University of Newcastle and Tower Cinemas partner to support the next generation of creatives
The University of Newcastle has partnered with Newcastle Tower Cinema to support emerging creative talent and provide students with discounted movie tickets.
The partnership will give students studying film, design, animation and journalism hands-on industry experience, including writing and publishing film reviews as part of their studies, and undertaking placements in marketing, communication and design.
Student movie buffs will be able to see a movie for $14 and join a student film club, with events hosted by Tower Cinema.
As part of the partnership, the University and Tower Cinemas also hope to bring back the Newcastle International Animation Festival in 2027.
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky said the university was proud to launch the new partnership with one of Newcastle’s most iconic cultural venues.
“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.”
Located just 600 metres from the University’s NUspace campus, the cinema gives students access to a working cinema environment.
Re-opened by Five Star Cinema’s in November of 2025, Tower Cinemas has retained its iconic 1970’s character providing an option for cinema lovers and locals to again go to the movies in Newcastle’s city centre.
Tower Cinema’s Peter Souris’ said he is proud to partner with the University of Newcastle to make the cinema experience more accessible for students.
“We are also 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 to ensure a vibrant film culture for our region,” he said.
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.