Adèle Exarchopoulos (Blue Is The Warmest Colour) and François Civil (The Three Musketeers) – arguably French cinema’s brightest young talents – devour the screen in Gilles Lellouche’s vibrant, genre-spanning romantic epic that follows a romance tested by social boundaries, betrayal and circumstances beyond all control. Love makes one crazy. Just ask Clotaire (Civil) and Jackie (Exarchopoulos), who meet in their teens in their Northern France working-class neighbourhood in the 1980s. Despite their differences - she is a diligent student from the middle class, he a charming troublemaker with a complex family life - an intense and unmistakable connection is sparked. But tragedy soon pulls them apart. A decade later, Clotaire tries desperately to win back his lost love. But has his chance passed? Driven by a kinetic soundtrack by Jon Brion, indelible production design and all-star supporting cast, Beating Hearts pays homage to the US independent film wave of the 80s and early 90s but creates an impact truly of its own. Delivering another massive, crowd-pleasing blockbuster result at the French box office with an extraordinary 5 million admissions, Lellouche reaches for the stars and rewards all who strap in for the ride.

After searching for her estranged father online, a people-pleasing young woman unexpectedly forms a close bond with a grieving, childless man with the same name as her father on Facebook. Inspired by a true story.

Every 15 minutes, someone somewhere in the world plays Maurice Ravel’s “Bolero”... Raphaël Personnaz delivers an unforgettable performance as the titular composer, grappling with inner turmoil and artistic insecurity. Tasked by the eccentric dancer Ida Rubenstein (Jeanne Balibar) to craft a passionate and intoxicating score for her new ballet, Ravel finds himself creatively paralysed and marginalised by his contemporaries. Seeking solace and inspiration, he leans on his confidantes: the pianist Marguerite Long (Emmanuelle Devos), his loyal friend Cipa (Vincent Perez), and Cipa’s captivating sister, Misia (Doria Tillier), for whom he harbors deep affection. Against the lavish backdrop of 1920s Paris, Ravel must fight to redeem his raw musical genius, or risk being consumed by it completely... From celebrated director Anne Fontaine (Coco Before Chanel, The Innocents), Bolero is a powerful exploration of Maurice Ravel’s unique life, and his journey to complete the now iconic 17-minute composition. Sumptuously staged and showcasing lavish performances, don’t miss this stunning tribute to the lasting power of Ravel’s masterpiece.

Terry Gilliam's visionary Orwellian fantasy, is an audacious dark comedy, filled with strange, imaginative visuals. In a retro-future world, Sam Lowry, a clerk in the ministry department, is given the task to rectify an administrative error. However, in the process, he becomes the enemy of the state.

Magical, lyrical and deeply romantic, Niall Williams' Four Letters of Love moved readers the world over and became an international bestseller. Now a feature film starring Pierce Brosnan, Helena Bonham Carter and Gabriel Byrne, Four Letters of Love is a life-affirming tribute to human folly, to fate, love and destiny. Nicholas and Isabel are soulmates bound by destiny, yet unaware of their fate. As ghosts, magic, and the power of true love pull them together, life itself conspires to keep them apart. A glorious, uplifting story of faith, seizing the moment, and trusting your instincts, this sweeping cinematic journey celebrates the courage to follow your heart—no matter the odds. Four Letters of Love is a life-affirming tribute to human folly, to fate, to miracles, love and destiny.

Master criminal Neil McCauley is trying to plan one last big heist before retiring. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Hanna attempts to track down McCauley as he deals with the chaos in his own life, including the infidelity of his wife and the mental health of his stepdaughter. McCauley and Hanna discover a mutual respect, even as they try to thwart each other's plans.

Hot on the heels of its two wins at this year’s César Awards, and over one million admissions in France, the Cannes Youth Prize winner Holy Cow is set to take this year’s Festival by storm! Set in France’s picturesque Jura region, renowned for its Comté cheese, the film follows the carefree 18-year-old Totone. Accustomed to his teenage life of drinking and dancing, Totone suddenly finds himself the sole carer for his 7-year-old sister Claire (Luna Garret) after a devastating tragedy. Struggling to make ends meet, Totone hatches a plan to follow in his family’s cheesemaking footsteps, in the hope of winning a €30,000 Comté cheese prize. The only problem is, Totone knows nothing about making cheese... This heartfelt coming-of-age debut from Louise Courvoisier recently earned her the Best First Film César Award. The young cast (including Best Female Revelation César winner Maïwene Barthelemy) deliver touching performances that bring a raw authenticity to the film. Holy Cow is an engaging ode to community, resilience, love... and cheese. Don’t miss it!

