News Archive

July 2015

Australian Premiere of CHILD 44 on July 24

17th July, 2015

Start counting down – Semester Two screenings are less than a week away, with screenings kicking off with SAN ANDREAS on July 23!

If you haven’t already done so, be sure to check out our new programme, now uploaded in full on our website at THIS LINK.

Even if you’ve already seen it, please make sure you have another look as there have been some minor changes to the programme since it was released earlier this month.

You can also collect an up-to-date flyer at all screenings, or download it in PDF format HERE.

And if you’d like to make sure that you don’t miss a single screening, you can even add all of them (along with handy start/end times) to your calendar on your computer or mobile device in one go! Simply click HERE.

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‘CHILD 44’ – AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE AT THE ANU FILM GROUP!
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One of the recent changes to our new programme has been the addition of the EXCLUSIVE AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE screening of CHILD 44 on Friday 24 July!

That’s right – your friendly neighbourhood Film Group will be the first place in the entire country to screen the new thriller starring Tom Hardy and Gary Oldman!

Set during the Cold War in a paranoia-plagued Soviet Union, the film follows a military police officer (Hardy) who sets out to investigate a grisly series of child murders – against the strict orders of his superiors, who refuse to accept that such crimes can exist in a communist society. In addition to Hardy and Oldman, the gripping thriller also features a star-studded cast including Noomi Rapace (THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO), Jason Clarke (TERMINATOR GENISYS), Joel Kinnaman (ROBOCOP), and Vincent Cassel (BLACK SWAN).

Be sure not to miss out on this very special screening – only at the ANU Film Group!

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WHAT'S ON THIS WEEK
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This week, in our final screenings of Semester One, embrace your Divergence and embark on an dark journey with the sci-fi action film INSURGENT and submarine thriller BLACK SEA!

• Sat 18 July @ **7 PM**: THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT + BLACK SEA

In INSURGENT, Tris (Shailene Woodley) must confront her inner demons and fully embrace her Divergence in order to continue her fight against a powerful alliance which threatens to tear her world apart. Also starring Jai Courtney, Miles Teller, Kate Winslet and Naomi Watts.

Then, in BLACK SEA (at approx 9 PM), Jude Law plays a desperate submarine captain who takes on a dangerous job to search the depths of the Black Sea for a sunken submarine rumoured to be loaded with Nazi gold.

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WANTED: DOOR PERSON FOR SEMESTER TWO 2015
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Do you have an itchy trigger finger? Can you press a button? Would you like a free membership?

If the answer to any of these questions is 'yes', then you may want to know that we're currently looking for a new door person to help out next semester. And in return for completing a set number of sessions, we'll even reward you with a free membership for Semester One 2016.

Interested? Drop us a line at info@anufg.org.au ASAP!

TOMORROWLAND This Week + Win Tickets to MADAME BOVARY

11th July, 2015

Embark on a journey through time and space this week at the ANU Film Group, with two films that explore the past, the present, and the endless possibilities of what could have been.

• Sat 11 July @ **7 PM**: TOMORROWLAND + JODOROWSKY’S DUNE

In TOMORROWLAND, a teenager embarks on a mission with a jaded former inventor (George Clooney) to uncover the secrets of an alternate world where anything is possible. Directed by Brad Bird (THE INCREDIBLES).

Then, in JODOROWSKY’S DUNE (at approx. 9:15 PM), discover the greatest science fiction movie never made in this look at an ambitious – but ultimately doomed – film adaptation of Frank Herbert’s seminal sci-fi novel, Dune.

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WIN TICKETS TO ‘MADAME BOVARY’!
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Thanks to Transmission Films, we have tickets to give away to MADAME BOVARY, the new romantic drama starring Mia Wasikowska.

Based on the classic novel by Gustave Flaubert, the film tells the tragic tale of a young woman (Wasikowska) who impulsively marries a doctor to leave her family’s farm life behind. After being introduced to the world of high society, she soon becomes bored and starts seeking excitement outside the bonds of marriage.

MADAME BOVARY – which also stars Paul Giamatti, Rhys Ifans and Ezra Miller – is in cinemas now.

