News Archive

November 2013

Thank You + Win Tickets to Dendy's Gala Screening of ENDER'S GAME!

25th November, 2013

On behalf of everyone here at the ANU Film Group, we’d like to thank all of our members and their guests for your continued support during 2013. Two full house screenings, a fantastic increase in membership sales and yet another best-attended fundraising Trivia Night are just the tip of the iceberg in what has been a challenging-but-exciting year for us.

Particular thanks must go to the many of you who responded to our member survey, offering your thoughts on the Film Group experience. We can’t thank you enough for your comments and will be working hard to ensure that we take as many of them into consideration as possible in our planning for 2014. We also plan on providing responses to some of the more frequent comments, so keep an eye out in the near future for that.

We’re already hard at work preparing for Semester One 2014 too, so be on the lookout for more information in the coming weeks on our new programme, how to pre-purchase your memberships and perhaps even some giveaways from time to time via our mailing list and our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/anufg).

Enjoy the screening break (as much as you can without the Film Group), have a great holiday period and we’ll see you all in 2014!

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WIN TICKETS TO DENDY’S GALA SCREENING OF ‘ENDER’S GAME’!
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After a hostile alien race attacks Earth and threatens to return, the military begins recruiting and training young children to prepare the next generation for battle. Ender Wiggin (HUGO’s Asa Butterfield) is a brilliant but outcast boy, who is pulled out of his school to join an elite training squad, under the supervision of the esteemed Colonel Graff (Harrison Ford). Seen as the military’s next great hope, Ender quickly rises through the ranks in a race against time that will determine the future of the human race.

Based on the best-selling, award-winning novel of the same name by Orson Scott Card, ENDER’S GAME is an epic sci-fi adventure that also stars Ben Kingsley, Viola Davis, Hailee Steinfeld and Abigail Breslin.

Thanks to our friends at Dendy Canberra, we have ten double passes to give away to their exclusive red carpet gala screening on Wednesday 4 December. The event kicks off at 6:00 PM with pre-screening drinks and canapés, with the film itself beginning at 6:30 PM.

To go into the running to win a double pass, all you have to do is 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: ‘Harrison Ford is no stranger to science fiction. Name ONE other sci-fi film that he has starred in.’

Entries close on Sunday 1 December at 5 PM. Only winners will be contacted via email, with names to be put on a door list for the event.

Last Chance: Complete our Member Survey + Suggest Films for 2014!

22nd November, 2013

Just in case you haven't already done so, this is a friendly reminder to let you know that tomorrow is your last opportunity to suggest films for next semester, and to let us know what you think about the Film Group by completing our member survey.

To suggest films, head over to www.anufg.org.au/suggestions and let us know what films you’d like to see on our Semester One 2014 programme.

To complete our member survey and have your say on things like screening start times in order to help us improve the ANU Film Group experience, go to www.anufg.org.au/survey and let us know what you think. It takes no more than 5-10 minutes to complete, all responses are anonymous, and you can even enter a draw to win one of two ANUFG memberships for Semester One 2014.

Film suggestions and the member survey will close on Saturday 23 November (tomorrow) at 11:59 PM, so be sure to get your entries in before then!

Final Week of Screenings

18th November, 2013

The ANU Film Group’s screening year for 2013 is sadly wrapping up this week, as we’ll soon be going on our annual screening hiatus until February 10 next year. So please join us in closing out the year with a bang as we screen the critically-acclaimed space thriller GRAVITY, this year’s other White House invasion action flick WHITE HOUSE DOWN, and then end the year with beloved comedy GROUNDHOG DAY before returning to do it all over again next year!

Saturday 23 November is also the last day to get in your film suggestions (www.anufg.org.au/suggestions), and to respond to our member survey for your chance to win a Semester One 2014 membership (www.anufg.org.au/survey) -- so make sure to submit yours before it’s too late!

And last, but certainly not least, we also have competitions to win tickets to the Canberra International Film Festival’s inaugural Body of Work celebration, which is bringing Hollywood mega-producer Harvey Weinstein to Canberra. Read on for your chance to win, but first, here’s what’s on for our last week of screenings!

