The Capitol

Buy tickets to SUPERMAN and support Balmoral School to send our kids to the AIMS Games in August. The event kicks off at 6pm with raffles and fantastic prizes to be won. The movie begins at 6.30pm – don’t be late! Tickets are $25 each or for $32 you can add either popcorn or an ice-cream to your order. SUPERMAN is DC Studios’ first feature film to hit the big screen. In his signature style, James Gunn takes on the original superhero in the newly imagined DC universe with a singular blend of epic action, humour and heart, delivering a Superman who’s driven by compassion and an inherent belief in the goodness of humankind. DC Studios heads Peter Safran and Gunn are producing the film, which Gunn directs from his own screenplay, based on characters from DC, Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. SUPERMAN stars David Corenswet (“Twisters”, “Hollywood”) in the dual role of Superman/Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”) as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult (the “X-Men” movies, “Juror #2”) as Lex Luthor. The film also features: Edi Gathegi (“For All Mankind”), Anthony Carrigan (“Barry”, “Gotham”), Nathan Fillion (the “Guardians of the Galaxy” films, “The Suicide Squad”), Isabela Merced (“Alien Romulus”), Skyler Gisondo (“Licorice Pizza”, “Booksmart”), Sara Sampaio (“At Midnight”), María Gabriela de Faría (“The Moodys”), Wendell Pierce (“Selma”, “Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan”), Alan Tudyk (“Andor”), Pruitt Taylor Vince (“Bird Box”) and Neva Howell (“Greedy People”). SUPERMAN is from Warner Bros. Pictures and is executive produced by Nikolas Korda, Chantal Nong Vo and Lars Winther. Behind the camera, Gunn is joined by frequent collaborators, including director of photography Henry Braham, production designer Beth Mickle, costume designer Judianna Makovsky and composer John Murphy, along with editors Craig Alpert (“Deadpool 2”, “Blue Beetle”), Jason Ballantine (the “IT” films, “The Flash”) and William Hoy (“The Batman”).

Bound for Pleasure + Transfigured Nights Thru the Keyhole presents a double bill of deviance, desire, and documentary from David Blyth Bound for Pleasure take a leather-clad step into auckland’s underground bdsm scene. director david blyth’s taboo-busting 2004 documentary peels back the latex to reveal a world of dominatrixes, submissives, slaves, fetishists, and pain enthusiasts. from dungeon rituals to rope tutorials, this is a bold, unflinching portrait of power, pleasure, and the people who live between the cracks of polite society. with commentary from mistress j (a former university lecturer turned expert in the art of control), and candid interviews with key players, bound for pleasure is a kiwi cult classic of sexual subculture cinema. Transfigured Nights if bound for pleasure is about the physical, transfigured nights dives deep into the digital. made entirely from webcam interviews, blyth’s latest work explores the strange, dreamy world of mask fetish performers—people who use anonymity, performance, and costume to transform themselves online. it’s haunting, hypnotic, and unlike anything you’ve seen before. identity is fluid. gender dissolves. latex glistens.

caligula: the final cut an emperor, unhinged. a film, unleashed. tinto brass’s caligula finally gets what it always threatened to be — the full-throttle, no-holds-barred descent into madness, sex, and slaughter that shocked the roman senate and film censors alike. malcolm mcdowell is feral as the infamous emperor — installing his horse in government, sleeping with his sister, and dispatching enemies with wild-eyed flair. gore vidal wrote the script (though he’d rather not talk about it). penthouse funded it (and made sure it shows). this is the final cut. the wrangling is over. the orgies are in. and caligula is unleashed in all his decadent, delirious glory. watch it. gasp. then go home and google “was any of that legal?” part of thru the keyhole – our cinematic plunge into the murky depths of human desire

CatVideoFest is a compilation reel of the latest and best cat videos culled from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos, and classic internet powerhouses. CatVideoFest is a joyous communal experience, only available in theaters, and raises money for cats in need through partnerships with local cat charities, animal welfare organizations, and shelters to best serve cats in the area. We are committed to raising awareness and money for cats in need around the world. A percentage of the proceeds from each event go to local animal shelters and/or animal welfare organizations. Since 2019, over $150,000 has been raised for local shelters in addition to adoptions, fostering, volunteer sign-ups and much more at shows. By focusing our fundraising efforts on behalf of local shelters and organizations, we’re able to divert money and attention directly to the places and causes that need it most. We trust local people working on behalf of cats to know and understand the problems that need to be solved. The 75-minute-reel of cat videos is family-friendly and can be enjoyed by anyone. The wide demographic appeal allows for it to be shown in virtually any type of setting - from museums to theaters to outdoor festivals and beyond. This flexibility means there are almost no limits to where CatVideoFest can go!

