Film
Film reviews, festivals, special screenings and more
See the Sydney premiere of Top of the Lake and meet director Jane Campion
Fans of Top of the Lake will know the second second series of Jane Campion’s crime thriller was filmed here in Sydney, and so to celebrate the new installment of the TV show Sydney Opera House is hosting the premiere screening of the first two episodes – alongside a Q&A with the writer and director
Potterfest: A Harry Potter Marathon
Watching all eight Harry Potter films in one feverish marathon is a bit like taking a roadtrip across the entire country or starting a vegetable patch: it's a feat often talked about, but rarely acted upon
Scandinavian Film Festival
The fourth Scandinavian Film Festival is coming soon with films from Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland and Sweden, screening at Palace Norton Street and Palace Verona
Movie lists you'll love
Film events in Sydney
Scandinavian Film Festival
The festival director gives her picks of this year’s Nordic film feast
Classic Hollywood at the Ritz Cinema
Celebrate the 80th birthday of the Ritz with some of Hollywood's best ever movies back on the big screen
Top of the Lake: China Girl
Sydney Opera House is hosting the premiere screening alongside a cast and crew Q&A
The best cinemas in Sydney
Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace
Without doubt the grandest cinema in Sydney, Cremorne’s Art Deco picture palace is a stunning step back in time. Built in 1935 by George Kenworthy, the top theatrical architect of the period, today’s version is even glitzier than the original thanks to a $2.5-million restoration some years back by owner and local TV celeb Mike Walsh. Each of the six auditoria has its own colour scheme and decor, but the 744-seat Orpheum is the true star of the show. It even has a genuine Wurlitzer cinema organ, which rises out of a stage pit on weekend evenings complete with flashing lights and a grinning organist. Expect a mix of mainstream US, British and Australian fare, with some art-house, special presentations and the occasional cabaret show.
Ritz Cinema Randwick
With a distinctive Art Deco design restored to its former 1930s glory and an impressive sound system, the six-screen Ritz cinema is both a local landmark and an excellent venue for catching the latest mainstream releases. Signs explain the regulations – no alcohol, bare feet, smoking or skateboards – which make sense if you hit the place in the afternoon after school’s out. In the evening the place attracts a different crowd, including film geeks who seek out the Ritz for its great acoustics and old-fashioned flair. Upstairs the inimitable Bar Ritz boasts a marble bar and balcony – perfect for pre- and post-film drinks. Bus 372, 373, 376, 377.
Palace Norton Street Cinemas
Leichhardt's Palace Cinemas were fully refurbed in 2013 and now have eight auditoria, all licensed, and an impressive foyer with a lounge bar and café on site. Palace Norton Street plays host to some of the best annual film festivals such as the French, Spanish, Greek, German and Italian. It is also in close proximity to the eateries and vibrant culture of Norton Street.
Palace Verona Cinemas
Paddington’s intellectuals, gays and art-house crowds are always seen milling about the Palace Verona with glee. The four screens are on the small side, the seats are snug and the pre-show commercials... well, they tend to go on forever. But we're forgiving film lovers, especially since this oft-buzzing venue screens an expertly curated line-up of arthouse releases from name directors (Woody, the Coens, PT Anderson...), world movies, quirky Australian indies and special one-offs, like screenings of overseas stage productions and concerts. There's a licensed café, wine and espresso bar on the premises – good for a pre-movie drink, a post-movie chat or even just a day date, since you don't have to purchase a ticket to enjoy what they're pouring and brewing. And if you're a frequent moviegoer, you'll want to check out Palace's great-value membership schemes, which are more than worth the investment if you see flicks on the regular.
Chauvel Cinema
Named after the Australian film pioneer Charles Chauvel - of Jedda fame - this much-loved local cinema is part of the Palace cinema chain. Its proscenium arch brings true grandeur to the art of film and the staff really know their stuff. Screenings tend to be seriously arty and the place also holds Cinemateque screenings. Be sure to seek out the lovely upstairs bar. Bus 333, 352, 378, 380. Screens 2. Tickets $16.50; $9-$12.50 reductions; $8 Tue.
Upcoming film releases in Australia
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Little Creatures Live
You might already enjoy their beer – including Pale Ale, Rogers' and Dog Days – but did you know there's a way to take your Little Creatures love a little deeper? This year the brewery is taking their show on the road with a series of parties that feature live performance art, food and beer at various on-premise locations and festivals across Australia. They're calling it Little Creatures Live – inspired by the original moniker of their very first Pale Ale, brewed their own way with fresh hops flowers and live yeast. Little Creatures Live will be back in Sydney very soon. Curious as to what to expect? Check out our recaps below. Or if you can't wait, why not pay a visit to Little Creatures' Fremantle or Geelong breweries?
Win a three-course dinner for two at Parramatta’s hottest new restaurant
In case you haven’t noticed, the west’s restaurant scene is thriving at the moment. The latest exciting addition is Husk & Vine Kitchen and Bar, with ex-Flying Fish chef Stephen Seckold at the helm. Paying homage to Parramatta’s Middle Eastern and Mediterranean communities, Husk & Vine’s menu offers flatbreads and pides made in a custom Beech oven, lamb shoulders with harissa, okra and chickpea stew and large cuts of meat designed to share. Drinks-wise, expect drops from boutique wineries across Australia, plus cocktails using native ingredients like eucalyptus and lemon myrtle. Husk & Vine Kitchen and Bar – which is housed in V by Crown Group – will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. To be one of the first to try it (along with a guest, of course, to the total value of $400), enter our competition by filling out your details below before 10am on Friday July 21. Name: Email: Gender: Female Male Non-binary Year of Birth: Postcode: Do you have a lot of opinions? We're keen to know what our readers think, so we've created an insider's club to find out. Join, and we'll email you surveys and questions from time to time. It's a great chance to have your thoughts heard, and we'll reward you with treats too. Tick this box if you'd like to join our insider's club. Tick this box if you would like to hear more about this exciting new venue. Enter now! Terms and conditions in full. By entering this competition you agree to receive relevant communications
The Perth Hitlist: What to do and where to go on a three or five day stay
It’s the only capital city in Australia where you can watch the sun set over the ocean, but that’s not the only reason Perth is now one of the coolest places to visit. Once known only for its pristine beaches, Perth’s love of food and culture is capturing the attention of tastemakers. Blame it on Instagram or the perfect weather – no one can explain how WA’s capital city made its way onto the international radar – but the latest frenzy of new hotel openings, a statewide culinary scene that is booming and a string of new urban projects may provide some clues. Stay a little longer and you can explore ancient caves and award winning wineries just three hours ‘down south’ around Margaret River. // var axel = Math.random() + ""; var a = axel * 10000000000000; document.write(''); //
The highlights of Sydney Science Festival
Running from August 8 to 20, Sydney Science Festival brings some of the most exciting names in science together for a spectacular exploration of our world. With 150-plus events on the roster, punters can get amongst a range of talks, events, exhibitions and workshops for science fiends young and old. While it’s going to be impossible to see everything, we’ve curated a bunch of top events to keep an eye out for.