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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

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

View full calendar

sub category of eventseries

Cult Classics: She-Devil

A darkly funny, feminist revenge story that pits Roseanne Barr against Meryl Streep.
9:00 AM
9:00 AMFri, Feb 20, 2026
Rated M

sub category of eventseries

Cult Classics: Making Mr. Right

Eighties pop-culture take on Pygmalion as a rom-com sci-fi starring John Malkovich 
9:00 AM
9:00 AMFri, Mar 27, 2026
Rated M
Learn more

sub category of eventseries

Cult Classics: Desperately Seeking Susan

Madonna sparkles in the iconic ‘80s celebration of personal reinvention 
10:00 AM
10:00 AMFri, Apr 17, 2026
Rated M
Learn more

sub category of eventseries

Cult Classics: Sex, Lies and Videotape

Subterfuge in suburbia in the four-hander that launched 90s indie cinema 
10:00 AM
10:00 AMFri, May 29, 2026
Rated M
Learn more

sub category of eventseries

Cult Classics: Blood Simple (Directors Cut)

The Coen Brothers’ grimly comic debut feature follows a double-crossing Texas detective 
10:00 AM
10:00 AMFri, Jun 26, 2026
Rated R 18+
Learn more

sub category of eventseries

Cult Classics: Scanners

Psychic powers and corporate dystopia in a Cronenberg body-horror classic 
10:00 AM
10:00 AMFri, Jul 31, 2026
Rated R 18+
Learn more

sub category of eventseries

Cult Classics: Body Double

Voyeurism, obsession and suspense combine in Brian De Palma’s sexy Hollywood thriller 
10:00 AM
10:00 AMFri, Aug 21, 2026
Rated R 18+
Learn more

sub category of eventseries

Cult Classics: Strange Days

Neo noir cyber thriller set at the precipice of the 21st century.  
10:00 AM
10:00 AMFri, Sep 18, 2026
Rated M
Learn more

sub category of eventseries

Cult Classics: The Lair of the White Worm

Ken Russell’s campy horror of vampire snakes set in the English countryside 
9:00 AM
9:00 AMFri, Oct 23, 2026
Rated R 18+
Learn more

sub category of eventseries

Cult Classics: Death Becomes Her

Hollywood frenemies turn to the dark arts to gain everlasting youth  
9:00 AM
9:00 AMFri, Nov 13, 2026
Rated M
Learn more

sub category of eventseries

Cult Classics: Showgirls

Kitsch classic of jagged choreography and gendered power from the maker of Basic Instinct 
9:00 AM
9:00 AMFri, Dec 11, 2026
Rated R 18+
Learn more

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Arc Cinema

Classic Art Deco cinema presenting curated screenings, special events and shared film experiences.

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