A new partnership is creating opportunities for Newcastle's future filmmakers
There's more happening at Tower Cinemas than just the latest movie releases.
The University of Newcastle has partnered with the city cinema to create new opportunities for students studying film, animation, journalism, design and media, giving them valuable industry experience while helping strengthen Newcastle's creative community.
Located just a short walk from the University's NUspace campus, Tower Cinemas will become an extension of the classroom, with students able to gain hands-on experience through placements in marketing, communications and design, as well as writing and publishing film reviews as part of their studies.
Image Back row: L-R Kyle Van Gemert, Peter Souris, Prof Alex Zelinsky AO, Chloe Kidd Front row: L-R Jayden, Annalise Terenelik, Owen Lonergan McKenzie
Graphic design student Kyle Van Gemert, who created the promotional artwork for the student ticket campaign, said the project gave him the chance to apply what he'd learnt in the classroom to a real-world brief. Looking ahead, he's particularly excited about the planned return of the Newcastle International Animation Festival, seeing it as an opportunity for local students to showcase their work to the wider community and industry.
"For local university films to be shown here, not only to students but also to the wider community, is a great opportunity," he said. "It could help creative agencies spot emerging talent and inspire students to keep refining their craft."
For students who simply love going to the movies, the partnership also comes with discounted cinema tickets, with movies available for $14, along with plans to launch a student film club hosted by Tower Cinemas.
Looking ahead, the partnership also aims to bring back the Newcastle International Animation Festival in 2027, adding another event to the city's growing creative calendar.
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky said the partnership reflects the University's commitment to creating real-world learning opportunities while supporting Newcastle's cultural sector.
"Tower Cinemas is an iconic cultural venue in our community. This partnership strengthens our commitment to providing meaningful, real-world opportunities for our students while contributing to the vibrancy of Newcastle's creative and cultural sector," Professor Zelinsky said.
"The partnership will be great for students and the community. We already have alumni who are doing great things in the film and television industry and opportunities to work in real settings like this expand students' skillsets and help them stand out when they graduate."
Tower Cinemas reopened in November 2025 under Five Star Cinemas, bringing the much-loved venue back to life while retaining its distinctive 1970s character. Since reopening, it has once again become a destination for movie lovers wanting to catch a film in the heart of Newcastle.
Tower Cinemas' Peter Souris said the partnership is about more than affordable movie tickets.
"We are incredibly proud to be able to nurture emerging talent by providing real-world industry opportunities to students studying journalism, design and media. This partnership will help ensure a vibrant film culture for our region," he said.