Marking 25 years of cinema programming excellence, the Art Gallery of New South Wales launches Sydney Cinémathèque this March, revitalising its much-loved film program and designating a space especially for the celebration of curated cinema in Sydney.
Launching on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 March, Sydney Cinémathèque will debut an expanded program of weekly film screenings, including director retrospectives, family and children’s sessions, silent film with live music performances, talks and workshops, honouring Sydney’s proud filmmaking tradition as a UNESCO City of Film.
“We are thrilled to announce Sydney Cinémathèque and to be establishing a permanent home for cinema within the Art Gallery of New South Wales. For a quarter of a century, film lovers have gathered in the Art Gallery’s Domain Theatre, cementing cinema’s place in the cultural life of our city,” said Art Gallery of New South Wales director, Maud Page.
“The Art Gallery is proud to be the only museum in New South Wales with a state-of-the art cinema able to show the full gamut of cinematic history, from 16mm and 35mm to digital. We are excited to re-open our doors to audiences looking to engage deeply with the moving image as a cultural practice, and to experience film as it was intended.”
Sydney Cinémathèque screenings will take place every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, with a dynamic, year-round program of free and ticketed offerings curated by the Art Gallery’s curator of film, Ruby Arrowsmith-Todd.
“A cinematheque is more than a place to watch films – it’s a centre for cinema as an art form. As well as presenting screenings for our loyal cinephile community and welcoming new audiences, we’re excited to offer a rich program of talks, workshops and events, making cinema a lively, social and essential part of the Art Gallery,” said Arrowsmith-Todd.
The packed opening weekend program will feature screenings and talks celebrating the stories of Sydney on screen, from the post-punk musical Starstruck (1982) to the camp glitz of The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994). Special guests include director Gillian Armstrong and Sydney Cinémathèque ambassador Hugo Weaving.
AACTA Award–winning actor and Sydney Cinémathèque ambassador Hugo Weaving said the critical role of cinematheques and arthouse cinemas cannot be overstated. “The experience of going to the cinema still matters profoundly,” he said
“Sitting in a darkened room with strangers and surrendering yourself to a story, old or new, is something you simply can’t replicate at home. The Art Gallery cinema has long been a space for curiosity, risk and conversation. For a city like Sydney, cultural meeting places like Sydney Cinémathèque are vital,” said Weaving.
Harbour City Cinema, the first of two inaugural seasons, will present Sydney films from the city’s colourful cinematic past. From icons like Strictly ballroom (1992) and Looking for Alibrandi (2000) to lesser-known titles like Phillip Noyce’s ‘80’s neo-noir Heatwave (1982) and spotlights on emerging local directors, including Celeste Diep and James Vaughan, this major free retrospective is a must-see for hometown audiences. Screenings take place Wednesday afternoons, Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons from 11 March to 31 May 2026. Free, bookings recommended.
The second session, Our Nicole, will present the early films of Nicole Kidman – a homegrown star and one of the most defining, ever-surprising actresses of her generation. Season highlights include the freewheeling fun of BMX bandits (1983) and the comedy of To die for (1994), through to her acclaimed performance in Jonathan Glazer’s Birth (2004).
In addition to the free and ticketed film series, Sydney Cinémathèque will introduce Cinémathèque Junior, relaxed screenings for kids and families every second Wednesday morning, presenting favourites such as Babe (1995), Finding Nemo (2003) and Fantastic Mr Fox (2009).
Blak Film Club is a regular spotlight on First Nations cinema, with guest appearances, talks and opportunities for audience discussion illuminating Australia’s rich history of Blak filmmaking. The first edition of Blak Film Club will take place on Sunday 22 March featuring a screening of The Colleano Heart (2025), Yaegl filmmaker Pauline Clague’s loving ode to the Gamilaroi circus family.
For more information about Sydney Cinémathèque and the screening schedule, visit: www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au for details.
Images: Hugo Weaving and Ruby Arrowsmith-Todd in Sydney Cinémathèque – photo by Felicity Jenkins, Art Gallery of New South Wales | Still from Starstruck, 1982, dir. Gillian Armstrong – photo courtesy Palm Beach Pictures