Film Industry

Hi all, Im seeing the presidents cake at 6.40pm, however, the film I swear is on at 6.35pm. I've already seen this film, but i highly recommend so feel free to go and see that and we will see you in the bar after. You wont be disappointed. We'll be in the usual meeting place [read on for details] from 6:30pm 'ish. If there's something else on your film wish list that you want to catch instead (like I swear), then please feel free to do so and catch us in the Nova bar afterwards for a chat. Looking forward to seeing you there. Cheers, Alicia **--=>+ Meeting Spot +<=--** Outside the clothing store Black Orange. It is inside Lygon Court next to Brunettis. Join the group at the meeting spot 10 minutes before the start time or see us in the movie. **--=>+ The Film +<=--** Hasan Hadi’s debut film THE PRESIDENT’S CAKE had its world premiere in Cannes’ Directors' Fortnight, where won the section’s Audience Award and the Caméra d'Or.In 1990s Iraq, the young Lamia (Baneen Ahmed Nayyef) lives with her ailing grandmother, Bibi (Waheeda Thabet Khreiba) in a small remote village amongst the Mesopotamian marshes. Despite the skyrocketing cost of living, which is driving the impoverished into further poverty, President Saddam Hussein demands that his nation still celebrate his birthday with a lavish cake baked in his honour. When Lamia’s school selects her to make his cake, what could be seen as a privilege is anything but, as her and Bibi can’t afford to purchase the necessary ingredients. Looking to avoid the brutal punishment enacted on the last family that didn’t comply to the president’s demands, Lamia embarks on an unforgiving quest to secure everything she needs to bake the president’s cake.Arabic and some English language, English **--=>+ Tickets +<=--** Everyone will need to buy their own ticket online and in advance. If you want to sit with other group members, there's a tendency for us to pick seats in the back two rows. Those who feel comfortable can catch up in Nova's bar afterward. **--=>+ Afterwards+<=--** We meet in Nova's bar after the movie. Look for us in the area to the left as you go down the steps. Share your thoughts about the film with the group over a drink of your choice. If the bar is closed we typically head across the road to the Wolf's Lair which is out the back of Jimmy Watson's.

TO MAINTAIN A GENDER BALANCE ALL MALES MUST ATTEND WITH A FEMALE FRIEND, NO EXCEPTIONS. All females are welcome to attend alone but encouraged to attend with a female friend too for free drinks and food! MUST TAP “ATTEND” and include all guests. UNLIKE other meetups which are overwhelmingly male dominant, we provide ONLY gender balanced events where females also have a chance to meet other females, not only men. WE ARE COMMITTED TO EQUAL GENDER REPRESENTATION IN THE IT INDUSTRY. 8PM EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY (LAST ENTRY STRICTLY 8.30PM) AT 215 QUEEN’S

I know horror movies are an acquired taste... This is only $10 for Village Vrewards members. Movie start time is 4.20pm. We could go somewhere afterward and talk about the movie.

• What we'll do Hi Meetup members, we do not post any of our catch ups though Meetup.com anymore, once you've been approved for our private Facebook group, you will get all the details you need from us there. We have had to do this to protect our many members from fraudulent visitors. I hope you understand! Please still apply to join meetup, and then once approved through here, you will be sent the information required. • What to bring • Important to know

