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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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08 Feb 2026
Hour by Hour - Shabana Azeez in The Pitt
Australian actress Shabana Azeez is a breakout star in HBO’s gripping medical drama, The Pitt. The series explores the moral and emotional complexities of life inside a modern hospital and won five Emmy's at the 2025 Primetime Emmy Awards.In this engaging conversation, Azeez reflects on her work in a series that balances high-stakes medicine with intimate human stories, tackling questions of ethics, resilience, and compassion under pressure. This conversation includes dynamic behind the scenes sequences and exclusive footage of The Pitt.
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08 Feb 2026
The Devil's Playground - 50th Anniversary Screening
Marking 50 years since its release, Fred Schepisi’s The Devil’s Playground remains a cornerstone of Australian cinema. After the screening, join Fred Schepisi, lead actor Simon Burke, writer Thomas Keneally and special guests, as they reflect on the creative process, the film’s cultural significance, and the collaboration that brought this landmark story to life.
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08 Feb 2026
Two Years Later - World Premiere
Walk the red carpet at the gala Australian premiere of the upcoming Paramount+ series Two Years Later, a romantic comedy-drama starring Brenton Thwaites and Phoebe Tonkin, filmed entirely in Queensland.Following the screening, join special guests for an on-stage conversation exploring the creative journey behind the series - from its sun-drenched Queensland setting to its honest, hilarious take on modern love, awkward dates, and unexpected chemistry.For fans of rom-coms and homegrown stories, this premiere promises a warm, witty and intimate celebration of Australian storytelling on the global stage.Two Years Later is an eight-episode romantic comedy-drama series set in post-pandemic Brisbane, exploring the complexities of love, identity, and adulthood through the story of Emily and Ryan—two thirty-somethings whose daily flirtation on their work commute is disrupted by COVID-19. After an unexpected reunion two years later, Ryan impulsively proposes they go on eight dates to decide if they're meant to be married. Together, they navigate personal revelations, unexpected family drama, professional upheavals, and their contrasting worldviews—all while discovering genuine intimacy.5:30pm doors open6:00pm event commences
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08 Feb 2026
Next Gen of Aussie Film Stars
Meet the breakout young actors before they become household names. Australia has a long history of launching the next global screen stars, and in this special AACTA Festival session you’ll meet rising stars on the brink of major careers. Hear how they’re navigating the industry at a time when Australian talent is being discovered younger and cast in bigger roles.This is your chance to connect with the future of Australian screen storytelling and witness the next generation before the rest of the world catches up.
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08 Feb 2026
Mandy Walker AM ASC ACS: Behind the Lens
Widely celebrated as one of Australia’s most accomplished cinematographers, Mandy Walker has brought her visionary eye to films ranging from intimate Australian stories like Lantana and Tracks, to international blockbusters such as Mulan, Hidden Figures, Elvis, and Snow White.Mandy will take audiences behind the camera, breaking down key scenes from her diverse body of work. From the challenges of small-budget Australian productions to the scale and spectacle of major studio projects, she will share insights into her creative process, collaborations with directors, and the technical innovations that have defined her career.This exclusive session offers a rare opportunity to explore the artistry and vision of a cinematographer whose work has shaped both Australian and global cinema.
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08 Feb 2026
The Sound of Fury Road
Sound designer David White (Mad Max: Fury Road, The Railway Man, Dangerous Animals) is one of Australia’s most accomplished screen sound artists.David’s Oscar-winning work on Mad Max: Fury Road helped define one of the most exhilarating action films of our time. In this on-screen deconstruction, he revisits key sequences from the film to show how sound is used to tell the story, underscore emotion, build tension - and create dramatic action sequences that immerse audiences in the relentless intensity of its high-octane world.This is a rare opportunity to explore how sound shaped a modern classic, guided by the Oscar winner who brought it to life.
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08 Feb 2026
David Michôd & Antony Partos - Music in Film
Acclaimed filmmaker David Michôd and celebrated composer Antony Partos come together for a special AACTA Festival conversation exploring their creative partnership across three landmark collaborations - Animal Kingdom, The Rover and Christy. They’ll discuss how music shapes story, the creative language they’ve developed together, and how score and image combine to build emotion and atmosphere. Through an open conversation and selected clips, this session offers a rare look at one of Australian cinema’s most distinctive creative pairings.
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08 Feb 2026
In Conversation with Author Andy Weir
Bestselling author Andy Weir (The Martian, Artemis, and Project Hail Mary) beams in live to AACTA Festival ahead of Project Hail Mary’s release to share insights into his approach to storytelling and the upcoming films journey to the screen.
