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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
Inside Bunya Productions
Join David Jowsey and Greer Simpkin for an in depth look at Bunya Productions, one of Australia’s leading independent production companies. They will share the vision, values, and creative approach that guide their work, and the challenges and opportunities of producing film and television in Australia. Hear about the company’s landmark projects, the stories that drive them, and how Bunya fosters collaboration with Indigenous and local talent from across Australia to bring authentic voices to the screen.
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05 Feb 2026
Building Grouse House
Since 2021, sketch comedy powerhouse Aunty Donna have been building a home for alternative Australian comedians - Grouse House. Starting out as a YouTube channel, Grouse House has already grown into a comedy brand covering online content (15 million views and counting across 21 original and acquired series on YouTube), a podcast network (5 original podcasts), live tours, merchandise, a commercial arm and more. And in early 2026, the Grouse House TV subscription platform is launching to the world.But how and why did Aunty Donna start Grouse House, and what do they hope to achieve? And most importantly, how do they make money by giving away content for free on the internet? Join Managing Director of Haven’t You Done Well Productions Georgia Mappin, Head Writer for Aunty Donna Sam Lingham and Head of Creative for Grouse House Lee Naimo as they invite you in to the Grouse House, and show you the secret basement where all the secrets are kept.Come along and learn how this unique Australian brand got to where they are today, and where they plan on going tomorrow. And the day after. And perhaps the day after that.
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05 Feb 2026
Celebrating Blak Joy - Proper Loved Up
From madcap adventures to the classic romcom, the universality of joy is a rich playground for filmmakers, and popular with audiences, proving a commercial opportunity for local stories to capture global markets. Projects like Thou Shalt Not Steal, Windcatcher, Top End Wedding, and The Sapphires reflect a growing appetite for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island inspired adventures – celebrating cultural stories through comedy and examining the First Nations experience through a new lens. These First Nations storytellers are embracing Blak joy and comedy, and challenging the expectations for First Nations stories on screen.
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05 Feb 2026
On The Cutting Room Floor
Discover the hidden power of post production in On the Cutting Room Floor, a deep dive into the art and impact of film editing. Join a panel of acclaimed editors as they share how raw footage is transformed into cohesive, compelling stories through rhythm, structure, and intuition. From navigating hours of material to balancing creative instincts with distributor notes, these behind the scenes storytellers reveal the high stakes decisions that shape a film’s final form. Hear firsthand how a single edit can alter tone, shift narrative direction, or even save a troubled production. Insightful and eye opening, this discussion celebrates the unsung artistry of the editing room, where some of the most crucial storytelling truly begins.
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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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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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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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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
Premiere of Floodland
Join us for a premiere of Jordan Giusti's documentary Floodland, which takes you beyond the headlines of Australia's most expensive climate disaster to witness the story of a community at breaking point.Lismore, NSW, Australia's most flood prone postcode, was devastated by catastrophic flooding in 2022. The film follows residents through the aftermath - while politicians, councillors and activists clash over the town's future, hope emerges through a First Nations trauma centre. But as the adrenaline fades, residents living on the floodplain are pushed to breaking point, forced to choose whether to grit it out, adapt, or abandon Lismore.6:30pm arrivals7pm commences
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07 Feb 2026
Inside the Writers Room: Adaptation
Join screenwriters for an in-depth conversation on the art and craft of adaptation. They will discuss how to translate stories across mediums – from novels and true events to screen – while navigating the challenges of staying true to the source material, creating compelling characters, and making creative choices that enhance the story for film or television.The discussion will offer practical insights, strategies, and inspiration for writers looking to adapt stories that connect with audiences.
