The ANU Film Group commenced its first ever programme of regular screenings on Monday February 28th, 1966. Now, exactly 50 years to the date, we’ll be celebrating our 50th birthday with a special event on Sunday 28th February, 2016!
The event will begin at 6 PM at the Coombs Theatre with refreshments to be provided upon arrival. This will be followed by a commemorative screening of Stanley Kubrick’s DR. STRANGELOVE OR: HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE THE BOMB, our most frequently screened film (15 times!) and the second film ever screened from that first programme in 1966.
We hope that you can join us and our other special invited guests at the event to raise a glass to 50 years of Australia’s biggest – and best – film society.
If you wish to attend, we ask that you please fill out a registration form at www.anufg.org.au/birthday for catering purposes. As spaces at the event are limited, attendees will be randomly drawn from all registered members and those successful will be emailed directly by no later than Thursday 25th February.
There is no need to register if you only wish to attend the screening of DR. STRANGELOVE, which will start at approximately 7 PM.
And we’re off! Our first week of 2016 was a roaring success, and this week looks to be even bigger with a range of epic cinematic spectacles (THE ASSASSIN, IN THE HEART OF THE SEA) and star-studded intimate dramas (THE DRESSMAKER, JOY) that are all best experienced at the ANU Film Group!
Want to keep track of screenings and what’s on each week? In addition to these weekly email reminders, you can also add our entire programme straight to your calendar on your phone, mobile device or computer. Simply download the whole Semester One programme – complete with reviews and running times (where available) – by clicking right HERE!
• Tue 16 Feb @ 7:30 PM: THE ASSASSIN
In 9th century China, an exceptional assassin is tasked with eliminating corrupt government officials. When she shows mercy and fails a mission, she is punished by her master by being sent on an assignment to kill the man she loves.
• Thu 18 Feb @ 7:30 PM: IN THE HEART OF THE SEA
In 1820, a whaling ship is attacked by an enraged whale, leaving its crew shipwrecked at sea and more than a thousand miles from land. Based on the true tale that inspired Moby Dick. Starring Chris Hemsworth and directed by Ron Howard.
• Fri 19 Feb @ 7:30 PM: JOY + HE NAMED ME MALALA
In JOY, Jennifer Lawrence reunites with director David O. Russell (AMERICAN HUSTLE, SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK) to play a young single mother who triumphs over personal and financial challenges by inventing the Miracle Mop. Also starring Robert De Niro and Bradley Cooper.
Then, in HE NAMED ME MALALA (at approx. 9:45 PM), discover the extraordinary life of Malala Yousafzai, a young Pakistani schoolgirl and female activist who was shot by Taliban gunmen for speaking out on girls’ education.
• Sat 20 Feb @ **7 PM**: THE DRESSMAKER + BY THE SEA
In THE DRESSMAKER, a glamorous dressmaker (Kate Winslet) returns to her rural hometown where she empowers the local women with her haute couture style – while exacting revenge on those who did her wrong years ago. This multi-AACTA-winning, Australian box office smash also stars Liam Hemsworth, Judy Davis, Hugo Weaving and Sarah Snook.
Then, in BY THE SEA (at approx. 9 PM), an American writer and his wife (Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie) in the 1970s discover that their marriage is in crisis while on holiday in France and are forced to come to terms with long-unresolved issues.
** ‘NO GUESTS’ SCREENINGS THIS WEEK: JOY, THE DRESSMAKER **
Thanks to all of you who came along on Monday to kick off our 50th year in a galaxy far, far away with STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS. Particular thanks must go to the 501st Legion of Stormtroopers who kindly volunteered their time to make our opening night extra special. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for some fun snaps from the night!
And that’s just the beginning… We’ve got 87 more films coming up on our Semester One programme, starting with this week’s mix of epic action, gripping dramas, laugh-out-loud comedies and even something for the kiddies. Plus, the first of 20 of this year’s Oscar nominated films on our programme!
• Thu 11 Feb @ 7:30 PM: THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 2
As the war of Panem escalates to the destruction of other districts by the oppressive Capitol, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) must become the symbol of the rebellion and rally together an army for one final battle.
