Melbourne Zoo Outdoor Film Festival

For the first time ever, Melbourne Zoo is opening its doors for a brand new, after-hours outdoor film festival. The must-see summer movie event centres around the themes of marine conservation, sustainability and the environment, and will run for two weeks, from January 1 to 14.

The program is headlined by the David Attenborough and BBC production Light on Earth, as well as the Leonardo DiCaprio and National Geographic 2019 multi-award winning Sea of Shadows. Each screening will be showcased on an impressive outdoor visual display and take place in the stunning open-air surrounds of Melbourne Zoo.

The nights will kick-off with thought-provoking presentations featuring leading environmental and conservation experts. Leading the impressive line-up is National Geographic’s Jason Edwards, who will delve into the importance of storytelling through photography, and Zoos Victoria scientist Dr Marissa Parrott who will talk about the changing landscape of Antarctica and the ways people can make a difference to protect the planet.

The talks will be followed by conservation focused short films, with the main film of the night commencing immediately after. The Melbourne Zoo Outdoor Film Festival runs from 5:30pm to 8pm each evening—coinciding with the Zoo’s extended opening hours during the first two weeks of the new year.

Guests are invited to visit the animals basking in the summer sunset, and bring low-back chairs, pillows and picnic rugs and find a place on the lawns in the heart of the Zoo for the evening screenings.

Entry to the special event is free with the price of Zoo admission, with proceeds going towards Zoos Victoria’s efforts to fight wildlife extinction. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available for purchase at the Zoo during the festival.

For more information about Melbourne Zoo Outdoor Film Festival, and to see the full program, visit Melbourne Zoo website.