Australia’s Cinémathèques: A Resurgence of Film Appreciation in the Streaming Age
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Australia’s cinematheques are experiencing a vibrant revival, offering a curated alternative to the dominance of streaming services and blockbuster multiplexes. From sold-out screenings of Wong Kar-wai’s In the Mood for Love at Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art in late 2025 to the upcoming launch of the Sydney Cinémathèque, these institutions are fostering a renewed appreciation for cinema as an art form and a vital cultural record.
A Haven for Film Lovers
The appeal of the cinematheque extends beyond dedicated cinephiles. According to a curatorial manager at the Australian Cinémathèque, audiences are increasingly diverse, with “a lot of intergenerational families coming in – older parents with their 50-year-old kids, and they’re bringing their kids.” This broadening demographic suggests a growing desire for shared cinematic experiences and a deeper engagement with film history. The popularity of screenings, like the three sessions added for In the Mood for Love – including one on a night the venue isn’t usually open – demonstrates a clear demand for thoughtfully programmed film events.
Preserving Film History and Championing the Art Form
Pioneered in Paris in the 1930s to safeguard celluloid archives, the cinematheque’s core mission is to champion movies as an art form. In Australia, this commitment is embodied by institutions like 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. Smaller, but equally vital, cinematheques operate in Adelaide, Western Australia, and Tasmania, ensuring a nationwide network dedicated to film preservation and exhibition.
These venues distinguish themselves by offering retrospective screenings, showcasing underseen films, and championing independent discoveries – experiences often unavailable in commercial theaters. At a time when the global box office, reported at US$33.55 billion last year by Gower Street Analytics, is still struggling to regain pre-pandemic levels, cinematheques provide a crucial space for cinematic conversation and context. As one industry observer noted, “They’re a business, they have to survive,” highlighting the unique role cinematheques play in preserving cinematic heritage.
A New Generation Embraces the Silver Screen
The rise in popularity isn’t limited to established film buffs. A new generation is discovering the allure of the cinematheque experience, fueled in part by platforms like Letterboxd – the film-focused social media app with 17 million members. This digital community is fostering a renewed interest in classic and lesser-known films, driving attendance at cinematheques across the country.
Grace Boschetti, a member of the Melbourne Cinémathèque since 2022, exemplifies this trend. After a transformative experience watching Michelangelo Antonioni’s L’Eclisse at university, she now attends repertory screenings approximately four nights a week, significantly altering her viewing habits. “Now, I see maybe a new release every two to three weeks and everything else is retrospective screenings,” she explained. This shift reflects a broader sentiment: for many, the communal experience of watching film in a dedicated space surpasses the convenience of streaming.
The Allure of Analogue and Expert Curation
Beyond the social aspect, cinematheques offer a unique appreciation for the physical medium of film. The screening of In the Mood for Love at Goma, for example, was presented in its original 35mm cut, allowing audiences to experience the film as it was intended. This attention to detail resonates with discerning viewers who recognize the difference between a director’s recut and the original print.
This commitment to preservation extends to the art of projection itself. The Sydney Cinémathèque will offer training in analogue projection techniques, ensuring the ability to screen films from their full history – from 35mm and 16mm to contemporary formats. This focus on format, alongside expertly curated programming, sets cinematheques apart from commercial theaters, which increasingly prioritize digital projection and new releases.
Beyond Entertainment: Cultivating Film Literacy
The role of the cinematheque extends beyond simply showing films; it’s about fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the art form. As a senior official at the Australian Cinémathèque stated, “It’s not about shoving scholarship down people’s throats… It’s about us being translators. We put on our Indiana Jones hat, we go out there, we find all the gems, we bring them back.” This approach to curation – prioritizing discovery and accessibility – is key to attracting new audiences and cultivating a more informed filmgoing public.
The success of Australia’s cinematheques underscores a growing desire for curated experiences and a rejection of the overwhelming abundance offered by streaming platforms. For a new generation of film lovers, and for those rediscovering the magic of the silver screen, these institutions offer a vital space for connection, discovery, and a renewed appreciation for the art of cinema.
