THE MENU - Comedy, Horror, Thriller (USA (2022)

 

Is Revenge a Dish Best Served Cold? A satire of the gourmet food world and the wealthy elites who dine at a secluded island restaurant.  The film features a star studded, cast, a witty script and many twists and turns.   Ralph Fiennes at his commanding best.

Make your reservation for an unforgettable dining experience on Thursday the 21st of November.

As usual doors will open at 6:30 for a 7:00 start.

We look forward to seeing you there, "Bon appetit".

Come for the AGM - Stay for the Tenor

 

Following the thrills and spills of the 2024 Reels Film Society AGM stay on for the French Comedy Drama "Tenor".

Antoine is reluctantly studying to be an accountant and delivers sushi for a living. His passion is rap battles, but he has a hidden talent in a very, very different musical form. A simple sushi delivery leads to a leading singing teacher at the Garnier Opera leads to the discovery of his talent and a new path opens to him.

Thursday the 17th of October will see this once in a year double-feature.

As usual doors will open at 6:30 for a 7:00 start.

We look forward to seeing you there.

 Notice of the Annual General Meeting of Reels Film Society

Dear Members,

This is to advise you of the upcoming Annual General Meeting of the members of Reels Film Society.

The details of this meeting are as follows:

Date: Thursday 17th October 2024

Time:7pm (movie to view after meeting)

Place: Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, Mount Gambier

Agenda and Minutes are available on request and at the October Film Night.

At the meeting, members will have the opportunity to:

• find out about and ask questions about Reels Film Society’s operations and finances
• table topics for discussion and
• vote on any resolutions proposed.

At the meeting, members will be asked to vote to:

• accept the minutes of the last annual general meeting
• accept the annual report, auditors report, annual financial statements
• appoint an auditor
• elect President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and 4 Committee members.
• Vote on any other business requiring consideration

REELS FILM SOCIETY 2024 PRESIDENTS REPORT

Over the 12 months Reels has delivered a balanced cinema program from around the globe featuring Limited Release films from USA (3), UK (2), France (2), Australia, Bhutan, Italy, Poland, South Korea and Spain. That’s 13 movie nights in 12 months!

Our average the Starbox rating over the 12 months to June 2024 was 3.9 with member’s votes in this Olympic year determining “Official Secrets” from the UK (4.7) as the Gold medallist narrowly edging out “A Yak in the Classroom” (Bhutan) and “Gurrumul” (Australia) both tied on a meritorious 4.6.

Our star is on the rise! Attendance at our monthly screenings has been healthy averaging around 101 up from last year’s 90! This year, two members of our committee, Sheryl Norris and Graham Carpenter travelled interstate to attend the Federation of Victorian Film Societies AGM and Information Day. This provided an ideal opportunity to share information and learn of practices that can improve the operations of film societies. One of the things we learnt was REELS is one of the largest groups in the Federation behind groups such as Ballarat.

The Reels Film Selection committee over the last 12 months or so has been keenly researching the film program for 2025. A challenging task for any film society and our appreciation goes to everyone who has put forward movies for consideration. Our focus remains on limited release art house movies that rarely make it to regional cinemas. We aim to have 2025 finalised before the end of November so we can inform members and prepare our promotional and membership application DL cards ready for distribution in the wider community before Christmas.

Financially we are in a good position. Reels have absorbed increases in expenses that include theatre hire, DVD purchases and hire, screening rights, printing, not to forget putting on an extra special film and a bus for a movie dinner night for members at Coonawarra. Annual Membership fees have been set for 2025. The increase of $5 per annum for Reels membership is the first time in many years. The 2025 subs are now set at the same membership rates that were in effect in 2015/2016!

The dedicated Reels Film Society committee members continue to work tirelessly behind the scenes as well as film nights. They should be up here with Sheryl and me for you to acknowledge their efforts, but they are busy doing what they do every film night. Our regular monthly meetings are usually held on weekends and are well attended. Reels would be a “No Show” without their outstanding efforts to organise DVD purchases, library management, obtain screening rights, banking and finance, purchase beverages and snacks in addition to their volunteer efforts on movie night. It is a fabulous team effort from Tricia Bott, Graham Carpenter, John Martin-Brown, Meredith McArthur, Sheryl Norris, Phil Riley and Catarina Santos. John has decided to retire from the Committee after many years of service and we acknowledge his lengthy contribution to Reels.

