2023 & 24 Program Details - Williamstown Film Society (WFS)

2023 Program

2023 is all done... A grand turn out of 52 people saw out our year of films with a riotous final film The Court Jester. While you wait for 2024 to roll around why not scroll through what we've enjoyed, or missed! Do it while you have the chance because like Cinderella it all vanishes on the stroke of midnight, New Years Eve and I ain't doing no countdown. Oh and check out what's on offer in 2024... we're excited!

January 25th 2023, Wednesday, 7.30pm

THE DROVER'S WIFE: THE LEGEND OF MOLLY JOHNSON (2022, Australia, 109 mins, drama, colour, MA15+). Written and directed by Leah Purcell. The perfect story to start our year. Oh, and starring Leah Purcell as Molly. The Henry Lawson classic. Starbox rating: 4.5 (out of 5 stars). A thought provoking beginning to the year.

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February 22nd 2023, Wednesday, 7.30pm

LATCHO DROM (1993, French, 103 mins, documentary about Gypsy Music & culture). Celebrating a way of life over 1000 years old. Romany's nomadic culture from its origins in India to all corners of Europe - music, song & dance are food for their souls. Fabulous turnout last night and our Starbox rating: 3.6 (out of 5 stars). Not everyone's cup of tea but some of the images and sounds just stick in your mind.

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March 29th 2023, Wednesday, 7.30pm

DANCING AT LUGHNASA (Irish/UK, 1998, 95 mins, historical drama, colour, PG). The lives of five sisters in 1930s rural Ireland are disrupted when their brother returns home from Africa. A great night in green and a Starbox score of 4.1 (out of 5) from 41 votes. A slice of Irish life, from back in the day.

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HOBSONS BAY HERITAGE ON SCREEN 'A TASTE' - Wednesday 19th April, 7-9pm - Pirates Tavern

SOLD OUT - WFS in conjunction with Seaworks & Pirates Tavern are presenting a free program of two films which tap directly, and very differently, into the Heritage of Hobsons Bay. The first features the Point Gellibrand Pile Light and the other explores the game of Trugo. Screenings will take place in Pirates Tavern and prior to that, Seaworks Maritime Museum and Pirates Tavern will be open from 6pm. SOLD OUT. Please bring your paper or phone ticket to show at the door. What a wonderful night. Nearly 100 people packed into Pirates Tavern to watch a bit of nostalgic heritage which could only come from Newport and Willy. What a fun night it was...

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April 26th 2023, Wednesday, 7.30pm

THE BOOK THIEF (2013, USA/German, 131 mins, war/drama, colour, PG). The film of Markus Zusak's novel took the breath away of many in the audience - a moving and beautiful story amid the tragedy of war. A Starbox rating of 4.8 (out of 5) from 36 votes. A score only equalled by My Octopus Teacher and Paddington 2, but never beaten.

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May 31st 2023, Wednesday, 7.30pm

CARMEN JONES (1954, USA, 105 mins, musical, colour). A musical version of Bizet's opera Carmen with an African-American cast. The late Harry Belafonte's second film role and one not to miss. Starbox rating 3.8 (out of 5) from 44 votes. Great fun with lots of new faces.

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June 28th 2023, Wednesday, 7.30pm

EQUILIBRIUM (2002, USA, 107 mins, sci-fi/action, colour, M). A programmer from left of our usual field but a hit with those that joined us for a movie message hidden beneath some great looking, well-choreograhed action sequences. Starbox rating 3.7 (out of 5 stars) from 24 votes (mostly 4s and 5s). Another hit. Thanks Ross & Jane for the supper.

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July 26th 2023, Wednesday, 7.30pm

KING OF PEKING (2017, Aust., 88 mins, colour, M, Mandarin + English subtitles). Starbox score 3.6 stars (out of 5) from 34 votes. A touching family drama with an curious background of a unique travelling movie show and video piracy.

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August 30th 2023, Wednesday, 7.30pm

THE GIRL CAN'T HELP IT! (1956, USA, 99mins, musical/comedy) Originally a vehicle for 'sex symbol' Jane Mansfield but is now remembered as a show case for early rock 'n' roll artists. For the 'Fab 4' it was the inspirational first non-radio experience of many of these artists. Get your bobby sox out! A smash hit with 3.8 out of 5 stars on Starbox... and we learned that our Jane was actually named after Ms Mansfield herself - mum was a big fan! Great night, thanks everyone.

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September 27th 2023, Wednesday, 7.30pm

GOLDEN VOICES (2019, Israel, 88mins, comedy/drama, Russian/Hebrew + English subtitles, PG) The USSR has collapsed. Raya and Victor, the Soviet Union's most beloved voice actors have fled to Israel and must re-invent themselves. An unusual, disarming film about the immigrant experience. Starbox score 4.0 (out of 5), yet another film appreciated by our members.

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October 25th 2023, Wednesday, 7.30pm

THE LOST CITY OF MELBOURNE (2022, Australia, 80 mins, colour, documentary). Q&A with producer/director Gus Berger following the screening. The attempted ‘modernisation’ of Melbourne in the 1950s destroyed much of the city, including its elegant cinemas and picture palaces. Director Gus Berger’s Melbourne-made documentary, for a brief moment, brings some of them back to life (source the 2022 MIFF program). Our highest Starbox score ever - 5.0 (it's the highest score a film can get). Thanks to everyone for making it happen.

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November 29th, Wednesday, 7:30pm

THE COURT JESTER (1955, USA, 101 mins, colour, musical comedy) The greatest comedy ever? There's one way to find out, come along and judge for yourself. Starring Danny Kaye, Angela Lansbury, Glynis Johns, Basil Rathbone and Michael Pate! Our final film for 2023, let's make it festive... & it is also our AGM but don't let that put you off! Oh what a night! We did our duty, we have a committee for another year. Danny Kaye and friends not only saved the day, he also made us laugh and celebrate the end of another great year for our little film society. Starbox score 4.4 (out of 5) from 49 votes. Another success.

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Our 2024 Program

And what better way to herald the New Year, and what we have in store for you, than a fireworks display over the Melbourne skyline... and it's official - all films are confirmed. Phew. The program of films below is still a little light on for detail but by NYE it will be chock full of reviews, trailers and other tantalising titbits, just in time to take pride of place as we farewell our much loved program of movies from 2023. So, please wander through and wonder at what's in store, we think you're gonna love it...

January 31st 2024, Wednesday, 7:30pm

THE DRESSMAKER (Australia, 2015, 119 mins, comedy/drama, colour) There are shades of an Aussie Western as Tilly steps down from the bus, Singer sewing machine in hand intent on revenge... and then there are the costumes, Cate Winslet and Judy Davis, and of course Sergeant Farrant (Hugo Weaving). A riotous beginning to our year of films. Happy New Year.

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February 28th 2024, Wednesday, 7:30pm

DELICIOUS (France, 2021, 112mins, historical drama, colour, M) If there was such a thing as an 'historical foodie film', this is it. France 1789, just prior to the Revolution, a chef is sacked by his noble master and with the help of a talented young woman frees himself from the position of servant and opens the first even restaurant...there was a first time for everything. A gorgeous, mouth watering film.