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:
Cinematinee is a program of world cinema, art house and independent films that are screened fortnightly on Thursdays at Jetty Memorial Theatre in Coffs Harbour.
For program information, visit the box office section of www.jettytheatre.com. Special screenings also take place at the Bellingen Memorial Hall.
Check the Screenwave website for more information. http://screenwave.com.au/cinematinee/
The Old Gazette Film Society is a sub-committee of the Dorrigo Dramatic Club Inc. formed in 2016 by a group of committed Dorrigo residents to provide an environment to share film, food and conversation on the Plateau.
There are monthly films screening at the Old Gazette Theatre, 10 Hickory Street, Dorrigo. Contact: E: OldGazetteFilmSociety@gmail.com
This local group screens films from the National Film and Sound Archive at the Rollands Plains Hall. Rollands Plains is 20km west of Port Macquarie between the town of Telegraph Point and Willi Willi National Park.
For information check out the Rollands Plains Community Face Book page: https://www.facebook.com/RollandsPlainsCommunity/
The Society screens films at Fay’s Twin Cinema in Taree, Manning Valley Visitor’s Centre in Taree North, St Joseph’s School Hall in Wingham and various other pop-up screenings. Screening are generally the third Monday evening of the month.
Contact: T: (02) 6552 3476 E: tareefilmsociety@gmail.com
Majestic Cinemas is an independent regional cinema chain that offers both the latest blockbuster films plus a range of art house and foreign film in line with community requests.
The University of the Third Age has member groups across the Mid North Coast that often run Movie appreciation courses/groups. Members include Coffs Harbour, Dorrigo Plateau, Nambucca Valley, Kempsey/Macleay, Port Macquarie, Manning Valley and Forster Tuncurry. Contact the Regional Representative to see if there is a movie group near you.
https://www.u3a.com.au/regional-representative-mid-north-coast/
ABC Open publishes and broadcasts stories made by regional Australians with projects involving great videos, photos and written stories to share on the ABC. .
Contact: Liz Keen, Open Producer, Mid North Coast
T: (02) 6650-3641 M: 0477 315 278 e: keen.liz@abc.net.au w: https://open.abc.net.au
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:
Screen NSW was established to assist, promote and strengthen the screen industry in NSW so as to promote Australia’s cultural identity, encourage employment in all aspects of screen production, encourage investment in the industry, enhance the industry’s export potential, encourage innovation and enhance quality in the industry.
Contact: T: 02 9995 0555 E: info@screen.nsw.gov.au
Screen Australia is a Federal Government agency charged with supporting Australian screen development, production and promotion.
Contact: T: (02) 8113 5800
Australia's national screen arts and broadcast school, the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS) is the leading institution for the education and training of creative talent in the screen arts and broadcast industries. To meet the evolving needs of Australia's screen and broadcast industries, the School provides advanced education and training to develop the skills and knowledge of talented individuals.
Contact: T: (02) 9805 6611
The NFSA is Australia’s premier audiovisual archive and a place of engagement with Australian audiovisual production, past and present, for everyone. The NFSA collection holds more than 2.3 million works, including films, television and radio programs, videos, audio tapes, records, compact discs, phonograph cylinders and wire recordings. It also encompasses documents and artefacts such as photographs, posters, lobby cards, publicity items, scripts, costumes, props, memorabilia, oral histories, and vintage equipment.
Contact: T: 1800 067 274
Screenworks is a not-for-profit organisation that primarily provides support, leadership and vision for the regional screen industries (film, television and multimedia industries) in Australia.
Contact: T: (02) 6687 1599
The Australian Directors Guild (ADG) is a registered union and industry association representing the interests of film, television and digital media directors, documentary makers and animators throughout Australia.
Contact: T: (02) 9555 7045
Ausfilm connects the international film community with Australia’s screen incentives, talent and facilities.
Contact: T: (02) 9383 4192
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:
We'll be launching a comprehensive guide to film creatives on the Mid North Coast.
Stay in touch with the latest industry news and opportunities through our ArtsBlast Newsletter.
Check out current Arts Opportunities here
Introducing the Mid North Coast film & Screen Location finder - a comprehensive list of locations suitable for screen and tv.