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Media Release: All Aboard for Autumn: A Cinematic Journey from Trains to Africa, Plus Cult Classics and Book Club at NFSA

Media Release

Published Tuesday 11 February 2025

Jump on board in March to explore the world of trains in film, from features made in the earliest days of cinema to critically acclaimed contemporary works. In April, travel ‘out of Africa’ with a curated selection of great African and African American cinema. In May, catch some of the most extravagant and budget-breaking films in cinema history, plus a retrospective of the career of formidable Yolngu actor David Gulpilil. The NFSA proudly co-presents this season with film festivals at Arc Cinema, including Queer Screen’s Mardi Gras Film Festival, as well as the Ocean Film Festival and Banff Mountain Film Festival.

Audience program favourites include Cult Classics, with screenings featuring performances by local favourite, Venus Mantrap. For our family-friendly films, relax in your comfiest pyjamas and bring along your favourite teddy (or child!) for a cosy evening, complete with pizza, at our Pizza & Pyjamas screenings. Book in for your film of choice and engage in lively post-screening discussions with celebrated directors including Wendy Champagne and Jonathan Sequiera, or sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!

‘Autumn at the NFSA is a celebration of the power of film to transport us, challenge us, and bring us all together - it’s about experiencing something that stays with you long after the credits roll,’ said Aidan Delaney, NFSA’s Manager of Programs and Visitor Experience. ‘Our Autumn program continues to bring great classics and retro cinema back to the big screen, alongside contemporary masterpieces and new independent films.’

The onsite cafe and bar will open one hour before screenings, serving locally roasted Redbrick coffee, sandwiches, and sweet treats. Open daily other times, 8.30 am to 3 pm, and weekends from 10 am to 2 pm.

Images are available here on Dropbox.

Media enquiries and interview requests:
Irina Agaronyan | Communications Specialist
0439 382 064 | Irina.Agaronyan@nfsa.gov.au

Program Highlights

1 March	Double Feature: The Great Train Robbery (1903) + The Great Train Robbery (1978) Kick off the NFSA’s month-long celebration of trains on film with one of America’s earliest surviving films and a Sean Connery classic.
8 March	Pinocchio (35mm) The classic Disney tale of a wooden puppet with a lie-detector nose who dreams of becoming a real boy.
16 March	Aquarius + Q&A The birth of Australia’s counter-cultural environmental movement at the Aquarius Festival in Nimbin, with post-screening Q&A with Director Wendy Champagne.
21 March	Pizza & Pyjamas: Spirited Away A young girl enters the Japanese spirit world of an enchanted bathhouse in a masterpiece of animation.
28 March	Cult Classics with Venus Mantrap: The Warriors + pre-screening intro and live performance by Venus Mantrap.  Flamboyantly costumed gangs hit the night streets of New York in a 1979 cult classic.
6 April	SPECIAL EVENT: A Steam Train Passes + documentary and never seen footage with special guests Andrew Moritz, Transport Heritage NSW CEO and Patrick McIntyre, NFSA CEO Celebrate the 50th anniversary of one of Australia's finest railway films, A Steam Train Passes with the special film screening and discussion event.
12 April	A Portrait of Love + Q&A with director Molly Reynolds A 20-year love story of celebrated Australian artist, Craig Ruddy told through home movies.
1 May	The Most Australian Band Ever + Q&A with director Jonathan Sequiera Punk-rock legends the Hard-Ons never had an easy ride.
18 May	Book Club: Rabbit-Proof Fence (4K Restoration) Moving Stolen Generations story about three young girls trying to find a way home.
30 May	Pizza & Pyjamas: Storm Boy (NFSA Restores) A young boy befriends a pelican on the spectacular Coorong coast.