BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.15.18//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20220402T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20221001T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20230401T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20230930T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20240406T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20241005T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20250405T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20251004T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20260404T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20261003T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20231214T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20231214T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T043337 CREATED:20230202T033152Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230912T011328Z UID:33977-1702582200-1702587600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society - Redemption of a Rogue DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-redemptionofarogue/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/4665.jpg.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240208T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240208T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T043337 CREATED:20240124T000807Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240130T061639Z UID:50417-1707420600-1707426000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballart Film Society | Scrapper DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-scrapper/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/scrapper-square.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240314T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240314T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T043337 CREATED:20240129T050135Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240130T070808Z UID:50562-1710444600-1710450000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballart Film Society | Le bleu du caftan (The Blue Kaftan) DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-the-blue-kaftan/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/The_Blue_Caftan-519760920-large.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240411T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240411T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T043337 CREATED:20240129T040125Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240130T055619Z UID:50532-1712863800-1712869200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballart Film Society | The Wild Goose Lake DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-the-wild-goose-lake/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/wild-goose-lake-2-e1706503321360.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240509T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240509T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T043337 CREATED:20240129T230207Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240130T061425Z UID:50577-1715283000-1715288400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballart Film Society | Shayda DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-shayda/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/shayda-new-e1706569634223.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240512T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240512T230000 DTSTAMP:20260404T043337 CREATED:20240509T021800Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T142652Z UID:54523-1715542200-1715554800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Rock 'n' Roll with our Stars (Dancing with our Stars 24): Featuring James Bookman DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/rock-n-roll-with-our-stars/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Externally Produced Event,Royal South Street Society ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/436237221_122115281810263532_8541844015808598287_n.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240519T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240519T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T043337 CREATED:20240221T222932Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T143025Z UID:51296-1716145200-1716152400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow | Ballarat DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/comedy-festival-roadshow-ballarat/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy,Externally Produced Event,Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/comedy-festival-roadshow-24-e1708554779600.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240613T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240613T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T043337 CREATED:20240129T233757Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T143052Z UID:50586-1718307000-1718312400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Alcarràs DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-alcarras/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/alcarras-e1706571998967.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240711T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240711T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T043337 CREATED:20240130T001431Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T143049Z UID:50597-1720726200-1720731600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | The New Boy DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-the-new-boy/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/the-new-boy-scaled-e1706574079357.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240808T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240808T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T043337 CREATED:20240130T002804Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T143034Z UID:50611-1723145400-1723150800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Army of Shadows DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-army-of-shadows/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/army-of-shadows-e1706575038721.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240912T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240912T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T043337 CREATED:20240130T005136Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T143031Z UID:50621-1726169400-1726174800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Stop Making Sense DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-stop-making-sense/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/stop-making-sense-2-e1706576214232.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241010T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241010T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T043337 CREATED:20240130T010440Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T143028Z UID:50632-1728588600-1728594000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | L’Ombra di Caravaggio (Caravaggio’s Shadow) DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-caravaggios-shadow/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/CaravaggioA_s_Shadow-945307708-large-e1706576973473.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241114T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241114T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T043337 CREATED:20240130T011936Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T211643Z UID:50641-1731612600-1731618000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | EO DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-eo/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/eo-e1706577696477.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241212T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241212T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T043337 CREATED:20240130T012706Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T121224Z UID:50650-1734031800-1734037200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Smiley DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-smiley/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/smiley-2-e1706578579617.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250213T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250213T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T043337 CREATED:20250203T001511Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T113214Z UID:61630-1739475000-1739480400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | KNEECAP DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-kneecap/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/kneecap-square-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250313T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250313T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T043337 CREATED:20250211T042522Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T061217Z UID:61914-1741894200-1741899600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | The Movie Teller DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-the-movie-teller/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/sqaure-promo-bfs-update3.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250410T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250410T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T043337 CREATED:20250212T020827Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T052500Z UID:61956-1744313400-1744318800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Red Rocket DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-red-rocket/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/sqaure-promo-bfs-red-rocket-2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250508T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250508T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T043337 CREATED:20250212T023140Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T062716Z UID:61967-1746732600-1746738000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Bicycle Thieves (Ladri di Biciclette) DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-bicycle-thieves/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/sqaure-promo-bfs2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250612T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250612T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T043337 CREATED:20250212T023200Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T110613Z UID:61968-1749756600-1749762000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | La Chimera DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-la-chimera/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/sqaure-promo-bfs4.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250710T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250710T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T043337 CREATED:20250212T025248Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T110608Z UID:61983-1752175800-1752181200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Sweet As DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-sweet-as/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/sqaure-promo-bfs-update.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250911T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250911T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T043337 CREATED:20250212T025145Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T110610Z UID:61982-1757619000-1757624400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Goodbye Julia DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-goodbye-julia/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/sqaure-promo-bfs.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251004T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251004T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T043337 CREATED:20250925T034907Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250925T043007Z UID:67630-1759604400-1759611600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Spaceballs - a FightMND fundraiser DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/spaceballs-fightmnd-fundraiser/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Externally Produced Event,Film,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/sq-promo-spaceballs.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251009T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251009T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T043337 CREATED:20250212T040547Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T110559Z UID:62016-1760038200-1760043600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | To Thank the Room DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-to-thank-the-room-oct/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/sqaure-promo-bfs-update2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251113T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251113T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T043337 CREATED:20250212T031341Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T110605Z UID:61989-1763062200-1763067600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | ​Hammarskjöld: The Fight for Peace DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-hammarskjold/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/sqaure-promo-bfs3.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251211T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251211T210000 DTSTAMP:20260404T043337 CREATED:20250212T034546Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T110602Z UID:62004-1765481400-1765486800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | ​Little Richard: I am Everything DESCRIPTION:Iranian-Australian Family Story \n \n Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival\, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of an Iranian New Year. Set in the 1990s in Melbourne\, its central theme is that of defining one’s own path; a theme deeply rooted in the Australian psyche. Under the protective wing of the refuge’s no-nonsense Joyce (Leah Purcell)\, Shayda puts on a brave face for young daughter Mona and experiences small pockets of sanity and self-worth in her life. Madman. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Australia\, 2023\, 117 min. Dir Noora Niasari.Stars Cannes Best Actress winner Zar Amir Ebrahimi (Holy Spider)\, Osamah Sami\, Leah Purcell\, and Jillian Nguyen. Executive producer: Cate Blanchett. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ballarat Film Society \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Membership 12 months – Feb-December: $606 months – Feb-June or July-Dec: $30 To join or renew your membership\, please e-mail or phone Angus McLachlan (5374 2474)\, or come with cash on the night. Membership can be paid by bank transfer or with cash. For film enquiries\, phone Sue Nunn: 5341 2266 or visit the  Ballarat Film Society website  All films are subject to availability. If there is no next film shown below it means the BFS is working on next season’s programme. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BMI news \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Executive Manager Update – April 2026\n Executive Manager Update – Nev Ivey Since commencing at BMI\,... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Newsletter – April 2026\n Rosemary's New Releases and Recommendations | Author Talks - Live... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Rosemary’s Book of the Week\n What The Bones Know Kirstyn McDermott A child’s bones\, a... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Message from the Chair | BMI Board of Directors | April 2026\n The BMI certainly had a busy and productive 2025/2026 financial... \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Load More URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-little-richard/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/sqaure-promo-bfs5.webp END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR