Louise Hearman's distinctly cinematic paintings and drawings take on a dreamlike quality as they combine everyday imagery with dark and surrealistic impressions, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Throughout her 25-year career, Hearman's works have remained nameless, choosing to let her audience attempt to decipher or give their own meanings to the scenes she puts forth. They've repeatedly returned to familiar settings such as the suburbs of Melbourne and the regional countryside, alongside more hallucinatory images of isolated stretches of road, the back of an anonymous heads and the illuminated face of a child floating in the sea. Mostly creating her works with oils on Masonite, Hearman produces her supernatural images on a relatively small-scale. On display at the QUT Art Museum, the first major review of Hearman's vast collection of works comes to Queensland, running until August 6. Image: Louise Hearman, Untitled #1118 (2005), oil on composition board.
UPDATE, NOVEMBER 9: Sandtunes has been cancelled, with organisers noting that "without sand between our punters' toes, the very notion of the beachside festival in a stadium meant low sales". Ticketholders who purchased by credit or debit card will receive refunds automatically within ten working days, while those who purchased in an agency will be contacted by phone with a fortnight to make refund arrangements. UPDATE, SEPTEMBER 3: Sandtunes has advised that it has changed venues, moving from the previously announced Coolangatta beachfront to Metricon Stadium "after listening to responses from the local community". Ticket prices have also been reduced, with single-day tickets now $129 and two-day passes costing $199. The festival will also be open to patrons aged 15 years and over. Already one of the country's go-to spots for sand, surf and sun, the Gold Coast now boasts another reason to plan a visit this summer: Sandtunes, a massive two-day music festival. Debuting this year across Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1, the new event will take over Metricon Stadium with a jam-packed lineup of live tunes, with Travis Scott, Logic, Chvrches and Carly Rae Jepsen leading the bill. The festival will mark Scott's only Australian performance this year, so if you're keen to see the Texas-born rapper play tracks from his 2018 album Astroworld, this is the place to be. If you're a fan of fellow US hip hop star Logic, you'll also be treated to his first-ever Aussie show. While Scottish trio Chvrches are no strangers to our shores — they're on this year's Spilt Milk lineup as well — Sandtunes will also welcome Canadian pop star Carly Rae Jepsen for her debut performance in Australia. When you're not singing along to 'Call Me Maybe' live, you can also check out the rest of the just-announced first lineup, which spans Juice WRLD, Dean Lewis, Sampa the Great, Tkay Maidza, Cub Sport, Kait, Kwame, WAAX, Kian, Alice Ivy, Genesis Owusu and Saint Lane. A word of warning: the festival dates do overlap with part of Schoolies — although, thankfully Carrara is never particularly hectic with revelling school leavers as Surfers Paradise.
As fun as parties, feasts and downing eggnog all are at this time of year, one thing can make them better: games. We're not just talking about guessing how long until your uncle falls asleep after lunch, or seeing who knows all the words to every pop Christmas carol. Instead, we're talking about eating, drinking, playing and being merry in Brisbane's very own bar-slash-arcade. 'Tis the season for all of the above at Netherworld, and they're throwing quite the shindig to prove it. Just bring your button-mashing self, some cash for tokens, brews and a Hellmouth roast, and a $5 wrapped gift that you can swap in the Secret Santa pit. It all takes place from 5pm on December 23, complete with Santa pictures in-between rounds of whatever pinball, arcade, console or board game takes your fancy. Photos require a donation, with funds going the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. And a karma keg will be pouring at the bar, raising more cash for those needing some festive help.
It can be pretty thirsty work navigating the bountiful rotation of food vendors at Welcome To Bowen Hills. So, it's very handy that the new food truck park has just launched its own permanent on-site gin bar, where you can settle in with a cool glass of something and rest those feet. Fittingly dubbed Swill, the new venue boasts an impressive collection of around 115 gins, sourced from across Australia and the globe. You'll spy drops from the likes of Kyneton's Anemis Ambrosian, Healesville's Four Pillars and Brunswick's Patient Wolf, to name just a few. If gin's not your thing, fear not — there's also a solid rotation of craft beers on the taps, as well as a lineup of crafty cocktails. Open Thursday through Sunday from 5pm onwards, the bar's got room for about 150 thirsty punters, boasting a great mix of indoor and outdoor spaces. A comfortable industrial fit-out comes courtesy of the team at Derlot. Think, soaring ceilings, moody lighting and luxurious booths that were simply made for kicking back with a post-burger Gin & Tonic. Swill is now open Thursday to Sunday at Welcome To Bowen Hills, 631 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills. For more info, visit wtbh.com.au.
