News Archive

August 2019

Trivia Night on Friday + ALADDIN and More Screening This Week

28th August, 2019

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 **

3x Canberra Premieres This Week + Latin American Film Festival Ending on Tuesday

22nd August, 2019

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.

Upcoming Screening Changes

19th August, 2019

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.

PARASITE, BOOKSMART, MIB4 This Week + Film Suggestions Now Open

15th August, 2019

There’s a lot going on this week with some highly-anticipated screenings and the second week of the Latin American Film Festival – plus work has already begun on our first-ever Summer programme to run between October 2019 and February 2020!

Want to help us out? Let us know what films you’re keen to see at the ANU Film Group and we’ll take them into consideration when planning our next season. Simply head over to www.anufg.org.au/suggestions to submit your suggestions for current releases, up-and-coming films and any classics or timely favourites you’d like to see back on the big screen.

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WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK
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Suit up, study up and suck up at the ANU Film Group this week with films including this year’s Cannes Palme d’Or winner, an alien-themed double on Friday and a hilarious female-led double feature on Saturday.

• THU 15 AUG @ 7:30 PM: PARASITE (MA, 132 mins)

The symbiotic relationship between two Korean families – one rich, one poor – is threatened by greed and prejudice in this Palme d'Or-winning satirical drama from director Bong Joon-ho (THE HOST, SNOWPIERCER).

** Want to win tickets to the upcoming Korean Film Festival screening at Palace Electric from August 22 to 25? We’ll be giving away 10 double passes as lucky door prizes at tonight’s screening of PARASITE! Find out more about the Festival or get your tickets at www.koffia.com.au **

• FRI 16 AUG @ 7:30 PM: MEN IN BLACK: INTERNATIONAL (M, 115 mins) + BRIGHTBURN (MA, 90 min)

In MEN IN BLACK: INTERNATIONAL, a veteran agent (Chris Hemsworth) and a street-smart new recruit (Tessa Thompson) must track down a stolen alien superweapon and uncover a mole within the organisation.

Then, in BRIGHTBURN (at approx. 9:30 PM), an alien child crash-lands on Earth and is raised by a human family. He eventually discovers that he has superpowers – but decides to use them for evil instead of for good.

• SAT 17 AUG @ 7:30 PM: BOOKSMART (MA, 103 mins) + WILD ROSE (M, 100 mins)

In BOOKSMART, two hard-working students set out to make up for lost time on the eve of their high school graduation by cramming four years of fun into one night in this acclaimed coming-of-age comedy. Directed by Olivia Wilde.

Then, in WILD ROSE (at approx. 9:15 PM), a young Scottish mother recently released from prison decides to leaves her mundane life (and her children) behind to chase her dreams of becoming a country music star in Nashville.

** ‘NO GUESTS’ SCREENINGS THIS WEEK: MEN IN BLACK: INTERNATIONAL **

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LATIN AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL: WEEK 2
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The Latin American Film Festival continues this week with films from Cuba, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico and Panama!

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 17 AUG @ **4 PM**: QUIJOTES NEGROS (Ecuador, 2016, 80 min)
Fantasy and reality collide in modern-day Ecuador when Don Quixote sets out to find Sancho Panza a wife and ends up kidnapping the Queen and Princess of Spain.

• SUN 18 AUG @ **4 PM**: FALLEN GODS (Cuba, 2008, 93 min)
A university professor finds herself embroiled in the darkest depths of Havana's underworld while on an assignment researching a legendary Cuban pimp.

• MON 19 AUG @ 7:30 PM: WHERE ALL ROADS END (Guatemala, 2004, 85 min)
In the early 20th century, a doctor working in a remote village falls for a young indigenous girl amidst conflict between two warring communities.

• TUE 20 AUG @ 7:30 PM: MARA’AKAME’S DREAM (Mexico, 2016, 90 min)
A young indigenous Huichol boy dreams of playing with his band in Mexico City, but his traditionalist shaman father has other plans for him.

• WED 21 AUG @ 7:30 PM: GRACE & SPLENDOUR (Panama, 2017, 96 min)
In this romantic-comedy, two star-crossed youngsters from rival families fall in love against the elaborate backdrop of Panama's famed Carnival celebrations.

