Within the coronary heart of Perth’s vibrant cultural scene, the place impartial cinemas function beacons for movie lovers, a brief documentary has emerged to seize the essence of what makes these areas so particular. Luna, Starring, directed by Caitlin Kirk, presents an intimate peek behind the curtains of Luna Palace Cinemas, one in every of Western Australia’s most beloved arthouse venues. It premiered as a part of the 2025 St Kilda Movie Pageant, this 10-minute gem not solely celebrates the quirks and dedication of cinema workers but additionally shines a lightweight on the enduring magic of indie movie tradition in Australia.
Caitlin Kirk, a Perth-based filmmaker and a key determine at Luna Palace itself, wears a number of hats on this manufacturing. As director and co-producer alongside Samuel Hodgson-Bertram and Alexander Haygarth, Kirk brings a private contact to the mission. The documentary, described as giving audiences “a entrance row seat to life behind the scenes at Luna Leederville,” explores the each day rhythms, challenges, and joys of working an impartial cinema. It’s a love letter to the venue that has been a staple in Perth because the Twenties, evolving from a single display to a multi-site hub for arthouse releases, festivals, and group occasions. Kirk’s insider perspective—working at Luna herself—infuses the movie with authenticity, turning what may very well be a simple profile right into a heartfelt narrative about ardour, perseverance, and the unsung heroes who preserve the projectors rolling.
I had the privilege of watching Luna, Starring throughout Luna Palace Cinemas’ thirtieth birthday celebration, a night that radiated pure love for movie and devotion to this iconic venue. The screening was electrical, with the packed viewers buzzing with pleasure as we toasted three a long time of Luna’s legacy. The documentary left me in awe—its vibrant storytelling and heartfelt portrayal of the workers’s dedication captured the soul of Luna Leederville completely. The night time itself was a joyous celebration, stuffed with shared laughter, nostalgic anecdotes, and a collective appreciation for the cinema that has formed Perth’s cultural panorama. It was a reminder of why we collect to be transported, impressed, and linked via the magic of movie.
In a time when bodily cinemas face ongoing challenges, this movie reminds us why these areas matter: they’re phases the place tales come alive, staffed by folks whose dedication turns reels into actual connections. For movie buffs in Perth and past, Luna, Starring isn’t only a documentary—it’s a starring function for the unsung coronary heart of Australian cinema.
- E mail: neill@outloudculture.com