Fifty years after its release, Cooley High returns to the big screen, presented by The Capitol Cinema Film Club. This 1974 Black cinema classic remains a poignant and joyful portrayal of youth, friendship, and the struggle to dream beyond adversity. Starring Glynn Turman as Leroy "Preach" Jackson and Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs as Richard "Cochise" Mose, the film follows two high school seniors in 1964 Chicago as they navigate late-night joyrides, dance parties, and the pursuit of romance. Yet, as young Black men, their coming-of-age journey is complicated by the harsh realities of race and class in America. Directed by Michael Schultz and written by Eric Monte, Cooley High is a heartfelt and authentic reflection of Black life, set to the rhythm of Motown hits - The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, The Marvelettes, & The Miracles. Cooley High is often hailed as one of the most influential films in Black cinema and a quintessential Chicago story. The film’s impact can be seen in the works of directors like Spike Lee (Do the Right Thing) and John Singleton (Boyz n the Hood), who cite it as a foundational touchstone in their own explorations of Black identity and urban life. With humor and heart, Cooley High remains an enduring tribute to friendship, hope, and the dreams of Black youth.

Finding The Money - Presented by NZ Labour Party – Tàmaki LEC Is NZ really at risk of ‘going broke’— have we ‘maxed out the credit card’? This movie explodes the myths. FINDING THE MONEY follows economist Stephanie Kelton as she and an intrepid group of economists are on a mission to flip our understanding of government spending, taxation and debt - and answer the question, “Have we been thinking about the way the government spends money, all wrong?”. Through the lens of Modern Monetary Theory (MMT), which is challenging economic and political orthodoxy at the highest levels, Kelton provocatively asserts government debt is not actually a debt for taxpayers at all, nor a burden for our grandchildren to pay back. FINDING THE MONEY traces the conflict all the way back to the story we tell about money. Its US example applies equally to New Zealand and gives us a powerful set of arguments to challenge the myths that get in the way of tackling our biggest challenges, from climate change to inequality. Following the movie there will be a Q&A session with political economist Morgan Edwards, an expert on MMT and how New Zealand government finances actually work. Authorised by Rob Salmond, 2 Gilmer Terrace, Wellington

Suburban dad Craig falls hard for his charismatic new neighbor, but Craig’s attempts to make an adult male friend threaten to ruin both of their lives.

In a world increasingly defined by power struggles and political posturing, Invisible Nation pulls back the curtain on one of the most urgent geopolitical flashpoints of our time. At its centre: Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwan’s first female president, leading a defiant democracy that refuses to be erased. This gripping and intimate documentary captures Taiwan’s fight to remain free—balancing identity, sovereignty, and survival in the shadow of China’s growing aggression. Through Tsai’s quiet strength and visionary leadership, Invisible Nation becomes more than a political portrait—it’s a frontline account of a nation asserting its right to be seen, heard, and respected. A vital watch for anyone who believes democracy is worth defending.

nymphomaniac: volume i lars von trier kicks down the door of polite cinema with nymphomaniac: volume i — a fierce, unflinching confessional of a woman who’s weaponised desire and made shame her playground. found beaten in an alley, joe (charlotte gainsbourg) recounts her life’s erotic odyssey to a curious stranger (stellan skarsgård). what follows is a series of escalating, compulsive encounters — each chapter probing deeper into addiction, identity, and the quiet rage of a woman who refuses to apologise for her appetites. this is no soft-focus erotica. it’s abrasive, cerebral, and laced with deadpan humour and existential dread — von trier at his most playfully perverse. also starring shia labeouf, christian slater, uma thurman, and stacy martin as young joe. brace yourself. this is only part one. screening as part of thru the keyhole at the capitol cinema

nymphomaniac: volume ii the pleasure fades. the reckoning begins. in nymphomaniac: volume ii, lars von trier drags the viewer deeper into the abyss of joe’s sexual history — now darker, stranger, and far more brutal. the quest for sensation becomes an addiction. and like all addictions, it takes more to feel less. as joe (charlotte gainsbourg) spirals through sadomasochism, criminality, and emotional detachment, the film probes the jagged edge where desire meets destruction. there are no neat resolutions here. just sharp turns and bitter truths. told with von trier’s signature blend of provocation, dry wit, and existential despair, this conclusion pulls no punches. sex is no longer the thrill — it’s the battleground. featuring willem dafoe, jamie bell, and uma thurman, this is not a redemption arc. it’s a reckoning. screening as part of thru the keyhole at the capitol cinema

PITCHBLACK PLAYBACK featuring TAME IMPALA’s 'Currents'! (10th Anniversary) Wednesday 16 July - Dont miss out ticket sell fast *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 powerful 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. Duration: 45 minutes

Fundraiser Event for City Vision. Come early to mingle, make sure you stay for the Q&A at the end. Introductions at 6:15pm Q&A session by Raihana, a former Judge from Afghanistan and a speaker from local STEM In a nation where educating girls is seen as rebellion, a visionary woman dares to teach young minds to dream. When their innovation draws global attention, their success sparks hope—and opposition. As threats loom and sacrifices are made, their courage and unity ignite a movement that could forever transform the world.