Ok so it's Good Friday so there's basically nothing on. So come along to see Akmal (with his show My Family and Other Criminals) which starts at 9pm at Athaneum Theatre 2 (188 Collins Street Melbourne) after dinner at Imperial Hotel (2-8 Bourke Street Melbourne) at 6.30pm (both optional.) So firstly dinner at Imperial Hotel with a table booked under Andrew Goodwin (ph: 0424453134) at 6.30pm. Here is a copy of the menu. [https://www.canva.com/design/DAHDg7ygM8I/l1OcHFVPF_RUceD_jv4iAQ/view?utm_content=DAHDg7ygM8I&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h55e7ca8ba5](https://www.canva.com/design/DAHDg7ygM8I/l1OcHFVPF_RUceD_jv4iAQ/view?utm_content=DAHDg7ygM8I&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h55e7ca8ba5) Then about 8.30 we can either walk or catch a tram to see Akmal at Athaneum Theatre 2 which starts at 9pm. Akmal returns to Melbourne International Comedy Festival sharing stories and thoughts about people who affected his life. Like his uncle, who pretended to be a doctor for many years by skipping medical school and simply buying a stethoscope and a white coat. Or his Coptic priest (who he confessed all his sins to) who was also the local exorcist. Ironically, he was found to have several demons inside him. Or his millionaire uncle who, when visiting the Salehs, gave himself an enema using the family garden hose (we never drank out of that hose again). In *My Family and Other Criminals* you will meet these lovable but crazy characters and much more! ***'Akmal’s comedic prowess shines brightly throughout the show. It will leave you both entertained and enlightened, with a newfound appreciation for the absurdities of life.'* ArtsHub** ***'His playful banter had everyone in stitches, and his ability to circle back to earlier jokes with perfectly timed callbacks showcased his impressive comedic agility.'* Fringefeed** Here is a link to buy tickets which are $49 plus booking fee. **PLEASE BUY TICKETS ASAP AS THERE ARE ONLY 50 TICKETS PER SHOW.** [https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/akmal-my-family-and-other-criminals-melbourne-03-04-2026/event/13006375AF4F8A3D](https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/akmal-my-family-and-other-criminals-melbourne-03-04-2026/event/13006375AF4F8A3D) Event cohosted by Martin Carr. So Imperial Hotel very close to Parliament Station for dinner and Atheneum Theatre 2 very close to Town Hall Station if just coming to Akmal. Likely to be plenty of parking around the general area on Good Friday too. PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT IS ON MULTIPLE GROUPS.

Friendly game of five a side indoor football (soccer). Indoor trainers/boots. No studs. Played on timber floor. Bibs will be supplied. Game Rules: Kick ins from the side. Goal keeper must throw the ball out when the ball goes behind. No slide tackles. After each goal a spot kick is taken and the opposing team must stand behind the white line (you'll understand when you get there). Keeper rotates every 6 minutes. If you need to pull out of the game for any reason, please RSVP no and then message the event so that another can potentially fill your spot. Please note that you should do this at least 48 hours (the sooner the better) before the game to allow the chance for someone to take your spot. If we are unable to fill the spot then I will not be able to refund you. Thank you.

What starts as a simple conversation can turn into something bigger if we are thoughtful and intentional. That is when chats lead to genuine friendships rather than just a number in the phone or social media Those relationships spark ideas, collaboration, and win together. This isn’t just networking. It’s about: * starting with honest / intentional conversations, * building authentic connections * and exploring how we can add value to each other Whether you’re here to share, listen, collaborate, or simply meet good people — you’ll find a space that values depth over surface level talk. **You can expect** * Easy, guided conversations to break the ice * Opportunities to connect one-on-one and in a small group * A supportive, open-minded and encouraging atmosphere * Space to explore ideas, collaborations, or simply meaningful exchange * **1 to 1.5ish hours walk** Just people coming together with curiosity and intention. What to bring: \- Bottle of water \(or any drink you like\) \- Jacket \(incase you feel chilly\) \- Walk friendly shoes **Start with a conversation.** **Leave with a connection. (Optional)** **Grow into a contribution. (Optional)**

Join us as we get together for an Arthouse Movie Friday event to see the A24 dark comedy /romance / psychological-thriller, THE DRAMA! The film stars Zendaya and Robert Pattinson as a happily engaged couple whose relationship is challenged when one discovers unsettling truths about the other. Here are details, a trailer and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows a happily engaged couple whose relationship is put to the test when an unexpected turn sends their wedding week off the rails. The film comes from A24, is written/directed by Kristoffer Borgli stars Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Mamoudou Athie, Alana Haim, Hailey Gates and Zoë Winters. ZENDAYA-PATTINSON TRIFECTA CHALLENGE: Robert Pattinson and Zendaya will star in THREE movies together this year, including THE DRAMA, Christopher Nolan’s THE ODYSSEY this Summer and Denis Villeneuve’s DUNE: PART THREE at Christmas! TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zmKcUa4Xxk](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zmKcUa4Xxk) BUZZ & REVIEWS: Overall some solid early reviews but this one seems to be a bit polarizing! We’ll have to see for ourselves. Those in the “loved it” camp say is not the rom-com the trailers would have you to believe! Instead, a twisty darkly comedic drama that’s “anchored by two compelling performances,” “an original idea, great cast, and a movie that’s gonna have people talking at the end of it!” PLAN: A slightly later showtime so we’ll go with dinner before the show this time. Here’s the plan: For dinner before the movie, meet at nearby BRASSICA between 5:45 and 6:00pm. Go through the line, and we’ll try to snag as many of the high-top tables as we can. For the movie, please purchase your ticket for the 7:30pm showing and we’ll meet in the lobby area between 7:00 and 7:15pm. I’ll be with the dinner group and will try to get there as close to 7pm as possible. Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater. When you purchase yours at counter, be sure to mention you’re with the Movie Group for admission and concession discounts. Take care and look forward to seeing you there, Dan