For your chance to win one of ten in-season double passes, all you have to do is come along to our screening of TOMORROWLAND on Saturday 11 July. The passes will be given away at the door to attendees at randomly pre-selected intervals (e.g. the 15th, 42nd, 70th person to arrive), so come along and try your luck!

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SEMESTER TWO BEGINS JULY 23
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Just in case you missed last week’s message, don’t forget to check out our brand new programme of films for Semester Two 2015!

Our new programme kicks off on Thursday 23 July with the earth-shattering disaster film SAN ANDREAS. View the rest of our upcoming line-up in PDF format HERE (213 Kb)

Semester Two memberships are now available for purchase in person at all screenings, as well as online at www.anufg.org.au/join

Semester Two 2015 Programme

4th July, 2015

It’s already July, which means that Semester Two is just around the corner… so what better time than now to reveal our brand new programme?

From ANT-MAN to AMY and MR. HOLMES to MINIONS, we’ve got all of the latest and greatest films on our new line-up. But mere words can’t convey how excited we are about our latest line-up, so why not just take a look for yourself and see?

The programme can be found in full in PDF format HERE (213 Kb)

Semester Two 2015 screenings commence on Thursday 23 July with the earth-shattering SAN ANDREAS, so mark your calendars accordingly!

Semester Two memberships are also now available for purchase online and at all screenings from tonight onwards. Semester Two memberships are $40 each and will also include entry into all of the remaining films on our current Semester One programme – which includes MAD MAX: FURY ROAD, TOMORROWLAND and INSURGENT.

To purchase your membership now, go to www.anufg.org.au/join

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50TH ANNIVERSARY MEETING ON JULY 9
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In addition to an exciting new programme, we're also working on plans for our big 50th anniversary celebrations next year!

We have extended the time period for people to make suggestions for ways to celebrate the milestone event, so if you have any ideas please let us know via email at 50years@anufg.org.au

All members are also invited to a gathering to discuss some of these initiatives, and to brain storm any others on THURSDAY 9 JULY from 6 PM in the Coombs Theatre. Be there or be square!

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WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK
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You’d have to be stark raving mad to miss this week’s screening of the highly acclaimed MAD MAX: FURY ROAD – the highest-grossing Australian film in history! Plus, be sure to stick around for the night’s second feature – ELECTRIC BOOGALOO – which is a must-see documentary for film buffs from the makers of NOT QUITE HOLLYWOOD.

• Sat 4 July @ **7 PM**: MAD MAX: FURY ROAD + ELECTRIC BOOGALOO

In MAD MAX: FURY ROAD, two rebels (Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron) embark on a high-speed journey across the desert in an attempt to restore order to their dystopian world. Directed by George Miller.

Then, in ELECTRIC BOOGALOO: THE WILD, UNTOLD STORY OF CANNON FILMS (at approx. 9 PM), discover the fascinating story of how two cousins with a passion for cinema changed the way movies were made and marketed forever.

June 2015

LEVIATHAN, EASTERN BOYS This Week + Semester Two Programme Next Week!

26th June, 2015

The acclaimed world cinema double feature of LEVIATHAN and EASTERN BOYS screens by popular demand as our Mystery Screening this week.

Next week, we’ll be revealing our brand new Semester Two 2015 programme, which will break ground on THURSDAY 23 JULY with the earthquake action flick SAN ANDREAS! For a sneak peek at more of our upcoming line-up, keep an eye on our Facebook page where we’ll be counting down to the big reveal over the next week!

• Sat 27 June @ **7 PM**: LEVIATHAN + EASTERN BOYS

In LEVIATHAN, a Russian man is told that his coastal home will be demolished and decides to fight back against his town’s corrupt mayor with some dirty tricks of his own. Academy Award nominee for Best Foreign Language Film.

Then, in EASTERN BOYS (at approx. 9:30 PM), a middle-aged man solicits a night's company from a handsome young foreigner, but his world is upended when a different – and underage – boy arrives at his door.

ANU Film Group 50th Anniversary: Ideas Wanted

18th June, 2015

Next year is the ANU Film Group’s 50th Anniversary and who better to turn to than all of you – our wonderful members – for great ideas to help celebrate this important milestone in our history!

