You have to give it to the National Film and Sound Archive, they’re original. While the rest of us may be planning on waving flags and enjoying sausage sizzles, the archive will be holding an  “Australia (dog) Day afternoon”. And no, that’s not hot dogs, it’s the canine variety, in an afternoon of exclusively doggy films. Here’s the best part – it’s free!

So, on January 26, there will be the following films:

1pm: “Shaggy Dog Tales from the NFSA Collection” (Unclassified 15+)
In honour of Australia Day they’ll explore the NFSA’s archive of 100-plus years of dog-eared films from the collection, including classic and not quite classic newsreels, documentary, short fiction and animation from the collection. 45mins.

2pm: “Red Dog” (2011, PG)
Here’s a chance to see again this poignant story about a dog that becomes an outback legend. Luke Ford, Josh Lucas, Rachel Taylor and Noah Taylor star opposite Koko, a red kelpie. It’s is based on a true story and filmed in the Kimberley.
Director: Kriv Stenders, Australia, 92mins.

5pm: “Gone to the Dogs” (1939, G)
Director Ken G Hall’s vehicle for 1930s comedy-legend George Wallace was one of the last great hits for pre-war Australian cinema and the soon-to-be-closed Cinesound studios (though it was still being successfully revived into the early 1950s). Wallace plays a zookeeper who discovers a dog-food additive that can accelerate motion. He plans to win a famous greyhound race, but a gang of crooks have other ideas. It’s classic, doped-up farce, nipping at the heels of the Aussie surreal – especially in the film’s Ballet du le kennel. From the NFSA collection.
Director: Ken G Hall, Australia, 65mins, 35mm.

“Australia (dog) Day afternoon” at the National Film and Sound Archive, bookings to 6248 2000 or call in at the NFSA box office.