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08 Feb 2026
David Williamson on Writing Gallipoli
Acclaimed Queensland screenwriter and playwright David Williamson reflects on the making of Gallipoli, one of Australia’s most iconic films. In this special session, Williamson will discuss the writing process, the collaborations that shaped the screenplay, and the enduring impact of the film on Australian cinema.A rare chance to hear directly from one of the country’s most influential storytellers about the craft of screenwriting and the legacy of this landmark film.
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08 Feb 2026
Christopher Nolan’s Editor - Lee Smith
Oscar-winning Australian editor Lee Smith is widely recognised as one of the greatest living film editors, with a career spanning more than four decades and some of the most acclaimed works in modern cinema. A frequent collaborator of Christopher Nolan, Lee has edited more than ten of Nolan’s films, including Inception, The Dark Knight and Dunkirk.His remarkable career also includes collaborations with other legendary filmmakers such as Peter Weir and Sam Mendes - shaping films that have left a lasting impact on audiences around the world.In this special AACTA Festival session, Lee joins us live from New York for a visual showcase of his extraordinary work. Through a curated selection of iconic scenes, he will reveal how the invisible art of editing builds emotion, rhythm and narrative power, transforming raw footage into unforgettable cinematic moments.
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08 Feb 2026
Crimes That Stay with You
Ever wondered what really lingers after the sirens fade? In this gripping, deeply human session, step inside the minds of those who’ve lived the darkest cases, not as storytellers, but as witnesses.For anyone fascinated by true crime, morality, or the strength it takes to face the unthinkable, Crimes That Stay With You is a rare chance to hear what endures long after the case is closed.
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08 Feb 2026
Cracking the Secrets to The Algorithm
Ever wondered why certain shows or videos keep you watching? Join industry leaders and creators as they break down the role of the algorithm and how AI-powered recommendations and platform systems influence what we watch, how we behave, and which stories gain attention. This session is essential for anyone interested in understanding the forces shaping the future of film, television, and digital content.
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08 Feb 2026
Inside Genre
Screenwriters and Directors come together to explore the essential role genre plays in storytelling. From thrillers and comedies to science fiction and horror, they will discuss how to use the conventions of each genre to build impact, make the most of tropes without falling into cliché, and experiment with blending different forms. This lively conversation will break down the craft of writing within and sometimes against genre, offering practical insights for writers at every stage of their career. Whether you are drafting your first screenplay or refining your tenth, this session will sharpen your understanding of how genre can shape, elevate and challenge your stories in today’s screen industry.
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08 Feb 2026
From Online Content to Live Career
Social media has reshaped how we connect, communicate, and even create careers. But what does it mean to turn an online profile into something larger- an audience, a brand, a live experience?This panel brings together creators and industry voices to explore how digital influence translates into real-world impact. From brand collaborations to community-building, from cultivating trust to filling seats at live events, our speakers will unpack both the opportunities and the challenges of living in a world where personal profiles can become powerful platforms.Whether you’re a creator yourself or simply curious about the culture of online influence, join us for an engaging conversation about the shifting relationship between the digital and the physical, and the new possibilities at their intersection.
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25 Feb 2026 - 01 Mar 2026
Shen Yun 2026
Experience China Before CommunismShen Yun – the beauty of divine beings dancing – takes you on an extraordinary journey through China’s 5000 years of magnificent culture. Exquisite beauty from the heavens, profound wisdom from dynasties past, timeless legends and ethnic traditions all spring to life through classical Chinese dance, a live East–West orchestra, exquisite costumes and patented animated backdrops that transport you to another world. Each scene unfolds like a vivid painting, filled with breathtaking colour, clarity and emotion. Revisit a time when scholars and artists sought harmony with the Tao, and when divine beings walked the earth to inspire humanity. Join us for a night filled with beauty, wisdom, courage and hope. Witness Heaven’s beauty on stage and experience the magic of Shen Yun – live. Every year Shen Yun premiers an all-new show, so just because you’ve seen it once, doesn’t mean you’ve seen it all!Presented by Falun Dafa Association, Qld
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07 Mar 2026
Barcelona Guitar Trio: Tribute to Paco de Lucía
Barcelona Guitar Trio: Tribute to Paco de LucíaExperience the electrifying fusion of Spanish classical guitar and flamenco dance with the Barcelona Guitar Trio & Dance. Featuring three of Spain’s finest guitarists - Xavier Coll, Luis Robisco, and Alí Arango - along with renowned flamenco dancers Carolina Morgado and José Manuel Álvarez, and percussionist Lucas Balbo, this tribute to Paco de Lucía is an unforgettable celebration of Spanish music. With over 1200 concerts and 42,000 albums sold worldwide, the Barcelona Guitar Trio brings an exceptional blend of flamenco and classical guitar to life. The performance features iconic works by Paco de Lucía, Manuel de Falla, Federico García Lorca, and Chick Corea, offering a captivating experience that transcends genres.Ages 8+
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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.