A reserved Indian-American doctor brings his fiancé home - where traditions, identity, and love collide in unexpected, joyful ways. Step into a rom-com filled with cultural warmth, relatable family dynamics, and a lovingly told queer romance. A Nice Indian Boy follows Naveen, a thoughtful Indian-American doctor, as he navigates the complexities of introducing his fiancé to his traditional family. What starts as an awkward introduction blossoms into a vibrant exploration of love, identity, and acceptance. Adapted from a beloved stage play and directed with warmth and insight, the film brings together heartfelt performances and moments of genuine humour. The cast delivers chemistry and emotional depth, while a key performance by the mother infuses the story with authenticity and laugh-out-loud charm. Bollywood influences color the film with joyful musicality - from playful dance sequences to emotionally rich visual storytelling - adding sparkle without sacrificing sincerity. Whether it’s the clash of expectations, the quiet yearning for approval, or the radiant celebration of partnership, this film resonates with honest feeling and sincere affection. Perfect for audiences drawn to emotionally nuanced rom-coms, cultural resonance, and the quiet power of personal acceptance, this story unfolds as a gentle, joyful affirmation of love in all its beautiful complexity.

The Adventure Reels Tour brings the world’s best action sport films to the big screen. Designed to keep audiences on the edge of their seats, each action-packed short has been hand-picked to take you deeper, steeper, faster and higher with the world’s best skiers, climbers, kayakers, BASE jumpers and mountain bikers. But be warned the Adventure Reels Tour is not for the faint hearted. This year, the line-up of films showcases two-and-a-half hours of heart-stopping action. Filled with wild rides, long ski lines, steep jumps, and skilful stunts, these films celebrate the camaraderie, courage and conviction of today’s most out-there adventurers. With radically fresh outlooks, these high-energy excerpts will take you to a place where your heart beats faster, adrenaline courses through your veins and the world whirls by at speed. The Adventure Reels Tour promises a return to the heart of action sport film festivals with a collection of films that will get your pulse racing. ONE SCREENING ONLY IN DARWIN : DON'T MISS THE ACTION

A fearless journalist investigates the fate of five missing colleagues in East Timor in 1975, confronting truth, danger, and political cover-ups. "Balibo is a harrowing and deeply affecting wartime drama inspired by true events. Set in 1975, it follows the disappearance of the Balibo Five - five Australian journalists killed while covering mounting tensions in East Timor just before an Indonesian invasion. Veteran correspondent Roger East answers the call to investigate their fate. Alongside José Ramos-Horta, a passionate advocate who would later become East Timor’s president, East unearths truths that those in power wish to hide. Filmed in the newly independent Timor-Leste, the production captures both the beauty of the landscape and the stark realities of political conflict. Performances from Anthony LaPaglia and Oscar Isaac ground the film in emotional truth, while careful attention to historical detail ensures authenticity. More than a political thriller, this is a testament to journalistic integrity and the sacrifices made in pursuit of truth. It honours the memory of those lost, explores the courage required to confront injustice, and reminds audiences of the human stories that lie behind the headlines."

A talented Mumbai street dancer discovers ballet and, under the guidance of a curmudgeonly elder mentor, defies expectations to pursue his dream on stage. Call Me Dancer is a moving, visually rich documentary that defies expectations and heralds the power of dance, mentorship, and the human spirit. Co-directed by former ballet dancer Leslie Shampaine and filmmaker Pip Gilmour, it chronicles the life of Manish, a tenacious street dancer from Mumbai. Raised under economic pressures and familial expectations, Manish discovers ballet through chance and becomes captivated by its elegance, power, and discipline. He eventually meets Yehuda, a 70-year-old Israeli ballet master whose celebrated past now meets Mumbai’s raw energy. A transformative mentorship begins - one that challenges age, class, and geographical boundaries while unearthing resilience and shared humanity. Their relationship becomes the heart of the film, an emotional exploration that threads through beautifully shot dance sequences and personal discovery. Since its world premiere in 2023, Call Me Dancer has resonated deeply with audiences, earning over twenty prestigious festival awards - many chosen by audience votes - across continents. This documentary stands as a testament to the universality of art, the courage to pursue one's calling, and the magic that happens when mentorship and talent converge. It’s a hopeful, unforgettable dance memoir that moves both body and soul.

A grieving Japanese widower travels to England with his estranged son to fulfill his late wife’s final wish - sparking gentle revelations and reconnection. Step into the contemplative world of Cottontail, where silence, memory, and landscape tell a moving story of grief and healing. Following the passing of his beloved wife, Kenzaburo, a Tokyo-based novelist, receives her final wish - to scatter her ashes at Lake Windermere, the place she cherished. Reluctantly joined by his distant adult son, Toshi, the duo travel from Japan to the English countryside, where familial schisms ripple beneath curated quietude. Directed by Patrick Dickinson in his feature debut, the film unfurls with deliberate pace and emotional precision. Lily Franky embodies Kenzaburo with restrained depth, while Ryo Nishikido portrays Toshi with understated tension and vulnerability. Their interactions - measured yet electric - draw attention to memories unspoken and the ache of fractured intimacy. Along the way, an encounter with an English farmer and his daughter, played by Ciarán and Aoife Hinds, offers moments of unexpected compassion, bridging cultural distance with human warmth. Set against the lush sweep of the Lake District, Cottontail melds visual poetry with narrative grace. It gently explores how grief reshapes identity, how absence becomes presence, and how fragile bonds can mend through compassion and quiet revelation. A reflective and beautifully crafted drama about letting go and moving forward.