Agathe (Camille Rutherford, Anatomy of a Fall) is seemingly living the romantic comedy dream. Working in the famous Parisian bookshop “Shakespeare & Co”, she shares an undeniable chemistry with her best friend/co-worker Félix (Pablo Pauly, Murder Party). However, underneath the rosy facade, Agathe is a struggling romance author stuck living with her sister and battling a severe case of writer’s block. Perpetually surrounded by stories of others’ desires and adventures, she longs for a romance like the ones in her favourite novels. Everything changes when Agathe is invited to a prestigious Jane Austen residency in England. Spending two weeks in a manor ripped directly from the pages of one of Austen’s stories, Agathe becomes acquainted with the handsome (and haughty) Oliver (Charlie Anson, Downton Abbey), a distant relation of the author. Now finding herself in a situation much like the books that inspire her, Agathe must decide between what she’s always known, and something – or someone – new. Direct from a sell out run at the Australian French Film Festival, this utterly charming story from Laura Piani is a delightful love letter to the iconic author whose works still shape our conversations on love today.

The very first cinematic blockbuster returns to the big screen for one night only! When a gigantic great white shark begins to menace the small island community of Amity, a police chief, a marine scientist and grizzled fisherman set out to stop it.

KOKA is a powerful relationship drama following Maori elder Hamo (Hinetu Dell) and local delinquent Jo (Darneen Christian) who form an unlikely bond on a road trip in a Ford Falcon. Together they confront past traumas and each face their demons, their shared path becomes a journey of healing, community, and reconciliation.

Produced by the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and Belmont Productions, Master of Motion celebrates the life and work of Len Lye and his longstanding relationship with Aotearoa, Taranaki and the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery. Alongside vintage footage of the artist and interviews with experts in hi art, Master of Motion includes a wealth of recently uncovered archival materials telling the Len Lye’s story in his own voice. The new 30 minute documentary introduces audiences to the Len Lye story, showcasing his visionary work in film and sculpture, his monumental ambitions for his work beyond his own life and his legacy in the Len Lye Centre.

Just as Marion Cotillard was to La Vie en Rose, Golden Globe-nominated actor Tahar Rahim is to MONSIEUR AZNAVOUR, transforming into the iconic singer/songwriter for this lavishly entertaining rise-to-stardom biography of the man who beat all odds to not only become one of France’s best-loved entertainers, but personified French culture to the English-speaking world. Born in Paris in 1924 as the son of Armenian refugees, Aznavour’s formative years are spent in poverty, but distinguished by his parents’ passion for music and theatre. Ridiculed for his short stature and raspy tenor voice - traits he would in time fully embrace - Aznavour’s early attempts at a showbiz career during the Occupation falter. Whilst gifted, his material finds more success in the hands of others, including his friend Pierre (Bastien Bouillon), and later the imperious Edith Piaf (a scene-stealing Marie-Julie Baup), who becomes a highly influential mentor and supporter. But by the 1950s, Aznavour finally realises his own ambitions… Led by its star’s astonishing performance and stunning vocal prowess, MONSIEUR AZNAVOUR is a true tour de force - as intimate as it is spectacular - and serves as a triumphant reminder of the power and impact of music. Don’t miss it.

A sensation at Cannes and one of France’s biggest box office and audience favourites of the year (achieving over two million admissions and entry into the top five of 2024), writer/director Emmanuel Courcol’s wildly entertaining new film follows two very different siblings separated by fate and reunited by their love of music. Thibaut (the exceptional Benjamin Lavernhe, Delicious) is a beloved and internationally celebrated orchestra conductor who travels the globe. When a health crisis and subsequent DNA test inadvertently reveals he was adopted as an infant, Thibaut discovers the existence of a younger brother, Jimmy (rising star Pierre Lottin), who lives in more modest circumstances; he works in a school cafeteria, cares for his mother and plays the trombone in a community brass band. The pair seem to have little else in common other than a love of performance, but sensing his sibling’s exceptional talent, Thibaut decides to remedy the injustice of fate and try to help nurture his brother’s untapped gifts. An eruptive crowd favourite wherever it has premiered (notably receiving the highest audience score in the 51-year history of the San Sebastian Film Festival), My Brother’s Band is a rousing, feel-great trip to the cinema, expertly striking the perfect harmony between laughter and tears. Bring your family, your friends, and some tissues.