• Fri 12 Feb @ 7:30 PM: THE WALK + THE NIGHT BEFORE
It’s JOSEPH GORDON-LEVITT NIGHT – check out two very different films from one of Hollywood’s brightest young talents in the first of this semester’s themed nights!
In THE WALK, a French high-wire artist recruits an unlikely team of people and must overcome betrayals, dissension and close calls to realise his dream of walking a wire between the twin towers of New York’s World Trade Center.
Then, in THE NIGHT BEFORE (at approx. 9:45 PM), three life-long friends who reunite every Christmas Eve for a night of debauchery set out to make their last Christmas Eve together unforgettable when the tradition must come to an end.
• Sat 13 Feb @ **7 PM**: THE PEANUTS MOVIE + BRIDGE OF SPIES
In THE PEANUTS MOVIE, when Charlie Brown falls for his new next-door neighbour, he embarks on a heroic quest to prove his worth to her. Meanwhile, the lovable beagle Snoopy takes to the skies to defeat his arch-nemesis.
Then, in BRIDGE OF SPIES (at approx. 8:45 PM), a lawyer (Tom Hanks) is recruited to defend a Soviet spy in court to free an American pilot being held prisoner by the Russians. Nominated for 6 Oscars, including Best Picture.
Not yet a member? Not a problem. Joining up is easy!
Simply come on down to any screening to join up – but be sure to give yourself sufficient time to pay, fill out your membership form, grab a bite from the canteen, and find a good seat. Alternatively, you can also sign up online at www.anufg.org.au/join but please note that online purchases can take 2-3 business days to process before cards are available for pick up at screenings.
You’ve all waited long enough – here is the ANU Film Group’s new programme for Semester One 2016!
You can view the programme in its entirety on our website at www.anufg.org.au/programme right now or download a PDF version of it HERE (305Kb)
For the first half of our 50th anniversary year, we set out to compile a programme that featured the best of everything our members have loved about the Film Group for the past 50 years. From the latest Hollywood hits to foreign and independent films not seen elsewhere, as well as a selection of beloved classics, we trust that you’ll find this programme truly has something for everyone.
To commemorate the milestone anniversary, we’ve also put together a series of special events to run throughout the year that celebrates some of the films, events and key moments in the past five decades of Film Group. For Semester One, these include a 50th Anniversary Birthday Party, a special presentation of the Oscars, a dress-up screening, filmmaker Q&A sessions, a revival of themed screening nights, and a ‘Back to the Film Group’ series of films that (like us) are celebrating their decennial anniversaries in 2016. We’re even introducing a brand new logo this year too!
You’ll be sure to hear plenty more about all of these things over the next few months, so for now, please have a look over our new programme and share it with everyone you know – because we’re turning 50 and everyone’s invited to celebrate with us!
P.S. If you’ve been holding off to see a programme before joining up, you no longer have any excuses. Head over to www.anufg.org.au/join to purchase your membership for this year now.
Happy Australia Day, everyone!
We hope you've been having fun following our version of the Hottest 100 on our Facebook page, where we've been counting down to the big reveal of our new programme over the past few days. If you haven't already done so, head over to www.facebook.com/ANUFG now!
Our full Semester One 2016 programme will be released this coming FRIDAY 29 JANUARY, so keep a close eye on your email inbox, our website (www.anufg.org.au) or our Facebook page to be the first to find out what we've got in store for the first half of our 50th anniversary year.
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WINNERS OF $19.66 MEMBERSHIPS
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At the end of last year, we held a competition where everyone who pre-purchased an ANU Film Group membership before December 31st could go into the running to be one of five lucky people to get their membership of choice for the special anniversary price of $19.66.
Thanks to the many of you who joined up early to participate. The winners have now been randomly selected, so congratulations are in order for the following five people:
• Amy Burgess
• Kathy Nash
• Nancy Bonham
• Nicholas Quigley
• Nina Svedin
All of you will be contacted via email shortly to have your refunds arranged. Congratulations once again!
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BE A DOORPERSON AND GET A FREE MEMBERSHIP
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We find ourselves once again in need of new doorpeople for next semester. Doorpeople are the smiling, friendly faces of the group who greet you as you enter and scan your membership card. So if you're got a sunny disposition, are punctual, and are skilled in the fine art of button pressing, this may be for you!
