Critical and box office hit JOKER arrives at the ANU Film Group this week – but be warned, it’s not for kids! Plus, the latest animated adventure from Dreamworks (definitely for kids), a coming-of-age sex comedy (also not for kids) and the return of John Rambo (ditto), round up the rest of the week’s offerings.
• FRI 8 NOV @ 7:30 PM: JOKER (MA, 122 mins) + RAMBO: LAST BLOOD (R, 100 mins)
In JOKER, in 1980s Gotham City, a failed stand-up comedian (Joaquin Phoenix) shunned by society finds himself descending into madness as he turns to a life of crime and chaos.
Then, in RAMBO: LAST BLOOD (at approx. 9:45 PM), John Rambo (Sylvester Stallone) embarks on one final mission of vengeance after a friend's daughter is kidnapped by a Mexican cartel.
• SAT 9 NOV @ **5 PM**: ABOMINABLE (G, 97 mins)
A teenage girl encounters a young Yeti and sets off on a journey from Shanghai to the Himalayas to reunite the magical creature with his family, in the latest Dreamworks animated adventure.
• SAT 9 NOV @ 7:30 PM: GOOD BOYS (MA, 90 mins)
Three young boys are caught up in a series of misadventures after they decide to skip school to attend a party hosted by their popular classmates in this raunchy coming-of-age comedy.
** 'NO GUESTS' SCREENINGS THIS WEEK: JOKER **
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CELEBRATE ‘YES-VEMBER’ THIS MONTH AT THE CSCC!
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You may already be aware that the ANU Film Group is one of 106 community groups participating in the Canberra Southern Cross Club’s (CSCC) Community Rewards program.
Normally, this means that if CSCC members choose to nominate the Film Group as their community group of choice, the CSCC will donate to us 7.5% of what that member spends on food and drink at any of their venues. But for the month of November, the CSCC will be *doubling* Community Rewards by giving us 15% of every dollar you spend!
So be sure to stop by and pay them a visit this month for some great food and support our fundraising efforts too – it’s a win-win!
Are you a CSCC member but haven’t yet nominated us as your group of choice? All you have to do is speak to reception at any CSCC venue or fill out this form HERE
Thanks in advance for your support!
This week at the ANU Film Group, return to Downton Abbey, explore the Far East in the 16th century and check out a double of French films featuring powerful performances from two of France’s best actresses, Juliette Binoche and Catherine Deneuve.
• THU 31 OCT @ 7:30 PM: PILGRIMAGE (108 mins)
In the 16th century, Portuguese explorer Fernão Mendes Pinto sets sail for the Far East and embarks on an epic and surreal journey spanning 20 years. Presented in partnership with the Embassy of Portugal.
• FRI 1 NOV @ 7:30 PM: DOWNTON ABBEY (PG, 122 mins)
The Crawley family and their servants prepare for a Royal visit from the King and Queen of England to their countryside manor in this feature film continuation of the popular television series.
• SAT 2 NOV @ 7:30 PM: WHO YOU THINK I AM (MA, 102 mins) + CLAIRE DARLING (M, 93 mins)
In WHO YOU THINK I AM, a divorced lecturer (Juliette Binoche) creates a fake Facebook profile but finds herself in a difficult situation when a close friend falls for the fictional woman.
Then, in CLAIRE DARLING (at approx. 9:15 PM), an eccentric millionaire (Catherine Deneuve) impulsively decides to sell all of her possessions – but each item sold stirs memories of her flamboyant past.
** 'NO GUESTS' SCREENINGS THIS WEEK: DOWNTON ABBEY **
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WIN TICKETS TO A PREVIEW SCREENING OF ‘THE REPORT’
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Thanks to Transmission Films, we have tickets to give away to a special preview screening of new true-life thriller THE REPORT!
Based on actual events, the film follows an idealistic U.S. Senate staffer (Adam Driver) who is tasked by his boss (Annette Bening) with investigating the CIA’s Detention and Interrogation Program. His pursuit of the truth leads him to uncover just how far the nation’s top intelligence agency went to destroy evidence and hide the brutal truth from the world in the aftermath of 9/11.
THE REPORT is in cinemas for a limited run from November 14, and you can check out its trailer by CLICKING HERE
Better yet, you can be one of the first to see it a preview screening next week!
Date: Thursday 7 November, 2019
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Dendy Canberra, Canberra Centre, 148 Bunda St
To go into the running to win 1 of 10 double passes to this screening, email us at info@anufg.org.au with (1) your name, (2) your membership number, and (3) tell us the title of another film starring Adam Driver screening as part of our current Summer season.