Pitchblack Playback: Tame Impala 'Currents' *Please arrive by event start time as latecomers will not be admitted and refunds will not be offered* Pitchblack Playback album listening sessions in the dark return to one of their most in-demand albums: Tame Impala's flawless, widescreen epic 'Currents'. Hear these incredible records in all their glory played loud in uncompressed 24-bit audio through every speaker of our cinema sound system for you to hear and feel every nuance. No distractions; just you and the music. 'Currents' has sold out every time they've done it in the past... "This sounds great” — Rick Rubin "It’s the way I remember experiencing music when I was a teenager, turning out the lights and just allowing myself to be carried away by the music" — Steven Wilson "A fabulous idea" — Jay Kay, Jamiroquai "I have an out-of-body experience every time I go" — Jonny, artist manager Ticket includes Pitchblack Playback eye mask for extra darkness. As recommended by The Guardian, GQ, Time Out, Metro and Newsweek. Duration: 52 minutes

Pitchblack Playback: Joy Division 'Closer' (45th Anniversary) *Please arrive by event start time as latecomers will not be admitted and refunds will not be offered* Immerse yourself in Joy Division's brooding classic 'Closer' at Pitchblack Playback's listening session in the dark, celebrating 45 years of this incredible album.. Hear this immense record played loud in uncompressed audio on our powerful sound system. No distractions; just you and the music. This has been one of the most popular Pitchblack Playback albums of all-time, so don't sleep on tickets. "This sounds great” — Rick Rubin "A fabulous idea" — Jay Kay, Jamiroquai "The optimal way to listen to an album" — Max Richter "This might just be my favourite new thing to do" — Nihal, BBC Radio 5 Live Ticket includes Pitchblack Playback eye mask for extra darkness. As recommended by The Guardian, GQ, Time Out, Metro and Newsweek. 25% of Pitchblack Playback's profits from this event go to Hope Epilepsy, a London-based charity who support families who have children with epilepsy, Duration: 45 minutes

Phoenix secretary Marion Crane (Janet Leigh), on the lam after stealing $40,000 from her employer in order to run away with her boyfriend, Sam Loomis (John Gavin), is overcome by exhaustion during a heavy rainstorm. Traveling on the back roads to avoid the police, she stops for the night at the ramshackle Bates Motel and meets the polite but highly strung proprietor Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins), a young man with an interest in taxidermy and a difficult relationship with his mother.

To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of this seminal coming of age drama, we bring your favourite delinquent teens back to the big screen for a special one-off screening. Five high school students meet in Saturday detention and discover how they have a lot more in common than they thought.

While covering the news desk in Cairo for a colleague over the Christmas holidays, Australian journalist Peter Greste is arrested and accused of terrorism. He has become a pawn in the middle of a deadly game full of corrupt officials and ancient rivalries. Now the subject of his own worldwide news story, with only his wits and unlikely allies keeping him alive, Greste’s very survival means staring down a brutal regime. THE CORRESPONDENT is a gripping thriller and a compelling true story about the relentless defence of the truth and triumph of the human spirit. Starring Richard Roxburgh as Peter Greste and directed by Kriv Stenders (Red Dog).

Pierre Niney leads a stellar cast in Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre de La Patellière’s thrilling new adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ epic adventure The Count of Monte Cristo, the first French cinematic treatment of the iconic tale of romance and redemption in over fifty years. Marseille, 1815. The dreams of principled young sailor Edmond Dantès (Niney) are about to come true; promoted to ship’s captain, he can finally marry the love of his life, Mercédès (Anaïs Demoustier). But his success inspires jealousy… betrayed by his rivals, Dantès is denounced as a member of a pro-Napoleon conspiracy, and incarcerated without trial in an isolated prison. After years of solitude, Dantès befriends the inmate in the adjacent cell, Abbé Faria (Pierfrancesco Favino), who reveals the location of a hidden treasure on the island of Monte Cristo. An extraordinary plan is hatched to exact revenge on the three men who wronged him: assuming multiple identities – “the Count of Monte Cristo” among them - Dantès will first court his enemies, and then seek retribution… A true cultural phenomenon in France (where it stormed the box office with close to 10 million tickets sold), The Count of Monte Cristo delivers luxurious, spectacular big-screen entertainment, at once timeless and electrifyingly new.

