Lovers of Die Hard references and 'title of your sex tape' jokes, rejoice — and start planning your next Halloween heist. Brooklyn Nine-Nine, the beloved sitcom that all of the above gags form an important part of, has just been renewed. And if this feels a little like deja vu, there's a good reason for that. Basically, what a difference 18 months can make. This time back in May 2018, the show was cancelled after its fifth season by Fox, its original American network. An outcry followed, so rival US channel NBC came to the rescue, picking up the series just 31 hours later and committing to a sixth season of cop comedy. It was the latest tense move in the B99's history, with the threat of axing looming over the show since it premiered in 2013. Now, much to delight of fans, that's no longer the case — at least for the next two seasons. Back in March, the series was renewed for a 13-episode seventh season. Just last week, it was announced that those new episodes (and gags) will hit screens in both the US and Australia from early February. But there's even more exciting news in store for the fine fictional detectives of Brooklyn's 99th precinct, with NBC now renewing the series for an eighth season even before the seventh season airs. It seems that the network is rather fond of Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg), Amy Santiago (Melissa Fumero), Rosa Diaz (Stephanie Beatriz), Charles Boyle (Joe Lo Truglio), Terry Jeffords (Terry Crews) and Raymond Holt (Andre Braugher) — and even Hitchcock (Dirk Blocker) and Scully (Joel McKinnon Miller). https://twitter.com/nbcbrooklyn99/status/1195037124342378497?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Enews%7Ctwgr%5Etweet Yes, Brooklyn Nine-Nine fans can't utter "noice" fast or often enough. Or, as Peralta would say: cool cool cool. Expect season eight to air during the 2020–21 US TV season — although just when it'll screen obviously hasn't been revealed this far in advance. We do have season seven to get through first, after all. Aussie fans have been very fortunate in recent years, with SBS dropping new episodes in line with their US screenings, and that'll continue with season seven from February 2020. Here's hoping the same proves the case when season eight rolls around. As always, there are plenty of B99-appropriate ways to mark this development. Breaking out a celebratory yoghurt, Terry Jeffords-style, is definitely in order. If you're more like Captain Raymond Holt, perhaps you'd like to treat yourself to a trip to a barrel museum. Or you could channel your inner Gina Linetti and dance about your happy feelings. Brooklyn Nine-Nine's eighth season will air sometime in 2020 or 2021. Before that, the show's seventh season will start screeening from Friday, February 7, 2020, Australian time on SBS Viceland. Via Variety.
Pushing ladies to the front, welcoming them on-stage to discuss their fields of expertise and their experiences, and exploring a broad range of topics that are relevant to women: that's been the aim of Sydney Opera House's key feminist festival since 2013. From its inception, All About Women has dedicated a day to focusing on female voices, fittingly popping up around International Women's Day each year. Of course, it's never been possible to confine everything there is to talk about to one single day, so 2022's fest is expanding. When next March rolls around, All About Women will mark its tenth festival — and it'll hit double digits and broaden its footprint in tandem. To celebrate, Sydney Opera House's Head of Talks & Ideas Chip Rolley and First Nations legal academic, broadcaster, filmmaker, writer and Distinguished Professor Larissa Behrendt OA, the event's co-curators, have amassed an impressive range of speakers to participate in talks, panels, performances and workshops. The big focus: bravery, allyship and collective responsibility. One of the must-attend sessions of the 2022 fest, which'll take place between Saturday, March 12–Sunday, March 13: current and former Australians of the Year Grace Tame and Rosie Batty, who'll appear together publicly for the first time. In a session to moderated by author and political commentator Jamila Rizvi, they'll chat through the title they've both shared, including its challenges and opportunities. [caption id="attachment_837696" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jacquie Manning[/caption] Another of All About Women's key talks will feature American Bad Feminist and Hunger writer Roxane Gay in conversation with writer/actor and Gamilaroi/Torres Strait Islander woman Nakkiah Lui, discussing their personal experiences of racism and misogyny. Other highlights include a session on the story of 'Kate', who posthumously accused federal MP Christian Porter of sexual assault; an exploration of consent, featuring lawyer and author Bri Lee, writer Lucia Osborne-Crowley, and advocate for sexual assault law reform Saxon Mullins; a conversation with Distinguished Professor Aileen Moreton-Robinson, Goenpul author of Indigenous feminist text Talkin' Up to the White Woman; and a panel discussing the everyday of disabled parenting curated and led by Eliza Hull, whose anthology of stories by disabled parents, We've Got This, will soon be published. [caption id="attachment_837698" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jacquie Manning[/caption] The rest of the lineup also features an opening night gala headlined by poet and contemporary dancer Tishani Doshi, who'll perform Girls Are Coming Out of the Woods; writer, historian and podcaster Yves Rees hosting a panel that imagines a future without gendered expectations; Fight Like A Girl, Boys Will Be Boys and How We Love's Clementine Ford giving a secular sermon on love; a panel on the fate of women in Afghanistan now the Taliban has taken back control of the country; a session highlighting veteran ABC journalist Laura Tingle; and a panel showcasing next generation First Nations voices. While the festival is going ahead in-person for Sydneysiders, it'll also live-stream to viewers both around Australia and worldwide — because this top-notch program, and the subjects it covers, can't be confined to either one day or one place. All About Women 2022 will take place on Saturday, March 12–Sunday, March 13 at the Sydney Opera House. Livestream tickets and event multipacks are on sale from 9am AEDT on Thursday, December 16, with single-ticket pre-sales starting at the same time — and general public tickets available from 9am AEDT on Friday, December 17. Top image: Prudence Upton.
This month Alex Steinweiss, the inventor of the album cover, died at the age of 94. In the 1930s his simple idea revolutionised the marketing of music, and although the digital revolution hasn't killed off the music industry in the way many predicted, perhaps the marketing and consumption of music is due for another shake up. We look at three ways artists are using new tech to grab their fans' attention and beat the pirates. 1. Make it collaborative. Many a young band has called on friends and fans to help make their first film clip. British band The Vaccines have taken the idea to their entire fanbase, inviting them to provide images of their summer festival experiences via instagram to make the clip to their new song 'Wetsuit.' Other artists like Imogen Heap have gone a step further and asked fans to pitch in with creating the lyrics and music. https://youtube.com/watch?v=ur-y7oOto14 2. Make it interactive. By and large, music is now consumed digitally, either online or via a portable device that probably starts with 'i'. In the same way that Steinweiss used the medium of the record sleeve, artists are using the web and digital devices to express their creativity and involve the 'listener' on more levels. The Polyphonic Spree's latest single Bullseye is available as an interactive, video-game-like app. OK Go have released their latest song, 'All Is Not Lost', online with a dedicated website where, thanks to the magic of HTML5, viewers can generate a customised, kaleidoscopic video featuring their own message spelled out by the Pilobolus dancers. https://youtube.com/watch?v=o8AELvVUFLw 3. Make it immersive. Going one step further, Bjork has released her entire album Biophilia as a free app. Within the app you can purchase the tracks, each of which comes with its own game, video, musical score and sleeve notes. The volume and variety of material on offer demonstrates that there is a world of possibilities for artists to deliver far more than just an audio file, and change the way we consume music. [via PSFK]
On the lookout for a dope new denim jacket? Or do you want to be rid of that weird-looking lamp taking up space in the living room? Then, by golly, you're in luck. The Garage Sale Trail works with local council partners Australia-wide to get as many trash-and-treasure troves happening on the same few days as possible. Last year, more than 400,000 Aussies took part at this festival of pre-loved stuff, holding more than 14,000 sales. Will this year's Garage Sale Trail top those hefty numbers? It'll certainly try via a huge array of events that will open their doors to bargain hunters, selling millions of items across two big spring weekends: between Saturday, November 9–Sunday, November 10, and then again from Saturday, November 16–Sunday, November 17. Aside from the retro goodies up for grabs, the Garage Sale Trail is all about sustainability. Instead of ending up in landfill, unwanted clutter becomes a fantastic find. So get that tight pair of sunnies for peanuts and help the environment at the same time. The Garage Sale Trail began humbly in Bondi in 2010 and is growing bigger every year. There'll be a right slew of sales happening all around Brisbane, so keep your eyes on the event website — or register online to make a quick buck from your old junk and hang out with the friendly folks in your hood.
In 2009 Phoenix Keating, at the young age of 17, was immediately put into the fashion spotlight when his first collection caught the eye of music icon Lady Gaga. And he became a legend in 2011 when Lady Gaga wore two of Keating's outfits at her spontaneous show in Sydney. His designs are unique and striking, mixtures of classic and avant-garde with a touch of vintage flare. Since then, Keating has gathered quite the media following and his career has quickly developed into a successful label. His debut at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia without a doubt took Keating's label to the next level. Keating's sophisticated, dramatic and powerful designs contradict his age and the low-key, relaxed attitude of many other Australian designers. Keating has brought a new drama to the Australian fashion industry, similar to that of Europe's industry. Some fashion experts even say that the industry is looking much more promising because of Keating. His response to this? Surprise! And gratitude. We chat to Keating about fashion, success at a (absurdly) young age, the outer space/spaghetti western nexus and Lady Gaga. What was it like preparing for your first solo show? It was incredibly nerve-racking. I wasn't sure what people were going to think of the collection. I'm still not sure what people are going to think of the collection. And I was a big perfectionist, to my team's dismay for this collection. But it was so great to have the support of my team. What was your inspiration behind the collection shown today? The story from today's collection, well, it's about an alien who comes to Earth and is trying to blend in. She can only study humans through film so she studies a lot of films. She stumbles across spaghetti western films, like Clint Eastwood films. And she becomes obsessed, absolutely obsessed by these films. She also becomes obsessed with Clint Eastwood. So she does herself up in a western way, she's taken a bit from the '40s and a bit from the '50s, [but] she comes to Earth and she looks a bit off. She's trying to look human but she's not really looking too human. The collection develops and then it's about her journey to find Clint Eastwood. And when she finds Clint Eastwood, she is a little bit let down because he dismisses her. And when he does this she becomes completely evil. So the colour scheme of the collection goes from white to black and I've developed these big black shapes. So,what I did with this collection is take the western and really modernise it and I made it alien — so it's alien western I guess you could say. It's about how no matter which worlds we can travel to and no matter how advanced we've become we can still feel that deep pain and deep sorrow. That's so interesting. Does each collection have a background story like that? Every single collection I've done. How does it feel to be done with your debut? It's bittersweet and it's also lovely. What are your next steps now that the show is over? Next collection! I've started to design it but nothing too solid yet. So, you emerged as a designer in 2009. Do you feel your artistic style has changed or evolved since then? It's a lot more cohesive than before. I'm not doing things in a rushed fashion like I used to. And I think it's just me growing as a designer, I finish things now. How would you describe your signature look as a designer? I just feel like I juxtapose. I take opposites and make them work together. I love vintage and I love past eras. I love Lauren Bacall and I love Audrey Hepburn. I always get my inspiration from those types of women but I take it somewhere modern and quite new and fresh. You're only 21, but many fashion experts and writers say that you have the talent of a designer twice your age, what do you think about that? I'm very passionate about what I do and I think that reflects in my work. It hasn't just been a two-minute affair with fashion; it's been a prevalent thing for many, many, many, many years. In high school all I did was sit there and draw, and I guess I knew that I had something from that age on. Everything I designed from then on I look at now. I think it's just something that I really, really love to do. So, fashion has been prevalent in your life for quite some time. When did you know that you wanted to be a designer? At the age of 13. I wanted to be an actor before then and I don't know why but my dreams were dashed. And I don't know why I did it, but I made a dress for my year eight project and I just fell in love with the way it looked. It was like a '50s dress and it was pretty cool actually. I fell in love with it (designing clothes) then. Your career seemed to skyrocket after Lady Gaga was seen wearing your clothing in 2011. How has your career developed since Lady Gaga? Undoubtedly she has propelled me much faster then I would have on my own. I probably owe this to her right now. I probably owe this show to her right now. I have a great deal of respect for her helping me and helping other young designers around the world. It's priceless and it helps so much!
