ACMI - Australian Centre for the Moving Image

Hands up if you were raised on The Sims? Us too. Or maybe you were a dedicated Neopets fan, or obsessed with World of Warcraft. Perhaps you're currently glued to your Switch playing Hollow Knight: Silksong. Whatever your connection to video games, it's safe to say most of us have picked up a controller at some point in our lives and been captivated by what appeared on the screen. Enter ACMI's incredible new exhibition, Game Worlds. Running until February 8, this blockbuster celebration of video games will transport you into the worlds of more than 30 iconic titles, including Final Fantasy XIV Online, Minecraft, Doom and Stardew Valley. Also featured are classics like Maze War and Zork, fan faves with cult followings like The Elder Scrolls Online, and new releases like Guardian Maia. Spanning games from the 1970s right through to this year, you'll be able to check out rare concept art, original design materials, early hands-on protoypes and so much more. There are 44 fully playable experiences (think Celeste speedruns on two huge screens), and four new microgames by emerging and established Aussie game developers have been specially commissioned for the exhibition.  There will also be after-dark sessions, developer talks, themed fan events and and plenty more. And as much as Game Worlds is about exploring how video games are designed, built and experienced, it's also an opportunity to spotlight the community and the friendships that are forged within these immersive digital...

Take your favourite movie and imagine it without any music. Before long, you’ll realise that there’s a gaping hole in the ups and downs of the storyline. We’ve come a long way since orchestras used to perform scores live to a cinema audience, but music is still just as integral to the way the silver screen makes us feel *all* the emotions. This spring, ACMI Cinemas is showcasing two film programs that really prove it.  Focus on Joe Hisaishi With its nostalgic Japanese origins, Studio Ghibli has captured the attention (and hearts) of millions of viewers around the world. Behind the whimsical melodies of the anime is mastermind composer Joe Hisaishi. He’s worked super closely with Studio Ghibli founder Hayao Miyazaki and director and actor Takeshi Kitano for years, as well as created a soon-to-be-released Hollywood feature, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey.  If you’re keen to learn more about this musical maestro, don’t miss ACMI’s three-week-long film program dedicated to Hisaishi’s decades-spanning career. It features Studio Ghibli classics like Spirited Away and The Wind Rises, and the action-packed drama Our Time Will Come. Can’t decide on one? Explore his best work in the Joe Hisaishi Music Video Showcase. Kids Flicks with Feelings They may feature fun animal friends and childhood adventures, but there’s nothing juvenile about Studio Ghibli pictures. Big adventures, beautiful relationships and evocative soundtracks by Joe Hisaishi are some of the best ways to introduce your...