Bing, who plays Apollo, is undeniably the star of The Friend, appearing every bit the bereaved creature, with a mournful expression that makes it exceedingly difficult not to anthropomorphise him early on. Then, as he and Iris begin to understand each other, he seems to come alive. Their unspoken relationship is so arresting that it turns this movie into a tender, low-stakes delight.
The Friend
31 JAN: 3 pm & 7 pm
119 mins – US – Drama/Comedy 
(Mature themes, suicide references and coarse language)
VENUE: MALENY COMMUNITY CENTRE
23 MAPLE STREET MALENY
An adaptation of Sigrid Nunez’s best-selling National Book Award novel about a woman dealing with her friend’s suicide, The Friend is about Iris (Naomi Watts), a writer and teacher, who finds her comfortable, solitary New York life thrown into disarray when her closest friend, Walter (Bill Murray), dies suddenly and bequeaths her his beloved 150 lb Harlequin Great Dane, Apollo (Bing). Apollo immediately creates practical problems for Iris (he resembles, as one person puts it, a pony), from furniture destruction to eviction notices (from a rent-controlled New York apartment!). Worse, his presence and droopy-eyed, grief-stricken stare are constant reminders of her friend’s death. As the story unfolds it becomes a sweet naturalistic tale of an odd couple who learn to adore each other.
MATINEE SCREENING
Doors Open at 2:30 pm for licensed bar, tea/coffee, slices
Movie Starts at 3:00 pm
EVENING SCREENING
Doors Open at 6 pm.
Movie starts at 7:00 pm for licensed bar, tea/coffee, slices
BYO nibbles, meals or restaurant takeaway (Tables provided)
THIS EVENT GOES ON SALE 18 JAN
About Members-Only Screenings
Members Only Screenings offer a stimulating evening in the cosy atmosphere of the Verandah Room at the back of the Maleny Community Centre. The films are diverse in subject, country of origin, genre and vintage. You will enjoy some recent releases and the possibility of catching up with films missed at the cinema or wish to see again. Like good books, good films can be worth revisiting. Screenings usually take place on the first Wednesday evening of the month however check this website for any variations.
You are invited to arrive at 6 pm, seat yourself cabaret-style, and have a friendly chat over a meal. A brief introduction to the film is presented before the 7 pm screening. Free tea and coffee, and a bar, are available. There is the opportunity to stay on afterwards for another cuppa and an informal discussion of the film.
A selection of pizzas will be available for purchase by the slice (including gluten free). You are also welcome to bring your own choice of food.
Coming Soon for Members-Only
Start Enjoying Benefits of Membership
Maleny Community Centre
Address: 23 Maple Street Maleny.
Parking: Parking is available at the rear of the centre and is accessed from Bicentennial Lane, or in the streets surrounding the hall.
Accessibility
Wheelchair Friendly: The venue is wheelchair friendly, and the companion card is welcome.
Main Hall: Hearing headsets are available for those hard of hearing - you can pick one up from the membership desk.
Main Hall
The latest in digital technology is used for the regular fortnightly Saturday screenings. In the evening, tables are available if you wish to bring a BYO dinner, takeaway or nibbles. The centre has a licenced bar, so please no BYO alcohol.
Verandah Room
Members-only nights: For our free screenings for members-only, a smaller cosy venue is used at the rear of the main hall. There is a licenced bar, so please no BYO alcohol.
Tickets / Passes
Where and when can I buy tickets?
Tickets can be purchased from the day after the previous screening
Purchasing Online: Ticket options appear when they are available to be purchased.
Purchasing from the Maleny Visitors & Information Centre: 23 Main Street Maleny, check online for opening hours
Purchasing at the Door: Check the session for door-opening times
Festival Passes
ON SALE 23 FEB 25
Includes entry to the Festival Launch Party and tickets to all 5 films.
Members $45
Non-Members $70
Session Tickets
Members $8
Gold Members $0
Non-Members $13
Students $8
Youth (15 and under) $5
(Festival Tickets to single screening sessions will be available for sale from 9 March)
Members-Only Screenings
All Members $0 (no need. to pre-book)
About Maleny Film Society
Maleny Film Society was founded in November 1990 and began screening films from the National Film Archives to an enthusiastic group of 35 members. In 1993 the Society invested in a 35 mm projector (eventually there were 2), which opened up screenings to the public with a wider choice of films.
From the beginning, the organisation was run by willing volunteers and that continues. The Management Committee of eight members continues to meet on a monthly basis. Many more volunteers contribute to film nights and film selection.
The Society aims to bring the best of world cinema to the general public of the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Most of the films are chosen through a voting process by the members. The tradition continues of monthly free screenings of international classics and some new releases for members only.
After its humble origin, Maleny Film Society is now an integral part of the Maleny community with nearly 300 members, modern digital cinema technology and fortnightly screenings in the Maleny Community Centre with a capacity for over 200 patrons.
Volunteering for MFS
Volunteering is a fantastic way for you to meet fellow filmgoers and to help make the movie sessions enjoyable for all. Volunteers make an invaluable contribution to the Maleny Film Society and its community.
There are many ways in which you can be involved. In appreciation, you will attend the movie for free, enjoy a complimentary drink from the bar, and of course free tea and coffee. Once you volunteer, we will provide training and a roster for your chosen dates and movies.
Here is a brief list of volunteering opportunities:
House Set up: Help prepare the hall with chairs and tables and pack up after the movie.
Meet and Greet: Welcome filmgoers and collect their tickets at the door.
Ticket Sales: Sell tickets from the box office and track attendance.
Tea and Coffee Table: Serve tea and coffee with delicious homemade slices.
Membership Support: Assist filmgoers with membership renewal or joining.
Slice Maker: Enjoy cooking? Homemade slices are a big hit at the movies.
Film Selection: Like researching films? Serve on Film Selection sub-committee.
Would you like to become a valued volunteer or to find out more? Just make contact at the membership desk and have a chat with our Event Manager. Alternatively, email us using the form here.
(MFS carries Public Liability Insurance to the sum of $10,000,000 and has a Voluntary Workers Policy covering injury and travel to and from the event.)
VOLUNTEER ENQUIRY
Subscribe to our Program Emails
Subscribe to our program reminder emails for our Saturday matinee and evening sessions as well as film festival information. We usually send out 2 emails per fortnightly film.
Contact Maleny Film Society
0418 708 244 during working hours M-F 9am-5pm
SMS 0418 708 244 on event days
Email: Please note email is not monitored on the weekend