...and speaking of breakthrough roles: who can forget the first time we saw Tom Cruise singing Bob Seeger in his underwear? Often considered an updated 1983 version of The Graduate, the movie sparkles with memorable lines and original music. I only regret that I was never told that "Princeton could use someone like Bob..." See the movie first and join us for some "Cruisin'"

In *City Lights*, Chaplin's Little Tramp meets a blind girl selling flowers who mistakes him for a wealthy man. When he learns that an operation may restore her sight, he sets off to earn the money she needs to have the surgery. He also befriends an alcoholic millionaire who only recognizes him when he is drunk. When the blind girl and her grandmother fall behind in the rent and face eviction, he tries working and even enters a boxing competition to raise the money they need. Regarded as Chaplin's masterpiece, *City Lights* has been ranked on more than seventeen "100 greatest movies of all time" lists. Orson Welles cited it as his favorite picture. *City Lights* is available for streaming on Amazon Prime, Hulu, HBOMax, Tubi and PlutoTV. The Columbus Library lists three copies on blu-ray and eight copies on DVD. Watch the movie on your own, then join us upstairs at East Market to discuss the film.

. 🎬 Movie Night You, Me & Tuscany Join us for a cinematic escape to the sun-drenched vineyards and romantic landscapes of Italy as we gather to watch You, Me & Tuscany, the new feel-good romantic comedy starring Halle Bailey and Regé‑Jean Page. Set against the breathtaking beauty of Tuscany, the film follows a spirited young woman whose impulsive decision to stay in a Tuscan villa leads to unexpected adventure, heartfelt moments, and a romance she never saw coming. Expect an evening filled with: 🍿 A beautiful cinematic escape to Italy 🍷 Relaxed social vibes and great conversation ✨ A feel-good romantic story perfect for movie lovers Whether you’re a fan of romantic comedies, stunning travel settings, or simply enjoy experiencing great films with great people, this will be a perfect night to unwind and connect. Come ready to relax, laugh, and be transported to Tuscany for the evening. Follow Black Love & Friends on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/share/17oXQtZz36/) and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/blackloveandfriends?igsh=djVrYnhqeG5nMjBx) to stay connected and be the first to hear about upcoming dimnets, social gatherings, and other exciting member-only events.

Join us on for a Discount Tuesday event to see the fun romantic-comedy YOU, ME & TUSCANY! The film stars Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page and follows a woman who crashes at an empty Italian villa, posing as the owner's fiancée. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: A free-spirited, young cook makes a brash decision to become a squatter in an abandoned Tuscan villa owned by a man she barely knows, leading to a whole new world of adventure, lies, and love when she meets the homeowner's cousin. The charming, Destination Italy, feel-good rom-com stars Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYTMroh8pjI PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 6:50pm showing and meet in the bar area between 6:15 and 6:30pm! Tickets just $6 when you purchase via the Marcus App and join Marcus Rewards (FREE)! It’ll also get you a Free popcorn on the day of the show! Advance ticket purchase as soon as possible is advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “create a better world” by helping serve those in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. For this event, our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for BRUNCH from 10:30am to 12:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 10:20am and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1 (in the back of the building), indicated in the attached map. On-site parking in the adjacent lot and street parking is available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please try to update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. Our Partner Agency for this event is Lutheran Social Services! A huge THANK YOU to all of YOU for volunteering at this (and any of our previous) CMG Gives Back events! Should be a good/fun/meaningful time together, Dan