Film Screenings
The State Library regularly presents film screenings in the comfortable surroundings of the Alexander Library Building theatre.
Wednesday Matinee
The Wednesday Matinee features films and videos from the collections held by the State Library. Screenings usually run for about 60 minutes.
State Library Theatre. Screening start time 12.30pm. Admission FREE
June 2009 Program PDF
3 June
Tartar crusades [1993] (50 min)
By the middle of the 13th century, Europe was reeling from the Mongol invasion. This film traces the journey of John of Plano Carpini, who was sent to beg the Great Khan not to attack Europe.
10 June
The Civil War [1991] (65 min)
A dramatic account of the murderous battle of Shiloh in April 1862, between the troops of the Union and Confederate armies.
17 June
Loaded weapon [1986] (55 min)
From the series “The Story of English”, this program treats the Irish question in terms of its spoken and written word and explains how the literary tradition of Ireland has continued, despite the loss of the country's original language.
24 June WA Memories On Film
A selection of short films from the State Film Archives
City on the Swan [1962] (colour; sound; 12 min)
Impressions of the City of Perth.
Fremantle: The western gateway [1959] (colour; sound; 17 min)
Images from the "Festival of the Western Gateway' in 1958.
Narrows Bridge [1961] (colour; sound; 27 min)
The story of the construction of one of Perth's special bridges.
July 2009
1 July
Revenge of the river gods [2001] (55 min)
In July 1998 floods occurred along the Yangtze River which destroyed 50 million homes and flooded millions of acres of farmland when dams and sluices along the river failed. Contemporary black and white footage of the earthquake is shown and survivors tell their stories.
8 July NAIDOC Week
Coolbaroo Club [1995] (55 min)
From 1946 to 1960, in Perth, the Coolbaroo Club was a meeting place and a community focus for the local Aboriginal community. Best remembered for its popular dances, the Coolbaroo League also ran a newspaper and became an effective political organisation, speaking out on issues of the day affecting Aboriginal people. Through the story of the club and its members, the film examines postwar race relations in Australia.
15 July
Fortress Australia [2001] (55 min)
This film uncovers the attempt by successive Australian governments to fortress their nation with atomic weapons. Recently released secret documents reveal a web of intrigue in which Australia's nuclear industry became linked to a quest for atomic weapons technology.
22 July
Anthony Powell: Invitation to the dance [1983] (1985)
A documentary surrounding the author Anthony Powell. Includes interviews with Powell, himself, literary critics and admirers such as Clive James, Kingsley Annis and Alison Yurie.
29 July WA Memories On Film
A selection of short films from the State Film Archives
The clothes you wear [1958] (colour; sound; 14 min)
Shows the variety of fashion and utility clothing made in W.A.
Byways to highways [1957] (colour; sound; 18 min)
The work of the Main Roads Department in the construction and maintenance of roads.
Oil exploration: North west basin [1953] (colour; sound; 27 min)
Search for oil by the W.A. Petroleum Company (WAPET).
Page last updated: 09/06/2009 14:49:46