2025 Season Opening Night – with Gillian Armstrong!

Gillian ArmstrongDon’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn about the art of filmmaking and ask your burning questions.

Our 2025 season opens on Sunday 9 February with Oscar and Lucinda, based on the novel by Peter Carey and directed by Gillian Armstrong – who will be there in person at the Gala Cinema in Warrawong!

We are proud and honoured to have one of Australia’s great film directors, whose credits include My Brilliant Career, Starstruck, Mrs Soffel, High Tide, The Last Days of Chez Nous, Little Women and acclaimed documentaries such as Women He’s Undressed, attending the Illawarra Film Society’s season opening and holding a Q&A after the screening of this remarkable film. It stars Cate Blanchett, in her first leading movie role, perfectly matched with Ralph Fiennes, two of the finest actors of their generation.

The only way to attend this very special event is to become an IFS season member – the good news is this costs just $99 for 30 films – a curated season of new releases, must-see classics, world cinema, enthralling documentaries, and cult favourites – plus special guest stars, social gatherings and more.

Take a look at the full 2025 program and join us to be swept away by movies on the big screen, Sunday evenings from February to November, including an unforgettable opening night with Oscar, Lucinda, and Gillian Armstrong.

Photo credit: Tim Bauer