News Archive

May 2021

What's On This Week: THE COURIER, TOM & JERRY, NOBODY, KURSK

12th May, 2021

It’s a week of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances – from spies to submarines to vengeance – along with a light-hearted dose of a classic cartoon rivalry.

In addition to our regular programming, tonight’s screening of Belgian co-production KURSK is being presented in partnership with the Embassy of the Royal Kingdom of Belgium, who will be hosting a pre-screening reception from 6:30 pm at Badger & Co in the Kambri Precinct. The Embassy have been kind enough to extend an invitation for any ANU Film Group members attending the screening to come along before the film for Belgian beer and nibbles – so be sure to drop by and enjoy their hospitality!

• WED 12 MAY @ 7:30 PM: KURSK (M, 118 mins)

In 2000, an explosion on a Russian submarine during a naval exercise kills most of the men aboard, leaving a few survivors desperately fighting for their lives against impossible odds, while their families battle political obstacles to rescue them.

• THU 13 MAY @ 7:30 PM: THE COURIER (M, 111 mins)

In the 1960s, an ordinary British businessman (Benedict Cumberbatch) is recruited by MI-6 and the CIA to smuggle crucial intelligence from a Soviet spy out of Russia, in an attempt to diffuse one of the greatest international conflicts in history.

• FRI 14 MAY @ 7:30 PM: NOBODY (MA, 92 mins)

When two thieves break into his home one night, a mild-mannered family man (Bob Odenkirk) finds his dormant, long-simmering rage ignited, propelling him on a brutal path that will uncover dark secrets he fought to leave behind.

• SAT 15 MAY @ **5 PM**: TOM & JERRY: THE MOVIE (G, 101 mins)

After Jerry the mouse takes refuge in a posh New York hotel on the eve of the wedding of the century, a young employee (Chloë Grace Moretz) attempts to save the day by recruiting Tom the cat to catch him – but instead unleashes chaos on the hotel.

What's On This Week: GODZILLA VS. KONG, HIGH GROUND and more

4th May, 2021

After our big Oscars week last week, we’re continuing into the month of May with a battle for the ages between Godzilla and Kong, an Australian Western starring Simon Baker, an acclaimed American indie drama, and a totally radical documentary about female surfers.

• TUE 4 MAY @ 7:30 PM: NEVER RARELY SOMETIMES ALWAYS (M, 101 mins)

Faced with an unintended pregnancy and conservative local laws, a 17-year-old girl and her cousin travel across state lines from rural Pennsylvania to New York City to seek out medical assistance, in this acclaimed, award-winning American indie drama.

• THU 6 MAY @ 7:30 PM: HIGH GROUND (MA, 104 mins)

In 1930s Arnhem Land, a bounty hunter (Simon Baker) and a young Indigenous man embark on a manhunt through the outback, which unravels a devastating secret from their past that ultimately pits them against each other.

• FRI 7 MAY @ 7:30 PM: GODZILLA VS. KONG (M, 113 mins – NO GUESTS)

When Godzilla embarks on a series of unexplained rampages, humanity calls on another powerful force of nature – Kong – to stop him. As the legends collide, a spectacular battle for the ages ensues with the fate of the world in the balance.

• SAT 8 MAY @ **5 PM**: GIRLS CAN'T SURF (M, 108 mins)

The awesome true story of a band of renegade female surfers from Australia and beyond who took on the male-dominated world of professional surfing in the 1980s, sparking a fight for recognition and equality which changed the sport forever.

Entertainment Membership: Mother's Day Bonuses

3rd May, 2021

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ENTERTAINMENT MEMBERSHIP: MOTHER'S DAY BONUSES
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With Mother’s Day just around the corner on Sunday, this is as good an opportunity as any to highlight the excellent Entertainment Memberships that we’re selling online all year round.

Last year, the longstanding Entertainment Books transitioned into a fully digital product now known as Entertainment Memberships. But they continue to be packed with thousands of deals for the best local restaurants, cafés, shopping, attractions, travel, accommodation and more – but now from the convenience of your own mobile device.

And, as always, 20% of the cost of each Entertainment 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 Mother’s Day bonus, if you buy yours by 11:59 PM on Monday 10 May, you’ll receive a bonus $20 Priceline or Woolworths eGift card with the purchase of any Single City Membership or a $40 The Iconic or Priceline eGift card with any Multi City or Multi Plus Membership. And that’s on top of thousands of offers you get with each Membership!

