Let the countdown to Semester Two 2016 begin!
There’s less than a month to go until the second half of our 50th anniversary year kicks off on MONDAY 18 JULY and we’re very excited to announce that our first screening of the semester will be THE NICE GUYS, starring Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling.
Our opening screening of the hilarious ‘70s-set buddy comedy will be FREE for all to attend, and is the first of more than 80 films that we’ll be screening in Semester Two. We’ve got a truly great line-up of films and special events in store, and can’t wait to share it all with you next week when the full programme is revealed on July 2!
Want a sneak peek at our new programme? If so, head on over to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ANUFG where we’ll be counting down the days by revealing some more of what will be screening at the Film Group over the next few months.
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WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK
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Idris Elba makes a case to play the next James Bond and Bill Murray does what he does best in this week’s double feature.
• Sat 25 June @ **7 PM**: BASTILLE DAY + ROCK THE KASBAH
A CIA agent (Idris Elba) on assignment in Paris is forced to work with an American pickpocket when the young man inadvertently stumbles upon a terrorist plot against the city. The unlikely duo soon uncovers a deadly conspiracy that turns them both into targets.
Then, in ROCK THE KASBAH (at approx. 8:45 PM), Bill Murray stars as a has-been music manager who discovers a young girl with an extraordinary voice while on tour in Afghanistan, and sets out to make her a star. Also starring Kate Hudson, Zooey Deschanel and Bruce Willis.
** NOTE: Due to a release date change, BASTILLE DAY replaces the originally scheduled FREE STATE OF JONES at the same date and time **
Get X-cited – the X-Men are back at the ANU Film Group this week! Plus, Wolverine, er… Hugh Jackman in the inspirational sports comedy EDDIE THE EAGLE.
• Sat 18 June @ **7 PM**: X-MEN: APOCALYPSE + EDDIE THE EAGLE
Upon awakening after thousands of years, Apocalypse – the first and most powerful mutant to ever live – sets out to cleanse mankind and create a new world order. As the fate of the Earth hangs in the balance, only Professor X and his team of young X-Men can stop him.
Starring James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence and Oscar Isaac.
Then, in EDDIE THE EAGLE (at approx. 9:30 PM), a British ski jumper (Taron Egerton) who refuses to take ‘no’ for an answer, sets out to do the impossible by entering the 1988 Winter Olympics with the help of a rebellious coach (Hugh Jackman).
** NO GUESTS SCREENINGS THIS WEEK: X-MEN: APOCALYPSE **
No, you haven’t gone back in time – MOTHER’S DAY is tonight at the ANU Film Group. And if you prefer your family holidays more twisted, then be sure to take A BIGGER SPLASH afterwards.
• Sat 11 June @ **7 PM**: MOTHER’S DAY + A BIGGER SPLASH
In MOTHER’S DAY, mothers from all walks of life come together in the week leading up to Mother’s Day in this heartfelt celebration of motherhood from director Garry Marshall (PRETTY WOMAN, VALENTINE’S DAY).
Starring Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson, Julia Roberts and Jason Sudeikis.
Then, in A BIGGER SPLASH (at approx. 9:15 PM), the idyllic vacation of a famous rock star is disrupted by the unexpected visit of an old friend and his daughter – creating a dangerous whirlwind of jealousy and passion for everyone involved.
Starring Ralph Fiennes, Tilda Swinton, Matthias Schoenaerts, Dakota Johnson.
This week at the ANU Film Group, we screen a film about a dark period in Hollywood's Golden Age – followed by a film that could possibly mark a dark period in the career of one of its greatest actors. Come see for yourself!
Sat 4 June @ **7 PM**: TRUMBO + DIRTY GRANDPA
In 1947, Dalton Trumbo was Hollywood's top screenwriter, until he and other artists were jailed and blacklisted for their political beliefs. Determined to never give up, he sets out to expose the absurdity and injustice of the Communist blacklist by doing what he does best: writing.
