Come to the cinema

By Lynn Read, of the Illawarra Film Society

Images: When the Camera Stopped Rolling, Bonsai Films; Hit the Road, Rialto Distribution.

The Illawarra Film Society (IFS) is celebrating a new decade and a new team, with its creator, Theresa Huxtable, moving on to new challenges and Jeannine Baker becoming the society’s new curator.

Since its inception in 2012, the Film Society has established itself with local audiences, drawing viewers from Stanwell Park to Kiama, with some members involved from the beginning.

IFS provides the chance to see exciting and different films not otherwise screened locally –from independent, foreign, contemporary, arthouse to a wide selection of documentaries and some classics.

IFS curator Jeannine Baker will share her extensive knowledge of films with our 2023 movie goers and is joined by the newly formed team of Pip Aitken, Katrina Henze, and me (Lynn Read).

We intend to deliver an exciting year of films and events for members. For example, at some screenings, a short film from an emerging filmmaker may precede the main event – two screenings for the price of one. We have also been known to provide a nibbles/champagne get-together before a movie – special occasions, though!

The society’s aim is for a minimum membership of 400 people, to cover the cost of hiring the cinema and films, transportation of movies from distributors, and the printing of IFS programs and membership cards.

One of Australia’s largest film clubs, the IFS has been so successful over the years that it has been able to make donations to other not-for-profit arts organisations. All this for $90 annual membership

– a cost maintained through its 11-year history!

IFS movies will be shown on more than 30 Sunday evenings from February to November at the Gala Cinema, Cowper Street, Warrawong, at 7pm. The society has developed a strong working relationship with the cinema and does not screen during the school holidays, public holidays or when there are film festivals in the area.

The society collaborates with leading film distributors and the 2023 program includes documentaries such as When the Camera Stopped Rolling, directed by acclaimed cinematographer Jane Castle, who turns the camera onto the life of her trailblazing filmmaker mother to find troubling shadows behind the stunning images.

Another highlight is Hit the Road, a drama that follows a chaotic, tender family on a road trip across the rugged Iranian landscape that will change their lives forever.

Visit our website at www.ifs.org.au for a sneak peek at the 2023 program and to buy 2023 memberships. Gift certificates are also offered.

See you at the movies!

Enquiries: Lynn Read, Illawarra Film Society, membership@ifs.org.au, 0418 495 898