Our gratitude is also extended to members of our Film Selection Committee and our Public Officer, Mr. Graham Adams and our Honorary Auditor and Reviewer of our accounts, Mr. Doug Mullen.

We are indebted to our supporters and partners at ABC SE Local Radio and the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre. We also thank all those individuals who have remained in the shadows, contributing in their own way. For example, the amazing Marcus Jones, our expert projectionist and technical problem solver and the Federation for Victorian Film Societies for the answers to the entire cinema matters beyond our ken.

In closing, a huge round of applause to you all here tonight for being part of a successful Film Society that is now entering its 18th year. A society that started in 2007 that continues to provide opportunities for socialising, making new friends in a welcoming environment, positive mental health, cultural awareness and lifelong learning and of course, superb cinema.

See you all next season.

Rob Forgan,
President,
Reels Film Society,

1 October 2024 June 2024 SNAPSHOT

Membership: 166 - June 2024 (up from 155 June 2023).
Membership: Reels has one of the 3 largest membership bases of those affiliated with the Federation of Victorian Film Societies (FVFS). Average Attendance in 2023 2024: 101 (Up from 96 in 2023. 70 in 2022) Movies: 13 (12 in 2022/2023)
Starbox average score: 3.9 (4.7 High – 2.8 Low) A good score considering we had a couple of sub 3’s!

REELS September movie "The Bank of Dave" and the AFTER SHOW get together at METRO

 REELS Film Society and the Mount Gambier and Districts Community Bank

are thrilled to show on Thursday 26th of September

"THE BANK OF DAVE",

a real feel good comedy from the UK.   . 

The feel-good biographical film is a story of grit and perseverance juxtaposed with finding a purpose and the desire to see it come to fruition. The narrative revolves around a working-class self-made millionaire from Burnley UK and the trials and tribulations he faces in trying to set up a community bank that will help the local businesses in the town to thrive. Despite the noble purpose, his journey will see him lock horns with some of London’s most elite and prestigious financial institutions and compete to get the first-ever banking license in over a century.

The Mount Gambier and Districts Community Bank have come on board as sponsors for our September movie night and we appreciate the real interest they have shown in REELS and the many community organisations throughout the district.

An "After the Show" SUPPER at METRO CAFE will be put on for Reels Financial members.  This will be a wonderful opportunity to get together with fellow members and discuss the night's movie and Reels in general.  

A selection of tasty treats will be provided from the marvelous METRO kitchen for members from 8:45pm.  The delicious METRO food offerings are free of charge!  Beverages (Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and other drinks) will be available from METRO at your expense.

To assist with planning and catering please RSVP for this once off after the show event at the earliest opportunity with an email to reelsfilmsociety@gmail.com

As usual our pre movie drinks and nibbles will be provided at the SRHT and the wines will be withdrawn from the Reels vault where they have been held in safe custody waiting their opportunity to shine.

Doors OPEN at 6:30 and we will screen at 7pm on the dot.

Don't miss out on this movie or the "after hours" get together at METRO  Remember to RSVP as we need to know numbers. reelsfilmsociety@gmail.com

PS: Memberships are still available.  Our front of house people will be ready to assist you with membership on Thursday night, 26th September 2024.

 An Irish black comedy introduces us to the guilt-racked Jimmy. Returning home with the intention of ending it all, he finds himself trapped by his father's sudden demise, and his sense of family duty, and an unfamiliar sensation - love. Join us on Thursday 15th August (this coming Thursday) to enjoy this gem of the emerald isle.

Again our wine selection is themed to match the movie:

A Rogue, Roguish (?Criminal) Behaviour and Redemption

WHITE:

“Wild Oats” WA Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, 2020

“No Evil” Southern Australia Pinot Grigio, 2023

PINK:

Giesen Estate (NZ)

Coonawarra Riesling Blush, 2022

(blushing for past indiscretions)

RED:

“19 Crimes” Southern Australia Red Blend

A Death and a delayed Funeral

RED:

“Take it to the Grave” Barossa Shiraz, 2023

A reminder that as a registered film society our screenings are for members only. That said, it is never too late to join, and we offer pro rata rates for the rest of this year, or three month memberships. If you're not sure be our guest for one night try and see.

 Doors open at 6:30pm, screening around 7:00.

 Our July screening will on Thursday the 25th.

