The Hobbit: the Desolation of Smaug (M): Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and company must face the dragon Smaug (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch) to help the Dwarves return to their rightful home.

Philomena (M): Philomena Lee (Judi Dench) and journalist Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan) search for the son she was forced to give up five decades earlier. Based on a true story.

The Railway Man (M): Eric Lomax (Colin Firth) is tormented by his memories of World War II until his wife (Nicole Kidman) helps give him the strength he needs to face the past. Based on a true story.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (PG): Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller) escapes his anonymous life by disappearing into a world of fantasies until circumstances take him on a real-life adventure.

INCAN ART

Gold and the Incas: Lost Worlds of Peru is the largest exhibition of Peruvian art ever staged in Australia and shows the splendour of the ancient pre-Hispanic cultures of Peru. Audiences encounter the aesthetic depth, drama and beauty of the famous Incan empire and its predecessors. On display are more than 200 objects, from scintillating gold pieces made to decorate the nobility in life or in death, intricate jewellery, elaborate embroidered and woven cloths to breathtakingly sophisticated ceramic sculptures. Open 10am to 5pm daily except Christmas Day. Adults $25, members $16, children $6, concessions $20. 6240 6411, nga.gov.au

KILLER RIVALS

In Passion (2012, MA154+), the rivalry between two ambitious advertising executives, Christine (Rachel McAdams) and Isabelle (Noomi Rapace) turns deadly. Director and co-writer Brian De Palma’s film is a remake of the 2010 French film Love Crimes. Arc Cinema, National Film and Sound Archive, 4.30pm.

EXPLORE THE ARCHIVE

The National Film and Sound Archive is running free introductions to some of its national audiovisual treasures from Australia’s screen and sound history with its experienced presenters. Live shows run at weekends at 11am and 3pm. Please check before visiting, as times may vary. Bookings essential for groups of 15 or more. 6248 2000.

OSCAR WINNERS

The Piano (1993, M) won Oscars for director Jane Campion’s script and actors Holly Hunter and Anna Paquin. In the mid-19th century, widowed Ada (Hunter) comes to New Zealand with her daughter (Paquin) for an arranged marriage with Alistair (Sam Neill), but she is drawn to their neighbour, Barnes (Harvey Keitel). Arc Cinema, National Film and Sound Archive, 7.30pm. Tickets, bookings: 6248 2000.

FINAL OFFERINGS

The musical offering continues right up to the end of the year with free music events. In the National Portrait Gallery: Saturday from 1.45pm to 2.30pm: Shenanigans (female barbershop quartet); Sunday at 3.30pm: Toot Sweet (recorder group); Monday at 12.30pm: Tapestries of Sound (Indian and Celtic-inspired music and dance). Then on New Year’s Eve, for those who prefer to party in the afternoon (2pm-4pm), Calvary Retirement Village is hosting Heart & Soul Singers, The Faumuis and The Opera Shed Community Choir. For more information, see musicaloffering.com.au

CRICKETING CHUMS

In the Indian film Kai Po Che! (2013, M), Gujarat cricketing buddies struggle to maintain their friendship through communal differences. It’s on at 2pm at Arc Cinema, National Film and Sound Archive. Tickets: $10/$8. Bookings: 6248 2000.

FACING REALITY

Reality (2012, MA15+) is about a simple Neapolitan fishmonger named Luciano (Aniello Arena) who is shortlisted to be on the Italian version of Big Brother, but finds himself becoming paranoid as the waiting starts to get to him. Arc Cinema, 4.30pm. Tickets, bookings: 6248 2000.

PREHISTORIC TOURS

Every day at 11am and 2pm during the ACT/NSW school holidays, the National Dinosaur Museum will host 30-minute guided tours of its extensive prehistoric collection. Suitable for all ages. Free with museum admission. 6 Gold Creek Road, Nicholls. 6230 2655. nationaldinosaurmuseum.com.au

ART HOUSE

Visit Parliament House to see one of Australia’s best art collections. As a special celebration of the building’s 25th anniversary, 25 art works by some of Australia’s most notable artists will be on display. Drawn from the Parliament House art collection, the art works tell a story of how Australian landscape and identity are intrinsically linked. Follow the trail through the building to find art by the likes of Arthur Boyd, Michael Nelson Jagamara, Sidney Nolan and Grace Cossington Smith. Bring the kids along for the fun of the 25 Treasures Hunt with Squawk the Cockatoo. Open 9am to 5pm. Free.

HAVE A LAUGH

You’ve never seen a year like this in politics. Behind the Lines 2013: The Year’s Best Political Cartoons tells the tale of three leaders: Julia Gillard, Kevin Rudd and Tony Abbott. See them through broken parliamentary alliances, caucus instability, leadership spills, prime ministerial changes, corruption scandals, cabinet reshuffles, policies and opinion polls. Included are cartoons by The Canberra Times’ David Pope. Museum of Australian Democracy, Old Parliament House. Open 9am to 5pm. Adults $2, children $1, families $5.

PORTRAIT PLAY

Join the National Portrait Gallery’s specialist educators on a family tour of the galleries exploring the portraits through drawing and creative activities. Ideal for children aged from four to eight to share with their family and friends. Daily during the school holidays from 11am to noon. Children $5. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Bookings essential: 6102 7000, portrait.gov.au