• Fri 22 Nov @ 8 PM: GRAVITY followed by RIDDICK

Sandra Bullock and George Clooney star in critically acclaimed thriller GRAVITY as two astronauts who must work together to survive after an accident leaves them adrift in space. Directed by Alfonso Cuarón (CHILDREN OF MEN), the film is already picking up major Oscar buzz and is an absolute must-see on the big screen!

Then, in RIDDICK (at approx. 9:45 PM), a soldier-turned-fugitive (Vin Diesel) is left for dead on a sun-scorched planet and finds himself fighting for survival against both alien predators and mercenaries determined to wipe him out.

• Sat 23 Nov @ **7 PM**: WHITE HOUSE DOWN followed by GROUNDHOG DAY

In WHITE HOUSE DOWN, when the White House is attacked by paramilitary invaders, it’s up to an aspiring Secret Service agent (Channing Tatum) to protect the President (Jamie Foxx), rescue his daughter and save the country. Not to be confused with this year’s other White House invasion flick, OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN, starring Gerard Butler.

Getting a sense of déjà vu? What better way to close out the screening year than with a 20th anniversary screening of the beloved GROUNDHOG DAY (at approx. 9:15 PM) in which a jaded weatherman (Bill Murray) finds himself living the same day over and over again.

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WIN TICKETS TO BODY OF WORK!
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The Canberra International Film Festival's inaugural Body of Work celebration of Hollywood mega-producer Harvey Weinstein kicks off this weekend right here in Canberra. Comprising a series of intimate conversations, master classes, screenings, Q&As and, of course, a glitzy ball and even an Australian premiere, Body of Work will run from Friday 22 to Sunday 24 November.

The ANU Film Group is very fortunate to have been given tickets to give away to a number of these special events, so here’s your chance to score one of many prizes in this triple competition!

All three competitions close on WEDNESDAY 20 NOVEMBER at 11:59 PM so be quick if you want to be in the running to win! All winners will be contacted via email within 24 hours of closing, with prizes to be collected from the venues.

Tickets for all events are still available for purchase, and more information can be found on Body of Work’s website HERE as well as their Facebook page HERE.

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COMPETITION: WIN TICKETS TO BODY OF WORK’S SCREENING OF ‘THE SAPPHIRES’
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First up is your chance to attend Body of Work’s screening of the alternate US cut of the feel-good Australian hit THE SAPPHIRES at the National Film and Sound Archive’s Arc Cinema on Sunday 24 November starting at 10 AM.

Director Wayne Blair and producer Rosemary Blight will be on hand for an introduction as well as a post-screening Q&A to discuss the process of re-imagining the highest grossing Australian film of 2012 for an American audience. To enter, click HERE!

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COMPETITION: WIN TICKETS TO BODY OF WORK’S SCREENING OF ‘THE PIANO’
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Next, we also have tickets to Body of Work’s 20th anniversary screening of the Oscar-winning New Zealand drama THE PIANO at the NFSA’s Arc Cinema on Sunday 24 November at 1:30 PM.

Actor Sam Neill, producer Jan Chapman and At The Movies host Margaret Pomeranz will in attendance for an introduction and a post-screening Q&A to discuss the film and Harvey Weinstein's efforts to push the film for international awards recognition. To enter, click HERE!

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COMPETITION: WIN TICKETS TO THE AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE OF ‘MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM’
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Finally, we have tickets to Body of Work’s closing event, the Australian premiere of MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM at Palace Electric Cinemas on Sunday 24 November at 4:45 PM!

The highly anticipated biopic of Nelson Mandela was handpicked by Harvey Weinstein to be Body of Work’s closing event and is already picking up Oscar buzz in advance of its local release in February 2014. At the Movies host Margaret Pomeranz and South African High Commissioner HE Koleka A Mqulwana will introduce the screening, which will be followed by an after party to close out the inaugural Body of Work celebration. To enter, click HERE!