Fundraiser for Tactile Arts on 12/10/2025. Caterer: Yogi's Way An Aussie bushman’s life is turned upside down when he travels from the rugged outback to the streets of New York in this iconic culture-clash comedy. Immerse yourself anew in one of Australia’s greatest cinematic treasures with Crocodile Dundee: The Encore Cut. This meticulously restored 4 K version brings Mick “Crocodile” Dundee’s spirited Outback charm to life with pristine visuals and a powerful Atmos soundtrack. Thoughtfully updated for contemporary audiences, the Encore Cut introduces a ceremonial Acknowledgement of Country and a moving dedication to the late producer John Cornell. While balancing respect for modern sensibilities, carefully removed material - no longer diverting from the film’s tone - ensures the essence of romance, comedy, and adventure endures. Audiences are invited to fall in love again with Mick’s witty swagger, the heart of the Outback, and Sue’s equal-footed wit, all delivered with renewed clarity and resonance. Accompanied by the feature-length tribute documentary Love of an Icon: The Legend of Crocodile Dundee, this release offers a layered celebration of the film’s impact, artistry, and enduring legacy. Whether rediscovering the original or experiencing it for the first time, the Encore Cut promises a balanced blend of nostalgia, spectacle, and cultural mindfulness.

Go to diff.net.au for tickets and info. Darwin International Film Festival screening.

Screening with Special Guest Richard "Harry" Harris on October 6th! Hold your breath. Thai cave rescue hero Dr Richard “Harry” Harris takes on his most perilous adventure yet in Jennifer Peedom’s latest nail biter (Sherpa, Mountain, River). In a remote part of New Zealand’s South Island, "Harry” and his fellow underwater obsessives set out to dive what could be the deepest-dived cave system in the world. Controversially, they plan to use hydrogen as a breathing gas – its explosive nature adding to the many hazards the close-knit team faces. As the 2019 Australian of the Year prepares to confront the dark waters and life-threatening cold, he questions the costs of his passion. Award winning director Peedom captures the tension, euphoria and mateship of this endeavour using Harris’s own vertigo-inducing cave footage, along with striking above-ground imagery and a compelling score.

Fundraiser for "German Association in Darwin Inc." on 19/10/2025. Caterer: Christine's Exotic Eats During a summer at a Catskills resort, a sheltered young woman falls for the camp’s charismatic dance instructor, sparking romance, rebellion, and transformation. Dirty Dancing remains one of cinema’s most cherished romantic dramas, set in the nostalgic summer of 1963 at a Catskills resort. Frances “Baby” Houseman is a sheltered young woman on vacation with her family, destined for a conventional life - until she meets Johnny Castle, the resort’s charismatic and free-spirited dance instructor. Drawn into Johnny’s world of late-night dance rehearsals, Baby learns the mambo and much more, discovering passion, independence, and the courage to challenge the expectations placed upon her. Their romance unfolds against a vibrant soundtrack, featuring timeless hits and the Academy Award-winning song “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.” Directed by Emile Ardolino and written by Eleanor Bergstein, Dirty Dancing combines spirited choreography, memorable performances by Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze, and a heartfelt coming-of-age narrative. The film became a box-office sensation and a cultural landmark, celebrated for its infectious energy, emotional sincerity, and enduring dance sequences. It’s a story of first love, rebellion, and the summer that changes everything.

In a pandemic-shadowed New Mexico town, a standoff between a right-wing sheriff and liberal mayor ignites ideological fury - into dark, absurdist violence. Eddington (2025) is a daring genre-defying film from Ari Aster that fuses neo-Western grit with sharp social satire. Set amid the chaos of May 2020, Eddington, New Mexico is thrown into ideological turmoil as Sheriff Joe Cross - an anti-mandate, polarising figure played by Joaquin Phoenix - sparks a high-stakes conflict with progressive Mayor Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal). This isn’t just a power struggle; it's a hallucinatory descent into paranoia, disinformation, and the erosion of community. As neighboring families fracture under fear and mistrust, conspiracies, performative activism, and a creeping paranoia propel the town to violence. Emma Stone, Austin Butler, and Luke Grimes round out a charged ensemble reflecting fractured perspectives and radicalization. Cinematographer Darius Khondji frames the landscape as both stark and surreal, amplified by Lucian Johnston’s sharp editing and Daniel Pemberton’s tense score. Premiering at Cannes in May and released in July 2025, Eddington has provoked intense debate - some calling it a necessary confrontation, others questioning its tone. Subversive, visually arresting, and emotionally bruising, this film demands viewers face the existential fractures of a society undone.

