Niche Film Society Continues To Flourish After 13 Years

Left to Right: Cynthia Williamson, Madeleine Beekman, Gita Yelds, Sarah Johnson, Kerry Green and Ingrid Mullings. Photo credit Sian Bantock

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Tucked away just off Porter Promenade Street in Mission Beach is the C4 Theatrette where Cinema Paradiso host a monthly niche film club.  

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The society began in 2013 when a group of film lovers united following a kind donation from a travelling film festival which sparked interest in the club and gave better access to films.

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That September, the club debuted their first ever screening, a movie called ‘Mental’ with Toni Colette and Anthony La Pagalia. In the December the group showcased their name sake ‘Cinema Paradiso; a classic 1988 Italian film.  

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The society prides itself on not showing the latest blockbusters, instead choosing thought provoking films, encouraging conversation and healthy debate amongst its members.  

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“I think this is necessary when you look at the patrons that come, they like to see something unusual and we’ll go out after the film and have a discussion, which is sometimes very lively,” said founding member Gitta Yelds.  

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“Everybody has Netflix and SBS on demand, you can see everything in your home, but this gathering is a chance to get together.”  

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Over the last 13 years the society has showcased more than 175 films from 40 countries across 5 continents.  

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The Film Club is a not-for-profit organisation and is run by a group of dedicated volunteers. They offer a variety of memberships which is crucial to the continuation of the cinema; Annually it’s $40 for an individual and $80 for a family and just $10 for a one off.  

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The most recent screening was last Saturday where 30 people watched ‘The Beats’. Set in Scotland in 1994, it’s a coming of age story where two best friends attend an illegal rave in an attempt to shake up their lives.  

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If you want to get involved, head down to Cinema Paradiso on the 1st Saturday of each month at 7pm.  

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