COMPETITION: Win tickets to Body of Work's screening of THE SAPPHIRES

18th November, 2013

We have tickets to Body of Work’s special screening of the alternate US cut of the feel-good Australian hit THE SAPPHIRES at the National Film and Sound Archive's Arc Cinema on Sunday 24 November at 10 AM!

Director Wayne Blair and producer Rosemary Blight will be on hand for an introduction as well as a post-screening Q&A where they’ll discuss the process of re-editing and re-imagining the highest grossing Australian film of 2012 for a different audience. The screening is followed by lunch served in the NFSA Courtyard.

For your chance to win one of two double passes to the event, simply email us at info@anufg.org.au with ‘THE SAPPHIRES’ in the subject line and your name, membership number and the answer to the following question: ‘At which international film festival did THE SAPPHIRES have its world premiere in 2012?

Entries close on Wednesday 20 November at 11:59 PM, with winners to be contacted via email and prizes to be collected at the venue.

COMPETITION: Win tickets to Body of Work's screening of THE PIANO

18th November, 2013

We have tickets to give away to Body of Work's 20th anniversary screening of the Oscar-winning drama THE PIANO at the National Film and Sound Archive's Arc Cinema on Sunday 24 November at 1:30 PM!

Actor Sam Neill, producer Jan Chapman and At the Movies host Margaret Pomeranz will be on hand for an introduction and a post-screening Q&A to discuss the film and Harvey Weinstein's efforts to push the film for international awards recognition.

To win one of two double passes to the event, email us at info@anufg.org.au with 'THE PIANO' in the subject line, and your name, membership number and the answer to the following question 'How many Oscars did THE PIANO win?'

Entries close on Wednesday 20 November at 11:59 PM, with winners to be contacted via email and prizes to be collected at the venue.

COMPETITION: Win tickets to the Australian premiere of MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM

18th November, 2013

We have tickets to give away to Body of Work's Australian premiere of the highly anticipated biopic of Nelson Mandela at Palace Electric Cinemas on Sunday 24 November at 4:45 PM!

Already picking up Oscar buzz in advance of its official release here in February 2014, the film was handpicked by producer Harvey Weinstein to be Body of Work's closing event. At the Movies host Margaret Pomeranz and South African High Commissioner HE Koleka A Mqulwana will introduce the screening, which will be followed by an after party to close out the inaugural Body of Work celebration.

To win one of two double passes to the event, email us at info@anufg.org.au with 'MANDELA' in the subject line, and your name, membership number and the answer to the following question: 'Who plays the role of Nelson Mandela in the film?'

Entries close on Wednesday 20 November at 11:59 PM, with winners to be contacted via email and prizes to be collected at the venue.

What's On This Week + Win Tickets to BLACKFISH!

12th November, 2013

This week, venture into the afterlife, laugh at the meaning of life, race a snail and go on an adventure with teenage demigods -- only at the ANU Film Group!

We’ve also got tickets to give away to Dendy’s exclusive season of the acclaimed killer whale documentary BLACKFISH. And don’t forget to fill out our member survey for your chance to win a Semester One 2014 membership -- entry forms are available at all screenings or online at www.anufg.org.au/survey

• Fri 15 Nov @ 8 PM: R.I.P.D. followed by MONTY PYTHON’S THE MEANING OF LIFE

In R.I.P.D., a recently slain cop (Ryan Reynolds) joins a team of undead police officers working for the Rest In Peace Department and is partnered with a lawman from the 1800s (Jeff Bridges) in order to find his murderer.

Then, in a special 30th anniversary screening of MONTY PYTHON’S THE MEANING OF LIFE (at approx. 9:45 PM), the Monty Python comedy troupe take a look at life in all its stages in a series of satirical and hilarious sketches.

• Sat 16 Nov @ **7 PM**: TUBRO followed by PERCY JACKSON: SEA OF MONSTERS

In TURBO, a freak accident grants a garden snail the power of super-speed, and he sets off on an extraordinary journey to achieve his life-long dream: competing in the world's fastest race, the Indy 500.

Then, in PERCY JACKSON: SEA OF MONSTERS (at approx. 8:45 PM), the son of Poseidon and his demigod friends embark on an epic quest to the Sea of Monsters to stop an ancient evil from returning.