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07 Feb 2026
Australian Premiere – EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert
Our current allocation is exhausted but we encourage you to join the waitlist so that you can be contacted once capacity is assessed. Join us for a stellar red-carpet evening as AACTA presents the Australian Premiere of EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, the groundbreaking new cinematic experience from visionary director Baz Luhrmann, created right here on the Gold Coast.Fresh from rave reviews at the Toronto International Film Festival, EPiC reimagines the power and presence of Elvis Presley for a new generation, blending cutting edge technology with electrifying concert footage, a full orchestra and Baz’s unmistakable cinematic flair. This is Elvis as you have never seen or heard him before.Drawn from newly unearthed footage of Elvis’s legendary Las Vegas residency and US tour, the film places audiences on stage and in the room with Elvis at the height of his powers. Just pure performance and Elvis in his own words revealing the entertainer, the musician, and the man behind the icon.Following the screening, stay for an exclusive in conversation with the filmmakers, offering a behind the scenes look at how this landmark production was brought to life.A night of music, cinema, and celebration - and one of the headline events of the 2026 AACTA Festival.“One of the most exciting concert films you’ll ever see…” – Baz Luhrmann, Variety
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07 Feb 2026
Inside the Writers Room: Comedy
Love a good laugh but always come away wishing there’d been a 60-minute session that explained all the jokes? Then boy do we have just the thing for you.Join us as we bring together a panel of some of the nation's wittiest writers to take you behind the scenes and explore the craft of writing compelling comedy. Covering everything from film and TV to stand-up and sketch, this talented panel of comedy creatives will break down their instincts, inspirations and the mechanics that go into making audiences snort, chortle, chuckle and lol. Panellists to be announced.
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07 Feb 2026
Josh Heuston: In Conversation
From the sands of Dune: Prophecy to the streets of Sydney in Heartbreak High, Josh Heuston’s star is on the rise. Since being named GQ’s Breakthrough Actor of the Year at their 2022 Men of the Year awards, he has appeared on both national and international screens. Josh stars alongside Hollywood heavyweights - such as Emily Watson in the latest addition to Denis Villeneuve’s Dune cinematic universe. Back home, he starred alongside Jai Courtney in the shark horror Dangerous Animals. In this intimate conversation Josh will recount these achievements and share what might be on the horizon in his future.
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07 Feb 2026 - 16 May 2026
Inside Pompeii: Origins of a European Way of Life
Inside Pompeii: Origins of a European Way of LifePhotographs by Luigi Spina. The European Union presents Inside Pompeii: Origins of a European Way of Life – a breathtaking exhibition showcasing the evocative photography of Luigi Spina, capturing the ancient city of Pompeii like never before. During the global pandemic, with the Archaeological Park of Pompeii closed to the public, Spina had the unprecedented opportunity to immerse himself in its timeless spaces. Over 1,450 photographs emerged from this unique residency, with 300 of them published in the acclaimed book Interno Pompeiano (Inside Pompeii) in 5 language editions in collaboration with 5 Continents Editions (Milan, Italy). Through the lens of a purpose-built camera which allows photos to be taken in natural light, Pompeii is brought back to life. These stunning images invite us to walk its storied streets, hear the echoes of people’s lives, and marvel at the intricate frescoes that capture both the grandeur and intimacy of an ancient European way of living. The exchange of cultural knowledge, traditions and art between the EU and international partners is key to fostering mutual respect and understanding, which creates peace and stability around the world. As a World Heritage site, Pompeii is preserved for the sake of the world, like the 20 World Heritage Sites in Australia. This shared respect for preserving and upholding cultural heritage, leads us to the understanding that we require shared solutions for challenges of the present and future. “I invite you to explore this extraordinary exhibition and experience Pompeii as it once was—vibrant, thriving, and profoundly human”. - Gabriele Visentin, EU Ambassador to Australia.
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07 Feb 2026
Digital Comedy Creators
Sit down with a panel of your favourite comedy creators known for everything from scripted skits to original webisodes and viral stand-up clips as they pool their collective comedy knowledge to give you an inside look at sharing funny stuff on the world wide web. Additional panelists to be announced.
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07 Feb 2026
Kiwi Creators in Oz
Kiwi Creators brings together a stellar lineup of New Zealand filmmakers and actors making their mark on the Australian screen industry. In this conversation, they share their journeys, creative influences, and the unique perspectives they bring to Australian productions. They will also reflect on working across the ditch, the opportunities and challenges of collaborating internationally, and the experiences that have shaped their careers. Warm, insightful, and full of trans-Tasman pride, this event celebrates the talent and storytelling kiwi creatives bring to our industry.
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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.