This winter, the Night Noodle Markets will finally return for 12 nights of culinary delights after sitting out the last couple of years for obvious reasons. That means that it's time for plenty of tasty things on sticks, bowls of noodles, bao and extravagant desserts, all at the event's new home in the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens. While you'll be heading to a different spot to get your fill of hawker-style dishes between Wednesday, June 15–Sunday, June 26, this is a case of new location, same delicious outcome. And if you haven't already worked up an appetite just thinking about the event in general, the markets have just unveiled the full list of stalls that'll be slinging all manner of foods. In total, 16 culinary stallholders will set up shop, all so you can feast on everything from chicken karaage noodles to deep-fried Milo gelato. Expect a heap of pop-up bars, too, and a generally busy and bustling vibe. If you've been to the Night Noodle Markets before, you can start getting excited about a few returning favourites — such as Hoy Pinoy, Bangkok Street Food, Flying Noodles and Gelato Messina. That means Filipino barbecue street food will be on the menu, including pork belly skewers in a banana ketchup glaze and chicken skewers in traditional soy glaze. So will pad thai with prawns and gravity-defying braised pork belly noodles, too. As for Messina, it's doing Asian-inspired gelato and desserts such as its famed mango pancakes (which stuff mango sorbet and vanilla chantilly into mango crepes), that aforementioned deep-fried Milo gelato (which also includes Messinatella pudding and Oreo crumble) and HK French toast (made with dulce de leche and peanut butter French toast). Another big drawcard, and a first-timer to the Brisbane Night Noodle Markets: Demochi Donuts. A Sydney favourite for its mochi doughnuts, it'll be serving them up in original honey glaze and cinnamon flavours, and with milk chocolate drizzle and butterscotch drizzle (and also showing Brissie what all the fuss has been about down south). Other national stallholders dishing up their wares include May's Malaysian, Wonderbao, Calabang, Roll Up and Twistto, which'll be doing fried radish cakes, Korean fried chicken gua bao, sweet custard bao, calamari, peking duck rolls and twisted potatoes as part of their menus. From local favourites Teppanyaki Noodles, Raijin, Stone & Copper and Steamed, you'll also be able to enjoy yakisoba fried noodles, teriyaki chicken skewers, those chicken karaage noods, bang bang butter chicken, chicken satay dogs and rainbow-hued dumplings. On the already-announced drinks list: a Gage Roads Beer Garden, an Aperol Spritz Kombi Bar and the Dan Murphy's Zero% Bar, with the latter following on from the bottle-o chain's alcohol-free Melbourne venue and only slinging up non-boozy beverages. And, there'll be Heaps Normal's alcohol-free beers, Rekorderlig's boozy ciders and vino from Naked Wines. Also, if you're keen to spend more time eating and less lining up, Mr Yum will also be on hand to allow you to order via your phone — skipping all the queues, selecting food from different vendors and paying in one transaction. The 2022 Brisbane Night Noodle Markets will take place from Wednesday, June 15–Sunday, June 26 at the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, 147 Alice Street, Brisbane City. For further details and to register for a free ticket, head to the event's website.
The BrisStyle team is a rather busy bunch. A few times a year, it puts on twilight markets in King George Square, but that isn't its only regular event. If you're particularly after a treasure trove of handmade goodies — and who isn't? — it hosts another opportunity to browse and buy that's dedicated to exactly those kinds of objects. Fashion, art, jewellery, homewares — if someone's been using their nimble fingers to make it, then you can probably trade your hard-earned cash for their hard work. In fact, there'll be more than 60 artisans selling their wares. And, while you're shopping, you'll also be able to grab a bite at the onsite cafe and listen to live tunes from local musos. The Handmade Markets always take place on Saturdays — and they're happening monthly from May onwards — so mark May 14, June 11, July 9, August 13, September 10, October 8, November 12 and December 10 in your calendars now. Head along from 9am–3pm, with it all taking place in the Queensland Museum's whale mall. Image: BrisStyle.
Friends, food and plenty of excuses to quench your thirst — that's what your July diary has in store, especially if you make a date with Good Food Month. Once a year, Brisbane becomes a culinary wonderland, with every eatery, restaurant and bar around town getting in on the action. When you're not brunching by the beach, you'll be tucking into an Australian-themed high tea in the CBD. Or, maybe you'll be drinking, dancing and feasting at a big band cabaret dinner and show. There are no shortage of choices at this year's foodie celebration, which runs the whole month and then some — all thanks to the returning Night Noodle Markets, which take over the South Bank Cultural Forecourt from Wednesday, July 24 to Monday, August 4. There's no shortage of talent, either, particularly if you're keen on up-and-coming kitchen maestros. Indeed, on Sunday, July 14, you'll find the next generation of great chefs all cooking up a storm at GFM's annual Young Chefs Lunch. Other highlights include sustainable dinners, French-themed celebrations for Bastille Day, oh-so-many truffles, Greek delights and plenty of free-flowing booze. Also on the agenda: many a reason to learn more about wine over a meal, hearty pastas to keep you warm during winter, and sitting down to dishes all expertly paired with sake. Whether you're hankering for a lazy lunch, or fancy a decadent dinner, it's on the menu. The usual GFM advice applies — arrive hungry.
As a nation, Australians devour approximately 190,000 tonnes of meat per year. This equates to 120kg per person per annum, which is almost three times as much as the world average. Despite the phenomenal increase in meat consumption over the last few decades, particularly in pork and poultry, the number of pig producers in the country has reduced by 94 percent and there are only two major producers of chicken. This is largely why two-thirds of the world's meat now comes from factory farming. So what can you do about the animal cruelty and health problems this gross over-consumption is causing? Take part in Meat Free Week from March 18-24 to help spread the word and raise funds for this important issue. All money raised from the initiative goes to the animal protection institute Voiceless, who help protect factory farmed animals in Australia. And they're not trying to persuade you to become an avid vegan or vegetarian; it's simply about modifying meat consumption: limiting meat intake and only choosing free-range animal products in order to reduce the amount of factory farming in Australia. You could also improve your own health in the process as eating excessive amounts of meat can lead to heart disease, kidney failure or even cancer. Simply sign up and create your profile, read up and learn about factory farming so you can explain to others why it's so important, tell all your family and friends about it and get them to sign up as well or to sponsor you with a small donation, stock up on fresh ingredients and try out some delicious meat-free recipes designed by celebrity chefs, then go without meat for seven days and tell everyone how it's going through social media, particularly with the hashtag #meatfreeweek.
Scenic sights, food-filled days and nights, a jam-packed program teeming with event highlights: that's how winter starts each year in the Scenic Rim. For the month of June, this world-renowned southeast Queensland region gets into festival mode, celebrating the eating and drinking options that the area is known for. When you're not touring farms, for instance, you're tucking into farm-to-table feasts. When you're not settling in for long lunches and fire-cooked meals, too, you're learning how to make cheese, saying cheers to spirits, meeting camels or picking edible flowers. That's the Scenic Rim Eat Local Month way, as attendees can enjoy from Friday, May 30–Sunday, June 29 in 2025. By the numbers, this year's fest is going big, with more than 100 food events on the itinerary — and almost 40 of them newcomers to the program. Among that total figure, there's also over 40 long lunches, dinners and degustations; 64 on-farm activities; and 25 workshops and classes. It falls at the end of 2025's Scenic Rim Eat Local Month, but the fest-within-a-fest celebration that is the Winter Harvest Festival remains one of the event's standouts, taking over Kalbar for three days. Beforehand, across a region that spans from Beaudesert, Kerry and Mount Alford to Beechmont and Tamborine Mountain, too, camel tours, vodka tastings, becoming a brewmaster for a day, high tea and cocktails in a rainforest, a market put on by Towri Sheep Cheeses and learning to make citrus liqueur are among the month's offerings. Also included: a fest dedicated to fermented food, taking to the sky in a hot-air balloon, crafting your own rum, picnicking and walking with alpacas, meandering along an edible garden trail and marking the winter solstice with a camping cookout. If you've ever tasted carrot ice cream, that's likely because you've hit up Scenic Rim Eat Local Month before — or Scenic Rim Eat Local Week, as it was known until 2022. This is the only time of the year that Moffatt's Fresh Produce whip up the unique dessert. The event's annual Kalfresh Carrot Day is also on the agenda, and is always popular. This is a part of the world where 600 million of the orange vegetables are grown each year, after all.