A determined bus driver hijacks his own vehicle in 1978 to prove public transport can reach his underserved Barcelona neighbourhood - uniting a community. El 47 is a stirring and deeply human drama rooted in true events from 1978 Barcelona. In the underserved, self-built neighbourhood of Torre Baró, families lived with little more than hope. When city officials insisted that public buses couldn’t reach the area’s narrow, steep streets, local bus driver Manolo Vital challenged their claim by driving his own route 47 bus directly into the heart of the community. Directed with clarity and soul by Marcel Barrena, and featuring a standout performance by Eduard Fernández, El 47 is more than a historical account - it’s a testament to the spirit of everyday people who reclaim dignity, visibility, and justice. The film has earned major recognition across Spain, including multiple Goya and Gaudí Awards, and has achieved the remarkable feat of becoming one of the most-watched Catalan-language films in decades. Ideal for family viewing, El 47 offers meaningful conversation starters about standing up for one’s community, honouring familial bonds, and daring to challenge the status quo - all wrapped in warmth, humility, and shared strength.

Divorced parents navigate Italy, family holidays, and parenting mishaps as they rediscover love and unity in this witty, heartfelt family comedy. Embark on a sun-drenched, emotionally rich journey with Everything’s Fifty Fifty - a comedy that captures the tender chaos of modern co-parenting. Marion and Andi think they’ve got it all figured out after their separation - every aspect of caring for their son Milan is evenly split. But when they head to Italy for a summer holiday, cracks appear: Milan's sheltered life, his surprising first romance, and embarrassing discoveries - like not knowing how to swim - force the parents to confront their parenting logic. Directed by the celebrated Alireza Golafshan, who was honoured with the 2024 Bavarian Film Award, this film combines sharp dialogue, heartfelt performances, and radiant Mediterranean scenery. Laura Tonke and Moritz Bleibtreu lead with warmth and authenticity, while Valentin Thatenhorst brings Milan’s character to understated life. As the family dynamics shift, what begins as a vacation full of comedic missteps evolves into a journey of reconnection. It’s a film that blends laughter, realism, and budding affection across generations - offering a loving and hopeful look at how families can redefine unity, even when life is divided “fifty-fifty”.

Celebrate the next generation of filmmakers at First Frames, a special night of Year 12 student films under the stars at the Deckchair Cinema. Featuring bold, creative works from Darwin High School’s Film class as well as talented contributors from other Territory schools, this showcase captures fresh stories and emerging voices.

Fundraiser for NT Interschool Team on 26/10/2025. Mum and daughter swap bodies again - this time with their teens - leading to hilarious multigenerational mayhem and heartfelt chaos. More than twenty years have passed since Anna Coleman and her mother Tess experienced their unforgettable body swap. Now adults with new roles - Tess as a grandma and Anna as a mother to a teenager - life is complicated by even more bodies to manage. A palm‑reading mishap triggers a four‑way swap between Tess, Anna, Anna’s daughter Harper, and her soon‑to‑be stepdaughter Lily. As chaos ensues across generations, these four navigate life in each other’s shoes - literally. This legacy sequel brings back Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan alongside familiar faces and new stars like Julia Butters and Manny Jacinto. Directed by Nisha Ganatra and penned by Jordan Weiss, it blends heartfelt homage with fresh humour. With nods to the original band Pink Slip, standout performances, and a stylish soundtrack, Freakier Friday is a spirited and sentimental celebration of family in riotous harmony.

A socially awkward dad becomes obsessed with his charismatic neighbor, sparking a surreal and crashing descent into male friendship gone horrifyingly wrong. Friendship (2025) is Andrew DeYoung’s audacious feature debut - a darkly comic and surreal satire on male intimacy in crisis. Craig, a emotionally stunted PR executive, is drifting through life in suburban Clovis while supporting his cancer-recovered wife, Tami, and keeping a distant rapport with his teen son. When he meets his alluring new neighbor Austin - an affable TV weatherman - Craig’s desperation for friendship spirals into cringe-comedy territory. Tim Robinson embodies Craig’s off-kilter vulnerability, while Paul Rudd’s Austin offers effortless charm. As Craig’s intrusive attempts escalate - hallucinogenic rituals, soap-mumbo, tunnel adventures, a gun-centric breakdown - the film veers into absurd, often uncomfortable territory. Stylistically, it blends suburban realism with surrealism and whispers of Kaufman-esque unease. Following a Midnight Madness premiere at TIFF 2024, Friendship earned acclaim for its fearless tone, uncompromising satire, and audacious performances. A24’s theatrical release in May 2025 amplified its reputation as one of the year’s boldest comedies. Strange, unsettling, and laugh-out-aloud uncomfortable, Friendship is a dark mirror to modern masculinity and the yearning for genuine connection - even at the point of self-destruction.