[NOTE: Saturday’s films replace THE SMURFS 2 and GROWN UPS 2, which were originally scheduled for November 16.]

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WIN TICKETS TO ‘BLACKFISH’ -- EXCLUSIVELY AT DENDY!
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The critically acclaimed documentary BLACKFISH, which recently screened at the Canberra International Film Festival, will be screening exclusively at Dendy Canberra from November 21 and we’ve got tickets to give away!

The film tells the gripping and tragic story of a performing orca whale that killed several people while in captivity, and explores the creature’s extraordinary nature, its cruel treatment by humans and the dangers of the sea-park industry.

For your chance to win an in-season double pass to the film, simply email info@anufg.org.au with your name, membership number (located underneath the barcode on your card) and the answer to the following question: ‘What was the title of the 1993 family film that also featured a captive orca whale?’

Entries close on Tuesday 19 November at 5 PM, with winners to be contacted via email and prizes to be collected from the Dendy Canberra box office.

October 2013

Suggest Films for 2014 + Win tickets to SABRINA at Palace Electric!

28th October, 2013

Magicians, bodybuilders, surfers and more hit the screen at the Film Group this week! Plus, a reminder to suggest films for next semester, and your chance to win tickets to Palace Electric’s screening of the 1954 romantic classic SABRINA.

• Thu 31 Oct @ 8 PM: WHAT’S IN A NAME? (LE PRÉNOM)

At a dinner party, a father-to-be announces the controversial name for his future son, igniting a scandalous discussion which brings to light secrets and surprises in this award-winning French box office hit.

• Fri 1 Nov @ 8 PM: NOW YOU SEE ME followed by DRIFT

In NOW YOU SEE ME, an FBI agent tracks a team of illusionists who pull off bank heists during their performances and reward their audiences with the money.
Featuring an all-star cast including Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo and Morgan Freeman.

Then, in DRIFT (at approx. 10 PM), two brothers in 1970s Australia battle killer waves, conservative society and ruthless bikers as they kick-start the modern surf industry. Starring Xavier Samuel and Sam Worthington.

• Sat 2 Nov @ **7 PM**: PAIN AND GAIN followed by THE GUILT TRIP

In PAIN AND GAIN, a trio of bodybuilders chasing the American Dream get caught up in a kidnapping scheme that goes terribly wrong. Starring Mark Wahlberg and Dwayne Johnson. Based on a true story.

Then, in THE GUILT TRIP (at approx. 9:15 PM), an inventor (Seth Rogen) sets out to sell his latest invention, but unexpectedly finds himself on a cross-country road trip with his mother (Barbara Streisand).

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SUGGEST FILMS FOR SEMESTER ONE 2014
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Just in case you missed it in last week’s packed message, film suggestions are now open for Semester One 2014!

Whether you’d like to see new film or a beloved classic, be sure to let us know what films you want on the programme next year. Click HERE or head over to www.anufg.org.au/suggestions now to have your say, or pick up a printed form from the door at any upcoming screening. Film suggestions close on Saturday 23 November.

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WIN TICKETS TO ‘SABRINA’ AT PALACE ELECTRIC!
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Palace Electric’s second edition of their Vintage Electric series of classics continue on into November this weekend with the Oscar-winning romantic comedy SABRINA, starring Humphrey Bogart and Audrey Hepburn. Also coming up in November is Clint Eastwood’s signature role in DIRTY HARRY, classic musical OKLAHOMA, and quintessential Woody Allen film, ANNIE HALL.

Tickets are $8 for Palace Movie Club members and $10 for non-members, but thanks to our friends at Palace Electric, we’ve got two tickets to give away to SABRINA this Sunday (November 3) at 3 PM!

For your chance to win, simply email info@anufg.org.au with your name, membership number and the answer to the following question: ‘Who played the title role of SABRINA in the 1995 remake of the same name?’ Be quick -- winners to be drawn at 12 noon on Friday!

Complete our survey to win a Semester One 2014 membership!

