The Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator George Brandis, last night joined actor Magda Szubanski and director Rolf de Heer to officially launch Arc, the National Film and Sound Archive’s (NFSA) new state-of-the-art cinema in Canberra.
Rolf de Heer’s new silent comedy Dr Plonk screened with live musical accompaniment by the Stiletto Sisters and pianist Samantha White as part of the opening night celebrations. As guests entered the cinema, Arc’s pre-show program, produced by theatre designer and artist Garry Transue, created unique ambience using video art, soundscapes and lighting.
‘It has been a long-held dream for the NFSA to have its own cinema,’ said Minister Brandis. ‘I am sure cinema lovers will also share in the NFSA’s joy at the realisation of this dream and know that starting tonight Arc will be known as the venue for film lovers to experience the best of cinema.’
Senator Brandis, Australian Film Commission chair Maureen Barron and NFSA Director Paolo Cherchi Usai were joined by more than 250 guests at the gala launch of the purpose-built archival screening venue. Among those in attendance were representatives from the diplomatic missions of Sweden, Italy, Mexico, the United States of America, Switzerland, Lebanon, Ireland, Singapore, Indonesia, Poland and China as well as members of Canberra’s film, cultural and business communities.
Following the opening night screening of Dr Plonk, guests celebrated in the NFSA’s historic courtyard and they were also able to take a close look at Dr Plonk’s time machine, which is now on display as part of the NFSA’s recently upgraded Sights and Sounds exhibition.
Arc features sophisticated projection equipment capable of screening films in all formats, from cinema’s 19th century beginnings to its 21st century possibilities.
From 9 August, Arc will be running three public screenings a week – on Thursday evenings at 7:30pm and on Saturdays at 4:30pm and 7:30pm. Tickets are $9.50 or $8 for seniors, students and children. Special ‘Max’ passes are also available offering 10 tickets for just $70.
The full Arc screening program is available online at http://www.nfsa.afc.gov.au/arc
[release from Avviso PR for the AFC]