Queenstown Film Society: About us

Queenstown Film Society is a non-profit incorporated society and a registered charitable organisation. We're part of the New Zealand Federation of Film Societies, providing access to an amazing collection of movies, documentaries and short films from New Zealand and around the world. These are movies to challenge, inspire, entertain and move you. The New Zealand Federation of Film Societies has been screening films throughout the country for over 60 years. Each year film societies screen to an estimated total combined audience of 25,000 New Zealanders.

The Society was established in 2001 by a committee of film enthusiasts who wanted to screen a range of alternative films not available elsewhere. At that time there was no art house cinema in Queenstown, so the society struggled to find venues to house its vintage 16mm projector. In 2002, when Dorothy Browns opened in Arrowtown, the society was fortunate to obtain the support of Philippa Archibald. We are now lucky to not only screen 16mm films on our original projector, but also full 35mm features in the comfort of a luxurious boutique cinema, renowned across New Zealand.

The society sees itself as the promoters of the film festival that runs all winter, and what better way to spend those cold evenings than meeting with like-minded fans and settling down for a movie you're unlikely to see anywhere else.

Our films are shown every Tuesday evening at 8:30pm, and our 2011 season starts on the 3rd May. Like most film societies we have non-commercial screening rights for the majority of our program, which means we're unable to sell tickets. Instead we operate on a membership basis, but it's easy to join and great value at just $105 for the entire season of 25 films – that's less than $5 per film! Full membership also runs for a full calendar year from the date you sign-up, so if you join mid-season, you won't miss out! New members can join before any screening or take advantage our three-film sampler for $30 - an ideal taster which can be upgraded to full membership or a great option for anyone visiting Queenstown.

This year's season features a wide range of films including black-and-white classics, must-see pictures for the cinephile, recent world cinema and documentaries, and the best of New Zealand cinema. You can find a full run-down of our 2011 season in the Schedule section.

So don't stay-in this Winter – join us for some classic cinema!


Enjoy a tasty discount at Pesto restaurant!

Queenstown Film Society Members can also enjoy a tasty meal at Pesto restaurant for just $25, prior to any of our Tuesday night screenings. Choose from a standard pizza or pasta meal with your choice of a glass of wine or beer for the special member's price of $25. Pesto Restaurant is situated just downstairs from Dorothy Brown's cinema. Tell them you're a member of Queenstown Film Society before ordering to obtain the discount.

Directions to Dorothy Browns cinema

Dorothy Browns is based in Arrowtown, around 20 minutes drive from Queenstown. The cinema is located just off Buckingham Street, at the end of a side-lane between the Pharmacy and Saffron restaurant. Find out more at Dorothy Browns website.

Contact

Mail: Queenstown Film Society Inc., PO Box 830, Queenstown

Phone: 03 441 2259

email: info at queenstownfilmsociety.co.nz

 

Setting up a Film Society in your town!

If you're interested in setting up a Film Society in your New Zealand town, check out this Guide in PDF format.