Beautiful, heartwarming & sublimely performed. It’s not often I’m lost for words , or struggle to put a meaningful sentence together, but this gorgeous true-story movie, with the two leads, Michael Caine and the late Glenda Jackson providing profoundly astonishing performances and definitively one for the ages. Firstly, what can I say about the incomparable Michael Caine, who at 90 years of age, frail and thin, gave the audience a stunning and incredibly moving and realistic portrayal of Bernard Jordon, the elderly Second World War Royal Navy Veteran who in 2014 escaped his care home to join fellow war veterans on a beach in Normandy, on the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day commemorations.
The Great Escaper
31 AUGUST: 3 pm & 7 pm
96 Mins | UK/France | Biographical Drama | 
VENUE: MALENY COMMUNITY CENTRE
23 MAPLE STREET MALENY
Based on the true story of an 89-year-old World War II Navy veteran who ‘broke out’ of his nursing home to attend the 70th anniversary D-Day commemorations in France, The Great Escaper stars Glenda Jackson and Michael Caine. Critics have praised the stellar performances from these two great actors. The Guardian’s Catherine Shoard calls the film “brilliant” and “flintier than you might think, and very moving.” It’s also been described as “Sweet without straying into sentimentality” and “one of the most lovely portrayals of a married couple who have been together forever and absolutely adore each other.” Written by William Ivory and directed by Oliver Parker, the film marked the final screen performances for Glenda Jackson, who died nine months after filming finished, and Michael Caine, who later announced his retirement.
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 6:00 pm for licensed bar, tea/coffee, slices
Movie starts at 7pm
BYO nibbles, meals or restaurant takeaway (Tables provided)
Not able to add to cart?
If you are a Member, log in to purchase tickets and see your pricing up to 2 weeks prior to screening. Non-Members can purchase 3 days prior to screening.
NOTE that a $1 per ticket booking fee will apply at checkout
Also Coming Soon...
Killers of the Flower Moon
206 Min | USA/ in English | 2023 | Drama
The Osage Nation had been pushed off their land to this presumed wasteland, but their fortunes change dramatically with the discovery of oil.
Fear Eats the Soul
94 Min | Germany 1974 | Drama
Emmi, a sixty-year-old German woman, falls in love with Ali, a Moroccan immigrant, twenty-five years her junior.
The Taste of Things
145 Min | France | Drama 
This is a film about food (so much wonderful food), and the relationship between a passionate gourmet Dodin (Benoit Magimel) and his assistant Eugenie (Juliette Binoche).
Oppenheimer
180 Min | USA | Biopic 
Winner of 7 Academy Awards, Christopher Nolan’s biopic of J Robert Oppenheimer (the father of the atomic bomb) is unlike any other.
Ténor
101 Min | France (subtitles)
Making a delivery to the Garnier Opera, Antoine unexpectedly reveals his raw vocal talent to an eminent teacher who persuades him to take formal training.
The Holdovers
135 Min | USA | Comedy/Drama
Paul Giamatti plays Paul Hunman, the curmudgeonly history teacher at New England’s prestigious Barton Academy.
Wicked Little Letters
102 Min | UK | Black Comedy
Someone is mailing expletive-laden letters to devout spinster Edith Swan, played by Olivia Coleman, who lives with her timid mother and abusive father.
Perfect Days
125 Min | Japan | Drama
We follow Hirayama as he goes about his day’s work, and discover that despite his structured daily routine, his life proves richer than first appears. Cannes Jury Prize.
Cabrini
145 Min | USA | Drama/Biopic
Directed by Alejandro Gomez Monteverde, this lushly mounted and visually beautiful film explores sexism and anti-Italian bigotry in 19th century New York.
The Great Escaper
96 Min | UK/France | Biographical Drama
An 89-year-old World War II Navy veteran ‘breaks out’ of his nursing home to attend the 70th anniversary D-Day commemorations in France, starring Glenda Jackson and Michael Caine.
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?
Members can purchase their member tickets and guest tickets 2 weeks earlier than the screening.
Non-members can purchase tickets from the Thursday prior to the screening
Purchasing Online: Ticket options appear when they are available to be purchased. Members need to log in to see their discounted ticket options.
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
Includes entry to the Festival Launch Party and tickets to all 4 films.
Members $35 (on sale 1 Mar)
Non-Members $55 (on sale 8 Mar)
Session Tickets
Members $8
Gold Members $0
Non-Members $13
Students $8
Youth (15 and under) $5
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
