
A Night at the Movies
A Night at the Movies: A School Group Movie Experience
New in 2023, and exclusively for school groups, the NFSA now offers evening screenings of Australian films. Complete with preshow entertainment from the national collection, and a sweet treat, book your school in for a night at the movies like no other.
Bring your school group to Arc Cinema to enjoy a personalised movie experience.
Before the feature film plays, we'll take students on a visual journey behind the scenes, seeing how films are screened and learning about the history of film projection in Australia.
We have also selected some classic advertisements from the NFSA collection to screen before the movie, offering your students a quick walk down memory lane.
Tickets also include a sweet treat for them to enjoy.
Please note: This program is not available to the general public but is exclusively for school groups. For other screenings in Arc Cinema, see our regular program of screenings and events.
SChool night films
In 2023 we will screen the following films at 7pm:

Monday: Storm Boy (PG, 1976, 88 mins)
Director: Henri Safran
Starring: Greg Rowe, David Gulpilil
A lonely Australian boy bonds with an Aboriginal man over the care of orphaned pelicans.

Tuesday: Oddball (G, 2015, 95 mins)
Director: Stuart McDonald
Starring: Shane Jacobson, Coco Jack Gillies
A chicken farmer and his granddaughter train their dog to protect a penguin sanctuary and save their town.

Wednesday: Blueback (PG, 2022, 102 mins)
Director: Robert Connolly
Starring: Radha Mitchell, Eric Bana
Abby befriends a wild blue groper and becomes inspired to protect the world’s coral reefs. Based on the popular novel by Tim Winton.
We will offer a new range of films in 2024. Register here for information from the NFSA about onsite and digital excursions, special events, teacher professional learning updates and more.
Details and bookings
The NFSA is one of Canberra’s most beautiful Art Deco buildings, complete with a state-of-the-art cinema with a Dolby Digital EX sound system. Arc Cinema is the perfect venue for your students to enjoy a movie on the big screen.
What: A night at the movies, exclusively for school groups.
Where: Onsite at the NFSA's Arc Cinema.
When: Mondays to Wednesdays 7pm. Screenings last for approximately 2 hours.
Cost*: $12 per student (minimum 50, maximum 210) including sweet treat.
*If your group is fewer than 50 students, contact us at learning@nfsa.gov.au to discuss options.
Supervision:This program is not supervised or facilitated by NFSA staff and teachers must supervise.
Food and drink: Chips, popcorn or biscuits are not permitted in the cinema. All drinks must have a lid, to reduce risk of spills. Schools should take all rubbish with them and dispose in bins provided.
Book: For teachers and tour operators, please book via the Book Canberra Excursions website.
Students may be dropped off and picked up directly in front of the NFSA building on McCoy Circuit for this program. Please refer to the NFSA Venue and Safety Information for School Excursions for additional information.