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

April 2021

Winter Season Begins with Oscar Week + Changes to COVID-19 Rules

27th April, 2021

Congratulations to all of yesterday’s Oscar winners – and extra congratulations to our programming team, who picked not just one or two, but three eventual winners for the opening week of our new Winter season!

This week, don’t miss JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH (Best Supporting Actor, Best Original Song), MINARI (Best Supporting Actress) and ANOTHER ROUND (Best International Film). Plus, catch more of this year’s big winners coming up soon on our programme, such as SOUND OF METAL (Best Film Editing, Best Sound) on May 21, NOMADLAND (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress) on June 4, and THE FATHER (Best Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay) on June 12.

• WED 28 APR @ 7:30 PM: KAJILLIONAIRE (M, 105 mins)

A young woman (Evan Rachel Wood) has been trained her entire life by her con artist parents to swindle, scam and steal at every turn – only to find her world turned upside down when they invite a stranger to join them for a major heist.

• THU 29 APR @ 7:30 PM: ANOTHER ROUND (M, 116 mins – NO GUESTS)

Four high school teachers launch an experiment to maintain a low level of alcohol in their blood throughout the day in the belief that it will improve their lives, in this Danish drama that won the Oscar for Best International Film.

• FRI 30 APR @ 7:30 PM: JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH (MA, 125 mins)

In the 1960s, Black Panther party leader Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya) is targeted by the U.S. government, who sends an informant to infiltrate the group. Nominated for five Oscars, including Best Picture, and winner for Best Supporting Actor (Kaluuya) and Best Original Song.

• SAT 1 MAY @ **5 PM**: MINARI (PG, 115 mins – NO GUESTS)

In the 1980s, a family of South Korean immigrants move to rural Arkansas in pursuit of the American Dream, which tests their resilience. Nominated for six Oscars, including Best Picture, and winner for Best Supporting Actress (Youn Yuh-Jung).

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CHANGES TO COVID-19 SAFETY RULES
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There have been a number of changes to the ANU’s COVID-19 safety protocols, and we would like to advise you of the following as they pertain to ANU Film Group screenings:

• The permitted capacity of the Kambri Cinema for ANUFG screenings has now been increased to 75% or 225 people.
• This means that the previous rule to leave 1.5 metre or 1-2 seats between yourself and the next party inside the cinema is no longer mandatory, but is still recommended where possible. If social distancing is not possible, consider wearing a mask.
• All attendees must continue to check in using ACT Health’s Check In CBR app prior to entering the cinema. This is a legal requirement, and we can assist you with checking in on our device if you are unable to do so.
• Pre-registration is still required as per the ANU’s Functions on Campus protocols. The Eventbrite registration forms will continue to open two weeks prior to the screening date, but will now remain open up until the start of the screening itself.
• Face masks, anti-bacterial wipes and hand sanitiser will continue to be available at no cost to attendees from the front desk.
• Anyone feeling unwell is advised to stay home, and anyone exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms will not be permitted entry into the cinema.

As always, these restrictions may change at any time as ANU or ACT Health guidelines are revised, so please check our website at www.anufg.org.au/covid for the latest information. If you have any questions or require clarification on any of these rules, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us.

Last Week of Autumn Programme + New Season Begins Next Week!

20th April, 2021

It’s the final week of our Autumn 2021 season, and we’re winding things up with RAMS, LAMBS, an Australian Western, and a shocking legal thriller. And then we’re back with our new Winter season just next week following the Oscars on Monday!

Haven’t checked out our new line-up yet? It’s now available in full on OUR WEBSITE NOW with more information available HERE. Memberships are also now available for purchase online at www.anufg.org.au/join or in person at any screening.

• TUE 20 APR @ 7:30 PM: THE FURNACE (MA, 116 mins)

In 1897, a young Afghan cameleer seeking to return home forms an alliance with a mysterious bushman (David Wenham) on the run in Western Australia with Crown-marked gold bars. Together the unlikely pair race to reach a secret furnace to reset the bars.

• THU 22 APR @ 7:30 PM: DARK WATERS (M, 127 mins)

A corporate attorney (Mark Ruffalo) discovers a shocking environmental link between one of the world's largest chemical corporations and a growing number of unexplained deaths. Presented in partnership with ANU Law Reform and Social Justice, who will be hosting a post-film discussion with an eminent panel of environmental law experts and activists: Dr Jonathan Liljeblad (ANU College of Law), Melanie Montalban (ACT Environmental Defenders Office) and Annika Reynolds (LRSJ GreenLaw).

