It’s the second week of our new Summer programme and screenings are in full swing with Quentin Tarantino’s latest, Disney’s newest ‘live action’ remake, an Indonesian ‘Satay Western’ and a clever (and hugely successful) Argentinian rom-com. Plus, our new posters have finally arrived too!
• THU 10 OCT @ 7:30 PM: MARLINA THE MURDERER IN FOUR ACTS (93 mins)
After a young widow is attacked by gang members, she sets out on a journey of revenge and empowerment in this Indonesian neo-Western feminist thriller. Presented in partnership with the Embassy of Indonesia.
• FRI 11 OCT @ 7:30 PM: ONCE UPON A TIME… IN HOLLYWOOD (MA, 161 mins)
In the 9th film from Quentin Tarantino, a has-been television actor (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his stunt double (Brad Pitt) seek fame and success in the final years of Hollywood's Golden Age in the 1960s.
• SAT 12 OCT @ **5 PM**: THE LION KING (PG, 118 mins)
A young lion must embrace his role as the rightful king of his native land following the murder of his father in Disney's remake of their 1994 animated classic. Featuring the voices of Donald Glover, Beyonce, Seth Rogen and James Earl Jones.
• SAT 12 OCT @ 7:30 PM: AN UNEXPECTED LOVE (M, 129 mins)
A married couple decides to go their separate ways after 25 years together, but finds the reality of single life disappointing in this Argentinian romantic comedy. Presented in partnership with the Embassy of Argentina.
** 'NO GUESTS' SCREENINGS THIS WEEK: ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD, THE LION KING **
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SCREENING CHANGE: ‘MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN’ ON JANUARY 31
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We regret to inform you that a film has already fallen off the programme, just one week into our new season!
Following a distributor release date change, MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN will no longer be screening on Friday 31 January as scheduled, as the film won’t be released in cinemas now until late February, 2020.
A replacement film will be selected and announced closer to the date. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
We kick off the month of October and our new Summer programme with a powerful class drama, a touching and acclaimed film about family and Mel Gibson and Vince Vaughn in a hardboiled noir thriller. Plus, a three-day celebration of Lebanese cinema as the Lebanese Film Festival comes to the ANU Film Group!
• TUE 1 OCT @ 7:30 PM: THE PUBLIC (M, 119 mins)
During a winter storm, a group of homeless people seek shelter in a public library and refuse to leave, which soon turns into a standoff with the police.
• THU 3 OCT @ 7:30 PM: THE FAREWELL (PG, 100 mins)
A Chinese family decides to keep their grandmother in the dark about her terminal illness, but stages an impromptu wedding to gather before she dies.
• SAT 5 OCT @ 7:30 PM: DRAGGED ACROSS CONCRETE (R, 158 mins)
Two policemen (Mel Gibson, Vince Vaughn) are suspended from their jobs after a violent incident, and must turn to the criminal underworld to survive.
** 'NO GUESTS' SCREENINGS THIS WEEK: THE FAREWELL **
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LEBANESE FILM FESTIVAL: OCTOBER 4 – 6
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Now in its 8th year, the St. George Bank Lebanese Film Festival comes to the ANU Film Group in 2019!
The Lebanese Film Festival puts the spotlight on films shot or based in Lebanon, or made by Lebanese filmmakers around the world. The Canberra leg of the festival features three films, including KAIROS, the Festival’s 2019 Film of the Year award winner. The film’s director, Paul Barakat, and star Chris Bunton will be in attendance to introduce the film and answer questions in a Q&A following the screening.
All screenings are FREE and open for all to attend (no membership is required). For more information about the Lebanese Film Festival, please visit their website at www.lff.org.au
• FRI 4 OCT @ 7:30 PM: KAIROS (2019, 89 mins)
A boxer with Down syndrome finds his dreams of stepping into the ring challenged, which forces him to question the very nature of his identity. Followed by Q&A with director Paul Barakat and star Chris Bunton.
• SAT 5 OCT @ **4 PM**: WANTED (2019, 90 mins)
Four elderly residents of a nursing home decide to break out and live life on their own terms in the name of love and solidarity.
• SUN 6 OCT @ **4 PM**: GOOD MORNING (2018, 85 mins)
Two war veterans meet each morning at a Beirut café to discuss the chaotic events of the region, as they attempt to preserve their minds and avoid succumbing to Alzheimer’s.
Our first-ever Summer season begins tonight! With more than 50 films screening between October 2019 and February 2020, there's bound to be something for everyone: from JOKER to JUDY to DOWNTON ABBEY to DOCTOR SLEEP.