The phenomenal Mélanie Laurent and Guillaume Canet take centre stage in writer/director Gianluca Jodice’s transfixing historical drama, evocatively depicting the last days of the French Revolution and the fates of Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI. 1792. The official Parisian residence of the king, the Tuileries Palace, has been stormed. Louis, Marie Antoinette and their children have been arrested and confined in the Tour du Temple, a mediaeval chateau in the city centre. Far from the splendour of Versailles, where the family and their retinue had lived until only a few years earlier, they are vulnerable for the first time in their lives. While the King naively tries to keep spirits high and manners intact, his pragmatic and imperious wife is far more realistic about their predicament, and the destiny that likely awaits them… Drawn from the diaries of Louis XVI’s personal valet, this exceptionally crafted drama features not only marvellous production design and cinematography, but incredible costumes by twice Oscar-nominated designer Massimo Cantini Parrini, transporting the audience with its depiction of a period from which our modern world was born.

As beloved Broadway star Lillian Hall (Jessica Lange) pours her heart, soul, and time into preparing for her next big role, she finds herself blindsided by confusion and forgetfulness. Battling against all odds to make it to opening night, while holding on to her fading memories and identity, she must navigate a tumultuous emotional journey -- balancing her desire for the spotlight and the stark demands of the real world.

Filmmaker Joshua Prendeville’s sterling documentary holds a delicate lens to the fascinating life and work of one of Aotearoa’s literary treasures, Dame Fiona Kidman.

A life-affirming, genre-bending story based on Stephen King's novella about three chapters in the life of an ordinary man named Charles Krantz.

The Night of the Hunter—incredibly, the only film the great actor Charles Laughton ever directed—is truly a stand-alone masterwork. A horror movie with qualities of a Grimm fairy tale, it stars a sublimely sinister Robert Mitchum as a traveling preacher named Harry Powell (he of the tattooed knuckles), whose nefarious motives for marrying a fragile widow, played by Shelley Winters, are uncovered by her terrified young children. Graced by images of eerie beauty and a sneaky sense of humor, this ethereal, expressionistic American classic—also featuring the contributions of actress Lillian Gish and writer James Agee—is cinema’s most eccentric rendering of the battle between good and evil.

The profound true story of husband and wife, Raynor and Moth Winn’s 630-mile trek along the beautiful but rugged Cornish, Devon and Dorset coastline. After being forcibly removed from their home, they make the desperate decision to walk in the hope that, in nature, they will find solace and a sense of acceptance. With depleted resources, only a tent and some essentials between them, every step along the path is a testament to their growing strength and determination.

One of France’s most beloved and awarded actors, the remarkable Daniel Auteuil is also an accomplished writer and director in his own right, and the engrossing new legal thriller The Thread finds him once again in top form. Auteuil stars as Jean Monier, a well-past his prime defence lawyer who – ever since discovering he was responsible for a killer being exonerated – now prefers to work as a prosecutor. But one evening Jean agrees to help his over-committed wife and fellow counsel Annie (Sidse Babett Knudsen) by meeting with Nicolas Milik (Grégory Gadebois), a shell-shocked father of five who has just been arrested for the murder of his troubled wife. Milik’s predicament inexplicably touches Jean; the more he pieces together the events of the night in question, the more he becomes convinced of Milik’s innocence. Soon Jean rediscovers his passion for his vocation, and becomes obsessed with exposing the killer. Characterised by typically first-rate performances from its stellar cast, this pulled-from-the-headlines drama is a gripping exploration of guilt, conceit and the slippery nature of justice. A major word of mouth hit at the French box office in late 2024, The Thread packs a genuine punch, with a conclusion that lingers long after the credits have rolled.