Entries will close on Tuesday 5 November at 11:59 PM, with winners to be notified via email and names to be placed on a door list on the night.
Teenagers with magic powers, the return of a cult classic, an adaptation of a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, and two special presentations of films from Cuba and Georgia – there’s plenty to see at the ANU Film Group this week!
• WED 23 OCT @ 7:30 PM: NAMME (91 mins)
In the Georgian mountains, an elderly village healer tries to convince his only daughter to follow in his footsteps in this lyrical coming-of-age fable. Presented in partnership with the Embassy of Georgia.
• THU 24 OCT @ 7:30 PM: A TRANSLATOR (107 mins)
A professor of Russian Literature (Rodrigo Santoro) is tasked with working as a translator for child victims of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster when they are sent to Cuba for medical treatment. Presented in partnership with the Embassy of Cuba.
• FRI 25 OCT @ 7:30 PM: THE GOLDFINCH (M, 149 mins)
After his mother is killed in a bombing at a New York art museum, a young boy is taken in by a wealthy family but soon finds himself drawn into a world of crime. Starring Ansel Elgort, Jeffrey Wright, Sarah Paulson, Luke Wilson and Nicole Kidman.
• SAT 26 OCT @ 7:30 PM: WEATHERING WITH YOU (PG, 112 mins) + DONNIE DARKO (M, 113 mins)
A teenage runaway meets an orphan girl with the unique ability to alter the weather in WEATHERING WITH YOU, a Japanese animated fantasy from the makers of YOUR NAME. Japan’s official submission to the Best International Feature Film category at the 2020 Oscars.
Then, in cult classic DONNIE DARKO (at approx. 9:30 PM), A troubled teenager (Jake Gyllenhaal) is plagued by visions of a man in a rabbit suit who convinces him to commit a series of crimes.
** Note: we will be screening the original 2001 theatrical version of DONNIE DARKO, not the 2004 director’s cut **
Evil clowns, singing dolls, footballers and parties – there’s all sorts of fun to be had at the ANU Film Group this week!
• THU 17 OCT @ 7:30 PM: ANIMALS (MA, 109 mins)
Two 30-something best friends living together in Dublin find their hedonistic lifestyle of partying, drinking and debauchery strained when one of them gets engaged in this acclaimed Australian-Irish look at female relationships.
• FRI 18 OCT @ 7:30 PM: IT: CHAPTER TWO (MA, 169 mins)
27 years after their first encounter with Pennywise, the now-adult members of the Losers Club return to their home town to defeat the evil clown once and for all. Starring James McAvoy, Jessica Chastain and Bill Skarsgård.
• SAT 19 OCT @ **5 PM**: UGLYDOLLS (G, 87 mins)
A misfit group of deformed, ugly toys rejected by their manufacturers must learn to embrace what it means to be different in this animated musical adventure. Featuring the voices of Kelly Clarkson, Janelle Monae, Nick Jonas and Pitbull.
• SAT 19 OCT @ 7:30 PM: DIEGO MARADONA (M, 130 mins)
A look at the career of celebrated Argentinian soccer player Diego Armando Maradona, constructed from over 500 hours of never-before-seen footage by the award-winning makers behind acclaimed documentaries AMY and SENNA.
** 'NO GUESTS' SCREENINGS THIS WEEK: IT: CHAPTER TWO **
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REMINDER ABOUT MOBILE PHONES + LOST PROPERTY
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We take this opportunity to issue a friendly reminder for all members and their guests to silence or turn off their phones and mobile devices prior to the start of the film.
In particular, please avoid using them during screenings as the light emitted by these devices can be very distracting and inconsiderate to other audience members in your vicinity. If you must use your phone, we request that you do so outside the cinema.
On a related note, don’t forget to check your seat and take all belongings – including phones, wallets, keys, clothing, cushions, food/drink containers and children – with you when you leave.
ANUFG volunteers routinely check the cinema for lost property after the end of each night, and will place any found items in our lost property box. So if you have lost anything recently, send us an email or check with the Duty Manager at your next screening and we can let you know if we have it. If the item is something of value (e.g. a wallet or mobile phone), it will usually be handed over to ANU Security for safekeeping.
It’s the second week of our new Summer programme and screenings are in full swing with Quentin Tarantino’s latest, Disney’s newest ‘live action’ remake, an Indonesian ‘Satay Western’ and a clever (and hugely successful) Argentinian rom-com. Plus, our new posters have finally arrived too!
• THU 10 OCT @ 7:30 PM: MARLINA THE MURDERER IN FOUR ACTS (93 mins)
After a young widow is attacked by gang members, she sets out on a journey of revenge and empowerment in this Indonesian neo-Western feminist thriller. Presented in partnership with the Embassy of Indonesia.