Byron Bay's Bluesfest has lost another name from its 2023 lineup, with acclaimed rapper Sampa the Great pulling out of this year's festival. Just over six weeks out from the Easter long-weekend fest, Bluesfest today announced its playing times for the five-day music program and a revised lineup, both of which were missing Sampa. A member from Sampa's team confirmed to Concrete Playground that Zambian hip hop trailblazer will not be performing at the festival. US supergroup The Soul Rebels & Friends with special guests Talib Kweli, GZA and Big Freedia also appears missing from the set times and revised lineup, however, there's been no confirmation of the group's removal from the lineup. Bluesfest was reached out to for comment on both Sampa and The Soul Rebels, but did not respond before publication. [caption id="attachment_811633" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sampa the Great, Lucian Coman[/caption] The lineup change follows Monday's announcement that King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard had also removed themselves from the program. The band's decision to withdraw from the festival was kept reasonably vague but, in a statement, the Melbourne psych-rock group cited the festival's decision to book content that conflicts with their values as the reason they won't be appearing. "As a band and as human beings, we stand against misogyny, racism, transphobia and violence," King Giz's statement reads. "Surprised and saddened to see Bluesfest commit to presenting content that is in complete opposition to these values." "Given this decision by the festival, we have decided to cancel our appearance at Bluesfest," continues the statement. "We are deeply disappointed to be in this position but sometimes you need to be willing to make sacrifices to stand up for your values. This is, unfortunately, one of those moments." Controversy began brewing around this year's Bluesfest after the unveiling of its sixth artist announcement which featured the band Sticky Fingers. The booking of Sticky Fingers received online backlash from others in the music industry including Jaguar Jonze and Camp Cope's Sarah Thompson. Dylan Frost, Sticky Fingers' frontman, has been the subject of serious allegations which include physically threatening First Nations singer Thelma Plum and harassing a transgender woman at a Sydney pub. Frost and bassist Paddy Cornwall were also caught in an alleged brawl with each other in 2019 which saw Cornwall charged with affray. Bluesfest previously faced controversy after festival director Peter Noble compared a Jewish woman to a Nazi for commenting on the gender imbalance present on the first announcement of the festival's 2018 lineup. The festival will continue without King Giz and Sampa the Great from Thursday, April 6 until Monday, April 10 with headliners including Gang of Youths, Paolo Nutini, Tash Sultana, Bonnie Raitt, The Doobie Brothers and Beck. [caption id="attachment_876098" align="alignnone" width="1920"] King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Jason Galea[/caption] Bluesfest 2023 will run from Thursday, April 6–Monday, April 10 at Byron Events Farm, Tyagarah. For the most up-to-date lineup, head to the Bluesfest website. Top image: Jordan Munns.
I’m that person that constantly mentions and complains about how inflexible they are. I can barely touch my toes; don’t even get me started about my hamstrings. I always say that I should start yoga, as all my friends (and even my mum) are doing it and enjoying it. Are you like me? Do you crave a bit of extra flexibility? Do you need to relax and unwind? Do you need to ease yourself into some form of exercise? It’s our chance to make a change: Yoga Fest 2014. Trust me, I know that a festival of yoga sounds like a tame affair, but it isn’t. Get this: market stalls, dance workshops, food stalls, natural medicine demonstrations are all happening throughout the two days as well as heaps and heaps of yoga. Head over to the Old Museum where there will be five halls of yoga. Tickets are on sale now, so make sure you buy ahead as they will be more expensive on the day.
Netflix might be making a docu-soap about Byron Bay influencers, but it isn't the only streaming service set to beam the area's scenic backdrops into Australian homes. Stan will soon unveil Eden, a new eight-part series shot in the coastal town and New South Wales' Northern Rivers region. It's unlikely that this fictional mystery-drama will receive the same backlash that Netflix's reality TV show has been garnering since its announcement, though. Eden does sound somewhat familiar, however. Like plenty of TV shows — Twin Peaks and The Killing, just to name two — it begins with a missing person. From there, it also charts the secrets and revelations festering beneath the surface of its small-town setting. In this case, a young woman has disappeared, with the series chronicling the aftermath over the course of a summer. The just-released first teaser sets the mood — and if you're wondering when the whole show will drop, Stan is yet to reveal an exact date. But, sometime this year (and likely to be sooner rather than later), you'll be able to watch a cast that includes BeBe Bettencourt (The Dry), Sophie Wilde (Bird), Keiynan Lonsdale (The Flash), Cody Fern (American Horror Story), Samuel Johnson (Molly), Christopher James Baker (True Detective), Rachael Blake (Cleverman), Leeanna Walsman (Penguin Bloom), Simon Lyndon (Mystery Road) and Maggie Kirkpatrick (The Letdown) step through Eden's twisty tale. Behind the camera, the show stems from head writer Vanessa Gazy (Highway) and writing team Jess Brittain (Clique), Anya Beyersdorf (Shakespeare Now), Clare Sladden (Freudian Slip) and Penelope Chai (Other People's Problems) — and directors John Curran (Chappaquiddick), Mirrah Foulkes (Judy & Punch) and Peter Andrikidis (Alex & Eve). And, the creator of Skins, Bryan Elsley, helped created Eden, too, with Fiona Eagger and Deb Cox (Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries). Check out the first teaser trailer for Eden below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaPeDr3DoMA Eden will hit Stan sometime this year — we'll update you with an exact date when it is announced. Top image: Every Cloud Productions.
Everyone knows what school holidays mean: noisy kids causing a ruckus everywhere, all the time. Nowhere is this more highlighted than at your average shopping centre, food court or cinema. During these trying times dotted throughout the calendar, it can often be hard to have an ‘adult’ moment when surrounded by those enjoying their own fleeting freedom. Rather than give up the idea entirely of an enjoyable outing, it’s easier to adapt. Don’t risk your local Event Cinema – it’s definitely not worth it. Instead, head for somewhere guaranteed to be quiet and sophisticated, and full of people your own age. The Powerhouse is one of these venues and most certainly can assist you with their monthly screening of Antidote Films – movies that matter. This Sunday they’ll be screening Life In Movement, a documentary about a death in the Sydney Dance Company. Plus, as well as saving you from contact with kids, this event is free.
One king. Six wives. Centuries of folks being fascinated with the regal story. Throw in pop songs as well, and that's the smash-hit Six the Musical formula, as Australian audiences discovered in 2021, 2022 and 2023 — and can again in Melbourne and Sydney in 2024, then in Brisbane in 2025. If you've ever needed proof that some stories never get old, the ongoing obsession with Britain's royal history provides plenty. 2024's inescapable Kate Middleton fixation and photo situation has served up just the latest reminder. On screens and stages, a slice of regal intrigue is regularly awaiting our viewing, too, interpreting and remixing the past in the process. The Crown might take ample artistic license with reality, but it's got nothing on the empowering pop-scored twist on the 16th century that's been wowing audiences in Six the Musical. This theatre sensation takes a few cues from well-known history, adds toe-tapping tunes and makes stage magic. If you think that you know the stories of Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard and Catherine Parr, then you probably do — even those with little interest in Britain's past kings and queens are likely aware that Henry VIII had six wives — but Six the Musical's version isn't about telling the same old tale. Victoria's next dance with the show arrives from Saturday, August 3 at Comedy Theatre. Sydney's will start on Friday, October 25 at Theatre Royal Sydney. And in Brisbane, theatre lovers can start 2025 with Six the Musical at QPAC Playhouse from Thursday, January 2. First premiering back at the 2017 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, then jumping to London's West End — and winning Tony Awards for Best Original Score and Best Costume Design, plus a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theatre Album, along the way — Six the Musical gleans inspiration from one of the most famous sextets there's ever been. It also finds its own angle despite how popular the Tudor monarch's love life has been in pop culture. So, move over 00s TV series The Tudors and 2008 movie The Other Boleyn Girl — and this one takes the pop part rather seriously. Six the Musical is presented as a pop concert, in fact, with the Catherines, Annes and Jane all taking to the microphone to tell their stories. Each woman's aim: to stake their claim as the wife who suffered the most at the king's hands, and to become the group's lead singer as a result. Expect Six the Musical's comeback tour to be popular. In Sydney, it played a whopping 15-week Sydney Opera House from December 2021, then returned to the Harbour City from August 2021 due to demand. Six the Musical Australian Tour 2024–25: From Saturday, August 3, 2024 — Comedy Theatre, Melbourne From Friday, October 25, 2024 — Theatre Royal Sydney, Sydney From Thursday, January 2, 2025 — QPAC Playhouse, Brisbane Six the Musical is touring Australia again in 2024 and 2025. For more information, for pre-sale tickets and for general ticket sales from Wednesday, March 27, 2024, head to the musical's website. Images: James D Morgan, Getty Images.
Back in May, Prime Minister Scott Morrison outlined a three-step roadmap to a 'COVIDSafe Australia', which included all interstate borders opening and the possibility of a travel bubble with NZ as part of the third step. That roadmap was then put on hold after a spike in cases across the country, but the Prime Minister has today announced some good news: seven out of eight states and territories are onboard for a revised version of the plan and hope to reopen their borders in time for Christmas. At a national cabinet meeting today, Friday, September 4, the Prime Minister said leaders of the country's states and territories discussed the reopening of interstate borders and all bar WA agreed to work towards reopening them by December. "We agreed today with the objective that was set out in the May plan to be at the end of that three-step process, which we will seek to ensure is even better defined. We said before we wanted to get there in July. And the virus prevented us from achieving that. Seven out of eight states and territories want us to get back to that position in December of this year," the Prime Minister said. He also said that WA has "a very different border and a very different economy than most of the other states and territories" and will not be "joining that aspiration at this time". To ensure the borders open safely, the Prime Minister said states and territories (bar WA) will be moving to a "hotspot model", but the exact definition of a "hotspot" still needed some work and has yet to be agreed upon. According to a document released by the government, and subsequently Tweeted by journalists, that starting point definition is 30 cases in three consecutive days (an average of ten locally acquired cases per day) for metropolitan areas and nine cases over three consecutive days (an average of three a day) for regional and rural areas. Over the past three days, the number of new locally acquired cases in NSW have been seven, nine and 16; and the new daily cases in Victoria have been 81, 113 and 90. [caption id="attachment_772589" align="alignnone" width="1920"] New Zealand[/caption] The Prime Minister also raised the issue of a possible "travel bubble" with New Zealand again, but said at this point it would just be one way. "I spoke to Prime Minister Ardern this morning, and what I advised her was that Australia will be looking to apply the same hotspot approach to New Zealand," the Prime Minister said. "So, that means, when we're in a position to do so... then we would be able to have New Zealanders come to Australia. That doesn't mean Australians can go to New Zealand. That's a matter for Prime Minister Ardern. But if there's no COVID in Christchurch, and there's no COVID in Queensland, then there's no reason both of them can't come to Sydney. And that will mean, I think, an important boost for our tourist economy, whether it's in New South Wales or anywhere else." In terms of other travel, Australia's international travel ban was yesterday extended until Thursday, December 17, but the Prime Minister has previously suggested that the country's border may not open until 2021. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and current interstate travel restrictions, head to the Australian Government website.