If you have any thoughts or suggestions on what you would like to see included in the year-long celebrations, then we’d really love to hear them. You can suggest anything from a screening of a particularly significant film, to an area in the Group’s history that you’d like to know more about, or even a big special event to commemorate the occasion – like our Annual Trivia Night, for example (spoiler alert: a Trivia Night is already in the mix).

Please send through any ideas or thoughts you might have via reply email – or email us at 50years@anufg.org.au.

We will be aiming to hold a consultation session at the end of June to discuss any suggestions and our broader plans for the anniversary, so stay tuned for more details on that next week too.

What's On This Week + 50th Anniversary Ideas Wanted

18th June, 2015

Experience new worlds and go deep undercover at the ANU Film Group this week with our double feature of the visually stunning, Mexican-inspired animated film THE BOOK OF LIFE and the hilarious espionage comedy SPY, starring Melissa McCarthy!

Plus, don’t forget that our mystery screening next Saturday (June 27) will be the world cinema double feature of the Oscar-nominated LEVIATHAN followed by EASTERN BOYS. More details can be found HERE.

• Sat 20 June @ **7 PM**: THE BOOK OF LIFE + SPY

In THE BOOK OF LIFE, a conflicted dreamer sets off on an epic quest through three magical worlds to face his greatest fears and rescue his one true love in this animated comedy featuring the voices of Diego Luna, Zoe Saldana and Channing Tatum.

Then, in SPY (at approx. 8:45 PM), an unassuming CIA analyst (Melissa McCarthy) volunteers to go undercover to infiltrate the world of a deadly arms dealer and – you guessed it – save the world. Also starring Jason Statham, Rose Byrne and Jude Law.

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50TH ANNIVERSARY PLANNING: IDEAS WANTED!
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Next year is the ANU Film Group’s 50th Anniversary and who better to turn to than all of you – our wonderful members – for great ideas to help celebrate this important milestone in our history!

If you have any thoughts or suggestions on what you would like to see included in the year-long celebrations, then we’d really love to hear them.

You can suggest anything from a screening of a particularly significant film, to an area in the Group’s history that you’d like to know more about, or even a big special event to commemorate the occasion – like our Annual Trivia Night, for example (spoiler alert: a Trivia Night is already in the mix).

Please send through any ideas or thoughts you might have via reply email – or email us at

What's On This Week: SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL + THE LONGEST RIDE

12th June, 2015

Please keep in mind that THE LONGEST RIDE will screen as the second feature this Saturday, replacing the originally scheduled FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD.

Plus, in case you missed out on last week’s announcements:

- Annual memberships are now $50 ($20 off) for the remainder of the semester, so tell everyone you know and make sure they don’t miss out on a great deal for entry into all screenings to late November!

- The Film Group is one of the Local Matters groups being supported by Grill’d in the Canberra Centre, so be sure to head on down there, grab a healthy burger and support us.

- Entertainment Books are available for purchase online via our website or in person at any screening.

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WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK
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Love is in the air with star-crossed lovers, Indian weddings, intertwining romances and more at the ANU Film Group this week!

• Sat 13 June @ **7 PM**: THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL + THE LONGEST RIDE

The residents of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel find their retired bliss disrupted by arrival of new guests, while the hotel’s proprietor pursues his dream of opening a second hotel. Starring Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy and Richard Gere.

Then, in THE LONGEST RIDE (at approx. 9:15 PM), two star-crossed lovers on conflicting paths find their worlds intertwined with that of an elderly man, when they rescue him from a car accident and find inspiration in his tale of lost love.

$20 Off Annual Memberships + Support the Film Group at Grill’d!

4th June, 2015

This week marks the start of the ANU’s non-teaching period, which means that Semester One will be winding down with limited screenings from next week onwards. As a result, we’re now discounting all Annual Memberships by $20 – down to just $50 for the remainder of the semester!

This is incredible value for over 90 films between now and the end of November, including some of the biggest films of Semester One, including MAD MAX: FURY ROAD, SPY, LEVIATHAN, and TOMORROWLAND. Not to mention another 80+ films on our upcoming Semester Two programme.

