Taking up four floors of the Alfred Deakin Building, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image in Melbourne is much more than just a museum for movies.
In 1946, the State Film Centre was established with an eye to promoting and maintaining Australian companies in the film industry, especially in the educational and documentary genres. Throughout the 1950's and 60's the advent of television gave proof to the notion that local filmmakers needed a viable infrastructure within which to market and distribute their craft. In the 1970's the Australian film industry began to come into its own, with internationally acclaimed films such as Homesdale (1971) by Peter Weir and Tim Burstall's Stork (1971), and Libido (1973).
The ACMI officially opened with two exhibitions, Deep Space: Sensation & Immersion and Ngarinyin Pathways Dulwan. In recent years the Centre has added exhibits relating to the explosion in digital media, computer and video games, and Australian filmmakers in general.
One exhibit in particular even allows students to make their own short film at the museum. Weekly programs such as "Freaky Fridays," "Senior's Cinema," and "Kids' Flicks," at the Centre encourage a variety of age groups to view and participate in the exhibits.
The Centre also has a gift shop, known as the ACMI shop, where CDs, DVDs, toys and games may be purchased.
Entry to the Centre is free, but some of the film screenings and exhibits do have a small fee attached. You can get to the Center by entering either on Flinders St or The Square.
