North West Theatre Company Film Club will celebrate its 10th year with an imposing variety of films beginning in February next year.
The program has a “newer” feel to it, with more later release movies than has been customary in the past. There are 4 films released only last year, and two more from the past 4 years. What hasn’t changed is the excellent variety on offer – a very popular foreign hit from Iceland, a really funny – and topical – Australian comedy made on a shoestring by local investors in Wagga, the amazing story of Bernie Shakeshaft’s anti-juvenile crime program in Armidale called Backtracks and the famous 1962 classic “To Kill a Mockingbird”.
There are dramas to make you grip the edge of your seat, and comedies to split your sides. Six of the films won either Best Picture or Best Actor Academy Awards.
The program was announced on Sunday at the club’s annual Christmas party. Commenting on how pleased NWTC is with the lineup, Film Club Secretary Ros Moulton said that this is a program to gladden the hardest heart. “There really is something for everyone,” she commented. “The club is now in our 10th year without ever raising membership fees, which remain at $60 for the year’s 11 movies.
Our member numbers soared to about 40 this year, and everyone enjoys not only the diverse range of films, but the fellowship over a wine afterwards.”
If you are looking for the perfect Christmas present that will last all year, we have gift vouchers which make the perfect present.”
Other club benefits include free access to an excellent DVD library which includes many films screened by the club over the years, and reviews of the selected movies each month.
Sunday 23 February – “The Sting” (1973) 129 mins. Rated PG. Winner of 7 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The biggest movie of that year, and a Newman/Redford classic.
Sunday 29 March – “The Merger” (2018) 103 mins. Rated M. Hilarious Australian comedy made in Wagga by the team that brought you “Backyard Ashes”. A Damian Callinan special.
Sunday 26 April – “Woman At War” (2018) 101 mins. Rated M. Our foreign film for this year was made in Iceland and is a terrific drama/black comedy. A top film at many world film festivals.
Sunday 31 May – “3 Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” (2017) 116 mins. Rated MA15+. Coen Bros. Drama, with Acting Oscars to Frances McDormand and Sam Rockwell. Please note – under 15’s not admitted. A very powerful film set in the American deep south.
Sunday 28 June – “Bohemian Rhapsody” (2018) 134 mins. Rated M. This biography of Freddie Mercury was the biggest film of last year and won 3 Oscars including Best Actor for Rami Malek.
Sunday 26 July – “Backtrack Boys” (2018) 100 mins. Rated MA15+ ( language). Sensational story about the Armidale juvenile crime program began by Bernie Shakeshaft. A must!
Sunday 30 August – “To Kill A Mockingbird” (1962) 130mins. Rated PG. Black and White. This all-time masterpiece won Gregory Peck the Oscar for Best Actor (it was nominated for 8 and won 2 others). A famous movie which is the club’s historic oldie for the year.
Sunday 27 September – “Spotlight” (2015) 129mins. Rated M. The best picture of 2015 at the Academy Awards. Set in Boston, it is a tribute to the tenacity of investigative journalism, and the press.
Sunday 25 October – “Rain Man” (1988). 140mins. Rated M. Who can forget this highest-grossing film of 1988? Four Oscars including Best Picture and Best Actor for Dustin Hoffman. A perfect choice with which to recognise Mental Health Month.
Sunday 29 November – “Mrs. Henderson Presents” (2005). 108mins. Rated M. Gem of a movie about the formation of London’s Windmill Theatre, and a Judi Dench tour-de-force.
Sunday 13 December – Film Club Christmas Party and Mystery Movie.
Films are screened at 4pm on the last Sunday of each month, and in 2020 March, May, August and November all have 5 Sundays. Club membership for 2020 is still $60.