Starring Bryan Cranston in his Oscar-nominated role, alongside Helen Mirren, Diane Lane, Louis C.K. and John Goodman.
Then, in DIRTY GRANDPA (at approx. 9:15 PM), Robert De Niro takes on his most outrageous role yet as a recently-widowed, perverted former army colonel who tricks his uptight young grandson (Zac Efron) into taking him to Florida for a debaucherous holiday.
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COMING SOON AT THE ANU FILM GROUP
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We may be down to two films a week for the next couple of weeks due to the university non-teaching period, but some of the year's biggest hits are among our offerings in June and July.
Keep an eye out for superhero showdowns in CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR and X-MEN: APOCALYPSE, feel-good films like MOTHER'S DAY and EDDIE THE EAGLE, as well as acclaimed films for the young and young at heart including ZOOTOPIA and THE JUNGLE BOOK.
Plus, exciting details on our new Semester Two programme coming up in the next few weeks!
Crocodile Dundee, Greek weddings, power-hungry bosses and buried secrets feature in this week’s films at the ANU Film Group. Plus, don’t forget that our Annual memberships are still $50 for a limited time so get in quick!
• Thu 26 May @ 7:30 PM: CROCODILE DUNDEE
For the third in our series of anniversary screenings, head back to 1986 to commemorate 30 years of this iconic Australian film, in which an American reporter heads into the outback to interview a legendary crocodile hunter (Paul Hogan), and invites him to accompany her back to New York.
• Fri 27 May @ 7:30 PM: 45 YEARS + 99 HOMES
In 45 YEARS, a couple receive an unexpected letter in the week leading up to their 45th wedding anniversary which contains shattering news about an incident from their past that threatens to change their lives – and their marriage – forever.
Then, in 99 HOMES (at approx. 9:15 PM), after his family is evicted from their home, a humiliated and homeless single father (Andrew Garfield) strikes a deal with the devil and goes to work for the greedy real estate broker (Michael Shannon) who evicted him.
• Sat 28 May @ **7 PM**: MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 2 + THE BOSS
They’re back! In the long-awaited MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 2, married couple Toula and Ian are living life happily ever after with their teenage daughter until they uncover a surprising family secret that reunites the whole family for yet another Greek wedding.
Then, in THE BOSS (at approx. 8:45 PM), the world’s richest woman (Melissa McCarthy) is sent to prison after she’s caught for insider trading. When she is released, she attempts to rebrand herself as America’s sweetheart by creating a girl scout brownie empire.
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WANTED: REVIEW WRITERS FOR SEMESTER TWO
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Want be a part of history and contribute reviews for the ANU Film Group’s 50th anniversary year?
As we continue working hard on our Semester Two programme, we’re seeking volunteers who would like to help write reviews for films on our upcoming programme. The reviews will be featured in the booklet that members receive upon joining up, as well as on our website.
Reviews will need to be approximately 200-250 words in length and must be completed over a period of about two weeks in early June. As the timeframe is tight, please only volunteer if you are sure that you will have time over that period to contribute.
Successful volunteers will be then sent a list of films from which they can nominate 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. The ANU Film Group does not provide reviewers with tickets to, or a copy of, films that they have been assigned to review.
2. Some of the films we are seeking reviews/previews for have not been released yet, and some creativity/research may be required.
3. Unsolicited reviews will not be accepted.
So if you love movies, enjoy writing, and would like to help out, please let us know by replying to this email – or dropping us a line at info@anufg.org.au – by no later than THURSDAY 2 JUNE. Thanks!
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WIN TICKETS TO ‘QUEEN OF THE DESERT’!
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Thanks to Transmission Films, we’ve got tickets to give away to the upcoming historical drama QUEEN OF THE DESERT, starring Nicole Kidman!
In the early 20th century, curious Gertrude Bell (Kidman) is eager to explore the world outside of England and travels to Tehran, where she commences what eventually becomes a life-long adventure. Living among the beautiful but misunderstood peoples and cultures of the Middle East, she experiences both love and loss.
