Frequently Asked Questions

Online and mobile tickets

Can I refund my ticket?

To request a refund please email dutymanager@cinemanova.com.au with your reasoning or ask in-person at the Candy Bar. We do not offer refunds if requested after a session has passed. Same-day, Discount Monday, Saturday after 4pm and "change-of-mind" refunds cannot be guaranteed and are at the discretion of the Duty Manager. Where a refund cannot be given, a credit of equivalent ticket value may be offered instead in the form of a Courtesy Card. Please note, where refunds for tickets purchased online have been approved by the cinema manager, the refund may take up to 7 days to be processed. 

How do I present tickets on my smart phone?

Your ticket can be scanned direct from your mobile screen at the cinema gate (upstairs, near the Candy Bar). Tickets booked online will have been sent to your chosen email address. Please open the pdf attachment on the email and present your barcoded ticket to the cinema gate attendant. Your ticket is now ready for scanning.

How do I purchase tickets online?

1. Select your film from the Now Showing tab OR via the Find and Book Your Movie search.
2. Click on the film session time of your choice.
3. Select the number and type of tickets required. You will also be able to choose your seating preference. Always double check your cart before proceeding to payment.
4. Enter your email address – this is where your tickets will be sent.
5. Proceed to payment. Pay by PayPal or Credit/Debit Card.
6. Your booking details will appear onscreen once payment is complete.
7. Please check your emails for 1) receipt of purchase 2) an email from Nova with your barcoded tickets attached in a pdf. You may print these barcoded tickets or display them on your smart device to the cinema gate attendant to gain access to the cinema.

I didn't print out my online tickets. How can I retrieve them?

On your smart device, check for an email from Nova. Open the pdf attachment on the email and present your barcoded ticket to the cinema gate attendant. Your ticket is now ready for scanning.
If you do not have access to a smart device please proceed to the Cinema Nova Box Office and a staff member will print your tickets for you with the credit card or email used to make the booking.

Something has gone wrong online, I have not received my ticket or gift voucher?

Occasionally tickets or gift vouchers purchased online are not received due to incorrect information (for example, a wrongly typed or invalid email address) entered during the purchasing process.

To enquire about an unreceived ticket or voucher please email admin@cinemanova.com.au with details of the purchase and we will assist you. Please note this email address is only manned during office hours (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-5.30pm).

When can I book tickets online?

Tickets can now be purchased online through the Cinema Nova website 7 days a week. Bookings for Special Events including Q&A screenings, Premieres, the New York Met Opera, etc are all added to the website once sessions are confirmed by the film's distributor. To keep up-to-date with our latest events subscribe to our weekly eNews mailing list, Like us on FaceBook, Instagram or Follow us on Twitter. 

Sessions

How long do film seasons last?

Most feature films that screen at Cinema Nova do not have set season length. Films generally have a season lasting one to two months, but we've been known to screen more popular films for up to four months.
Alternate content events such as the New York Metropolitan Opera, National Theatre and similar "screened live performances" usually have a limited season that cannot be extended for contractual reasons set by the event's rights holder. On most occasions all sessions of alternate content events will be on sale, with no chance for extension. We would recommend booking tickets in advance for advertised sessions to avoid disappointment. Where demand requires, Cinema Nova will consult with a distributor to seek an extension and add sessions where permitted. 

Why are film sessions only listed until Wednesday?

Cinema Nova's schedule is updated weekly and runs from Thursday to Wednesday, aka the "cinema week".  The new cinema week's schedule is published on the afternoon of the prior Tuesday and sessions will appear on the Cinema Nova website in Now Showing and Coming Soon, under a film's title.
Subscribe to our weekly eNews for session times direct to your Inbox every Thursday.  A printed copy of the cinema week's sessions can also be found at the Box Office and Candy Bar. Tickets can be purchased online through the Cinema Nova website 7 days a week.

Do you have Cry Baby sessions?

We do not have cry baby sessions as such, however you are more than welcome to bring your child to any of our sessions (aside from R18+ films). We recommend morning sessions on weekdays or weekends (aside from our Discount Day - Monday - due to anticipated crowds).  Please note, prams and strollers are not permitted in cinemas as aisles must remain clear in the event of an emergency.  We ask that you leave your pram or stroller in the foyer during this time. 

Tickets and Pricing

Do you have a discount day?

Monday is our discount day and it is the cheapest in Melbourne! Regular tickets are $7 for sessions before 4pm, $10 for sessions after 4pm. Please note discounts do not apply on public holidays, actual or observed. Tickets can be purchased online through the Cinema Nova website 7 days a week.

How much do tickets cost?

Adult - $23.50
Concession (including students, seniors, children under 15, pension and health care card holders) - $18.00
Industry Concession (only available from the box office) - $21.50 

Privilege Members - $20.00 ($18.00 on a film's opening day)
Concession Privilege Members - $15.00

Discount Monday (excluding Public Holidays) - all tickets $7 before 4pm $10 after 4pm

Add $1.50 to the above for 3D sessions, excluding Discount Monday where there is a $3 surcharge.