shame he’s got everything under control. except himself. steve mcqueen’s shame is a raw, clinical descent into the life of brandon (michael fassbender), a man whose sleek exterior — high-rise apartment, tailored suits, curated charm — conceals an addiction that’s eating him alive. sex isn’t pleasure. it’s compulsion. and when his estranged sister (carey mulligan) crashes into his life, the cracks begin to rupture. fassbender is devastating. stripped bare, physically and emotionally, in a performance that’s as controlled as it is chaotic. mcqueen doesn’t flinch — and neither will you. this is cinema that exposes. it’s not sexy. it’s suffocating. and it’s brilliant. part of thru the keyhole — cinema that digs deep into desire and drags it into the daylight

sleeping beauty obedient body. restless mind. julia leigh’s icy, provocative debut pulls the sheets back on a world where submission is currency, and silence is part of the contract. emily browning is lucy, a student by day, and by night, a living doll in the sleeping beauty chamber, where wealthy older men pay to lie beside her unconscious body. nothing more. nothing less. or so they’re told. but lucy starts to spiral. what’s happening while she sleeps? who’s really in control? what line is she crossing and does she care? nominated for the palme d’or at cannes, sleeping beauty is clinical, controlled, and charged with dread. it doesn’t seduce. it disturbs. and that’s the point. part of thru the keyhole — cinema that stares into the abyss and dares you not to blink

HUNDREDS OF BEAVERS returns to The Capitol for One Night Only! A truly unique and creatively comedic vision that had the Terror-Fi crowd in stitches at its New Zealand Premiere, and sold out our one-off screening in 2024, returns to the big screen. HUNDREDS OF BEAVERS is a ‘must see’ in a cinema full of people! “A drunken applejack salesman must go from zero to hero and become North America's greatest fur trapper by defeating hundreds of beavers.” An unexpected visionary work that will rip you a new perspective on classic cinematic art. It is exciting in ways you cannot imagine and must be seen to be believed. – Michael Talbot-Haynes, Film Threat Hundreds of Beavers exists at the crossroads of Looney Tunes, Benny Hill, Cannibal: The Musical, Blazing Saddles, and Adult Swim. – Matt Donato, Slashfilm Come to the cinema early to enjoy our themed cocktail and custom pre-show. Directed by Mike Cheslik, HUNDREDS OF BEAVERS stars Ryland Brickson Cole Tews, Olivia Graves, Wes Tank, Doug Mancheski, and Luis Rico. HUNDREDS OF BEAVERS premiered at Fantasia, Sitges, Fantastic Fest and Terror-Fi.

Terror-Fi Film Festival and Madman Entertainment present a special limited theatrical release of THE SURFER, the new psychological thriller from director Lorcan Finnegan (‘Vivarium’), with another iconic performance from Nicolas Cage. ‘Pig’ meets ‘Falling Down’ meets ‘Point Break’, THE SURFER explores themes of fatherhood, community, and toxic masculinity. It’s a ‘must see’ on the big screen. “A man returns to the idyllic beach of his childhood to surf with his son. But his desire to hit the waves is thwarted by a group of locals whose mantra is ‘don't live here, don't surf here’. Humiliated and angry, the man is drawn into a conflict that keeps rising in concert with the punishing heat of the summer and pushes him to his breaking point.”

Be the first to see the stunning new horror TOGETHER, starring real-life couple Alison Brie and Dave Franco. Merging psychological and body horror, with comedy and romance, the film presents a uniquely twisted and wildly entertaining exploration of codependency. 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and not to be missed on the big screen! “Years into their relationship, Tim and Millie find themselves at a crossroads as they move to the country, abandoning all that is familiar in their lives except each other. With tensions already flaring, a nightmarish encounter with a mysterious, unnatural force threatens to corrupt their lives, their love and their flesh.” Come to the cinema early to enjoy exclusive cocktail, and custom pre-show. Directed by Michael Shanks, TOGETHER stars Alison Brie (‘Community’, ‘Glow’), Dave Franco (‘Bad Neighbours’, ‘Now You See Me’), and Damon Herriman (‘Better Man’, ‘The Nightingale’).

The House Within is a documentary film about the internationally celebrated New Zealand writer Dame Fiona Kidman. It examines the way in which life and fiction collide and how, with time, they become inescapably braided together. The film paints an intimate portrait of Fiona’s fascinating and often tumultuous life. It probes the inner world of a truly maverick writer who has overcome innumerable obstacles to establish her voice, and place, in the world of literature on a global scale. Fiona speaks for the first time about the private pains and losses in her life and art, and how these experiences were fundamental to the creation of the fictional worlds which have moved us so deeply.

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.