NFSA Canberra

17/10/2026

Can one of the world's natural wonders be saved? 🐠

Dive beneath the surface with a free documentary screening at the NFSA in Acton.

Muddy Waters – Life and Death on the Great Barrier Reef investigates the growing pressures facing the Reef, from climate change and crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks to agricultural runoff. Through the perspectives of scientists, farmers and local communities, the film explores what's at stake and what can be done to protect this natural treasure.

Screening at 2pm every Sunday this Spring, this fascinating documentary highlights the challenges and opportunities involved in safeguarding the Great Barrier Reef.

Spend an afternoon exploring Australia's environment, history and culture through free documentary screenings at the NFSA.

Drop-in Docos is a free weekend series showcasing a rotating selection of Australian documentaries that explore the stories, people and moments that have shaped our history and culture.

View the full program: https://bit.ly/4hkb60G

14/10/2026

Discover bold new voices, powerful stories and fresh perspectives at the Capital Film Festival. (21-25 October)

The NFSA is proud to be a venue partner for this year's festival, hosting four special screenings in our heritage cinema.

Start your festival weekend at 2pm on 24 October with the Australian premiere of No Good Men, a powerful documentary that explores masculinity, relationships and social expectations through intimate personal stories.

Then join us at 7pm for Yellow Letters | Gelbe Briefe, an electrifying drama exploring creative expression, power and resistance.

On 25 October, immerse yourself in a documentary double, presented by Stronger Than Fiction.

The Story of Documentary Film traces the evolution of non-fiction storytelling and celebrates the filmmakers who transformed the way we see the world through cinema.

Then discover NFSA Restores: My Survival as an Aboriginal, the groundbreaking collaboration between Muruwari woman Essie Coffey and non-Indigenous filmmaker Martha Ansara.

Whether you're passionate about documentary, independent cinema or discovering new perspectives, these screenings offer a unique opportunity to experience thought-provoking stories and connect with fellow film lovers at Canberra's home of screen culture.

Book your tickets: https://bit.ly/47GXRBx

10/10/2026

The lake that sparked a movement ✊💧

Explore one of Australia's defining environmental stories with a free documentary screening at the NFSA in Acton.

Lake Pedder revisits the controversial flooding of Tasmania's famous alpine lake and the nationwide campaign that followed. Featuring stunning archival footage and voices from all sides of the debate, the film explores the environmental battle that helped shape modern conservation in Australia.

Screening at 12:30pm every Sunday this Spring, this documentary reflects on the legacy of a place that continues to inspire discussion decades later.

Enjoy a free weekend documentary and make a day of it with coffee, snacks or lunch from Dom's.

Drop-in Docos is a free weekend series showcasing a rotating selection of Australian documentaries that explore the stories, people and moments that have shaped our history and culture.

View the full program: https://bit.ly/4hkb60G

09/10/2026

The end of the world is having a mushroom moment.

06/10/2026

Have you got your tickets yet?!

DiCaprio. Danes. Garbage. The Cardigans. Hawaiian shirts. Swords. Shakespeare.

What more could you possibly want?

Celebrate 30 years of Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet with an evening of Shakespeare, music, costumes and film thanks to NFSA - National Film and Sound Archive of Australia

Saturday 10 October join Millies performing in the NFSA’s heritage courtyard from 7PM for:
🎧 DJ Mr Michael
🎭 Live Shakespearean players from Lexi Sekuless Productions
💥 Montagues vs Capulets
👗 Your finest Verona Beach attire

Date: 10 October
Time: From 7pm
Tickets: https://www.nfsa.gov.au/whats-on/romeo-juliet-4694

06/10/2026

03/10/2026

How does a community rebuild after disaster?

Witness an extraordinary story of resilience with a free documentary screening at the NFSA in Acton.

Filmed within weeks of Cyclone Tracy, When Will the Birds Return captures the devastation left behind in Darwin following the Christmas Day 1974 disaster, while highlighting the determination of residents working together to rebuild their city and their lives.

Screening at 11am every Sunday this Spring, this remarkable documentary offers a firsthand account of one of Australia's most significant natural disasters.

Make it part of your weekend with a free screening at the NFSA Theatrette. No bookings necessary.

Drop-in Docos is a free weekend series showcasing a rotating selection of Australian documentaries that explore the stories, people and moments that have shaped our history and culture.

View the full program: https://bit.ly/4hkb60G

26/09/2026

Explore a pivotal chapter in Australia's history with a free documentary screening at the NFSA in Acton.

On Sacred Ground examines the Noonkanbah dispute in Western Australia's Kimberley region and the struggle to prevent mining on sacred land. Told from a First Nations perspective, the film explores land rights, cultural connections and the ongoing fight for self-determination.

Screening at 2pm every Saturday this Spring, this thought-provoking documentary offers insight into the significance of Country and cultural heritage.

Discover Australian stories every weekend at Drop-in Docos. Entry is free and no bookings are required.

Drop-in Docos is a free weekend series showcasing a rotating selection of Australian documentaries that explore the stories, people and moments that have shaped our history and culture.

View the full program: https://bit.ly/4hkb60G

19/09/2026

Meet Australia's 'First Lady of Aviation' ✈️

Discover the remarkable story of one of Australia's most pioneering women with a free documentary screening at the NFSA in Acton.

Nancy Bird Walton traces the life of the trailblazing pilot who became the youngest commercially licensed female pilot in the British Commonwealth, flew medical missions across regional Australia and helped open the skies to future generations of women aviators.

Screening at 12:30pm every Saturday this Spring, this inspiring documentary celebrates courage, adventure and determination.

Free screenings, fascinating stories and no tickets to book. Simply take a seat and enjoy.

Drop-in Docos is a free weekend series showcasing a rotating selection of Australian documentaries that explore the stories, people and moments that have shaped our history and culture.

View the full program: https://bit.ly/4hkb60G

18/09/2026