Film Sessions: Family Film Day

Next date: Sunday, 06 September 2026 | 01:15 PM to 06:10 PM

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Presented by Darebin FUSE Festival

Families are invited an afternoon of family films and fun with the Blow-Up Cinema coming to Preston City Hall, as part of Darebin FUSE Festival's Film Sessions program.

Enjoy a short film plus two family film features. We encourage attendees to bring bean bags, chairs, blankets and snacks! The event is FREE to attend, bookings are essential. Please book a ticket for every family member who will be in attendance. One ticket per person grants access to the entire program. 

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Program:

Doors open at 1.15pm

baban darrang

2pm: baban darrang (mother tree)
2022, 10 minutes, suitable for all viewers, Woiwurrung and English

A short film celebrating the journey of Wurundjeri-willam, Dja Dja wurrung and Ngurai illum wurrung woman Mandy Nicholson, as she explores the ways we embody, grow, nurture and transmit knowledge and culture over time.

Kangaroo

2.20pm: Kangaroo
119 minutes, rated PG, English. Mild themes, mild violence, mild course language.

Inspired by Chris 'Brolga' Barns, the founder of The Kangaroo Sanctuary, the film follows Chris who after being stranded, teams up with a young girl to help rehabilitate young, injured joeys. 

The Magic Faraway Tree

4.30pm: The Magic Faraway Tree
2026, 104 minutes, rated G, English

Adapted from Enid Blyton’s classic tale, the film follows a family who relocate to the countryside where the children discover a magical tree with eccentric residents.

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Image: Kangaroo, 2025, dir. Kate Woods, still.

 

Credits

BABAN DARRANG (MOTHER TREE)

Storyteller: Mandy Nicholson, Djirri Djirri

Director: Genevieve Grieves

Producer: Andrea Distefano

Assistant Producer: Kimberley Benjamin

Director of Photography: Sky Davies

Editor: Josh Burns

Sound recordist: Hayley Bennett

Sound Designer: Jenn Leonforte

Stills photographer: Hollie Fifer

Gaffer: Caitlin Bryan

Djirri Djirri women's dance group, Wurundjeri performers: Mandy Nicholson, Stacie Piper, Mikayla George, Nanjera Pender, Djirra Pender, Fenna Piper, Lily Thomas-Burdich


KANGAROO

Director: Kate Woods

Writers: Harry Cripps & Melina Marchetta

Producers: David Jowsey, Greer Simpkin, Angela Littlejohn, Rachel Clements, Trisha Morton-Thomas

Cast includes: Ryan Corr, Lily Whiteley, Deborah Mailman, Rachel House, Rarriwuy Hick, Rick Donald, Brooke Satchwell

Cinematographer: Kieran Fowler

Editor: Chris Plummer

Music by: Matteo Zingales & Josie Mann


THE MAGIC FARAWAY TREE

Director: Ben Gregor

Screenplay by: Simon Farnaby

Based on The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton

Producers: Pippa Harris, Nicholas Brown, Danny Perkins, Jane Hooks

Cast includes: Andrew Garfield, Claire Foy, Nonso Anozie, Nicola Coughlan, Jessica Gunning, Jennifer Saunders, Rebecca Ferguson

Cinematographer: Zac Nicholson

Editor: Gary Dollner

Music by: Isabella Summers

Content warnings

BABAN DARRANG

Suitable for all ages. 

KANGAROO

Rated PG for mild coarse language and mild themes. Parental guidance recommended.

THE MAGIC FARAWAY TREE

Rated G, suitable for all ages. 

 

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Darebin Arts and Darebin FUSE Festival acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people as the Traditional Owners, custodians and cultural leaders of this land. We pay respects to Elders past and present, and acknowledge the continuing connection to Land, Water and Culture of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

 

When

  • Sunday, 06 September 2026 | 01:15 PM - 06:10 PM

Location

Preston City Hall, 284 Gower Street, Preston, 3072, View Map

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