News Archive

April 2015

PAPER PLANES Q&A – Meet the inspirations behind the film!

14th April, 2015

We’re very proud to announce that Dylan Parker and James Norton – the inspirations behind the breakout Australian film PAPER PLANES – will be in attendance at our screening of the film on Thursday 30 April for a special Q&A!

PAPER PLANES is the independent film phenomenon that has flown above all expectations to become the highest-grossing Australian film of the year. With nearly $10 million in box office takings to date, the uplifting story follows a young boy whose passion for flying takes him from regional Australia all the way to the World Paper Plane Championships in Japan. Directed by Robert Connolly, the film opened to critical acclaim this year and stars Sam Worthington, Deborah Mailman, David Wenham and Ed Oxenbould.

Dylan Parker and James Norton are Canberra-based paper plane enthusiasts whose ingenuity and passion for the art of paper plane making inspired the film. The pair first met at a University of Canberra paper plane competition in 2008, which ultimately led to them competing in the World Paper Plane Championships. Their story sparked director Robert Connelly’s imagination to make a film about the art of paper plane making. They were brought on board as on-set advisers, designed all of the planes used in the film, and even ended up making a cameo appearance.

PAPER PLANES screens on Thursday 30 April at 7:30 PM, followed by the Q&A at approximately 9:15 PM. Don’t miss out on this chance to hear their incredible story first-hand!

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WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK
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Get ready to embark on two extraordinary journeys with two unlikely heroes in this Saturday’s double feature of PADDINGTON and THE HUNDRED YEAR-OLD MAN at the ANU Film Group!

• Sat 18 Apr @ **7 PM**: PADDINGTON + THE HUNDRED YEAR-OLD MAN WHO CLIMBED OUT OF THE WINDOW AND DISAPPEARED

In PADDINGTON, a young bear from deepest, darkest Peru travels to London in search of a new home, and meets a family who offers him a temporary haven. Starring Nicole Kidman, Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins and Jim Broadbent.

Then, in THE HUNDRED YEAR-OLD MAN (at approx. 8:45 PM), dynamite expert Allan Karlson escapes from a nursing home on his 100th birthday and embarks on an unexpected journey – but it’s not Allan’s first adventure in his lifetime.

What's On This Week + Win Tickets to TESTAMENT OF YOUTH

9th April, 2015

Celebrity and cynicism run rampant in the latest films from two prolific directors: Woody Allen’s MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT and David Cronenberg’s MAPS TO THE STARS, both screening this Saturday at the ANU Film Group!

• Sat 11 Apr @ **7 PM**: MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT + MAPS TO THE STARS

In MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT, a master magician (Colin Firth) is tasked with discrediting a celebrated spiritualist (Emma Stone) who claims to be able to communicate with the other world, but finds himself falling for her instead.

Then, in MAPS TO THE STARS (at approx. 8:45 PM), take a satirical look at the dark side of celebrity as a Hollywood family chase fame and the ghosts of their past. Starring Julianne Moore, Mia Wasikowska, John Cusack and Robert Pattinson.

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WIN TICKETS TO ‘TESTAMENT OF YOUTH’!
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Thanks to Transmission Films, we have tickets to give away to the upcoming WWI drama TESTAMENT OF YOUTH.

The film tells the true story of Vera Brittain, a young woman who puts her promising life on hold to serve as a voluntary aid nurse when war breaks out in England. Experiencing the horrors of battle firsthand, she persists in continuing to support the war’s victims, even as everything she holds dear is taken away from her. Starring Alicia Vikander and Kit Harington, TESTAMENT OF YOUTH is a powerful testimony of love, war and remembrance, and will be in cinemas from April 23.

For your chance to win one of ten in-season double passes to the film, simply reply to this message – or email info@anufg.org.au – with your name, membership number (located underneath the barcode on your card), and the answer to the following question: ‘Alicia Vikander and Kit Harington also star together in an upcoming film on our Semester One programme. What is the film?’

Entries close on Thursday 16 April. Only winners will be notified via email, with prizes to be collected at upcoming ANUFG screenings.

March 2015

What's On This Week + Win Tickets to SAMBA

31st March, 2015

After an incredibly busy start to the year, things slow down a little as we head into the month of April and the university’s non-teaching period. But not to fear – April still has plenty of big films to look forward to, including PADDINGTON, FIFTY SHADES OF GREY and PAPER PLANES.