Brisbane's hyped-up and Island-signed foursome The Cairos are about to embark on a national tour that you cannot afford to miss but certainly can afford to attend. Immediately following a national support slot for Sydney big timers The Holidays, the triple j Unearthed-winning newbies to Island Records are taking their celebrated sound across the country with their own headliner tour. The Brissy lads are keeping the motor running off the back of releasing their brand new debut album Dream of Reason. Tracks 'Desire' and 'We All Buy Stars' just scream "hear me live" and if the feedback coming out of their recent Asia tour is anything to go by, this is going to be one of the most justified sub $30 spends this year (now you can't even use budget-related gripes as an excuse to not go). Plus they just got a new keyboard. Now you're really obliged to head along. Make sure to get there early as Chinese psych band Nova Heart kicks things off. Seems Beijing psychedelia proves a perfect support pairing ahead of the Brisbane up-and-comers, so pop in early for a crispy Alhambra bevvy and a fully-fledged bliss out. https://youtube.com/watch?v=LAsjO3UIUsY
Collaboration is the name of the game when it comes to exhibitions at Artisan. This gallery is notorious for putting minds together to create unique and thoughtful art works and their latest exhibition is no exception. Greensmith is a collaborative effort between designers from Queensland and San Francisco. Jewellery is the focus here, as environmental issues are forcing jewellers around the world to rethink their practices and look for greener ways to produce goods. The latest in green design will be on display, with work from both Queensland and San Francisco adorning the Artisan gallery space. This exhibition looks deep into the issues at hand, with environmentally friendly studio practices and the use of recycled and reclaimed materials adhered to strongly. Check out the exhibition and see a jeweller at work at the pop-up studio in the heart of the exhibition. Greensmith was created by Jewellers & Metalsmiths Group of Queensland (JMGQ) and Metal Arts Guild San Francisco (MAGSF).
Daniel Lopatin's 2011 album Replica won him Best New Music, but he was steering analogue synths through unchartered territory long before the tastemakers caught on. Not to suggest Pitchfork was slow on the uptake or anything – Lopatin's first few albums were released on cassette only, making them significantly less RTable than SoundCloud uploads. It's the retro equipment though that makes Oneohtrix (pronounced "one-oh-trix) Point Never's progressive sound so immediate and so immediately recognisable. Droning synths (made on an old Roland Juno-60) are scraped through astral echoes and across jittery chord progressions, giving them an intimacy that's heightened further by the hiss of black thread. He's managed to keep that sound while incorporating both noise and accessible melodies in 2010's Returnal, and venturing into 2011 with an album recorded on studio software. Which is great because, you know, Spotify and stuff. https://youtube.com/watch?v=hiwi7d0f91Y
If you're a fan of a stiff drink, finding a bar, pub or other boozy establishment generally isn't difficult. Locating a bottle shop selling your beverage of choice usually isn't, either. But if you're giving your liver a rest for a month or longer, you're often the designated driver, or you're staying away from the hard stuff for health, cultural or any other reason, filling your fridge, cupboard and bar cart with decent non-alcoholic alternatives isn't always as easy as it should be. Enter Killjoy Drinks, the new curated online store that specialises in booze-free beverages that you can knock back while your pals are hitting the sauce. It's set to launch on Tuesday, December 1 — and to showcase the best in non-alcoholic drinks from around the world. No, opting away from booze doesn't just mean consuming copious amounts of soft drink. Indeed, showing that there's much, much more to sipping alcohol-free tipples than being stuck with juice, lemonade or water is one of Killjoy Drinks' aims — hence its curated approach. The brainchild of Brisbanite Kat Brophy, who decided to launch the online store after her own experiences trying to find tasty booze-less bevvies, it'll be selling standout local and international drops across three categories: drinks for the wine glass, drinks for the bar cart and drinks to hold in your hand. Think non-alcoholic Melbourne gin, alcohol-free rum from Sweden and zero-proof wine from London, plus non-boozy cocktail premixes from the UK and ready-to-drink G&Ts sans alcohol from our own shores. Heroing indie makers and distilleries, Killjoy Drinks' range will all be available to purchase via its site — and it'll then be delivered to your door anywhere in Australia. You'll be able to nab packs, too, in case you don't quite know where to start. Some will focus on recreating the cocktail experience ($60–80), and others on making you feel like you're sipping wine ($85–170) — or you can opt for a pack with a bit of everything ($160). Explaining her motivation for starting the online store, Brophy explains that "so many of us have enjoyed a glass of wine on a wintry evening. And if you want to spend your Saturday doing Jaegerbombs, go for it. But our philosophy is that you shouldn't have to feel bad for not drinking alcohol. And you shouldn't have to sacrifice your tastebuds either". Killjoy Drinks launches on Tuesday, December 1 — head to the online store's website for further details. Images: photo credit Annika Kafcaloudis / styling credit Nat Turnbull.
You're feeling festive. You're also feeling like tucking into some fried chicken. But, because it isn't December yet, your two-piece feed probably doesn't feel all that merry. Enter KFC's latest piece of merchandise, which is being released to celebrate Christmas in July — but can obviously be worn whenever you need some yuletide cheer and some of the Colonel's secret herbs and spices in your life at the same time. The item in question: a red-and-white Christmas jumper. To use the very words stitched onto it, alongside tiny little chicken drumsticks and buckets of KFC: 'tis the seasonings. Clearly, it's the only thing that you should be decked out in whenever you treat yo'self to some of the fast food chain's fare. If you like to pair your chook pieces with VB for some reason, and you already bought one of the beer brand's own Christmas sweaters last year, you'll now have two festive pieces of apparel to choose from. KFC's version costs $59.95, comes in seven sizes spanning from extra small to triple extra large, and is available to purchase now. That said, they're a limited-edition item, so you'll need to get in quickly if you just can't imagine eating chicken while donning anything else. The brand is donating all of the proceeds to charity partners The Black Dog Institute, ReachOut Australia and Whitelion, too, so you'll be giving them a Christmas in July gift as well. Because KFC does like to theme as many things as it possible can with its own brand — it has given the world KFC cocktails, a KFC meditation track that sounds like chicken frying and gravy simmering, a KFC wedding service and a KFC augmented reality game, after all — it has paired the new jumper with a new Christmas tune as well. Well, a fresh spin on the classic carol 'Deck the Halls', to be exact, with Dune Rats doing the honours. You can listen to the new track below, probably while you're trying to ignore your chicken cravings: KFC's 'Christmas in July' jumper is available for purchase online now, but it's only available for a limited time.
Big Fork Theatre's addition to Anywhere Theatre Festival 2016 isn't about the destination — it's about the journey (don't hurt us, HSC-survivors). Come on, given that their show is actually a comedy walking tour of West End, that's a completely understandable reference. In character as Bevan, Beryl, Bob, Barb and Benjamin of the Edenglassie Historical Society, the group will enlighten interested parties about the past, present and future history of the inner-city area over a leisurely stroll. Whether you're a newcomer or a local, you're certain to learn something — or to laugh at a feast of sketches and improv. Or both.
Unlike a certain lab coat-wearing grandfather and his nervous grandson, we can't all exclaim "wubba lubba dub dub" and zap our way to a different part of the multiverse when things aren't going our way. But, we can get schwifty, kick back and watch a couple of animated interdimensional adventurers unleash their specific style of chaos, with Rick and Morty set to return in 2021 for its fifth season. Once again, Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith (both voiced by show co-creator Justin Roiland) will do what they do best: not just aping a concept straight out of Back to the Future, but wreaking havoc in as many universes as they can stumble across. Also back are Morty's mother Beth (Sarah Chalke, Firefly Lane), father Jerry (Chris Parnell, Archer) and sister Summer (Spencer Grammer, Tell Me a Story) — and, as the just-released first trailer for season five shows, they're playing a big part in Rick and Morty's dimension-hopping antics this time around. Sneak peeks at Rick and Morty's upcoming episodes are more about the mood, look and feel than the storylines. The show's trailers tease glimpses of all of the out-there situations that its characters will find themselves in, and leave the specifics for the new season itself. That's the case here, naturally — with nods to everything from Voltron to Blade bundled into the trailer, because that's the way the news goes. As for when you'll be able to watch the next batch of Rick and Morty anarchy — and rejoin the smartest Rick and Morty-est Morty in the universe, of course — the fifth season will start airing week-to-week in the US from mid-June. Hopefully Netflix Down Under will follow suit shortly afterwards. That's what happened with season four, which released its long-awaited episodes in two batches in 2019 and 2020. Watch the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6Zy_mLgSNQ Rick and Morty's fifth season will start airing weekly from June 20 in the US. Down Under, the show airs on Netflix — and we'll update you with a release date for the new season when one is announced.
