Thanks to everyone who has already purchased their ANU Film Group memberships for 2018. It’s such a great and reassuring show of faith that so many of you are joining up without even a single film from our new programme having been revealed.
As a token of our thanks to you this very merry Christmas, everyone who has purchased a membership so far will automatically be entered into our spectacular Christmas prize bonanza! It’s the season for giving after all, so we're giving away heaps of prizes, including:
• 10x in-season double passes to BREATHE, an inspirational British drama starring Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy. In this true story, a charismatic man (Garfield) is struck down by polio and given only months to live, but with the help of his determined wife (Foy), continues living his life to its fullest. In cinemas December 26, courtesy of Transmission Films. Find out more HERE.
• 5x in-season double passes to THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI, the darkly comic new drama from the director of IN BRUGES. After months with no progress in her daughter’s murder case, a mother (Frances McDormand) personally challenges the local authorities to solve the crime. Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell also star in this 6x Golden Globe nominee, which is in cinemas from January 1 from 20th Century Fox. Find out more by clicking HERE.
• 10x season passes to the NFSA’s Fashion and Costume Week, running from January 6 to 14. The season passes will give you entry into every single film in the NFSA’s week-long exploration of fashion and costume on the big screen, including screenings of such classics as MOULIN ROUGE!, PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK, DOGS IN SPACE and STRICTLY BALLROOM. Find out more by clicking HERE.
• 10x in-season double passes to SWEET COUNTRY, the award-winning Australian film from the director of SAMSON & DELILAH. In 1929, an Aboriginal farmhand (Hamilton Morris) and his wife are forced to go on the run when he kills a white man in self-defence. Bryan Brown and Sam Neill joins newcomer Morris in this period Western that hits cinemas on January 25, courtesy of Transmission Films. Find out more HERE.
You could win one prize, two prizes, or even all four of the prizes – it all depends on whether you’ve been naughty or nice this year (read: prizes will be randomly drawn and posted to you; Santa Claus plays no part in the selection of the winners).
But you have to be in it to win it. Haven’t purchased your membership yet? It’s not too late. Simply go to www.anufg.org.au/join to join up before 11:59 PM on SUNDAY 24 DECEMBER to go into the running. You can even purchase memberships as Christmas gifts for friends and family to give them a chance too!
Annual memberships are just $70 for a year’s worth of films, or $40 for a Semester One membership allowing you to see everything between February and July 2018. Payment can be made via direct deposit or credit card/PayPal ($2 surcharge per membership applies). Upon successful receipt of payment, a digital membership certificate will then be emailed to the nominated email address within 3–5 business days.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for a movie at the ANU Film Group over the past year! Whether you were a new member, a long-time Film Groupie, or even just an invited guest, we hope you enjoyed the screenings and events that we put on throughout 2017.
But as they say, there’s no rest for the wicked, and we’ve already been working hard on Semester One 2018 for nearly a month! This culminated in our film selection team slogging it out for more than six hours yesterday to pull together the first draft of our new programme. It’s far from ready for public consumption, however, as there is plenty more work to do negotiating with our distributors to lock everything in over the coming weeks.
We hope to be able to share the fruits of our labour with you by early January, but in the meantime, we’re happy to report that you can begin purchasing your memberships for 2018 right now – just in time for Christmas!
Simply go to www.anufg.org.au/join
to join up for yourself, your friends, your family and all of your loved ones (and maybe even not-so-loved ones – because everyone likes movies). ANUFG memberships make for fantastic gifts that keep on giving throughout the year, and all you have to do is complete the online form with the recipient's details to purchase a membership for 2018 on their behalf.
Membership prices remain unchanged at just $70 for an Annual membership, or $40 for a Semester One membership.
Payment can be made via direct deposit or credit card/PayPal ($2 surcharge per membership applies). Upon successful receipt of payment, a digital membership certificate will then be emailed to the nominated email address within 5–7 business days.
The end is nigh – our final screening of 2017 is only one day away!