Due to the Easter long weekend, we have only one screening this week: JIMMY’S HALL, the latest film from acclaimed British writer-director Ken Loach (THE WIND THAT SHAKES THE BARLEY, THE ANGELS’ SHARE).

• Wed 1 Apr @ 7:30 PM: JIMMY’S HALL

An exiled political activist returns to his Irish hometown and reopens his town's community hall, which sparks the ire of the ruling classes and the Catholic Church.

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WIN TICKETS TO ‘SAMBA’!
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Thanks to Transmission Films, we have tickets to give away to SAMBA, the new French comedy-drama from the writer-director duo behind the feel-good smash hit, THE INTOUCHABLES.

The film follows a man (Omar Sy) who migrated to France from Senegal ten years ago, and has been plugging away at lowly jobs since. When a bureaucratic slip-up results in him being ordered to leave France for good, he seeks the assistance of a burned-out immigration officer (Charlotte Gainsbourg) to help get his life back on track.

SAMBA is in cinemas from April 2.

For your chance to win one of ten in-season double passes, all you have to do is come along to our screening of JIMMY’S HALL on Wednesday 1 April. 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!

KINGSMAN Re-screening on Sunday 29 March

23rd March, 2015

Due to a full house at our original screening of KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE, we will be re-screening the film this SUNDAY (MARCH 29) at the start time of 7 PM.

We hope that all of you who were unable to see the film last week will be able to join us for the re-screening on Sunday.

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WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK
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This year’s Oscar winners for Best Actor (THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING) and Actress (STILL ALICE) bookend a star-studded week at the Film Group. Plus, check out the latest films from directors Ridley Scott (EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS) and the Wachowski siblings (JUPITER ASCENDING). And don’t forget our re-screening of KINGSMAN on Sunday at 7 PM!

• Wed 25 Mar @ 7:30 PM: STILL ALICE

A linguistics professor (Julianne Moore) finds her relationships with her husband and three children tested when she is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's Disease. Academy Award winner for Best Actress (Moore).

• Thu 26 Mar @ 7:30 PM: JUPITER ASCENDING

A young woman (Mila Kunis) discovers her destiny as an intergalactic heiress and joins forces with a genetically engineered warrior (Channing Tatum) to reclaim her throne and restore balance to the cosmos.

• Fri 27 Mar @ 7:30 PM: EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS

Defiant leader Moses (Christian Bale) rises up against the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses (Joel Edgerton) and embarks on a monumental journey to free the Hebrew people from slavery. Directed by Ridley Scott.

• Sat 28 Mar @ **7 PM**: THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING + DUMB AND DUMBER TO

In THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING, physicist Stephen Hawking (Eddie Redmayne) and his wife (Felicity Jones) find their romance threatened by a devastating diagnosis. Academy Award winner for Best Actor (Redmayne).

Then, explore the other end of the intelligence spectrum with DUMB AND DUMBER TO (at approx. 9:15 PM), in which best friends Lloyd and Harry embark on a road trip to find Harry’s newly discovered daughter.

• Sun 29 Mar @ **7 PM**: KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE (Re-screening)

A secret spy organisation recruits an unrefined street kid into the agency’s elite training program, just as a global threat emerges from a twisted tech genius. Starring Colin Firth, Samuel L. Jackson and Michael Caine.

** PLEASE NOTE THE SPECIAL DATE AND START TIME FOR THIS SCREENING **

KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE – Full House Screening

21st March, 2015

Tonight's screening of KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE was declared a full house at approximately 6:55 PM.

In accordance with our re-screening policy, if all the seats in the theatre fill up before the advertised screening time (7 PM), the film will be re-screened. As this was the case tonight, KINGSMAN will be re-screened at a later date and time to be advised.

Please keep an eye on your email inbox and/or our website for all the details of the re-screening as soon as they are available.

KINGSMAN, THE WATER DIVINER This Week + Win Tickets to INFINITELY POLAR BEAR!

16th March, 2015

Hold on to your seats – we’ve got an action-packed week ahead at the Film Group! Take your pick from stylish spy flicks (KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE, MORTDECAI) to inspirational true tales of war (UNBROKEN, THE WATER DIVINER). Plus, Liam Neeson’s back in action in TAKEN 3 and the classic Oscar-winning epic ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT celebrates 85 years!

