At 3pm Minions (PG), a delightful children’s film full of colour and action. The story of the three Minions begins at the dawn of time. Perpetually serving the most despicable of masters over the centuries, the Minions find themselves without someone to serve and embark upon a thrilling journey that leads them to their next potential master, Scarlet Overkill, the world’s first-ever female super-villain. They travel from frigid Antarctica to 1960s New York City, ending in mod London, where they face their biggest challenge.

And for a complete contrast come again at 7pm for Far From the Madding Crowd (M), based on the literary classic by Thomas Hardy. This is the story of independent, beautiful and headstrong Bathsheba Everdene, who attracts three very different suitors: Gabriel Oak, a sheep farmer, captivated by her fetching willfulness; Frank Troy, a handsome and reckless Sergeant; and William Boldwood, a prosperous and mature bachelor.

This Saturday 25 July at 5.30pm a very special concert by the youthful and talented opera singers, Voci Stupende, presenting a varied program of operatic song featuring excerpts from the operas of the classical greats including Verdi, Mozart, Rossini… and the list goes on. Tickets are available at the door or beforehand from the Visitor Information Centre or the Long Table Cafe. Adults $35, with concessions available for children, students and families. Under 14 free. A delicious supper is available for an extra $5.

Love and Mercy (M) a film about the life of Brian Wilson, the reclusive musical genius who was the singer, songwriter and leader  of the Beach Boys in their 1960s heyday. It examines the personal voyage and ultimate salvation of the icon whose success came at extraordinary personal cost and is filled with the wonderful music of The Beach Boys. Saturday 18 July at 4pm and again at 7pm.

For a complete contrast Of Horses and Men (UC) is set in Iceland. Kolbeinn is courting the widow, Solveig. He is a tense, fastidious character who lavishes a great deal of unwholesome and possessive emotion on his dainty little white mare. Solveig is the owner of a black stallion that takes a very great shine to Kolbeinn’s mare. This is a hugely enjoyable film from the wild side of the wild side. It is a love story about horses and with horses. Sunday 19 July at 7pm.

Screening on Thursday at 11am and again on Saturday at 3pm children’s movie Inside Out (PG). An animated fantasy comedy-drama, this film has attracted huge audiences worldwide. The film is set inside the mind of a young girl, Riley, uprooted from her life in the Midwest when her father gets a job in San Francisco. Like all of us, Riley needs her emotions – Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness – to guide her through her new home, school, city and people. But as Riley struggles to adjust to her new life, turmoil ensues in Headquarters, the control centre inside Riley’s mind where her emotions live. An accident involving Riley’s happy memories changes her whole outlook. Joy and Sadness need to find her memories and return them from the Headquarters before it’s too late.

Organise your calendar for a great month at the James:

* on Tuesday 7 July at 11am the launch of this year’s Dungog Festival with refreshments behind the screen

* acclaimed children’s movie Inside Out (PG) on Thursday 9 (11am) and Saturday 11 July (3pm)

* intriguing and moving icelandic movie Of Horses and Men (UC) on Sunday 19 July at 7pm

* on Saturday 25 July at 5.30pm light classical concert by Voci Stupende, a group of young singers, featuring well-known operatic songs from the masters, including Verdi, Mozart and more

* and if you would like to join us for our Christmas in July fundraiser (3-course Christmas dinner @ $60 per head, BYO) on Saturday 11 July, please contact us through our website

On Thursday 25 June, specially for the men, but ladies will love it too, the next classic film in our Down Memory Lane series, The Man who shot Liberty Valence, with the choice of morning (10.30am) screening and evening (7pm). Music from 10am for the morning screening only and plenty of goodies available at the kiosk to add to your enjoyment.

And on Saturday 27 June at 4pm and again at 7pm the Mad Max sequel we have waited so long for, Mad Max: Fury Road (MA15+). This is a film that needs no introduction, so make sure you don’t miss it.

Three great events this week: on Thursday 18 June at 7 pm the Dungog High School  & Friends will present the Flood Mud Concert, featuring performances by students from Dungog High School, Dungog Public School, Dungog Public Signing Choir, St Joseph’s Primary School, Rhee Taekwando and other friends. Entry is free, any donations to Dungog Flood Relief. There will be supper behind the screen, and local identity, Felix Prentice, will be MC. A fun-filled musical night for all the family, including a Taekwondo demonstration.

On Saturday 20 June the one and only A Masked Ball staged by the Dungog Community College. Bring out your ball gown and mask and be ready for a fantastic night of food, music and fun.

Finally on Sunday 21 June at 7pm, Clouds of Sils Maria (MA15+). At the peak of her international career, Maria Enders (Juliette Binoche) is asked to perform in a revival of the play that made her famous twenty years ago. Set in the Swiss alps, the film focuses on a tangled triangle about an ageing actress, a younger rival and an assistant. Part of our film society series, but also tickets at the door.

Brought to you by the Dungog Seventh Day Adventist Church, God’s Not Dead (M), a controversial drama about the big questions of life. Screening on Saturday, 13 June at 7 pm. 

Then on Sunday 14 June at 3pm the delightful comedy drama A Royal Night Out (M). Come and enjoy a glass of royal sherry with us prior to the screening to celebrate, even if a little late, the Queen’s 2015 birthday.

The James will be humming next weekend (29 – 31 May) as one of the venues for the Planet Dungog Music Festival from Friday night through to Sunday – a wide variety of music, as well as extras such as film, poetry, and comedy. Something for everyone. For more information and tickets go to http://planetdungog.com/. Dungog and the James will be buzzing all weekend.