Spotlight

Widow Clicquot

Widow Clicquot


M 90 MIN

Based on the true story of the “Grande Dame of Champagne,” WIDOW CLICQUOT follows Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin (1777–1866) who, at the age of 20, became Madame Clicquot after marrying poetic, unconventional François, the heir of a winemaking family. Named Veuve (the French word for widow) at age 27, she is determined to protect her family’s legacy and boldly challenge the men — as well as the state — set on stripping her of her vineyards. Determined to advance her husband's theories about soil chemistry, the configuring of vines, and revolutionary techniques in bottling, Barbe-Nicole wagers on the next harvest and her own blend of sparkling wine. Challenged by the irregularity of the seasons, the aggressive competitor Monsieur Moët, and the Napoleonic Code of 1804 barring women from running businesses, the elegant and luminous widow must succeed or lose everything. Telling the tale in retrospect and reflection over a 10-year span from approximately 1797 to 1807, director Thomas Napper entwines a sparkling story of flourishing female entrepreneurship with an account of doomed lovers whose legacy reverberates in the bubbles. A rousing toast to the perseverance of unshakeable women. Cheers!

Firebrand

Firebrand


M 120 MIN

In the final months of King Henry VIII's reign, his sixth wife, Katherine Parr, faces the perilous challenges of the Tudor court. Portrayed by Alicia Vikander, Parr is a champion of progressive ideals, courageously advocating for change. Her beliefs, however, put her at odds with the ailing and increasingly paranoid monarch, played by Jude Law. When Henry appoints her as Regent in his absence, Parr's newfound authority unsettles the courtiers, who begin to plot against her and cast doubt on her loyalty to the King. FIREBRAND is a captivating historical drama that shines a spotlight on the often-overlooked story of Katherine Parr. Vikander brings depth and intelligence to the role of the determined Queen, while Law's portrayal of the volatile Henry VIII is a standout performance. Directed by Karim Aïnouz, the film boasts stunning visuals, a sharp script, and a talented supporting cast, including Simon Russell Beale, Eddie Marsan, and Sam Riley. FIREBRAND weaves a gripping tale of ambition, survival, and the power struggles faced by a formidable woman in a world that undervalues her intellect.

Four Letters of Love

Four Letters of Love


CTC 125 MIN

Featuring a commanding ensemble cast, Polly Steele’s tender character piece navigates the human condition. Nicholas and Isabel are destined for each other, but their path to true love is anything but straightforward. As fate brings them together, they are also pulled apart by family, passion, and faith. Nicholas’ father, William (A touching performance from Pierce Brosnan), upends their quiet, modest life when he announces he has received a divine calling to dedicate himself to painting. Abandoning his job, he heads to the coast, leaving his bewildered wife and son to cope on their own. Meanwhile, Isabel’s family enjoys a vibrant life on a nearby island, filled with music and poetry. When tragedy strikes and her brother is injured, their joyful existence is shattered. In their grief, Isabel’s parents (played to perfection by Helena Bonham Carter and Gabriel Byrne) decide to send her to a convent school on the mainland. As Nicholas and Isabel navigate their separate paths of heartache and unfulfilled love, fate eventually weaves their lives back together delivering a heartfelt drama that will linger long after the end credits roll.

The Return

The Return


M 116 MIN

Director Uberto Pasolini’s adaptation of Homer’s ODYSSEY reunites THE ENGLISH PATIENT stars Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche in a film that exudes the classical essence of the Greek epic with a distinctly British spin, capturing the steely resolve of its source material, where every gaze is intense, and each word and breath is meticulously measured. The story begins as Odysseus (Fiennes), is washed ashore on Ithaca after more than 20 years away, having fought in the Trojan War. His wife, Queen Penelope (Binoche), has waited faithfully all this time, while their son Telemachus (Charlie Plummer) has lost hope in his father’s return and fears for his mother’s safety as increasingly aggressive suitors pressure her to remarry and crown a new king. This UK/Italian co-production offers lavish visuals, tightly constructed sequences and showcases Fiennes and Binoche at the very top of their game. The assured direction from Pasolini, who takes his previous experience with character dramas such as NOWHERE SPECIAL and STILL LIFE, applying it to mythological archetypes with stunning results.