Fundraiser for Classic Holden Car Club of the Northern Territory Inc. on 02/11/2025. In a 1950s high school, a summer romance between a greaser and a sweet newcomer ignites a whirlwind of music, dance, and teenage dreams. Grease is the high-octane musical that defined a generation and continues to win new fans. Set in 1950s America, it follows the story of Danny Zuko, the cool leader of the T-Birds, and Sandy Olsson, the wholesome new girl in town. After a romantic summer together, the two unexpectedly reunite at Rydell High - only to discover that their lives and reputations might not fit so easily together. What follows is a lively mix of teenage antics, love triangles, and friendship drama, all set to one of the most iconic soundtracks in cinema history. From the charm of “Summer Nights” to the swagger of “Greased Lightnin’” and the show-stopping finale of “You’re the One That I Want,” the film overflows with memorable moments. Directed by Randal Kleiser and based on the hit stage musical, Grease blends nostalgia for the 1950s with the style and energy of 1970s pop culture. With irresistible chemistry between John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, and a colourful supporting cast, it remains a feel-good celebration of young love, self-expression, and the enduring power of music and dance.

David Gulpilil, Australia’s most celebrated Indigenous actor, passed away in 2021. His final wish was to be buried at his birthplace, his Homeland of Gupulul in Arnhem Land. After a life spent living between two-worlds, his family take on the challenge of escorting him home, a journey spanning over 4,000 km beginning with a ceremony led by Yolŋu cultural ambassador Witiyana Marika. This moving homecoming concludes with cultural leaders invoking their ancestral Djan’kawu Sisters, and performing sacred Songcycles to guide David’s spirit to rest in fulfilment of his profound cultural and spiritual legacy.

KANGAROO is a heart-warming family comedy about ex TV personality, Chris Masterman, who becomes stranded in an Outback town outside Alice Springs. There, he teams up with 12-year-old Indigenous girl Charlie. The pair form an unlikely friendship and work together to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned joeys in the remote but stunning Outback community - an endeavour that proves to be life-changing for them both. KANGAROO is inspired by the life of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, founder of The Kangaroo Sanctuary, Alice Springs.

Screening with Special Guests Director Timothy David and Writer Sally Gifford on September 24th! Meet the creatives before the film and hang back for a Q&A after the film. A Hollywood actress returns to her remote island home, confronting a fractured bond with her sister and long buried secrets in the breathtaking Outback. Kangaroo Island (2025) is a poignant exploration of grief, memory, and reconciliation set amid the wild beauty of South Australia’s iconic island. Directed by debut filmmaker Timothy David and written by Sally Gifford, the film follows Lou, a once-promising actress whose career has crumbled. Called back home by her father, she reluctantly reunites with her younger sister Freya, whose conservative worldview contrasts with Lou’s fractured identity. Their reunion - set against windswept coasts, rugged bush, and quiet, ancient landscapes - awakens years of tension and a family secret that threatens to shatter their frail reunion. Lou’s city-worn anguish meets Freya’s emotional defensiveness in a delicate dance of trust, humour, and the yearning for connection. Rebecca Breeds and Adelaide Clemens deliver grounded, heartfelt performances that anchor the film’s emotional truth, while Kangaroo Island’s natural grandeur becomes a silent character - both calming and formidable. The story resonates with anyone who knows the enduring power of home, the inevitability of secrets, and the fragile grace of forgiveness.

A terminally ill taxi driver travels from Broken Hill to Darwin for voluntary euthanasia, finding friendship, love, and unexpected reasons to live along the way. Last Cab to Darwin is a poignant, warmly comic Australian road movie about life, death, and the unexpected turns in between. Rex, a Broken Hill taxi driver, has spent his life avoiding deep connections. When diagnosed with terminal cancer, he makes a bold decision: to drive over 3,000 kilometres to Darwin, where new euthanasia laws could allow him to die on his own terms. His solitary journey is quickly disrupted by unexpected passengers: a resourceful young drifter, an Aboriginal nurse with strong views, and a host of locals who challenge his assumptions. Each encounter chips away at his emotional reserve, revealing unspoken regrets and a capacity for connection he thought long lost. Directed by Jeremy Sims and adapted from Reg Cribb’s stage play, the film showcases Michael Caton in a career-defining role, alongside powerful performances from Ningali Lawford-Wolf, Mark Coles Smith, and Jacki Weaver. Sweeping Outback vistas and moments of gentle humour balance the film’s exploration of mortality, personal freedom, and the value of human connection. Ultimately, Last Cab to Darwin is less about the end of the road and more about the discoveries made along the way.