Also starring James Franco, Robert Pattinson and Damian Lewis, QUEEN OF THE DESERT arrives in cinemas from June 2.
To win one of ten in-season double passes to see the film, simply reply to this message – or email info@anufg.org.au – with your name, your membership number (located under the barcode on your card) and your answer to the following question: ‘Who does Robert Pattinson play in QUEEN OF THE DESERT?’
Entries close on THURSDAY 2 JUNE with winners to be contacted via email and prizes to be collected at ANUFG screenings.
Director Jennifer Peedom joins us at the ANU Film Group this week for a screening of her acclaimed, multi-award-winning film SHERPA!
Just last week, Jennifer was awarded Best Direction in a Documentary Feature at the Australian Director’s Guild Awards, and in the same week SHERPA became only the fourth ever Australian documentary in history to earn $1 million at the local box office.
We’re very lucky to have Jennifer joining us for a post-screening Q&A discussion following our screening of her powerful film this Saturday (May 21) from 7 PM. This event is one not to be missed!
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ANNUAL MEMBERSHIPS NOW ONLY $50
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In commemoration of our SHERPA Q&A event as part of our ongoing 50th anniversary celebrations, we will be discounting Annual memberships to $50 from this week onwards.
Annual memberships will give you entry into all of the remaining films on our Semester One programme – including CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR, THE JUNGLE BOOK, ZOOTOPIA and X-MEN: APOCALYPSE – as well as the entirety of our upcoming Semester Two programme. That’s a total of more than 100 films for just $50!
So if you have any friends or family that for some reason aren’t already members of the Film Group, please be sure share this offer with them and get them along to experience the best way to see movies in Canberra!
Discounted Annuals 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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Break out the Vegemite – it’s (mostly) Australian film week at the ANU Film Group!
Begin your Film Group week with the acclaimed ensemble drama THE DAUGHTER, starring Geoffrey Rush, Miranda Otto and Sam Neill. Then prepare to face the GODS OF EGYPT in the epic blockbuster filmed in Sydney with Aussies Brenton Thwaites, Bryan Brown and Geoffrey Rush (again) alongside the likes of Gerard Butler and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau. And not to be missed: SHERPA from Canberra born-and-raised director Jennifer Peedom.
(Admittedly, we haven’t come up with an Australian connection yet for THE LAST WITCH HUNTER, although we’re sure Vin Diesel has at least visited Australia at some point. Let us know if you come up with anything better!)
• Thu 19 May @ 7:30 PM: THE DAUGHTER
A man returns home to his small logging hometown for his father’s wedding, where he inadvertently unearths a long-buried family secret. As he tries to right the wrongs of the past, his actions threaten the lives of those he left behind.
** THE DAUGHTER replaces the originally scheduled EVERYBODY WANTS SOME, which is no longer available due to a release date change **
• Fri 20 May @ 7:30 PM: GODS OF EGYPT + THE LAST WITCH HUNTER
In GODS OF EGYPT, a young mortal thief forms an alliance with the Egyptian God Horus against the merciless God of Darkness, who has usurped Egypt's throne, plunging the once peaceful and prosperous empire into chaos and conflict.
Then, in THE LAST WITCH HUNTER (at approx. 9:45 PM), a noble witch hunter is cursed with immortality and must do everything in his power to save the human race when the evil Queen Witch is resurrected in the present day. Starring Vin Diesel, Elijah Wood and Michael Caine.
• Sat 21 May @ **7 PM**: SHERPA + FILMMAKER Q&A
Director Jennifer Peedom sets out to chronicle the 2014 climbing season from the Sherpas' point of view in a documentary, but inadvertently captures Everest’s second deadliest tragedy when 16 Sherpa are killed in a avalanche that changes the mountain – and mountain climbing – forever.
Q: What do STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS, THE REVENANT, DEADPOOL, BROOKLYN and THE BIG SHORT have in common?
