Book Club: Desert Hearts

An all-time favourite lesbian desert romance.

Arc Cinema

2:00PM

$22 Full / $19.50 Concession ( + $1.50 booking fee)

Sun, Jul 26, 2026

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Book Club: Desert Hearts 26 July, 2026

Read the book. Watch the film. Join the conversation.

BOOK CLUB AT NFSA IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ABC RADIO CANBERRA.
Explore how culturally significant books have been adapted and reimagined as films.

1985 | DCP | USA | D: Donna Deitch

Donna Deitch’s quietly groundbreaking romance follows Vivian, a reserved New York professor seeking a fresh start in 1950s Nevada, and Cay, a confident free spirit unafraid to live on her own terms. Their unexpected connection unfolds against sweeping desert landscapes, building towards a tender and emotionally honest love story. A landmark of lesbian cinema, Desert Hearts remains celebrated for its warmth, sincerity, and unapologetic embrace of desire.

‘The most memorable meet-cute scene I’ve ever witnessed.’ — B. Ruby Rich - The Guardian

The screening will be followed by an interactive discussion about the film adaptation of Jane Rule’s novel Desert of the Heart, in conversation with Alice Matthews (ABC Radio Canberra) and  NFSA's Hannah de Feyter.

Arc Cinema

We are situated in the heart of Canberra on McCoy Circuit, Acton, between the shores of Lake Burley Griffin and the grounds of the Australian National University. Just a 10-minute walk from the city and state bus interchanges.

1 McCoy Circuit, Acton, ACT 2601

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