Upon completing a required number of sessions, all door people will also receive a free membership for Semester Two 2016.
Interested? Drop us a line at info@anufg.org.au ASAP to let us know!
A long time ago, in a university not so far away…
The year was 1966, and a group of film-loving students decided to set up a society to screen films for like-minded movie buffs. Five decades on, and the ANU Film Group is now the largest film society in Australia and about to commence our milestone 50th anniversary year!
To celebrate the start of our Semester One 2016 programme, we’ll be hosting a FREE screening of STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS on Monday February 8 at 7:30 PM!
The long-awaited return to the STAR WARS universe sees a new threat to the galaxy emerge from the ashes three decades after the defeat of the evil Galactic Empire. Only a ragtag group of heroes – made up of scrappy newcomers and familiar faces – can stop them and restore balance to the Force.
Starring series newcomers Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac and Adam Driver alongside the likes of Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and more, THE FORCE AWAKENS has broken countless box office records to become an international phenomenon with its exciting new chapter of the STAR WARS saga.
Whether you’ll be seeing it for the first time or the fiftieth, be sure to mark your calendars and invite all your friends (did we mention it's free?) to join us in kicking off our 50th year with a bang. Plus, we’re thrilled that we’ll be joined at our opening screening by some very special guests too. All we can say is… be prepared for photos and selfies!
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THE WAIT IS ALMOST OVER: PRE-PURCHASE YOUR MEMBERSHIP NOW!
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We know you’ve all been patiently waiting for our full Semester One 2016 programme, but fear not – the wait is almost over and we’ll be releasing it as soon as the final pieces of the puzzle are confirmed.
While you’re waiting, why not take the time to pre-purchase your membership for 2016?
By pre-purchasing your membership now, you can skip the start-of-year queues by simply picking up your ready-made card on your way in to your first screening of the year. Membership payments can be made via credit card, PayPal or direct bank transfer, so you won’t even need to bring cash. And best of all, you can even purchase memberships as gifts for other people too.
To purchase your membership now, head over to www.anufg.org.au/join
It’s December, which means that the start of our 50th anniversary year is fast approaching. To kick off the celebrations early, we’d like to offer you the chance to purchase your 2016 memberships for the very special anniversary price of $19.66!
All you have to do is join up and pay for either an Annual or Semester One membership in full by December 31, 2015, and you’ll go into the running to be one of five lucky members to get their membership for just $19.66.
So what are you waiting for? Head over to www.anufg.org.au/join to join up for 2016 now!
And while you’re there, don’t forget that memberships can be purchased for friends and family too – making an ANU Film Group membership the ultimate Christmas gift for any self-respecting film lover (or even anyone who just enjoys a great deal)!
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TERMS AND CONDITIONS
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To enter the draw to win one of five ANU Film Group memberships at the cost of $19.66 each, participants must purchase either an Annual 2016 or Semester One 2016 membership using the designated website (http://www.anufg.org.au/join) between 01/12/2015 and 11:59 PM AEDST on 31/12/2015.
Five entrants will then be selected at random by representatives of the ANU Film Group, and contacted via email or phone within ten business days. The selection of winners will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.
The winners will then receive a refund for the difference in price, based on the membership type purchased. For Annual memberships, the amount to be refunded will be $50.34. For Semester One memberships, the amount to be refunded will be $20.34. Credit card and PayPal processing fees will not be refunded.
Would you like to be a part of history and contribute reviews for the ANU Film Group’s 50th anniversary year?
As work on Semester One 2016 progresses, we’re now seeking volunteers who are keen to write reviews for films on our upcoming programme. The reviews will be featured in the 64-page informational booklet that members receive upon joining up, as well as on our website.
Reviews will need to be approximately 200-250 words in length and must be completed over a period of two weeks in mid-to-late December 2015. As the timeframe is tight, please only volunteer if you are sure that you will have time over the holiday period to contribute.
Successful volunteers will be then sent a list of films from which they can nominate ones they’d like to write reviews for. You’re welcome to write just one review or as many as you’d like, 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/research may be required.
