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This popular event returns with new stories to inspire, challenge and connect us with the richness of older adult lives.

Each event includes a feature film and a curated selection of Australian and international short films.

All screenings are free to attend. Bookings are essential and will open at 9:00 am on Tuesday 26 August.

Find updates and book tickets for the feature films for 2025, below. 

The Door-to-door Bookstore

A man in a well-worn hat and suit stands in a bookstore

Every day, Carl Kollhoff quietly delivers hand-wrapped books to his regular customers. When curious 9-year-old Schascha joins him on his rounds, she brings joy, shakes up their routines and helps Carl open up to the world.

Language: German, with English subtitles
Rating: CTC
What to expect: A beautiful, joyous story that’s quite a tearjerker.
Watch the film trailer: You can watch the film trailer on YouTube

Session: Tuesday 7 October, 10:30 am
Venue: Rivoli Cinema, Hawthorn

Buy tickets for The Door-to-door Bookstore

As this event is likely to be fully booked with a waitlist, please let us know if you or your guests can no longer attend.

Mr Burton

One man in hat, suit and tie is followed by another in a suit on a stone bridge

In Port Talbot, passionate teacher Philip Burton sees potential in troubled teen Richie Jenkins. Through mentorship and care, he helps Richie transform into Richard Burton – one of the greatest actors of the 20th century.

Language: English, with open captions for the hearing-impaired
Rating: M
What to expect: An emotional and inspiring story.
Watch the film trailer: You can watch the film trailer on YouTube

Sessions

Date: Tuesday 7 October, 11:30 am 
Venue: Rivoli Cinema, Hawthorn

Buy tickets for Mr Burton at the Rivoli

Date: Thursday 23 October, 10:30 am
Venue: Palace Cinema, Balwyn

Buy tickets for Mr Burton at Palace Balwyn

As this event is likely to be fully booked with a waitlist, please let us know if you or your guests can no longer attend.

I Can Speak

An elderly Korean woman faces a younger man across a low table

Ok-boon is known for her endless complaints at the local office, but beneath her fiery spirit is a heartfelt goal: to learn English. When a young civil servant, Min-jae, reluctantly becomes her tutor, an unexpected friendship blossoms.

Language: Korean, with English subtitles
Rating: PG-13
What to expect: A heartwarming and powerful film with references to sexual assault.
Watch the film trailer: You can watch the film trailer on YouTube

Sessions

Date: Wednesday 15 October, 10:30 am
Venue: Lido Cinemas, Hawthorn

Buy tickets for I Can Speak at Lido

Date: Thursday 23 October, 12:30 pm
Venue: Palace Cinema, Balwyn

Buy tickets for I Can Speak at Palace Balwyn

As this event is likely to be fully booked with a waitlist, please let us know if you or your guests can no longer attend.

A Man Called Ove

A suited man and 2 children in a driveway

Ove is a grumpy, rule-obsessed retiree who’s ready to give up on life – until a lively young family moves in next door and accidentally flattens his mailbox. What begins as irritation soon blossoms into an unexpected friendship that turns everything around. This drama comedy is about unexpected friendship, love and the importance of surrounding yourself with the proper tools.

Language: Swedish, with English subtitles
Rating: M
What to expect: A darkly humorous film with references to suicide. 
Watch the film trailer: You can watch the film trailer on YouTube

Sessions

Date: Wednesday 15 October, 11:30 am
Venue: Lido Cinemas, Hawthorn

Buy tickets for A Man Called Ove at Lido

Date: Thursday 23 October, 11:30 am
Venue: Palace Cinema, Balwyn

Buy tickets for A Man Called Ove at Palace Balwyn

As this event is likely to be fully booked with a waitlist, please let us know if you or your guests can no longer attend.

Subscribe for updates

To get updates and reminders on the 2025 Boroondara Seniors Film Festival events and booking dates, subscribe to our newsletter. 

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More information

You can find out more by emailing [email protected] or calling the Active Ageing team on (03) 9278 4777.


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