Check out the full listing now – with synopses, posters, cast listings and more – on our website at www.anufg.org.au/programme
Alternatively, you can download an A4-sized PDF flyer to print out and share by CLICKING HERE (107Kb). Or if you’d like to ensure you never miss another screening, import the full programme straight into your calendar of choice using the iCal file AVAILABLE HERE
Summer season memberships, along with Annual Memberships, are available for purchase at any ANUFG screening or online anytime at www.anufg.org.au/join
There’s been a slight delay in the uploading of our upcoming Summer programme to our website, but we hope to be able to share what we’ll be screening between October 2019 and February 2020 with you shortly. In the meantime, if you are attending screenings, you can peruse our programme the good old-fashioned way by picking up one of our new flyers!
For the final week of our Spring programme, don’t miss Pixar’s latest, Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham teaming up to save the world, the disturbing new horror film from the director of HEREDITARY, a Palestinian political drama, and our special commemorative screening of WEST SIDE STORY.
• WED 25 SEP @ 7:30 PM: THE REPORTS ON SARAH AND SALEEM (MA, 132 mins)
The extramarital affair between a Palestinian man and an Israeli woman takes a dangerous political turn when they are caught together in public by authorities. Presented in partnership with the Embassy of Palestine.
• THU 26 SEP @ 7:30 PM: MIDSOMMAR (R, 147 mins)
A young American couple travel to Sweden to attend a festival, but their holiday takes a sinister turn when they become involved in extreme pagan rituals in the latest horror film from director Ari Aster (HEREDITARY).
• FRI 27 SEP @ 7:30 PM: FAST & FURIOUS: HOBBS & SHAW (M, 136 mins)
A federal agent (Dwayne Johnson) and a reformed mercenary (Jason Statham) are forced to team up to stop a genetically-enhanced terrorist (Idris Elba) in this spin-off of the FAST & FURIOUS action franchise.
• SAT 28 SEP @ **5 PM**: TOY STORY 4 (G, 100 mins)
Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the gang embark on an unexpected adventure with new and old friends when they are separated during a road trip in the acclaimed fourth entry in Pixar’s beloved series.
• SAT 28 SEP @ 7:30 PM: WEST SIDE STORY (PG, 151 mins)
Two youngsters from rival New York City gangs fall in love, but tensions between their respective friends build toward tragedy in this classic 1961 musical. Winner of 10 Academy Awards, including Best
Picture.
** 'NO GUESTS' SCREENINGS THIS WEEK: FAST & FURIOUS: HOBBS & SHAW, TOY STORY 4 **
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WIN TICKETS TO ‘WEST SIDE STORY’ – THE BROADWAY MUSICAL
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This Saturday, the ANU Film Group will be screening the 1961 film adaptation of WEST SIDE STORY in commemoration of the Canberra Theatre Centre’s upcoming season of the original Broadway musical from October 10 to 27.
Tickets for the final shows of the season have just been released, so be sure to head to https://canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/west-side-story/ to get your tickets before they sell out!
Alternatively, if you’d like to try your luck, the Canberra Theatre Centre has been very generous in donating an A Reserve double pass (valued at $240) for us to give away as a lucky door prize at Saturday’s screening. All you have to do to go into the running is attend the screening and we’ll pick a
lucky winner from the attendees on the night. Don’t forget to bring your membership card!
It’s the penultimate week of our Spring programme… even though it sure feels like winter out there. We’re currently putting the final touches on our Summer programme, and will be announcing the full line-up – which will run from October 2019 to February 2020 – next week!
In the meantime, we’ve got Marvel’s latest Spider-Man blockbuster this week, along with Emma Thompson as a talk show host, a classic rom-com starring Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn, an all-star Aussie comedy-drama, the latest directorial effort from Ralph Fiennes, and an American indie inspired by the music of Bruce Springsteen.
• TUE 17 SEP @ 7:30 PM: THUNDER ROAD (M, 90 mins)
After an emotional public breakdown at his mother’s funeral, a police officer finds his entire life beginning to unravel in this award-winning indie dramedy inspired by the music of Bruce Springsteen.
• THU 19 SEP @ 7:30 PM: SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME (M, 129 mins)
While on a school trip to Europe, Peter Parker (Tom Holland) is recruited to uncover the mystery behind elemental creatures threatening the world. Also starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Samuel L. Jackson.
• FRI 20 SEP @ 7:30 PM: LATE NIGHT (M, 102 mins) + WOMAN OF THE YEAR (PG, 114 mins)
In LATE NIGHT, a legendary talk show host (Emma Thompson) attempts to revive her career by hiring her show’s first-ever female writer (Mindy Kaling), a decision which turns both of their lives upside down.