** Please note that the screening order of the films as originally published in our flyer has changed. For the most up-to-date version of the festival programme, please visit either www.anufg.org.au/LAFF2019 or the festival’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LAFFaussie **

Latin American Film Festival Starts This Week

7th August, 2019

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LATIN AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL STARTS THIS WEEK
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The Latin American Film Festival returns to the ANU Film Group this year for its 15th edition, featuring 14 films over 19 days, each presented by a different Latin American country.

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.

** Please note that the screening order of the films as originally published in our flyer has recently changed. For the most up-to-date version of the festival programme, please visit either www.anufg.org.au/LAFF2019 or the festival’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LAFFaussie **

This week’s LAFF screenings include:

• FRI 9 AUG @ 7:30 PM: LIFE IS A BITCH (Brazil, 107 mins)

In this darkly comic tale of ordinary people pushed to extremes, two old friends brought to desperation by tough times hatch a plan to kidnap a millionaire.

• SAT 10 AUG @ **4 PM**: BROKEN PANTIES (Chile, 101 mins)

On her deathbed, a matriarch confesses to killing her husband 40 years ago, opening old wounds among her four adult daughters in this dark comedy.

• SUN 11 AUG @ **4 PM**: BAD LUCKY GOAT (Colombia, 76 mins)

After accidentally killing a goat with their father's truck, two teenage siblings attempt to put aside their differences and embark on a journey of reconciliation.

Please note that the presentation quality of these screenings may differ from regular ANU Film Group screenings due to the variety of supplied source formats (DVD, Blu-Ray, etc).

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WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK
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In addition to the Latin American Film Festival kicking off on Friday, there are plenty of other films screening as part of our regular programming too, including the culmination of the X-MEN saga, the early years of author J.R.R. Tolkien, and an acclaimed and timely Ukrainian drama.

• WED 7 AUG @ 7:30 PM: DONBASS (M, 122 mins)

Society in the Donbass region of Eastern Ukraine begins to crumble in the face of ongoing conflict and propaganda, as told through 13 interconnected stories in this timely and powerful drama. Presented in partnership with the Embassy of Ukraine.

• THU 8 AUG @ 7:30 PM: TOLKIEN (M, 122 mins)

A look at the formative years of Lord of the Rings author J.R.R. Tolkien (Nicholas Hoult) as he finds friendship and love at school and into the outbreak of WWI – inspiring his literary journey into Middle Earth.

• SAT 10 AUG @ 7:30 PM: X-MEN: DARK PHOENIX (M, 114 mins) + STUBER (MA, 93 mins)

When Jean Grey (Sophie Turner) is hit by a cosmic force that makes her powers highly unstable, it's up to her fellow X-Men to stop her from spiralling out of control. Starring James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence and Nicholas Hoult.

Then, in action-comedy STUBER (at approx. 9:30 PM), a vision-impaired cop (Dave Bautista) who has just undergone eye surgery reluctantly hire an Uber driver (Kumail Nanjiani) to drive him around as he tracks down a ruthless killer.

** ‘NO GUESTS’ SCREENINGS THIS WEEK: X-MEN: DARK PHOENIX **

Kambri Parking Update

7th August, 2019

Good news – the Kambri underground carpark is now offering three hours of free parking on weekends!

Beyond the first three hours of free parking, the rate on weekends is now a flat $3 for 3-6 hours or $5 for stays longer than 6 hours. The weekday parking rate unfortunately remains unchanged at a $6 flat rate for entry after 5 PM – but we are hopeful that this will be reduced in the near future too.

The underground carpark operates on a licence plate recognition system. Simply drive in upon arrival and if you’re leaving within your first three hours, you can drive straight to the exit gates, which will scan your licence plate and automatically open. If you have exceeded three hours, you can either make payment at a pay station before collecting your vehicle or at the exit gate using a credit card.

July 2019

YESTERDAY, BURNING, AVENGERS and More This Week!

30th July, 2019

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WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK
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For the second week of our Spring season, discover a world without The Beatles, an acclaimed Korean mystery, the final days of Shakespeare and the secret life of more pets. Plus, our encore screening of Marvel’s epic conclusion to the Avengers saga.

