Overview
For nearly a decade, Thornbury Picture House has been more than just a place to watch films, serving as a gathering spot and a creative hub for Melbourne's northern suburbs. Now, co-owners Gus and Lou Berger are bringing that same sense of community to Brunswick, with the opening of Brunswick Picture House on Sydney Road this November.
"We've been living in Brunswick for ten years," Gus says. "With that comes a kind of understanding of the area, its independence, diversity, and vibrancy. I want our programming to reflect that."
For Berger, cinemas are as essential to a neighbourhood as libraries, record shops, and cafés. "Every community deserves to have a cinema nearby," he says. "It completes the community."
At the Thornbury Picture House, Berger and his wife, Lou, set out to do something different from the multiplex model. A place where people could gather, chat, and share a film rather than just watch one. "We never wanted to be a typical cinema," Gus explains. "We've always seen ourselves as more of a community hang-out."
That approach will carry over to Brunswick, with the same emphasis on accessibility and collaboration. Local filmmakers will be encouraged to host screenings, premieres, and cast-and-crew events at affordable rates. "As a filmmaker myself, I understand how much love and effort go into making a movie," Gus says. "It's a privilege to be the place where those films are first shown to friends, family, and collaborators."
Beyond film screenings, the team plans to keep their doors open for community events and fundraisers. "It feels good to give back to the community that's supporting you," Gus adds.
While many cinemas chase the latest blockbusters, Berger's philosophy is rooted in connection. "There's something special about everyone coming to see the same film together, hanging out afterwards, talking about it," he says. "That shared experience, that's what we're trying to create."
That communal feeling often extends beyond the screen. Expect to see DJs or live bands performing before select screenings, themed nights, and their signature mini-festivals, as well as from the Northern Lights Film Festival, which celebrates local short films and music videos, to Beats Working, a showcase of the year's best music documentaries. "We love curating nights that feel like an event, more than just watching a movie," Gus says.
Gus's passion for film heritage is undeniable. A filmmaker himself (his documentary The Lost City of Melbourne explored the city's vanished cinemas), he's committed to keeping film history alive — quite literally — through 35mm projection.
"There's something about seeing a film on 35mm that feels alive and real," he says. "You can see the grain, the texture, it's imperfect in a beautiful way." The Brunswick venue will feature a 35mm projector, a rare treat for cinephiles in the northern suburbs. "We can't wait to bring that experience back."
Berger believes cinemas hold deep emotional resonance for people. "Everyone remembers the cinema of their childhood, where they went on their first date, or where they escaped during hard times," he says. "Cinemas are woven into the stories of our lives."
Brunswick Picture House will carry the same design as its Thornbury counterpart, part retro charm, part arthouse edge. The Bergers are bringing along their personal collection of vintage film gear, including old cameras and poster art, to decorate the space. "Framing those prints and old photographs has been such a joy," Gus says. "It's a way of honouring cinema's past while creating something fresh."
Visitors can expect a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a beautiful timber bar for that pre- or post-film drink. "We want people to walk in and feel like they're in a special place, one that loves cinema as much as they do," Gus says. "After months of dealing with builders, I can't wait to get back to the fun part, creating experiences that bring people together."
Brunswick Picture House opens in late November on Sydney Road. Stay tuned for programming updates and special events.
Images: Supplied