Thank you to all 371 of you who came along to our opening night screening of DOCTOR STRANGE on Monday. And for those of you keeping count, yes, that was most definitely a full house!
Sadly, there were quite a few people who had to be turned away at the door before the film even started. So, as per our re-screening policy – but mostly because we don’t want anyone to miss out – we’re going to do it all over again this Sunday at 7 PM. And in case you were wondering, this screening will also be FREE for all to attend!
DATE: Sunday 19 February, 2017
TIME: 7 PM start; doors open for entry from 6:30 PM
COST: FREE!
Tickets not required. Entry is open to anyone and everyone, and on a first come, first served basis.
So whether you missed out or just want to see it again, come along and bring all of your friends to experience Marvel’s latest blockbuster on the BIG screen at the ANU Film Group.
Needless to say, we’re off to a great start for 2017. And that’s just the beginning. Here’s what’s on for the rest of the week, featuring big movies, big stars, and the first of this year’s Family Films at Five:
• Thu 16 Feb @ 7:30 PM: THE ACCOUNTANT
A mathematical genius (Ben Affleck) works as an accountant for some of the world’s most dangerous criminal organisations. But when the authorities begin to close in, he takes on a legitimate client – which proves to be more deadly than he thought.
• Fri 17 Feb @ 7:30 PM: INFERNO + BILLY LYNN’S LONG HALFTIME WALK
In INFERNO, when Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) wakes up in an Italian hospital with amnesia, he teams up with a neurologist (Felicity Jones) and together they must race across Europe to foil a madman’s deadly plot to unleash a virus on the world.
Then, in BILLY LYNN’S LONG HALFTIME WALK (at approx. 9:45 PM), a young soldier returns home for a victory tour after a harrowing battle, and discovers that the realities of war differ greatly from the public’s perception. Directed by Ang Lee.
• Sat 18 Feb @ **5 PM**: SING
In a last-ditch attempt to save his failing theatre from closure, an optimistic koala sets out to host the world’s greatest singing competition – which quickly becomes even bigger than even he could have ever imagined. Featuring the voices of Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, and Scarlett Johansson.
• Sat 18 Feb @ **7 PM**: AMERICAN HONEY
In this acclaimed coming-of-age indie drama, a teenage girl with nothing to lose joins a traveling magazine sales crew and gets caught up in a whirlwind of hard partying, law breaking and young love as she embarks on a life-changing road trip across the Midwest with the band of misfits.
• Sun 19 Feb @ **7 PM**: DOCTOR STRANGE (Free Re-Screening)
Missed out on our free opening night screening on Monday? Here’s your chance for you to come along and see it again for FREE!
In Marvel’s latest blockbuster, a talented neurosurgeon (Benedict Cumberbatch) embarks on a journey of healing after a car accident, and unexpectedly discovers a hidden world of mysticism and alternate dimensions.
** ‘NO GUESTS’ SCREENINGS THIS WEEK: SING **
You might normally hate Mondays, but February 13 is one Monday you won’t want to miss… because in just THREE short days, the ANU Film Group’s Semester One 2017 programme will be kicking off with our free screening of DOCTOR STRANGE!
And as an extra special treat for our opening night, we’ll also be giving away FREE popcorn to everyone in attendance, courtesy of our friends at Palace Electric Cinemas. If you haven't had any of Palace's award-winning olive oil popcorn, you're in for a real treat.
For drinks, lollies and other delicious treats, our trusty canteen run by the Rotary Club of Woden Daybreak will be open on Monday too. As always, all proceeds from the canteen go to charity.
It’s shaping up to be a great night, so spread the word and invite everyone you know – the more the merrier. But don’t be late, as seats are limited and only available on a first in, best dressed basis. Doors will be opening for entry from 7 PM for a 7:30 PM film start.
Not yet a member? It’s not too late to join up now to skip the queues and have your pre-made membership card ready to be picked up next week. Go to www.anufg.org.au/join now!
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IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING PRE-PURCHASED MEMBERSHIPS
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Due to expected crowds at our opening night screening on Monday, pre-purchased cards will NOT be available for collection that night. Memberships will still be available for purchase on the night, but entry to our screening of DOCTOR STRANGE on Monday is free and open to all, regardless.
Pre-purchased cards will be made available for collection from our second screening – THE ACCOUNTANT on Thursday 16 February – onwards.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Just over a week to go until the start of screenings for 2017! Have you got your membership yet?
