In our region, we are lucky to have several film societies regularly showing fantastic films to enthusiastic film fans. The three featured here all operate in old community halls, traditionally places for locals to gather and enjoy themselves. Each venue has been renovated and improved with fundraising efforts and sometimes grants, and are lovingly tended by teams of dedicated local volunteers. 

Federal Film Society 

Federal Film Society has been bringing people together through film for 25 years. Based in Federal Hall, which has been at the heart of village life since 1882, it is run entirely by volunteers and is a proud member of the Australian Film Societies Federation. Every three months the hall fills with locals and visitors who come not only for the carefully chosen films, but also for the wonderful sense of community that has grown around each screening. 

One of the lovely traditions is that dinner is prepared by a different local community group for each screening. Federal Landcare, Goonengerry Landcare, Federal Loves Refugees, the Federal Community Centre and local schools have all taken turns in the kitchen over the years, raising valuable funds for their own projects while creating a warm, social evening. Local musician Gaby Borgardts (designer of this very publication!) often provides live music before the film and the menu changes to suit the theme of the evening. It’s very much ‘dinner and a movie’ with a distinctly Federal flavour. 

The committee has developed a reputation for selecting outstanding films from Australia and around the world, including many award winners from festivals such as Cannes, Berlin, Sundance and Venice. It’s the sort of program you might expect in a city arthouse cinema, presented instead in the warmth of a village hall. Annual membership for six screenings is $50 or you can purchase a single screening membership for $10 at the door. 

Federal Hall
3 Federal Drive, Federal
federalfilmsociety.com

Drill Hall Film Society 

This society was formed to fill the gap left when Michael and Rebecca Lines Kelly, who ran Left Bank Film Society, returned to Victoria. A dedicated group of film buffs with impressive backgrounds in film and production got together and since 2019 have been sharing their expertise and passion with us. 

Films are preceded by a talk, sometimes by someone involved with the production including the late Tony Barry, Kim Mourdant and Nell Schofield. 

Seventy-three films have been shown so far with some favourites being Arsenic and Old Lace, Bicycle Thieves and Ladies in Black. Members are invited to submit suggestions for screening and the list is extremely varied. Each film is something of a revelation, especially seen many years after first viewing. There is a Q&A session following the film and often the audience expresses great surprise after seeing old classics revived on the big screen. 

The Drill Hall is a cleverly repurposed hall, home not only to the Drill Hall Theatre crew but many other community activities. It now has tiered comfortable seating, is air-conditioned and has a new screen and projector. 

Refreshments are available before the screening with doors opened at 6.30pm for the monthly films. Memberships are now due, and as with all film societies, you must be a member to attend regular screenings. Eleven films cost $75 which also includes membership of the Theatre Company. Guests may attend to try before joining for $10 per film. 

The Drill Hall
4 Jubilee Avenue, Mullumbimby
drillhalltheatre.org.au/films 

Coorabell Hall Film Club 

The most recent film society is in the wonderful old Coorabell Hall, the second School of the Arts building which replaces the original that burnt down in 1919. It has undergone many improvements over the years thanks to a great deal of fundraising, some grant assistance from the Byron Shire Council and a generous (anonymous) local who offered a loan so that extensions could be made to enable even greater use of the hall. 

The Rocket was the first screening and was made by local Byron man, Kim Mourdant. Films, shown on the first Wednesday of every month, are varied and chosen from around the world for their timeless brilliance. Some classics, some newer releases. 

The Committee which runs the society is headed up by Lissa Coote who has had an extensive career in film set design and film making, as well as previously leasing a large cinema (seating 1400) in Manly, The Manly Silver Screen. 

The hall is comfortable and warm with a great new projector and sound system. As a bonus the bar is open prior to the film, and delicious Japanese food is available so also offers ‘dinner and a show’. A great night out and well worth the slightly daunting nighttime trip on our rustic roads. 

To attend, you must become a member in line with the rules of the Australian Film Societies Federation, and you can join at the door. Membership is $30 for four films. 

Coorabell Hall
565 Coolamon Scenic Drive, Coorabell
coorabellhall.net/regular-happenings/film-club