Janice Creenaune meets Austinmer resident Lynn Read, who worked in human resources before retirement. She continues to utilise her skills as a past president and current member of the Illawarra Film Society.
Inspiring films can make you think and feel, and even take action. It’s great to watch movies on the big screen in the company of friends, and thanks to Lynn Read and the hard-working crew at the Illawarra Film Society, you can do this more than 30 times a year on a Sunday night at the Gala Cinemas in Warrawong.
Each year society members spend six months researching films from all periods, genres, cultures and languages. Then they acquire access to the films and curate a diverse, yet workable program.
The Illawarra Film Society was established in 2012 by Theresa Huxtable as a not-for-profit organisation. It now attracts about 500 members a year and is one of the largest film societies in Australia. Three years ago Lynn stepped up into the president’s role, building on what Theresa had created, and the team continues to do great work.
“Firstly, we were successful in obtaining a grant from Wollongong Council and that enabled us to invest further in the online information available about IFS,” Lynn said “Secondly, we are seeing new members come from places such as the Shoalhaven, Jamberoo, Maroubra, and everywhere in between. We still offer a low-cost membership for $99 for the entire year – that’s right, 30-plus films for $99, now that is great value. We also host opening night and closing night celebrations at the Gala, which are generally a big success.
“Our six-member committee works hard all year round to bring our members a great experience. Our new curator, Hazel Flynn, has come up with a program that aims to surprise and delight.”
The IFS is run by volunteers and each year they donate to a complementary local arts organisation.
“We try to add to the film experiences too, by inviting directors along to introduce their film,” Lynn said. “Just on that, we have exciting news closer to 2025 opening in February. There are also chances for chats in the cinema foyer, and dinner before the film with friends.”
In 2025, the IFS is planning trivia nights and other get-togethers. “Recently, we also held a giveaway with double-pass cinema tickets donated by a film company. There is certainly more happening than film, but film in all its genres, forms and languages remains our essence.”
Ian Hyslop, owner-manager at the Gala Cinemas, is “very supportive”, Lynn said.
The communal viewing experience and
a hand-picked program, including films you
won’t find elsewhere, are what makes Sunday nights at the Gala so special. A big ‘thank you’ to the IFS committee.
New members are welcome. To join and see the upcoming program, visit www.ifs.org.au
Reader Quiz … What films are these famous quotes from?
1. “Who you gonna call…?”
2. “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.”
3. “These forests they’ve been growing here for at least 65 million years”
4. “Here’s looking at you kid”.
5. “I’ve always felt like a stranger in my own family.”
6. “What we’ve got here, is a failure to communicate”.
7. “I am big. It’s the pictures that got small.”
8. “Gentlemen, you can’t fight in here! It’s the war room.”
9. “A pig that doesn’t fly is just an ordinary pig.”
10. ”Well, nobody is perfect.”
Answers
Quiz answers: 1. Ghostbusters 2. The Godfather 3. The Giants 4. Casablanca 5. All of Us Strangers 6. Cool Hand Luke 7. Sunset Blvd 8.Dr Strangelove or: How I learned to stop Worrying and Love the Bomb. 9. Porco Rosso 10. Some Like it Hot. If you enjoyed this quiz, check out the IFS 2025 program at www.ifs.org.au
