The Dark Room

01/12/2025

Saturday the 6th of December at 7pm
DIVA - (1981) French w/English Subtitles, 4k Restoration

“Diva,” directed by Jean-Jacques Beineix, is a French film that blends elements of thriller, romance, and artistic expression. The story follows a young, passionate postman named Jules who becomes enamored with a renowned opera singer, Cynthia Hawkins, played by Wilhelmenia Fernandez. Jules attends one of her performances and, captivated by her voice and beauty, secretly records her live performance, despite her refusal to allow recordings. As Jules becomes entangled in the world of opera and art, he inadvertently finds himself caught in a dangerous game involving a gang of criminals and a corrupt police officer. The recording he made becomes a coveted item, leading to a series of thrilling and suspenseful events as various parties seek to possess it. Throughout the film, the juxtaposition of high art and the gritty underbelly of society creates a unique atmosphere, highlighting themes of obsession, love, and the pursuit of beauty.

Cam’s Curries, Organic Popcorn and Strangelove low-cal sodas available from 6pm.

Grab your spot at the link in our bio.

01/12/2025

Saturday the 6th of December 9am-4pm

THE EMBODIED STORYTELLER

Nathan Meola is a travelling storyteller, bodyworker, and master of ceremonies. Through his work he teaches communities about the medicine of storytelling and the power of the imagination for healing body, mind, and soul.


Join your host, Nathan Meola for a Full-Day Storytelling Immersion in Bellingen
An experiential journey into the ancient art of story, presence, and expression
Humans have been telling stories since the beginning. Long before books or screens, we gathered around the fire — to listen, to remember, to feel. Story is how we pass on what truly matters.
This full-day immersion invites you to unlock the gift of storytelling so you can share your message with conviction, authenticity, and your own unique style. Within you is a storyteller waiting to awaken.
Through a blend of myth, movement, and ceremony, you’ll learn to embody and tell stories that move people and speak directly to their heart. Together, we’ll explore the timeless rhythm of story as medicine for our modern times.
You will:
Learn the ancient art and craft of storytelling
Go home with multiple stories you can share with friends, family, and children
Overcome your fear of public speaking by learning to speak from the body, not the mind
Reconnect with your voice, breath, and imagination
Discover how storytelling can become a practice of healing, leadership, and connection
Sit in circle, share, and be witnessed in a space of deep listening and play
By the end of the day, you’ll not only have a hell of a story to tell, you’ll have found your voice, your courage, and your connection to something ancient and alive within you.
📅 Date: Saturday, December 6th, 2025🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM📍 Venue: The Dark Room, 87 Hyde Street, Bellingen💰 Cost: $75

10/11/2025

Saturday the 15th of November at 7pm

THE FRIGHTENERS

Starting comedically but building to a supernatural thriller, The Frighteners boasts top-notch special effects and exuberant direction from Peter Jackson, a visually striking film with the always energetic Micheal J Fox in a convincing performance in his last major film role before slowing down due to Parkinsons Disease.

“The Frighteners” is a supernatural horror-comedy directed by Peter Jackson that intertwines humour with thrilling elements. The film follows Frank Bannister, played convincingly by Michael J. Fox, a man who can see and communicate with ghosts. After a tragic accident that claimed the life of his wife, Frank becomes a con artist, using his ability to exploit the fears of the living while befriending a group of friendly spirits. As Frank attempts to navigate his unusual profession, he becomes embroiled in a series of mysterious deaths in his town, which are linked to a malevolent spirit known as the Grim Reaper.

Cam’s Curries, Organic Popcorn and Strangelove low-cal sodas available from 6pm.

Grab your spot at the link in our bio.

Got a favourite movie? Comment your suggestions for upcoming screenings below!

10/11/2025

Friday the 14th of November at 7pm

THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY

Visually spectacular and unapologetically earnest, Stiller proves his worth as both actor and director in this fantastical comedy/drama that proves dreams are worth chasing and wild imagination has true value in the real world..

In the 2013 film *The Secret Life of Walter Mitty*, directed by Ben Stiller, the audience is introduced to Walter Mitty, a timid and daydream-prone magazine photo editor who works at Life magazine. Walter often escapes into vivid fantasies where he is a heroic adventurer, contrasting sharply with his mundane life. However, when the magazine is set to publish its final issue, Walter embarks on a real-life quest to find a missing photograph that is crucial for the cover. As Walter steps out of his comfort zone, he travels to various breathtaking locations, including Greenland, Iceland, and the Himalayas. This journey not only leads him to discover the photograph but also helps him confront his fears and embrace the spirit of adventure. Along the way, he encounters diverse characters that challenge him to break free from his routine and pursue his dreams. The film emphasizes the value of dreams coming true, illustrating that taking risks and stepping into the unknown can lead to extraordinary experiences. Walter’s transformation from a passive dreamer to an active participant in life showcases the importance of adventure and the fulfillment that comes from pursuing one’s aspirations.

Cam’s Curries, Organic Popcorn and Strangelove low-cal sodas available from 6pm.

Grab your spot at the link in our bio.

10/11/2025

Thursday the 13th of November at 7pm

THE BICYCLE THIEF - 1948 (Italian w/English Subtitles)

“Ladri di biciclette” is a timeless classic that everyone should see. Set in post-war Italy, it highlights the theme of economic decline in the 1940s and does so with such skill that it’s no wonder it is considered a foundational work of Italian Cinema.

Unemployed Antonio Ricci (Lamberto Maggiorani) is elated when he finally finds work hanging posters around war-torn Rome. His wife, Maria (Lianella Carell), sells the family’s bed linens to retrieve Antonio’s bicycle from the pawnshop so he can take the job. However, disaster strikes when Antonio’s bicycle is stolen, and his new job is doomed unless he can find the thief. With the help of his lively son, Bruno (Enzo Staiola), Antonio combs the city, growing increasingly desperate for justice.

Cam’s Curries, Organic Popcorn and Strangelove low-cal sodas available from 6pm.

Grab your spot at the link in our bio.

10/11/2025

Members Preview, Italian Classic, Modern Classic, Cult Classic! this week at The Dark Room

Home

03/11/2025

Thursday the 6th of November at 7pm
THE TOXIC AVENGER - Chosen by Rod O’Hara

Rod O’Hara (former Bellingen video store owner) returns with The Toxic Avenger (2023) — radioactive, ridiculous, and ready to melt your face off.
💚 The Toxic Avenger crashes into The Dark Room!
Expect slime, satire, and superhero sludge in glorious toxic colour.
🎬 Screening this Thursday at 7pm, join us from 6pm for delicious curries, organic popcorn and sodas.

Grab your seats at the link in our bio.

02/11/2025

Karen Johnson, editor of the incredible documentary about Julian Assange ITHAKA in discussion with Jenny Hicks (director and editor of our opening film ‘nobody’s sweety’) and the audience. This weekend we learnt just how much goes into editing, and how film still has the power to change lives. ITHAKA went some way to helping Assange’s case. Prior to this we viewed ‘the final quarter’ about racially vilified indigenous footballer Adam Goodes, a film which is still being used to educate sports organisations and schools in how to lead the fight against racism. All in all this was an incredible weekend and a reminder of why we do what we do. Art has value beyond expression. xo

29/10/2025

Sunday the 2nd of November at 4:30pm
ITHAKA | Q&A with Editor Karen Johnson

Ithaka shines a light into the darkest corners of society, highlighting what the most powerful nations will do in order to hide their crimes. Stand up for global press freedom and your right to know as we fight for Julian Assange.

Grab your spots at the link in our bio.