In case you were stuck on Mars with Matt Damon, you may have missed the news that our Semester One 2017 programme has been released. And it’s one of our biggest line-ups in years, featuring no less than 94 films between February and July.
The programme is now available in full on our website at www.anufg.org.au/programme. You can even add every single screening to your computer or phone’s calendar so you won’t miss a screening ever again, by downloading the programme in iCal format by CLICKING HERE.
And if you haven’t realised that it’s already February, here’s a friendly reminder to get a move on and get your ANU Film Group membership ASAP. Memberships can take up to five business days to process, so you’ll want to allow sufficient time to ensure your pre-made cards are ready to collect in the first week back. Go to www.anufg.org.au/join to join up now!
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SUPPORT ANUFG AT THE CANBERRA SOUTHERN CROSS CLUB
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Are you a member of the Canberra Southern Cross Club? Did you know that, by nominating the ANU Film Group as your preferred community group, you can help us raise funds by just eating food?
The Canberra Southern Cross Club have generously committed to giving back to community groups like ours through their Community Rewards initiative by donating 10% of all food and beverage purchases made at any of their five locations to groups nominated by their members.
So if you’re a CSCC member, all you have to do is nominate the ANU Film Group as your preferred group either in person – or by filling out THIS ONLINE FORM – and the Club does the rest!
For more information about the CSCC’s Community Rewards program, go to www.cscc.com.au/rewards.
The Oscar nominations were announced overnight and LA LA LAND is clearly the film to beat in this year’s award race after having been nominated for a record-matching 14 Oscars. But while the nominations are exciting, we'd like to think that we've got something a little more exciting to reveal: our Semester One 2017 programme!
Featuring no less than 94 films, our brand new programme has everything that our members have loved about the ANU Film Group for the past 50 years. From the latest Hollywood blockbusters to independent and foreign films, classics, special events and beyond, there's bound to be something for everyone. Here are some highlights:
• Oscars Galore: 26 of this year's nominated films, including all nine Best Picture nominees!
• Best Foreign Film Festival: a seven-week festival of this year's Best Foreign Film Oscar submissions from a range of countries – including Germany, Iran, South Korea and more – screening every Friday in June and July.
• Family Films at Five: more family-friendly films at family-friendly start times, including THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE, MOANA and SING.
• JOE CINQUE'S CONSOLATION: Q&A screening with director Sotiris Dounoukos
• Cult Classics: the return of some unique films back on the big screen, including BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER and THE LIFE AQUATIC WITH STEVE ZISSOU.
• Plus much, much more!
So without further ado, we proudly present our programme for Semester One 2017: CLICK HERE (PDF, 229 KB)
We hope that you’ll all be as excited about the programme as we are. Semester One officially kicks off on Monday 13 February with a free screening of DOCTOR STRANGE, so make sure you save the date and invite everyone you know along to check out the best way to see movies in Canberra.
And if you were waiting on a programme before joining up, you now have no excuse. Go to www.anufg.org.au/join to sign up now!
Thank you to everyone who came along and attended a screening or one of our many events throughout our 50th anniversary year. We certainly wouldn’t have hit 50 years without your ongoing support, and look forward to doing it all over again next year.
We’ll be back in touch in early 2017 with more news about our upcoming Semester One programme, which will kick off on Monday 13 February. So save the date and stay tuned…
Until then, on behalf of everyone here at the ANU Film Group, we hope that you all have a safe, relaxing, and film-filled holiday break!
Have you missed us?
Ever since screenings for our 50th anniversary year ended on November 19 with our closing night mystery screening of the incredible HACKSAW RIDGE, we’ve been squirreled away and working hard on preparations for Semester One 2017. And while our new programme is still far from completion, we’re pleased to announce that 2017 memberships are now available for pre-purchase!
Why not get a jump on 2017 by ticking one thing off of your to-do list for next year by securing your ANU Film Group membership? Christmas is coming up too, and just in case you weren’t aware, ANUFG memberships are quite literally a gift that will keep on giving with regular screenings between February and November 2017. Where else can you get a whole year’s worth of movies for just $70?
Sign up for yourself, your friends, your family and all of your loved ones right now by going to www.anufg.org.au/join
Membership prices remain unchanged at $70 for an Annual and $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, digital membership certificates will then be emailed to the nominated email address provided within 5–7 business days.
Tonight we welcome the one and only DAVID STRATTON to the ANU Film Group for a special Q&A event at the earlier start time of 6:30 PM.
