​Hours for Medianet are changeable depending on performances and events in The Gym, current hours are:

Tuesday 1-4pm
Wednesday 1-4pm
Saturday 1-4pm

If you want to make an appointment please email [email protected]
MEDIANET in THE GYM

A partnership between Free Theatre and Ngā Taonga Sound and Vision (formerly the Film Archive) sees a return of the Medianet digital video and sound facility. This is an exciting addition to Free Theatre's New Works and Education Programme here in The Gym. Medianet features over 1000 short films, features, documentaries, television commercials and music videos. 

Formerly based in the Old Library, the facility has not had a permanent home since the earthquakes. Arts Centre Chief Executive André Lovatt says the addition of the Medianet facility in The Gym is a great reason for people to visit the Arts Centre and engage with the Free Theatre: 'This facility is an excellent resource for a diversity of ages - it's great to see it back'. Ngā Taonga Sound and Vision has worked in partnership with Free Theatre since 2001 to provide Christchurch with access to a cross-section of its collection and for special interloans from Wellington.
We will also be developing playlists that focus in particular on experimental film, recordings of experimental performance, and historical recordings of Christchurch as the city regenerates. Films include:
  • A 1910 film of the Hinge family at their home in St Albans, the earliest home movie in Ngā Taonga Sound and Vision's collections.
  • Daughter of Christchurch (1928), a madcap comedy shot around Christchurch, starring local actors.
  • Documentary material on the life of acclaimed Christchurch-based children's author Margaret Mahy.
This is in addition to our own archives that feature material from our company's 36-year history. Medianet is a valuable resource for those interested in New Zealand film as well as those researching this city, it's past, present and future - it's fun to see all these old music videos and documentaries from Christchurch's past. Please see opening hours.