After decades of failed proposals, Sydney is finally getting a cinematheque – a dedicated centre for screening classic and contemporary films.

The Art Gallery of NSW will upgrade its film program and rebrand as Sydney Cinematheque from February, with Hugo Weaving as its ambassador.

A film Q&A session for the Korean film The Handmaiden at the Art Gallery of NSW. Credit: Korean Cultural Centre of Australia

The move comes weeks after the gallery acted to axe 45 jobs to repair a $7.5 million budget black hole .

The gallery’s film curator, Ruby Arrowsmith-Todd, said the cinematheque – a French term popularised by the famous Cinematheque Francaise in Paris – would expand the use of its 320-seat and 95-seat cinemas.

It would continue the free screenings that currently include program

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