2023 is set to be a great year for art lovers, especially if you're a fan of Frida Kahlo. In Sydney from January, a multi-sensory installation will let visitors immerse themselves in Kahlo's works; however, that's not the only way to bask in the Mexican artist's creative glories. Come winter, the Art Gallery of South Australia will also pay tribute to the iconic figure, her well-known spouse Diego Rivera and the entire Mexican modernism movement. Frida & Diego: Love & Revolution will headline AGSA's 2023 program alongside another enormous and just-as-impressive exhibition: the already-announced Andy Warhol & Photography: A Social Media. That's three of the biggest names in 20th-century art, all gracing the Adelaide venue's walls and halls in the space of a few months, with the Mexican modernism exhibition running from Saturday, June 24–Sunday, September 17. [caption id="attachment_879279" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Frida Kahlo, born Mexico City 1907, died Mexico City 1954, Self-Portrait with Monkeys, 1943, oil on canvas, 81.5 x 63 cm; The Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection of Mexican Modernism, © Banco de México Rivera Kahlo Museums Trust/ARS. Copyright Agency, 2022[/caption] Visitors will be able to see more than 150 works during Frida & Diego: Love & Revolution, spanning everything from paintings and photographs to works on paper and period clothing, as drawn from the Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection. Two key aims: examining why Kahlo's work, and Kahlo herself, holds such enduring appeal; and placing Kahlo and Rivera's art in context with their contemporaries. "Each generation brings a new lens through which to view the phenomenon that is Frida Kahlo. A 21st-century muse, Kahlo is today revered as a feminist and as a singular political and creative force. Frida & Diego: Love & Revolution speaks to the influence and ingenuity of art practice in Mexico and aims to recontextualise the foremost presence of Kahlo within our society today," said AGSA Director Rhana Devenport ONZM, announcing the exhibition. [caption id="attachment_879280" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Diego Rivera, born Guanajuanto, Mexico 1886, died Mexico City 1957, Sunflowers, 1943, oil on canvas, 90 x 130 cm; The Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection of Mexican Modernism, © Banco de México Rivera Kahlo Museums Trust/ARS. Copyright Agency, 2022.[/caption] "Frida & Diego: Love & Revolution is the most comprehensive exhibition of Mexican Modernism ever seen in Australia, from the unrivalled collection of Jacques and Natasha Gelman. Close friends of Kahlo and Rivera, the Gelmans were pioneering collectors who formed an outstanding collection of works representing Mexican modernism," explains Tansy Curtin, AGSA's Curator of International Art, Pre-1980s. [caption id="attachment_879281" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Martin Munkacsi, born Kolozsvar, Hungary (now Romania) 1896, died New York 1963, Frida and Diego, 1934, gelatin silver photograph, 35.6 x 27.9 cm; The Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection of Mexican Modernism.[/caption] Accordingly, while Kahlo, Rivera, and their art, connection, politics and influence all sit at the centre of this wide-ranging showcase, it'll also highlight pieces by Manuel and Lola Álvarez Bravo, Miguel Covarrubias, María Izquierdo, Carlos Mérida, David Alfaro Siqueiros and more. Focusing on the first half of the 20th century, this an Australian-exclusive exhibition, too — meaning that you'll have to go to Adelaide to see it — as well as most comprehensive exhibition of Mexican modernism that the country has ever seen, as Curtin calls out. [caption id="attachment_879282" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nickolas Muray, born Szeged, Hungary 1892, died New York 1965, Frida with Red "Rebozo", 1939, Carbro print, 25 x 20.3 cm; The Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection of Mexican Modernism, © Nickolas Muray Photo Archives.[/caption] AGSA announced Frida & Diego: Love & Revolution as part of its full 2023 slate, which also includes the first-ever survey exhibition of Western Aranda artist Vincent Namatjira, which'll open in October during the venue's contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art celebration Tarnanthi Festival — and then tour to the National Gallery of Australia in 2024. There's also the return of the Tarnanthi Art Fair and the $100,000 Ramsay Art Prize, the latter for artists under 40; ceramics exhibition Milton Moon: Crafting Modernism; Misty Mountain, Shining Moon, highlighting Japanese landscapes in art from the 16th century onwards; and Surrender & Catch: The Art of Brent Harris, focusing on the Aotearoa-born Australian artist. [caption id="attachment_879270" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Top image: Diego on my Mind, Frida Kahlo, born Mexico City 1907, died Mexico City 1954, 1943, oil on Masonite, 76 x 61 cm; The Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection of Mexican Modernism, © Banco de México Rivera Kahlo Museums Trust/ARS. Copyright Agency, 2022.[/caption] Frida & Diego: Love & Revolution will display at the Art Gallery of South Australia from Saturday, June 24–Sunday, September 17, 2023. For more information or to buy tickets, head to the AGSA website. Top image: excerpt of Diego on my Mind, Frida Kahlo, born Mexico City 1907, died Mexico City 1954, 1943, oil on Masonite, 76 x 61 cm; The Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection of Mexican Modernism, © Banco de México Rivera Kahlo Museums Trust/ARS. Copyright Agency, 2022.
In cinemas, on TV and on the page, the past decade or so has served up more than a couple of Nordic noir hits. It's also left audiences wanting more. So, when Australia's annual Scandinavian Film Festival rolls around each year — sitting out 2020 for obvious reasons, though — it tends to deliver a few twisty thrillers from that part of the world. In fact, when 2021's fest kicks off in Sydney on Tuesday, July 6 — and plays Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane and Byron Bay as well — it'll start with a must-see new entry in the Scandi-noir genre. Hailing from Denmark, opening night's Wildland stars Sidse Babette Knudsen (Borgen, Westworld) as the head of a family crime syndicate. She's charged with looking after her teenage niece and, in a movie that instantly brings Australia's own Animal Kingdom to mind, the latter soon learns more about the family business. Also on this year's Scandinavian Film Festival lineup: Knudsen again in Copenhagen-set psychological thriller The Exception; masterful and engaging Norwegian film Disco, about an evangelical dance champion who finds her faith tested; and surreal mother-daughter drama Psychosis in Stockholm. Or, for fans of Nordic cinema's big names, relationship drama Hope co-stars Stellan Skarsgård (Chernobyl), musical comedy A Piece of My Heart sees Swedish-born actor Malin Akerman (Rampage) back on home turf, and The Country hails from Icelandic filmmaker Grímur Hákonarson — who directed Rams, which was remade in Australia last year. Other highlights include Icelandic box office hits Agnes Joy and The Last Fishing Trip, the latter of which has been compared to The Hangover; Finnish biopics Helene and Tove, about painter Helene Schjerfbeck and visual artist and author Tove Jansson, respectively; Tigers, which tells the true tale of former Inter Milan player Martin Bengtsson; and closing night's 50th anniversary-screening of The Emigrants starring Max von Sydow and Liv Ullmann. Australia's various country- and region-focused film fests have always let cinephiles see the world without leaving their cinema seats — and with trips out of the country (other than New Zealand) off the cards at the moment, that's clearly a big drawcard at this year's Scandinavian Film Festival, too. The Scandinavian Film Festival tours the country between Tuesday, July 6–Wednesday, August 4, screening at Sydney's Palace Norton, Palace Central and Chauvel Cinemas from July 6–28; Melbourne's Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, The Kino and Pentridge Cinema from July 8–28; Brisbane's Palace Barracks and Palace James St from July 15–August 4; Adelaide's Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas from July 13–August 4; and Perth's Luna Leederville, Luna on SX & Palace Raine Square from July 14– August 4. For the full program, visit the festival website.
Addiction. It’s a fraught word. Initial thoughts turn to booze and drugs, but in reality addictions reach further afield - carbs, shopping, watching Breaking Bad, facebook, sex. In fact there is an addiction to fit all types. X is the new performance by Sunny Drake exploring addiction through the world of Caitlin and Jamie, two best friends, alongside Naked and Fancy, two puppets. Drake delves into the quick fixes and obsessions that inhabit our lives and draw us in. This is a one-man show encompassing a range of different elements including stop-motion animation, puppetry and live performance, allowing the audience various entry points into the work. Drake has centered the piece in LGBTIQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, intersex and queer) experiences. This is core to Drake’s work; he seeks to make art that reflects his experience as a queer transgendered person. Alongside this though his theatre is always fun and engaging for the audience, but it should leave them with a few questions and new ideas to ponder. Following the premiere season of X at Metro Arts the show will take the world by storm when Drake takes the production to North America for the USA National Queer Arts Festival.
Each year, the Berlin International Film Festival premieres a treasure trove of flicks that movie buffs will be talking about for months to come, and longer, including when said titles make their way to Australia. It also understandably goes big on new German cinema, which often heads Down Under via the German Film Festival — and that touring event now has the 2023 program to prove it. At Brisbane's Palace James St and Palace Barracks from Wednesday, May 3–Wednesday, May 24, film lovers can look forward to five Berlinale-debuting picks, starting with The Teacher's Lounge with Babylon Berlin's Leonie Benesch, which follows a teacher struggling over a series of thefts at her school; Sisi, the latest take on Empress Elisabeth of Austria-Hungary after Corsage, this time featuring Toni Erdmann's Sandra Hüller as her lady-in-waiting; and Ingeborg Bachmann — Journey into the Desert, as led by Corsage star Vicky Krieps as the titular writer. And, there's also the 1990-set Someday We'll Tell Each Other Everything, which stems from the page — plus crime-thriller Till the End of the Night, which won actor Thea Ehre Berlinale's Silver Bear for Best Supporting Performance. The German Film Festival kicks off with A Thousand Lines, hailing from Balloon filmmaker Michael Herbig, and diving into the IRL 2018 fake news scandal involving a journalist disgraced from Der Spiegel. At the other end, it'll close with Over & Out, Germany's addition to the spate of flicks about women reuniting with their old pals years later (see also: Off the Rails). Another hefty highlight: big focuses on the glorious city that is Berlin and also music, both via retrospective picks. So, add Christiane F, which follows the eponymous 14-year-old through 70s-era West Berlin and features David Bowie as himself, to your must-see list on the big screen. Add Wim Wenders' stunning Wings of Desire, about angels observing daily life but unable to interact with it, too. And, B-Movie: List & Sound in West Berlin 1979–1989 belongs in the same category with its archival footage and interviews, complete with Nick Cave, Joy Division and '99 Luftballons' band Nena. Other standouts include In a Land That No Longer Exists, as based on director Aelrun Goette's experiences in the 80s; documentary Merkel, about Germany's first female chancellor; crime comedy The Peacock; and body swapping in sci-fi Skin Deep.
Annie Leibovitz once famously stated that "there are still so many places on our planet that remain unexplored. I'd love to one day peel back the mystery and understand them". It is in this spirit that National Geographic presents its Photo of the Year winners. In an effort to uncover the "unexplored" and clandestine wonders of the world, National Geographic's annual competition provides a fascinating glimpse into the incredible beauty and complexity of the natural world, the places that define it, and the people that inhabit it. In 2012 a whopping 22,000 photographs from over 150 countries were submitted, with an expert panel of judges whittling this number down to a winner in each of the three categories (people, places, and nature) and the $10,000 Grand Prize Winner. Based on its remarkable creativity and visual flair, this year's "nature" winner and overall champion was Ashley Vincent's image of Busaba, the Indochinese tigress from Thailand's Khao Kheow Open Zoo (above). Have a look below to see the rest of the winners along with the National Geographic readers' favourites and some other honorable mentions. Winner - Places The Matterhorn in Zermatt, Switzerland. By Nenad Saljic. Winner - People Workers in Kenya's Dandora Municipal Dump Site, the only dumping site for waste in Nairobi, East Africa's most populous city. By Micah Albert. Viewers Choice - Nature Female cheetah Malaika and her cub in Masai mara National Reserve, Kenya. By Sanjeev Bhor. Viewers Choice - Places An iceberg frozen in place in Pond Inlet, Nunavut, Canada. By Adam Coish. Viewers' Choice - People Explorers follow a race route over 100km of the Hardangervidda Mountainplateu, Norway to cross Greenland. By Kai-Otto Melau. Honorable Mention - Nature Thousands of fish moving in synchrony in Komodo, Indonesia. By Fransisca Harlijanto. Honorable Mention - People The traditional Chinese entertainment Dragon boating is a water sport, in Yanbu Town, Foshan City, Guangdong Province, China. By ? ??. Honorable Mention - Places The Eiffel tower in Paris on a grey day. By Indra Swari Wonowidjojo. Honorable Mention - Nature A red fox goes after a mouse hidden under 2 feet of snow in Squaw Creek, Park Country, Wyoming. By Micheal Eastman. Honorable Mention - People Stilt fishing in Midigama, Sri Lanka. By Ulrich Lambert.
