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Autumn Film Series
Jump on board in March to explore the world of trains in film, from features made in the earliest days of cinema to critically acclaimed contemporary works. In April, travel ‘out of Africa’ with a curated selection of great African and African American cinema. And in May, catch some of the most extravagant and budget breaking films in cinema history, plus a retrospective of the career of formidable Yolngu actor, David Gulpilil.
Autumn is filled with fan-favourite programs, including Cult Classics with Venus Mantrap, Book Club at the NFSA, Science.Art.Film., and our family-friendly Pizza & Pyjamas screenings.
Plus, our on-site café and bar opens an hour before all screenings.
Cosy up this Autumn at the NFSA with cinematic treasures and guest appearances, kicking off the season with a double feature of The Great Train Robbery (1903) and The Great Train Robbery (1978).
This exciting program also features Buster Keaton’s The General (1926), Orson Welles' noir The Lady from Shanghai (1947), and more.
Don’t miss Cult Classics with Venus Mantrap, including The Warriors (1979), and a special screening of Aquarius (2024), featuring a post-screening Q&A with director Wendy Champagne.
Arc Cinema's April program offers something for everyone, from family-friendly films like Madagascar (2005) and Tarzan (1999) to suspenseful horror Get Out (2017).
Other special screenings include A Steam Train Passes (1974) celebrating its 50th anniversary with never-before-seen footage and special guests.
The selection dives deep into themes of race, identity, and personal struggles in Out of Africa (1985), Neptune Frost (2021) and Frances Ha (2012), its mix of classics and contemporary gems making it an exciting month of contrasting cinema experiences, dynamic conversations and live performances.
In May, immerse yourself in a diverse month of cinema, with a special focus on David Gulpilil’s legendary performances. Highlights include Walkabout (1971), The Tracker (2002), Ten Canoes (2006), and Storm Boy (1976).
Alongside these, you can join a star-studded cast in Wes Anderson's The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014), enjoy the lavish historical epic Cleopatra (1963), and relish the high-stakes of action-comedy True Lies (1991).
Follow Madonna as she runs rampant through NYC in Who’s That Girl (1987) and dive into the drama of Mozart’s genius in Amadeus (1984).
Partner series
The NFSA is a place for conversation and collaboration. Explore our year-long partner series that bring together independent artists, cutting-edge researchers and other arts and cultural organisations.
With Venus Mantrap
Cult Classics
A series of Friday night filmic feasts showcasing cinema with bite: edgy movies and fan favourites that unnerve, push buttons, ask questions, or simply look good on the big screen! Each event includes a performance and introduction to the film from series host Venus Mantrap, local drag artist and culture warrior.
Canberra Writers Festival
Book Club at the NFSA
Perfect for bookworms and film buffs alike, this series of screenings and discussions spans a variety of genres, styles and subjects, from Little Women to Australian grunge lit and everything in between. Presented in partnership with Canberra Writers Festival.
A Canberra cinema experience like no other
Arc Cinema offers a curated selection of Australian and international films, including 35mm film prints from the national audiovisual collection. Discover oddball cult favourites, beloved family classics and digital restorations of culture-shaping cinema, presented in a stunning Art Deco space equipped with the latest audiovisual technology.
Ask questions, trade ideas and push boundaries with post-screening Q&As, thought-provoking discussions and panel events featuring leading Australian artists and thinkers. Make an afternoon or a night of it with a visit to The Library to peruse the curious collection of precious, wondrous and whimsical audiovisual artefacts on display.
During the day, the Church cafe and bar at the NFSA serves locally roasted Redbrick coffee and a selection of sandwiches and sweet treats. Take a break in our cosy Mediatheque, with footage rolling from the national collection, or outdoors in our sunny 1930s courtyard. Open late for NFSA events, the bar offers craft beers, wine, snacks and more.
Only cinema in Canberra I like. Great quality screen and sound. Comfortable seats. Air conditioning good temperature all year round. Friendly staff.Carla Anderson Google review
A must for ANY film, TV or sound buff (or combination) whilst in Canberra – great display of Australia's audiovisual heritage! First-class staff too.Matt Thompson Facebook review
Spent an hour or two in this fab old building looking at old Aussie newsreels and general film history. Different and worth it.Mel C Tripadvisor review
We’re open daily on McCoy Circuit in Acton’s cultural precinct. Plan your visit
Join Club NFSA to get free entry to every seventh paid screening, event or exhibition. Request a Club NFSA card at Reception and have your card stamped each time you visit (excludes premium and external events).
The NFSA is open daily in Acton’s cultural precinct. Catch a movie at Arc Cinema, join us for thought-provoking events and discussions, and explore the curious collection of wondrous and whimsical artefacts on display in The Library and The Gallery. Or simply drop in to enjoy a locally roasted coffee in the sunny heritage courtyard, or while enjoying highlights from the national collection in the Mediatheque.
The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia acknowledges Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live and gives respect to their Elders both past and present.