Come along and join us in closing out the screening year with an appropriately epic and long night of films to tide you over until we return in February.
And speaking of February, film suggestions for Semester One 2018 will be closing tomorrow night too, so be sure to submit your recommendations for films you’d like to see by going to www.anufg.org.au/suggestions
• SAT 25 NOV @ **7 PM**: BLADE RUNNER 2049 + FLATLINERS (2017)
In BLADE RUNNER 2049, an LAPD officer (Ryan Gosling) unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what's left of society into chaos. This discovery leads him to track down Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a former blade runner who has been missing for 30 years.
Then, in the FLATLINERS remake (at approx. 9:45 PM), five medical students obsessed by what lies beyond death embark on a daring experiment to stop their hearts for short periods, allowing them to explore the realm of the afterlife – with increasingly dangerous consequences.
.............................................................
WANTED: REVIEW WRITERS FOR SEMESTER ONE 2018
.............................................................
Much like the running of the ANUFG itself, volunteers are responsible for the film reviews that appear in our booklets and on our website. And we’re now on the lookout for people to contribute reviews for next semester’s films!
Reviews will need to be brief at between 150 and 200 words in length, and must be completed over about two weeks from mid-December to early January. This will coincide with the Christmas/New Year’s holiday period, so please only volunteer if you anticipate having some spare time around then.
If successful, volunteers will be then sent a list of films from which they can nominate the ones they’d like to write reviews for. You’re welcome to write just one review or as many as you’d like, but please note that:
1. We do not provide reviewers with payment or a copy of films.
2. Some of the films may not have not been released yet, and some creativity/research may be required in writing your review/preview of it.
3. Unsolicited reviews will not be accepted.
So if you love movies, enjoy writing, and would like something to do over the holidays, please let us know by dropping us a line at info@anufg.org.au as soon as you can. Thanks!
Tick tock… The clock is counting down to the end of screenings for the year. There may only a few more films to go, but we’re going to give you plenty bang for your buck over the next week and a bit.
This Saturday we will be screening not one, or two, but three films. First up, be sure to come along to see acclaimed Colombian director Ciro Guerra in person at at the special start time of 2 PM. We’re very lucky to have the Oscar-nominated director pay us a visit during his trip to Australia, and attend our Q&A screening of his 2009 film, THE WIND JOURNEYS. Find out more and RSVP by clicking HERE.
And don’t forget to suggest films you’d like to see on our Semester One 2018 programme by going to www.anufg.org.au/suggestions. Suggestions close next week on Saturday 25 November!
.............................................................
WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK
.............................................................
In addition to Ciro Guerra’s visit to the ANU Film Group at Saturday’s matinee screening, we also have a double feature of two very different ‘horror’ films later that evening.
• SAT 18 NOV @ **2 PM**: THE WIND JOURNEYS + Q&A W/ DIRECTOR CIRO GUERRA
A musician travels the villages of northern Colombia, playing traditional songs on his accordion, a legendary instrument said to have once belonged to the devil. When tragedy befalls him, he embarks on one final journey to return the supposedly accursed instrument to its rightful owner.
** Presented in partnership with the Embassy of Colombia **
• SAT 18 NOV @ **7 PM**: MOTHER! + AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL
In MOTHER!, a writer (Javier Bardem) and his young wife (Jennifer Lawrence) find their tranquil existence disrupted when uninvited guests arrive at their home, straining their relationship. Darren Aronofsky (REQUIEM FOR A DREAM) directs this controversial horror film that is not for the faint of heart.
Then, in AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL (at approx. 9:15 PM), former US Vice President Al Gore follows up his Oscar-winning 2006 documentary to address the progress made in tackling escalating climate change, as he travels the globe to persuade governmental leaders to invest in renewable energy.
As our 2017 screening year comes to a close, we’re down to just one double feature a week for the remainder of the month. Don’t forget to suggest films that you’d like to see on our Semester One 2018 programme by going to www.anufg.org.au/suggestions
This week’s double feature showcases two great on-screen pairings, with Emma Stone and Steve Carell facing off as rival tennis players, while Kate Winslet and Idris Elba try to stay alive in the wilderness.
