‘Make, Believe, Magic’ Cinema programs

Get ready to see some of your favourite movie creatures, characters and fantastical worlds in a whole new light, with three free cinema programs accompanying GOMA’s much-anticipated Make, Believe, Magic: The Worlds of The Jim Henson Company exhibition.

From 12 September, the Australian Cinémathèque at the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) will bring more than 90 films to the big screen, celebrating the artistry of puppetry, creature design and imaginative storytelling. And yes, there are plenty of classics to get excited about.

The first program, Screened to be Believed: The Jim Henson Company, dives into the company’s incredible filmography, with much-loved fantasy favourites including The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth, alongside more recent productions such as Queensland-filmed The Portable Door.

Then, Where the Wild Things Are Made: Jim Henson’s Creature Shop puts the spotlight on the extraordinary craftsmanship behind some of cinema’s most memorable creatures. Expect everything from the heroes of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the lovable animals of Babe to the otherworldly creatures of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.

For something a little more unexpected, Beyond Henson: Puppetry and World Cinema explores the fascinating history of puppetry across international cinema, with films including Lav Diaz’s The History of Ha and Spike Jonze’s surreal classic Being John Malkovich.

The programs also offer the perfect opportunity to explore the connection between the films and the exhibition itself. Visitors can spot characters and creatures represented in the gallery, from Big Bird and Mr Snuffleupagus to the Gelflings and Skeksis from The Dark Crystal.

Best of all, the cinema programs are completely free, with screenings taking place on selected Wednesday and Friday nights, as well as throughout Saturdays and Sundays.

The cinema programs run alongside Make, Believe, Magic: The Worlds of The Jim Henson Company, which takes over GOMA from 12 September 2026 to 18 April 2027.

QAGOMA is a valued partner of Must Do Brisbane.com

Image 1 - Production still from Labyrinth 1986 / Director: Jim Henson / Image courtesy: Park Circus/Sony Pictures
Image 2 - Production still from The Portable Door 2023 / Director: Jeffrey Walker / Image courtesy: Stan
Image 3 - Production still from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy 2005 / Director: Garth Jennings / Image courtesy: Park Circus/Disney
Image 4 - Production still from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1990 / Director: Steve Barron / Image courtesy: Umbrella Entertainment
Image 5 - Production still from Judy & Punch 2019 / Director: Mirrah Foulkes / Image courtesy: Madman Entertainment
Image 6 - Production still from Annette 2021 / Director: Leos Carax / Image courtesy: Madman Entertainment