About Croydon Film Society
Croydon Film Society Inc. is a not-for-profit incorporated association run by a volunteer committee of management in Victoria, Australia.
Annual Membership Includes
• Enjoy access to 18 fantastic films for $120 ($100 Conces), screened exclusively for our members
• Bring a friend along with FREE guest passes for one screening each year
• Join us for post-film catch-ups at a local restaurant – a great way to connect with others
• Rate each film (1–5 stars) and help shape our CFS star box score
• Stay in the loop with regular updates and news
• Have your say and vote for next year’s films
We’d love to have you as part of the CFS community!
CFS Newsletters
Croydon Film Society Committee
The experienced and well-organised committee contribute to the smooth running of the society by participating in monthly meetings and assisting at the cinema door on a roster, whilst most also have some specific duties. A number of new committee members are sought each year at the Annual General Meeting, whilst other vacancies may occur from time-to-time. If you would like to assist CFS, please chat to one of the friendly committee members at the cinema, call 0490 663 156 or email enquiries@croydonfilms.org.au.
President
Growing up Kevin’s, favourite film of his family was ‘The Sound of Music’.
When his children were younger, The Shawshank Redemption was very popular. He is now waiting to find his next favourite film via CFS!
Secretary
Christine has been a CFS member for many years on the committee.
Her favourite films are: “Hero” (directed by Zhang Yimou) “The Last Samurai” (directed by Edward Zwick) and “Chocolat” (Directed by Lasse Hallström).
Assistant Treasurer
Ian joined our Committee in 2024.
Publicity Committee
Amanda manages the Website, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Marketing for the Croydon Film Society.
publicity@croydonfilms.org.au
Committee Member
Howard became interested in international film in the 1960s and has learned much more about other cultures through film than if he had done the normal tourist visit.
He has been a valuable member for many years.
General Committee
Emily joined the Committee in 2024. She has an interest in films and is looking forward to contributing to the running of the Croydon Film Society committee.
General Committee
Sharon Slarke joined the Committee in 2026.
General Committee
Peter Marz joined the Committee in 2026.
70th Anniversary Interviews
What’s Screening Elsewhere?
History of the Croydon Film Society
Croydon Film Society has been operating successfully for over sixty years, bringing quality cinema to the outer eastern fringes of Melbourne. Screenings began in the Croydon Hall when a dedicated group thought that people should be given the opportunity to see films they would not be able to catch in their local cinema and the society was born founded in 1956. They began with 16mm film, but had the foresight to buy two 35mm projectors from an old cinema which enabled them to access an expanded range of films. Over the years, the membership built to a high of ~700 in the 1980s.
When our screening venue suddenly closed we had to find new accommodation and the Mooroolbark Community Centre became our new home. As the facilities were not ideal for screening to such a large audience, our membership numbers decreased and we approached Croydon Twin Cinemas to move our screenings to their facilities. This independent cinema was sold to Hoyts, and unfortunately, after some time we were required to find another venue but made a smooth transition to Reading Cinemas in Chirnside Park.
The venue change was so successful that we soon found that we needed to screen in two cinemas to accommodate our increasing numbers and in 2008, annual membership closed prior to the first film screening to ensure we could accommodate all members. Increasing screening costs meant that we were on the lookout for a new home and in 2016 we returned to the newly independent Croydon Cinemas.
The society is run by a team of volunteers, who strive to emulate the expertise of those foundation members such as Betty Jope who virtually ran the society (and the Federation of Victorian Film Societies) single-handedly for many years. We commemorate her efforts in a tribute screening of a classic film each year.
Anecdotes
Member stories are welcome anytime and add to our rich history. Email your story to enquiries@croydonfilms.org.au
I look forward to and enjoy watching and experiencing the selection of films at Croydon Film Society. There is a broad range of film genres, different themes, cultures, countries, languages (subtitled), times in history. The films provide interest and are thought-provoking, many remain in my memory and have broadened my horizons.
Most films take one on an interesting journey!
Angela Walkenhorst March 2023
Would you like to enjoy an interesting range of movies? Croydon Film Society has a well-run committee of dedicated people, is very affordable (18 movies per year), and is full of friendly members who appreciate the value that quality cinema brings to our lives.
Ron Carroll 2022
An enlightening, stimulating experience in watching a range of movies that go beyond the standard fare offered in most cinemas. It is also a good experience in building connections with other members over a coffee after the movie.
A great way to spend every second Monday eve, enjoying films in a very cost-effective and supportive environment.
Jenny Purvis 2022
There are so many memories about CFS – how cold was the old hall when we had to bring rugs and hot water bottles in the winter, those dreadful but joyful Xmas suppers of salami, cheese & Lions fruit cake – all washed down with more than ample champers!!
Probably the most memorable event was when half of us left the hall to march on Council to protest something or other about our lease (or was it about the seats?). Who can remember at this distance?
There was also the fun of joining up our kids when they reached teenage – one after another – five of them. And two of them went on to become serious players in the industry – so Croydon Film Society has had a real impact on our family life over many, many years. I still labour mightily for a day or two each September working out what to pick for the next year’s program.
Above all else I would have to say that the Executive of this group has provided us all with an astonishing level of service and care. Over the years I have served on too many committees to remember. I know only too well how much effort and dedication it takes to make something like this group actually function. This is the only group I have ever belonged to that has not needed me to do a thing – just sit back and enjoy the ride. For this immense pleasure I say “thank you , thank you, thank you”. You have been real troupers and you all deserve medals or at the very least, a big hug!
