The cinematic landscape in Australia is undergoing a renaissance, with arthouse films captivating audiences across generations. At the forefront of this cultural revival is Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art, where screenings of iconic films such as Wong Kar-wai’s “In the Mood for Love” are drawing diverse crowds, from older parents to their adult children and even younger generations. As the interest in independent cinema swells, it’s clear that these venues are becoming vital cultural hubs.
A New Era for Australian Cinematheques
For over 25 years, “In the Mood for Love” has enchanted viewers with its poignant storytelling, making its recent screening at Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art a significant event. The film’s presentation sold out two sessions in the venue’s 220-seat cinema, prompting the addition of a third showing on a night typically reserved for closure. Amanda Slack-Smith, the Australian Cinémathèque’s curatorial manager, observed a remarkable trend: “We’re seeing a lot of intergenerational families coming in – older parents with their 50-year-old kids, and they’re bringing their kids.” This phenomenon underscores the increasing appeal of arthouse films, which are no longer the exclusive domain of film enthusiasts.
Historically, cinematheques have played a crucial role in preserving cinematic heritage, a mission that traces back to 1930s Paris. Today, Australia boasts several prominent cinematheques, including the Australian Cinémathèque at GOMA, the soon-to-launch Sydney Cinémathèque at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and the Melbourne Cinémathèque at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image. Each of these institutions offers a window into the art of film, showcasing a diverse range of films that often elude mainstream commercial theatres.
A Counterpoint to Mainstream Cinema
In an era dominated by blockbuster franchises and the relentless scroll of streaming services, cinema enthusiasts are turning to arthouse offerings as a refreshing alternative. Cinematheques provide an antidote to the cinematic monotony often found in multiplexes, delivering carefully curated retrospectives and indie discoveries that ignite a passion for film that many thought was fading.
Slack-Smith emphasises the importance of discovery in the cinematheque experience. “It’s not about shoving scholarship down people’s throats,” she states. “We put on our Indiana Jones hat, we go out there, we find all the gems, we bring them back.” This tailored approach allows patrons to engage with the material in a meaningful way, sparking conversations that might not occur in commercial settings.
Despite the ongoing struggles of the film industry, evidenced by last year’s global box office figure of US$33.55 billion—still shy of pre-pandemic levels—cinematheques are thriving. “They’re a business, they have to survive,” says Slack-Smith. “So if it wasn’t for places like cinematheques, how do you have those conversations? How do you see that material? And how do you put it in context?”
Young Audiences Embrace a New Viewing Experience
The emergence of younger audiences at these venues is particularly noteworthy. Ruby Arrowsmith-Todd, a film curator involved with the Sydney Cinémathèque, points to the shift in demographics since the pandemic. The cinema’s audience has become “increasingly much younger and a lot more diverse.” This aligns with broader trends, as young film enthusiasts seek out classic and lesser-known films that deviate from the mainstream canon.
Grace Boschetti, a dedicated member of the Melbourne Cinémathèque, illustrates this shift beautifully. Her first encounter with Antonioni’s “L’Eclisse” while at university transformed her viewing habits. “Now, I see maybe a new release every two to three weeks and everything else is retrospective screenings,” she admits, highlighting the growing preference for curated film experiences over the latest Hollywood offerings.
Platforms like Letterboxd, a film-focused social media app boasting 17 million users, further fuel this trend, creating a community eager to discover cinematic gems beyond the typical blockbuster fare.
The Importance of Film Formats
As the cinematic landscape shifts, the way films are presented remains a critical aspect of the experience. Many commercial cinemas have abandoned traditional film formats in favour of digital projections, often relegating celluloid screenings to special events. Cinematheques, on the other hand, champion the preservation of film history by showcasing classic titles on original formats like 35mm and 16mm.
Slack-Smith notes that audiences appreciate the authenticity of viewing films in their original formats. “There’s still a lot of real interest and love for the original,” she asserts, indicating that for many, experiencing a film as intended by its creator is a vital part of understanding its context and significance.
Why it Matters
The resurgence of arthouse cinemas in Australia is not merely a nostalgic nod to the past; it represents a vital cultural movement that connects generations through the shared love of film. As younger audiences flock to these venues, they not only rediscover the magic of cinema but also engage in meaningful dialogues about art, culture, and history. The cinematheque experience offers a crucial counterpoint to the overwhelming nature of contemporary viewing habits, ensuring that the art of storytelling through film remains a cherished and transformative experience for all.