A man of astonishing talent Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu was a capable musician on multiple instruments including the guitar (which he played upside  down), keyboards, drums and the didgeridoo, but he is remembered most for his beautiful, clear voice. He sang in English and several indigenous languages. Telling tales of the land and its original inhabitants. Sadly, we lost him at the age of 46 when he succumbed to liver and kidney damage associated with Hepatitis B, which he had a contracted as a child.

This month's thematic wine selection is:

-An Indigenous multi-instrumental composer/musician

Majella “The Musician” Shiraz Cabernet, 2021

Majella “The Composer” Cabernet Sauvignon, 2021

Aboriginal artist/ Aboriginal art

“Yellow Tail” Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, 2023

“Yellow Tail” Chardonnay, 2023

A man blind from birth - - - - Blind Tastings!!

A Yarra Valley red ????? ????, 2021

A New Zealand white with a hint of colour

???????? “?????”, 2022

A reminder that as a registered film society our screenings are for members only. That said, it is never too late to join, and we offer pro rata rates for the rest of this year, or three month memberships. If you're not sure be our guest for  one night try and see.

 Doors open at 6:30pm, screening around 7:00.

 Our June Screening is on Thursday 20th June when we will be showing Driving Madeleine.

A simple fare for taxi driver Charles turns into an epic journey though the key points of 92 year old Madeleine's life as she moves from the suburbs to her nursing home. While her desire to meander through the parts of Paris with a significance to her life causes Charles some irritation at first, he is eventually won over by her charm and shares some of his own troubles. Described as a journey through emotions this movie features beloved French singer Line Renaud in the title role with comedic actor Dany Boon bringing a depth to his dramatic part.

This month's thematic wine selection is:

A French movie in which there is the exchange of many

personal stories

“Calvet” Grange Reserve Bordeaux Superieur 2018

Famille Bougrier “Confidences” Vouvray, 2020

(a white – chenin blanc grapes)

A classy older lady, reminiscing over her long life

“Mary Bo Peep” Sauvignon Blanc, 2023

(note classy older lady on label…… OK she’s a sheep, but a classy one)

Tread Softly “Forever Young” early pick Pinot Grigio, 2023

A drive along many roads/lanes and “around the block”

“Annie’s Lane” Shiraz, 2022

Hollick Coonawarra “Tannery Block”

Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, 2021

It is Never too Late for people to join Reels and membership  renewals can me be made with ease on line.  Our front of house people will be ready to assist you with membership on Thursday night

 Doors open at 6:30pm, screening around 7:00.

 Come along and join us on Thursday 16th May at the SRHT for Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot, A 2018 American comedy-drama film directed by Gus Van Sant and based upon the memoir of the same name by John Callahan. The cast includes Joaquin Phoenix, Jonah Hill, Rooney Mara, and Jack Black, and follows a recently paralyzed alcoholic who finds a passion for drawing off-colour newspaper cartoons.

Do come along to experience the pre movie wine choices made by our dedicated wine team. In keeping with our current practice the wines chosen have been themed to tie-in with our movie. This month's selections are:

A movie starring Joaquin PHOENIX
“T’Gallant” South Australian Pink Moscato

(note the “phoenixes” on the label)
A man who discovers the healing power of Art, specifically
drawing cartoons
“Barossa Ink” Cabernet Sauvignon, 2021

(you draw a cartoon with ink, right?)
“First Drop Mother’s Milk” Shiraz, 2021
(note the cartoon on the label)

“Lobster Reef” Sauvignon Blanc, 2022

(note cartoon lobster)

“Portraits of Clare” Riesling, 2023

(portraiture is an esteemed form of art)

A man confined to a wheelchair

Claymore “You’ll Never Walk Alone” Grenache

It is Never too Late for people to join Reels and membership renewals can me be made with ease on line. Our front of house people will be ready to assist you with membership on Thursday night

Doors open at 6:30pm, screening around 7:00.

 A true morality tale for the 21st Century. When British intelligence whistle-blower Katharine Gun (Keira Knightley) exposed a plot to blackmail UN member states into voting for a resolution to sanction the 2003 invasion of Iraq she found herself being charged with breaching the Official Secrets Act. Martin Bright (Matt Smith) put his career on the line and faced legal consequences to get the story published.

Join us on Thursday 18th April at the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre for this highly regarded drama.

