Powerhouse has announced that the Medich Foundation has become a partner in Powerhouse Parramatta, continuing the Medich family’s long history of supporting cinema in Western Sydney through the establishment of the Medich Foundation Cinema and supporting the Powerhouse Film Program.

“For decades, the Medich family has been synonymous with enriching the lives of local communities, fostering a deep cultural appreciation that resonates across generations,” says Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah.

“A partnership with the Powerhouse represents a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity not only to celebrate but honour the extraordinary legacy of the Medich family across generations. This collaboration is more than an investment—it is a tribute to the enduring impact the Medich family has had on shaping the cultural fabric of Sydney.”

This new philanthropic commitment echoes the family’s profound and lasting connection to Western Sydney, forged through a pioneering portfolio of independent cinemas that transformed the cultural and social landscape of the region.

The 55-seat Medich Foundation Cinema will be a fully accessible state-of-the-art cinema that will feature film screenings and speaker events directly connected to and embedded within the museum’s program.

The Medich Foundation Cinema will inspire emerging artists, filmmakers, and creatives, acting as a vibrant hub that fosters and supports Australia’s artistic leaders of tomorrow. The cinema will be a vital part of Powerhouse Parramatta's programming, offering a shared space for communities.

Delivering a dynamic annual film schedule, the cinema will host cultural film festivals and special community screenings.

The Powerhouse Film program supports the Australian film industry through a range of initiatives. These include commissioning new works, offering fellowships to emerging artists, and providing valuable networking and mentoring opportunities.

The program also hosts filmmaker Q&A sessions, showcasing rising talent alongside established names bringing diverse cultural perspectives and storytelling styles to Powerhouse audiences.

Western Sydney filmmakers currently collaborating with Powerhouse include Callum Duddington, Leo Harunah, Aaron Bull and Vutru collective.

“We are pleased to continue our family legacy of supporting cultural experiences for people in Western Sydney, which is why we’re partnering with the first state cultural institution located in this region, Powerhouse Parramatta,” Roy Medich OAM says.

“Our family has long held the view that communities deserve direct access to world-class cultural experiences and for the first time ever, Western Sydney will have a major cultural institution at its heart. This project will have a transformative impact on Western Sydney that will be felt for generations to come.”

Image: Powerhouse Parramatta / Powerhouse Parramatta

Clémence Carayol

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