Fundraiser for Dream Calisthenics Dance Club on Sunday 28/09/2025. Caterer: Glizzy A spirited remake of a Hawaiian classic, where a lonely girl finds an unexpected sibling in a mischievous alien - and together, they redefine family. Step into the sun-drenched world of Lilo & Stitch (2025), Disney’s live-action/CGI reimagining of its beloved classic. Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, the film follows Lilo, a spirited young girl in Hawaii, who adopts an alien creature she calls Stitch - constantly mischievous, fiercely lovable, and finding family where she least expects it. Portrayed by newcomer Maia Kealoha, Lilo’s emotional journey is grounded in sincerity and youthful joy, while Chris Sanders reprises his iconic voice for Stitch. The story unfolds amidst lush Hawaiian landscapes, bolstered by a nostalgic soundtrack, including returning Elvis hits and fresh musical interpretations, celebrating aloha and belonging. Supporting roles come from Sydney Agudong as Nani, Billy Magnussen as Pleakley, Zach Galifianakis as Jumba, plus returning voices Tia Carrere and Amy Hill in new roles. The screenplay retains the original’s heartfelt narrative while enriching its emotional palette for today’s audiences. A global hit and first of 2025’s billion-dollar titles, the film charmed families worldwide. Savvy marketing - like a beloved animatronic Stitch greeting moviegoers - kept the magic digital and real. Lilo & Stitch offers laughter, tears, and warm lessons in empathy. It proves that with love, community, and a bit of chaos, we’re never alone.

A shy teen’s attraction to a mysterious stranger during a convent choir retreat unsettles friendship, faith, and the boundaries of adolescence. Little Trouble Girls (Kaj ti je deklica) marks the compelling debut of Slovenian filmmaker Urška Djukić, co-written with Maria Bohr. The film follows Lucija, a withdrawn 16-year-old who joins her Catholic school’s all-girls choir and forms a bond with the vivacious Ana-Marija. Their friendship becomes increasingly complex during a countryside convent retreat when Lucija is captivated by a handsome restoration worker - igniting desire, jealousy, and crisis of faith. Shot across Slovenia and northeastern Italy, Djukić’s intimate direction allows subtle gestures, facial close-ups, and evocative sound design to convey Lucija’s internal world. Festival acclaim followed: Little Trouble Girls premiered in the Perspectives section at the 2025 Berlinale (earning the FIPRESCI Prize) and won Best Cinematography at Tribeca. Photographed by Lev Predan Kowarski, the film sensitively depicts emerging sexuality within the rigid confines of religious upbringing. Lucija’s inward transformation, fraught with curiosity, shame, and longing, becomes universal through its grace and restraint. A coming-of-age drama that refuses clichés, Little Trouble Girls is a tender, contemplative exploration of friendship, desire, and belief. Djukić invites us into adolescence’s wild terrain - quiet, volatile, and arrestingly human.

A high-end matchmaker in New York navigates romance, status, and survival when faced with a choice between love and luxury in this razor-sharp relationship drama. In this wry and poignant romantic dramedy, a New York City matchmaker renowned for pairing clients with luxury and status finds herself entangled in her own romantic predicament: torn between a glamorous financier and her devoted ex‑actor. Her journey unfolds against the backdrop of modern dating’s transactional undercurrents, offering an incisive critique of how capitalism infiltrates intimacy. With razor‑sharp dialogue and richly drawn characters, the film balances satirical wit with emotional vulnerability - presenting glamorous cityscapes alongside the quieter truths of connection. Directed by Celine Song, whose previous work earned an Oscar nomination, and featuring strong performances from Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal, the film illuminates the reassessment of what truly matters in love. A haunting, elegant score by Daniel Pemberton, aided by contributions from Japanese Breakfast and Baby Rose, enriches its tonal complexity. As the narrative unfolds, it reveals that genuine affection often defies expectations - and that love, at its most hopeful, can resist the commodifying grip of modern life.

In Thatcher‑era London, a Pakistani‑British man and his white ex‑punk revamp a laundrette while defying race, class, and sexuality norms. Set against the austerity and ambition of 1980s London, this film follows Omar, a young British‑Pakistani man who restores a decrepit laundrette with help from his childhood friend Johnny, now a disaffected punk. Their work together grows into a cautious but tender romance, unfolding amid the social tensions of race, class, and Thatcherite enterprise. From its modest television origins, the film gained a theatrical release and became a cultural landmark. It launched careers - ushering in Daniel Day‑Lewis’s rise, marking a powerful cinematic voice for Stephen Frears and Hanif Kureishi, and laying the foundation for Working Title Films and composer Hans Zimmer’s celebrated portfolios. Blending vibrant satire with heartfelt humanism, the story celebrates love’s quiet defiance amid political undercurrents. Its continued resonance, particularly at the 40th anniversary re‑release, reaffirms its place as a timeless, courageous tale of dignity and desire.

Through candid conversations with his daughter, this revealing documentary uncovers the private life of satirist John Clarke - a visionary who spoke truth with wit. But Also John Clarke is a deeply personal and affectionate documentary exploring the life and legacy of one of the antipodes’ most beloved satirists. Directed by his daughter, Lorin Clarke, the film weaves together a series of candid conversations, archival footage, television highlights, and cherished personal letters to reveal the man behind the laugh lines. Spanning a career that included iconic personas like Fred Dagg, razor-sharp Clarke & Dawe mock interviews, and inventive political satire, the film traces the evolution of his irreverent but thoughtful humour - from childhood skepticism to cultural icon. Interwoven with tributes from peers and glimpses into his creative process, it offers both warmth and wisdom. Set to debut at the Melbourne International Film Festival, this intimate portrait celebrates a quietly revolutionary figure who always trusted his audience’s intelligence. It’s a gentle, insightful tribute to a life lived with subtle subversion, depth, and abiding humanity.