23rd October, 2013

There’s only one month to go until our Semester Two 2013 programme wraps up, and you’ll be pleased to know that we’re already starting work on our programme for Semester One 2014!

But we can’t do it alone -- we need your help to tell us what films you’d like to see on our programme next year, as well as a little more about yourself in our new member survey. Read on for more details on both, including your chance to win a Semester One 2014 membership, but first, here’s what’s on this week:

• Thu 24 Oct @ 8 PM: THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS: CITY OF BONES

After her mother disappears, a seemingly ordinary teenager (Lily Collins) discovers that she is a descendant of a line of secret warriors tasked with protecting the world from demons.

• Fri 25 Oct @ 8 PM: BAD BOYS followed by BOYZ N THE HOOD

Our Retro Revivals series ends with a bang this week as we revisit the style-over-substance excess of the 1990s!

Director Michael Bay unleashes his signature style upon the world with his first film in 1995’s BAD BOYS, starring Will Smith and Martin Lawrence as two best friends and narcotic detectives investigating a case of stolen heroin.

Then, in 1991’s BOYZ N THE HOOD (at approx. 10:15 PM), three friends growing up in inner-city Los Angeles find themselves taking very different approaches to the difficulties they face, in this Oscar-nominated, critically-acclaimed film.

• Sat 26 Oct @ **7 PM**: STOKER followed by WHAT LIES BENEATH

In STOKER, after her father dies, a young girl (Mia Wasikowska) and her emotionally unstable mother (Nicole Kidman) are visited by a mysterious uncle who may have ulterior motives. From acclaimed Korean director Park Chan-Wook (OLDBOY).

Then in WHAT LIES BENEATH (at approx. 8:45 PM), a man (Harrison Ford) finds himself growing concerned about his increasingly unstable wife (Michelle Pfeiffer) when she starts believing that their lakeside home is haunted by a ghost.

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COMPLETE OUR MEMBER SURVEY + WIN A SEMESTER ONE 2014 MEMBERSHIP!
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Wish screenings were earlier? Want to see more of a particular type of film at the Film Group? Here’s your chance to make a difference! We want to know what you think, so we’ve put together a brief survey to find out more about our members, where they’re from, and what they think about us, all so that we can continually improve the ANUFG experience.

The survey is now available to complete online by clicking HERE or going to www.anufg.org.au/survey. Alternatively, printed copies will also be available at the door at any screening, along with a drop box for completed surveys. The survey itself takes no longer than 10 minutes to complete, so is the perfect activity while waiting for a screening to start!

Best of all, if you complete a survey before November 23, you have the option of entering a draw to win one of two ANUFG memberships for Semester One 2014!

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SUGGEST FILMS FOR SEMESTER ONE 2014
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Film suggestions are also now open for Semester One 2014, so be sure to let us know what films you’d like to see on the programme next year. Whether it’s a new film or an old classic, click HERE or head over to www.anufg.org.au/suggestions now to have your say. Printed film suggestion forms will also be available at all screenings at the door.

Film suggestions close on Saturday 23 November!

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SEMESTER TWO MEMBERSHIPS NOW ONLY $30!
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Want to see hits like GRAVITY, NOW YOU SEE ME, TURBO and WHITE HOUSE DOWN for the average price of just two tickets to your local cinema? Now you can!

From today up until the end of the year, Semester Two 2013 memberships are reduced to just $30. With plenty of films left to see -- including special anniversary screenings of MONTY PYTHON’S THE MEANING OF LIFE and GROUNDHOG DAY -- be sure to join us in finishing out our screening year with some fantastic films.

Offer valid in person at any screening, or online by clicking HERE or visiting www.anufg.org.au/join

November Screening Changes + Win Tickets to CIFF!

15th October, 2013

It’s Matt Damon week at the Film Group this week, as we screen two very different films starring the actor, along with a KICK-ASS double bill and the 1997 sci-fi classic GATTACA!

Be sure to read on to find out about what will be replacing our double feature of THE SMURFS 2 and GROWN UPS 2 on November 16, which have sadly fallen off the programme. Plus, your chance to win tickets to the Canberra International Film Festival!

