We are throwing a gigantic 70th birthday bash for the kaiju king. Featuring movie marathons, talks and unmissable events.
Celebrate the iconic monster on screen. See a God Incarnate and a city doomed in Shin Godzilla (2016) and feel the power of three guardian monsters who must rise to defend Japan from the vengeful spirits that have taken over Godzilla in Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (2001).
On November 3, 1954, Godzilla awakened from a deep slumber and stomped his way into cinematic history with Ishirō Honda’s box-office-destroying film. Japanese audiences were captivated by the storytelling and visual effects but equally hushed by the spectacle of mass destruction unleashed on a miniature Japan, which served as a fitting allegory for the horrors of nuclear warfare.
The film’s international release saw the monster’s popularity soar, with Godzilla eventually becoming one of the most memorable screen icons of the 20th Century and the first character to spawn a global film franchise.
Exactly 70 years after the release of the first film, we're celebrating the king of monsters at ACMI with screenings of seven key films in the eight-decade franchise; panel talks that explore Godzilla's profound impact on filmmaking and on our social and cultural imagination; a movie marathon with trivia hosted by comedian Alex Hines; a nocturnal Halloween party featuring live music from local DJs and food and drinks; plus pop-ups, playable games and hidden treats for Godzilla fans throughout our centrepiece exhibition The Story of the Moving Image.
Program Details:
GodzillaFest: Halloween Monster Bash - 31 Oct, 5 to 9pm
Crash our Halloween party! Join us for a night of music, games, food, popups and more, and celebrate all things Godzilla.
Featuring live music from local DJs, Godzilla-inspired craft from artist Kitiya Palaskas, and a handpicked food and drinks menu. Shop at our kaiju-themed pop-ups and test your gaming prowess on Godzilla pinball and vintage videogames.GodzillaFest: Movie Marathon + Trivia - 31 Oct, 8pm to 2.30am
Experience the power of Godzilla with a special selection of films showcasing the monster's iconic position in cinema history. In between screenings, show off your Godzillaverse knowledge with rounds of trivia hosted by comedian Alex Hines. Featuring Godzilla (1954), Mothra vs Godzilla (1964) and Godzilla vs Hedorah (1971).
GodzillaFest FREE talks
In this insightful series of talks, we explore how kaiju embody our fears of nuclear warfare and climate destruction in in Godzilla: Monster as Metaphor; discover how the Godzilla franchise’s visual and special effects innovations changed film production forever in Building Godzilla; and unpack the eight-decade cultural phenomenon that is Godzilla in Godzilla: Global Pop Culture Icon.
FREE activities:
Show off your monster skills with the Godzilla Limited Edition pinball machine, and vintage videogames.
Let out your inner Kaiju with your best Godzilla pose at our tokusatsu-inspired miniature city.
Godzilla has invaded our centrepiece exhibition – how many times can you spot him?
Get crafty and creative as you make your own original origami creature to take home with you.
Event Details:
Date: Thu 31 Oct - Sun 3 Nov 2024 10am to 5pm
Ages: Not specified
Tickets: See website for details
Location: ACMI, Fed Square