Metro Tunnel on the silver screen at Fed Square

A unique look back at the recent history of the Metro Tunnel Project is on offer at Federation Square, with a series of short films being shown on the square’s big screen.

The Metro Tunnel Creative Program commissioned four Melbourne-based filmmakers to create the short films around the theme “underground” using construction footage from the Metro Tunnel Project.

The films use a range of cinematic styles, including animation and real-life footage of the city-shaping project – the biggest upgrade to Melbourne’s public transport network since the City Loop was built in the 1980s.

Juliet Miranda Rowe’s film Now & Then, Down Below takes us back to old Melbourne to show how public transport has transformed our city.

Glynn Urquhart’s film Down the Tunnel shows us how the Metro Tunnel went from an idea to reality in a quirky way.

Jacqui Shelton’s film Tunnel brings to life the tunnel in all its glory.

Finally, Lilah Benetti’s film New City. New Face. Same Us gives us a taste of future Melbourne with a metro train network like other major cities around the globe.

Short films can be a powerful storytelling medium, according to Metro Tunnel creative program manager Sarah Robins.

“The filmmakers were asked to tell their own stories when creating the short films, each of which are very different from one another and reflect the filmmakers’ personal styles,” Ms Robin said.

“I think people will appreciate their beauty and difference from one another and hopefully they’ll seek out other work made by these local filmmakers.”

Meanwhile, work on the Metro Tunnel Project is progressing well, with test trains now running at a maximum speed of 80km/h through the tunnel – the same speed they will travel at when the project opens in 2025.

Work on the project’s five new underground stations – Anzac, Town Hall, State Library, Parkville, and Arden – is continuing at pace, with crews working on architectural fit-out and installation of mechanical, electrical and plumbing equipment. Workers have finished installation of Victorian-first platform screen doors.

Arden Station is the most advanced of the five new stations, with the building’s major structural elements finished. Escalators and lifts to the station concourse are being tested, while stone paving has been laid and tactiles installed to aid the visually impaired.

The five new stations will be new landmarks for the city, featuring striking architecture, world-class public art and 21st century technology. •