by Faith Baigent
Queuing for another Maleny film night
Most people are averse to queuing, yet once a fortnight at the Maleny Community Centre you’ll see one of the most animated queues you are ever likely to come across. They gather for the popular Maleny Film Society screenings, when the street outside the Community Centre comes alive about 20 minutes before the doors open at 6pm.
Patrons of all ages quickly gather, many with cushions tucked under their arms. As the queue grows, murmurs of animated conversation and joking drift down the line. Pockets of friends and acquaintances chat together and the queue often snakes up past the Pharmacy.
Three former Society presidents, Joan Rodgers, Robin Dobson and Pauline Davies
Before the doors open Chris and Jodi Bond from Pomodoras on Coral, who provide the catering for the evening, may pop out to discuss the menu selection and say hello to their customers and patrons. The menu is listed on the door and is sometimes themed to the country of the film screening that evening. The list of dinner options is quickly passed down the line contributing to the sense of camaraderie that the MFS has created over the years.
Once the doors open people separate into more queues. First there are tickets to purchase, one of the motley pile of MFS cushions to place on a chair, then queues for dinner and the bar. The process has been well refined over the 18 year history of the Film Society, with a band of dedicated volunteers ensuring a very smooth operation. Overseas visitors are often astonished at the overall vibe. And if you believe the views of visiting guest film producers, it is one of the most unique and delightfully intimate community events in Australia.
Long time Maleny Film Society volunteer Nora Julien (left) and the society’s new president, Robyn Gibson
For just over an hour before the film you can sit at candlelit tables at the front of the hall where friends gather and draw in new people to the area.
Long time volunteer Nora Julien recalls that before MFS was formed in 1991; the only other opportunity to see films in the region was through a travelling film festival held in Pomona. “I used to go up to Pomona and camp there for the duration of the festival”, says Nora. “I would always run into Joan Rodgers from Maleny, and when that festival stopped, Joan decided it was time Maleny started its own screenings which she did under the auspices of the Arts Council.
“In the beginning there was one film a month with up to 200 people attending each film. It was a very simple formula; mattresses on the floor at the front for young children; two types of lasagne and salad for dinner for $6. It was also BYO until regulations changed. So it was a very reasonably priced night out. Now, eighteen years on I am always delighted to see so many new faces of all ages joining up.” says Nora.
The new conversation corner for those wanting to chat
Eventually by 1996 MFS was doing well enough to pay founder Joan Rodgers a small sum as manager in addition to her role as president.
Screenings have been well attended over the years, and there have been six presidents and four managers who have continued to refine and improve a society that has contributed greatly to the social capital of the town. The Australian Film Festivals and works by local film makers have also been a particular highlight on the annual calendar of the MFS.
Long term octagenarian volunteers Peter Erdmann and Douglas Bailey
Guided by Joan Rodgers, who was adept at finding wonderful shorts and films by new filmmakers, films were selected by a small group of volunteers. These days’ members are given the opportunity to be involved in the film selection process, a very popular move with MFS members.
Former president Robin Dobson says “Our film nights tend to remind people of the hall where they grew up and there are so many volunteers involved including octogenarians Peter Erdmann and Douglas Bailey who for many years have come early to the hall to help set up, waited on tables during dinner and helped stow everything away after the film, being always the last to leave. The years have changed little in the successful MFS formula, which includes keeping prices as affordable as possible. It’s a wonderful night out where people can laugh and get involved in the film, and applaud at the end.”
Leave a Reply