newy.com.au – University of Newcastle students studying film, design, animation and journalism will get discounted cinema tickets and practical industry experience under a new partnership with Tower Cinemas Newcastle.
The agreement will allow students to write and publish film reviews as part of their studies and take up placements in marketing, communication and design, while also giving student moviegoers access to $14 tickets.
A student film club will also be established, with events hosted at Tower Cinemas, and the university and cinema plan to bring back the Newcastle International Animation Festival in 2027.
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky said the partnership would connect students with one of the city’s best-known 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.”
Tower Cinemas is about 600 metres from the university’s NUspace campus, giving students access to a working cinema environment close to their city campus.
The cinema reopened under Five Star Cinemas in November 2025 and has retained its 1970s character, restoring a city-centre option for Newcastle moviegoers.
Tower Cinemas’ Peter Souris said the partnership would help make going to the cinema more accessible for students while supporting emerging creative talent.
“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.
