Why did Valley Movies start?
A number of Kangaroo Valley residents would travel to Gerringong to enjoy a monthly film night – mostly alternative or foreign films, or films that had limited local release. However, the drive home afterwards in the dark and over the mountains was a bit of a deterrent for some viewers.
There had often been talk that the Kangaroo Valley Hall could be used for screening films similar to those screened at Gerringong, saving the drive and making these films more accessible to a wider local audience.
2016 – The Valley Voice connection
In late 2016 the Valley Voice put out a request to the community – they had $10,000 that they wanted to donate to a community project and wanted suggestions on how that money could be used. Upgrading the equipment at the Hall to allow for a film night and other events was the winning suggestion, however this would not cover the full cost of the equipment – and who was going to coordinate this project?
2017–2018 – Valley Movies gets started – but not screening films yet
A group of interested locals got together to look at equipment needs and appropriate funding options. A suitable grant option was identified in 2017; however, to be eligible to apply for this funding a registered company or association was needed. So, with an optimistic attitude, Valley Movies was registered as a not-for-profit group and submitted a grant application as part of the NSW government arts and cultural grant program. The entire process may have taken 12 months, but finally the funding was approved, and we could get this project started! We are very fortunate to live in such a supportive community. The shortfall to proceed with the project was covered by local community groups, as well as some generous individuals.
Working with Gerringong Pics and Flicks
Valley Movies is affiliated with Gerringong Pics and Flicks, so we show the same films that they have approval to screen, and this also reduces our costs for screening rights. Gerringong films are screened on the first Friday of the month, so Valley Movies opted for the third Friday of the month.
2019 – Valley Movies goes live
The official launch of the equipment in the Hall was held in December 2018. As the Kangaroo Valley Show was being held on the third Friday in February, it was decided that the first film screening for Valley Movies would be held in March 2019 – and the film was Back Track Boys.
The past couple of years have been challenging for so many, and our film nights were also affected. We screened a total of four films during 2020 and 2021. But we returned in March this year and thank those who continue to attend and support us.
Details for our films
Held at the Kangaroo Valley Hall, with doors opening at 7pm and the film starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are only available online via Eventbrite. We also have homemade choc-tops for sale via pre-booking with your ticket purchase.
But wait … there’s more
We are very happy about the establishment of KV Family Flicks – screening family and kids’ films to cater to more locals who love a good night out at the movies! Support them and find out more details on Facebook @KVFamilyFlicks.
To find out what films are screening when, follow us on Facebook @ValleyMovies
Questions? Contact us at valleymovies2577@gmail.com.
Rosie Johnson
