This new ‘old’ cinema is showcasing nostalgic films – and it’s right in the heart of city!

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Sick of flicking through streaming services trying to find something to watch? Visited the local cinemas so many times that you’ve lost count and your and looking for something a little different?
Elsie’s Film House is your answer.
From Friday 7 February, the city will be home to a pop-up cinema lounge that brings retro movie nights to Canberra!
While the full program of movies hasn’t been announced, we’re told to expect a carefully curated program of films including 70s, 80s, and 90s nostalgia, cult classics, arthouse, and international favourites.
As well as the experience of retro movie nights, you’ll enjoy plush couches, social seating, chilled drinks at the bar, fresh popcorn, and choc tops. I’m already excited.
But there’s more!
Elsie’s also hosts weekly community nights offering diverse communities a safe and inclusive space to connect. They’ll be hosting a monthly Queer Flicks program, for Canberra’s LGBTQI+ community to come together, as well as movie nights for different migrant communities.
This innovative idea is the brainchild of Alice Taylor, the former director of the Canberra International Film Festival and founder and co-director of Haig Park Pickture Festival.
Alice says she hopes Elsie’s, named after her great grandmother, will bring people from all walks of life together to enjoy a shared love of cinema.
To give film fans a sneak peek, the curtains will raise on Friday 7 February for the Multicultural Film Festival as part of the National Multicultural Festival.
Running until Sunday 9 February, free screenings will be displayed all weekend!
A mixture of short films will be showcased during the day, with feature films playing at night – with all films celebrating the vibrant diversity of multicultural Australia.
Then, the magic kicks off on Thursday 13 February with a special opening night screening of The Purple Rose of Cairo, Woody Allen’s “love letter to film” that truly evokes the magic of cinema.
But this isn’t just a short summer-time experience!
Elsie’s Film House will be running from February to July at Civic Square Hub, meaning you can enjoy a cozy movie night in the colder months too!
From 5 pm to 6 pm, Elsie’s bar will be offering $7 beers and $9 wines, to help you cheer to a love of the cinema.
So, call around to all your movie-loving friends, gather the troops, and enjoy a retro movie night right in the heart of the city!
THE ESSENTIALS
What: Elsie’s Retro Movie Nights
When: Friday 7 February until July
Where: Civic Square Hub (between CMAG and The Canberra Theatre)
Tickets: events.humanitix.com/host/elsies-film-house