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Jungles are forbidding places occupied by leeches, spiders, snakes, tigers, apes and, if you’re extremely unlucky, dinosaurs.
We’re so used to the mythical idea of the jungle, as seen in movies, we sometimes forget that in Brisbane, we live in one.
It’s a fact that’s not lost on a recent blow-in from Sydney – arts event specialist Juliet Rosser.
South Bank’s Rainforest Green will host films with a jungle theme throughout summer.Credit: Morgan Roberts
“I’ve had a culture shock coming to Brisbane. It’s summer all year round, so that’s been challenging,” she said.
Rosser joined South Bank Corporation last year as senior manager of event strategy in time for its major rebranding following the 2024 master plan.
The sight of giant elves occupying the precinct over Christmas may have given a hint that something was afoot.
“South Bank is full of the most amazing spaces that are often underutilised. And the Rainforest Green is one of my favourites,” Rosser said.
“It’s a natural amphitheatre that slopes down, with the city skyline at the top of the trees. You can watch a movie surrounded by lush subtropical rainforest.”
Rosser, in partnership with Brisbane International Film Festival, has masterminded Lost Worlds Cinema, the latest in South Bank’s outdoor film series, which launched at Rainforest Green before Christmas with an unusually thoughtful season of Christmas movies.
This week they are launching Wild Summer, a season of jungle-themed films for young and old.
“Seeing these films under a rainforest canopy transforms them, dialling up the wonder, the wildness, and the sense of occasion,” said BIFF executive director Sophie Mathisen.
Jessica Lange in King Kong (1976).Credit: Paramount Pictures
Jurassic Park kicks off the series on Friday, with jungle-set action classics like Predator and Romancing the Stone to feature later in the season.
But the series is also a rare opportunity to show movies that were made in Queensland. The Phantom (1996) from Australian director Simon Wincer was partly shot in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast, with Titanic’s Billy Zane starring as the ghost who walks.
Three other jungle films have a local link in Brisbane-born actor Jonathan Hyde: Jumanji (1995), Anaconda (the original 1997 version), and The Mummy (1999).
And FernGully: The Last Rainforest (1992), an animated US/Australian co-production featuring Robin Williams in the voice cast, is about fairies who live in the Gondwana Rainforests of NSW and south-east Queensland. The film is often cited as the inspiration for Avatar.
In addition to surefire family films The Land Before Time and Disney’s The Jungle Book, there are arthouse flicks like The Mission, Thai film Tropical Malady, and Filipino crime drama First Light.
There’s also King Kong, but not the one you’re expecting: it’s the 1976 version starring Jessica Lange, with a climax on the twin towers of the World Trade Centre.
“It’s the 50th anniversary of this interesting – somewhat forgotten – film, and it’s very watchable,” said BIFF’s Christian Pazzaglia, who curated the season.
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“It changes the way you experience the film when you and your mates can watch a film in a jungle ... nowadays more than ever, people expect that kind of elevated experience.”
Adult tickets will cost $15 and family passes just $30, and there’s a bar and food offering as well.
Rainforest Green is also being activated this month as an electronic music venue in collaboration with The Tivoli.
Rosser is additionally working on a live site for the Australian Open, while in March, a major outdoor concert series with QPAC, On the Banks, will feature Bernard Fanning, Peach PRC, King Stingray, Marlon Williams and more on the Cultural Forecourt.
“My role is to activate the parklands in interesting ways that can attract people – both locals and tourists – with world-class experiences,” Rosser said.
“We’re making events that are speaking to the subtropical environment, doing things that are quintessentially Queensland.”
Lost Worlds Cinema: Wild Summer runs from January 9 to February 15.
Things to do in South Bank, January-March 2026
Annie A joyful production of the 1977 Broadway hit showcases Anthony Warlow and talented local child performers. Lyric Theatre, QPAC, until January 31
AO by the River A free Australian Open Live site allows you to follow the courtside action and patronise a Sunset Spritz Club. South Bank, January 23-February 1
Cluedo The play based on the film based on the boardgame invites you to guess whodunnit. Playhouse, QPAC, until February 1
Croc! Lost Giants to Living Legends The natural and unnatural history of crocodiles and alligators in fossils, models, displays and art. Queensland Museum Kurilpa, until October 5
Little Shop of Horrors Seymour unwittingly nurtures a bloodthirsty alien plant in this new production of the comedic sci-fi musical. Cremorne Theatre, QPAC, until February 15
Now You See Me Live Inspired by the magic-show heist movies, this live show brings four world-class illusionists to the stage. Concert Hall, QPAC, until January 18
On the Banks A melting pot of alternative, pop, garage, R&B and hip-hop performs by the riverside. Cultural Forecourt, February 25-March 22
Presence: Olafur Eliasson See spectacular art installations made from water, rocks, light and Lego. GOMA, until July 12
Southwave Local and international electronic artists turn Rainforest Green into a free outdoor dance floor, courtesy of The Tivoli Group. Rainforest Green, until February 21
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