Amanda Wolf and Joseph Breikers are two Brisbane-based artists who aren't afraid to poke around in the dark, humorous side of art. Their latest collaborative exhibition, Life, Death and Miscellaneous, does just that as they examine the deep, dark getaways of two of literary fiends. Wolf and Breikers use the work of Patrick Suskind's novel Perfume and Mikhail Bulgakov's Master and the Margarita to explore the transformative places that lie beyond plain sight. In Perfume, the protagonist slithers away from the world into a cave on the Plomb du Cantal — and in Master and the Margarita, Satan holds the hell -raising Spring Valley of the Full Moon in a dimension beyond the known. Ipso facto, these guys caved out the two ultimate grottos. Through disrupted and abstract art, Life, Death and Miscellaneous explores the cave as both a physical and psychological space. As both a sanctuary and place of exile, Wolf and Breifers dig deep to define what the grimmest of hollow spaces have come to represent in this exhibition. If you've got a keen interest in the unknown, we suggest you check it out. Image: 'Big Toe 3', Joseph Breikers, 2015, Digital image (dimensions variable).
Get ready for solid dose of intoxicating dance beats. Melbourne's electronic disco outfit World's End Press are hitting stages across the east coast this week to wrap up their 'Spirals' tour, geared up to bring their hypnotic mix to Alhambra Lounge. Off the back of their debut self-titled album release in 2013, World's End Press will be bringing their one-of-a-kind dance mixes to audiences along the East Coast this December. Offering irresistibly rhythmic melodies with every single, WEP is one highly underrated live act rumoured to dominate this summer festival season. Playing alongside electronic legends Phoenix and Architecture in Helsinki earlier this year, the band will wrap up 2014 in style with these East Coast shows. Fans will know the kind of energetic antics to expect from these guys. For those looking to start the weekend right, you won't go wrong nabbing tickets to this ripper electronic mini-rave. Supported by Multiple Man + Tremors.
With Brisbane about to head into another lockdown from 6pm on Tuesday, June 29 until the same time on Friday, July 2 — this time encompassing 11 Local Government Areas in southeast Queensland, including both the Sunshine and Gold Coasts — home cooking and takeaway is back on the menu. Fancy the latter more than the former? Spent too much time baking during January and March's similar stint at home? Eager to order in for any reason possible? If you fall into any of the above categories, and you're keen to both support local eateries and keep an eye on your bank balance, Deliveroo is ditching its delivery fees for orders from most restaurants for three days. From 5pm on Tuesday, June 29 until the end of Friday, July 2, the service is doing free delivery from a hefty range of Brissie restaurants. It's also doing the same on the Sunshine Coast, if that's where you're based. Exactly how many eateries will be taking part hasn't been revealed, but expect to have plenty of choices if you're keen to get something delivered without spending a cent. The aim: to encourage folks to help local restaurants during this latest stay-at-home period and, because that's the world we live in, to help stop panic buying at supermarkets as well. Plus, to ensure that all of the eateries involved aren't missing out on revenue or left out of pocket, Deliveroo is footing the bill for the discounted amount, too. If you're suddenly hungry, you'll need to place an order via the Deliveroo app. There are a few caveats, unsurprisingly, with the free delivery deal not extending to bottle KFC or to places listed in the app as 'delivered by restaurant'. You'll also need to spend at least $10 at most eateries, $12 at McDonald's, Subway and Baskin-Robbins, and $15 if you're purchasing from Red Rooster. Deliveroo is doing free delivery across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast from 5pm on Tuesday, June 29 until the end of Friday, July 2. To make an order, head to the Deliveroo app.
Outpost hasn’t curated a dud event to date, and their latest is no different. In a brilliant fusion of art, design and music, Southern Crucifixion, tangles together a number of highly heralded talents in the one Brisbane venue suited to all things dark - Crowbar. Key import, UK-based artist/illustrator French (pictured), will be star attraction of the night. His name may not be familiar but his art definitely should be – he’s been published in Dazed and Confused, Tank Magazine and dozens more magazines, and has worked with the likes of Paul Smith and Virgin Music. He’ll be presenting aside woodblock creationist, Alex Gillies, who etches just about anything he can get his hands on, and the pragmatic peace-hater, with an gift for die-hard-design, Murdoch Stafford. Bands Frown and Heavy Chaos will be playing musical backdrop. With songs like 'Face Ripper' and 'Kill Dick Control' and art pieces laden with skulls, blood and dread, don’t be expecting sunshine, daisies and lace-collared puppies at Southern Crucifixion - expect so much more.