A: They have been the highest attended screenings so far at the ANU Film Group this year, but more importantly, they were also all films suggested by our members.
And now it’s your chance to suggest films for our upcoming Semester Two programme, commencing in late July!
You can suggest upcoming releases, films you’ve seen recently, beloved favourites, or even special screenings to coincide with our 50th anniversary. Any and all suggestions are welcome, so start racking your brains and send in your suggestions for our next programme now at www.anufg.org.au/suggestions
Printed suggestion forms will also be made available at the door at screenings from this week onwards. Suggestions for Semester Two, 2016 will close on SATURDAY 28 MAY.
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WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK
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Corrupt cops, a hunky huntsman, a wicked witch, an old lady and a teenage girl walk into a bar... Nope, this isn’t the start of an epic joke, but a look at what’s on at the ANU Film Group this week!
• Thu 12 May @ 7:30 PM: TRIPLE 9
When they are blackmailed by the Russian mob, a desperate gang of criminals and corrupt cops must execute an impossible heist by first murdering a rookie officer as a distraction for the police force. Starring Casey Affleck, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Aaron Paul, Woody Harrelson and Kate Winslet.
• Fri 13 May @ 7:30 PM: THE HUNTSMAN: WINTER’S WAR + THE WITCH
In THE HUNTSMAN: WINTER’S WAR, two elite warriors in a forbidden relationship find themselves caught in an epic war between the evil Queen Ravenna and her ice queen sister. Starring Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, Jessica Chastain and Emily Blunt.
Then, in THE WITCH (at approx. 9:30 PM), a 17th century Puritan family living alone in exile in the New England wilderness begin to break down in the face of an unknown evil when their infant son disappears and their eldest daughter is suspected of witchcraft.
• Sat 14 May @ **7 PM**: THE LADY IN THE VAN + THE DIARY OF A TEENAGE GIRL
In THE LADY IN THE VAN, comedy writer Alan Bennett forms an unexpected bond with the eccentric, homeless woman who begins living in a van parked in his driveway of his London home. Based on a true story. Starring Maggie Smith, Alex Jennings and Jim Broadbent.
Then, in THE DIARY OF A TEENAGE GIRL (at approx. 9 PM), a lonely teenage girl in 1970s San Francisco finds herself confronted with her sexuality for the first time when she enters into an affair with her mother’s boyfriend. Starring Bel Powley, Alexander Skarsgård and Kristen Wiig.
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WIN TICKETS TO ESSENTIAL INDEPENDENTS: AMERICAN CINEMA, NOW
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Thanks to our friends at Palace Cinemas, we have tickets to give away to their inaugural Essential Independents Film Festival, which showcases the past, present and future of independent cinema from the United States.
The festival runs from May 19 to June 1 at Palace Electric Cinemas, with the full programme of films and session times available at www.essentialindependents.com
For your chance to win one of five double passes to see any film of your choice at the festival, simply reply to this message – or email info@anufg.org.au – with your name, membership number (located underneath the barcode on your card) and your answer to the following question: ‘Which film are you most excited about seeing at the Essential Independents festival?’
Entries close on WEDNESDAY 18 MAY, with winners to be contacted via email and prizes to be collected at ANUFG screenings.
May the Fourth be with you! Join us in celebrating international Star Wars day with tonight's screening of ELSTREE 1976, a behind-the-scenes look at the original STAR WARS and its legacy, as seen through the eyes of extras who had their lives changed forever by the film.
Then, tomorrow night, find out why we need Batman as the ANU’s Kim Huynh explores the philosophy and pop politics of the Dark Knight. Running from 6 to 6:45 PM, this dynamic discussion is not to be missed! The talk will be followed by Batman’s latest big-screen appearance in BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE at 7:30 PM.
And last but not least, we have two brilliant double features in store for the weekend: a French coming-of-age double on Friday and our Coen Brothers/George Clooney night on Saturday. Only at the ANU Film Group!