• FRI 11 OCT @ 7:30 PM: ONCE UPON A TIME… IN HOLLYWOOD (MA, 161 mins)
In the 9th film from Quentin Tarantino, a has-been television actor (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his stunt double (Brad Pitt) seek fame and success in the final years of Hollywood's Golden Age in the 1960s.
• SAT 12 OCT @ **5 PM**: THE LION KING (PG, 118 mins)
A young lion must embrace his role as the rightful king of his native land following the murder of his father in Disney's remake of their 1994 animated classic. Featuring the voices of Donald Glover, Beyonce, Seth Rogen and James Earl Jones.
• SAT 12 OCT @ 7:30 PM: AN UNEXPECTED LOVE (M, 129 mins)
A married couple decides to go their separate ways after 25 years together, but finds the reality of single life disappointing in this Argentinian romantic comedy. Presented in partnership with the Embassy of Argentina.
** 'NO GUESTS' SCREENINGS THIS WEEK: ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD, THE LION KING **
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SCREENING CHANGE: ‘MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN’ ON JANUARY 31
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We regret to inform you that a film has already fallen off the programme, just one week into our new season!
Following a distributor release date change, MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN will no longer be screening on Friday 31 January as scheduled, as the film won’t be released in cinemas now until late February, 2020.
A replacement film will be selected and announced closer to the date. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
We kick off the month of October and our new Summer programme with a powerful class drama, a touching and acclaimed film about family and Mel Gibson and Vince Vaughn in a hardboiled noir thriller. Plus, a three-day celebration of Lebanese cinema as the Lebanese Film Festival comes to the ANU Film Group!
• TUE 1 OCT @ 7:30 PM: THE PUBLIC (M, 119 mins)
During a winter storm, a group of homeless people seek shelter in a public library and refuse to leave, which soon turns into a standoff with the police.
• THU 3 OCT @ 7:30 PM: THE FAREWELL (PG, 100 mins)
A Chinese family decides to keep their grandmother in the dark about her terminal illness, but stages an impromptu wedding to gather before she dies.
• SAT 5 OCT @ 7:30 PM: DRAGGED ACROSS CONCRETE (R, 158 mins)
Two policemen (Mel Gibson, Vince Vaughn) are suspended from their jobs after a violent incident, and must turn to the criminal underworld to survive.
** 'NO GUESTS' SCREENINGS THIS WEEK: THE FAREWELL **
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LEBANESE FILM FESTIVAL: OCTOBER 4 – 6
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Now in its 8th year, the St. George Bank Lebanese Film Festival comes to the ANU Film Group in 2019!
The Lebanese Film Festival puts the spotlight on films shot or based in Lebanon, or made by Lebanese filmmakers around the world. The Canberra leg of the festival features three films, including KAIROS, the Festival’s 2019 Film of the Year award winner. The film’s director, Paul Barakat, and star Chris Bunton will be in attendance to introduce the film and answer questions in a Q&A following the screening.
All screenings are FREE and open for all to attend (no membership is required). For more information about the Lebanese Film Festival, please visit their website at www.lff.org.au
• FRI 4 OCT @ 7:30 PM: KAIROS (2019, 89 mins)
A boxer with Down syndrome finds his dreams of stepping into the ring challenged, which forces him to question the very nature of his identity. Followed by Q&A with director Paul Barakat and star Chris Bunton.
• SAT 5 OCT @ **4 PM**: WANTED (2019, 90 mins)
Four elderly residents of a nursing home decide to break out and live life on their own terms in the name of love and solidarity.
• SUN 6 OCT @ **4 PM**: GOOD MORNING (2018, 85 mins)
Two war veterans meet each morning at a Beirut café to discuss the chaotic events of the region, as they attempt to preserve their minds and avoid succumbing to Alzheimer’s.
Our first-ever Summer season begins tonight! With more than 50 films screening between October 2019 and February 2020, there's bound to be something for everyone: from JOKER to JUDY to DOWNTON ABBEY to DOCTOR SLEEP.
Check out the full listing now – with synopses, posters, cast listings and more – on our website at www.anufg.org.au/programme
Alternatively, you can download an A4-sized PDF flyer to print out and share by CLICKING HERE (107Kb). Or if you’d like to ensure you never miss another screening, import the full programme straight into your calendar of choice using the iCal file AVAILABLE HERE
Summer season memberships, along with Annual Memberships, are available for purchase at any ANUFG screening or online anytime at www.anufg.org.au/join
There’s been a slight delay in the uploading of our upcoming Summer programme to our website, but we hope to be able to share what we’ll be screening between October 2019 and February 2020 with you shortly. In the meantime, if you are attending screenings, you can peruse our programme the good old-fashioned way by picking up one of our new flyers!