Then, in WOMAN OF THE YEAR (at approx. 9:30 PM), Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn star as rival reporters who find their relationship strained when she wins a prestigious award in this 1942 rom-com.
• SAT 21 SEP @ **5 PM**: PALM BEACH (M, 97 mins)
A group of lifelong friends reunite for a party at Sydney's Palm Beach, but it doesn't take long for tensions to mount and deep secrets to emerge. Starring Bryan Brown, Sam Neill, Richard E. Grant and Greta Scacchi.
• SAT 21 SEP @ 7:30 PM: THE WHITE CROW (M, 127 mins)
At the height of the Cold War, top Russian ballerina Rudolf Nureyev makes the decision to seek asylum in the West, despite the efforts of the KGB to stop him. Directed by Ralph Fiennes and based on the true story.
** 'NO GUESTS' SCREENINGS THIS WEEK: SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME, LATE NIGHT **
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WIN TICKETS TO 'RIDE LIKE A GIRL' – IN CINEMAS SEPTEMBER 26
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Thanks to Transmission Films, we’ve got tickets to give away to RIDE LIKE A GIRL, the inspirational new Australian drama based on the life of Michelle Payne.
All her life, Michelle Payne (Teresa Palmer) has dreamt of the impossible: winning the Melbourne Cup. Against all odds – including family tragedy and life-threatening accidents – Michelle rides on with the love of her father (Sam Neill) and brother Stevie (playing himself) for a shot at her dream.
RIDE LIKE A GIRL is in cinemas from Thursday 26 September. You can view the film’s trailer here: https://youtu.be/XaJhEeAtCnU
To go into the running to win an in-season double pass to see the film in cinemas, 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 starring Sam Neill that is screening at the ANUFG this week.
Entries will close on Tuesday 24 September at 11:59 PM, with winners to be notified via email and prizes to be collected at ANUFG screenings.
Canberra’s inaugural Hungarian Film Festival begins this week at the ANU Film Group!
Proudly presented with the Embassy of Hungary, this seven-day festival of contemporary and classic Hungarian cinema kicks off tonight with ETERNAL WINTER, the untold true story of more than 700,000 Hungarians who were imprisoned in Soviet labour camps during WWII.
We hope you will join us for this opportunity to see films rarely seen on the big screen in Canberra. Check out the full line-up of films – ranging from historical blockbusters to action-thrillers and family fare – below or at www.anufg.org.au/hungary2019
• MON 9 SEP @ 7:30 PM: ETERNAL WINTER (110 mins)
As WWII draws to a close, two prisoners find unlikely love at a Soviet labour camp in this untold story based on true events.
• TUE 10 SEP @ 7:30 PM: KINCSEM – BET ON REVENGE (121 mins)
In the late 1800s, a man seeks redemption on the racetrack in this blockbuster film based on the true story of the most successful race horse in history.
• WED 11 SEP @ 7:30 PM: THE WHISKEY BANDIT (126 mins)
Police in Budapest are baffled by a string of non-violent robberies over six years in the 1990s, with no clues but the scent of whiskey left lingering at the scene.
• THU 12 SEP @ 7:30 PM: MOSCOW SQUARE (88 mins)
In 1989, a group of students contemplate life after high school against the backdrop of political upheaval and the end of Communism in Hungary.
• FRI 13 SEP @ 7:30 PM: LILI (85 mins)
In 1956, a young mother flees Hungary in the midst of a revolution. Decades later, she reveals to her daughter a history of abandonment and family tragedy. Followed by Q&A with with cinematographer Zoltan Vladucz and local film historian Andrew Pike.
• SAT 14 SEP @ **3 PM**: VUK – THE LITTLE FOX (74 mins)
An orphaned young fox must learn to live alone in this moving Hungarian animated film that has been beloved for generations.
• SUN 15 SEP @ **3 PM**: CAT CITY (96 mins)
In this animated sci-fi/spy parody, a lone mouse embarks on a mission to save his civilisation from a criminal syndicate of cats determined to destroy them.
** All screenings are FREE and open to everyone (no membership, registration or tickets required). **
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WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK
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If you’re ‘Hungary’ for more than Hungarian cinema this week, we still have two other films screening on Saturday evening: a re-telling of Shakespeare’s Hamlet from a new point of view and a behind-the-scenes look at the life of Michael Hutchence.
• SAT 14 SEP @ 7:30 PM: OPHELIA (M, 106 mins) + MYSTIFY: MICHAEL HUTCHENCE (M, 102 mins)
View Shakespeare's Hamlet from a different point of view in OPHELIA, when the Queen's most trusted lady-in-waiting (Daisy Ridley) finds herself embroiled in political intrigue after falling for the young Prince of Denmark. Also starring Naomi Watts and Clive Owen.