• Tue 17 Mar @ 7:30 PM: MORTDECAI

A debonair art dealer (Johnny Depp) races against terrorists and spies to recover a stolen painting rumoured to contain a code that leads to lost Nazi gold. Also starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Ewan McGregor and Paul Bettany.

• Thu 19 Mar @ 7:30 PM: UNBROKEN

The incredible true story of an Olympic athlete who becomes a WWII fighter pilot, only to be captured by Japanese forces after his plane crashes in the Pacific Ocean. Directed by Angelina Jolie. Nominated for 3 Oscars.

• Fri 20 Mar @ 7:30 PM: THE WATER DIVINER + ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT (1930)

In THE WATER DIVINER, a farmer (Russell Crowe) travels to Turkey after the Battle of Gallipoli to try and locate his three sons reported missing in action. Winner of 3 AACTA Awards, including Best Film. Directed by Crowe.

Then, in ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT (at approx. 9:30 PM), a young soldier comes to terms with his disillusionment after facing the horrors of WWI in this classic war epic. Oscar Winner for Best Picture in 1930.

• Sat 21 Mar @ **7 PM**: KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE + TAKEN 3

In KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE, a spy organisation recruits an unrefined street kid into the agency’s elite training program as a global threat emerges. Starring Colin Firth, Samuel L. Jackson and Michael Caine.

Then, in TAKEN 3 (at approx. 9:15 PM), former covert operative Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson) is wrongly accused of a ruthless murder he didn’t commit, and sets out to find the true killer in order to clear his name.

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WIN TICKETS TO ‘INFINITELY POLAR BEAR’
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In INFINITELY POLAR BEAR, Mark Ruffalo plays a man diagnosed with bipolar disorder who seeks to win back his estranged wife (Zoe Saldana) by assuming full responsibility for their two young and spirited daughters – who don’t make the overwhelming task any easier. Based on writer/director Maya Forbes’ own childhood experiences, the moving comedy-drama is in cinemas from March 26. And thanks to our friends at Icon Films, we’ve got 10 in-season double passes up for grabs.

To win, simply email us at info@anufg.org.au with your name, membership number (located underneath the barcode on your card) and the answer to the following question: ‘Mark Ruffalo also stars as a man struggling to control his emotions in which upcoming film on our Semester One 2015 programme?’

Entries close on Monday 26 March. Winners to be notified via email, with prizes to be available for collection at upcoming ANUFG screenings.

THE COMPETITION Q&A Screening + What's On

10th March, 2015

You’re invited to special Q&A screening of THE COMPETITION this Wednesday!

THE COMPETITION follows a young woman from a small country town with a lifelong dream of stardom and making it in the big city. When a reality TV show arrives in town to run a music competition, she sees her chance at stardom, but not before making some tough decisions about her future. A warm-hearted story of music, life and following one’s dreams, the film was shot in and around the ACT by an all-Canberran cast and crew, with a superb soundtrack from many local bands – including Owen Campbell, Chanel Cole, Julia & The Deep Sea Sirens, and more. For more information about the film, click HERE.

THE COMPETITION was written and directed by Simon Weaving, local filmmaker, Canberra Times film critic and former artistic director of the Canberra International Film Festival.

We’re very lucky to have Simon join us after the screening (at approx. 9:15 PM) for a Q&A in which he’ll discuss the film’s journey to the big screen, his experiences shooting his first feature film in Canberra, and more. So be sure to come along and avoid missing out on this unique opportunity!

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WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK
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Terrific acting is the name of the game at the Film Group this week, with some career-best work on show from the likes of Steve Carell, Channing Tatum, Jake Gyllenhaal and Tom Hardy. Plus, our encore screening of the final film in THE HOBBIT trilogy and a special Q&A screening of THE COMPETITION.

• Wed 11 Mar @ 7:30 PM: THE COMPETITION

A young woman who dreams of being a singer spots a chance at stardom when a reality TV show arrives in her small country town to run a music competition. Special event screening followed by Q&A with writer/director Simon Weaving.

• Thu 12 Mar @ 7:30 PM: FOXCATCHER

Two brothers (Channing Tatum, Mark Ruffalo) are invited by an eccentric billionaire (Steve Carell) to help train an Olympic wrestling team, propelling them towards tragedy. Nominated for 5 Oscars, including Best Actor (Carell).

• Fri 13 Mar @ 7:30 PM: THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES

With the fate of Middle Earth hanging in the balance, the races of men, elves and dwarves join forces in an epic war against the evil Sauron, as well as the deadly dragon Smaug. Final film in director Peter Jackson’s trilogy.