• SAT 11 NOV @ **7 PM**: BATTLE OF THE SEXES + THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US
In 1973, former tennis champ and misogynist Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell) challenges world #1 tennis player and feminist Billie Jean King (Emma Stone) to a tennis match. The ensuing BATTLE OF THE SEXES became one of the most watched sports events of all time, resonating far beyond the tennis court.
Then, in THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US (at approx. 9:15 PM), two strangers (Idris Elba, Kate Winslet) must forge a connection to survive after a tragic plane crash strands them on a remote, snow covered mountain. With no one coming to their rescue, they set out on a perilous journey through the wilderness.
................................................................
‘THE WIND JOURNEYS’ + Q&A W/ DIRECTOR CIRO GUERRA ON NOVEMBER 18
................................................................
For those of you already lamenting the end of screenings for 2017, we’ve got a special treat in store: acclaimed Colombian director Ciro Guerra will be in town and attending a screening of one of his films at the ANU Film Group next Saturday!
We’ve partnered with the Embassy of Colombia, the Australian National Centre for Latin American Studies (ANCLAS) and Colombian-Australian producer Krieworks, to bring you this special one-off event screening of THE WIND JOURNEYS on Saturday 18 November starting at 2 PM.
Guerra, who is best known for his Oscar-nominated 2015 film EMBRACE OF THE SERPENT, will attend this screening of his 2009 film, which follows a musician as he embarks on a journey to return his instrument to its original owner, the man who was once his mentor.
The screening will commence at 2 PM, to be followed by a Q&A session at approximately 4:15 PM, moderated by Dr Louise Sheedy of the National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA).
This event is FREE and open to all to attend, but registration is essential and can be done via EventBrite by CLICKING HERE
Happy November, everybody! Our final month of screenings before the summer break is about to begin, and before long we’ll be beginning work on our new programme – commencing February 12, 2018!
Do you have a film that you think we should show next semester? Whether it’s a new release, an up-and-comer, or a classic favourite, let us know by completing a suggestion form at www.anufg.org.au/suggestions. If you’re feeling creative, you can even suggest themed nights or double features for us to consider.
We encourage you to submit your suggestions online, but if you wish to fill out a printed form, these are also available on request at the front desk from this week onwards.
................................................................
WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK
................................................................
Don’t forget that Semester Two memberships are only $25 until the end of the month, available at all screenings or online at www.anufg.org.au/join!
This week, you can take a comedic TRIP TO SPAIN, head back in time to post-WWII Poland for a powerful true tale, discover the life of famed poet Emily Dickinson, or check out Italy’s highest-grossing film in history. Plus, be sure to stick around on Saturday for the acclaimed and heart-warming Australia rom-com, ALI’S WEDDING.
• THU 2 NOV @ 7:30 PM: THE INNOCENTS
In 1945 Poland, a young French Red Cross doctor sent to assist the survivors of German concentration camps discovers several heavily pregnant nuns during a visit to a nearby convent. She must then find a way to provide medical assistance to the nuns without their plight being revealed. Based on a true story.
** Presented in partnership with the Embassy of Poland **
• FRI 3 NOV @ 7:30 PM: A QUIET PASSION + WHERE AM I GOING?
In A QUIET PASSION, discover the story of American poet Emily Dickinson (Cynthia Nixon) from her early days as a spirited schoolgirl to her later years as a reclusive artist struggling with the manners and convictions of her time, and whose genius was only recognised after her death.
Then, the highest-grossing Italian film of all time, WHERE AM I GOING? (at approx. 9:45 PM) tells the story of a privileged Italian public servant whose job is guaranteed for life. But when a new reformist government comes into power, he is forced to accept worsening postings in an attempt to get him to resign.
