There was a child-like excitement at Deniliquin Town Hall on the evening of Friday, April 11, as 60 patrons were ushered to their seats clutching a complimentary little chocolate.
The Mayor, Deputy Mayor and our new Edward River Council CEO were among the guests for the 2025 launch of the Deniliquin Film Society.
I recollected our first ever movie in 1994, sitting among desks and office equipment at The Department of Agriculture in Charlotte St.
The Society then upgraded to the old Edward River Theatre on the site of the now Ochre Medical Centre.
There were more possums than patrons, and the conditions were very uncomfortable and unappealing.
The stoic projectionist sweltered above us in high summer heat wave temperatures and froze in winter frosts.
The small group of dedicated ‘film buffs’ moved to Intereach.
On Friday night, nostalgic and fond memories were shared of the early films in that decrepit theatre.
The society was then welcomed to a small but cramped room at South West Arts.
Numbers were very small when we were inflicted with COVID.
Kate Butler, after years of the Society limping through decades, had a vision.
This vision was generously supported by Edward River Council with a grant of $3000 to resurrect the Society, and permission was granted for the group to have 12 months’ use of our grand Town Hall.
With increasing subscriptions of $50 annually, this entertainment will continue in 2026.
Discussion and refreshments and friendly shared banter followed the movie. Now you don’t have this on Netflix.
Accolades to our progressive young council and acknowledgment to our Kate Butler for her tenacity and vision.
The Film Society can be contacted at deniliquinfilmsociety@gmail.com.
Yours etc.
Sally-Ann Dillon
Inaugural member of Deniliquin Film Society
21°C