RECIPROCAL is the Asian Film Archive (AFA)’s annual collaborative film programme that spotlights the archival collections of AFA and a partnering archive. Inspired by and responding to the resonance of each other’s featured collections, the curated line-up explores the creative intersections and juxtapositions between the preserved national, regional, and international film and moving image, offering perspectives on archival issues and concerns confronting contemporary archivists.

In the 2025 edition of RECIPROCAL, the Asian Film Archive (AFA) and the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA) explore the intricate web of human connections across time and space through cinema. Fourteen curated films — seven from each archive — trace the many ways we remain bound to one another: through kinship and love, friendship and memory, heritage and history, and our ever-evolving relationship with the world around us. 

Reciprocal 2025 will run from 6 to 29 June 2025 at Oldham Theatre.

Programme
Titles are listed according to chronological year of release

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia

The Sentimental Bloke (1919, Raymond Longford)
Storm Boy (1976, Henri Safran)
Starstruck (1982, Gillian Armstrong)
Australia Daze (1988, Pat Fiske)
Muriel’s Wedding (1994, P.J. Hogan)
Floating Life 浮生 (1996, Clara Law)
Radiance (1998, Rachel Perkins)

Asian Film Archive

Chuchu Datok Merah (1963, M. Amin, Singapore)
Forever Fever (1998, Glen Goei, Singapore)
Be With Me (2005, Eric Khoo, Singapore)
Sementara (2020, Joant Úbeda, Shao Min Chew Chia, Singapore) (with post-screening Q&A session)
Balangiga: Howling Wilderness (2017, Khavn De La Cruz, Philippines)
Malu 无马之日 (2020, Edmund Yeo, Malaysia/Japan)
Maryam Maryam Pagi Ke Malam (2023, Badrul Ismail Hisham, Malaysia)

ABOUT THE NATIONAL FILM AND SOUND ARCHIVE OF AUSTRALIA 

The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia is the national audiovisual cultural institution. From the earliest recordings of the 1890s to the latest games and immersive digital productions, the collection comprises video and audio recordings, and contextual materials such as costumes, scripts, props, photographs and promotional materials. It ranges from items inducted into the UNESCO Memory of the World register to sporting matches, game shows and advertising jingles. 

Originally known as the National Historical Film and Speaking Record Library and operating under the auspices of the Commonwealth National Library, its collection dates back to 1935, making it one of the first audiovisual archives in the world. The NFSA became an independent cultural organisation in 1984. In addition to preserving these items for future generations, NFSA curators grow the collection to ensure it provides an unbroken record of life in Australia, and of Australian creativity.

Website: nfsa.gov.au / Facebook / Instagram

Tickets are on sale now. 

Scroll down to select the screening of your choice and click through to purchase tickets.

Friends of AFA members, please read the membership guide on how to purchase your discounted tickets and redeem your complimentary tickets.

Oldham Theatre’s opening hours

For further assistance, please contact us at ticketing@asianfilmarchive.org 

Important Notice:

Do note that Oldham Theatre does not play ads and screenings will start promptly. Doors will open 20 minutes before showtime, so arrive early to register and find a seat. Arrive early so as not to disrupt the screenings. All patrons are encouraged to purchase your tickets online to be able to secure a seat. If you choose to purchase tickets or merchandise at Oldham Theatre’s box office, cashless payment is preferred.

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T&Cs
Concession tickets apply to Students (Local & Overseas), Full-time National Servicemen (NSF), Senior Citizens (55 years and above) only.

Please check film ratings before purchase of tickets. Please note that you may be asked to present your ID at the door (this applies to concession tickets as well). Only physical photographic identification is allowed, digital copies of identification are not allowed. AFA reserves the right to turn away any members of the public without physical photographic identification.

Upon confirmation of your order for Tickets, no exchange of Tickets will be made under any circumstances and Tickets are not transferable. No refund on Tickets will be made under any circumstances except due to cancellation of the event. The resale of Tickets at any price is prohibited.