Movie Nights
The second Saturday of every other month 6pm – 10pm
A gathering every other month where we share a meal together and then settle in for curious films that are either rooted in the Dharma or Dharma-adjacent.
We begin at 6pm with a delightful vegan dinner. Usually we enjoy curries, rice, papadums and refreshing lassi or steaming chai. Future nights will feature a rotating menu, sometimes paired with the films and their origins. At 7pm, the shrine room becomes a cinema lounge — mats and cushions laid out for maximum reclining comfort. Then we dive into a hand-picked program designed to spark reflection, conversation, and maybe even surprise.
Bring your appetite, bring your curiosity, bring a friend. Suggested donation $25 with dinner / $15 film only. All proceeds go to the Vijayaloka fundraising campaign.
Programme
Saturday 8 August:
'Women of the Dharma: Fierce Compassion & Forgotten Lineages'
This August, Movie Night @ The Centre presents a double feature exploring women’s practice, spiritual courage, compassion and the path of liberation.
'Chasing Buddha':
A documentary portrait of Venerable Robina Courtin: Buddhist nun, former radical activist, and founder of the Liberation Prison Project. The film follows Robina’s work bringing the Dharma into prisons, and offers a vivid portrait of fierce compassion in action.
'The Buddha’s Forgotten Nuns':
An Australian documentary on the revival of full ordination for women in the Theravada Buddhist tradition. The film explores the history of the bhikkhuni lineage, the barriers women have faced in being fully recognised as practitioners, and contemporary efforts to restore a lineage dating back to the Buddha.
The evening will include dinner, the first film, cake and conversation, followed by the second film.
Saturday 10 October:
TBA
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I join just for the film?
Of course! We'll be transitioning from food to film around 7:15pm so try to arrive before then.
Do I need to book?
No - just turn up!
What kinds of films will be shown?
Each night will have a different curator. They may choose shorts, a feature film, or a themed program. Films could be Dharma-related, spiritually adjacent, or simply chosen to inspire thought and conversation.
Are children welcome?
The films are chosen with adults in mind. They’re unlikely to be inappropriate, but may not hold children’s interest.
What will the food be like?
Many Buddhists eat a vegan diet as an expression of non-violence. As such, all food will be vegan. However we cannot accomodate for any specific dietary requirements beyond this.
Do I need to be a Buddhist or a regular at the centre?
Everyone is welcome. Bring your friends!
How much does the event cost?
Like all our events, we don't charge a fixed price but invite you to make a donation to the centre to help us cover our running costs and to make this event a successful fundraiser for the Vijayaloka project.
We suggest around $25 if you're joining us for dinner or $15 if you're joining only for the film as a good amount.
I have an idea for a film!
Great! We'd love help to choose the films, set the tone, and host the conversation. Talk to Dane to express interest.