by FilmInk Staff
A Major Cinematic Expansion Introduces IMAX to One of the Country’s Largest Shopping Centres
Village Cinemas, one of Australia’s most iconic and enduring cinema brands, is thrilled to announce the opening of a brand-new IMAX cinema at its Fountain Gate location in November 2025. The state-of-the-art theatre promises to deliver the one of the largest and most immersive cinematic experiences, marking an exciting new chapter in Village’s 70-year legacy of innovation.
With audience appetite for premium cinema experiences at an all-time high, the new IMAX auditorium at Fountain Gate is set to become a major destination for film lovers in Melbourne. Equipped with IMAX with Laser, this next-generation technology has been developed from the ground-up to deliver crystal clear, lifelike images and precision audio for a moviegoing experience unlike anything else. The experience is set apart by a ground-breaking 4k laser projection system that features a new optical engine, custom designed lenses, and a suite of proprietary technology that delivers brighter images with increased resolution, deeper contrast, and the widest range of colours exclusively to IMAX screens.
This marks the first partnership between IMAX, Village Cinemas and Scentre Group, who operate many of Australia’s largest shopping centres and retail destinations, including Westfield Fountain Gate.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to bring IMAX to Fountain Gate,” said Village Cinemas CEO Clark Kirby. “With demand for premium cinema at an all-time high, IMAX represents the next evolution of Village Cinemas’ blockbuster experience . Village Cinemas has deep roots in Australian cinema and our mission has always been to deliver world-class experiences to our guests. We can’t wait to deliver this incredible new cinema to audiences in Melbourne’s south-east.”
A pioneer in the industry, Village Cinemas has a proven track record of introducing new concepts that redefine the moviegoing experience. Founded in 1954 as a single drive-in in Croydon, the family-run business has grown into a cornerstone of Australia’s film landscape, shaping the way Australians experience the movies for generations The company pioneered premium cinema globally with the launch of Gold Class, offering luxury seating, in-theatre dining, and boutique service. For younger audiences, Vjunior redefined the family cinema experience by combining movies with play, including interactive play spaces and in-cinema slides. These innovations – and many others – reflect Village Cinemas’ enduring mission to evolve with its audience while staying true to the magic of the big screen.
“This partnership brings a new IMAX location to one of the Australia’s top moviegoing locations, underscoring our incredible momentum across network and box office growth in the country,” said Giovanni Dolci, Chief Commercial Officer for IMAX. “It’s clear the demand for the IMAX Experience is only growing in Australia, one of the world’s premiere moviegoing markets, and we look forward to meeting that demand with our expanding roster of world-class partners.”
The launch will align with an all-star summer slate of IMAX releases, including the dazzling musical Wicked: For Good, James Cameron’s epic sequel Avatar: Fire and Ash, and Christopher Nolan’s hotly anticipated visual spectacle The Odyssey.
Additional details, including grand openings and ticketing information, will be announced in the coming months.