• SAT 4 NOV @ 7:30 PM: THE TRIP TO SPAIN + ALI’S WEDDING
Comedians Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon return for THE TRIP TO SPAIN, the riotous third film in the series, which sees them embark on a road trip through a foreign country, sampling restaurants, eateries and sights along the way – all while offering up their trademark impersonations and banter.
Then, in Australia’s first Muslim rom-com, ALI’S WEDDING (at approx. 9 PM), the son of a Muslim cleric finds himself caught between his sense of duty and following his heart – to follow through with his arranged marriage, or be with the girl he loves. Nominated for eight AACTA awards, including Best Film.
................................................................
SEMESTER MEMBERSHIPS NOW ONLY $25
................................................................
Can you believe that the end of screenings for 2017 is only a month away?
If you haven't already joined up, it's STILL not too late. Especially as Semester memberships (normally $40) are now discounted to just $25 until the end of the year!
Semester memberships will give you entry into all of the remaining films on our Semester Two 2017 programme, including BLADE RUNNER 2049, VICTORIA & ABDUL, BATTLE OF THE SEXES, MOTHER! and much more.
Discounted Semester memberships can be purchased at the door at any screening from this week onwards, as well as online now at www.anufg.org.au/join.
................................................................
WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK
................................................................
This week at the ANU Film Group, you can jump into action with an AMERICAN ASSASSIN, visit a Danish COMMUNE, and then end the week with two well-matched double features. On Friday, enjoy the company of unlikely friendships with VICTORIA & ABDUL and LOST IN TRANSLATION. Then, on Saturday, explore two visually spectacular fantasy worlds in VALERIAN and A MONSTER CALLS.
• TUE 24 OCT @ 7:30 PM: THE COMMUNE
When a couple inherits a vast country estate outside of Copenhagen, they establish a commune and invite friends to join them. They embrace the collective spirit of their experimental utopia – until an affair puts the community to test. Directed by Thomas Vinterberg (FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD).
** Presented in partnership with the Embassy of Denmark **
• THU 26 OCT @ 7:30 PM: AMERICAN ASSASSIN
After the death of his girlfriend at the hands of terrorists, a revenge-seeking young man (Dylan O’Brien) is drawn into the world of counter-terrorism when he is enlisted by the CIA and placed under the command of a Cold War veteran (Michael Keaton) to stop a former operative intent on starting a world war.
• FRI 27 OCT @ 7:30 PM: VICTORIA & ABDUL + LOST IN TRANSLATION
In the later years of her reign, Queen Victoria (Judi Dench) meets an Indian clerk (Ali Fazal) when he travels to England for her Golden Jubilee. The unlikely duo forge an unlikely and devoted friendship, much to the dismay of her protective and power hungry inner circle. Directed by Stephen Frears (THE QUEEN).
Then, in the acclaimed and Oscar-winning LOST IN TRANSLATION (at approx. 9:30 PM), a faded movie star (Bill Murray) and a neglected young woman (Scarlett Johansson) form an unlikely bond after crossing paths in Tokyo. Directed by Sofia Coppola.
• SAT 28 OCT @ **7 PM**: VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS + A MONSTER CALLS
In the 28th century, special operatives Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne) embark on a mission to a city where species from all over the universe have converged over centuries – and whose existence is now being threatened by a dark force. Directed by Luc Besson (THE FIFTH ELEMENT).
Then, in the visually spectacular A MONSTER CALLS (at approx. 9:30 PM), a bullied young boy finds an unlikely ally when a tree monster appears at his bedroom window one night, and aids him in coping with his mother’s terminal illness. Starring Felicity Jones, Sigourney Weaver and Liam Neeson.
** 'NO GUESTS' SCREENINGS THIS WEEK: VICTORIA & ABDUL **
This week at the ANU Film Group, we’ve got a star-studded spy sequel, a family friendly superhero film, an awesome assassin double feature, an Israeli drama about fatherhood, and Chris Evans as a hero of a different kind. Fun for all ages!
