Complied by NFSA’s Jacqui Douglas, with an intro by Allan Sko

Tucked between The Australian National University and Lake Burley Griffin sits the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (affectionately known as the NFSA) – a stunning Art Deco building in Acton’s cultural precinct and a hidden gem in Canberra’s arts scene.

I have a personal connection to the place. My Dad headed the Film Preservation Unit for over a decade, working tireless hours in the pursuit of purloining and preserving
priceless works of Australian history whilst my brother and I, as knock-kneed boys, frolicked on the historic stone artifice. Nitrate runs in our family’s blood.

As such, it is a joy to see the institution and the hard-working folk who toil within produce thrilling programs bursting with multi-faceted performances, going beyond the scope of a screening in order to return to a film with a renewed appreciation.

Let’s keenly glean the deets from the NFSA-ers themselves, shall we?

Marketing guru and all-around Top Human Jacqui Douglas has lovingly laboured in collecting info and interviews to extol the virtues of what lies ahead.

Over to you, Jacqui!

INTRO

In what is becoming a fond tradition at NFSA Acton, we’re proud to present another seasonal program brimming with its unique blend of live arts and film screenings. Our program features standalone experiences and performances that complement and enrich the film screenings at NFSA’s Arc Cinema.

TRIPTYCH – THREE TIMES THE EXPERIENCE

This month, we’re thrilled to present the highly anticipated Triptych, the latest work from the renowned Australian audiovisual artist and composer Robin Fox.

Triptych, which launched at Unsound Krakow in 2022, has been on a successful tour across Australia and internationally and even won last year’s prestigious Prix Ars Electronica Isao Tomita Special Prize.

This exclusive performance, described as a ‘space-time carving’ and a ‘synaesthetic marriage of sound and light’, is a whole-body experience that manifests uniquely in each performance venue.

As a have-to-be-there occurrence that can never be ‘packaged up’ for digital release, it is a must-see event.

Triptych uses custom hardware to generate synchronised sound from laser projections. ArtsHub described it as ‘music you felt in your bones’ while NME Magazine likened it to ‘seeing a major pop star condense their stadium show into your local band room’.

Triptych reflects Fox’s dual fascination with electronic music and the mechanics of audiovisual art – with a nod to pioneering laser artist Stanislaus Ostoja-Kotkowski.

>>Tickets are selling fast your grabs yours now via NFSA!

OF LINE, OF LIGHT… OF COURSE!

Elsewhere, a new commission from Australian contemporary artist and writer Bronte Cormican-Jones is currently being exhibited on the NFSA’s sweeping front lawns. Commissioned for the Canberra Art Biennial, Of line, of light draws viewers into ‘moments of contemplation…of pause, and visual play’ as they move around the three-dimensional frames of light and explore the varied perspectives it offers on the space around them.

Showing until 26 October, Of line, of light is complemented by special screenings of visually stunning and futuristic films Metropolis (Fritz Lang, 1927) and Ghost in the Shell (Mizuho Nishikubo, Mamoru Oshii, 1995), presented by the NFSA in collaboration with Canberra Art Biennial and Canberra Glassworks.

Cormican-Jones will briefly introduce each film and its relationship to her artwork alongside NFSA Creative Producer and Program Coordinator Aidan Delaney.

IN NFSA WE TRUST – NEW LICKS FOR HISTORICAL BRICKS

Our heritage building at NFSA is not just a venue; it’s a work of art. We’re dedicated to its ongoing rejuvenation, aiming to restore and highlight its unique architectural design elements.

This commitment was recently recognised with a National Trust of Australia (ACT) Heritage Award for the renewal of The Library, Foyer and Mediatheque spaces. The building is open daily, offering a chance to explore the national collection’s audiovisual content and artefacts and enjoy a cup of locally roasted Red Brick coffee in our onsite café and bar.

DRAG & (MIC) DROP

For music enthusiasts, the Spring Film Series offers screenings of The Blues Brothers (John Landis, 1980), High Fidelity (Stephen Frears, 2000) and Velvet Goldmine (Todd Haynes, 1998) – the latter as part of SpringOUT Pride Festival with a pre-screening glam rock performance by Pass/Fail (Nick Delatovic).

There’s a spotlight on gospel music in November, with Sydney’s Rejoice Gospel Choir headlining a Sister Act screening. There is also a screening of the Aretha Franklin concert film Amazing Grace (Alan Elliott, Sydney Pollack, 2018).

Meanwhile, Cult Classics with Venus Mantrap continues each month, with introductions and live performances by Venus, local drag artist and culture warrior.

Check out the weekly curated program to explore the complete offerings, including thought-provoking Q&As and discussions with leading Australian creatives and innovators. Visit www.nfsa.gov.au/events