Theresa Huxtable is celebrating 10 years as the creator of the Illawarra Film Society (IFS). Theresa has been at the helm of IFS since its inception in 2013 and thanks to her leadership we have enjoyed a range of films – from independent, classic, foreign, contemporary and arthouse to a wide selection of documentaries.
“When I moved to Wollongong I was conscious that there was a degree of frustration at the lack of diversity in films that came to the Illawarra, and this is when I had the idea to set up a film group,” Theresa said.
“Certainly, the big blockbusters were getting lots of airplay down here, but not so much the smaller arthouse and independent films.”
Having lived in Newcastle, Theresa says she was inspired by the Newcastle Film Society and believed that a similar organisation could work in Wollongong. She met members of the Newcastle Film Society to learn how to set up a successful operation and, with a group of like-minded friends, the Illawarra Film Society was born.
The society’s original aim was for a membership of 500 people, to cover the cost of hiring the cinema and films, transportation of movies from distributors, and the printing of IFS programs and membership cards. This base has been consistently achieved over the past decade, with only a small decrease during Covid times.
The film society has been so successful that, over the years, it has been able to make donations to other not-for-profit arts organisations. All this for $90 annual membership – the cost maintained through its 10-year history!
The IFS screens on 30 Sunday evenings throughout the year, at the Gala Cinema, Cowper Street, Warrawong, at 7pm.
The society works with leading film distributors and the 2022 program includes Becoming Cousteau, a documentary about the life of the famous explorer Jacques Cousteau, and Cria Cuervos, a Spanish drama that is one of film critic David Stratton’s preferred films.
Theresa says:“The film society is another way of bringing people together, of talking about film, and catching up on a Sunday night.”
Members are encouraged to share their film suggestions, and to volunteer their time to the society.
What a legacy, Theresa! Congratulations and well done from a grateful IFS audience.
IFS membership for 2023 opens on 1 July 2022 – to buy a membership and for further information visit www.ifs.org.au
