What's On at ACMI: Wednesday 14 to Tuesday 20 December 2016

Essential Anime Heroines film program opens at ACMI Cinemas
Wednesday 14 to Friday 23 December 2016
acmi.net.au/essential-anime
ACMI Cinemas once again host a celebration of Japanese Anime's most beloved characters, this time with Essential Anime Heroines. These plucky, resourceful and resilient heroines have driven some of the most acclaimed and popular films of this genre, and the ACMI season will screen some of the best: Princess Monoke, My Neighbour Totoro, Spirited Away, Arrietty, The Girl Who Lept Through Time and Summer Wars.
Tickets: Full $17. Concession $13. Members $10.

ACMI Cinemas exclusive: A Town Called Double Panic: Double Fun
Monday 12 to Saturday 24 December 2016
acmi.net.au/kids-flicks
With disarming wit and hilarious visuals, ACMI cinemas screen an exclusive season of two short films back-to-back in A Town Called Panic: Double Fun. The films revel in the simple setup of three plasticine toys sent on increasingly surreal and freewheeling adventures. First in Christmas Panic, then in Back to School Panic, central characters Cowboy and Indian are up their usual harebrained schemes, with Horse left to clean up the mess. These new short films continue the brilliant, over-the-top visual inventiveness that has given the series a dedicated cult following, with a classic slapstick comedy sensibility that is perfect for all ages.
Tickets: Full $7. Members $5.

ACMI's annual Christmas screening: The Muppet Christmas Carol G
Saturday 17 December 2016
acmi.net.au/kids-flicks
ACMI Cinemas keep up tradition with their annual screening of the Brian Henson's festive classic The Muppet Christmas Carol starring a crotchety Michael Caine in this adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic story. Working for the skinflint is Bob Cratchit (Kermit the Frog), who begs Scrooge for a holiday on Christmas Day. Scrooge reluctantly agrees and goes home on Christmas Eve angry at the festive merrymakers. However, a visit by the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future, forces Scrooge to face his sorrowful past and its consequences. The festive season just wouldn't be the same without some Muppet magic.
Tickets: Full $7. Members $5.

ACMI tributes Australian cinema with screenings and Q&A events
Beginning in December, ACMI screens a series of Australian films complemented by special introductions and Q&As.

New this week:

 

The Boys + Q&A with producer Robert Connolly MA 15+ ADULT THEMES, MEDIUM LEVEL COARSE LANGUAGE.
Saturday 17 December
Brett Sprague (David Wenham) returns to his family home after twelve months in jail. Things have changed while he has been away – his brother Glen (John Polson) has moved out with his girlfriend Jackie, younger brother Stevie's (Anthony Hayes) pregnant girlfriend Nola now lives with the family and his mother Sandra has taken on a Maori drifter. Re-united with his brothers, Brett uses his first day back to restore order. This session is followed by a Q&A with producer Robert Connolly.

Continuing from last week's what's on:

Pawno season + introduction by one the directors, Ian Tran, on Sunday 11 December
Until Saturday 17 December 2016
acmi.net.au/film
Director Paul Ireland's audacious debut celebrates the microcosm of suburban life in this disarmingly charming film, starring an impressive cast of new and veteran actors. Filmed in the heart of Footscray, Pawno is filled with the minutiae of daily life – from a mother in search of her son, to a budding romance. The screening on Sunday 11 December (please note this is a correction, last week's what's on document contained a date error) will be introduced by one of the directors Ian Tran, and also include a screening of the multi-award winning short film Olympic Nick: A Donutumentary.
 
Women He's Undressed + Q&A to be announced PG
Until Saturday 31 Dec
acmi.net.au/film
Director Gillian Armstrong reteams with her Unfolding Florence: The Many Lives of Florence Broadhurst writer Katherine Thomson, to bring to the screen the life of Orry – Kelly, Australia's greatest unsung hero (and the subject of an ACMI exhibition in 2015!). Kelly rode the many highs and lows of a career in showbiz, designing costumes for 275 films, sometimes 50 or 60 a year. Audiences can check the ACMI website for details of a yet-to-be-announced Q&A with a special guest involved with the film.
All Australian film tickets: Full $7, Member $5

For session times and more information on these and all other events on at ACMI visit acmi.net.au