Cold Fusion: A Winter Season of Sound, Art & Culture at ACMI

Expect the unexpected at ACMI this winter with a season of programming fusing film, TV, art, music and culture in surprising ways, including an exhibition by acclaimed ensemble Back to Back Theatre and a new audiovisual arts festival.

Over three nights in July, ACMI presents Double Vision, an electrifying program of live music and cutting-edge art that immerses visitors in the sights and sounds of some of the most innovative audiovisual artists in the field today.

Running 3 – 5 July in ACMI Cinemas, the inaugural line-up features Melbourne techno pioneers Honeysmack and Jani Ho, master sound designers Tom Hall and mHz, UK-based singer and producer Penelope Trappes plus musical alchemists Peter Knight, Aviva Endean and Dogmilk. Audiences can expect captivating new works and sensory-rich performances.

Geelong’s world-renowned Back to Back Theatre blurs the boundaries of artistic expression even further, with a world premiere exhibition reimagining Shakespeare’s Henry V. Opening 17 June – 1 February 2026 in ACMI’s Gallery 3, CHARGE! Agincourt by Back to Back Theatre builds on cinematic adaptations of the iconic play in a vast and stirring new film named after its pivotal battle.

Swapping northern France for North Geelong, factory workers re-enact the Battle of Agincourt. Back to Back’s celebrated English king sees thousands of French warriors ready to take up arms against his depleted troops. There are brave acts, devastating losses and thrilling combat – but beyond the cardboard armour and din of battle, who are these soldiers and what can they teach us?

Agincourt is an ACMI Commission, generously supported by Rachel Griffiths and Andrew Taylor.

Geelong-based Back to Back Theatre is one of Australia’s most significant performing arts companies, led by an ensemble of six actors who are perceived to have intellectual disabilities. The ensemble is joined by 100 + community members in this bold epic, directed by Bruce Gladwin.

ACMI Director & CEO Seb Chan said: "ACMI has always been right at the intersection of film, TV, videogames and art. We embrace innovation and experimentation and encourage the evolution of these artforms. Winter at ACMI is an opportunity for our visitors to discover new genres, new favourite artists, and to connect with new friends who share similar interests. With new commissions, new sights and sounds, and a new annual music and screen festival, ACMI will be heating up both minds and bodies."

The surprises continue throughout winter with a program of inventive film screenings, talks and a weekend of nail-biting speedrun videogames by some of Australia’s top competitors.

Multihyphenate artist Miranda July is the focus of a film season presented by ACMI and RISING from 5 – 16 June. From feature film Me and You and Everyone We Know to documentary Fire of Love and lesser-seen short films, music videos and video art, Focus on Miranda July celebrates the idiosyncratic and unmistakable voice of this award-winning author, film director, screenwriter and actor.

Acclaimed UK-based electronic musician Forest Swords will give an exclusive live performance at ACMI on 14 June – his first in Australia in a decade. Known for composing videogame scores including Assassin’s Creed, Matthew Barnes aka Forest Swords will also give a talk about his inspirations, creative and technical processes at Crafting the score: In Conversation with Forest Swords on 14 June. Both events are presented by ACMI and RISING.

Australian director Robert Connolly’s enchanting adaption of Alison Lester's beloved children's book Magic Beach screens during school holidays, 10 – 19 July. The whimsical animated story set by the Australian beach is made even more magical by introductions from the film's animators, and activity book sessions for kids to develop their own animations.

Australia’s fastest speedrunners will compete for glory at the Speedrun Weekend on 21 – 22 June. Speedrunning is a practice where extremely skilled videogame players complete games and challenges in the fastest time possible. See the experts at work as ACMI countdowns to the major new playable videogames exhibition Game Worlds, opening 18 September.

Hear from director Ian Haig about his visceral underground art film Worm Pornography in the latest edition of ACMI’s ART + FILM program on 5 June. Featuring sound design by Philip Brophy (Body Melt), the film explores the parasitic nature of AI, wormholes to virtual worlds and mutant YouTube cat videos.

Double Vision runs 3 – 5 July 2025 in ACMI Cinemas, full tickets are $40 per session with early bird pricing now available until 21 May. Trailer available here.

CHARGE! Agincourt by Back to Back Theatre runs 17 June – 1 February 2026 in ACMI’s Gallery 3 and is included with free building admission.

For further details about these events and ACMI’s full winter season, visit acmi.net.au.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

• Images are available to download here.
• For further event information, or to book tickets, visit acmi.net.au.
• For all media enquiries please contact Stephanie.payne@acmi.net.au.

About ACMI
ACMI is your museum of screen culture. Watch, play, make and discover the universe of screen-based art, films, TV and videogames. Visit us in Melbourne’s Fed Square, online and on tour. Our museum attracts millions of visitors through a vibrant offer of exhibitions, screenings, commissions and festivals. ACMI’s industry, education and creative incubator programs inspire and develop the next generation of screen creatives. We are a globally recognised hub that connects people, communities, technology and ideas to shape our futures. More at acmi.net.au.