At nearly 100, David Attenborough unveils the ocean’s breathtaking beauty and peril - and the urgent chance to heal it through inspiring recovery stories. In this urgent and visually immersive documentary, Sir David Attenborough draws on nearly a century of exploration to reveal the ocean’s vital role in sustaining life on Earth. Audiences are transported through breathtaking coral reefs, kelp forests, and open seas - spaces of unrivalled beauty now threatened by practices like industrial bottom trawling, widespread coral bleaching, and overfishing. Remarkably candid and richly crafted, the film juxtaposes stirring scenes of devastation with stories of hope - from marine reserves teeming with life to communities and scientists working toward resilience. Directed by a trio of experienced filmmakers and produced by teams renowned for Planet Earth-scale storytelling, this cinematic experience combines unmatched visual clarity and emotional depth. Released both in cinemas and on major streaming platforms in mid-2025, the film aligns with global conservation milestones and environmental advocacy efforts. It stands as a poignant reminder that while the ocean is at a critical crossroads, recovery is still possible. Through its evocative imagery and compelling narrative, the documentary invites viewers to champion the protection of our planet’s greatest life force.

A special screening in tribute to Akio Hoshi, beloved local musician and restaurateur. The evening will begin with a live performance by some of Akio’s friends from the Darwin music community, followed by a screening of Plotting the Northern Stars, a film in which Akio features. Plotting The Northern Stars is a thrilling, heart-warming documentary that follows an ambitious emerging artist on a six-month odyssey to create a multicultural musical masterpiece in the heart of Northern Australia.

Screening with Special Guests Director Dawn Jackson and Star Floeur Adler on 29th of October! POINTE is a captivating documentary about Australian dancer Floeur Alder, daughter of ballet legends Lucette Aldous and Alan Alder. At 22, about to embark on her European dance career, she survives a brutal stabbing by a stranger outside her home. While the physical wounds heal, the trauma stirs turbulent memories from her past, sparking a deeply personal quest to find her place in the dance world. POINTE is a poetic, unflinching portrait of this courageous artist, her remarkable family and the power of creativity to heal even the deepest wounds.

Fundraising for Share the Dignity NT on 05/10/2025. Caterer: Christine’s Exotic Eats Businessman Edward hires street-smart Vivian to keep him company for a week - then finds love in this modern Cinderella story. Two worlds collide in this quintessential modern Cinderella tale: a polished, emotionally guarded businessman hires a free-spirited escort to accompany him through a week of social events in glamorous LA. As they navigate dinners, shopping sprees and cultural outings, a spark ignites that transcends financial transaction. Powered by Julia Roberts's breakthrough performance and electric chemistry with Richard Gere, the film balances sophistication, warmth and fantasy, leading to an uplifting romance that continues to resonate. With a soundtrack to match and supporting characters who add wit and heart, this luminous romantic comedy not only redefined its genre - it became one of the highest-grossing films of its time and secured Julia Roberts’s place as a star. Perfect for those seeking charm, nostalgia and a touch of fairy‑tale magic on the big screen.

Winner of a Special Jury Award and Audience Award at SXSW, this deeply personal documentary follows 17-year-old Kutoven “Ku” Stevens of the Yerington Paiute Tribe, whose love of running is both an athletic pursuit and a tribute to his heritage. As Ku trains for a university track scholarship, he also prepares to retrace an extraordinary journey once made by his great-grandfather, Frank “Togo’o” Quinn, who escaped an abusive boarding school at just eight years old by running over 80 kilometres across the Nevada desert. These boarding schools—established across the US and Canada to forcibly assimilate Indigenous children—left a legacy of trauma still felt today. First-time director Paige Bethmann, a Haudenosaunee (Mohawk/Oneida) filmmaker whose own family was impacted by this history, sensitively explores this painful legacy through Ku’s story. Interweaving archival footage and personal interviews with survivors, the film culminates in Ku’s two-day Remembrance Run, a powerful act of honouring and healing. Marking an inspiring debut, the documentary captures how a young athlete’s determination becomes a bridge between past and present, illuminating the enduring strength of cultural identity.

François is a former military man who is making the most of his retirement alongside his wife Annie, the only person who seems to be able to put up with his foultemper and demands! Authoritarian, and uncompromising, he rules his family with an iron fist. When he discovers that his wife, who he always held in high esteem, cheated on him 40 years ago, he sees only one solution: to file for divorce and confront her former lover who now lives in Nice. But at 73 years old, and after 50 years of marriage, is this really a good move? And wouldn’t this risk blowing up the already fragile family balance?