For the final week of our Spring programme, don’t miss Pixar’s latest, Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham teaming up to save the world, the disturbing new horror film from the director of HEREDITARY, a Palestinian political drama, and our special commemorative screening of WEST SIDE STORY.
• WED 25 SEP @ 7:30 PM: THE REPORTS ON SARAH AND SALEEM (MA, 132 mins)
The extramarital affair between a Palestinian man and an Israeli woman takes a dangerous political turn when they are caught together in public by authorities. Presented in partnership with the Embassy of Palestine.
• THU 26 SEP @ 7:30 PM: MIDSOMMAR (R, 147 mins)
A young American couple travel to Sweden to attend a festival, but their holiday takes a sinister turn when they become involved in extreme pagan rituals in the latest horror film from director Ari Aster (HEREDITARY).
• FRI 27 SEP @ 7:30 PM: FAST & FURIOUS: HOBBS & SHAW (M, 136 mins)
A federal agent (Dwayne Johnson) and a reformed mercenary (Jason Statham) are forced to team up to stop a genetically-enhanced terrorist (Idris Elba) in this spin-off of the FAST & FURIOUS action franchise.
• SAT 28 SEP @ **5 PM**: TOY STORY 4 (G, 100 mins)
Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the gang embark on an unexpected adventure with new and old friends when they are separated during a road trip in the acclaimed fourth entry in Pixar’s beloved series.
• SAT 28 SEP @ 7:30 PM: WEST SIDE STORY (PG, 151 mins)
Two youngsters from rival New York City gangs fall in love, but tensions between their respective friends build toward tragedy in this classic 1961 musical. Winner of 10 Academy Awards, including Best
Picture.
** 'NO GUESTS' SCREENINGS THIS WEEK: FAST & FURIOUS: HOBBS & SHAW, TOY STORY 4 **
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WIN TICKETS TO ‘WEST SIDE STORY’ – THE BROADWAY MUSICAL
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This Saturday, the ANU Film Group will be screening the 1961 film adaptation of WEST SIDE STORY in commemoration of the Canberra Theatre Centre’s upcoming season of the original Broadway musical from October 10 to 27.
Tickets for the final shows of the season have just been released, so be sure to head to https://canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/west-side-story/ to get your tickets before they sell out!
Alternatively, if you’d like to try your luck, the Canberra Theatre Centre has been very generous in donating an A Reserve double pass (valued at $240) for us to give away as a lucky door prize at Saturday’s screening. All you have to do to go into the running is attend the screening and we’ll pick a
lucky winner from the attendees on the night. Don’t forget to bring your membership card!
It’s the penultimate week of our Spring programme… even though it sure feels like winter out there. We’re currently putting the final touches on our Summer programme, and will be announcing the full line-up – which will run from October 2019 to February 2020 – next week!
In the meantime, we’ve got Marvel’s latest Spider-Man blockbuster this week, along with Emma Thompson as a talk show host, a classic rom-com starring Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn, an all-star Aussie comedy-drama, the latest directorial effort from Ralph Fiennes, and an American indie inspired by the music of Bruce Springsteen.
• TUE 17 SEP @ 7:30 PM: THUNDER ROAD (M, 90 mins)
After an emotional public breakdown at his mother’s funeral, a police officer finds his entire life beginning to unravel in this award-winning indie dramedy inspired by the music of Bruce Springsteen.
• THU 19 SEP @ 7:30 PM: SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME (M, 129 mins)
While on a school trip to Europe, Peter Parker (Tom Holland) is recruited to uncover the mystery behind elemental creatures threatening the world. Also starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Samuel L. Jackson.
• FRI 20 SEP @ 7:30 PM: LATE NIGHT (M, 102 mins) + WOMAN OF THE YEAR (PG, 114 mins)
In LATE NIGHT, a legendary talk show host (Emma Thompson) attempts to revive her career by hiring her show’s first-ever female writer (Mindy Kaling), a decision which turns both of their lives upside down.
Then, in WOMAN OF THE YEAR (at approx. 9:30 PM), Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn star as rival reporters who find their relationship strained when she wins a prestigious award in this 1942 rom-com.
• SAT 21 SEP @ **5 PM**: PALM BEACH (M, 97 mins)
A group of lifelong friends reunite for a party at Sydney's Palm Beach, but it doesn't take long for tensions to mount and deep secrets to emerge. Starring Bryan Brown, Sam Neill, Richard E. Grant and Greta Scacchi.