If you like words and you live in Brisbane, the last month has been mighty spectacular. First, Brisbane Writers Festival returned for 2022. Now, Emerge — Queensland Poetry Festival is back as well — because this town is home to multiple citywide celebrations of literature and language. As always, this tribute to waxing lyrical has compiled a diverse program that showcases the artform in a number of ways. Focused around the titular theme — that'd be 'emerge' — the lineup ponders coming out of the chaos of the last few years, how poetry itself breaks into the world, plus talents emerging to prominence themselves. After an online lineup in March, Brisbanites can now head to the in-person component from Friday, June 3–Sunday, June 5 at the Judith Wright Arts Centre. On the program: readings of Indigenous poetry to kick off the fest, an up-late poetry lounge, a chat about LGBTQIA+ poetry, pondering poetry's power when facing climate change and the pandemic, a session on erotica, a focus on mental health and more. And, doing the speaking and performing: a roster of talent that includes Busty Beatz, Madina Ahmad, Lisa Fa'alafi, Hot Brown Homies, Simone King, Jazz Money, Janaka Malwatta, Tony Norris, Felicity Plunkett, Samuel Wagan Watson and Nicholas Powell. Yes, the list goes on. [caption id="attachment_812379" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Maeve Baker, 'Do Your Chores, Try Not To Think Too Much, And Repeat', 2020, IMA Belltower Façade Projection. Commissioned by the Institute of Modern Art for 'Making ArtWork'. Photo: Charlie Hillhouse.[/caption] Top image: Queensland Poetry Festival.
Brisbanites have spent plenty of time in their own castles over the past 18 months. Now, with the city currently out of lockdown, it's time to mosey through a giant inflatable version instead. From Friday, September 3–Saturday, September 25, the city will welcome a luminous installation comprised of a cluster of colourful arches — as created by multidisciplinary studio ENESS. Called Sky Castle and part of this year's Brisbane Festival program, the towering pop-up will span Northshore Hamilton until Tuesday, September 14, filling it with colour. Then, from Wednesday, September 15, it'll be on the move. It isn't just shifting locations, however, but it'll float along the river nightly as part of a watery art experience called Brisbane's Art Boat. The arches are designed to reflect a rainbow — and to bring a spot of brightness to the city after its tough experiences during the pandemic, just like rainbows do after storms. Yes, that's what everyone could use right about now. And, they're interactive, too, changing their hues as you move through them. As well as vivd tones, plenty light and sky-high arches, Sky Castle also includes a xylophone soundscape, which changes while you're wandering as well. And, it's one of two ENESS installations that form part of the Bris Fest lineup. So, when it isn't at Northshore Hamilton, its sibling event Airship Orchestra will be — and vice versa. The same applies to its berth on Brisbane's Art Boat as well. Images: Zhu Rui.
You can't help but conjure up images of the romanticised '60s Woodstock era while listening to Richard In Your Mind. Putting forward a Beatles-ish pop sound swathed with psychedelic and krautrock rythyms, the Sydney five-piece have just released their newest album, Ponderosa via Rice Is Nice, the local record label boasting a host of Sydney talent such as Donny Benet and SPOD. RIYM's tunes are a fun and light-hearted affair, exploring overarching themes of things like nature, exploration and escapism — no doubt influenced by the band's hours spent in the Blue Mountains, where they recorded the tracks. To launch Ponderosa, Richard In Your Mind are playing a couple of intimate shows along the East Coast. This Brisbane leg sees the crew supporting New York-based (via Japan) avant-garde legends Cibo Matto on their first trip to Australia, joining Regurgitator's Ben Ely. It might not be the 1960s anymore, but these guys are definitely making sure the crazy psychedelia still lives on. And if you haven't seen the video for latest single 'Hammered in the Daytime', do yourself a favour and click the tab above. It's the family TV show we truly wish existed. https://youtube.com/watch?v=kMyxjFAyLMU
This article is sponsored by our partners, Rekorderlig. The words 'Full Moon Party' might usually bring to mind sandy, sunburnt backpackers in their tens of thousands lost in a cocktail-bucket-fuelled dance frenzy on some remote Thai island, but Thredbo's reclaiming their wintry potential on Australian soil. On three separate occasions this ski season, the Thredbo Alpine Hotel's Keller Bar is being transformed into a black-lit, werewolf-ridden dance cave, where you're pretty much invisible unless you've donned your white or fluorescent best. Just in case you're the forgetful type, you'll be presented with face paint and glow sticks as you walk through the door — free of charge (as is entry). For a beautifully Swedish start your night, arrive at the firepit-lined courtyard nice and early. The tunes start at 3pm and the Rekorderlig Hot Pool will be steaming (bonus: delicious mulled Winter Cider will be steaming too). The first part in the three-act series took part on July 12, with sets from SOSUEME DJs and Purple Sneakers, but the good news is, you've still two more opportunities to get in on the action. On August 10, you'll catch the Crooked Colour DJs, who were recently shortlisted in the Stoney Roads Producer of the Year Awards, and the I Oh You DJs. Then, on September 9, you'll be hearing from The L D R U, fresh from their crowd-wowing Splendour appearance, and Leah Mencel, 2012 winner of EMI's She Can DJ Comp.