• Sat 14 Mar @ **7 PM**: NIGHTCRAWLER + LOCKE

In NIGHTCRAWLER, Jake Gyllenhaal plays a man desperate for work who finds his calling in the cut-throat world of freelance crime journalism: filming car crashes, murders and other mayhem for sale to the highest bidder.

Then, in LOCKE (at approx. 9 PM), a dedicated and successful family man (Tom Hardy) receives a phone call on the biggest night of his career that sets in motion a series of events that threaten his carefully cultivated existence.

THE COMPETITION Q&A Screening w/ Simon Weaving – Wednesday 11 March

4th March, 2015

You’re invited to special Q&A screening of THE COMPETITION this Wednesday!

THE COMPETITION follows a young woman from a small country town with a lifelong dream of stardom and making it in the big city. When a reality TV show arrives in town to run a music competition, she sees her chance at stardom, but not before making some tough decisions about her future. A warm-hearted story of music, life and following one’s dreams, the film was shot in and around the ACT by an all-Canberran cast and crew, with a superb soundtrack from many local bands – including Owen Campbell, Chanel Cole, Julia & The Deep Sea Sirens, and more. For more information about the film, click HERE.

THE COMPETITION was written and directed by Simon Weaving, local filmmaker, Canberra Times film critic and former artistic director of the Canberra International Film Festival.

We’re very lucky to have Simon join us after the screening (at approx. 9:15 PM) for a Q&A in which he’ll discuss the film’s journey to the big screen, his experiences shooting his first feature film in Canberra, and more. So be sure to come along and avoid missing out on this unique opportunity!

DATE: Wednesday 11 March
TIME: 7:30 PM; doors open for entry from 7 PM
VENUE: Coombs Theatre, corner of Fellows and Garran Roads, Acton (MAP HERE)

TICKETS: Available at the door from $15*

* $15 is the cost of a Weekly Membership to the Group, which will allow you entry into all films for 7 days from the date of purchase, including FOXCATCHER (March 12), THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES (March 13), NIGHTCRAWLER (March 14) and MORTDECAI (March 17).

For further details, contact us at info@anufg.org.au or call 02 6247 2425

ABOUT THE ANU FILM GROUP:

The ANU Film Group Inc. is a not-for-profit organisation that has been operating since 1966, screening over 150 feature films a year for the Canberra community – from the latest Hollywood blockbusters to foreign, independent and classic films not seen anywhere else. Located in the ANU just behind the National Film and Sound Archive, our 370-seat theatre is fitted out with full cinema set-up with a massive 8.5-metre screen, professional digital and 35mm cinema projectors, and a fully immersive digital surround sound system.

Membership of the Group is open to everyone. For more information about the Group, or upcoming screenings, please visit our website at www.anufg.org.au

AGM Tonight + WHIPLASH, AMERICAN SNIPER This Week + Win Tickets

2nd March, 2015

The ANU Film Group’s 2015 Annual General Meeting is at 6 PM TONIGHT in the Coombs Theatre!

If you’ve ever been curious about how the Group runs, or would even like to help run it, then our AGM is the place to be. You can ask all the questions you’ve always wanted to ask, find out how we did in 2014, and help elect the people who will be running the Group in 2015. Who knows… that might even include you!

All members are welcome. For more information, email us at info@anufg.org.au

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WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK
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Best Picture nominees WHIPLASH and AMERICAN SNIPER hit the screen at the Film Group this week, along with a trio of highly acclaimed films: Swedish drama FORCE MAJEURE, indie comedy-drama THE SKELETON TWINS, and Reese Witherspoon’s WILD. Plus, PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR so the kiddies don’t feel too left out!

• Tue 3 Mar @ 7:30 PM: FORCE MAJEURE

A Swedish family on a ski holiday in the French Alps survive an avalanche, but find disaster of an entirely different sort in the aftermath. Golden Globe nominee for Best Foreign Language Film.

• Thu 5 Mar @ 7:30 PM: AMERICAN SNIPER

A sniper (Bradley Cooper) lauded for his legendary kill count returns home after four tours of duty, but finds that he can’t leave the war behind. Directed by Clint Eastwood. Oscar Winner for Best Sound Editing.