As usual doors will open at 6:30 screening at around 7:00. Covid is still stalking the land and as the temperatures drop is likely to make a bit of a comeback, so if you don't feel well please take the night off.

In keeping with the movies theme this month's wines will be:

WHITES:

“Whisper Rock” NZ Sauvignon Blanc, 2022

“Tread Softly” Southern Australia Pinot Grigio, 2023

PINKS:

“Whistle Post” Coonawarra Pinot Noir Rosé, 2021

(Whistle -blower)

“Tread Softly” Southern Australia Rosé, 2023

REDS:

“Take it to the Grave” Barossa Shiraz, 2022

“Gossips” Warburn Estate, NSW Cabernet Merlot,

2022

“Secret” de Lunés, Pays D’Oc, Les Vignobles,

Jean Jean, France, Pinot Noir, 2021

See you there.

 Come along and join us for a cracking post Hitchcock romantic thriller on **Thursday March 21st** at the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre. 

Our March movie **"Decision to Leave"** is a gleaming treat for anyone who likes to see policemen being bamboozled and befuddled by enigmatic women 

This enthralling serpentine crime drama which was originally scheduled for June has been swapped with the French film  "Driving Madeleine" that we have experienced some difficulty in obtaining for now.

To maintain the mystery, do come along to experience the pre movie in keeping wine choi
ces made by our dedicated wine team.

It is Never too late to join Reels and membership  renewals can me be made with ease on line.  Our front of house people will be ready to assist with memberships on Thursday night

While the movie may have changed our regular hours have not.  Doors open at 6:30pm, screening around 7:00.

 From the Bhutanese Himalayas we are moving to the west coast of Ireland for February's screening.

On Thursday the August we will be viewing "My Sailor, My Love". A joint Irish/Finish/Belgian production filmed on Achill Island. The story of a retired sea captain and his strained relationship with his daughter and burgeoning romance with his housekeeper, and he further complexities that brings to the father/daughter relationship.

In keeping with the multiple threads of the film our wine selection is based on the following themes:

a) Sailing/ sailing ships

Devil’s Corner (Tasmania) Pinot Noir Rosé 2021

Ninth Island (Tasmania) Sauvignon Blanc 2022

Brand’s Laira “Blockers” Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

b) Sailors / Taylor’s (poetic licence..???)

Taylors® “Discoveries” Shiraz Cabernet 2019 & 2020*

* (note that the label does display a seahorse or binoculars for a nautical touch)

Taylors® “One Small Step” Shiraz, 2021

c) A strained family relationship

Trentham Estate “The Family“ Murray Darling Vermentino
2019

As usual doors open at 6:30, screening around 7:00.

 Happy New Year, welcome to 2024.

The first important reminder is that our memberships are for the calendar year, so 2024 memberships are due if you haven't already renewed - our fees remain unchanged at $75 full membership and $65 concession. To avoid getting caught up in the dreaded

Queue Conspiracy on the night you can pay online direct to our bank account:

->Account Name: Reels Film Society Inc<-

->Bendigo Bank (Mount Gambier)<-

->BSB: 633-000<-

->Account Number: 165 144 858<-

The second important reminder is that this month we are on the **fourth**

Thursday (the 25th).

Our film to kick off the year comes to us from Bhutan, Young teacher Ugyen is an aspiring singer looking to move to Australia to further his career. When his aspirations lead to him neglecting his duties he is banished to the world's most remote school, high in the Himalayas. The village of Lunana is so remote the only way to reach is an eight day hike and electricity is the stuff of science fiction.

In keeping with our "thematic" wine choices, this month's selection includes:

a) The village of Lunana in Bhutan – high in the Himalayan

mountains.

Nepenthe “Altitude” Sauvignon Blanc 2023

“Moon Collective” Moscato 2023

(so high you’re closer to the Moon)

b) A teacher with ambitions to make it as a singer/musician

“The Musician” Majella Cabernet Shiraz, 2021

“Blockhead” St Hallett Barossa Shiraz, 2021

(every school class has one)

c) A yak in the classroom

Noble Fellows “Baron Betsy” Pinot Gris 2022

“Elephant in the (Class) Room” South Australia

Titanic Tempranillo 2022

(hey – it’s a big creature in the class room)

The more observant among you may notice some subtle artistic additions to some labels in support of the themes.

As always doors will open at 6:30, screening at about 7:00.

Look forward to seeing you then.