Above prices exclude event screenings, which are priced on a bespoke basis. 

Who is included in an industry concession?

Industry concessions are: 3CR radio, ADG (Australian Director’s Guild), AFCA  (Australian Film Critics Association), AFI (Australian Film Institute) / ACCTA, MEAA (Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance), MIFF (Melbourne International Film Festival), MQFF (Melbourne Queer Film Festival), MTC (Melbourne Theatre Company), Open Channel, PBS FM Radio, Triple R FM Radio (3RRR). Concession prices for special events only applies to Students, Pensioners, Healthcare, Under 15 yrs and Privilege Card members.

What types of concession cards are accepted?

Cinema Nova offers discounted concession prices for people under the following categories: Student ID, Pensioner Card, Healthcare card, Under 15 years old.

Concession tickets can be booked online, and Cinema Nova staff can request to see the valid concession card and photo ID prior to selling at the concession rate. Concession tickets purchased online may require the ticket holder to produce proof of a valid concession card to be admitted to the session. Where a concession card cannot be produced, cinema staff will direct the customer to change their ticket from a concession ticket to an adult (full price) ticket. Concession card pricing is non-transferable.

Do you accept Companion Cards?

Yes. A companion card holder is entitled to bring a carer to any session (subject to ticket availability) with a complimentary ticket. The card holder is still required to purchase a ticket.

Companion tickets can only be booked in person by the Companion Card holder as cinema staff need to sight a valid pass or card associated with the provision of a complimentary cinema admission.

Employment

I love film and want to work at Nova. How do I do it?

If you love film, have a good work ethic and excellent customer relations skills, feel free to email your CV including references to david@cinemanova.com.au
*All applicants must hold a valid Victorian RSA.

Gift Vouchers

How do I book online using my gift voucher?

Select your film from the Now Showing tab OR via the Find and Book Your Movie search. For Nova Deluxe/High Tea sessions, please select your session from the Nova Deluxe tab. 

Click on the film session time of your choice. Select VOUCHER (beneath STANDARD).

Enter the barcode number on your voucher, (starts with a capital “N”).

For select sessions you will also be able to select your seating preference (Saturdays after 6pm, Nova Deluxe and special events only). 

Enter your email address – this is where your tickets will be sent - and follow the instructions. 

Your booking details will appear onscreen once the process is complete. Please check your inbox for an email from Nova with your barcoded tickets attached in a pdf. You may print these barcoded tickets or display them on your smart device to the cinema gate attendant to gain access to the cinema.

I have not received my online voucher.

First, please check the Junk Mail folder on your email.
If your voucher is not in the Junk Mail folder and has not been received within one hour of purchase, please email dutymanager@cinemanova.com.au with your name and booking number (if known) and you will receive a reply within business hours. If it is after hours and your booked session is that night only, contact us on 03 9347 5331 ext 3.

I have received my online voucher but I cannot see the barcode.

Please email dutymanager@cinemanova.com.au with your name and booking number (if known), and you will receive a reply in business hours. If it is after hours and your booked session is that night only, contact us on 03 9347 5331 ext 3.

My gift voucher has been lost or stolen.

Physical gift vouchers should be treated as cash.  Nova accepts no responsibility for lost or stolen vouchers.

Film Ratings

How can I get more information on why a film has received a particular classification rating?

The best source of information about film classification is the Australian Government's classification website, which you can visit HERE. On the Australian Government's classification website you can get detailed information on what a film contains (EG: Language, Violence, Nudity) and the rated impact of those themes. Screenings of a performance captured live on-stage can attract an (E) rating, for 'Exempt From Classification'.

What do they mean?

  

 

  

Various Other Faqs

How can I find out if a film has subtitles?

All films screened at Cinema Nova that contain foreign languages will feature English subtitles unless the film's director has elected not to use them for the purposes of storytelling. To discover which foreign language is spoken in a film, and to confirm that English subtitles are featured, check a film's individual page on this site. This information will be located after a film's synopsis.

How do I screen my film at Cinema Nova?

Nova offers cinemas for hire. For more information download our Private Cinema Hire Booking Form.

How do you decide what films to screen?

Cinema Nova is dedicated to bringing you the most interesting variety of quality cinema from across the world. We are renowned for supporting local films, screening exclusive releases and exhibiting the very best films produced by studios and independent alike. We watch virtually every film we screen at Cinema Nova to ensure that we are proud to present it to you. While all cinema is subjective, we're confident that you'll always find something interesting, challenging and well regarded to see at Cinema Nova. 

When does the Box Office open?

The Cinema Nova box office opens 15 minutes prior to the first advertised session, excluding ANZAC Day when it opens 5 minutes prior to the first session. Tickets can be purchased online 24 hours a day. Our electronic ticketing kiosks adjacent to the box office are also available during Lygon Court opening hours.