I hope some younger ones will start taking up the slack as we old codgers gradually run out of steam.
Thanks everyone!
Lyn and Leo Kennedy
29 years ago we arrived in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne with a 7 year old girl and the next one in the pot. We had migrated from Ireland where we had been members of the Irish Film Society for many years and were able to watch films, which did not pass the strict Irish censorship.
Settling into our new life with a new baby without family support was not easy, but we soon made friends and life became easier. However, going out at night was not possible. We heard about the Croydon Film Society and counted the years till we felt we could leave the kids at home for a couple of hours in the evening. As soon as our older one turned 14 we joined. In the beginning we were always the last ones to arrive sitting in the front rows taking in the movie with our eyes and ears, feeling like we were in the movie ourselves.
I used to make fun and call it the ‘Cardigan Club’ as everybody was so much older than us. Now I am the one wearing the cardigan and the grey hair!
Thank you to the committee for making it possible for all of us to enjoy more and more wonderful, varied and controversial movies year after year.
Jasminka and David
Great variety of films. Very welcoming, pleasant and helpful. committee members.Opportunity to gather for film discussion and coffee after film.
Coraline Anderson 2022
When my wife and I returned to live in Melbourne at the end of 1971, one of our resolutions was to join a film society. We began with the Melbourne Film Society in 1972, an experience we much enjoyed – the Palais Theatre, the programme notes and the choice of films. However, the travel to St Kilda was negative and when we heard of the Croydon Film Society it was an easy choice to switch. I have been a member since the beginning of 1973 with Barbara starting in 1974.
We have never regretted the decision and have introduced about 20 friends over the years, some of whom are still members.
I did offer Frank my collection of newsletters from 1973, only to be embarrassed to find that I could not locate those of the first 6 years. I cannot believe that I have thrown them out but they, and all but 1 of the MFS notes from 1972, seem to have disappeared. One thing that has survived is the programme for 1978. It was an impressive offering: 22 films, including the Australian ‘Don’s Party’ and ‘The Devil’s Playground’ together with a range of foreign creations including ‘Annie Hall’ and ‘The Lost Honour of Katherina Blum’. The quality and appropriateness of the main feature never ceased to impress. In addition, there was a short each screening – I understand but regret the loss of the short supporting films. There were also 3 ‘Monday Special Screenings’ to which members could invite friends – or was that to the earlier Sunday Specials? The thing that amazes me most is the cost of membership: Adult $8; Pensioner, Junior, and Student Concession $3! Even allowing for the passage of years and inflation seems incredible.
Congratulations to the present committee for continuing a fine tradition.
Alistair Hopkins
I joined the Croydon Film Society when my first child was young and had to wait till my husband arrived home before I could leave.
The Croydon Hall did not live up to the standard we expect today in relation to heating. We had been there for about three years when we then moved to the Mooroolbark Hall where we either sat on the bleachers at the side or had to move our chairs if we couldn’t see. After awhile we then moved to Croydon before moving to Chirnside Park which allowed either a cup of coffee after or a meal prior to chat with other members. Our increase in membership then required two cinemas. Now back to Croydon with a lot of the familiar committee faces through all those moves. It is a well organized group. I must say that some of the films at Croydon Hall made your hair stand on end… it makes you realize how the standard of films has improved.
Looking forward to the next decade.
Togram
In 1968 I was a member of the Croydon Film Society and recall going to the Hall in Main St Croydon. This particular year was the only time I was living in Mooroolbark as I had spent the previous years and later years teaching in the country.
One of the highlights of 1968 was attending the Melbourne Film Festival at the Palais where I ushered and also received tickets to attend other films. It was a busy time and I hardly spent a night at home while the Festival was on!
On my return to the Yarra Valley several years later, I rejoined the Croydon Film Society. I haven’t been to any films at the Melbourne Festival since.
Lesley Cooper
Of Further Interest
About the Film Industry
- Stunts
- Screenwriting
- Credits
The History of Film Societies
Our Vice-President and film guru, John Turner, has dedicated much of his life, in between work and family, to the film society movement in Australia and is a bit of a mover and shaker himself. As such he believed that the story should be out there for all to know and for the past 15 years he has been working on a history of the Australian film society movement. Without the film society movement and the people who drove it, Australia’s film culture would not be what it is today. This well researched book is beautifully illustrated and contains many unexpected facts and stories, providing hours of fascinating reading on topics such as:
- how film societies were instrumental in the creation and development of the Melbourne International Film Society
- how film societies played an important role in creating Australia’s censorship rules and copyright provisions
- how the film society movement was crucial in the creation of bodies such as the AFI, The National Film and Sound Archive, State Film Libraries
- learn about the movers and shakers of the early film society movement in Australia, including our own Betty Jope
The Federation of Victorian Film Societies has generously subsidised the cost of the book for film societies and their members. If you would like to borrow a copy please chat to our cub secretary.
Ringwood Movie Makers
Unaffiliated with CFS, but of possible interest to our members, is Ringwood Movie Makers. They are one of Australia’s most successful non-professional movie making clubs. The club was formed in 1956 by a group of movie makers using film cameras, over time the thrust of the club has changed and members now produce movies using digital cameras and equipment. The club conducts movie competitions for its members and participates in many local and international events.
The club members work together on projects, help each other out with technical issues and create scripts and have fun at the same time. A yearly syllabus details the varied fortnightly activities. Special interests include animation, travel and documentaries as well as short films.