When it comes to showcasing up-and-coming Australian musical talents, and also celebrating the country's music industry in general, Brisbane's BIGSOUND has never held back. Going big is right there in its name, after all. So, with the event finally making its in-person return after a pandemic-afflicted couple of years — and also marking its 21st birthday — it should come as no surprise that it's set to host its biggest lineup ever. Back in April, BIGSOUND confirmed its comeback details for 2022, including dates and basic numbers — a four-day event including the conference side of things, running from Tuesday, September 6–Friday, September 9, and popping up in 21 different venues, to be precise. It also promised that more than 150 bands and artists would take to its stages, too. Now that the full bill is here, that figure has gone up to a whopping 182. [caption id="attachment_861893" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jess Gleeson[/caption] That's 38 artists more than the last in-person event, in 2019, boasted — and they'll take to 23 stages at those 21 Fortitude Valley venues over three nights. Leading the charge: Adrian Dzvuke, Budjerah, flowerkid, Dallas Woods, Mia Wray and Teenage Joans, as well as Dulcie, Ghost Care, Ashwarya, Birdz, Jem Cassar-Daley, Concrete Surfers and VOIID. The list goes on, and also includes the event's first BIGSOUND Country lineup, spanning country The Buckleys, Hinterland, DARLINGHURST, Loren Ryan, Melanie Dyer, Taylor Moss and The Wolfe Brothers. A contingent from New Zealand will head over as well, with JessB, Soaked Oats, Troy Kingi, TE KAAHU, Church & AP, MELODOWNZ and Jenny Mitchell making the trip. [caption id="attachment_861894" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lachlan Douglas[/caption] Wondering which venues will be doing the honours? The list features everywhere from Black Bear Lodge and both inside and outdoors at The Brightside through to The Wickham and The Zoo. If you're a BIGSOUND regular, you'll know what all of this entails: jumping between as many spaces as possible, all teeming with as many bands, industry folks and music-loving punters as possible, and enjoying the latest and greatest tunes and talent that's on offer. Expect 2022's iteration to be no different to usual — well, the pre-pandemic usual — although the vibe is set to jump up a few notches given that there's so much to celebrate. [caption id="attachment_851420" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bianca Holderness[/caption] Past events have showcased everyone from Gang of Youths, Flume, Tash Sultana and Courtney Barnett to San Cisco, Violent Soho, Methyl Ethel and The Jungle Giants, making the BIGSOUND program a very reliable bellwether of current and up-and-coming musos. This year's fest will also include 300 artist showcases and more than 20 parties, while the conference side of things will welcome in 150-plus speakers over 55 sessions (and more than 1500 delegates as well). Leading the conference bill so far: 'Friday' singer Rebecca Black; activist, author and #MeToo movement founder Tarana Burke; Mushroom Group CEO Matt Gudinski; and Jaguar Jonze and Example. BIGSOUND's return to the Valley's streets follows a virtual event in 2020, and comes after 2021's fest was originally slated to go ahead in-person, but had to cancel due to COVID-19. [caption id="attachment_851423" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lachlan Douglas[/caption] BIGSOUND 2022 FESTIVAL LINEUP: Adam Newling Adrian Dzvuke AGUNG MANGO Alter Boy Andrew Gurruwiwi Band Andrew Swift Andy Golledge Anesu Aodhan Asha Jefferies Ashwarya Ayesha Madon Baby Cool Banjo Lucia Beckah Amani BIG SKEEZ BIG WETT Birdz BLOODMOON Blusher Bones and Jones BOY SODA Brekky Boy Bud Rokesky Budjerah Bumpy C.O.F.F.I.N Caroline & Claude Chanel Loren Chloe Dadd Church & AP CLOE TERARE Club Angel Cody Jon COLLAR CONCRETE SURFERS cookii Dallas Woods dameeeela Daniel Shaw DARLINGHURST Dean Brady Death by Denim Diimpa Dulcie Eastbound Buzz EGOISM Eilish Gilligan Eliza Hull Eluize Enclave ENOLA Evie Irie Fash Five Island Drive flowerkid FLY BOY JACK Folk Bitch Trio Forest Claudette FOURA Franko Gonzo Full Flower Moon Band Future Static Germein Ghost Care Girl and Girl Gold Fang Grace Cummings and Her Band Grand Pine Great Sage Greatest Hits grentperez Greta Stanley Grievous Bodily Calm Hallie HANNI Hauskey Hinterland Holliday Howe Hope D ISUA JACOTÉNE JELLY OSHEN Jem Cassar-Daley Jenny Mitchell Jerome Farah Jess Day JessB June Jones KANADA THE LOOP Kee'ahn KEYAN Kid Pharaoh Kutcha Edwards LÂLKA Lee Sugar LION Liyah Knight Loren Ryan LOSER MALi JO$E Melaleuca Melanie Dyer MELODOWNZ Memphis LK merci, mercy Mia Wray Mitch Santiago Molly Millington Monnie Moonboy Moss MOUNTAIN WIZARD DEATH CULT Mr Rhodes Mulalo MUNGMUNG Mvlholland Newport Nick Griffith Nick Ward Noah Dillon OK HOTEL Old Mervs Phoebe Go Pink Matter Platonic Sex Queen P RinRin Romero Roy Bing Ruby Gill Ryan Fennis & Voidhood Saint Ergo Sam Windley San Joseph Sappho Sarah Wolfe SayGrace Selfish Sons Selve Shanae (FKA MADAM3EMPRESS) Shannen James Siobhan Cotchin Skeleten Soaked Oats SOPHIYA South Summit Srirachi Stevan Suzi Talk Heavy Tasman Keith Taylor Moss TE KAAHU Teenage Dads Teenage Joans Teether & Kuya Neil Tentendo The Atomic Beau Project The Buckleys The Last Martyr The Rions THE RIOT The Terrys The Wolfe Brothers To Octavia Toby Hobart Troy Kingi Tulliah VOIID VOLI K Waxflower WIIGZ Wildheart Woodes Yb. Yen Strange yergurl YNG Martyr Zeolite ZPLUTO BIGSOUND 2022 VENUES: Black Bear Lodge Blute's Bar The Brightside The Brightside Outdoors EC Venue Ivory Tusk King Lear's Throne La La Land O'Skulligans The Outpost Press Club The Prince Consort Hotel Prohibition Ric's Bar + Backyard Stranded Bar Summa House Tomcat The Warehouse The Wickham Woolly Mammoth Mane Stage The Zoo BIGSOUND 2022 will take place between Tuesday, September 6–Friday, September 9 in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. For more information, or to buy tickets, visit bigsound.org.au. Top image: Bianca Holderness.
What happens when a touring showcase of music throughout Queensland joins forces with an annual citywide celebration of arts and culture in Brisbane? Sweet Relief!, the latest event from both Qld Music Trails and Brisbane Festival. A collaboration between both fests, but taking place in Brissie in September, this one-day-only excuse to get dancing will make its debut in 2023 with a helluva electronic-focused lineup, starting with Groove Armada, The Avalanches and Ladyhawke. Sweet Relief! also involves the folks at Untitled Group, the team behind festivals such as Beyond The Valley, Grapevine Gathering and Wildlands — and they've helped bring in quite the names. Groove Armada and The Avalanches will both play Australian-exclusive gigs, in fact, with the former doing a DJ set and the latter performing live. [caption id="attachment_907867" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Grant Spanier[/caption] We see you, festival-loving babies. The day to block out in your diary: Saturday, September 16. The place to head: the Maritime Green at Northshore Brisbane. As well as New Zealander Ladyhawke, the bill also spans Cut Copy doing a DJ set, plus Nina Las Vegas, Latifa Tee and YO! Mafia. Poof Doof Pride Patrol featuring Jimi the Kween is on the lineup as well, and additional Brisbane acts are still to be announced. [caption id="attachment_907869" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kath Gould[/caption] "We're so excited to be heading up to Brisbane to play at Maritime Green at Northshore Brisbane. It's such a cool looking spot — we've got a feeling it's gonna be a very special one," said The Avalanches. "Brisbane's history is littered with iconic festival moments such as Livid, Boundary Street Festival and Valley Fiesta that gave the Brisbane community an opportunity to bring their weirdest and wildest selves out to create an electric atmosphere of togetherness, diversity and inclusion," added Joel Edmondson, CEO of Qld Music Trails, announcing Sweet Relief!. "We hope that Sweet Relief! can establish itself as a place where people travel from around the country to experience Brisbane's local flavour and global appeal." SWEET RELIEF! 2023 LINEUP: Groove Armada (DJ set) The Avalanches (live) Ladyhawke Cut Copy (DJ set) Nina Las Vegas Latifa Tee YO! Mafia Poof Doof Pride Patrol featuring Jimi the Kween + more Brisbane acts to be announced Sweet Relief! will take over the Maritime Green, Northshore Brisbane, on Saturday, September 16. For more information and images — and to register for ticket presales from 6pm on Wednesday, July 5, with general sales from 12pm on Thursday, July 6 — head to the event website.
A collection of Australia and beyond’s finest DJs descend upon The Family Club for a night of progressive, pumping and electro house. The Potbellee DJs, Jonny Sonic and Blue MC, are back where they belong, ripping dance halls and dance floors apart, having just emerged from the studio where they’ve been writing their second album, Destination Now. Benibee comes to each gig with a flexible feel for the music he creates, breaking each layer down into a separate, deconstructable piece. Beautifully arranged with shades of big room, progressive and electro house his sound has seen this British artist win a host of awards. You’ll see why. Jeremy Iliev creates an atmosphere that taps into the real music that lies beneath all the tracks he plays. With a sound that somehow comes across as a blend of strictly danceable chunky and jackin’, quirky electro, big room and club vibes Jeremy’s sound carries influence from artists like Dirty South, Micky Slim and Paolo Mojo. Other DJs on the bill include Fid Frantic and Tim Plunkett.
Back at the beginning of 2020, Jet Black Cat Music marked its ninth birthday — and, to celebrate, the West End store hopped over to the other side of the inner city and threw a huge block party. That festival, Nine Lives, clearly has to keep coming back. Yes, that includes in 2023. Once again, the River City's music lovers will need to head to The Tivoli, with Fortitude Valley's Costin Street set to overflow with tunes and food on Saturday, March 4. Thanks to the pandemic, this marks the third edition of the festival, after also going ahead in 2022. Here's hoping that there's at least six more to come. Leading the bill in 2023: Angel Olsen, Crumb, Drugdealer and Mdou Moctar, giving Nine Lives an impressive lineup of overseas headliners. They'll be joined by 1TBSP, Baby Cool, Bones & Jones, Felivand and Folk Bitch Trio, as well as Girl and Girl, Loose Fit Mylee Grace, No Zu and Platonic Sex. The tunes will take over two stages — and festival-goers also hit up the array of food trucks serving bites to eat, and go trawling the crates for records. NINE LIVES 2023 LINEUP: Angel Olsen Crumb Drugdealer Mdou Moctar 1TBSP Baby Cool Bones & Jones Felivand Folk Bitch Trio Girl and Girl Loose Fit Mylee Grace No Zu Platonic Sex
What's a conference without some late night hijinks? Boring, that's what — so thank goodness for Brisbane based independent record label Dew Process and their annual BIGSOUND party. After the first day of proceedings, stay up until just before midnight rolls around for a few live sets by Eves The Behavior and LK McKay, plus a bar tab and snacks. It's the only place to be, other than perhaps getting some sleep for the next few days of activities — but who'd want to do something sensible like that? This event is one of our top five picks of BIGSOUND. Check out the other four here.