The Salt Path

The Salt Path


M 115 MIN

After losing their home and livelihood, a middle-aged couple, Ray (Gillian Anderson) and Moth (Jason Isaacs), embark on a 630-mile walk along the southwest English coast. This journey is complicated by Moth’s recent diagnosis of a terminal neurodegenerative disease. Forced out of their B&B with no money or hope, they impulsively decide to trek the Salt Path from Dorset to Somerset. Is this a desperate attempt to outrun their problems, or a final adventure? Adapted by Rebecca Lenkiewicz from Raynor Winn's 2018 memoir, THE SALT PATH marks the film debut of Tony Award-winning director Marianne Elliott. Set against stunning coastal landscapes, the film is a cinematic exploration of a couple battling the elements and their inner turmoil. Anderson and Isaacs deliver powerful performances, portraying the physical and emotional exhaustion of their characters. As they journey through harsh weather and abandon their expectations of comfort, THE SALT PATH reveals the profound connections forged when life is stripped down to its essentials.

Browse Movies


    Encore Screenings

    Encore screenings of audience favourite films showing Monday 9 - Sunday 15 December

    Encore Screenings

    Encore screenings of audience favourite films showing Monday 9 - Sunday 15 December

    A Room with a View

    .

    In tribute to the late Dame Maggie Smith, we present James Ivory’s classic melodrama, following Lucy, a young Englishwoman on a tour of Florence, as a series of events challenge her societal expectations.

    Director Q&A

    Falling Into Place

    .

    Aylin Tezel’s tender debut follows Kira and Ian, each fleeing their own personal struggles, who cross paths during a winter weekend on the Isle of Skye. Their connection is profound but when they return to London, they must confront their pasts.

    Australian Premiere

    Special Event

    Firebrand

    .

    In the final months of King Henry VIII's reign, his sixth wife, Katherine Parr, faces the perilous challenges of the Tudor court. Alicia Vikander and Jude Law lead a gripping historical drama about power and survival.

    Australian Premiere

    Four Letters of Love

    .

    Featuring a commanding ensemble cast including Pierce Brosnan, Helena Bonham Carter and Gabriel Byrne, this tender story navigates the human condition following Nicholas and Isabel who are destined for each other, but their path to true love is anything but straightforward.

    Australian Premiere

    Heat and Dust

    .

    Based on the novel by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, James Ivory’s epic melodrama explores two parallel stories of love and cultural clash in India, as a woman uncovers her great-aunt's forbidden affair within 1920s British colonial society.

    The Outrun

    .

    After a turbulent life in London, Rona seeks to reconcile with her troubled past. She returns to the untamed beauty of Scotland's Orkney Islands, her childhood home, in hopes of finding healing.

    The Problem With People

    .

    Colm Meaney and Paul Reiser star as estranged cousins who, despite never having met, must resolve a generation’s worth of family disputes - before they start another one!

    Australian Premiere

    The Return

    .

    Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche star in this adaptation of Homer’s Odyssey that exudes the classical essence of the Greek epic with a distinctly British spin offering a meticulously measured classical work.

    Australian Premiere

    The Salt Path

    .

    Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs offer career best performances as a couple who embark on a 630-mile coastal walk after losing their home and facing a terminal diagnosis.

    Australian Premiere

    The Shamrock Spitfire

    .

    The Shamrock Spitfire follows Brendan "Paddy" Finucane, an Irishman who rises from eager RAF recruit to legendary fighter ace and the youngest Wing Commander during WWII, leading his squadron to historic fame.

    Australian Premiere

    The Stones and Brian Jones

    .

    Renowned documentarian Nick Broomfield uncovers the true story of Brian Jones, the creative force and heartbreaker behind what would become the world’s greatest rock band The Rolling Stones.

    Australian Premiere

    Festival Preview

    Widow Clicquot

    .