• Wed 4 May @ 7:30 PM: ELSTREE 1976
A documentary about the making of the original STAR WARS film and the legacy it left behind, as told from the perspective of ten on-screen extras who reminisce about their time on the set and how the pop culture behemoth forever changed their lives.
• Thu 5 May @ 7:30 PM: BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE
Fearing that Superman’s god-like powers will go unchecked, Batman decides to take matters into his own hands to bring the Man of Steel down. As a clash of the titans ensues, a new and dangerous threat arises behind the scenes. Starring Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Jesse Eisenberg, Amy Adams and Jeremy Irons.
** Our screening of BATMAN V SUPERMAN will be preceded by ‘Why we need Batman: The politics, philosophy and popularity of the caped crusader’ with Dr. Kim Huynh from 6 PM to 6:45 PM. **
• Fri 6 May @ 7:30 PM: THE BÉLIER FAMILY + GIRLHOOD
In THE BÉLIER FAMILY, when sixteen-year-old Paula discovers a gift for singing, she is encouraged to participate in a singing contest – but this would require her to leave home, where she is indispensable as an interpreter for her deaf parents and brother.
Then, in GIRLHOOD (at approx. 9:30 PM), an oppressed young girl from a small neighbourhood outside Paris reinvents herself after meeting a gang of free-spirited girls. Changing her name, her clothes and quitting school, she hopes that joining the gang will be her way to freedom.
• Sat 7 May @ **7 PM**: HAIL, CAESAR! + O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU?
Set in Hollywood’s Golden Age, HAIL, CAESAR! follows a ‘fixer’ hired to keep movie stars in line, who must assist the production of an upcoming film when its leading man is kidnapped and held for ransom. Starring George Clooney, Josh Brolin, Scarlett Johansson, Ralph Fiennes, Jonah Hill, Tilda Swinton and Channing Tatum.
Then, revisit the Coens’ classic O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU? (at approx. 9 PM), in which three escaped convicts in America’s deep south in the 1930s embark on an epic journey to locate hidden treasure, while staying one step ahead of the relentless lawman pursuing them.
** ‘NO GUESTS’ SCREENINGS THIS WEEK: BATMAN V SUPERMAN, HAIL CAESAR! **
The ANU Film Group would like to take this opportunity to remind our members and their invited guests about the important of observing moviegoing etiquette during our screenings.
We all love the experience of watching a good film (or even a bad one), and the Film Group is a great place to do so with an audience of fellow film lovers. To ensure that the experience is a pleasant one for all involved, please be considerate of your fellow moviegoers by doing the following when attending screenings:
- Ensure all mobile devices are turned off or silenced during screenings
- If you must use your phone during the film, please do so outside, as the light from phone displays is very noticeable and distracting in the darkened theatre
- Refrain from talking during the film
- Clean up your rubbish and place it into the bins on your way out
- Standing or sitting against the back wall or in the aisles is not permitted for safety reasons
- Any behaviour that is disruptive to others will not be tolerated, and any members exhibiting such behaviour may be asked to leave
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WHAT'S ON THIS WEEK
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From the crass humour of Sacha Baron Cohen to the haunting Hungarian Oscar winner for Best Foreign Language Film and everything in between, you can’t deny there’s always a little something for everyone each week at the ANU Film Group!
• Thu 28 Apr @ 7:30 PM: GRIMSBY
A dimwitted English football hooligan (Sacha Baron Cohen) sets out to look for his long-lost brother (Mark Strong), unaware that he is now a deadly assassin. Reunited, they must now go on the run together to prevent a global terror attack. Also starring Rebel Wilson and Penélope Cruz.
• Fri 29 Apr @ 7:30 PM: SON OF SAUL + THE LOBSTER
In SON OF SAUL, a prisoner at Auschwitz in 1944 is tasked with burning the corpses of his own people. When he finds a body of a boy he believes is his son, he goes to extraordinary lengths to salvage it in order to arrange a proper burial. Oscar winner for Best Foreign Language Film.