• FRI 23 APR @ 7:30 PM: THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS (MA, 118 mins)

30th anniversary screening of the iconic psychological thriller, in which a young FBI agent (Jodie Foster) seeks the help of a cannibalistic murderer (Anthony Hopkins) in order to catch another serial killer. Winner of 5 Oscars, including Best Picture.

• SAT 24 APR @ **5 PM**: RAMS (PG, 119 mins)

In remote Western Australia, two brothers (Sam Neill, Michael Caton) who have been engaged in a decades-long feud must put aside their grievances to save their family's prized sheep from a deadly disease. Remake of the 2015 Icelandic comedy of the same name.

New Winter 2021 Programme

17th April, 2021

It may not technically be winter yet, but it sure feels like it. And with our Autumn season finishing up next week on April 23, it’s about time to announce our new Winter 2021 season!

Our brand new line-up of screenings runs from April 28 through to July 18, and is bound to have something for everybody – from GODZILLA VS. KONG to GIRLS CAN’T SURF, NOMADLAND to NOBODY, and MORTAL KOMBAT to THE MALTESE FALCON.

Plus, because the Oscars are just around the corner on April 26, you’ll be able to catch many of the nominated films this season too, including NOMADLAND, THE FATHER, MINARI, SOUND OF METAL and more.

But let’s not keep you in suspense any longer. You can view the full programme now in any of the following ways:
• On our website, with extended synopses, posters and cast listings by CLICKING HERE
• In a printer-friendly A4-sized PDF flyer by CLICKING HERE
• Import them all directly into your calendar on your phone or computer by CLICKING HERE

Not yet a member? Winter memberships are now available for purchase, and include entry into the remainder of our current Autumn season too, so there’s no better time to join up. Head to www.anufg.org.au/join or visit us at any screening to become a member now!

We are also pleased to let you know that there will be some changes to the ANU’s COVID-19 safety guidelines coming soon, which we hope will make it easier for everyone to attend screenings. Registration via Eventbrite is still currently a requirement, however, so please find the registration links for the first week of our new season on each film listing on our website. As a reminder, the registration forms for screenings only open two weeks prior to the screening date.

What's On This Week + DARK WATERS Panel Discussion on April 22

13th April, 2021

It's the penultimate week of our Autumn season and time has certainly flown by. But fear not: in addition to some great films this week, we will also be announcing our Winter programme very shortly so stay tuned!

• TUE 13 APR @ 7:30 PM: A LION RETURNS (MA, 92 mins)

After spending 18 months fighting in Syria, a young man returns home to Sydney to see his terminally-ill mother – but he must first convince his unforgiving family that he is not a threat to them, in this critically acclaimed Australian indie.

• THU 15 APR @ 7:30 PM: RADIOACTIVE (M, 110 mins – No Guests)

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 thousands of lives – or destroy billions more. Presented in partnership with the Embassy of Hungary.

• FRI 16 APR @ 7:30 PM: SHADOW IN THE CLOUD (MA, 83 mins)

During World War II, a female pilot (Chloë Grace Moretz) in possession of a top-secret package boards a B-17 bomber plane with an all-male crew, and must soon contend more dire threats: an approaching enemy ambush and a sinister stowaway.

• SAT 17 APR @ **5 PM**: ONWARD (PG, 107 mins – No Guests)

In a suburban world that has been long devoid of magic, two teenage elf brothers embark on an extraordinary quest resurrecting their dead father so that they can spend one last day with him, in Pixar’s fantasy film.

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'DARK WATERS' PANEL DISCUSSION ON APRIL 22
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Our screening of legal drama DARK WATERS next Thursday 22 April will be presented in partnership with ANU Law Reform and Social Justice, who will be hosting a post-film discussion with an eminent panel of environmental law experts and activists.

DARK WATERS follows a corporate attorney (Mark Ruffalo) who discovers a shocking environmental link between one of the world's largest chemical corporations and a growing number of unexplained deaths. Also starring Anne Hathaway, Tim Robbins, Bill Pullman and Victor Garber.

Find out more about the three panellists below:

Dr Jonathan Liljeblad (ANU College of Law Senior Lecturer), whose research largely focuses on rule-of-law, human rights and environmental issues, seeking to nurture direct impact upon policy-makers and societal leaders.

Melanie Montalban (ACT Environmental Defenders Office Managing Lawyer), whose had previously worked as a refugee lawyer and has broad expertise in environmental justice, human rights and international law.