Then, in MYSTIFY: MICHAEL HUTCHENCE (at approx. 9:15 PM), take an intimate look behind the curtain at the private life of the late INXS frontman, combining rare footage with insights from those who knew him best.
This week at the ANU Film Group, catch an Oscar-nominated German drama, journey through the underbelly of Los Angeles, embark on a quest with Asterix and Obelix, and rally behind the inspirational true story of a German POW-turned-goalkeeper.
• THU 5 SEP @ 7:30 PM: UNDER THE SILVER LAKE (MA, 139 mins)
When his neighbour suddenly vanishes without a trace, a man (Andrew Garfield) sets out on a surreal quest into the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles to unravel the mystery behind her disappearance.
• FRI 6 SEP @ 7:30 PM: NEVER LOOK AWAY (M, 189 mins)
In this Oscar-nominated drama, haunted by his childhood under the Nazis, a young painter tries to find inspiration and love against the backdrop of crucial periods in German history. Presented in partnership with the Embassy of Germany.
• SAT 7 SEP @ **5 PM**: ASTERIX: THE SECRET OF THE MAGIC POITION (PG, 85 mins)
With their village's druid is injured, Asterix and Obelix embark on a quest to find a young wizard worthy of inheriting the secret recipe for his legendary magic potion. Note: this animated film will screen in its English dubbed version.
• SAT 7 SEP @ 7:30 PM: THE KEEPER (M, 119 mins)
Shortly after WWII, German prisoner-of-war Bert Trautmann is recruited as a goalkeeper by the Manchester City soccer team in the face of prejudice, public hostility and personal tragedy. Based on the inspirational true story.
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COMING SOON: HUNGARIAN FILM FESTIVAL
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Next week from September 9 to 15, the ANU Film Group will be hosting the inaugural Hungarian Film Festival in Canberra in partnership with the Embassy of Hungary.
Over the course of seven days from Monday to Sunday, we will be screening seven films direct from Hungary – a selection of new films and contemporary classics, most of which have never been seen before on the big screen in Australia!
Screenings are free and open to everyone (no membership required), with all films subtitled in English. To view the full programme or find out more, head to www.anufg.org.au/hungary2019
Our biggest night of the year is upon us with our annual Trivia Night on Friday. Thank you to all of the people who have supported us by buying a ticket – we look forward to seeing you at the Hellenic Club in Woden in just two days!
Ticket sales have now closed – but we have limited seats available on request for individuals or small groups. If you’re interested in coming along, email us at info@anufg.org.au and we'll try to squeeze you in.
As if a trivia extravaganza wasn’t enough, we also finish up the month of August with a number of films, including Disney’s new live-action take on ALADDIN, French zombies, an American indie drama, and Terry Gilliam’s latest fantasy epic more than 30 years in the making.
• WED 28 AUG @ 7:30 PM: 1985 (M, 86 mins)
After discovering that he is dying of AIDS, a closeted gay man returns to his hometown and struggles to reveal his diagnosis to his conservative family in this acclaimed American indie drama.
• THU 29 AUG @ 7:30 PM: THE NIGHT EATS THE WORLD (MA, 94 mins)
A man awakens in an apartment in Paris to discover that he appears to be the sole survivor of a zombie invasion and must do what he can to stay alive in this acclaimed zombie thriller. Note: this will screen in its French-language version.
• FRI 30 AUG @ 7:30 PM: ANNUAL TRIVIA NIGHT
Need we say more?
• SAT 31 AUG @ **5 PM**: ALADDIN (PG, 128 mins)
A street urchin named Aladdin (Mena Massoud) embarks on a magical adventure after finding a lamp that contains a powerful genie (Will Smith) in this live-action take on Disney's 1992 animated classic.
• SAT 31 AUG @ 7:30 PM: THE MAN WHO KILLED DON QUIXOTE (M, 133 mins)
A disillusioned film director (Adam Driver) becomes entangled in the time-jumping fantasies of an old Spanish cobbler (Jonathan Pryce) in Terry Gilliam's adventure-comedy that was more than 30 years in the making.
** NO GUESTS SCREENINGS THIS WEEK: ALADDIN **
Have you got your tickets to our Annual Trivia Night next Friday yet? Ticket sales are closing very shortly, so make sure you get in quick to avoid missing out on THE best trivia night you’ll ever attend.
