With the growth of the multiplex cinema centre there is no shortage of venues in which to view the latest that, mostly Hollywood, has to offer.  There are, however, many fewer venues in which we can see a selection of what the rest of the world has to offer and they are mostly in the city.  Croydon Film Society strives to bring to the outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne a selection of the best that cinema had to offer in the previous year.  Each of these films has something to say, and they may say it in innovative, surprising and occasionally confronting ways - but always with great skill and passion.  Enjoy the difference of films that make you think even as they entertain.

A night out at the cinema is often a relatively solitary occasion - a night out with partners or a friend or two.  Croydon Film Society offers the opportunity of meeting with like-minded people to discuss the films, either in our society sponsored discussion group, or over a coffee and cake in the Bonavita restaurant. The committee feels it to be one of our greatest accomplishments to see so many large groups of people animatedly discussing the film (and other things too), laughing and obviously enjoying the experience.  Enjoy the difference of a more fulfilling night at the cinema.

Last year’s films included many that were grim - and this year too has its fair share of tragedy.  We do live in confronting times after all.  But overall the tone is a little lighter, and amongst the occasional gloom there is also great joy.  Enjoy the difference of becoming emotionally involved in the joy and despair of human life in the 21st century.

And last but not least, we note that, quite coincidentally, many of this year’s films are either directly or indirectly about the immigrant experience. Our annual mix of foreign language and English language films is here heightened by clashes and/or understanding of other nationalities.  As globalisation spreads, wars proliferate, national boundaries shrink or expand, people are on the move all over the world, seeking a better life - and the issues they confront are here on film.  Enjoy the difference of other cultures, rather than being suspicious and frightened.  Discover that people have more in common than a different cultural background would suggest.