Annika Reynolds (LRSJ GreenLaw), who founded the young person-led law reform and policy development institute, empowering the next generation of lawyers to tackle the climate crisis.

What's On This Week: EMMA, THE LIGHTHOUSE, A WHITE, WHITE DAY and more

6th April, 2021

We hope you all had a lovely Easter! Regardless of whether you ended up travelling outside of Canberra over the break, this week's screenings are guaranteed to take you on a journey to a variety of wanderlustful locations, including remote Iceland, a lighthouse in the 1800s, the gritty U.S./Mexico border and picturesque 19th century England.

• WED 7 APR @ 7:30 PM: A WHITE, WHITE DAY (M, 109 mins)

Still mourning the accidental death of his wife two years earlier, a former police chief begins to suspect that she may have been having an affair with another man, leading him down an unpredictable path, in this spellbinding Icelandic drama. Presented in partnership with the Scandinavian Australian Association.

• THU 8 APR @ 7:30 PM: THE LIGHTHOUSE (MA, 109 mins)

In the late 1800s, two lighthouse keepers (Willem Dafoe, Robert Pattinson) stationed on a remote and mysterious island in New England are stranded there by a powerful storm, and quickly find themselves struggling to maintain their sanity.

• FRI 9 APR @ 7:30 PM: THE MARKSMAN (M, 108 mins)

An ageing Arizona rancher (Liam Neeson) living along the border between the U.S. and Mexico becomes the unlikely defender of a young Mexican boy who has been pursued into the country by drug cartel assassins.

• SAT 10 APR @ **5 PM**: EMMA. (PG, 125 mins – ‘No Guests’ screening)

In 19th century England, restless socialite Emma Woodhouse (Anya Taylor-Joy) spends her days meddling in the romantic affairs of her friends and loved ones, in this spirited new adaptation of Jane Austen's timeless novel.

March 2021

What's On This Week: HEARTS AND BONES, FOR SAMA, BABY DONE

30th March, 2021

It's a quiet week this week as we head towards the end of March and the four-day Easter long weekend, but there are still some powerful films worth catching, including HEARTS & BONES and the Oscar-nominated FOR SAMA.

• TUE 30 MAR @ 7:30 PM: FOR SAMA (MA, 96 mins)

This extraordinary, Oscar-nominated documentary tells the story of a young woman’s struggles with love and motherhood over the span of five years amidst an uprising in Aleppo, Syria, as cataclysmic conflict engulfs the world around her.

• WED 31 MAR @ 7:30 PM: HEARTS AND BONES (M, 110 mins)

A war photographer (Hugo Weaving) bonds over shared trauma with a South Sudanese refugee, forming an unlikely friendship, until they make a shocking discovery that causes both men to question their past – and their futures – in this acclaimed Australian drama.

• THU 1 APR @ 7:30 PM: BABY DONE (M, 91 mins)

Terrified that her life won’t be her own anymore after discovering that she’s pregnant, a young woman resolves to tick off a list of her wildest dreams before the baby arrives in this charming and honest Kiwi comedy.

What's On This Week: CORPUS CHRISTI, RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, THE WITCHES and more

22nd March, 2021

There are wickedly witches, Polish priests, adventuring archaeologists and more to be found at the ANU Film Group this week! Plus, a note to parents about THE WITCHES remake screening on Saturday: the film is rated M for “supernatural themes, violence and scary scenes” and may contain visuals that may be disturbing to younger children.

• TUE 23 MAR @ 7:30 PM: MUSIC (M, 107 mins)

A self-destructive woman (Kate Hudson) is shocked to discover that she has become the sole guardian of her autistic, teenage half-sister, in this original screen musical written and directed by Australian singer-songwriter Sia.

• THU 25 MAR @ 7:30 PM: CORPUS CHRISTI (MA, 115 mins)

Unable to apply to the seminary due to his criminal record, a young ex-convict who experienced a spiritual reawakening decides to falsely pose as a priest in a small village instead, in this Oscar-nominated Polish drama.

• FRI 26 MAR @ 7:30 PM: RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (PG, 115 mins)

40th anniversary screening of the iconic debut of archaeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford), as he is hired by the U.S. government in 1936 to find the all-powerful Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis can use it for evil.

• SAT 27 MAR @ **5 PM**: THE WITCHES (M, 104 mins – NO GUESTS)

When a young boy accidentally discovers a nefarious plan by the Grand High Witch (Anne Hathaway) to turn all of the world's children into mice, he sets out to stop her in this terrifying new take on Roald Dahl's classic tale.