    This British/French co-production showcases a rousing true story offering an effervescent portrait of Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin, the “Grande Dame of Champagne,” otherwise known as Veuve Clicquot.

    Australian Premiere

    Festival Highlights

    Festival Highlights

    Opening Night

    Blitz

    .

    Steve McQueen's visually stunning period drama offers a powerful and sweeping portrayal of British life during the pivotal moments of World War II featuring stellar central performances from Saoirse Ronan and Paul Weller.

    Centrepiece

    Hard Truths

    .

    Mike Leigh’s latest film reunites him with Marianne Jean-Baptiste for a darkly humorous and insightful exploration of family dynamics. The film examines a hypersensitive woman’s impact on her family, blending compassion with Leigh’s signature attention to detail.

    Australian Premiere

    Special Event

    Conclave

    .

    Ralph Fiennes stars as Cardinal Lawrence who is entrusted with the secretive task of selecting a new Pope, but in the Vatican's sacred halls, he uncovers secrets that could destabilize the Roman Catholic Church.

    Special Event

    Firebrand

    .

    In the final months of King Henry VIII's reign, his sixth wife, Katherine Parr, faces the perilous challenges of the Tudor court. Alicia Vikander and Jude Law lead a gripping historical drama about power and survival.

    Australian Premiere

    Director Q&A

    Falling Into Place

    .

    Aylin Tezel’s tender debut follows Kira and Ian, each fleeing their own personal struggles, who cross paths during a winter weekend on the Isle of Skye. Their connection is profound but when they return to London, they must confront their pasts.

    Australian Premiere

    Festival Preview

    Widow Clicquot

    .

    This British/French co-production showcases a rousing true story offering an effervescent portrait of Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin, the “Grande Dame of Champagne,” otherwise known as Veuve Clicquot.

    Australian Premiere

    Closing Night

    We Live in Time

    .

    Showcasing beautifully nuanced performances from Oscar nominees Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield, this heart-rending romance delves into the profound question of how to make the most of the time we have in this world.

    Australian Premiere

    Brit Rock to Brit Pop

    Brit Rock to Brit Pop

    Blur: Live at Wembley Stadium

    .

    An epic two-hour concert film immortalising Blur’s historic 2023 show at Wembley Stadium which saw the band perform their iconic and much-loved songs for 150,000 adoring fans.

    Blur: To the End

    .

    Capturing seminal Brit Pop band Blur’s creative evolution and enduring influence, showcasing their recent Coachella performance as a milestone in their resurgence, offering a reflective look at their journey, highlighting their refusal to rely on past successes.

    Double Feature

    Blur: Live at Wembley Stadium + Blur: To the End

    .

    Astor Theatre only Double Feature of BLUR: LIVE AT WEMBLEY STADIUM, followed by BLUR: TO THE END

    The Song Remains the Same

    .

    Capturing iconic rock band Led Zeppelin electrifying 1973 Madison Square Garden performances, interwoven with surreal fantasy sequences reflecting the band members' personas. A cult classic for fans of the musicians’ kinetic energy.

    The Stones and Brian Jones

    .

    Renowned documentarian Nick Broomfield uncovers the true story of Brian Jones, the creative force and heartbreaker behind what would become the world’s greatest rock band The Rolling Stones.

    Australian Premiere

    History Restored

    History Restored

    A Man for All Seasons

    .

    Presented in a new 4K restoration, this iconic work examines Sir Thomas More's moral stand against King Henry VIII's divorce, leading to his execution. It won six Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor.

    Heat and Dust

    .

    Based on the novel by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, James Ivory’s epic melodrama explores two parallel stories of love and cultural clash in India, as a woman uncovers her great-aunt's forbidden affair within 1920s British colonial society.

    Henry V

    .

    Kenneth Branagh's 1989 rendition of Henry V offers a gritty, realistic adaptation of Shakespeare’s play, highlighting the young king's leadership and inner conflict. Acclaimed for Branagh's direction and performance, it vividly portrays medieval warfare and political intrigue.

    The Lion in Winter

    .