Virtual assistants in our homes, facial recognition technology everywhere, drones throughout the skies — it's no secret that we're being watched and listened to more than ever before. None of us want our data used for nefarious purposes, but what is the true price of living in such a state of surveillance? The Ethics Centre director Dr Simon Longstaff is chairing a panel — which features AI researcher Toby Walsh, former national human rights commissioner Edward Santow and journalist and filmmaker Yaara Bou Melhem — that will attempt to answer some of the modern world's most urgent questions. Join these luminaries in The Great Hall at UTS as they share their ideas and concerns.
When is a Friday night market more than just a market? When it includes all the food, drinks and stalls you'd expect, and live music as well, but also pairs them with fire twirlers, stilt walkers and fortune tellers — and a neon forest and a jumping castle. That's all on the bill at Brisbane's latest way to farewell the working week, Westoria. As the name makes plain, not to mention the list of highlights, it's about to become West End's new after-work go-to. The vibe: weird, wild and wonderful, plus night market-meets-playground as well. Well, that's the mood and attitude that organisers are pushing before the first weekly event on Friday, October 7, which will run from 4–10pm on Jane Street next to the regular West End Markets site. For Westoria, the idea is for different sights, sounds and smells to await at every turn, whether you're keen for a bite to eat, something to sip or to take in the roving performances — or, ideally, all of the above. If it's the culinary side of the markets that has you excited, the food lineup will include Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers, Wagyu Blacks, Roll It Ice Cream Co and others. Drinks-wise, beer and wine will be on offer, alongside a signature cocktail called Stardust. Entry costs $4, and the event hails from Goodwill Projects, which has a hefty list of other markets around town to its name, including West End's aforementioned usual markets. If you've ever hit up the weekly Reddacliffe Place Markets in the CBD, too, or the Milton Markets, Nundah Farmers Markets and Carseldine Farmers and Artisan Markets, then you've been to its events.
For the past two years, Semi-Pro Brewing Co has been whipping up beers in East Brisbane. For the same amount of time, it has also been hosting just the kind of events that go down extra well with a cold one — such as puppies and pints sessions, bricks and beer nights, and Halloween parties. To mark its big milestone, the Manilla Street venue is celebrating, obviously. And it's doing so in its typical style. There'll be beer. There'll be bites to eat. And there'll also be a petting zoo. Head by from 10am on Saturday, March 14, and you can sink brews with one hand while petting an adorable critter with the other. Cute shenanigans are what second birthday parties are all about, after all — but this one also involves beer. Brews-wise, you'll be able to knock back pints of a special concoction made just for the occasion. As for what kind of beer it'll be, well, that's part of the surprise. If you're extra keen to take part — and you're happy to get there at 7am, and pay $75 — you can also nab one of 20 tickets to help brew the birthday beverage. Otherwise, entry is free, with the shenanigans turning into a block party. Notorious EAT will be on food duties — and, because March in Brisbane is all about beer, the event also forms part of Brewsvegas. Images: Semi-Pro Brewing Co.
It's bright, lively, neon-lit, and wholly unapologetic about blending colour, cocktails and Tex-Mex cuisine — and soon, the fast-growing El Camino Cantina will double its Brisbane footprint. After setting up shop in Bowen Hills last year, the chain will launch a second joint in Westfield Chermside on Friday, October 11. It's the latest expansion for the brand, which also operates in Sydney and Melbourne, all under the guidance of Rockpool Dining Group (Sake, Burger Project and, of course, Rockpool Bar & Grill). For its first venue in Brissie's north, El Camino's new site will seat 220, taking over the space formerly inhabited by Hermosa. If you've already been to the existing local eatery, then you'll know this casual dining venue takes its vibe seriously. Think loud and over-the-top, complete with giant margaritas, rock 'n' roll jukeboxes, fluorescent signage and a heap of Tex-Mex staples. Menu-wise, all of the chain's favourites will make the jump to the new spot. Slushie machines will serve up brain freezes in margarita form, with El Camino's coming in multiple sizes and many renditions, including a tropical Red Bull flavour. Other options span a host of beers from near and far, and a sizeable collection of mezcals and tequilas. The food lineup remains fun and casual, like the drinks. Think fiery buffalo wings, sizzling fajitas, plump burritos, soft shell tacos loaded with punchy flavour combinations, and unlimited complimentary corn chips and salsas. The brand's Bowen Hills specials will be available at Chermside, too — including $2 tacos on Tuesdays, ten-cent wings on Wednesdays and half-price fajitas on Thursdays. El Camino Cantina will open at Westfield Chermside, Gympie Road, Chermside, on Friday, October 11. Top images: El Camino Cantino Manly, Tom Ferguson/El Camino Cantino The Rocks, Kei Leishman/El Camino Cantino Fitzroy. Updated October 9.
Loving skivvies, winning Triple J's Hottest 100, performing at the 2022 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade: all three of these yummy yummy things now apply to Australian national treasures The Wiggles. And yes, as fans young and old have seen for more than three decades now, the children's music group clearly already has the outfits for it. The Wiggles' rainbow-hued threads will grace the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) when Mardi Gras' famed signature event returns on Saturday, March 5. The parade is being held at the stadium due to the pandemic, as it was in 2021, too — so, sorry, you won't see a big red car drive down Oxford Street. This year's Hottest 100 victors have promised to bring "their Wiggly friends" to the SCG with them, however — all to take part in Sydney's huge LGBTQIA+ celebration for the very first time. On the parade's lineup, they'll be joined by Savage Garden's Darren Hayes, who'll headline and do his first Australian performance in a decade; Vanessa Amorosi, for some more late 90s/early 00s nostalgia; plus Mo'Ju, Timothy Springs and Prinnie Stevens, as well as local DJs KILIMI, Charlie Villas and Division 4. And, the parade will host 40,000 spectators to watch 5800 marchers across 161 parade entries as well, celebrating the 2022 theme 'united we shine'. [caption id="attachment_828658" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anna Kucera[/caption] This year's fest is ticketed, and there are still some available; however, if you can't head along for some fruit salad, hot potatoes and cold spaghetti in person — and perhaps the Hottest 100-winning 'Elephant' cover — in person, you'll be able to tune into the parade in a number of ways. So, whether you're a Sydneysider who'll be at home or you live elsewhere around the nation, you can watch on ABC iview from 6.30pm AEDT, ABC TV from 7.30pm AEDT, and listen via Triple J (including the Triple J and ABC listen apps) and ABC Local Radio Evenings from 7pm AEDT. The 2022 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade takes place at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday, March 5. For more information or to buy tickets, head to the Mardi Gras website.
There's something about exercising with a view that gives even the most avid fitness devotee an extra boost. (No, bending and stretching in your living room while watching TV doesn't count.) At Brisbane's latest regular exercise sessions, you'll be in prime surroundings and score a mighty fine vantage — because attending a yoga class on a rooftop will do that. These sessions take place at Cielo Rooftop in Fortitude Valley, so you have a reason to stop by other than cocktails and a bite to eat. And, you have multiple options to get in a workout, too. Start your day with an early-morning stint, or head by after work to de-stress. For sunrise yoga, you'll need to block out Wednesday and Sunday mornings from 6–7am. Sunset classes take place on Monday and Wednesday 5.45pm–6.45pm. Whichever you opt for, it'll cost you $20 a session, and you'll need to bring your own yoga mat. Updated October 11.
Dry July hasn't turned out how many Australians would've liked, thanks to lockdowns in Greater Sydney, Victoria and South Australia. But whether you were trying to take a break from booze for a spell, you've been cutting down on your drinking in general or you don't touch the hard stuff anyway, gin brand Gordon's has released a new tipple you'll want to sip even when ditching alcohol isn't the centre of attention for an entire month. The popular gin label has unveiled its own booze-free version, Gordon's 0.0% — and yes, that moniker makes its alcohol content clear. It still heroes the usual juniper flavour, and is still distilled using the same botanicals, but pairs it with zero booze. Two options are now available in bottle shops: Gordon's 0.0% in 700-millilitre bottles, so you can mix your own alcohol-free G&Ts and other cocktails; and 330-millilitre ready-to-drink gin-and-tonic mixes that come in four-packs. Whichever you choose, one thing is certain: however much you drink, you won't have a hangover the next day. Whether you're new to cutting out the sauce or you've always preferred your beverages sans booze, the alcohol-free drinks industry has been expanding in a big way over the past few years. Melbourne has its own booze-free gin joint, Sydney has a bottle-o dedicated to the concept, and actually decent mocktails are available on plenty of bar menus around the country now. The range of wines and beers with low or no alcohol has also been growing, too, so having a drink but skipping the headache — and not just sipping orange juice, sparkling water or soda — has never been easier. Gordon's 0.0% is now available in Australian bottle shops — in 700-millilitre bottles (RRP$34.99) and 330-millilitre ready-to-drink gin-and-tonic mixes (RRP$14.99 for a four-pack).
