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Cult Classics: Making Mr. Right
Eighties pop-culture take on Pygmalion as a rom-com sci-fi starring John Malkovich
9:00 AM
Cult Classics with Venus Mantrap
Series of Friday night filmic feasts showcasing cinema with bite
Arc Cinema
Various
$19.50 / $16.50 concession (+$1.50 booking fee)
Annual program
Cult Classics with Venus Mantrap Annual program
A series of Friday night filmic feasts showcasing cinema with bite: edgy movies and fan favourites that unnerve, push buttons, ask questions, or simply look good on the big screen!
Each event includes a performance and introduction to the film from series host Venus Mantrap, local drag artist and culture warrior.
The 2026 program spans eleven Friday nights starting from February through to December, featuring Susan Seidelman’s punk-infused comedies, Coen brothers’ noir thrillers and Kathryn Bigelow’s dystopian visions.
Each screening is carefully selected to celebrate cult cinema in all its daring and stylish glory.
Events in this series
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Cult Classics: Desperately Seeking Susan
Madonna sparkles in the iconic ‘80s celebration of personal reinvention
10:00 AM
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Cult Classics: Sex, Lies and Videotape
Subterfuge in suburbia in the four-hander that launched 90s indie cinema
10:00 AM
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Cult Classics: Blood Simple (Directors Cut)
The Coen Brothers’ grimly comic debut feature follows a double-crossing Texas detective
10:00 AM
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Cult Classics: Scanners
Psychic powers and corporate dystopia in a Cronenberg body-horror classic
10:00 AM
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Cult Classics: Body Double
Voyeurism, obsession and suspense combine in Brian De Palma’s sexy Hollywood thriller
10:00 AM
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Cult Classics: Strange Days
Neo noir cyber thriller set at the precipice of the 21st century.
10:00 AM
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Cult Classics: The Lair of the White Worm
Ken Russell’s campy horror of vampire snakes set in the English countryside
9:00 AM
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Cult Classics: Death Becomes Her
Hollywood frenemies turn to the dark arts to gain everlasting youth
9:00 AM
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Cult Classics: Showgirls
Kitsch classic of jagged choreography and gendered power from the maker of Basic Instinct
9:00 AM
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Cult Classics: She-Devil
A darkly funny, feminist revenge story that pits Roseanne Barr against Meryl Streep.
9:00 AM
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Plan your visit
Arc Cinema
Classic Art Deco cinema presenting curated screenings, special events and shared film experiences.
Plan your visit
See a film, enjoy lunch in the courtyard or explore the many free experiences throughout the heritage Art Deco building.
Accessibility
Everyone can visit the National Film and Sound Archive in Canberra. Find details on wheelchair access, audio and visual support, our visual story and more.