Track Godzilla’s massive cultural footprint, from 1954 to today.
With a film franchise spanning eight consecutive decades, Godzilla is one of the world’s most recognisable screen icons.
Referenced by The Simpsons and Spielberg alike, and popping up in videogames, literature and lexicon (suffix “-zilla” as anything monstrous), the king of monsters has captured the imaginations of creators across eras and mediums with his distinctive roar, thunderous gait and penchant for destroying miniature and CGI cityscapes.
From Japanese cautionary tale to global blockbuster, we unpack the cultural phenomenon that is Godzilla, and the continuing evolution of the franchise, with Andrew Lynch and Silvi Van-Wall.
Our thanks to The Japan Foundation & Academic consultant Jessica Balanzategui
Panellists
Andrew Lynch
Andrew Lynch is a lecturer in cinema and screen studies in the department of Media and Communication at Swinburne University of Technology. His research examines topics such as "prestige" television, sci-fi, horror and fantasy film and TV, and the diverse approaches of genre-specific streaming services. He is the author of Quality Telefantasy: How US Quality TV Brought Zombies, Dragons and Androids into the Mainstream, published by Routledge in 2022. He teaches a range of undergraduate subjects including Popular Culture of the Asia Pacific and Screen Technology and Culture.
Silvi Vann-Wall
Silvi Vann-Wall is a writer, podcaster, and filmmaker with a love for bombastic genre flicks. They currently work as the film content lead for ScreenHub.com.au, where they review film and TV, and write news about the Australian screen industry. They spend their increasingly scarce spare time doing improv comedy and musical theatre.
More FREE talks
Screenings
Special events
Plan your visit
Visitor guidelines, information on accessibility, amenities, transport, dining options and more.
Not an ACMI Member yet?
Experience ACMI in the very best way. Get a range of discounts and invitations to exclusive previews.
Go behind the screams
Explore essays, interviews, videos and more about the screen works that grab us.