ACMI's summer program is the most versatile, fun-loving and engagingly informative collection of film, art and design you'll see in Melbourne this summer. They even have a day-to-night restaurant and a shop boasting the best Christmas pressies...where do we sign up?
Not-So-Silent Outdoor Cinema
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- Cost: Free
- Dates: Fri 2 Dec – Sun 4 Dec
Back in the day, the “movies” were moving pictures on screen and that’s it. If you wanted sound, then that came courtesy of a live band playing in the theatre. ACMI are recreating that, albeit in a much more inner-city kind of way, with their Not-So-Silent Outdoor Cinema program. Swap the darkened cinema for Fed Square at sunset, switch raked seats with deckchairs and picnic blankets and kick back al fresco as you travel back in time to enjoy some gems from the earliest days of silent films. The screenings will be accompanied by some not-so-silent bands, performing newly composed and restaged live scores.
Find out more info here.
Out of Bounds
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- Cost: Free
- Dates: 8 Dec – 23 Apr 2023
What happens when a group of Melbourne-based artists break out of bounds in an action-adventure video game? What lies in the space beyond the authored limits of the game’s virtual word? How does curiosity, rather than a desire to win, alter the adventure? Those questions are answered in ‘Out of Bounds: Exploring the Limits of Vide Games’, which includes a multichannel video artwork titled The Grannies, an original artistic videogame and stunning stills featuring, and narrated by, the aforementioned artists.
While an edited version of The Grannies screened as a short film at festivals in Amsterdam, London and Milan, this ACMI premiere will be the international debut of its intended gallery installation format.
Find out more info here.
Thor: Love and Thunder
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- Cost: Free
- Dates: Open daily
Chris Hemsworth is arguably best known for people responding with an involuntary “phwoar” when they clap eyes on his aesthetically pleasing physical self. The Aussie actor has “done alright” for himself career-wise, too, having been immortalised as the God of Thunder Phwoar – I’m sorry – Thor, in Marvel Studio’s universe of superhero films.
The ‘Thor: Love and Thunder costumes’ exclusive exhibition includes suits, garments and instruments worn and wielded by not only Thor, but Mighty Thor, Valkyrie, Gorr and Zeus as well, which have all been created by costume designer Mayes Rubeo who worked in collaboration with a stellar creative team in Hollywood to create these iconic looks.
Find out more info here.
How I See It: Blak Art and Film
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- Cost: Free
- Dates: 16 Dec – 19 Feb 2023
It has been said that history is written by the victors and in the case of First Nations People, that’s colonisers. ‘How I See It: Blak Art and Film’ is an exhibition from the perspective of eight Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives. Using moving image, installation, documentary, photography and video games, the works explore representation, the gaze, colonial archives and knowledge systems when it comes to how the stories of First Nations people have not only been historically represented on our screens, these artists disrupt and dare to reimagine alternate realities and futures. The exhibition also includes a film program which includes surreal and genre-bending films that subvert traditional western storytelling.
Find out more info here.
The Story of the Moving Image
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- Cost: Free
- Dates: Open daily
ACMI’s centrepiece exhibition is a journey through the past (think: ancient shadow puppets, Victorian-era magic lanterns), the present (hello videogames and interactive digital experiences) and the future (use the Lens device to capture your favourite artworks for an online collection). Moving images have revolutionised life as we know it, how we tell our stories and see ourselves as a result, and this exhibition traverses time, countries and cultures in five distinct sections. Each section has its own interactive experience attached, so you can do things like animate shadows and create soundscapes in a custom Foley studio, as you learn about the most modern of all artforms.
Find out more info here.
Days of Summer
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- Cost: 3-Session Pass $33–45, 6-Session Pass $66–84
- Dates: 17 Dec 2022 – 14 Feb 2023
As the year draws to a close, we start compiling our ‘Best of’ lists for the year. What were your best 22 films of ‘22? ACMI have chosen theirs, and they are screening as part of their Summer film program, which is celebrating the fact film productions are back in full swing, film festivals around the world are IRL and cinema tickets are being torn at your neighbourhood cinema door once again. They also have their ‘Days of Summer’ program, featuring a selection of classic summer films and for the younger audience members, they have ‘Kids’ Flicks with Feelings’ that are family films that make you think and feel, featuring cute and curious cats, compassionate robots and friendly aliens from outer space. ACMI’s Summer Film Program is extensive so be sure to check their website for the full list of excellent big-screen options you’ll be able to enjoy in air-conditioned comfort.
Find out more info here.
Hero Restaurant and Bar
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- Location: Level 1, ACMI, Fed Square. Enter via Fed Square plaza or if inside ACMI, enter via the Level 1 foyer at the top of the stairs (accessible by lift).
- Restaurant opening hours: Tues–Sat 12pm–late, Sun 12–4pm
While streaming platforms make it increasingly harder to bother leaving the couch, much less the house, if you’ve gone all protagonist-in-your-own narrative and accepted the call to adventure into the outside world to visit the many fascinating and free attractions at ACMI, then why not make a day of it and feed yourself on site as well? Not only is ACMI the heart of screen culture in Melbourne, it’s in Melbourne, so naturally they have a day-to-night restaurant, cafe and wine bar as well. Hero, located on Level 1, offers a seasonally driven menu developed by acclaimed Melbourne chef, Karen Martini. You can also get yourself great coffee, cocktails and craft beers there as well.
Find out more info here.
ACMI Shop
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- The ACMI Shop, Fed Square.
- Free Shipping for orders over $100
- Every purchase supports ACMI
Christmas is coming and while we’re not at the high-adrenaline frenzied consumer sprint of 24-Hour Trading Night Before panic-buying yet, that date is circled on the calendar and looming large. All of that can be avoided in the ACMI shop, which offers such a wide range of gifts you’ll be sure to find something for everyone in your life. Books, prints, posters, clothing, glassware, furniture, vases and other décor items, mugs, key rings, jigsaw puzzles, silk scarves, they even have skate decks. Most pieces are by acclaimed artists, designers and brands, many are limited edition and some pieces actually signed, so there’s everything from some screen culture souvenirs to more special items to treat yourself or someone else.
Find out more info here.
Head to ACMI at Federation Square, Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000. They’re open between 12pm and 5pm Monday to Friday, and from 10am to 5pm on weekends. For more info, head to their website here.