Doors will open from 6 PM for entry, but we do expect it to be a busy night, so make sure you get along early to avoid missing out! Our canteen will also be open from 6 PM for you to get your fill of hot dogs, popcorn, drinks and lollies – with all proceeds going to charity as always.
The night’s scheduled films – THE WAIT and LOOKING FOR GRACE – will then follow after the Q&A at approximately 7:30 PM.
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WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK
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In the penultimate week of our 50th year, we bring you David Stratton (in person) along with the likes of Mark Wahlberg, Kurt Russell, Kate Hudson, Juliette Binoche, Jonah Hill, Miles Teller, Radha Mitchell and Richard Roxburgh (sadly, only on the big screen). Then, next week, a Tom Cruise double feature and our very special closing event!
• Fri 11 Nov @ **6:30 PM**: IN CONVERSATION WITH DAVID STRATTON
The legendary David Stratton – renowned film critic, TV personality and champion of film societies – will be making an exclusive appearance in person at the ANU Film Group to chat with members about all things film!
• Fri 11 Nov @ 7:30 PM: THE WAIT + LOOKING FOR GRACE
In French/Italian drama THE WAIT, a mother (Juliette Binoche) receives an unexpected visit at her villa in Sicily by her son’s fiancée, who has arrived to spend the holidays with him and his family. She invites his fiancée in to stay and gets to know her as they wait for him to arrive.
Then, in LOOKING FOR GRACE (at approx. 9:15 PM), a husband and wife (Richard Roxburgh, Radha Mitchell) set out to locate their rebellious 16-year-old daughter after she disappears. As their search leads them into the country, the couple must confront the realities of their changing relationship.
• Sat 12 Oct @ **7 PM**: DEEPWATER HORIZON + WAR DOGS
In DEEPWATER HORIZON, experience the harrowing true story of the ordinary men and women who were put to the ultimate test when an offshore drilling rig exploded on the Gulf of Mexico in 2010, creating the worst oil spill in history. Starring Mark Wahlberg, Kurt Russell, John Malkovich and Kate Hudson.
Then, in WAR DOGS (at approx. 9 PM), two young men (Jonah Hill, Miles Teller) manage to secure a $300 million government contract to supply weapons for U.S. allies in Afghanistan – but they soon find themselves in over their heads when trouble arises both abroad and back home.
** ‘NO GUESTS’ SCREENINGS THIS WEEK: DEEPWATER HORIZON **
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END OF YEAR REMINDERS
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There are lots of things going on as our 50th year comes to a close, so here are some friendly reminders to ensure you don’t miss out on anything:
• FILM SUGGESTIONS – suggest films that you’d like to see on our programme for Semester One 2017 by filling in a form either at screenings or at www.anufg.org.au/suggestions. Suggestions close on November 19.
• END OF YEAR RAFFLE – win one of many prizes, including accommodation at Corrigan’s Coast and dining and shopping vouchers. $2 for 1 ticket or $5 for 3 tickets. Winners drawn at Closing Night Event on November 19.
• CLOSING EVENT – join us on Saturday 19 November from 6:30 PM for light refreshments prior to a 7 PM screening of a mystery film that’s so new that we’re not allowed to announce it prior to the night.
In less than 10 days, the ANU Film Group’s 50th year will sadly be coming to a close. We hope you agree that it’s been a tremendous year with no shortage of special guests and events to celebrate us turning the big 5-0… but we’re not done yet!
In fact, coming up in the remaining days of our Semester Two programme are two of our most exciting events yet:
FRIDAY 11 NOVEMBER @ 6:30 PM – IN CONVERSATION WITH DAVID STRATTON
David Stratton – renowned film critic, TV personality and lifelong champion of film societies – will be making an exclusive appearance in person at the ANU Film Group on Friday 11 November to chat with Film Group members about all things film!
This Q&A event will commence at the earlier start time of 6:30 PM, with the night’s scheduled films – THE WAIT and LOOKING FOR GRACE – following at approximately 7:30 PM.
SATURDAY 19 NOVEMBER @ 7 PM – 50TH ANNIVERSARY CLOSING EVENT
To end our 50th year with a bang, we’ve secured something extra special: a screening of a brand new blockbuster straight off its release into cinemas. But there’s a catch – because this film is so new, we’re not allowed to reveal what it is until the night itself!
