Australian Cinémathèque

Australian Cinémathèque at GOMA offers a regular program of film and video in a purpose-built setting within QAGOMA. Located in Brisbane’s South Bank precinct, it focuses on work that is unlikely to receive a standard commercial cinema release, bringing international cinema, influential filmmakers and distinctive archival presentations together in one place. The program is suited to people who want to explore film as an art form, whether attending alone, meeting friends or planning a considered cultural outing.

Its screenings extend well beyond contemporary features. The program includes rare 35mm prints, recent restorations and silent films accompanied by live music, alongside regular In Conversation events with film creatives. Named programs have included The Films of John Cassavetes, a focus on the filmmaker recognised for helping shape independent American cinema, as well as Live Music & Film presentations and the long-running Curator’s Pick and The Long Haul programs. The schedule also shows the breadth of the collection, with titles such as The Killers, The Night Holds Terror, Too Late Blues, Tempest and Sunset Boulevard appearing across different sessions and formats.

The experience is structured around scheduled screenings rather than a general walk-in cinema program. The website advises that sessions take place on Wednesday and Friday nights and on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, with individual programs varying between free admission and ticketed entry. For ticketed films, the Cinémathèque Box Office opens an hour before the screening, and snacks and refreshments can be purchased then and taken into the cinema. As commercial trailers are not shown, arriving early is recommended so visitors have time to enter and find a seat.

The Australian Cinémathèque also has a clear preservation and exhibition role. It is an Associate Member of the International Federation of Film Archives, joining an international network concerned with conserving and presenting film. That makes it a strong option for dedicated film lovers, students, curious newcomers and groups looking for a more specialised cinema experience in Brisbane. Families and mixed-age groups should check the classification and session details before choosing a film, as the program includes screenings with different age recommendations.