• Tue 15 Oct @ 8 PM: BEHIND THE CANDELABRA

A behind-the-scenes look at the tempestuous and secret relationship between flamboyant entertainer Liberace (Michael Douglas) and his younger lover (Matt Damon). Directed by Steven Soderbergh.

[Note: this film replaces THE BLING RING, which was originally scheduled for this date and time.]

• Fri 18 Oct @ 8 PM: ELYSIUM followed by GATTACA

In ELYSIUM, the wealthy live on an idyllic space station while the poor reside on a ruined Earth. A desperate man (Matt Damon again!) takes on a daring mission that could bring equality to the polarised worlds.

Then, in GATTACA (at approx. 10 PM), a genetically inferior man assumes the identity of a superior man in order to pursue his life-long dream of space travel in this sci-fi classic starring Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman and Jude Law.

• Sat 19 Oct @ **7 PM**: KICK-ASS followed by KICK-ASS 2

Revel in the ultra-violent, foul-mouthed, spandex-clad mayhem of the KICK-ASS films as we screen both films back to back!

In KICK-ASS, an ordinary teenager (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) with no powers sets out to become a superhero. Naming himself Kick-Ass, he teams up with fellow costumed vigilantes Hit-Girl (Chloë Grace Moretz) and Big Daddy (Nicolas Cage) to take down a local drug lord.

Then, in KICK-ASS 2 (at approx. 9 PM), Kick-Ass discovers that he has inspired a new wave of masked crusaders and joins forces with an ex-mobster (Jim Carrey) to form a superhero team. Unknown to him, an enemy from his past is assembling his own league of supervillains.

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SCREENING CHANGES: ‘THE SMURFS 2’ + ‘GROWN UPS 2’ ON NOV 16
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Due to print availability issues, we regret to inform you that our upcoming double feature of THE SMURFS 2 and GROWN UPS 2 on Saturday 16 November will no longer be screening as planned.

In their place, we will instead be screening Dreamworks’ animated racing snail film TURBO followed by Greek mythology action/adventure film PERCY JACKSON: SEA OF MONSTERS.

In TURBO (starting at 7 PM), a freak accident grants an ordinary garden snail the power of super-speed, and he sets off on an extraordinary journey to achieve his life-long dream: competing in the world's fastest race, the Indy 500. Featuring an all-star cast of voices, including Ryan Reynolds, Paul Giamatti, Michelle Rodriguez and Samuel L. Jackson.

And in PERCY JACKSON: SEA OF MONSTERS (at approx. 8:45 PM), the son of Poseidon and his demigod friends embark on an epic quest to the Sea of Monsters to stop an ancient evil from returning. Sequel to 2010’s PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS: THE LIGHTNING THIEF, and based on the hit series of novels by Rick Riordan.

We apologise for any inconvenience and disappointment caused by the changes, and hope that you will enjoy the new additions to our programme.

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WIN TICKETS TO CIFF’S 'IN CONVERSATION' FILMS!
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As you probably already know, the 17th Canberra International Film Festival (CIFF) kicks off on October 30 and brings an exciting and inspired selection of unique films from around the world to the nation's capital.

This year's festival is divided into nine thematic 'strands' of films, each devoted to provoking thought and igniting discussion on a range of topics from sex, politics and religion to life, love and liberty.

Thanks to our friends at CIFF, we have tickets to give away to the festival's special series of 'In Conversation' films and Q&A discussions, which highlight a specific film from each of the nine strands while discussing their broader themes.

For your chance to win one of five double passes to an In Conversation film and the post-screening discussion of your choice, first check out the nine films on offer at their website: http://www.canberrafilmfestival.com.au/content/ciff-conversations

Then email us at info@anufg.org.au with your name, membership number and answer to the following question: 'Which of the In Conversation screenings and discussions would you most like to attend, and why?'

Entries close on Sunday 27 October at 5 PM, with the most creative/insightful entries to be selected as winners shortly after. Winners will then be notified via email, with tickets to be collected on the night. Please also note that some sessions may sell out ahead of time, and if this is the case by the time winners are drawn, winners may be required to pick another film.