What we are allowed say is that the film has received critical acclaim from reviewers all around the world, and features an all-star ensemble cast of top-notch international actors. And you definitely won’t be disappointed by it!
Plus, just in case that wasn’t enough to entice you to come along to close out 2016 with us, we will also be serving complimentary light refreshments to everyone in attendance prior to the film as well.
So come along and join us on Saturday 19 November to experience a very special first for the ANU Film Group with a film screening well in advance of when we would normally be allowed to screen it. Doors will open and refreshments will be served from 6:30 PM, with the film starting at approximately 7 PM. Please note that there will be no second feature on this night.
Two very exciting events, with only days to go until the end of our 50th year. Make sure you save both of these dates and don’t miss out!
We’re incredibly excited to announce that next Friday, on November 11th, the one and only David Stratton will be making a very special visit to the ANU Film Group for an exclusive Q&A to chat about all things film as part of our ongoing 50th anniversary celebrations.
While most know David as a renowned film critic and TV personality, fewer people may know that he is an avid champion of film societies. In fact, he founded a film society himself at the age of 19 while growing up in England, and has been actively involved with the Australian film society movement since moving here in 1963.
He last paid a visit to the ANU Film Group in 2003 for our very own ‘David Stratton Night’ when we screened two films that were selected by David himself, and we couldn't be more pleased that he is able to join us again in celebrating our 50th year.
This bonus Q&A event will commence at the special, earlier start time of 6:30 PM, with doors opening from 6 PM for entry. The night's scheduled films – THE WAIT and LOOKING FOR GRACE – will then follow at the unchanged start time of 7:30 PM.
Mark your calendars – you really don't want to miss this. Five stars!
There are only four weeks of screenings left until the end of our 2016 programme, so naturally, it’s time to start looking forward to Semester One 2017!
What upcoming films are you most excited about? A return to the worlds of Star Wars and Harry Potter with ROGUE ONE or FANTASTIC BEASTS? Superheroic antics with the likes of DOCTOR STRANGE or LOGAN? Prospective Oscars hopefuls like LA LA LAND or Martin Scorsese’s SILENCE?
The choice is yours! Go to www.anufg.org.au/suggestions to suggest films for our next programme. Printed forms are also available at all screenings until the end of the year.
Suggestions will close on Saturday 19 November at 11:59 PM.
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SEMESTER MEMBERSHIPS NOW ONLY $25
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With our 2016 programme coming to an end, Semester memberships (normally $40) have now been 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 programme – including THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS, JACK REACHER: NEVER GO BACK, BRIDGET JONES’S DIARY and MISS PEREGRINE’S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN – as well as our yet-to-be-announced 50th Anniversary Closing event (more details on that to come next week!).
Discounted Semester memberships can be purchased at the door prior to any screening from this week onwards, as well as online at www.anufg.org.au/join
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WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK
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With only four weeks of screening left, you don't want to be missing any of the remaining films on our programme. This week, magical corpses, talking animals and the return of the one and only Bridget Jones make for a zany and entertaining week at the ANU Film Group.
• Fri 28 Oct @ 7:30 PM: SWISS ARMY MAN + A PERFECT DAY
In the weirdly wonderful SWISS ARMY MAN, a man (Paul Dano) marooned on an island discovers a corpse (Daniel Radcliffe) washed up on the beach and befriends it. He soon finds that his new friend possesses a myriad of supernatural powers and together they embark on a surreal journey home.
Then, in A PERFECT DAY (at approx. 9:15 PM), a group of international aid workers must work to resolve a crisis in an armed conflict zone when they attempt to retrieve a corpse from a well in war-torn former Yugoslavia. Starring Benecio de Toro, Tim Robbins and Olga Kurylenko.
• Sat 29 Oct @ **5 PM**: THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS
In this box office hit from the humans behind DESPICABLE ME, Max the terrier finds his world turned upside down when he discovers that an adorable white bunny named Snowball is deviously assembling an army of abandoned pets in order to take revenge on all happily-owned pets and their owners.
• Sat 29 Oct @ **7 PM**: BRIDGET JONES’S BABY
Forty-something and single again, Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger) decides to focus on her job and surround herself with old friends and new. But in an unlikely twist she finds herself pregnant, with one hitch: she doesn’t know who the father is. Also starring Colin Firth, Patrick Dempsey and Emma Thompson.
** ‘NO GUESTS’ SCREENINGS THIS WEEK: THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS, BRIDGET JONES’S BABY **