This week at the ANU Film Group, we have two very different depictions of war (THE KING’S CHOICE, 12 STRONG), Wes Anderson’s return to animation (ISLE OF DOGS), a modern take on the high school rom-com (LOVE, SIMON) and an edge-of-your-seat thriller double feature (THE COMMUTER, WINCHESTER). Plus, read on for details on two bonus screenings we are hosting this month!
• WED 16 MAY @ 7:30 PM: THE KING’S CHOICE (M, 130 min)
In April 1940, King Haakon VII of Norway is presented with an unimaginable ultimatum from the German armed forces: surrender his country and his people, or face certain death from the Nazi war machine. Based on a true story.
** Presented in partnership with the Royal Embassy of Norway **
• THU 17 MAY @ 7:30 PM: 12 STRONG (MA, 130 min)
Weeks after the 9/11 attacks, a US Special Forces team is deployed to Afghanistan to commence a retaliatory attack. Outgunned and outnumbered, the team forms an uneasy alliance with an Afghan warlord to take down the enemy. Starring Chris Hemsworth, Michael Shannon and Michael Peña.
• FRI 18 MAY @ 7:30 PM: THE COMMUTER (M, 105 min) + WINCHESTER (M, 99 mins)
Liam Neeson is back in action in THE COMMUTER, in which he plays an insurance salesman on his daily commute home, who is contacted by a mysterious stranger and embroiled in a criminal conspiracy that puts the lives of everyone on the train at stake.
Then, in WINCHESTER (at approx. 9:15 PM), eccentric firearm heiress Sarah Winchester (Helen Mirren) believes she is haunted by the souls of people killed by weapons made by her late husband’s company, and builds a sprawling mansion in an attempt to contain the vengeful spirits.
• SAT 19 MAY @ ** 7 PM**: ISLE OF DOGS (PG, 101 min) + LOVE, SIMON (M, 110 min)
In director Wes Anderson’s latest, a Japanese boy sets off on an epic journey in search of his dog, who has been exiled to Trash Island along with all of the country’s dogs after an outbreak of canine flu. Featuring an all-star voice cast, including Bryan Cranston, Bill Murray and Jeff Goldblum.
Then, in LOVE, SIMON (at approx. 8:45 PM), 17-year-old Simon (Nick Robinson) hasn’t told any of his family or friends that he’s gay. But his life is made even more complicated when he falls for an anonymous classmate online, and another student threatens to reveal his secret.
** 'NO GUESTS' SCREENINGS THIS WEEK: ISLE OF DOGS **
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UPCOMING BONUS SCREENINGS IN MAY
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This May, we are hosting two bonus screenings in collaboration with the Embassy of Switzerland and the ANU, respectively. Both are free and open to all members of the public to attend.
First up is a celebration of World Bee Day on SUNDAY 20 MAY. World Bee Day was declared by the United Nations last year to raise awareness of the importance of bees and apicultural products, and will be celebrated for the first time in Canberra through a series of events. You can view the full listing of events for the day by CLICKING HERE.
One of the events is a screening of Swiss filmmaker Markus Imhoof’s award-winning documentary MORE THAN HONEY, hosted by the ANUFG and the Embassy of Switzerland, starting at 5 PM. The film explores the global threat to food production that is posed by the disappearance of up to 90% of bees worldwide. It will followed by a brief panel discussion on honey bee health issues and a reception with drinks and Swiss honey-flavoured biscuits. For more information, CLICK HERE.
Then, to commemorate National Reconciliation Week and in celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history, the ANUFG and ANU are hosting a screening of THE SAPPHIRES on WEDNESDAY 30 MAY at 7:30 PM. The hit 2012 film tells the true story of four young, talented Aboriginal girls who learn about love, friendship and war when their all-girl group travels to Vietnam to entertain the US troops in 1968. Starring Jessica Mauboy, Chris O'Dowd and Deborah Mailman.
To RSVP for this screening, please going to THIS LINK.
Doors will open for entry from 7 PM. Our canteen will also be opening prior to the screening and serving their usual assortment of popcorn, snacks and drinks, with all proceeds going to charity.