Why do the lights come up at the end of a film before the credits end?

Cinema Nova is concerned for the safety of all of its patrons. To ensure that audiences can exit the cinema at the end of the feature with ease, house lights will come up as the credits roll. While we understand that true cinephiles may wish to watch the credits without interruption, house lights ensure those who are unconcerned with whom the Key Grip was are able to exit safely and easily. (PS: the Key Grip was Orv Moody)

How do I advertise my service or product on-screen prior to the feature film?

For all advertising enquires please contact Val Morgan Cinema Network. For partnership enquires, please contact admin@cinemanova.com.au

Why is there a bird perched over the comments box in the foyer?

Hand crafted by a renowned local artist, our cormorant is both loved and loathed by customers. In fact, "pro" and "con" notes about the cormorant are the most common comments found in the feedback box. Makes you wonder whether people would even notice there is the option to provide feedback were there no cormorant at all!

Update: Coronavirus (COVID-19)


The health and  safety of our audience and cinema staff is our number one priority. Please see our regularly updated page here.

There is a dedicated Department of Health and Human Services hotline for any person who  may develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19: 1800 675 398.

Additional  information is available on the Australian Government Department of Health and  Victorian Government health websites.




Why aren't you playing [insert major blockbuster title here]?

We aren't opposed to mainstream cinema, we promise, however for every big studio blockbuster we choose to play, that's two screens that won't be playing a small indie feature... or a local documentary... or a directorial debut. We choose our mainstream films with purpose opting for exciting, original, and creative movies over the next big sequel or remake. Leaving more screens for the "little movies that could" to have their moment on the big screen.

Nova Loyalty Membership

How do I purchase a Nova Loyalty membership?

Memberships are valid for 12 months and can be purchased online HERE or at the Cinema Nova Box Office. If you purchase online, make sure to pick up your physical membership card upon your next visit to Nova to finalise your account set-up. If you purchase in-person, make sure to activate your card to set-up your login for the online member portal. 

Regular Membership $13. Concession Membership $13 - only available for purchase at the Cinema Nova Box Office. Applicants must have a concession card that is valid for 12 months.

I lost my card OR My card has been stolen OR I need to change my card details

If your card has been lost or stolen, a new card can be arranged by visiting the Cinema Nova Box Office.  Please note a $5 card replacement fee applies.
If you need to update your details, please email dutymanager@cinemanova.com.au Please include your full name and card number in the body of your email.

What are the benefits of a Nova Loyalty membership?

Benefits of Cinema Nova Privilege Membership Include:

- Discounted tickets for members + one guest to standard sessions of any regular season film.

- Extra discounted entry for members + one guest to opening day sessions (Thursdays) of every new film.

- Extra discounted tickets for advance screenings.

- Concession prices for film festivals and special event screenings.

- Exclusive member screening invitations and giveaways (email address necessary).

- Exclusive weekly updates on new films and the chance to get tickets first (email address necessary).

- Various discounts for local businesses (COMING SOON)

To see details and sign up, visit our Privilege Membership page, see HERE.

How do I purchase tickets online using my Loyalty card?

1. Click on your chosen film session to begin the booking process
2. SIGN IN to the Privilege Club using your Username and Password.
3. Select the Privilege ticketing tab on the Standard ticket link
4. Select your quantity of tickets
5. Click NEXT
6. Check your order on the YOUR BASKET screen, check the Terms & Conditions box, click NEXT
7. Complete transaction payment using PayPal, a credit card or debit card
8. Receive your unique ticket and booking confirmation at your chosen email address.


Head to the cinema and bypass the box office!
*Please present your Cinema Nova Loyalty Card and your tickets for checking at the cinema podium upon entry (upstairs near the Candy Bar).

My membership is expired! How can I renew it?

Standard memberships can be renewed online and in-person at the Nova Candy Bar. Please note, to renew online you must sign in here - the renewal function will only appear when your card has already passed its expiration date. The option may take up to 72 hours to appear post-expiry. 

Concession memberships may only be renewed in-person at the Candy Bar with valid proof-of-concession. If your membership has expired, or is about to, be sure to renew it on your next visit. It only takes a few minutes and guarantees that you can access all the perks of being a Nova loyalty member. 

I accidentally purchased a general membership instead of concession! Can I swap this?

You sure can! Email admin@cinemanova.com.au with your membership details and proof of concession or visit the Cinema Nova Candy Bar with your proof of concession and ask for management assistance to swap FOC.

I'm a member, why am I still being charged a booking fee?

To access the full benefits of your Nova Loyalty Membership, make sure you have completed the sign-up process and have both a valid online membership account AND a physical membership card. 

New & Noteworthy
Closed Caption eNews Anniversary Party Double Feature Sundays met First Nations Acknowledgement