Maleny Film Society

The Maleny Film Society was founded in November 1990 and began screening films from the National Film Archives to an enthusiastic group of 35 members. In 1993 the Society invested in a 35 mm projector (eventually there were 2) which opened up screenings to the public with a wider choice of films.

From the beginning the organisation was run by willing volunteers and that continues. The Management Committee of nine members continues to meet on a monthly basis. Many more volunteers contribute to film nights and film selection.

In 2014 our membership is well over 200 and our technology is D cinema. We screen our films in the newly renovated Maleny Community Centre which seats 220, showing the best of world cinema. Most of the films are chosen through a voting process by our members. We also continue the old tradition of free screenings of international classics from the Film Archives on a monthly basis to members only.

The emphasis on social interaction with our pre-dinner meals is a unique attribute of Saturday evening screenings. And we often collaborate with other community groups by making film screenings part of community celebrations and innovations.

We have in addition to our fortnightly screenings, special festivals each year – the annual Australian Film Festival in January and various international and indigenous festivals during the year.

The Maleny Film Society has become a valued cultural and social institution of the Maleny community- a gathering place for old friends and new,. A spin off of the Society is the Maleny Film Cooperative. Local filmmakers, initially part of the Society, now operate independently with support from the Society.