So if you have any friends or family that (gasp!) aren’t already members of the Film Group, please 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 at any screening from this week onwards, as well as online at www.anufg.org.au/join

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SUPPORT THE ANUFG AT GRILL’D THIS MONTH!
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If you’ve ever had one of the awesome gourmet burgers from Grill’d, you’ll know that they run a Local Matters initiative each month, aimed at supporting community organisations. And we’re very excited that your very own ANU Film Group will be featured as one of the organisations being supported for the month of June.

So be sure to head on down to Grill’d in the Canberra Centre, grab a delicious burger, and pop your provided token into the Film Group’s jar. Not only will you be getting a scrumptious meal, but you might even be able to get us some money too. It’s a win-win!

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REMINDER: FILM SUGGESTIONS + CALL FOR REVIEWERS CLOSE ON SATURDAY
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Don’t forget to get in your suggestions for films you’d like to see on our Semester Two programme before they close on Saturday at 11:59 PM. You can do this online at www.anufg.org.au/suggestions or by filling in a printed form at the door at any of this week’s screenings.

And if you'd like to contribute to reviews for our Semester Two booklet, be sure to let us know by email at info@anufg.org.au by Saturday as well.

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GET YOUR NEW ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS NOW AND SAVE!
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If you purchased an Entertainment Book last year, you might have noticed that it’s now expired as of this week. But not to worry – you can purchase the brand new 2015/2016 Entertainment Book anytime through the ANU Film Group!

Books are available for purchase at the door at all screenings, as well as online HERE.

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WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK
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The biggest movie of the year is here – the Avengers assemble at the Film Group this week! Plus, not to be missed: an eye-opening documentary double featuring the Oscar-winning CITIZENFOUR and the highly acclaimed PARTICLE FEVER.

• Fri 5 June @ 7:30 PM: AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON

When a sentient peacekeeping program known as Ultron goes rogue, Earth’s Mightiest Heroes – including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor and the Hulk – find themselves put to the ultimate test as the fate of the world hangs in the balance.

• Sat 6 June @ **7 PM**: CITIZENFOUR + PARTICLE FEVER

In CITIZENFOUR, a journalist is contacted by an anonymous source claiming to have evidence of illegal government surveillance, and travels to Hong Kong to meet the man behind it all: Edward Snowden. Oscar winner for Best Feature Documentary.

Then, in PARTICLE FEVER (at approx. 9 PM), physicists find themselves on the cusp of either the greatest scientific discovery of all time – or their greatest failure – when they attempt to launch the Large Hadron Collider for the first time.

May 2015

Mystery Screening Winner

25th May, 2015

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MYSTERY SCREENING: ‘LEVIATHAN’ + ‘EASTERN BOYS’ ON JUNE 27
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And the winner of our mystery screening is… LEVIATHAN followed by EASTERN BOYS!

The world cinema double feature received an overwhelming majority of the votes cast by members over the past few weeks, and will now screen on Saturday June 27 starting at 7 PM.

To find out more about the films, click HERE.

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WANTED: REVIEW WRITERS FOR SEMESTER TWO
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As work begins on our Semester Two 2015 programme, we’re once again seeking volunteers to help write reviews for our upcoming booklet. So if you love movies and enjoy writing, be sure to let us know by replying to this email – or drop us a line at info@anufg.org.au – by no later than Saturday 6 June.

Reviews will need to be written in mid June. Successful volunteers will be sent a list of films from which they can nominate their preferences. You can write just one review, or as many as you wish, 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 or research may be required.

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WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK
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This week at the Coombs Theatre, Will Smith turns on the charm, Scandinavian cold cases get warm, and Stellan Skarsgård goes berserk. Plus, we screen the winner of the 2014 Cannes Film Festival’s top prize, Palme d’Or recipient WINTER SLEEP (conveniently the same week this year’s Cannes prizes were awarded).

• Thu 28 May @ 7:30 PM: FOCUS

A veteran con man (Will Smith) takes a young woman (Margot Robbie) under his wing, but breaks off their relationship when she gets too close for comfort. Years later, they cross paths again and get caught in the midst of a dangerous con.

