Healesville Mini Film Festival - 2026

Next date: Sunday, 29 March 2026 | 10:00 AM

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British cinema has significantly influenced the global film industry since the 19th century. The oldest known surviving film in the world, Roundhay Garden Scene, 1888, was shot in England, albeit by the French inventor, Louis Le France. Leap forwards about 132 years we had Covid which soon after inspired a resurgent output of new cinema in Britain. We have just three samples of these British films in this festival.

Firstly we have a gripping thriller Lies we Tell, based on one of Sheridan Le Fanu's Gothic novels. This film has a plot perfectly placed into a British scene. Following this we have a drama, The Old Oak, being one of the trilogy of films by the famous English director, Ken Loach, before he retired. Ken Roach has been revered for his films in which he clearly reveals the difficulties that poorer people of our communities have to survive. And lastly, we have a modernistic comedy/drama, And Mrs. Is it possible for a woman to marry a dead man? You will find the answer to this question in this film.

There will be a free Devonshire Tea for all attendees in the foyer during the afternoon break.

 

Films

Lies We Tell

Synopsis

In this modern re-imagining of Sheridan Le Fanu's Gothic novel, Uncle Silas, an orphaned heiress must navigate sinister family plots to claim her inheritance. After her father's death, 18 year old Maud inherits the secluded estate of Knowl, though she won't come of age until 21. Her uncle, Silas, named as her guardian in the will, takes on the role despite his notorious reputation, which includes rumors of gambling debts, rakish behavior and even murder. Silas arrives at Knowl with his aimless son Edward, frivolous daughter Emily and severe governess Madame. The atmospheric slow burn offers a contemporary subversion with a feminist twist.

 

Directed and Scripted: Lisa Mulcahy
Genre: Drama, Thriller 
Country of Production: United Kingdom, Ireland
Rating: MA15+
Year: 2024 3
Length: 89 mins 
Cast: Agnes O'Casey, Chris Walley, Holly Sturton, David Wilmot

The Old Oak

Synopsis

Pub landlord TJ Ballantyne, living in a previously thriving mining community in County Durham, struggles to hold onto his pub and keep it as the one remaining public space where people can meet in the town. Meanwhile, tensions rise when Syrian refugees are placed there, but Ballantyne strikes up a friendship with one of the refugees, Yara.

Nominated Palme D'Or Cannes Film Festival 2023

Nominated outstanding British Film 2024 at British Academy of Film and TV Arts.

 

Directed Ken Loach
Scripted: Pail Laverty
Genre: Drama
Country of Production: England
Rating: MA15+
Year: 2023
Length: 113 mins
Cast: David Turner, Elba Mari, Clair Rodgerson

And Mrs

Synopsis

Gemma's life is about to take a dramatic turn. Living in London, she faces the sudden loss of her American fiance, Nathan, just before their wedding day. Nathan's passing forces Gemma, who has always been skeptical of modern marriage, to reassess the meaning of lifelong commitment. With a push from Nathan's free-spirited and unpredictable sister, Audrey, Gemma makes the bold decision to proceed with the wedding. However, to say, “I do,” she must navigate public opinion, legal hurdles, and even her own family's objections.

"It's an affecting British Rom-com unlike any you've seen before, and gives you as many laughs as it will tears." (Digital Spy)

 

Directed: Daniel Reisinger
Scripted:  Melissa Bubnic 
Genre: Drama, Romance 
 Country of Production: United Kingdom
Rating: 2024  
 Length: 113 mins 
 Cast: Aisling Bea, Billie Lourd, Susan Wokoma

 

Program

10.00 am: Lies We Tell (MA15+, 2023, 89mins)

11.45 am:  Lunch break 

1.15 pm:  The Old Oak (MA15+, 2023, 113 mins)

3.15 pm   Afternoon break 

3.40 pm: And Mrs (MA15+, 2024, 113 mins)

5.30pm:  Close 

 

When

  • Sunday, 29 March 2026 | 10:00 AM

Location

The Memo Healesville, 235 Maroondah Highway, Healesville, 3777, View Map

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Tickets

$15 Per film

$39 Festival pass (all 3 films)

 

BOOK NOW

 

Ph:1300 368 333

 

To view our full venue and ticketing terms and conditions click here.

Venue Details

For opening hours, contact information and accessibility details visit The Memo Healesville venue page.

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