• WED 18 OCT @ 7:30 PM: OUR FATHER
A formidable Tel Aviv night club bouncer dreams of one day becoming a father, and accepts an offer to work for a gangster so that he can afford a fertility treatment for his wife. But when she gets pregnant, he finds that getting out is not as easy as it seems.
** Presented in partnership with the Embassy of Israel **
• THU 19 OCT @ 7:30 PM: GIFTED
After his sister passes away, Frank (Chris Evans) takes in his spirited young niece, who turns out to be a mathematical prodigy. But Frank's intention to give his niece a normal life are threatened when his domineering mother intervenes and tries to separate them.
• FRI 20 OCT @ 7:30 PM: THE HITMAN'S BODYGUARD + THE VILLAINESS
The world's top bodyguard (Ryan Reynolds) accepts a job to escort a notorious assassin (Samuel L. Jackson) to the International Court of Justice in a race against time, with a merciless dictator (Gary Oldman) on their trail – as long as they don't kill each other first.
Then, in THE VILLAINESS (at approx. 9:30 PM), a young girl being trained as an assassin flees to South Korea to start a new life after the death of her mentor. Years later, when figures from her past threaten to reveal her secrets, she sets out to take matters into her own hands.
• SAT 21 OCT @ **5 PM**: CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS: THE FIRST EPIC MOVIE
Two overly imaginative pranksters take things too far when they accidentally hypnotize their principal into thinking he is Captain Underpants, a ridiculously enthusiastic, incredibly dimwitted superhero. Based on the bestselling children’s book series.
• SAT 21 OCT @ **7 PM**: KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE
When their headquarters are destroyed and the world is held hostage, Eggsy (Taron Egerton) and the surviving Kingsman agents head to the US to join forces with their American counterparts. Also starring Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Halle Berry, Channing Tatum and Jeff Bridges.
** 'NO GUESTS' SCREENINGS THIS WEEK: CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS, KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE **
The global box office phenomenon – Stephen King’s IT – floats into the ANU Film Group this Friday the 13th for a horror film double feature with IT COMES AT NIGHT. Will you float too?
Plus, Steven Soderbergh’s latest crime caper on Thursday and our exclusive Canberra premiere screening tonight of THE CIRCLE, a new sci-fi thriller starring Emma Watson, Tom Hanks, John Boyega, Karen Gillan and the late Bill Paxton in his final film role.
And we’ve got an extra special treat for you on Saturday too: prior to our screening of MY LIFE AS A ZUCCHINI, our friends at the Embassy of Switzerland will be serving Mövenpick ice cream, Lindt chocolate, and other light refreshments and drinks to everyone in attendance!
Join us from 6 PM in the foyer opposite the theatre’s main entrance to meet their new Ambassador and enjoy some sweet treats before our screening of the moving Swiss animated film – Oscar nominated this year for Best Animated Feature Film.
Note that doors for entry into the theatre will only open at 6:30 PM, for a 7 PM film start. Our canteen will also be operating from this time, as well as during the interval, for your fix of popcorn, hot dogs, snacks, hot drinks and more.
• TUE 10 OCT @ 7:30 PM: THE CIRCLE
A young woman (Emma Watson) lands a dream job at a powerful technology company. As she rises through the ranks, she is tasked by the company's founder (Tom Hanks) with an experiment pushing the boundaries of ethics. Exclusive Canberra premiere screening!
• THU 12 OCT @ 7:30 PM: LOGAN LUCKY
Trying to reverse a family curse, brothers Jimmy (Channing Tatum) and Clyde Logan (Adam Driver) set out to execute an elaborate robbery – with the help of an unhinged convict (Daniel Craig) – during the legendary Coca-Cola 600 race. Directed by Steven Soderbergh.
• FRI 13 OCT @ 7:30 PM: IT + IT COMES AT NIGHT
In IT, when a shapeshifting demon taking the appearance of a clown named Pennywise begins hunting children in their small town, a group of bullied kids must band together to face their biggest fears and attempt to defeat him. Based on the novel by Stephen King.