• Fri 6 Mar @ 7:30 PM: WHIPLASH + THE SKELETON TWINS

In WHIPLASH, a young drummer at a prestigious music school finds himself under the wing of an instructor who will stop at nothing to realise his potential. Winner of 3 Oscars, including Best Supporting Actor (J.K. Simmons).

Then, in comedy-drama THE SKELETON TWINS (at approx. 9:30 PM), two estranged twins are prompted to reunite after ten years apart when they coincidentally cheat death on the same day.

• Sat 7 Mar @ **7 PM**: PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR + WILD

In PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR, the world’s four greatest penguin spies join forces with an underground organisation to foil an evil plot and save the world. Featuring the voices of Benedict Cumberbatch and John Malkovich.

Then, in WILD (at approx. 8:45 PM), Reese Witherspoon plays a woman who, having lost all hope, embarks on a thousand-mile hike alone. Nominated for 2 Oscars, including Best Actress (Witherspoon).

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WIN TICKETS TO ‘THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ELEANOR RIGBY: THEM’
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A young couple (Jessica Chastain and James McAvoy) in love and eager to start building their life together find their relationship disintegrating when a tragic event threatens to destroy everything that they hold close to their hearts.

Originally conceived as two separate films depicting the relationship from two points of view, THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ELEANOR RIGBY: THEM combines both perspectives into a single film to offer a unique look at the subjectivity of love.

Thanks to Transmission Films, we’ve got in-season passes to give away to see THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ELEANOR RIGBY: THEM exclusively at Dendy Cinemas from March 12. THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ELEANOR RIGBY: HIM, and HER, will be also released on Dendy Direct and iTunes the same day.

For your chance to win, simply reply to this email – or email us at info@anufg.org.au – with your name, membership number (located underneath the barcode on your card) and answer to the following question: ‘Which film character would you most like to be in a relationship with, and why?’

Entries close on Monday 9 March, with the winning entries to be picked based on creativity/entertainment value. Winners will be notified via email, with prizes available for collection at upcoming ANUFG screenings.

February 2015

BIRDMAN + BATMAN Double Feature on Saturday 28 February

24th February, 2015

Holy awesome double feature, film lovers – this Saturday the ANU Film Group will be screening newly minted Best Picture winner BIRDMAN back-to-back with Michael Keaton's BATMAN!

The timing couldn't be more perfect given BIRDMAN's big Oscar haul earlier in the week, and we're also very excited to bringing back BATMAN to the big screen for the first time in years in a brand new 25th anniversary digital restoration of the film. So be sure to come along and check out both films on the big screen at Australia's largest film society!

DATE: Saturday 28 February
TIME: 7 PM; doors open for entry from 6:30 PM
VENUE: Coombs Theatre, corner of Fellows and Garran Roads, Acton (MAP HERE)

TICKETS: Available at the door from $15*

*$15 is the cost of a Weekly Membership to the Group, which will allow you entry into all films for 7 days from the date of purchase, including fellow Oscar winners WHIPLASH (March 6) and AMERICAN SNIPER (March 5) next week.

For further details, contact us at info@anufg.org.au or call 02 6247 2425

ABOUT THE FILMS:

BIRDMAN OR (THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE) – 7 PM
MA, 119 mins (2014) Dir. Alejandro G. Iñárritu
A washed up actor (Michael Keaton) who once played an iconic superhero attempts to establish himself as a true artist by mounting a Broadway play. Also starring Emma Stone, Edward Norton, Zach Galifianakis, and Naomi Watts. Winner of 4 Oscars (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography).

BATMAN – APPROX. 9 PM
PG, 125 mins (1989) Dir. Tim Burton
Michael Keaton plays the caped crusader as he attempts to protect Gotham City from a psychotic madman known as The Joker (Jack Nicholson) in the film that kicked off Hollywood's love affair with superhero blockbusters. Screening in an all-new digital restoration of the film created for its 25th anniversary!

ABOUT THE ANU FILM GROUP:

The ANU Film Group Inc. is a not-for-profit organisation that has been operating since 1966, screening over 150 feature films a year for the Canberra community, from the latest Hollywood blockbusters to foreign, independent and classic films not seen anywhere else. Located in the ANU just behind the National Film and Sound Archive, our 370-seat Coombs Theatre is fitted out with full cinema set-up with an 8.5-metre screen, professional digital and 35mm cinema projectors, and a digital surround sound system.

Membership of the Group is open to everyone. For more information about the Group, or upcoming screenings, please visit our website at www.anufg.org.au