Reels Film Society
Reels Film Society is the South East's official Film Society. Members enjoy viewing a variety of award winning art-house and foreign films as well as Australian and International classics at the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre in Mount Gambier. Each month lovers of cinema come together to appreciate quality movies, socialise and chat over nibbles and enjoy a pre-movie glass of fine wine from the Limestone Coast region. It's easy to become a member and new members are warmly welcomed.
Sunday, October 4, 2026
Notice of the Annual General Meeting of Reels Film Society
Sunday, September 20, 2026
Evil does not exist, (2023), Japan, written and directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi
Evil does not exist, 2023, (Japan)
Written and directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi
Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre
Thursday September 24
Doors Open: 6.30 pm
Takumi lives with his daughter Hana in Mizubiki, a quiet
village near Tokyo.
Their lives are disrupted when a Tokyo based company plans
to build a poorly designed glamping site near the village.
Representatives from Playmode hold a tense town hall meeting
to introduce the idea to the villagers. The villagers reject the idea as the
poorly placed septic tank will ruin their pristine water supply, causing damage
to the local ecosystem relied upon by the wild deer.
Hana goes missing after an encounter with the local deer
hunters. Takumi responds with a primal instinctive reaction that resembles a
wonded animal.
The film is described by IMDB as a slow burn, a character
study disguised as an eco-drama.
It is written and directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi and features
a cast of non-professional actors. The film was shown at the Venice
International Film Festival and was awarded the Grand Jury Prize.
REELS WINE SELECTION
"Evil does not exist"
There is nothing evil in the REEL's wine cellar.
This month's wines are all unsullied treasures from the wine
selections from previous months.
Enjoy
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
GHOSTLIGHT, (2024), USA, written and directed by Kelly O'Sullivan, codirected by Alex Thompson
GHOSTLIGHT, 2024, (USA)
Written and directed by Kelly O'Sullivan, codirected by Alex Thompson
Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre
Thursday August 20
Doors Open: 6.30 pm
GHOSTLIGHT centres on Dan (Keith Kupferer) a melancholic middle aged construction worker grieving after a family tragedy. Cut off from his loving family, wife Sharon (Tara Mallen), and daughter Daisy (Katheren Mallen Kupferer). Dan discovers comfort and community from a group of amateur actors rehearing for their production of Romeo and Juliet.
First premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival this movie was praised for the touching and gently comedic tale of the healing power of art and amateur theatre.
Real life family performances bring tenderness and authenticity to this poignant portrait of a family dealing with loss. Dolly de Leon is hilarious as Dan’s irascible, improbable co-star!
Co-directed by Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan.
“ A masterfully crafted work with nearly no false notes” The Film Stage
REELS WINE SELECTION
GHOSTLIGHT
Wine themes:
# Theatre – drama, heroes, villains, etc.
# Love and Romance - mostly ill-fated
# “Romeo and Juliet” – ends in tragedy
REDS
“Take it to the Grave” Barossa Shiraz, 2025
John Tate Winemakers “Torch Song” Western Australia, Shiraz Cabernet Merlot, 2022
“Dead End” McLaren Vale, Tempranillo, 2022
NON-REDS
Cupio aka “Cupid”, New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc
“The Hero” Australia, Pinot Grigio, 2026
SWEET
Gossips “Sweet Lips” Australia, Moscato, 2025
Sunday, July 19, 2026
All of us Strangers (2023), Britain, Written and directed by Andrew Haigh
All of us Strangers, 2023, (Britain)
Written and directed by Andrew Haigh
Sir Robert Helpman Theatre
Thursday July 23
Doors Open: 6.30 pm
Adam (Andrew Scott) begins a relationship with mysterious neighbour Harry (Paul Mescal) after a chance encounter. As they become closer Adam is drawn back to the childhood home where his parents are still living just as they were 30 years ago on the day they died!!
This psychological Drama and Romance features Clair Foy as Harry’s mum and Jaimie Bell as Harry’s Dad. Directed by Andrew Haigh based upon the novel by Taichi Yamada.
Nominated for BAFTA for 2024 Outstanding British film of the year.
A beautiful meditation on loss and the connection between familial love and romantic love.
REELS WINE SELECTION
“All of Us Strangers”
Wine themes:
# Strangers / the unknown / suspicion
# Love
# Memory/Nostalgia
REDS
Hidden Ridge “187’” Coonawarra Shiraz, 2024
Taylors’ “Discoveries” South Australia, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2023
“Sweet Caroline” Australia, Merlot, 2024
(who doesn’t feel a wave of nostalgia at this one???)
