What we’re about
Films are a marvellous way to gain insights into life in other times and places - as well as our own. At our film club, we show movies that give us opportunities to explore the worlds of cinema to and learn about what makes the humanity tick. And we have lots of fun doing so.
We meet almost every week at the Ellen Melville Centre, offering free screenings of diverse films from around the world. Occasionally, we also attend cinema screenings of the latest films, especially during international film festivals.
Our discussions after each film are lively and thought-provoking, ensuring everyone leaves with a deeper understanding and new perspectives. All our events are free, but donations are welcome to help us cover costs.
We’ also have an official WhatsApp group—your space to connect, discuss films, and organize casual meetups beyond our screenings!
See you at the movies!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Central Station (Brazil, 2009, R16)Ellen Melville Centre, Auckland
Rating: M – Suitable for mature audiences; contains low level offensive language.
Walter Salles may have recently captured global attention with I’m Still Here, this year’s Academy Award winner for Best International Feature—but long before that, he gave the world Central Station, a film that is still celebrated as one of the most cherished films in Latin American cinema history.
Released in 1998, Central Station follows Dora, a retired schoolteacher turned cynical letter-writer, who finds herself reluctantly caring for a young boy after his mother’s sudden death. As they travel across Brazil in search of his estranged father, what unfolds is a deeply human road movie that navigates emotional transformation, moral ambiguity, and the quiet moments that bind people together. Shot with warmth and restraint, the film captures both the intimacy of personal grief and the vastness of a country in flux.
After the screening, dry your tears and stay for a heartfelt discussion. Let’s talk about the film’s emotional weight, unforgettable performances, and the journey that moved us all.
Location: Ellen Melville Centre, 2 Freyberg Place, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1000
Date and Time: Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 6:00 PM
Fee: Free entry!Note: We’re hosting the event on the second floor of the Ellen Melville Center. Please use the entrance on the right side of the building on the ground floor. Once you go up to the second floor, you’ll see our venue right there.
Please try to arrive on time, and if you have any trouble getting in, feel free to send me a text message at 0274306328 – Rick.
- Lost in Translation (USA, 2003, PG)Ellen Melville Centre, Auckland
Rating: PG – Parental guidance recommended for younger viewers; contains sexual references.
This special screening is held in collaboration with the UOA Film Society. After more than 170 votes cast, Lost in Translation emerged as your top choice—and we’re thrilled to bring this melancholic gem to the big screen.
Directed by Sofia Coppola, Lost in Translation is a quietly luminous portrait of alienation and fleeting connection. Set in the neon-soaked sprawl of Tokyo, it follows a faded movie star and a disillusioned young woman—played with aching subtlety by Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson—who form an unlikely bond in a foreign land. With its hushed tones, dreamy visuals, and tender emotional core, the film captures the feeling of being unmoored, yet momentarily understood. It's a love story, perhaps—but more than that, it’s a story about finding meaning in the in-between.
After the film, stick around as we unpack its quiet magic—loneliness, connection, and everything left unsaid. Whether you’re here for the jet lag, the jazz bar, or just that final whisper, we’d love to hear what the film meant to you.
Location: Ellen Melville Centre, 2 Freyberg Place, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1000
Date and Time: Friday, May 30, 2025, at 6:00 PM
Fee: Free entry!Note: We’re hosting the event on the second floor of the Ellen Melville Center. Please use the entrance on the right side of the building on the ground floor. Once you go up to the second floor, you’ll see our venue right there.
Please try to arrive on time, and if you have any trouble getting in, feel free to send me a text message at 0274306328 – Rick.
