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NFSA | Film | 2026

Cult Classics with Venus Mantrap

A series of Friday night filmic feasts showcasing cinema with bite. Showing at The National Film and Sound Archive in Canberra.
FUSE  |  Film
Cult Classics with Venus Mantrap. Photo by Cassie Abraham

A series of Friday night filmic feasts showcasing cinema with bite: edgy movies and fan favourites that unnerve, push buttons, ask questions, or simply look good on the big screen!

Each event includes a performance and introduction to the film from series host Venus Mantrap, local drag artist and culture warrior.
 
The 2026 program spans eleven Friday nights starting from February through to December, featuring Susan Seidelman’s punk-infused comedies, Coen brothers’ noir thrillers and Kathryn Bigelow’s dystopian visions.
 
Each screening is carefully selected to celebrate cult cinema in all its daring and stylish glory. 
 

Cult Classics with Venus Mantrap 2026 Movie Lineup

Fri 20 Feb She-Devil (1989) Book 

Fri 27 Mar Making Mr. Right (1987) Book 

Fri 17 Apr Desperately Seeking Susan (1985) Book 

Fri 29 May Sex, Lies and Videotape (1989) Book 

Fri 26 Jun Blood Simple (1984) Book 

Fri 31 Jul Scanners (1981) Book

Fri 21 Aug Body Double (1984) Book 

Fri 18 Sep Strange Days (1995) Book 

Fri 23 Oct The Lair of the White Worm (1988) Book 

Fri 13 Nov Death Becomes Her (1992) Book 

Fri 11 Dec Showgirls (1995) Book

MORE DETAILS NFSA


YOUR HOST VENUS MANTRAP

Photo by: Cassie Abraham

Venus Mantrap is an androgynous construct whose roots are firmly planted in the world of drag. Exploring aspects of cabaret, performance art and comedy during live shows, Mantrap has produced The Bowie Ball and starred in two one-person-shows: Life, Love and Lip Syncing and Valley of the Molls.

Venus is regularly found at Smith's Alternative as the MC of Cabaret Voltaireand has been a featured artist at Glitterbox, LGBTIQ+ Elders Dance Club, Drag Cabaret and Finucane and Smith's touring show Dancehall. Follow them on Instagram at @the_venus_mantrap

Life • Love • Lip Syncing on Ngunawal | Ngambri country

Venus Mantrap @the_venus_mantrap
Host of FRIGHT NIGHT @nfsaonline
Emcee SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION @smithsalternative


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