When a little girl’s monster drawings magically come to life, she and her family must team up for a fun, heartfelt adventure full of surprises. Sketch is a heartwarming and imaginative family film about what happens when childhood creativity comes to life - literally! When young Amber’s monster-filled drawings magically leap off the page, her small town is soon buzzing with colourful, quirky creatures that are anything but ordinary. Alongside her brother Jack and their well-meaning dad Taylor (played by Tony Hale), Amber sets out to bring order to the playful chaos and learn a little more about herself along the way. Filled with humour, warmth and a whole lot of imagination, Sketch is a lighthearted adventure that gently explores big emotions like grief and change through fun, family-friendly storytelling. With sweet moments and wild monster fun, it’s a story that celebrates creativity, teamwork, and the magic that happens when families come together. Whether it’s your little one’s first cinema trip or a weekend outing for the whole family, Sketch offers something special for viewers of all ages.

Free for 12 to 25 year old's | Screening in partnership with LAUNCH Darwin! Winner of the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, this film marks a major milestone in animated storytelling. It introduces audiences to Miles Morales, a Brooklyn teen who becomes the new Spider‑Man and discovers he's not alone - across the multiverse, other Spider‑heroes exist, each with unique abilities and styles. When their worlds collide, they must work together to protect all of reality from unraveling. With a visual style that blends hand‑drawn comic book textures and cutting‑edge animation, the film broke new ground and set a new standard for the medium. It also took home Golden Globe, BAFTA, Critics' Choice, and Annie Awards, affirming its place among the most acclaimed animated films in recent history. The story’s emotional core is matched by a powerful voice cast including Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Mahershala Ali, and more. As the first major film to spotlight Miles Morales, it delivers a fresh and empowering perspective on a classic superhero narrative. With a dynamic soundtrack featuring top artists and a vibrant celebration of diversity, it has become a cultural touchstone that resonates far beyond the superhero genre. A thrilling multiverse adventure filled with humour, heart, and innovation.

Reformed “Bad Guys” are coaxed back into one last heist - this time by a cunning all‑female criminal crew - sparking a wild, globe‑trotting animated adventure. Get ready for a wild and whimsical ride with The Bad Guys 2, the playful animated sequel that brings back your favourite reformed outlaws for one last globe‑trotting caper. Mr. Wolf, Mr. Snake, Mr. Shark, Mr. Piranha, and Ms. Tarantula thought their mischief days were behind them - but when the dapper and very cunning trio known as the “Bad Girls” enlists their help, they’re pulled back into high‑stakes fun. Featuring a stellar ensemble cast - including Sam Rockwell, Awkwafina, Craig Robinson, Marc Maron, Anthony Ramos - and fresh voices like Danielle Brooks (as snow‑leopard mastermind Kitty Kat), Natasha Lyonne, and Maria Bakalova, this caper is overflowing with cheeky humour, action, and character charm. Directed by returning filmmakers Pierre Perifel and JP Sans, and scored by Daniel Pemberton, the film dazzles with stylish animation, clever dialogue, and heartfelt comedic timing. Families will delight in imaginative sequences - from custard‑fueled chases to a hilarious space escape! With its perfect blend of visual spectacle, witty banter, and family‑friendly thrills, The Bad Guys 2 serves up a fun‑filled caper and heart‑warming entertainment for movie‑goers of all ages.

A wealthy recluse invites his favourite estranged folk duo to his remote island, forcing a reckoning of their past, their music, and themselves. The Ballad of Wallis Island unfolds as a quietly powerful meditation on artistic fallout, nostalgia and middle-aged disillusionment. Charles (Tim Key), a socially awkward lottery winner, invites his favourite defunct folk duo - Herb (Tom Basden) and Nell (Carey Mulligan) - to his private island for a one-night-only reunion concert. But what begins as an indulgent fantasy quickly exposes the scars left by decades of unspoken tension, bruised egos, and creative estrangement. David Kerr’s direction leans into stillness, awkwardness and the poetry of silence, while the live-performed folk songs function as both confession and emotional glue. Mulligan’s understated presence brings surprising weight, while Key and Basden are pitch-perfect in navigating absurdity and vulnerability. Set against the eerie quiet of a windswept Welsh island, the film is a portrait of three people searching - perhaps in vain - for meaning in the art that once defined them. With its minimalist aesthetic, melancholic humour, and piercing insights into human connection, The Ballad of Wallis Island is a beautifully measured adult dramedy that lingers like a half-forgotten melody.

When a New York writer inherits her late friend’s Great Dane, she finds herself in an unexpectedly heartwarming journey through grief, humour, and healing. The Friend is a quietly touching film about unexpected companionship, gentle healing, and life’s small surprises. Naomi Watts stars as Iris, a reserved New York writer navigating the loss of her closest friend and mentor. Her already quiet life is upended when she inherits his beloved Great Dane - a towering, soulful presence who doesn’t quite fit into her apartment or her plans. At first, Iris and her new housemate seem impossibly mismatched. But as the days pass, the dog’s calm loyalty and odd habits begin to fill the silent spaces left behind by grief. What unfolds is a warm, reflective story about adjusting to change, rediscovering purpose, and finding comfort in new routines. With light humour, thoughtful moments, and a strong emotional core, The Friend is a gentle, character-driven story that blends introspection with quiet charm. Based on the best-selling novel by Sigrid Nunez, it explores how even the smallest acts of kindness - whether offered by a person or a pet - can help us take the next step forward.