Nineties kids, Disney fans and everyone who's ever cried over a lion cub that just couldn't wait to be king, it's time to climb onto a rock and yell your lungs out. The circle of life has struck again, and The Lion King is back. It's in live-action form this time around, and the first teaser trailer for the new movie has just dropped. Releasing in mid-2019, the film will once again tell the tale of Simba, who's set to take over the pride from his father Mufasa, only for his malicious uncle Scar to get in the way. You know where it goes from there — and while you're watching extremely life-like lions prowl around Africa, you'll be hearing the voices of Donald Glover as Simba, none other than Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as his childhood pal Nala, and James Earl Jones as his dad. Yes, the latter is reprising his role from the original film. Other big names attached include Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, John Oliver as Zazu, and Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen as Timon and Pumbaa. Elton John is back working on the soundtrack with Tim Rice, as they both did on the first film. They'll reportedly have some help from Beyoncé, naturally, while The Jungle Book's Jon Favreau is in the director's chair for the entire production. If you're anxious about how it might turn out, it's worth taking Timon and Pumbaa's advice at this early stage — although this initial look should help get rid of your worries for the rest of your days. The Lion King hits Australian cinemas on July 18, 2019. Feel the love for the first trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJbI5f3z3Po&feature=youtu.be
Since the first-ever Valley Fiesta back in 1997, one of Brisbane's favourite events has popped up in all shapes and sizes. Its suburb remains the same, obviously, but how many days it runs for, exactly where in Fortitude Valley that it sets up its stages, who is on the bill and whether there's more than just tunes involved can change from year to year. Accordingly, whenever the program drops, Valley Fiesta's surprises span more than just the lineup. In 2024, this massive street party is returning as a one-day affair — and heading along is free. From 1.30–10pm on Saturday, October 26, the all-ages event will take over Brunswick Street, Winn Lane and Bakery Lane, setting up four stages featuring 20 local and national acts. On headlining duties: Meg Mac, May-a and The Buoys. Attendees will find the QMusic-produced roster of talent's key trio on the main stage in the Brunswick Street Mall, joined by Daste, Velvet Trip, Porpoise Spit, Deafcult and 01 Thurman. Valley Fiesta's primary location will also feature a DJ stage, with Zed Mero, Danyon, Eve and Eljae on the decks. Or, Brisbanites can hit the laneways to enjoy tracks spun by a QUIVR lineup of Patricia, DJ EmGem, Kodos, First Beige DJs, Sophie McAlister and Andras in Winn Lane. Bakery Lane isn't missing out on the action, either, thanks to a DJ stage with Luke Brazier and Jimmy Ellis. Valley Fiesta 2024 Lineup Brunswick Street Main Stage: Meg Mac May-A The Buoys Daste Velvet Trip Porpoise Spit Deafcult 01 Thurman Brunswick Street DJ Stage: Zed Mero Danyon Eve Eljae Winn Lane QUIVR Stage: Patricia DJ EmGem Kodos First Beige DJs Sophie McAlister Andras Bakery Lane DJ Stage: Luke Brazier Jimmy Ellis Select images: Dave Kan, Tom Sue Yek.
Is there anything Sam Simmons hasn’t done? He used to routinely perplex Triple J listeners with his shitty trivia, he got married in an Elvis Chapel in Vegas and invited everyone to go along or watch online, and he’s appeared on Conan O’Brien’s talk show. Simmons is also known for delivering show after show of crazy comedy gold centred around all the things that annoy him, and his new stand-up set is unlikely to be any different. Returning to Australia from LA, where he is now based, he’s certain to have a fresh batch of comic grievances to air, songs to sing and strangeness to share.
Twice a year, the Sydney-based Queer Screen team puts together a film festival — because condensing the year's best LGBTIQ+ into just one event is a tricky feat. The first, the Mardi Gras Film Festival, happened earlier in 2020. Now, in this new pandemic-afflicted world, the crew's second fest for the year is heading to your screens. That'd be Queer Screen Film Fest, which runs from Thursday, September 17–Sunday, September 27 — and, adapting to this chaotic year, will largely be held virtually. If you're located outside of Sydney, that's particularly excellent news, as the festival is going national in 2020, too. On the bill: more than 40 feature films, documentaries and shorts, with the majority streaming to your chosen device during the fest period. That means that you can curl up on the couch and watch everything from queer German coming-of-age film Cocoon and Japan-set drama Moonlit Winter to New Zealand rom-com Same But Different: A True New Zealand Love Story — plus cross-cultural romance Breaking Fast, documentary Steelers: The World's First Gay Rugby Club and a heap of shorts as well. For Sydneysiders keen for a night out, that is still an option — at the Skyline Drive-In and the Chauvel Cinema. Hop in your car to see the Jacki Weaver-starring Stage Mother or Aussie classic The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert under the stars, or get cosy in the theatre to check out acclaimed doco Welcome to Chechnya. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8N0bzQ-qzCg The 2020 Queer Screen Film Fest runs from Thursday, September 17–Sunday, September 27 , with most of its program available online nationally. It's also hosting physical events on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20 at the Chauvel Cinema, and on Saturday, September 26 at the Skyline Drive-In.
If this isn't a golden ticket to a great night on the couch, then we don't know what is: the delightful Willy Wonka prequel starring Timothée Chalamet (Bones and All) and directed by the Paddington films' Paul King is now spreading its sweetness to your couch. Although it's still playing in cinemas after opening in mid-December 2023, Wonka has been fast-tracked to digital so that you can get chocolate cravings at home. And you will be have a hankering for desserts as Chalamet sings, twirls around an umbrella, and talks about making weird and wonderful treats — and as a childhood favourite gets a prequel. Our tip: choose your movie-watching snacks accordingly. Otherwise, your stomach will start grumbling amid the songs, dancing and Hugh Grant (Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves) stealing scenes as an Oompa-Loompa. Wonka hitting digital helps add to any pre-Dune: Part Two Timmy C marathons that you might be planning before the latter film reaches the big screen at the end of February. With King writing and directing, the first with co-scribe Simon Farnaby, this new stint with Roald Dahl's chocolatier gives the character an origin story starring the actor who has had his heart broken during a lusty Italian summer, romanced Saoirse Ronan in a Greta Gerwig film not once but twice, spiced up his life in a sci-fi saga and sported a taste for human flesh. Here, Chalamet croons his way through a whimsical world of sugar and pure imagination. First gracing the page almost six decades back, in 1964 when Charlie and the Chocolate Factory initially hit print, Willy Wonka has made the leap to cinemas before with Gene Wilder playing the part in 1971, then Johnny Depp in 2005. The difference this time: not just Chalamet, but a film that swirls in the details of Wonka's life before the events that've already been laid out in books and filled those two movies. The picture's main man has a dream — and, after spending the past seven years travelling the world perfect his craft, he's willing to get inventive to make it come true. Starting a chocolate business isn't easy, especially when the chocolate cartel doesn't take kindly to newcomers, selling choccies at an affordable price and sharing their wares with the masses. From there, brainwaves, optimism, determination, Wonka inventions and life-changing choices all spring, plus big vats of chocolate, chocolate that makes you fly and Willy's dedication to making the greatest chocolate shop the world has ever seen. Beyond Chalamet and Grant, Wonka's cast is as jam-packed as a lolly bag, with the pair joined by Farnaby (The Phantom of the Open), as well as Olivia Colman (Heartstopper), Sally Hawkins (The Lost King), Keegan-Michael Key (The Super Mario Bros Movie), Rowan Atkinson (Man vs Bee), Jim Carter (Downton Abbey: A New Era) and Natasha Rothwell (Sonic the Hedgehog 2). And the magical tone sprinkled throughout Wonka doesn't just fit the tale — it's exactly what King and Farnaby spun when they were celebrating a marmalade-loving bear. King helmed and penned both Paddington movies, while Farnaby also did the latter on the second (and acted in each). The duo worked together on wonderful and underseen 2009 film Bunny and the Bull as well, and on The Mighty Boosh, of which King directed 20 episodes. Check out the trailer for Wonka below: Wonka is available to stream via platforms such as YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. It's also still showing in cinemas Down Under. Read our review.
Returning for its sixth year, Brisbane Powerhouse's Wonderland festival promises a treasure trove of fun — especially if you're a fan of weird and wonderful entertainment. 2019's event features 28 shows between Thursday, November 21 to Sunday, December 1, so yes, it's going to be a busy nine days. Adults-only circus, 1960s swing parties and and a tribute to Nina Simone are all on the bill, because this is an eclectic lineup. So are electrifying vocals and eye-popping acrobatics, all across a huge feast of weird and wonderful theatre, art, music, magic, burlesque, circus, cabaret and comedy. Feeling spoiled for choice? We're here to help — thanks to our five must-see picks.
UPDATE, MARCH 18: Due to concerns around COVID-19, Spiral: From the Book of Saw will no longer release on its initially scheduled date of Thursday, May 14, 2020. At present, a new release date has not been announced — we'll update you when one has been revealed. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. In 2003, James Wan and Leigh Whannell made a short film that completely changed the Australian duo's careers. These days Wan is known for directing everything from Fast and Furious 7 to Aquaman, while Whannell has jumped behind the lens on Upgrade and the upcoming The Invisible Man — but none of that might have happened if it wasn't for the Saw franchise. Running for just under ten minutes, the original Saw short was designed to help the Aussie filmmakers secure funding to make a feature — a horror flick of the same name, in fact. Not only did it achieve that aim, but it sparked a long-running big-screen series about the twisted Jigsaw Killer. And this unnerving saga just keeps spawning sequels. Spiral: From the Book of Saw is the latest Saw instalment, marking the franchise's ninth outing. Whenever a horror movie series starts approaching double digits, it can prove a case of diminishing returns; however Spiral has a few aces up its sleeves. Wan and Whannell have long since stepped back from leading the charge, instead taking on roles as executive producers — but the newest flick to spring from their gruesome short film stars Chris Rock and Samuel L Jackson. As the just-dropped first Spiral trailer shows, Rock plays Detective Ezekiel 'Zeke' Banks. With his rookie partner William Schenk (Max Minghella), he's soon investigating a spate of gory murders. For seasoned Saw fans, these killings should look more than a little familiar. Naturally, because that's how this series works, it doesn't take long for Banks to get caught up in a game with the perpetrator. The fact that Spiral is directed by Saw II, Saw III and Saw IV's Darren Lynn Bousman might temper your curiosity a little. Indeed, the last few Saw films mightn't inspire much confidence either — including 2017's Jigsaw, as directed by fellow Aussies Michael and Peter Spierig (Winchester). But seeing Rock and Jackson step into this franchise is intriguing at the very least. In case you were wondering, Jackson plays another police veteran with ties to the case, busting out his usual swaggering, swearing on-screen persona in the process. Check out the Spiral trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gaWj_c0-wM&feature=youtu.be Spiral was due to open in Australian cinemas on May 14, 2020; however it'll now release on a yet-to-be-revealed date — we'll update you when one is announced.
Trust Black Bear Lodge to come up with a Christmas event that recognises what the majority of Australians would rather be doing on December 25. Most of us can't head to the beach for a spot of surfing and splashing about — no matter how much we'd like to — but we can do our best to pretend otherwise at Surfmas. Yes, the Brunswick Street venue is throwing everyone's favourite end-of-year party again, much to the delight of anyone of anyone who wants to get tropical. Los Huevos, Teen Sensations, The Plastic Fangs and The Wet Fish will help set the mood, and cocktails with pineapple in them will as well. We're sure they'll all do the job.
