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National Film and Sound Archive of AustraliaNational Film and Sound Archive
National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
National Film and Sound Archive
National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
National Film and Sound Archive

Cocoon

Seniors gain youthful energy after swimming in a pool with alien cocoons.
Arc Cinema
8:00PM
$18 Full / $15 Concession / $12 Senior ( + $1.50 booking fee)
20 March, 2026
Cocoon 20 March, 2026

Presented as part of UPSTAGEING Canberra


1985 | DCP | USA | D: Ron Howard 

Older residents discover a swimming pool in a disused holiday home and have their lives transformed by a mysterious extraterrestrial presence. As the physical vitality of the residents return, questions about ageing, mortality and the cost of second chances emerge. Blending science-fiction with heartfelt comedy drama, Ron Howard’s supernatural tale of eternal youth treats later life with warmth and seriousness. 

The film challenges cultural assumptions about ageing while delivering an intimate, emotional and gently cosmic story. It won Oscars for Best Supporting Actor (Don Ameche) and Best Visual Effects. 
 
‘A science-fiction fantasy that takes old age seriously, without condescension or sentimentality.’ - Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times 



Ahead of the feature film we will screen a short film:  

Secret of Successful Ageing  
2025 | AUS | 3.5 mins | D: Mike Siers 
 
Winner of the ‘Active Ageing Award’ at the UPSTAGEING Short Film & Video Competition.
 

The UPSTAGEING Short Film & Video Competition is in partnership with Screen Canberra and is a cornerstone of UPSTAGEING - Canberra’s first large-scale celebration of creative ageing. By centring stories told for, by or with older people, the competition aims to dismantle ageism and celebrate the profound contributions older Canberrans make to our culture. 
Arc Cinema
We are situated in the heart of Canberra on McCoy Circuit, Acton, between the shores of Lake Burley Griffin and the grounds of the Australian National University. Just a 10-minute walk from the city and state bus interchanges.
1 McCoy Circuit, Acton, ACT 2601

Film Details

Year
1985
Details
DCP 117 mins PG
Director
Ron Howard
Countries
USA

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