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Find Your Perspective
There's a rumour that we're not a very "artsy" place. Good thing it's just a rumour. Galleries, theatre groups, nostalgia museums, sculpture festivals and indigenous performances just brush the surface of a cultural canvas that goes far deeper. As they say - art is purely a matter of perspective after all. Looking for more inspiration? Check out the cultural highlights of the Gold Coast hinterland.
arts & culture
- Free Event
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05 Feb 2026
Meet the Streamers
Streaming has upended how audiences watch content and how stories are made. In this session, senior executives from Australia’s top streaming platforms step onto the stage to discuss what’s driving the next chapter of digital entertainment.From changing viewing habits to the new opportunities for Australian creators, the panel will explore the forces shaping the industry right now and what’s on the horizon.Whether you’re a fan, a filmmaker, or just curious about where the screen sector is heading, this is a chance to hear directly from the people defining the streaming era. Panelists will be announced shortly.
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05 Feb 2026
Queensland on Screen: Iconic Locations, Iconic Stories
As vast as they are versatile, Queensland’s landscapes - from vibrant cityscapes to pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and rugged outback - are not just backdrops, they are active storytellers. See the sunshine state through expert eyes as our panellists unpack why Queensland's natural beauty, cultural significance and unique urban environments make for such desirable production destinations, adept at doubling as well as delivering authentic main character energy.Panellists to be announced.
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05 Feb 2026
Meet the Nominees: Broadcast TV Producers
This is your chance to meet from some of the television producers nominated for the 2026 AACTA Awards. At this intimate event, some of Australia’s leading producers behind episodic content will share their personal insights into some of your favourite shows. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to hear from these acclaimed AACTA nominees.
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05 Feb 2026
Drag Bingo
Ivyy's back in 2026 and she's only gotten better with age. Join us for a night of glitz, glamour, and unforgettable fun at Drag Bingo featuring the fabulous Ivyy Monroe and Kora Kurvacious! Get ready to laugh, play, and cheer as these incredible performers bring their unique flair to every round. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and compete for exciting prizes while soaking in the electrifying energy of the drag scene. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable evening of entertainment and celebration.
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05 Feb 2026
Meet the Nominees: Directors
This intimate session brings together some of Australia’s leading directors nominated for the 2026 AACTA Awards. Hear them discuss the creative choices, challenges, and inspirations behind this year’s nominated films, television shows, and documentaries.An opportune chance to engage directly with acclaimed directors and gain perspective on the craft of filmmaking in Australia today.
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05 Feb 2026
What Audiences Want
Mike Baard, CEO of Universal Pictures Australasia, has spent more than two decades at the forefront of the country’s theatrical landscape, overseeing not just Universal titles but also local releases for Warner Bros. and some of the world’s most successful blockbusters. In this exclusive conversation Mike will discuss key elements that are transforming the cinema experience, from shifting audience behaviours to the pivots studios are making in a streaming-saturated era.With his rare vantage point across both local and international markets, Mike will also explore how distribution models are evolving, what the data reveals about the enduring appeal of the big screen, and how the concept of theatrical exclusivity may be redefined in the future. Expect a candid look at the state of the industry and the creative and commercial challenges shaping the future of filmgoing.
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05 Feb 2026
We Interrupt This Broadcast
We Interrupt This Broadcast is your must-listen podcast for the Australian screen industry, featuring weekly interviews with key industry figures, and a monthly round-up of news and opportunities.Over the past year, hosts Kirsty Stark and Julie Eckersley have asked every guest the same question: If you could pitch one big idea to change the screen industry for the better, what would it be?Now they're bringing together some of the boldest, smartest and most inspiring ideas that could shape the future of the Australian screen industry, in a live format at AACTA Festival 2026.Come along, contribute your vision, and help turn the industry’s best ideas into reality.
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05 Feb 2026
Meet the Nominees: Film Producers
This is your chance to meet the some of the producers nominated in the feature film categories for the 2026 AACTA Awards. At this intimate event, some of Australia’s leading producers will share their personal insights into some of your favourite films from the year. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to hear from these acclaimed AACTA nominees.
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05 Feb 2026
The Great Entertainer - Special Screening
Presented by BingeExperience the life and career of TV icon Brian Walsh, told by those who knew him best and presented on the big screen as part of AACTA Festival.Join Foxtel from 5.30pm for drinks before we head into the screening at 6.15pm.The Great Entertainer, a Foxtel Original feature documentary, pays tribute to Brian Walsh, the Foxtel executive whose three decades at the network helped shape the careers of Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, Guy Pearce and many more.Featuring interviews with actors, performers, and colleagues including Danielle Cormack, Patrick Brammall, Harriet Dyer, Leah Purcell, Deborah Hutton, Marcia Hines, and Wayne Pearce.Celebrating Walsh’s influence on talent, storytelling, and Australian television, the screening offers audiences a chance to reflect on the impact of one of the industry’s most remarkable figures and hear from those who knew him best.
