Palmerston North Film Society

Palmerston North Film Society A chance to see films from around the world and New Zealand. Every Wednesday at Event Cinemas. Membership at the door.

The Palmerston North Film Society provides an alternative to mainstream films screening movies from around the world, both old and new.

15/07/2026

Onada: 10,000 Nights In The Jungle
Directed by Arthur Harari
France/Japan/Germany/Belgium/Italy/Cambodia | 2021 | 167m | R13
Screening Date: 22 July 2026

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTOHCX5JdiQ

From IMDb:
Japan, 1944. Trained for intelligence work, Hiroo Onoda, 22 years old, discovers a philosophy contrary to the official line: no su***de, no giving up, the mission is more important than anything else. Sent to Lubang, a small island in the Philippines where the Americans are about to land, his role will be to wage a guerrilla war until the return of the Japanese troops. The Empire will surrender a year later, Onoda 10,000 days later.

Did You Know?
Hiroo Onoda went on to write a best selling autobiography, "No Surrender: My Thirty-Year War". In 1975 he moved to Brazil and became a cattle rancher. Starting in 1984, he and his wife would spend nine months of the year in Japan. He was awarded honorary Brazilian citizenship on February 21, 2020.

Star Ratings for Cats Of Gokogu Shrine
2 3
2.5 2
3 12
3.5 3
4 15
4.5 2
5 17

Total 54/58

Film Society Article
The Evening Standard has published an introductory article about our society and the films we will be offering this year. Link to the article is below.
https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360958279/curtain-lifts-film-clubs-76th-season

Social Cinema in the Evening Standard
The Evening Standard is carrying reviews of our screenings, written by members of the society. The link to the most recent review is below.
https://www.thepost.co.nz/culture/361033668/social-cinema-la-haine-resolute-chronicle-social-injustice

One screening on Wednesday at 6pm at Event Cinema 2, members only.

Palmerston North Film Society Membership is available at the door before each screening.

If you want to contact us our email is [email protected]

Our programme for the year and other details can be found at https://www.nzfilmsociety.org.nz/palmerston-north.html

01/07/2026

Due to school holidays we will not be screening films for the next two weeks. We return on July 22nd with Onada: 10,000 Days In The Jungle.

We would also like to remind members that we are holding a mid-winter dinner and meet-up at Kapadokya in George St. at 6pm on Wednesday July 15th. This is for anyone, not just members, so please let us know by email if you are planning to attend so we have some idea of numbers. Hope to see you there!

Star Ratings – Cats Of Gogoku Shrine

2 3
2.5 2
3 12
3.5 3
4 15
4.5 2
5 17

Total 54/58

17/06/2026

La Haine

Directed by Mathieu Kassovitz
France/Italy | 1995 | 98m | R18
Screening Date: 24 June 2026

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfE0o9B3dhI

From Google (AI overview): La Haine (1995) is a French crime drama that follows 20 chaotic hours in the lives of three young, marginalised friends—a Jew, an Arab, and an African—living in the impoverished Paris suburbs (banlieues). Set the day after a violent riot sparked by police brutality, the film explores themes of systemic oppression, generational anger, and a toxic cycle of violence.

Did You Know?
The film was originally filmed in color but changed to b/w in post-production by Mathieu Kassovitz himself. A color re-release was planned in case the original release failed at the box office.

Star Ratings for Nosferatu
3 8
3.5 3
4 12
4.5 2
5 27

Total 52/57

Film Society Article
The Evening Standard has published an introductory article about our society and the films we will be offering this year. Link to the article is below.
https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360958279/curtain-lifts-film-clubs-76th-season

Review of Hotere
The Evening Standard is carrying reviews of our screenings, written by members of the society. The link to the most recent review is below.
https://www.thepost.co.nz/culture/361024084/social-cinema-harbinger-horror-genre-creeps-big-screen

One screening on Wednesday at 6pm at Event Cinema 2, members only.

Palmerston North Film Society Membership is available at the door before each screening.

If you want to contact us our email is [email protected]

Our programme for the year and other details can be found at https://www.nzfilmsociety.org.nz/palmerston-north.html

03/06/2026

Hotere

Directed by Merata Mita
NZ | 2001 | 82m | M
Screening Date: 10 June 2026

Trailer: https://www.nzonscreen.com/m/player/hotere-clip-1/

From nzonscreen.com
Ralph Hotere (Te Aupōuri) is regarded by many as one of New Zealand's great artists. This documentary from director Merata Mita (Patu!) provides a perspective on Hotere's world, largely by way of framing his extensive body of work. Hotere remains famously tight-lipped throughout, but there are interviews with artists, friends and commentators, alongside scenes of Hotere working and of his Port Chalmers home. Mita's impressionistic film is accompanied by a Hirini Melbourne-directed score of jazz, Māori and pop songs — plus poetry readings by Hotere's first wife, Cilla McQueen. Hotere died in February 2015.

