Press release from SBS
A mystery international film. A top secret location. Hundreds of film lovers. On Wednesday 2 May, SBS Subscription TV unveiled an Iranian-themed, cinematic wonderland in Sydney with the launch of Australia’s first ever World Movies Secret Cinema.
With the ‘secret cinema’ concept popular around the world, there was an overwhelming response to the announcement of the inaugural Australian event – with tickets selling out in less than an hour. Guests received clues in the lead-up, with the location revealed via SMS on the day.
Once they’d arrived at Lo-fi in Darlinghurst, guests were given Iranian “currency” to redeem drinks, and enjoyed a smorgasbord of Persian cuisine and delicacies. Lavish theming and surprising elements, such as the appearances of sad brides and morality police, were clues to the mystery film. The Sundance award-winning Circumstance was revealed in a lush pop-up cinema upstairs in The Standard, with an introduction from one of the lead actresses.
“We were thrilled to be able to bring this unique and innovative film experience to Australia for the first time,” said General Manager Chris Keely. “World Movies is an immersive channel, with content that both entertains and pushes the boundaries, which we felt was perfectly reflected by this event.
“After selling out in minutes, and seeing such an enthusiastic response on the night, we’ll be looking to extend this concept with future World Movies Secret Cinema events in Sydney and around Australia.”
World Movies has captured the night in a highlights video, and is using it to launch a competition on their Facebook page. From 2pm Friday 4th May, Facebook users who share the video go in the draw to win a VIP experience to the next World Movies Secret Cinema event and a Platinum FOXTEL subscription.