Melbourne’s new rooftop cinema is extending its summer program after ‘overwhelmingly positive’ response
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04.02.2025

Melbourne’s new rooftop cinema is extending its summer program after ‘overwhelmingly positive’ response

Words by Staff Writer

Palace Cinemas' newest inner west venue is doubling down on its successful rooftop cinema program, announcing an extended season running through March 30 following consistent sold-out sessions.

The expanded program at Palace Penny Lane Cinema blends contemporary releases with carefully curated retrospective screenings, providing Melburnians additional opportunities to experience outdoor cinema during the remaining summer months.

Palace Cinemas CEO Benjamin Zeccola points to strong word-of-mouth as a key factor in the venue’s rapid success. “The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with word spreading quickly that summer nights with a view and drink in hand are a great way to see the latest releases and retro classics,” Zeccola says. “We’re anticipating the second half of the season to be just as successful, if not more.”

The venue has already attracted notable local personalities, with former AFL player Ben Brown, media personality Sarita Holland and her husband Brodie Holland, and respected broadcaster Zan Rowe all sharing their experiences through social media.

Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.

 

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2025 program highlights

Retrospective highlights include the late David Lynch’s Mulholland Drive, a surreal neo-noir masterpiece, and Garry Marshall’s Pretty Woman, one of the most enduring romantic comedies of all time—Cameron Crowe’s Oscar-winning coming-of-age film Almost Famous further bolsters the lineup.

Films that defined their generations are also showcased, including Joel and Ethan Coen’s The Big Lebowski, John Hughes’ The Breakfast Club, Amy Heckerling’s Clueless, and Richard Donner’s The Goonies. Allan Moyle’s Empire Records, a cult favourite among music lovers, rounds out the selection. Science fiction and suspense are well represented with Lana and Lilly Wachowski’s groundbreaking The Matrix, and Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho. Recent releases such as A24’s Babygirl and the latest instalment Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, bring contemporary stories to the big screen.

The season also includes pioneering Australian cinema with Ted Kotcheff’s Wake in Fright and the recent 4K restoration of Peter Weir’s unmissable classic Picnic At Hanging Rock. Christopher Nolan’s Inception and John Landis’ The Blues Brothers, both widely regarded for their technical and narrative innovation, ensure a compelling close to the program.

The extension follows Palace Penny Lane’s initial program, which began on December 18 last year. With numerous screenings already reaching capacity, cinephiles are encouraged to book early for the remaining summer sessions. Tickets for all screenings through March 30 are available now through the Palace Cinemas website.

The success of the rooftop program reinforces Palace Cinemas’ position as a leading independent cinema group, known for delivering premium entertainment experiences across their nationwide network of more than 20 locations.

For more information and to buy tickets, head here.