• TUE 30 JULY @ 7:30 PM: ALL IS TRUE (M, 101 mins)

After the Globe Theatre burns down in 1613, William Shakespeare (Kenneth Branagh) retires to his home in Stratford where he must face his troubled past. Also starring Judi Dench and Ian McKellen. Presented in partnership with the ANU Shakespeare Society.

• THU 1 AUG @ 7:30 PM: BURNING (M, 148 mins)

A writer finds his budding relationship upended by the arrival of a rich playboy with an unusual hobby in this acclaimed South Korean drama/mystery based on a short story by Haruki Murakami. Presented in partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea.

• FRI 2 AUG @ 7:30 PM: AVENGERS: ENDGAME (M, 181 mins)

In this encore screening of the newly-crowned biggest film of all time, the surviving Avengers must assemble once more to undo the devastating events of Infinity War and defeat Thanos once and for all, no matter the cost.

• SAT 3 AUG @ **5 PM**: THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS 2 (PG, 86 mins)

In this sequel to the 2016 animated film, Max the dog must find the courage to face all-new challenges and fears after his owner gets married and gives birth to a baby.

• SAT 3 AUG @ 7:30 PM: YESTERDAY (M, 116 mins)

A struggling musician wakes up in an alternate timeline and discovers that he's the only person on Earth who can remember The Beatles and their music. Directed by Danny Boyle.

** ‘NO GUESTS’ SCREENINGS THIS WEEK: AVENGERS: ENDGAME, THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS 2, YESTERDAY **

Trivia Night Tickets Now on Sale

30th July, 2019

Forget about Christmas or your birthday – the best day of the year is coming up on Friday August 30th when the ANU Film Group’s annual trivia night returns for its 14th year!

If you’ve attended one of our trivia nights before, stop reading now and head to www.anufg.org.au/trivia where you can get your tickets without further ado.

For everyone else, this is your chance to get in on the best trivia night around with fun question rounds, audio-visual elements, table rounds and many, many, many prizes up for grabs. You’ll definitely get your money’s worth with this three-hour trivia extravaganza – which also happens to be our primary fundraiser of the year, so your support would be greatly appreciated.

The event will be held on Friday 30 August at the Hellenic Club of Canberra in Woden at 7:30 PM with doors opening for entry from 7 PM. Tickets are $20 each – with individuals, small groups or teams/tables of up to 10 welcome.

Find out more about the event, peruse some of this year’s exciting prize sponsors or get your tickets now at www.anufg.org.au/trivia

Spring Season Begins + Win Tickets to DANGER CLOSE

24th July, 2019

Just one day to go until our new Spring season begins with our FREE screening of AVENGERS: ENDGAME, which just this week officially overtook AVATAR to become the biggest film of all time!

Doors will open from 7 PM for entry, for a 7:30 PM film start – or until all 305 seats in the cinema are filled, whichever occurs first. Needless to say, this screening will be a busy one and current members may wish to see the film at our members-only screening next week on Friday 2 August instead to avoid the crowds.

The week then continues with a bevy of Australian hits, including a must-see documentary for all ages, and a trippy arthouse sci-fi thriller from French director Claire Denis.

• THU 25 JULY @ 7:30 PM: AVENGERS: ENDGAME (M, 181 min)

The surviving Avengers must assemble once more to undo the devastating events of INFINITY WAR and defeat Thanos once and for all, no matter the cost.

• FRI 26 JULY @ 7:30 PM: TOP END WEDDING (M, 102 min) + CELESTE (M, 106 min)

In TOP END WEDDING, an engaged couple have just ten days to pull off their dream wedding in the Northern Territory, but must first locate the bride-to-be's missing mother in this romantic comedy.

Then, in CELESTE (at approx. 9:15 PM), a widowed opera diva (Radha Mitchell) finds her retirement in Far North Queensland complicated by the arrival of her late husband's adult son.

• SAT 27 JULY @ **5 PM**: 2040 (G, 92 min)

A visual letter from a father to his young daughter showing her what the world could look like if we used technology available today to save the environment. Directed by Damon Gameau (THAT SUGAR FILM).

• SAT 27 JULY @ 7:30 PM: HIGH LIFE (MA, 113 min)

A father (Robert Pattinson) and his daughter are the last survivors of a space mission, and must unravel the mystery of what happened to their crew in this challenging arthouse sci-fi thriller.

