Picnic at Hanging Rock was suggested by our member Molly Thomas, who writes: 'This is one of my favourite films of all time and widely considered to be one of the truly great examples of the Australian New Wave. Its dream logic has had a huge impact on the cinematic canon (like the work of Sofia Coppola) and it’s odd and wonderful.'

On Valentine’s Day 1900, students from Appleyard College, a girls’ private school in Victoria, Australia, embark on a field trip to an unusual but scenic volcanic formation called Hanging Rock. Despite rules against it, several of the girls wander off. It’s not until the end of the day that the group realise that some of their party have mysteriously disappeared.

Returning to the big screen to celebrate its 50th anniversary in a dazzling restoration, Peter Weir’s adaptation of Joan Lindsay’s novel has lost none of its mystique or mesmerising power. A significant influence on the work of Sofia Coppola, Picnic at Hanging Rock has become a landmark for its dreamlike exploration of the intensely romantic, yet profoundly unsettling, experience of girlhood and burgeoning sexuality. It’s a wonderful, haunting treat.

Please note, the screening on Thursday 13 August is our free members' screening, whilst Tuesday 18 August is a regular screening, which is open to the general public.

Cast:
Rachel Roberts, Dominic Guard, Helen Morse, Jacki Weaver