As the evening air turns crisp, there’s no better time to settle in for a communal silver screen experience. This month, Bellingen Memorial Hall is inviting film lovers to indulge in seven days of acclaimed cinema as the Bellingen Film Lovers Festival returns for its second year.
From Monday 28 April to Sunday 4 May, the Hall will screen a curated selection of 12 standout films from the past year, including BAFTA, Oscar, and Cannes Film Festival winners. The festival continues to cement Bellingen as a cultural hub for cinema, ensuring audiences have access to world-class films before they disappear from the big screen.
Bellingen Shire Mayor, Cr. Steve Allan, welcomed the return of the festival, highlighting its importance in enriching the region’s arts and cultural offerings.
“Our community has a deep appreciation for the arts, and this festival is another wonderful example of how Bellingen continues to provide high-quality cultural experiences. The Memorial Hall has a long history with cinema, and following its $9 million upgrade, it now offers an exceptional film-viewing experience with raked seating, immersive surround sound, and one of the largest screens in the region,” Mayor Cr. Allan said.
The festival will also revive a much-loved element of classic cinema-going: the intermission. Each film will include a half-time break, allowing audiences to discuss the film, refresh their drinks, or stock up on choc tops—sold by OzGreen volunteers, with proceeds supporting local riverbank regeneration projects.
The program offers something for everyone, including the family-friendly Australian heart-warmer Runt and a free screening of The Wild Robot. For those seeking a thrilling date night, highlights include Love Lies Bleeding and Anora, while La Chimera promises a more contemplative escape with its dreamlike storytelling.