    This riveting historical drama, presented in a stunning new 4K restoration, follows King Henry II's family power struggles exploring betrayal and ambition with sharp dialogue and intense performances from Peter O'Toole and Katharine Hepburn.

    The Music Lovers

    .

    A bold exploration of classical composer Tchaikovsky's tumultuous life, repressed sexuality, and passionate relationship with music, featuring surreal imagery and intense performances from Richard Chamberlain and Glenda Jackson.

    Honouring Film Icon Dame Maggie Smith

    Honouring Film Icon Dame Maggie Smith

    A Room with a View

    .

    In tribute to the late Dame Maggie Smith, we present James Ivory’s classic melodrama, following Lucy, a young Englishwoman on a tour of Florence, as a series of events challenge her societal expectations.

    25th Anniversary

    25th Anniversary

    Ratcatcher

    .

    Marking the 25th anniversary of her stunning and confident debut feature, Lynne Ramsay offers a haunting portrayal of a troubled childhood, presented in a new 4K restoration.

    Official Selection

    Official Selection

    And Mrs

    .

    When a hesitant bride-to-be loses her fiancé unexpectedly, she is determined to proceed with the wedding, pledging to defy public opinion, legal barriers, and the objections of her loved ones.

    Australian Premiere

    Bird

    .

    Andrea Arnold’s latest film, starring Barry Keoghan, follows 12-year-old Bailey, who seeks solace in nature as her distracted father remarries. Through a mysterious encounter, Bailey gains strength to confront her mother’s partner, exploring themes of identity and resilience.

    Australian Premiere

    Opening Night

    Blitz

    .

    Steve McQueen's visually stunning period drama offers a powerful and sweeping portrayal of British life during the pivotal moments of World War II featuring stellar central performances from Saoirse Ronan and Paul Weller.

    Chuck Chuck Baby

    .

    Helen's dull life takes an unexpected romantic twist when her charismatic childhood friend Joanne returns. Moving, funny, and charming, this musical rom-com set in a Welsh chicken processing plant is delightfully unexpected.

    Australian Premiere

    Edge of Summer

    .

    Two 11-year-olds, drawn together during a summer holiday, embark on an adventure to uncover the mystery of who or what is calling to them from the depths of an abandoned tin mine, inspired by an old folk tale.

    Australian Premiere

    Director Q&A

    Falling Into Place

    .

    Aylin Tezel’s tender debut follows Kira and Ian, each fleeing their own personal struggles, who cross paths during a winter weekend on the Isle of Skye. Their connection is profound but when they return to London, they must confront their pasts.

    Australian Premiere

    Special Event

    Firebrand

    .

    In the final months of King Henry VIII's reign, his sixth wife, Katherine Parr, faces the perilous challenges of the Tudor court. Alicia Vikander and Jude Law lead a gripping historical drama about power and survival.

    Australian Premiere

    Four Letters of Love

    .

    Featuring a commanding ensemble cast including Pierce Brosnan, Helena Bonham Carter and Gabriel Byrne, this tender story navigates the human condition following Nicholas and Isabel who are destined for each other, but their path to true love is anything but straightforward.

    Australian Premiere

    Grey Matter

    .

    A drama based on true events follows troubled teen Chloe Isles as she becomes her grandmother Peg’s carer. During her school holidays, Chloe aims to make Peg's summer unforgettable despite her Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

    Australian Premiere

    Centrepiece

    Hard Truths

    .

    Mike Leigh’s latest film reunites him with Marianne Jean-Baptiste for a darkly humorous and insightful exploration of family dynamics. The film examines a hypersensitive woman’s impact on her family, blending compassion with Leigh’s signature attention to detail.

    Australian Premiere

    Lies We Tell

    .

    An orphaned heiress battles her sinister uncle's schemes to claim her inheritance. As danger mounts, she defies Gothic conventions, seizing control of her fate in a feminist reimagining of Uncle Silas.

    Australian Premiere

    Merchant Ivory

    .

    Over their 44-film collaboration, Ismail Merchant and James Ivory delivered decades of acclaimed dramas to audiences. Now, at 95, Ivory and key collaborators reflect on the production company’s lasting impact on arthouse cinema.