Purchase your tickets by Monday 27 August and you’ll even go into the running to win one of two awesome T-shirts and double passes to see Quentin Tarantino’s ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD in cinemas, courtesy of our friends at Sony Pictures.
What are you waiting for? Get your tickets now at www.anufg.org.au/trivia
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WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK
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This week, don’t miss the ANU Film Group’s premiere screenings of three films that never made it to Canberra cinemas, including the beautiful ÁGA, punk rock drama HER SMELL and a look at the world of Haute Couture in YELLOW IS FORBIDDEN. Plus, Julianne Moore finds new love in GLORIA BELL and two sisters are forced into the drug trade in LITTLE WOODS.
• THU 22 AUG @ 7:30 PM: HER SMELL (MA, 135 mins)
A punk rocker (Elisabeth Moss) struggles with sobriety while trying to recapture the creative inspiration that led her all-girl band to success in the '90s in this American indie drama.
• FRI 23 AUG @ 7:30 PM: ÁGA (PG, 90 mins) + YELLOW IS FORBIDDEN (G, 95 mins)
In ÁGA, an elderly Inuit couple find their traditional way of life in the Arctic slipping away, and set out on a journey to reconnect with their estranged daughter. Presented in partnership with the Embassy of Bulgaria.
Then, in YELLOW IS FORBIDDEN (at approx. 9 PM), a Chinese couturier seeks recognition from the exclusive world of Haute Couture in this documentary exploring art versus commerce.
• SAT 24 AUG @ 7:30 PM: GLORIA BELL (M, 101 mins) + LITTLE WOODS (M, 103 mins)
A free-spirited divorcée (Julianne Moore) finds herself thrust into an unexpected new romance, filled with all of the joys and complications of new love, in this remake of a 2013 Chilean film.
Then, in LITTLE WOODS (at approx. 9:15 PM), two desperate sisters (Tessa Thompson and Lily James) are drawn into the illegal world of drug trading to help the residents of their town access Canadian health care.
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LATIN AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL: WEEK 3
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The Latin American Film Festival comes to a close this week with films from Argentina, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay. Entry into these screenings is free and open to everyone (no membership required). Weekday screenings commence at 7:30 PM, while Saturday and Sunday screenings will commence at 4 PM.
• SAT 25 AUG @ **4 PM**: THE HEIRESSES (Paraguay, 2018, 97 mins)
A sheltered middle-aged heiress is forced to make a new life for herself as a chauffeur when her life partner is convicted of fraud and imprisoned.
• SUN 26 AUG @ **4 PM**: OLD FRIENDS (Peru, 2014, 93 mins)
Three lifelong friends in their 80s reunite at a funeral for the recently-departed fourth member of their group and steal his ashes in order to fulfil his dying wish.
• MON 27 AUG @ 7:30 PM: THE POPE’S TOILET (Uruguay, 2007, 98 mins)
In 1988, a man capitalises upon the Pope's upcoming visit to his poverty-stricken village by building a public toilet which he plans to charge pilgrims to use.
• TUE 28 AUG @ 7:30 PM: MAN FACING SOUTHEAST (Argentina, 1986, 105 mins)
In this sci-fi drama, a disillusioned psychiatrist is perplexed by his latest patient, who claims to be an alien sent to Earth to observe human behaviour firsthand.
Please be advised that there are two screening changes affecting some of our upcoming screenings, including tonight’s (Monday 19 August) Latin American Film Festival screening. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by these changes.
1. MONDAY 19 AUGUST – WHERE ALL ROADS END
Due to an unexpected technical issue, tonight's Latin American Film Festival screening of the Guatemalan film – WHERE ALL ROADS END – cannot proceed as planned. Fortunately, the Embassy of Guatemala has arranged at short notice for a new film to screen in its place: TREMORS (TEMBLORES).
TREMORS is the second film from award-winning Guatemalan writer-director Jayro Bustamante (IXCANUL), and just premiered to acclaim earlier this year at the 2019 Berlin International Film Festival.
In the film, Pablo (Juan Pablo Olyslager) has a great job and is married to a beautiful, younger wife, mother to his two children. But Pablo is ready to reveal a long-held secret, one which will have intense ramifications: he is in love with another man.
2. FRIDAY 27 SEPTEMBER – MA
Universal Pictures has decided to no longer release the Octavia Spencer thriller MA in Australian cinemas and, as a result, we are unable to screen it as the scheduled second feature on Friday 27 September. In the absence of any viable alternatives, and the fact that FAST & FURIOUS: HOBBS & SHAW runs for 136 minutes on its own, we have decided not to replace MA with another film.
This means that FAST & FURIOUS: HOBBS & SHAW will be the only film screening on September 27.