Our History
How it all began
The North West Film Society (NWFS) was born out of a public meeting and film show organised by the Launceston Film Society in Ulverstone around 1990. The aim was to re-establish film society activities across North West Tasmania given there had previously been local film clubs and movie appreciation groups sponsored by the State Government in the 1950s and ‘60s, as part of its Adult Education services.
Set up with funds from the Launceston Film Society, the NWFS soon had a growing membership ranging across Wynyard, Port Sorell, Yolla and Sheffield with regular screenings at the Leven Theatre in Ulverstone. In addition to these monthly screenings in Ulverstone, classic cinema-style film nights were held in the Senior Citizens room at Latrobe, screening 35 mm films from the National Sound and Film Archives as well as films from the projectionist’s own personal collection. Occasionally films did not arrive on time due to freight hold-ups or airport fog. Committee members would have to make frantic last-minute landline phone calls via a “telephone-tree” network to let members know that the film had been cancelled. During one memorable screening, the film began to overheat, melt and then burst into flames.
Set up with funds from the Launceston Film Society, the NWFS soon had a growing membership ranging across Wynyard, Port Sorell, Yolla and Sheffield with regular screenings at the Leven Theatre in Ulverstone. In addition to these monthly screenings in Ulverstone, classic cinema-style film nights were held in the Senior Citizens room at Latrobe, screening 35 mm films from the National Sound and Film Archives as well as films from the projectionist’s own personal collection. Occasionally films did not arrive on time due to freight hold-ups or airport fog. Committee members would have to make frantic last-minute landline phone calls via a “telephone-tree” network to let members know that the film had been cancelled. During one memorable screening, the film began to overheat, melt and then burst into flames.
The move to Devonport
The technology was invariably old and required constant attention from the society’s projectionists. In 2005, following the demise of the old film projectors and the loss of a projectionist, the NWFS moved to CMax in Devonport (now Reading Cinemas). The move proved popular with members, especially the large screen and modern cinema facilities.
2020
With the arrival of COVID19, the lockdown of North West Tasmania in April and the closing of cinema complexes, the NWFS searched for premises that could accommodate social distancing requirements. A new home was found at the paranaple convention centre, Level 3, Devonport, where screenings resumed in August 2020.
Film screening at paranaple during COVID, whilst essential for social distancing, lacked the overall film experience of a fully equipped cinema, most particularly an adequate sound system and comfortable seating. The Film Society moved its film screenings to Reading Cinemas in February 2024.
Membership and Screenings
Today NWFS continues to grow with currently around 150 members. New members are especially welcome. A membership recruitment desk operates between 6:30 pm and 7:00 pm at every screening. Film screenings average an attendance of around 100. Attendance is by membership only. There are two options available for membership: Full annual membership, or a part membership of 5 films.
The NWFS screens a variety of films from year to year depending on what is new and available, both internationally and from Australia. The aim is for each film to be exceptional; a film that both entertains and at the same time appeals to a thoughtful audience.
The NWFS holds screenings for members on at least 11 Wednesday nights a year between February and December. Please check the 'Upcoming Films' page for this year's dates. As part of our regular program, the society participates in the annual state-wide Seniors’ Week in October, screening a film carefully selected for this occasion. In addition, subject to dates and funding, the NWFS holds extra, free community screenings related to each community event. The NWFS is now over 30 years old. After more than a quarter-century of bringing film enjoyment to our members in North West Tasmania, we look forward to a future providing the same level of delight and satisfaction, screening movies that are always carefully chosen, thought-provoking and interesting. * NWFS is affiliated with the Tasmanian Federation of Film Societies and the Australian Council of Film Societies.* All films are screened at 7:00 pm, Reading Cinemas Best Street Devonport.* New members always welcome.
The NWFS holds screenings for members on at least 11 Wednesday nights a year between February and December. Please check the 'Upcoming Films' page for this year's dates. As part of our regular program, the society participates in the annual state-wide Seniors’ Week in October, screening a film carefully selected for this occasion. In addition, subject to dates and funding, the NWFS holds extra, free community screenings related to each community event. The NWFS is now over 30 years old. After more than a quarter-century of bringing film enjoyment to our members in North West Tasmania, we look forward to a future providing the same level of delight and satisfaction, screening movies that are always carefully chosen, thought-provoking and interesting. * NWFS is affiliated with the Tasmanian Federation of Film Societies and the Australian Council of Film Societies.* All films are screened at 7:00 pm, Reading Cinemas Best Street Devonport.* New members always welcome.