For the last year or so, we’ve been all about social distancing, being masked and tense with stress. But now it’s time to let loose, take off your clothes, get naked, shake out those jiggly bits and relax in front of a very unconventional nude film festival screening.

For the very first time in Australia, open-minded movie-goers are invited to strip off to watch the Belgian movie “Patrick” as part of the 2021 Fantastic Film Festival Australia.

The film is being touted as a Shakespearean tragi-comedy mystery set in a nudist camp. The story is all about the colony’s janitor, Patrick, who becomes the unexpected heir to a forest retreat, which is being fought over by nudists.

Unique Experience

Festival director, Hudson Sowada, said in the Sydney Morning Herald that “this is going to be a unique and memorable cinematic experience.”

“Patrick has been seen around the world, but never by a nude audience before,” Mr Sowada added.

The director said that he would be introducing the movie in Melbourne completely starkers and would be ensuring that the audience “respects each other’s personal space.”

There Are Rules

So what are the rules for naked cinema:

1) You need to bring your own towel to sit on
2) No photography is allowed
3) The movie is restricted to 18 years and older
4) If you’re keen to pop out to the candy bar, you’ll need to reclothe.

Get Naked At The Movies

The nude film festival screening of Patrick is taking place on Saturday 24 April at Lido Cinemas in Hawthorn at 7:30pm and at the Ritz Randwick on Sunday 25 April. But if you’re feeling a bit prudish, you can still see the movie fully clothed at an alternative session.

The Fantastic Film Festival runs until 1 May. Tickets can be purchased at fantasticfilmfestival.com.au.

We may get commissions for purchases made using links in this post. Learn more.