is brought to life by an all-star cast. With some of the worst reviews in recent memory, will these be pawful disasters or so bad that they’re good? Only one way to find out…
• WED 11 MAR @ 7:30 PM: EARTH (115 mins)
A globe-spanning look at mankind’s drastic impact on the physical state of our planet through mining, excavation and construction. Presented in partnership with the Embassy of Austria.
• THU 12 MAR @ 7:30 PM: BIRDS OF PASSAGE (MA, 125 mins)
In 1970s Colombia, a young indigenous Wayuu man is seduced into joining the burgeoning drug trade, which brings wealth to his people but at the cost of their traditional way of life.
• FRI 13 MAR @ 7:30 PM: STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER (M, 142 mins)
Rey, Finn, Poe and the surviving members of the Resistance make their final stand against Kylo Ren and the First Order in the concluding chapter of the legendary Skywalker saga.
• SAT 14 MAR @ **5 PM**: DOLITTLE (PG, 101 mins)
When the Queen becomes ill, the eccentric Dr. Dolittle (Robert Downey Jr.) embarks on an epic adventure – accompanied by the animals that he speaks to – to a mythical island to find a cure.
• SAT 14 MAR @ 7:30 PM: CATS (G, 110 mins)
Once a year, a tribe of alley cats must decide which one of them will ascend to heaven in this star-studded feature film adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit Broadway musical.
** NO GUESTS SCREENINGS THIS WEEK: STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER **
Due to two unexpected changes, we have had to make some last-minute adjustments to our programming for next week on both Thursday 19 March and Saturday 21 March.
Firstly, our scheduled screening of THE RHYTHM SECTION at 7:30 PM on Saturday 21 March cannot proceed as planned as its distributor has decided to no longer release the film in Australian cinemas. In its place, we will instead be screening Clint Eastwood’s latest film, RICHARD JEWELL, originally on our programme for Thursday 19 March.
SONIC THE HEDGEHOG will still screen as scheduled at 5 PM on Saturday 21 March.
On Thursday 19 March, taking the place of RICHARD JEWELL, we will be co-hosting with the ANU a special Q&A screening of acclaimed Australian documentary THE FINAL QUARTER. This event will be preceded by a reception with canapés, and then followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with director Ian Darling and other special guests.
THE FINAL QUARTER is one of two documentaries released last year about AFL footballer and Indigenous leader Adam Goodes. Like THE AUSTRALIAN DREAM (which we screened last season), the film focuses on the final chapter of Goodes’ playing career when he became the centre of a heated public debate that divided the nation – a powerful and confronting demonstration of the racism that still exists within Australia today.
The film’s director, Ian Darling, is an ANU alumnus whose production company aims to create social documentaries that have an impact beyond the screen. His director and producer credits include PAUL KELLY – STORIES OF ME, 2040, THE HUNTING GROUND, THAT SUGAR FILM and more.
Please note the earlier start times for this special event:
• 5:30 PM – Pre-screening reception and canapés
• 6:00 PM – Film starts
• 7:15 PM – Panel discussion and audience Q&A
All ANUFG members and guests are invited to attend this free event, but registration is required for catering purposes. Please secure your tickets online via Eventbrite at THIS LINK
We apologise for any inconvenience caused by these screening changes, and hope that you will be able to make it along to the Q&A event screening of THE FINAL QUARTER next Thursday and RICHARD JEWELL at its new time next Saturday.