Then, in THE LOBSTER (at approx. 9:30 PM), in a dystopian near future, the law dictates that single people must find a romantic partner in 45 days, or they will be transformed into animals and sent off into the woods to live. Starring Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz and John C. Reilly.
** THE LOBSTER is proudly presented by the Embassy of Ireland **
• Sat 30 Apr @ **7 PM**: GOOSEBUMPS + PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES
In GOOSEBUMPS, the author of a series of children’s horror books (Jack Black), with the aid of his daughter and their new next-door neighbour, must battle his most fearsome creations when they are unleashed from their manuscript prisons and begin terrorising the town.
Then, in PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES (at approx. 8:45 PM), Jane Austen’s classic tale is given a horrific twist when Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy and company must battle an army of zombies in 19th century England while attempting to resolve their ever-tangled relationship.
Have we got a week of screenings for you! Best Picture winners (yes, plural); cutting edge filmmaking (from stop motion animation to a film shot entirely on an iPhone); big stars (Bale, Gosling, Pitt, Stallone, Ruffalo, McAdams, Keaton, Moore, and Steve Carell – twice!) and thought-provoking true stories – you’ll find it all at the ANU Film Group this week.
• Tue 19 Apr @ 7:30 PM: TANGERINE
After being released from prison on Christmas Eve, a transgender sex worker discovers that her boyfriend/pimp has been cheating on her, and tears through Los Angeles to find the man who broke her heart in this innovative indie dramedy.
• Thu 21 Apr @ 7:30 PM: ROCKY
Head back to 1976 for the second in our Back to the Film Group anniversary series with the original ROCKY!
Written by and starring a then-unknown Sylvester Stallone, the classic film tells the underdog story of a small-timer boxer who goes the distance to fight in the world heavyweight championships. Winner of 3 Oscars, including Best Picture.
• Fri 22 Apr @ 7:30 PM: THE BIG SHORT + ANOMALISA
In THE BIG SHORT, four outsiders in the world of high finance predict the global collapse of the economy in the mid-2000s and decide to take on the big banks for their lack of foresight. Starring Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling and Brad Pitt. Oscar winner for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Then, in ANOMALISA (at approx. 9:45 PM), an author of books on the subject of customer service ironically struggles with his inability to connect to people in this unique and highly acclaimed stop-motion animated film. Oscar nominee for Best Animated Feature Film.
• Sat 23 Apr @ **7 PM**: SPOTLIGHT + FREEHELD
In SPOTLIGHT, an investigative unit of reporters at the Boston Globe uncover a scandal that rocks the city when they delve into allegations of abuse and cover ups in the Catholic Church. Starring Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams and Stanley Tucci. Winner of 2 Oscars, including Best Picture.
Then, in FREEHELD (at approx. 9:15 PM), a New Jersey police lieutenant (Julianne Moore) diagnosed with terminal cancer fights to ensure that her pension benefits are passed on to her same-sex partner (Ellen Page), after the state refuses to acknowledge their relationship.
** ‘NO GUESTS’ SCREENINGS THIS WEEK: THE BIG SHORT, SPOTLIGHT **
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COMING SOON: WHY WE NEED BATMAN
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Join us prior to our screening of BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE on Thursday May 5 to find out why our world needs Batman now more than ever.
Presented by the incomparable Dr. Kim Huynh – ANU academic, lecturer, author, and life-long Bat-fan – the dynamic discussion and talk will delve into the philosophy and pop politics of Gotham’s Dark Knight. What is it about the caped crusader that makes him perpetually cool? What does the Dark Knight reveal about our struggle for truth and justice? What does Batman have to teach us about contemporary politics and conflict? Why is he so much better than Superman?
Find out the answers to all these and more at ‘Why we need Batman: The politics, philosophy and popularity of the caped crusader’ at the Coombs Theatre from 6 PM to 6:45 PM prior to our screening of BATMAN V SUPERMAN at 7:30 PM.
For more information, click HERE!