Then, in IT COMES AT NIGHT (at approx. 10 PM), a man (Joel Edgerton) and his family have taken refuge in a desolate house as an unnatural threat terrorises the outside world. But their domestic order is thrown into chaos when a young family arrives seeking refuge.
• SAT 14 OCT @ **7 PM**: MY LIFE AS A ZUCCHINI + THE COUNTRY DOCTOR
In the powerful, Oscar nominated animated film, MY LIFE AS A ZUCCHINI, a young boy is sent to a foster home with other orphans his age after his mother disappears. There, with the help of his new-found friends, he begins to learn the meaning of trust and true love.
** Presented in partnership with the Embassy of Switzerland. Please note: MY LIFE AS A ZUCCHINI will screen in its original French language version with English subtitles **
Then, in THE COUNTRY DOCTOR (at approx. 8:15 PM), the citizens of a small French country town rely heavily on their local doctor who cares for them day and night, seven days a week. But when the doctor himself falls sick, he must consider whether he is in fact replaceable.
** 'NO GUESTS' SCREENINGS THIS WEEK: LOGAN LUCKY **
Welcome to October! The ANU Film Group has got a powerful week in store for you to kick off the new month. Get your adrenaline pumping with an action-packed double on Saturday night, your morals challenged with our American indie crime double on Friday night, your heart strings tugged by A DOG’S PURPOSE, and be outraged by the true story of DENIAL.
And if that’s not engaging enough, we will even be hosting a special panel discussion following our screening of DENIAL on Thursday, presented by ANU Law Reform and Social Justice.
DENIAL, about a legal battle for historical truth, couldn't be more timely, and ANU Associate Professors Rosanne Kennedy and Jolyon Ford will join us to discuss parallels between the film’s true story and today’s world where the line between truth and opinion is frequently blurred. Dr Kennedy is a Holocaust studies scholar who writes on trauma, memory and witnessing, while Dr Ford is a human rights lawyer with expertise in post-conflict and transitional justice.
ANU Film Group members are invited to stay for the brief panel discussion, beginning after the film concludes at approximately 9:30 PM. For non-members, the College of Law has limited free tickets available HERE
• WED 4 OCT @ 7:30 PM: A DOG’S PURPOSE
A devoted dog looks to discover the meaning of his own existence through the lives of the humans he teaches to laugh and love over the course of several reincarnated lifetimes. Starring Dennis Quaid, Britt Robertson and Josh Gad.
** Presented in partnership with Tenants Unions ACT in celebration of International Tenants Day 2017 **
• THU 5 OCT @ 7:30 PM: DENIAL + Post-Screening Panel Discussion
When a historian (Rachel Weisz) is sued for libel and taken to court by a renowned Holocaust denier (Timothy Spall), she and her legal team must battle for historical truth to prove beyond a doubt that the Holocaust actually occurred.
** Presented in partnership with the ANU College of Law + Followed by post-screening panel discussion with Associate Professors Rosanne Kennedy and Jolyon Ford **
• FRI 6 OCT @ 7:30 PM: WIND RIVER + DETOUR
In WIND RIVER, a wildlife tracker (Jeremy Renner) assists a rookie FBI agent (Elizabeth Olsen) sent to investigate the murder of a young woman found on a Native American reservation – where nature is as inhospitable as its residents.
Then, in DETOUR (at approx. 9:30 PM), a young law student (Tye Sheridan) seeking revenge blindly enters into a pact with a man who offers to kill his abusive stepfather, but quickly finds his world spiralling out of control.
• SAT 7 OCT @ **7 PM**: AMERICAN MADE + ATOMIC BLONDE
In AMERICAN MADE, a pilot-turned-drug smuggler (Tom Cruise) is recruited by the CIA in the 1980s to counter the communist threat in Central America and soon finds himself in charge of one of the biggest covert operations in history.
Then, in ATOMIC BLONDE (at approx. 9 PM) an undercover MI6 agent (Charlize Theron) is sent to Germany at the end of the Cold War to investigate the murder of a fellow agent and recover a missing list of double agents.