• Fri 29 May @ 7:30 PM: THE KEEPER OF LOST CAUSES + IN ORDER OF DISAPPEARANCE

In THE KEEPER OF LOST CAUSES, a disgraced detective gets embroiled in a five-year-old cold case concerning a politician’s mysterious disappearance – an investigation that takes him deep below the polished surface of Scandinavia.

Then, in IN ORDER OF DISAPPEARANCE (at approx. 9:15 PM), a mild-mannered snow plougher (Stellan Skarsgård) seeks revenge when his son is wrongly murdered, igniting a war between vegan gangsters and the Serbian mafia.

• Sat 30 May @ **7 PM**: WINTER SLEEP

A retired actor runs a small hotel in central Turkey, where he stays with his young wife and his sister. As winter falls and harsh weather hits, the hotel becomes both a shelter and a powder keg of pent-up animosity. Winner of the Palme d’Or at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival.

Film Suggestions for Semester Two Now Open + STILL ALICE Q&A on Wednesday

18th May, 2015

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FILM SUGGESTIONS FOR SEMESTER TWO NOW OPEN!
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Thanks to all of you who submitted votes for our upcoming mystery screening on June 27. We are in the process of counting the votes, and will officially announce the winning double feature as soon as we have finalised the details.

Stay tuned... but in the meantime, why not let us know what films you’d like to see at the ANU Film Group as part of our Semester Two 2015 programme?

Whether it’s an upcoming release, something you’ve seen at the movies lately, or a beloved favourite, be sure to head over to www.anufg.org.au/suggestions to fill out a film suggestion form for next semester. Printed forms will also be available at the door at all screenings from this week onwards. Suggestions close on Saturday 6 June.

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WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK
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2015’s most successful film at the worldwide box office, the action-packed FAST & FURIOUS 7, speeds into the ANU Film Group this week! Plus, this year’s Oscar winner for Best Foreign Language Film, Tim Burton directing an unbelievably true tale, environmentalists gone bad, and supernatural sorcery rounds out the rest of the week’s offerings.

• Thu 21 May @ 7:30 PM: BIG EYES

A struggling artist (Amy Adams) finds her calling painting children with abnormally large eyes, but her claim to fame is stolen when her husband (Christoph Waltz) takes credit for her work. Directed by Tim Burton.

• Fri 22 May @ 7:30 PM: IDA + NIGHT MOVES

In IDA, a young woman on the verge of taking her vows to become a nun discovers a dark family secret that causes her to question everything she believes in. 2015 Academy Award winner for Best Foreign Language Film.

Then, in NIGHT MOVES (at approx. 9 PM), two environmental activists (Jesse Eisenberg, Dakota Fanning) enlist the help of a former soldier (Peter Sarsgaard) to execute the protest of their lives by blowing up a hydroelectric dam.

• Sat 23 May @ **7 PM**: FAST & FURIOUS 7 + SEVENTH SON

In FAST & FURIOUS 7, Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his crew find themselves hunted by a rogue assassin (Jason Statham) seeking to avenge his brother. Also starring Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez and Kurt Russell.

Then, in SEVENTH SON (at approx. 9:30 PM), an aging hunter of supernatural entities (Jeff Bridges) finds himself in need of a new apprentice to carry on his trade, and finds an unlikely candidate in a young farmer (Ben Barnes).

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‘STILL ALICE’ Q&A SCREENING – WEDNESDAY 20 MAY
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The Australian Association of Gerontology, in collaboration with the ANU Film Group, are hosting a special screening of the Oscar-winning drama STILL ALICE this Wednesday 20 May starting at 7 PM.

The screening will be followed by a Q&A (at approx. 9 PM) featuring a panel of experts from the Alzheimer’s Australia, Carers Australia and the ANU’s Centre for Research on Ageing, Health & Wellbeing. They will discuss the accuracy of the film, as well as the broader impacts of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and cognitive decline on the community.

This screening is FREE for all to attend, and ANU Film Group members are more than welcome to come along and see the film (again, or for the first time). Please note the earlier 7 PM start time for this screening.