Star Ratings for Don’t Look Now
1 4
2 5
2.5 1
3 13
3.5 4
4 9
4.5 1
5 15

Total 52/55

Film Society Article
The Evening Standard has published an introductory article about our society and the films we will be offering this year. Link to the article is below.
https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360958279/curtain-lifts-film-clubs-76th-season

Review of Don’t Look Now
The Evening Standard is carrying reviews of our screenings, written by members of the society. The link to the most recent review is below.
https://www.thepost.co.nz/culture/361014579/social-cinema-exploring-psychology-grief

One screening on Wednesday at 6pm at Event Cinema 2, members only.

Palmerston North Film Society Membership is available at the door before each screening.

If you want to contact us our email is [email protected]

Our programme for the year and other details can be found at https://www.nzfilmsociety.org.nz/palmerston-north.html

27/05/2026

Don’t Look Now

Directed by Nicholas Roeg
UK | 1973 | 110m | M
Screening Date: 03 June 2026

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BI9bYR0SoMs

From Wikipedia
Julie Christie and Donald Sutherland portray Laura and John Baxter, a married couple who travel to Venice following the accidental death of their daughter, after John accepts a commission to restore a church. They encounter two sisters, one of whom claims to be clairvoyant and informs them that their daughter is trying to contact them and warn them of danger.

Did You Know?
Renato Scarpa, who plays Inspector Longhi, didn't speak any English: he just read the lines he'd been given without knowing what they meant. This added to the sinister quality of his character.

Star Ratings for Age Of Panic
0.5 1
2 5
2.5 1
3 9
3.5 4
4 9
5 11

Total 40/53

Film Society Article
The Evening Standard has published an introductory article about our society and the films we will be offering this year. Link to the article is below.
https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360958279/curtain-lifts-film-clubs-76th-season

Review of Age Of Panic
The Evening Standard is carrying reviews of our screenings, written by members of the society. The link to the most recent review is below.
https://www.thepost.co.nz/culture/361010711/social-cinema-age-panic-unconventional-fusion-styles-and-genres

One screening on Wednesday at 6pm at Event Cinema 2, members only.

Palmerston North Film Society Membership is available at the door before each screening.

If you want to contact us our email is [email protected]

Our programme for the year and other details can be found at https://www.nzfilmsociety.org.nz/palmerston-north.html

13/05/2026

Godland

Directed by Hlynur Pálmason
Denmark/Iceland/France/Sweden | 2022 | 143m | M
Screening Date: 20 May 2026

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Hot2tpLLOc

From IMDb:
In the late 19th century, a young Danish priest travels to a remote part of Iceland to build a church and photograph its people. But the deeper he goes into the unforgiving landscape, the more he strays from his purpose, his mission and morality.

Did You Know?
The dog who plays Ratnar's hound was awarded a Grand Jury "Canine Cast" Palm Dog at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival.

Star Ratings for True Stories
0 1
0.5 0
1 7
2 2
2.5 2
3 8
3.5 4
4 8
4.5 2
5 15

Total 49/53

Additional AGM Document
Here is a link to the Treasurer’s Report that was not included in the AGM mailout
PNFS 2026 Treasurer’s Report

Film Society Article
The Evening Standard has published an introductory article about our society and the films we will be offering this year. Link to the article is below.
https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360958279/curtain-lifts-film-clubs-76th-season

Review of True Stories
The Evening Standard is carrying reviews of our screenings, written by members of the society. The link to the most recent review is below.
https://www.thepost.co.nz/culture/361002355/social-cinema-true-stories-meander-through-post-modern-america

One screening on Wednesday at 6pm at Event Cinema 2, members only.

Palmerston North Film Society Membership is available at the door before each screening.

If you want to contact us our email is [email protected]

Our programme for the year and other details can be found at https://www.nzfilmsociety.org.nz/palmerston-north.html

29/04/2026

Due to circumstances beyond our control we have had to postpone our AGM. It will now happen on on the 13th of May, before the screening of True Stories.

Phantom Of The Paradise

Directed by Brian De Palma
USA | 1974 | 91m | M
Screening Date: 06 May 2026

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9MIJb0SUAM

From IMDb:
Evil record tycoon Swan sold his soul to the devil for eternal youth and success 20 years ago. Swan's current scheme is to steal a rock cantata from composer Winslow Leach to celebrate the opening of his rock palace, The Paradise. While trying to stop Swan, Leach was framed and convicted for drug dealing and becomes the victim of a freak accident that leaves him horribly disfigured. He takes refuge in the cavernous Paradise, hiding his mangled face beneath an eerie mask and planning gruesome vengeance upon Swan - and everyone else who has harmed him. However, Leach also signs a contract with Swan to complete his rock opera based on the legend of Faust for an aspiring singer - Phoenix.