• SAT 21 SEP @ 7:30 PM: THE WHITE CROW (M, 127 mins)
At the height of the Cold War, top Russian ballerina Rudolf Nureyev makes the decision to seek asylum in the West, despite the efforts of the KGB to stop him. Directed by Ralph Fiennes and based on the true story.
** 'NO GUESTS' SCREENINGS THIS WEEK: SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME, LATE NIGHT **
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WIN TICKETS TO 'RIDE LIKE A GIRL' – IN CINEMAS SEPTEMBER 26
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Thanks to Transmission Films, we’ve got tickets to give away to RIDE LIKE A GIRL, the inspirational new Australian drama based on the life of Michelle Payne.
All her life, Michelle Payne (Teresa Palmer) has dreamt of the impossible: winning the Melbourne Cup. Against all odds – including family tragedy and life-threatening accidents – Michelle rides on with the love of her father (Sam Neill) and brother Stevie (playing himself) for a shot at her dream.
RIDE LIKE A GIRL is in cinemas from Thursday 26 September. You can view the film’s trailer here: https://youtu.be/XaJhEeAtCnU
To go into the running to win an in-season double pass to see the film in cinemas, all you have to do is email us at info@anufg.org.au with (1) your name, (2) your membership number, and (3) tell us the title of another film starring Sam Neill that is screening at the ANUFG this week.
Entries will close on Tuesday 24 September at 11:59 PM, with winners to be notified via email and prizes to be collected at ANUFG screenings.
Canberra’s inaugural Hungarian Film Festival begins this week at the ANU Film Group!
Proudly presented with the Embassy of Hungary, this seven-day festival of contemporary and classic Hungarian cinema kicks off tonight with ETERNAL WINTER, the untold true story of more than 700,000 Hungarians who were imprisoned in Soviet labour camps during WWII.
We hope you will join us for this opportunity to see films rarely seen on the big screen in Canberra. Check out the full line-up of films – ranging from historical blockbusters to action-thrillers and family fare – below or at www.anufg.org.au/hungary2019
• MON 9 SEP @ 7:30 PM: ETERNAL WINTER (110 mins)
As WWII draws to a close, two prisoners find unlikely love at a Soviet labour camp in this untold story based on true events.
• TUE 10 SEP @ 7:30 PM: KINCSEM – BET ON REVENGE (121 mins)
In the late 1800s, a man seeks redemption on the racetrack in this blockbuster film based on the true story of the most successful race horse in history.
• WED 11 SEP @ 7:30 PM: THE WHISKEY BANDIT (126 mins)
Police in Budapest are baffled by a string of non-violent robberies over six years in the 1990s, with no clues but the scent of whiskey left lingering at the scene.
• THU 12 SEP @ 7:30 PM: MOSCOW SQUARE (88 mins)
In 1989, a group of students contemplate life after high school against the backdrop of political upheaval and the end of Communism in Hungary.
• FRI 13 SEP @ 7:30 PM: LILI (85 mins)
In 1956, a young mother flees Hungary in the midst of a revolution. Decades later, she reveals to her daughter a history of abandonment and family tragedy. Followed by Q&A with with cinematographer Zoltan Vladucz and local film historian Andrew Pike.
• SAT 14 SEP @ **3 PM**: VUK – THE LITTLE FOX (74 mins)
An orphaned young fox must learn to live alone in this moving Hungarian animated film that has been beloved for generations.
• SUN 15 SEP @ **3 PM**: CAT CITY (96 mins)
In this animated sci-fi/spy parody, a lone mouse embarks on a mission to save his civilisation from a criminal syndicate of cats determined to destroy them.
** All screenings are FREE and open to everyone (no membership, registration or tickets required). **
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WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK
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If you’re ‘Hungary’ for more than Hungarian cinema this week, we still have two other films screening on Saturday evening: a re-telling of Shakespeare’s Hamlet from a new point of view and a behind-the-scenes look at the life of Michael Hutchence.
• SAT 14 SEP @ 7:30 PM: OPHELIA (M, 106 mins) + MYSTIFY: MICHAEL HUTCHENCE (M, 102 mins)
View Shakespeare's Hamlet from a different point of view in OPHELIA, when the Queen's most trusted lady-in-waiting (Daisy Ridley) finds herself embroiled in political intrigue after falling for the young Prince of Denmark. Also starring Naomi Watts and Clive Owen.
Then, in MYSTIFY: MICHAEL HUTCHENCE (at approx. 9:15 PM), take an intimate look behind the curtain at the private life of the late INXS frontman, combining rare footage with insights from those who knew him best.