NFSA Canberra

Name: NFSA Canberra
Address: Mccoy Cct, Canberra, ACT, 2601, AU
Telephone: +61262482000
Price range: Not Applicable

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Canberra, ACT
NFSA Canberra

The go-to spot for the culturally curious. Catch a film at Arc Cinema, explore pop curiosities in The Library, or drop by to enjoy a coffee in the courtyard.

Open daily in Acton’s cultural precinct, on the lands of the Ngunnawal people. The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia is the national audiovisual cultural institution. From the earliest recordings of the 1890s to the latest games and immersive digital productions, the collection comprises video and audio recordings, and contextual materials such as costumes, scripts, props, photographs a

nd promotional materials. It ranges from items inducted into the UNESCO Memory of the World register to sporting matches, game shows and advertising jingles. Originally known as the National Historical Film and Speaking Record Library and operating under the auspices of the Commonwealth National Library, the collection dates back to 1935, making it one of the first audiovisual archives in the world. The NFSA became an independent cultural organisation in 1984.

Based on the lands of the Ngunnawal peoples in Canberra, the national collection has stories by and about First Nations people from all over Australia.

As well as preserving these items for future generations, NFSA curators continue to add to the collection, ensuring it provides an unbroken record of life in Australia, and of Australian creativity. We believe everyone deserves to enjoy film. Arc Cinema is fully wheelchair accessible and we offer specialised equipment for different accessibility needs. For more information, contact us at 02 6248 2000 or [email protected]

05/09/2026

Free documentaries. Every weekend. Right here in Acton 🎬

Spring's Drop-in Docos season starts today!

Join us at the NFSA for a new season of free documentary screenings inspired by the elemental forces of Earth, Water, Fire and Air. From drought-stricken farming communities and pioneering aviators to environmental campaigns, First Nations land rights and the aftermath of Cyclone Tracy, these films explore the people, places and events that have shaped Australia.

Whether you're passionate about history, the environment, social justice or extraordinary true stories, there's something to discover every weekend.

Drop-in Docos screen every Saturday and Sunday, with sessions starting at 11:00am, 12:30pm and 2:00pm. Entry is free and no bookings are required. Make a day of it with coffee, snacks or lunch from Dom's before or after your screening.

View the full program: https://bit.ly/3SEK0Ib

02/09/2026

Could you spend a night alone at sea after watching Dead Calm?

Nicole Kidman, Sam Neill and Billy Zane star in Phillip Noyce's nail-biting Australian thriller that proves sometimes the most terrifying place on earth is the middle of nowhere.

Join 666 ABC Radio Canberra's Ross Solly for a special introduction before the screening.

📅 Thursday 17 September, 7pm
📍 Arc Cinema, NFSA

Try to stay calm. Get your tickets before they're gone: https://bit.ly/3Sfk31I

30/08/2026

Could you fall in love with an AI assistant?

When Her premiered in 2013, the idea felt futuristic. Today, it feels like a conversation we're already having.

In Spike Jonze's Oscar-winning film, Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix) forms an unexpected relationship with an advanced operating system named Samantha (voiced by Scarlett Johansson). What begins as companionship evolves into something deeper, raising questions about loneliness, intimacy and what it means to connect in an increasingly digital world.

Stick around after the film for a panel discussion exploring how popular culture helps us imagine the technologies we build. As Her reminds us, the most interesting questions about AI may never have been technical. They are profoundly human!

📅 Thursday 30 September, 6pm
📍 Arc Cinema, NFSA
🎟 Tickets just $8

Science. Art. Film. Is presented in collaboration with ANU and the Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science.

Book now: https://bit.ly/4qncoep

26/08/2026

A solar eclipse. A road trip. A documentary that asks big questions.

Signatures of Earth is a thought-provoking journey through Australia that connects environmental change, astronomy, philosophy and everyday human experience. Anchored by a quest to witness a total solar eclipse, the film invites us to see our planet and ourselves from a different perspective.

Following the screening, filmmaker Rob Nugent joins us for a special Q&A exploring the ideas behind the film and the challenges of telling stories about our changing environment.

📅 Sunday 6 September, 2pm
📍 Arc Cinema, NFSA

Have you ever watched a film that changed the way you look at the world around you?

Book your tickets: https://bit.ly/4wBYVAG

19/08/2026

Kristen Stewart's directorial debut The Chronology of Water (R 18+) is one of the year's most talked-about literary adaptations. Shot on 16mm and anchored by an astonishing performance from Imogen Poots, it's a raw, poetic exploration of memory, identity and survival.

Join us at Q***r Flicks, a series of LGBTIQA+ film favourites presented in a welcoming space for community connection.

📅 Saturday 3 September – doors open at 6pm for drinks, mingling and entertainment for the film at 7pm.

📍 Arc Cinema, NFSA in Acton

Tag a friend you want to see this with and get your tickets: https://bit.ly/4zpFnSF

16/08/2026

Here’s what a night out at National Film & Sound Archive in Acton looks like!

We sat down with NFSA’s CEO, Patrick McIntyre, to dive deeper into the NFSA’s programming and events.

With the Spring program out now, there’s plenty of reasons to book in your next visit.

12/08/2026

Tickets are now available for our Spring Film Series. Experience the power of Earth, Water, Fire and Air on the big screen this Spring at the NFSA in Acton.

From beloved literary adaptations and cult favourites to disaster epics, q***r cinema and thought-provoking science fiction, our spring program brings together stories of adventure, survival, connection and transformation. There's something for everyone.

Join us for special events throughout the season, including a 30th anniversary celebration of Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet, plus Q&As with filmmakers, artists and musicians.

Brace for Disaster Fridays, from Twister to The Day After Tomorrow, or embrace spooky season with an '80s vampire Halloween party and screening of The Lost Boys.

Looking for a family outing? Enjoy school holiday screenings of Up, Frozen 2, Kiki's Delivery Service and Finding Nemo.

Fan favourite series are back too, including Q***r Flicks, Science. Art. Film., Book Club at NFSA and Cult Classics with Venus Mantrap.

See what’s on: https://bit.ly/4z9ytB7

Address

Mccoy Cct
Canberra, ACT
2601

Telephone

+61262482000

Website

https://tickets.nfsa.gov.au/Events

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