Did You Know?
The "electronic room" in which Winslow Leach composes his cantata is an actual recording studio, The Record Plant. The walls covered with k***s are a huge, custom-built Moog electronic synthesizer. Dubbed TONTO, this instrument was featured on several albums by the pioneering electronica duo T.O.N.T.O.'s Expanding Head Band, and it still exists. TONTO is now on permanent exhibit at the National Music Center in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and is still available for use to any artist.

Star Ratings for Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person

1 1
2 2
3 4
3.5 2
4 9
4.5 1
5 24

Total 43/48

Film Society Article
The Evening Standard has published an introductory article about our society and the films we will be offering this year. Link to the article is below.
https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360958279/curtain-lifts-film-clubs-76th-season

Review of Lake Mungo
The Evening Standard is carrying reviews of our screenings, written by members of the society. The link to the most recent review is below.
https://www.thepost.co.nz/culture/360993641/social-cinema-these-fangs-feel-closer-home

One screening on Wednesday at 6pm at Event Cinema 2, members only.

Palmerston North Film Society Membership is available at the door before each screening.

If you want to contact us our email is [email protected]

Our programme for the year and other details can be found at https://www.nzfilmsociety.org.nz/palmerston-north.html

22/04/2026

Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person

Directed by Ariane Louis-Seize
Canada | 2023 | 90m | M
Screening Date: 29 April 2026

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vcff4qtAzf4

Sasha is a young vampire with a serious problem, she's too sensitive to kill. When her exasperated ‘parents’ cut off her blood supply, Sasha's unlife is in jeopardy. Luckily, she meets Paul, a lonely teenager with suicidal tendencies who is willing to give his life to save hers. But their friendly agreement soon becomes a nocturnal quest to fulfill Paul's last wishes before day breaks.

Did You Know?
Rico the Clown is a real clown that they hired, but they didn't tell him it was a vampire movie until after the fact.

Star Ratings for Lake Mungo

0.5 1
1 5
2 9
2.5 1
3 11
3.5 5
4 10
4.5 --
5 10

Total 52

Film Society Article
The Evening Standard has published an introductory article about our society and the films we will be offering this year. Link to the article is below.
https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360958279/curtain-lifts-film-clubs-76th-season

Review of The Cranes Are Flying
The Evening Standard is carrying reviews of our screenings, written by members of the society. The link to the most recent review is below.
https://www.thepost.co.nz/culture/360979865/social-cinema-film-cult-following-navigates-supernatural-grief

One screening on Wednesday at 6pm at Event Cinema 2, members only.

Palmerston North Film Society Membership is available at the door before each screening.

If you want to contact us our email is [email protected]

Our programme for the year and other details can be found at https://www.nzfilmsociety.org.nz/palmerston-north.html

15/04/2026

Lake Mungo

Directed by Joel Anderson
Australia | 2008 | 87m | M
Screening Date: 22 April 2026

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-KnomEI6NE

From IMDb:
Sixteen-year-old Alice Palmer drowns while swimming in the local dam. When her body is recovered and a verdict of accidental death returned, her grieving family buries her. The family then experiences a series of strange and inexplicable events centered in and around their home. Profoundly unsettled, the Palmers seek the help of psychic and parapsychologist, Ray Kemeny. Ray discovers that Alice led a secret, double life. A series of clues lead the family to Lake Mungo where Alice's secret past emerges.

Did You Know?
Although the film is fictional, Lake Mungo is a real place in New South Wales, Australia, and scenes in the film were shot there. Lake Mungo is a dry lake, and an important archaeological site. In 1968, the remains of a young Aboriginal woman were uncovered and she was nicknamed the "Mungo Lady". She was found to be ritually buried, and her bones were approximately 40,000 years old at the time of discovery. Mungo Lady is one of the earliest anatomically modern human remains discovered anywhere in the world. Five years later, another skeleton of around 40,000 years old was found at Lake Mungo, and named "Mungo Man".

Star Ratings for The Cranes Are Flying

1 0
2 1
3 1
3.5 1
4 20
4.5 2
5 23

Total: 48/53

Film Society Article
The Evening Standard has published an introductory article about our society and the films we will be offering this year. Link to the article is below.
https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360958279/curtain-lifts-film-clubs-76th-season

Review of The Cranes Are Flying
The Evening Standard is carrying reviews of our screenings, written by members of the society. The link to the most recent review is below.
https://www.thepost.co.nz/culture/360979865/social-cinema-film-cult-following-navigates-supernatural-grief

One screening on Wednesday at 6pm at Event Cinema 2, members only.

Palmerston North Film Society Membership is available at the door before each screening.

If you want to contact us our email is [email protected]

Our programme for the year and other details can be found at https://www.nzfilmsociety.org.nz/palmerston-north.html

Address

Event Cinemas
Palmerston North
4410

Telephone

+6463541493

Website

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