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First Saturday each month, 4pm
This year’s theme is ‘The Game of Life’. The selected films utilise sport as a metaphor through which to examine society, as well as the values and complexities that shape it.
Season Pass $90
Tickets $15
FEATURE FILMS
Chariots of Fire
Join us for the Premiere for the 2027 Season of Smokescreen at the WPCC Saturday, 6th February. This year’s theme is ‘The Game of Life’. The selected films utilise sport as a metaphor through which to examine society, as well as the values and complexities that shape it.
Our first film Chariots of Fire, a 1981 film directed by Hugh Hudson, utilises running to explore the personal and spiritual struggles of its protagonists, Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell. Set against the backdrop of the 1924 Olympics, the film examines the tensions between ambition, identity, faith and societal expectations as drivers of achievement.
Our first film Chariots of Fire, a 1981 film directed by Hugh Hudson, utilises running to explore the personal and spiritual struggles of its protagonists, Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell. Set against the backdrop of the 1924 Olympics, the film examines the tensions between ambition, identity, faith and societal expectations as drivers of achievement.
Raging Bull
Raging Bull, directed by Martin Scorsese in 1980, utilises boxing to explore societies expectations of masculinity and the destructive consequences of violence and pride. Through its portrayal of the self-destruction of middleweight boxing champion Jake LaMotta, the film reflects on the social values that define and shape identity, as well as the personal costs of trying to embody them.
Warning: this film deals with heavy and explicit adult themes and is suitable only for adults.
Warning: this film deals with heavy and explicit adult themes and is suitable only for adults.
The Eagle Huntress
The Eagle Huntress, a 2016 documentary by Otto Bell, explores nomadic Kazakh identity through the tradition of Berkutchi (Kazakh Eagle Hunting). Following this rite of passage, the film examines the relationship between cultural heritage and social change, reflecting on the ways in which cultural practices can evolve whilst still maintaining their enduring significance.
Invictus
Invictus, uses rugby to explore post-apartheid South Africa. Released in 2009 and directed by Clint Eastwood, the film examines leadership, reconciliation and the role of collective identity in re-building a nation, reflecting on how sport can act as a symbol of hope.
Lords of Dogtown
Lords of Dogtown, directed by Catherine Hardwicke and released in 2005, is a docu-drama based on the Z-Boys (Zephyr Competition Team). The film focuses on extreme sports and utilises both skateboarding and surfing as symbols of personal identity, youth culture and rebellion.
Cool Runnings
Cool Runnings (1993), takes inspiration from the 1988 Winter Olympics Jamaican bobsled team. It explores not only the team’s journey to the international competition, but also Jamaica’s postcolonial identity and global belonging through the sport of bobsledding.
The First Slam Dunk
The First Slam Dunk (2022) by director Takehiko Inoue, transforms the basketball court into a space where identity, grief and belonging combine. Showcasing how success is rarely achieved alone, and how moving forward often means trusting and relying on others for support and guidance.
Wadjda
Wadjda (2012), sees a young Saudi girl’s determination to buy a bicycle become a spirited challenge to the social rules that constrain her. The bicycle, and the race she dreams of entering, act as metaphors for freedom and ambition. Through this journey the film shows how something as simple as a bike race can expose the broader structures of a society.
Moneyball
Moneyball (2011), explores the operational side of sport, using Baseball to demonstrate how contemporary society has reframed value and worth. With a focus on the use of statistical data to build a competitive baseball team, the film challenges conventional ideas of talent, success, and competitive advantage.
Foxcatcher
Foxcatcher is a dramatic story of Olympic wrestling brothers Mark and Dave Schultz. It is a cautionary tale for control, social class control, and performative masculinity.
Footy Legends
Smokescreen 2027 then ends with Footy Legends, a 2006 comedic Australian story that uses rugby to explore community and connection.
After each movie The Establishment invites ticket holders to redeem a 'buy one, get one free' offer as our program supporter. So join us, sit back and enjoy some light discussion & reviews post movie.
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