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WIN TICKETS TO ‘DANGER CLOSE: THE BATTLE OF LONG TAN’
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Thanks to Transmission Films, we have tickets to give away to DANGER CLOSE: THE BATTLE OF LONG TAN, a new Australian war epic.

In August 1966 in South Vietnam, a company of 108 young and inexperienced Australian and New Zealand soldiers fight to hold off an overwhelming force of over 2,000 soldiers. With casualties mounting, and the enemy amassing for a final assault, each man begins to search for the strength to triumph over an uncertain future.

Starring Travis Fimmel, Luke Bracey and Richard Roxburgh, and directed by Kriv Stenders (RED DOG), the film is in cinemas from August 8. You can view its trailer by CLICKING HERE

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) what film on our new Spring programme you’re most looking forward to seeing

Entries will close on Wednesday 31 July at 11:59 PM, with winners to be notified via email and prizes to be collected at ANUFG screenings.

ANU Moon Week Blasts Off Today!

17th July, 2019

The ANU’s five-day celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Moon landing blasts off today! Presented in partnership with the ACT Government, Moon Week features a jam-packed series of events from public lectures to tours, talks, films and workshops.

A number of events have already booked out, but there are still spots available for a number of tours, pop-up talks, fireside chats and Space Academy with Australian astronaut Andy Thomas. You can check out the full line-up at https://www.anu.edu.au/news/all-news/canberra-moon-week-17-21-july-2019

And last but certainly not least, don’t forget that we’re hosting a series of free space-themed films from Thursday to Saturday – including the brand-new, critically-acclaimed documentary APOLLO 11, which recounts the 1969 mission using never-before-seen footage.

Registration is encouraged for these free screenings, and can be done via the Eventbrite links here: https://www.anu.edu.au/events/canberra-moon-week-free-movie-screenings.

** Please note the varied start times, especially the earlier starts for the afternoon screenings. **

• THU 18 JULY @ 2 PM: WALL-E (G, 98 min)

In Pixar's Oscar-winning 2008 animated masterpiece, a waste-collecting robot named WALL-E spends his days tidying up the abandoned planet, believing that he is the last robot on Earth.

• FRI 19 JULY @ 2 PM: ZATHURA: A SPACE ADVENTURE (PG, 101 min)

Two young brothers play a mysterious board game that magically teleported into outer space in this 2005 sci-fi adventure (and spiritual sequel to JUMANJI) from director Jon Favreau (Iron Man).

• FRI 19 JULY @ 5 PM: FIRST MAN (M, 141 min)

Ryan Gosling stars as astronaut Neil Armstrong in this acclaimed 2018 biographical drama, as he endures trials and tribulations in the years leading up to the legendary Apollo 11 mission in 1969.

• FRI 19 JULY @ 8:15 PM: APOLLO 11 (G, 93 min)

Head back in time with this 2019 documentary chronicling the Apollo 11 mission using rare archival footage and audio recordings to take you straight into the heart of NASA's most celebrated mission.

Introduced by producer Stephen Slater, who supplied much of the previously unseen footage and recordings of the Apollo 11 mission from his own personal collection for use in the film.

• SAT 20 JULY @ 2:15 PM: APOLLO 11 (ENCORE SCREENING) (G, 93 min)

Head back in time with this 2019 documentary chronicling the Apollo 11 mission using rare archival footage and audio recordings to take you straight into the heart of NASA's most celebrated mission.

Introduced by producer Stephen Slater, who supplied much of the previously unseen footage and recordings of the Apollo 11 mission from his own personal collection for use in the film.

• SAT 20 JULY @ 5 PM: THE DISH (M, 101 min)

Sam Neill stars in this 2000 comedy-drama that takes a semi-fictionalised look at the days before the Apollo 11 space mission, as a team of Australian technicians work alongside NASA to transmit live images of the moon landing around the world.

• SAT 20 JULY @ 7:30 PM: THE MARTIAN (M, 141 min)

In this 2015 box office hit, Matt Damon stars as an astronaut who must find a way to survive on Mars after being left behind by his crew.

ANU Professor Penny King and NASA research scientist Dr Abigail Fraeman will present an extended introduction prior to the screening and chat about their own experiences with Mars.