An unstoppable comic war of wills erupts when a husband falters and his wife ascends - turning a picture-perfect marriage into a battleground. Set against the polished backdrop of domestic bliss, The Roses detonates with wit, tension, and escalating absurdity. Ivy, an emerging culinary star, rides a wave of success, while her husband Theo - once a celebrated architect - faces professional collapse. As hopes and egos collide, their seemingly perfect marriage devolves into a delightfully savage battlefield. Under the direction of Jay Roach, this dark comedy reimagines a beloved classic with a contemporary edge, injecting bold humour and emotional reckoning. Tony McNamara’s screenplay crackles with sharp, sophisticated dialogue that navigates ambition, resentment, and comedic carnage. At its core are powerhouse performances from Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch, whose chemistry oscillates between fierce rivalry and human fragility. Surrounded by an ensemble cast of brilliant talents - including Andy Samberg, Kate McKinnon, Allison Janney, and Ncuti Gatwa - the film expands its narrative into a riotous exploration of marriage, power, and the lengths two people will go to reclaim control. The Roses is an unforgettable, fiercely funny dissection of what happens when love becomes war.

A successful stage designer returns home for a farewell visit, stirring up past loves, familial conflict and the pull of a life abroad in equal measure. A successful stage designer abruptly leaves Europe for what he believes will be a tender farewell to his dying mother in his childhood town. What unfolds is a portrait rich in emotional texture—a return that unearths unresolved tensions with his estranged father, rekindles past romances, and is disrupted by the eccentricities of old friends and a spirited sister. Filmed amid the landscapes of regional Western Australia, the film captures the spirit of small‑town life with warmth and subtle humour. Director Bruce Beresford, acclaimed for his gift in melding gentle comedy with emotional truths, delivers a narrative that is at once personal and universal. Anchored by a compelling performance from Luke Bracey, supported by Bryan Brown and Susie Porter, the film reveals the way home can be both a beginning and an ending. A thoughtful dramedy about legacy, belonging and how love persists even amidst the messiness of family.

A desperate refugee fights to survive in 1980s Kowloon Walled City, where alliances with a legendary crime lord ignite a brutal struggle for survival. A relentless martial‑arts saga set within the fabled Kowloon Walled City of 1980s Hong Kong, this film charts the harrowing journey of a displaced refugee seeking escape from brutal fight clubs. He becomes ensnared in the hallowed yet lawless enclave, ruled by a charismatic gangster whose moral code holds fragile order in chaos. Yet shadows from outside press in: betrayal by a triad overlord and surging rivalries force him to confront whether survival demands cruelty - or courage. With electrifying choreography, striking neo‑noir cinematography, and an ensemble of local legends led by an evocative newcomer, the film pulses with the tension of a city on the brink. A masterclass in action storytelling, it evokes nostalgia for a bygone cinematic era while forging its own mythic power on screen. Awarded Best Film and Best Director at Hong Kong’s most celebrated ceremony, this gritty, soulful masterpiece stands as a landmark of modern regional cinema.

A widow in rural France welcomes her grandson for a quiet visit, but a mysterious incident draws out long-buried tensions and quietly devastating truths. In a peaceful rural village in Burgundy, Michelle, a retired widow, looks forward to her grandson’s visit as autumn approaches. When an unexpected case of poisoning shakes her routine, Michelle finds herself under suspicion and begins to confront the silences and secrets that have lingered within her family for decades. Joined by her lifelong friend Marie‑Claude, she quietly unravels a mystery that entwines the past with the present. Directed by François Ozon, this deeply felt drama is a meditation on guilt, generational responsibility and moral uncertainty, told with grace, restraint and a touch of quiet suspense. Anchored by a deeply human performance from Hélène Vincent and supported by a richly layered cast, the film builds emotional complexity through subtle gestures and atmospheric imagery. Scored by Evgueni and Sacha Galperine, and crafted with the precision of a seasoned auteur, it captures the shifting seasons of life and memory with rare elegance. A standout at San Sebastián and across the festival circuit, this is a cinematic experience that lingers well beyond its final scene.

A serene, cinematic reflection on compassion and inner peace as the Dalai Lama, nearing 90, addresses the world directly, offering timeless guidance. This evocative documentary offers a rare and intimate encounter with one of the most revered spiritual leaders of our time, who speaks directly to the viewer with warmth, clarity, and compassion. Through gently framed conversation, rare archival footage and cinematic visuals, the film invites reflection on inner peace, empathy, and our shared responsibility in a turbulent, interconnected world. Created by Swiss filmmakers with an eye for visual poetry and emotional truth, the film balances the personal with the universal. From its gala premiere at an internationally renowned film festival to its thoughtful festival circuit presence, the film has already resonated with audiences seeking mindful storytelling and soulful insight. With a thoughtful score, tranquil landscapes and the presence of a guiding voice, this documentary unfolds as both a visual meditation and a gentle call toward harmony - an invitation to pause, reflect, and carry forward a message of compassion.