3. Unsolicited reviews will not be accepted.
So if you love movies, enjoy writing, and would like to lend a hand (or two), let us know by replying to this email – or dropping us a line at info@anufg.org.au – by no later than SATURDAY 5 DECEMBER. Thanks!
All good things must sadly come to an end… and such is the case for our Semester Two 2015 programme as we finish up screenings for the year. But fear not – we’re already hard at work on the first half of our 50th anniversary programme for 2016, which is sure to be a very special one.
In the meantime, thank you to all of you for your continued support throughout the year. It has certainly been a memorable one, with Q&As, special guests, mystery screenings, our most successful Trivia Night yet, and of course, many fantastic films that have made us laugh, cry, think, and sit on the edge of our seats.
Please keep in touch over the summer break, as we will continue to send out programme updates, competitions and more via this mailing list. Make sure you also stay tuned to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ANUFG
Finally, if you haven’t already done so, don’t forget to suggest films you’d like to see on our next programme via our website at www.anufg.org.au/suggestions by no later than Sunday 29 November.
See you in 2016!
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WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK
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A family-friendly special effects extravaganza, a thrilling survival adventure, an acclaimed coming-of-age indie comedy, and a gothic horror love story. Our final week of screenings has it all – so don’t miss out on your last chance to get your Film Group fix before the summer break!
• Fri 20 Nov @ 7:30 PM: PIXELS + DOPE
In PIXELS, when aliens misinterpret classic arcade games as a declaration of war, they use the games to attack the Earth in retaliation, leaving it up to four former video game champions to fight – and play – for the future of the human race.
Then, in DOPE (at approx. 9:15 PM), a geek surviving life in a tough L.A. neighbourhood finds his life forever changed after a chance invitation to an underground party leads him and his friends into a gritty adventure.
• Sat 21 Nov @ **7 PM**: EVEREST + CRIMSON PEAK
In EVEREST, two groups of climbers on ascent towards the summit of Mount Everest soon find themselves in an epic battle to survive against impossible odds when a violent storm unexpectedly strikes the mountain. Based on a true story.
Then, in director Guillermo del Toro’s CRIMSON PEAK (at approx. 9:15 PM), a young woman trying to escape the ghosts of her past finds her heart torn between her love for a childhood friend and the temptation of a seductive stranger.
The ANU Film Group is back at The Phoenix Pub in Civic next week for another round of movie trivia with Lights Camera Trivia 3: Quiz Hard with a Vengeance! And this time, it’s personal…
So start gathering your team of movie nerds and come on down on TUESDAY 17 NOVEMBER for an action-packed evening of tantalising trivia, alluring alcohol and possibly even fun. Entry is free and all are welcome to attend.
DATE: Tuesday 17 November
TIME: 7:30 PM start
VENUE: Phoenix Pub, 21 East Row, Civic (located in the bus interchange)
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WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK
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For our penultimate week of screenings, we’re serving up some stellar films including a double feature of heartfelt family dramas, Johnny Depp and an all-star cast in a gritty crime thriller, and one of the biggest Australian films of the year. Not to be missed!
• Fri 13 Nov @ 7:30 PM: RICKI AND THE FLASH + COMING HOME
In RICKI AND THE FLASH, a hard-rocking musician (Meryl Streep) who gave up everything for her dream of rock-and-roll stardom returns home, looking to make things right with her family, only to discover that they have moved on.
Then, in COMING HOME (at approx. 9:15 PM), a man who was imprisoned during China’s Cultural Revolution is released and returns home, only to discover that his beloved wife no longer remembers who he is. Directed by Zhang Yimou.
• Sat 14 Nov @ **7 PM**: ODDBALL + BLACK MASS
In the hit Australian family film ODDBALL, an eccentric chicken farmer (Shane Jacobson) enlists the help of his granddaughter to train their mischievous dog to protect the local penguin population from predators.
Then, in BLACK MASS (at approx. 8:45 PM), Johnny Depp plays real-life gangster Whitey Bulger, an infamous and violent criminal who is recruited by the FBI as a secret informant, in return for free and total reign over the South Boston area.
** Please note that ODDBALL replaces the originally scheduled first feature, ADAM JONES (aka BURNT) **