Film
Film reviews, festivals, special screenings and more
American Express Openair Cinemas Inner West
[Sponsored] Cadigal Green, on the south-of-King-Street side of the University of Sydney, is hosting the new season of American Express Openair Cinemas
Movie lists you'll love
Film events in Sydney
The Howling
These professionally lead workshops will turn your little angels into thrilling horror film writers, actors and directors
Cosmic Futures free film series
The glories of Russian cinema come to the Art Gallery of NSW
Moonlight Cinema
It's back! Movies under the stars in Centennial Park will make you realise why you love Sydney again
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.
Golden Age Cinema
It was one of the most exciting new movie theatre openings in Sydney since, well, the golden age of cinema itself. Since 2013, the Golden Age Cinema and Bar has been the much-loved swank basement occupant inside the stunning Art Deco Paramount building on Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills. The building was constructed in 1940 as the offices of Paramount Pictures, with a basement theatrette for the previewing of movies to cinema owners. The space was utilised during World War II for the screening of news reels and informational films for the military. In its time, the building has been visited by such Hollywood stars as Bob Hope and Charlton Heston. The creators of Melbourne's Rooftop Cinema – Barry, Bob and Chris Barton – tried for many years to launch a similar rooftop project on top of the Paramount building. Frustrated by local residents' objections, they opted instead to convert the old screening room into a 60-seat cinema with an adjoining bar. Cinema seats from the 1940s were located in Switzerland and were installed in the space. Two vintage projectors remain on the premises, although the new cinema utilises a digital projector. As the boutique Golden Age Cinema, it screens both classic films and new releases as programmed by Kate Jinx, host of FBi's Picture Show. Alongside fine wines, high-quality cinema snacks are offered in the adjoining bar – expect the best sundaes ever – and chefs will pair menus with films. The building also houses Paramount Coffee Project, fr
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 Central Cinemas
Opened in October 2017, Palace Central is a 13-screen complex within the Central Park Mall with multiple lounges and bar areas and sweeping views over one of Sydney’s most dynamic urban spaces. The cinema includes a large beer hall with local and international craft beers, a Champagne bar and an interactive wine wall. Food includes produce from leading provedores, including daily desserts from the local Brickfields bakery.
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Four ways to perfectly pair your next night out with Blue Moon
A lot of fuss is made about pairing your food to your wine, but not everyone likes wine. Luckily, beer is often the perfect match to a meal, especially when you’re talking spicy food and delicious salty bar snacks. Blue Moon Belgian White is a refreshing, citrus-laced brew that is increasingly finding its way behind bars across Sydney’s drinking and dining scene. Next time you find yourself at one of these Sydney establishments pair your schooner of Blue Moon Belgian White with one of these meals to experience the beer (and your food) at its best.
Mov'in Bed Outdoor Bed Cinema
Crawl under the blankets with a glass of wine and settle in for another season of movies at the Entertainment Quarter in the Showring. The concept is irresistible – a large inflatable bed to snuggle into, food, drinks and a great movie – but this year they're introducing a few innovations. They include Bottomless Popcorn sessions – with unlimited refills from the Bar – and cheap Grass Tickets, where you can bring your blanket and a picnic and enjoy your favourite movie under the stars for as little as $9 per head. Then there's the option to Dine in Bed. Mov’in Bed is partnering with the Rockpool Dining Group – Fratelli Fresh and Bavarian Bier Café – to offer food delivered straight to your bed. You can even order your food in advance online. The Bar, meanwhile, will be serving beer, wine, bubbles, ice cream, candy and popcorn. The line-up of movies is a well curated as ever. Highlights include recent hits such as Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom; Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald; Johnny English Strikes Again; Bohemian Rhapsody; Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again! and Mortal Engines. Also on the line-up are some of 2018’s best films such as Ocean’s 8, Black Panther, BlackKklansman and The Breaker Upperers. Retro greats screening at Mov'in Bed include La La Land, The Jungle Book, Ted, Pulp Fiction, The Lion King, Pretty Woman, Akira and Notting Hill. Keep an eye out too for brand new releases Aquaman, Ralph Breaks the Internet and Mary Poppins Returns, all of which
Time Out presents Sokyo Sunday Sessions Launch Party
Sunday afternoon often has a bittersweet note, but rather than worrying about the looming nine-to-five, Sokyo Lounge is inviting you to an afternoon of relaxation and cocktails for their Sunday Sessions. To launch the Sunday Sessions, Time Out is co-hosting a stellar launch party with Sokyo on February 17. Kicking off at 4pm, the ticketed cocktail party will be the perfect way to end your weekend. Your $65 entry fee for the launch party will get you sipping on four full-sized cocktails including the signature Sokyo Negronis, Americanos, Nashi Pear Mules and Yuzu Margaritas. Plus, you'll get delicious canapés from the pop-up food stations put on just for this event. Think bites like the spicy tuna rolls, fresh oysters, Japanese egg and caviar sandwiches and yuzu tarts. Tickets are available now if you want to be first to try this experience. Post-launch, the stylish Pyrmont bar will be shaking, stirring, whipping and pouring their very fabulous cocktails for $10-$12 throughout the weekly Sokyo Sunday Sessions. You’ll also be able to order from an à la carte menu and the much loved bar menu from 5.30pm. All you have to do is pop in from 4-7pm every Sunday! Tickets to the Sokyo Sunday Sessions launch are available now. Bookings essential.
Lunar New Year at Market City
Just because New Year's Eve has come and gone, that doesn’t mean you need to stop celebrating. If you’ve ever been to Haymarket you may be familiar with Market City, a spot that boasts the outlets you know and love nestled between eclectic retailers selling all manner of interesting wares. It’s also known for its Lunar New Year celebration and in 2019 it’s here to uphold that reputation. From Friday, January 18 to Tuesday, February 19, Market City will be hosting a series of free events to help you ring in the Lunar New Year. They'll be giving away Chinese calligraphy messages for everyone who spends $20 (subject to availability) between January 18-February 4. The messages written by the Chinese calligrapher forms part of the preparation for the arrival of the Lunar New Year. Among the events on offer is the Year of the Pig Children Mural Workshop, in which children and members of the community can contribute to the 18-metre long artwork to welcome in the new year. You’ll also be able to see the Roaming Lion on February 5, a dance which is known as one of the most important traditions during the Lunar New Year. Make sure you catch performer Jin Wu Koon as he leaps onto high poles in an impressive lion dance, on February 9-10. Feast at the 1909 Dining Precinct on level three, in which seven Asian restaurants will be putting on exclusive Chinese banquet or speciality menus. At the Eight (pictured) you can dine on dishes like braised pig tongue with dried oyster and black m
