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Film on the Mid North Coast

Explore everything screen related on the Mid North Coast, from our history and heritage to vibrant festivals, progressive film societies to industry resources ripe for the region.

A Rich Heritage of Film

Film has been bringing communities together on the Mid North Coast for nearly 100 years.

Film Festivals & Events

There is now a number of established Film Festivals on the Mid North Coast. These are promoted when happening on our Events Calendar and often showcased on our website and social media.

Find a Local Film Society or Group

Film Societies are great way to network with other film buffs or simply catch a movie under the stars at pop up events across the region.

A Guide to the Film Industry

For those interested in a career in the film industry the following is a list of key organisations and contacts.

A Guide to Local Film Policies

A filming permit may be required from the authorities responsible for the land you wish to film on. We've collated a list of key contacts across the region responsible for issuing permits and answering queries.

Film has been bringing communities together on the Mid North Coast for nearly 100 years. From travelling shows like that of Bill Wright to country halls to the building of small town cinemas in the 1930’s and 40’s they have created a hub of our social activity.

Our Film Making Heritage

The region has long been recognised for nurturing the inspiring works of artists, performers, filmmakers, writers, craft artists and many more producing imaginative and award winning examples of their talent

Our Local Cinema Heritage

The people of New South Wales took to motion pictures with fervour from the time they were first screened in 1896. For country people the cinema fulfilled two roles, a place for social interaction and entertainment.

Still Screening

We have some amazing cinemas across the region who are still screening films from across the globe to a local market.

More Movie History

Sadly a number of the original movie halls and cinemas of the region have closed and been demolished. However their stories are still told in some of our local museums.

Find a Film Society or Group near you

Film Societies are great way to network with other film buffs or simply catch a movie under the stars at pop up events across the region.

Check out our list here for more information:

Click listings below to learn more:

Film Festivals of the Mid North Coast

There is now a number of established Film Festivals on the Mid North Coast. These are promoted when happening on our Events Calendar and often showcased on our website and social media.

These include: 

SWIFF – Screenwave International Film Festival: Coffs Coast Heart of Film

The Screenwave International Film Festival (SWIFF) is the Coffs Coast’s heart of film and screen culture running in Coffs Harbour and Bellingen every January.

With up to 70 film sessions there is something for everyone from gripping dramas, to compelling documentaries, incredible comedies, independent titles, and the newest films Australia has to offer. The Festival also features Industry Connect opportunities with talks by guest filmakers, actors and producers.

Flickerfest National Tour

Flickerfest is considered in international circles as the leading Australian competitive short film festival and increasingly filmmakers view it as one of the main festivals on the world circuit.  The Flickerfest National Tour takes the main competitive programmes and some special sessions to many regional and metropolitan areas during January to May including Coffs Harbour, Bowraville, Kempsey, Crescent Head, Gladstone and Port Macquarie.

Sydney Travelling Film Festival

Australia's longest running travelling film festival bringing world cinema to regional Australia.  The Travelling Film Festival (TFF) showcases Australian and international features, documentaries and short films screening in areas which have limited theatrical screening opportunities.  Founded by David Stratton in 1974, the TFF is committed to providing audiences in regional Australia with access to films they would otherwise not have the opportunity to see on the big screen.  Screening in October at Majestic Cinemas in Nambucca Heads and Port Macquarie.

Next Wave Youth Film Festival

Next Wave Youth Film Festival shines a spotlight on young filmmakers throughout the Mid North Coast of NSW, giving young people aged 12-25 an opportunity to tell their stories. Filmmaking workshops are presented throughout schools in the region teaching young people how to write, shoot, and edit short films.  The festival culminates in a Regional Screening Tour during School Term IV, with great prizes to be won.

Access all Areas Touring Film Festival

The touring Festival is an accessible showcase of new Australian films for people with disability. Access All Areas Film Festival demonstrates that it’s possible to make cultural experiences accessible to everyone. Offering both a feature and short film program the festival screens at many venues across New South Wales and some in Victoria. The festival promotes inclusiveness and raises awareness of ability and access issues.

A Guide to the Film Industry

For those interested in a career in the film industry the following is a list of key organisations and contacts.

Click listings below to learn more:

A Rich Future for Film on the Mid North Coast

Arts Mid North Coast will be releasing a number of initiatives to enhance screen culture in our region.

See whats coming:

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Acknowledgement

Arts Mid North Coast acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians.

We live and work across the traditional lands of the Gumbaynggirr, Dunghutti/Thunghutti and Biripi Nations on the Mid North Coast of NSW.

Contact Us

Arts Mid North Coast Inc
PO Box 115
MACKSVILLE NSW 2447

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