by FilmInk Staff

Australia’s pre-eminent film society continues in 2025 at ACMI, FedSquare, with 17 seasons dedicated to important artists of world cinema, under-seen local films, and works connected with significant historical moments.

The 2025 screening program kicks off 7pm, Wednesday 5 February with two films by Francophone directors: Robert Bresson’s Four Nights of a Dreamer (1971), in a new 4K restoration, and an imported 35mm print of Chantal Akerman’s A Couch in New York (1996). The double feature embodies the Cinémathèque’s commitment to giving Melbourne filmgoers access to rare cinematic works, in as close to their original presentation as possible; whether in new digital restorations or on original celluloid prints.

The full annual program continues these explorations and discoveries across film history. ‘Balletic Swordfights, Flying Heroines and Bamboo Forests: King Hu, Master of Wuxia’, includes most of the major films by the legendary Taiwanese martial arts director, while ‘Víctor Erice: Come Towards the Light’ presents virtually all the work made for the cinema by the lyrical and painterly Catalan auteur.

Other 2025 seasons highlight cinema as a form of resistance. ‘Rebellious Muse: Delphine Seyrig as Actor, Director and Activist’ charts how one of French cinema’s most iconic screen presences became a vocal opponent of industry misogyny through her filmmaking. ‘“On the Edge of Fiction”: Elia Suleiman’s Cinema of Belonging’ explores the warm and playful work of a Palestinian actor-writer-director whose oeuvre chronicles his people’s existence after 1948.

The Cinémathèque will also continue its dedication to contemporary and historical Australian films with three programs: ‘Deep Dive: The Restlessly Inventive Work of Dirk De Bruyn’ presents retrospective and new films by one of Australia’s most adventurous and productive experimental filmmakers; ‘It’s Time: Australian Cinema in 1975’ brings together films made during or about a tumultuous political year for the country; and ‘Mother Tongue: Australian Women in Animation,’ highlights female animators who’ve made a significant impact on the artform’s recent history.

The Cinémathèque also continues its aim to remain accessible through its unique membership admittance model, allowing affordable admission to screenings via a 12-month Annual Membership or three-week Mini Membership.

Full details are now available at melbournecinematheque.org. The Melbourne Cinémathèque 2025 program screens 5 February – 17 December, 7pm Wednesdays at ACMI.

Screenings are presented by the Melbourne Cinémathèque and ACMI. Curated by the Melbourne Cinémathèque.

Government Partner: VicScreen. Supported by the City of Melbourne Arts Grants, and by Creative Partnerships Australia through the Australian Cultural Fund.

Melbourne Cinémathèque 2025 screening program
5 February – 17 December 2025
7pm Wednesdays at ACMI, FedSquare
Full program: melbournecinematheque.org
Memberships: acmi.net.au/cteq

Photo: The Spirit of the Beehive (1973) © Tamasa Distribution
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