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!