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08 Feb 2026 - 05 Feb 2026
Inside Curio Pictures
Curio Pictures has fast become a force in Australian storytelling. Led by Managing Director Jo Porter and Creative Director Rachel Gardner, the company has brought audiences distinctive series such as The Artful Dodger, The Narrow Road to the Deep North, High Country, and Playing Gracie Darling.In this session, Jo and Rachel will discuss the vision that drives Curio, the hurdles and highlights of producing their acclaimed work, and what lies ahead as they shape the company’s next chapter.
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05 Feb 2026
Film Financing Q&A with Jack Christian
Filmmakers rarely get genuine access to ask financiers absolutely anything. This session flips the format: an all-Q&A, open-mic session led by AACTA Chair and Filmology Finance CEO Jack Christian, joined by financing industry guests. Come with the questions you need answered. Whether it’s clarifying offsets, incentives and rebates; MGs, DGs, gap and bridging; cash-flow lender expectations, security, and what “collateral” actually means.Where the questions lead, we’ll follow - unpacking deal-brokering and packaging, aligning MGs, pre-sales and debt, reading the market, and negotiating terms that keep projects bankable as conditions shift. No decks, no speeches - just clear, practical answers. You’ll leave with sharper tactics and clearer strategies to package, broker and close.
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05 Feb 2026
Industry Keynote with Wayne Garvie
Wayne Garvie, President of International Production at Sony Pictures Television Worldwide, will deliver a keynote on the future of the global screen industry. With extensive experience leading international productions and shaping strategy across markets, Garvie will share his perspective on television and streaming, the changing expectations of global audiences, and the creative and commercial forces reshaping screen storytelling today.
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06 Feb 2026
2026 AACTA Awards: Live! By The Lake
A night of glamour, celebration and networking at Live! By The LakeWalk the red carpet, take stunning photos at the media wall and get ready for even more excitement as you step into the party and watch the AACTA Awards unfold live on the big screen.Seated at tables, you'll enjoy canapés on arrival followed by lunch and refreshing drinks, all while mingling with industry enthusiasts and celebrating another extraordinary year in Australian screen.Happening alongside the main ceremony, this exclusive event creates a vibrant social atmosphere with networking opportunities and unforgettable moments.But the night doesn’t end there! As a Live! By The Lake ticket holder, you’ll gain access to the Official AACTA Awards After Party – where crafted drinks, a vibrant dance floor and the industry’s best keep the celebration going into the night.For full table bookings, please email Guest Management. Discounted tickets are available for AACTA members by inputting your member number into the discount code section.
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06 Feb 2026
2026 AACTA Awards Ceremony presented by Foxtel Group
Join us at the 2026 AACTA Awards Ceremony presented by Foxtel Group where we'll honour the outstanding achievements of our talented actors, directors, writers and more.Featuring appearances by your favourite stars of the screen, it's a night not to be missed!Keep the celebration going at our Official After Party! Enjoy delicious food, expertly crafted drinks and dance the night away with music that will keep you moving until the early hours. This is more than just an awards ceremony; it’s a night of magic, inspiration, and pure entertainment. You won't want to miss being a part of an extraordinary evening that celebrates the best of Australian screen talent.Discounted tickets are available for AACTA members by inputting your member number into the discount code section.Come up early and join us at the AACTA Awards Industry Gala and Official After Party presented by Screen Queensland. The Australian Academy is rolling out the red carpet to celebrate the best in film, television, documentary, digital, and short films from the past year, with over 30 AACTA Awards up for grabs, this is the event of the year you absolutely can’t miss.Or stick around for AACTA Festival featuring in-depth Masterclasses, exclusive screenings, meet & greets and so much more.
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07 Feb 2026
True Crimes, Truth and Justice
Forget the scripts, the actors and the recreations. Crime, Truth & Justice is your rare chance to hear directly from the people who live crime, not dramatise it.Criminal barrister Judith Fordham, forensic pathologist Professor Peter Ellis OAM, and former police officer turned psychologist Damien Stewart have stood at the crime scene, in the courtroom, and in the aftermath of trauma. They’ve seen what really happens when lives are shattered–and what it takes to find truth, justice and recovery.How does real forensic work differ from what you see on TV? What’s the emotional toll of investigating tragedy? And why do those who live crime still believe in humanity?Gripping, emotional and utterly authentic–The Real Deal takes you beyond the story and into the truth.Hosted by Kathryn Fox, doctor, crime author and former host of Crime Insiders: Forensics, this powerful conversation cuts through fiction and sensationalism to reveal the reality behind the headlines.
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07 Feb 2026
Jimpa - Queensland Premiere
Arrivals from 6:30pm, screening commences at 7pmJoin us for the Queensland premiere of Jimpa. Directed by acclaimed Australian filmmaker Sophie Hyde, and starring International actors Olivia Colman and John Lithgow, plus local Aussie talents Aud Mason-Hyde, Daniel Henshall, Kate Box and Bryn Chapman Parish. The film follows Hannah (Colman) as she travels to vibrant Amsterdam with her teen, Frances (Mason-Hyde), to reconnect with her politically engaged, gay father affectionately known as “Jimpa” (Lithgow). When Jimpa’s declining health is revealed, the family must navigate unexpected challenges, confronting past stories and hidden truths with warmth, humour, and joy.Following the screening there will be a Q&A with the filmmakers. first release general admission - allocation exhaustedsecond release general admission - $13.00
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Experience Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.