NON-REDS
“Sidewood”, Adelaide Hills, Sauvignon Blanc, 2025
(Strangers, checked out in sideward glances…)
“Sweet Caroline” Australia, Pinot Grigio, 2025
(the nostalgia continues)
SWEET
Bailey & Bailey, Australia, Pink Moscato
Sunday, June 21, 2026
There’s Still Tomorrow, (C'è ancora domani) (2023) Italy, Directed by acclaimed Italian filmmaker and actress Paola Cortellesi
There’s Still Tomorrow, 2023 (Italy)
Directed by Paola Cortellesi
Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre
Thursday June 25
Doors Open : 6.30 pm
The film is set in postwar Rome.
A working class wife and mother dreams of a better future, Delia breaks traditional family patterns and takes steps towards a different future after receiving a mysterious letter. Delia faces regular verbal and physical abuse from husband Ivano, while still caring for her sullen father in law, Ottorina. She can also see that her daughter Marcella and her relationship with her bossy, controlling fiancé Giulio is heading for a similarly abusive marriage.
After being advised to leave her abusive husband by her group of married friends. Delia decides to fight against her inferior status by voting in the constitutional referendum after receiving her first voter card.
Italian film critics praised the direction and screenplay which deals with issues of feminisim and patriarchy as well as performances by lead actors Cortellesi, Fanelli and Mastandrea.
The film stars Paola Cortellesi who has also directed and co- written the screen play. Awards include Best New Director , Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Screenplay.
(Wikipedia viewed June 19,2026)
REELS WINE SELECTION
“There’s Still Tomorrow”
Wine themes:
# An Italian comedy
# Women rising above their circumstances
REDS
“Elena’s One & Only” McLaren Vale, Shiraz, 2022
Tenuta “Sassoregale” Maremma Toscana, Italy, Sangiovese, 2022
NON-REDS
Vigneti del Sole, Italy, Soave, 2024 (similar to Sauv Blanc)
“Ciao Bella”, Delle Venezie, Italy, Pinot Grigio, 2024
Mitolo“Jester” McLaren Vale, Sangiovese Rosé, 2026
Sunday, May 17, 2026
All We Imagine as Light (2024) India, Directed by Payal Kapadia
All We Imagine as Light 2024 (India)
Directed by Payal Kapadia
Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre
Thursday May 21
Doors Open :6.30
Special Treat: Indian Sweets will be served before the movie
Described by reviewers as a dreamlike, tender and deeply humanistic drama, the film follows the story of three nurses in modern day Mumbai. A mood of romantic and emotional insecurity hangs over these women’s lives. Kapadia’s story telling is fluent and absorbing. A bitter sweet exploration of urban loneliness. “In times when reality asserts itself harshly Kapadia reminds us that dreaming is also a form of resistance (Gisela Savdie)
They endure the nerve jangling unhappiness and stress of living in a big city – where you are surrounded by people but are effectively alone. When Parvaty decides to quit her job and move home to her small village on the coast, Prabha and Anu decide to accompany her.
Prabha finds relief when she is called on to use her professional skills in a crisis. She also realizes what it has meant to be separated from her husband for so long and also from her own happiness and future. It makes her understand how unhappy her husband has been and the nature of the darkness in which They have both been living.
REELS WINE SELECTION
“All We Imagine as Light”
Wine themes:
# An Indian Film
# Light & its effects eg shadows, silhouettes
# Secrets / A secret love affair
REDS
“Elephant in the Room”(note small ears = Indian elephant) Barossa, Splendiferous Shiraz, 2022
“Secret Tracks” Coonawarra, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2023
Giesen “Pure Light” New Zealand, Merlot, 2023
NON-REDS
Petaluma “Lumos” Adelaide Hills, Sauvignon Blanc
“Billy’s Shadow”, France, Chardonnay, 2023
Baily & Baily “Silhouette series” Australia, Pink Moscato, 2025
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Riviera Revenge (2025) France, Directed by Ivan Calberac
Riviera Revenge 2025 (France)
Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre
Thursday April 16
Doors Open 6.30pm
A jealous and conservative husband, retired officer Francois (Andre Dusosollier) launches a quest for revenge after discovering his wife Annie (Sabine Azema) had an affair 40 years ago.
Directed by Ivan Calberac, this light hearted and charming comedy is set on the picturesque French Riviera with performances that bring depth to a potentially unsympathetic character.
Recommended for those who enjoy a character driven French comedy-drama with scenic cinematography.
Review Limelight Magazine
Special Reminder: DVD’s on sale table before the movie
REELS WINE SELECTION
“Riviera Revenge”
Wine themes:
# A French Film / The French Riviera
# Former General Francois and his wife Annie
# A long-hidden secret discovered
# Love and War
REDS
“Annie’s Lane” Adelaide, Shiraz, 2025
Taylors “Discoveries” South Australia, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2023
“Love not War” Spain, Tempranillo, 2022
NON-REDS
“Mateus” Portugal, Rosé (note the Eiffel Tower on the label) Jean-Claude Mas, France, Le Sauvignon Blanc, 2023
“La Belle Angele” France, Chardonnay, 2023