    Poison

    .

    This intimate exploration of grief and healing, featuring powerful performances by Tim Roth and Trine Dyrholm, focuses on Lucas and Edith, a once-married couple estranged for ten years who reunite under unexpected circumstances.

    Australian Premiere

    The Outrun

    .

    After a turbulent life in London, Rona seeks to reconcile with her troubled past. She returns to the untamed beauty of Scotland's Orkney Islands, her childhood home, in hopes of finding healing.

    The Problem With People

    .

    Colm Meaney and Paul Reiser star as estranged cousins who, despite never having met, must resolve a generation’s worth of family disputes - before they start another one!

    Australian Premiere

    The Radleys

    .

    Starring Damian Lewis and Kelly MacDonald, this black comedy follows an ordinary family, but they are hiding a dark secret: they are abstaining vampires. However, their restraint can only last so long before their true, bloodthirsty nature begins to emerge.

    Australian Premiere

    The Return

    .

    Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche star in this adaptation of Homer’s Odyssey that exudes the classical essence of the Greek epic with a distinctly British spin offering a meticulously measured classical work.

    Australian Premiere

    The Salt Path

    .

    Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs offer career best performances as a couple who embark on a 630-mile coastal walk after losing their home and facing a terminal diagnosis.

    Australian Premiere

    The Shamrock Spitfire

    .

    The Shamrock Spitfire follows Brendan "Paddy" Finucane, an Irishman who rises from eager RAF recruit to legendary fighter ace and the youngest Wing Commander during WWII, leading his squadron to historic fame.

    Australian Premiere

    This Time Next Year

    .

    Minnie and Quinn are born just one minute apart on the same day, but their lives take completely different paths. Years later, a chance encounter offers the perfect moment to take a chance on love.

    Australian Premiere

    Timestalker

    .

    A time-bending dark comedy following a woman’s obsession with the same bad boy spanning six centuries offering a razor-sharp commentary on obsession and desire.

    Tuesday

    .

    A mother and daughter are forced to face Death when it appears in the form of a remarkable talking bird in this heart rendering drama exploring the human condition, starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

    Closing Night

    We Live in Time

    .

    Showcasing beautifully nuanced performances from Oscar nominees Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield, this heart-rending romance delves into the profound question of how to make the most of the time we have in this world.

    Australian Premiere

    Festival Preview

    Widow Clicquot

    .

    This British/French co-production showcases a rousing true story offering an effervescent portrait of Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin, the “Grande Dame of Champagne,” otherwise known as Veuve Clicquot.

    Australian Premiere

    Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl

    .

    In this brand-new epic Wallace & Gromit family adventure, Gromit’s growing concern that Wallace has become over-dependent on his inventions justified when he invents a “smart gnome” that seems to develop a mind of its own.

    Australian Premiere

    Documentaries

    Documentaries

    Blur: To the End

    .

    Capturing seminal Brit Pop band Blur’s creative evolution and enduring influence, showcasing their recent Coachella performance as a milestone in their resurgence, offering a reflective look at their journey, highlighting their refusal to rely on past successes.

    Blur: Live at Wembley Stadium

    .

    An epic two-hour concert film immortalising Blur’s historic 2023 show at Wembley Stadium which saw the band perform their iconic and much-loved songs for 150,000 adoring fans.

    Merchant Ivory

    .

    Over their 44-film collaboration, Ismail Merchant and James Ivory delivered decades of acclaimed dramas to audiences. Now, at 95, Ivory and key collaborators reflect on the production company’s lasting impact on arthouse cinema.

    The Song Remains the Same

    .

    Capturing iconic rock band Led Zeppelin electrifying 1973 Madison Square Garden performances, interwoven with surreal fantasy sequences reflecting the band members' personas. A cult classic for fans of the musicians’ kinetic energy.

    The Stones and Brian Jones

    .

    Renowned documentarian Nick Broomfield uncovers the true story of Brian Jones, the creative force and heartbreaker behind what would become the world’s greatest rock band The Rolling Stones.

    Australian Premiere

    Festival Logo