The best joke in The Boss is the one that no one talks about. Whatever Michelle Darnell (Melissa McCarthy) is wearing, her outfit includes a turtleneck jumper pulled up over her chin. Whether it's meant to be slimming or is simply an eccentric style option, it looks as ridiculous as it sounds — and while there's no avoiding the silly sartorial sight that greets viewers every time the protagonist graces the screen, the unusual clothing choice is actually among the film's most subtle elements. The fact that it remains hilarious while never earning a mention or explanation is refreshing, particularly in a movie that takes every other chance it can to either state or rely upon the obvious. At the beginning of the film, which McCarthy co-wrote with her director husband Ben Falcone, Darnell is a self-made titan of business. After wheeling and dealing her way to the top, she's the 47th wealthiest woman in America, and at the filling stadiums, splashing cash around and dispensing self-help advice stage of her career. Alas, all it takes is an insider trading charge and a stint in prison for her fame and fortune to disappear. With nowhere to go upon her release, Darnell turns to her former assistant Claire (Kristen Bell) to help get her life back on track — and seizes upon a brownie-selling opportunity inspired by Claire's young daughter Rachel (Ella Anderson). The Boss is an awkward film, and not just because it pairs a predictable storyline with clumsily inserted scenes of outlandish behaviour. It's the kind of movie in which school girls brawl with their mothers in the street, and swearing and physical antics are presented as the height of comedy. Yet the bulk of the awkwardness stems from McCarthy herself. Arguably The Boss ranks alongside The Heat and Spy as one of the actresses better starring roles, but with Identity Thief and Tammy also on her resume, that's not saying much. As committed as she remains to doing whatever it takes to garner laughs, there's no escaping the feeling that she's done it all before. The fact is, audiences may well be getting tired of watching McCarthy bear the brunt of violence, become the butt of jokes and deliver expletive-filled dialogue. Showcasing rather than stretching the energetic performer's many talents is the movie's main aim, however it actually fares best in quieter, less exaggerated moments. There's an astuteness and understanding in the ever-changing dynamic between McCarthy and Bell, even if the latter frequently threatens to steal the show from the former. Dissecting the ways women can both come together and tear each other apart, their exchanges provide The Boss with its much-needed heart. Of course, such moments of depth are few and far between, as is demonstrated by McCarthy's other main adversarial relationship with an over-the-top Peter Dinklage as her ex-boyfriend turned rival. That the end result proves a jumble of earnest sentiment, too-easy gags, one-dimensional characters and inconsistent absurdity is hardly surprising. But at least there's always those unexplained turtlenecks to keep you chuckling.
In an age of GPS navigation and Siri-dependency, the idea of using of a hand-held, pull-out map seems a little dated. But one Brisbane artist, Sue Beyer, is exercising her cartography skills liberally to construct meaningful, allegorical masterpieces that combine her painting skills with the rigid, boundary-heavy outlines of maps. Her latest exhibition, Betwixt and Between, is driven by Beyer’s unique set of interests in painting, roller-skating and motor biking, and the role location can have on each. Her pieces show the concept of place as a continually fluid and shifting set of experiences — her work incorporates traditional lines and shapes that give maps their structure but combine it with puddles and patches of colour. This combination makes for bold and dynamic abstract forms, with information and illusion coming together to on the canvas.
When Christmas Eve hits, most of us are already feeling the festive spirit. If you work in retail or hospitality, however, you might have to press pause on your merriment until your shift is over. Even worse — while the majority of folks are getting into the swing of seasonal celebrations, those left serving food and drinks, manning store counters and just working in general aren't being compensated more than their usual rates. Following in the footsteps South Australia and the Northern Territory, the Queensland Government has just implemented a solution: turning Christmas Eve into a public holiday. Well, turning part of December 24 into a public holiday, at least. Announced back in August and now passed into law on Wednesday, November 27, the move sees penalty rates come into effect once 6pm hits — meaning that anyone left working when it's literally the evening before Christmas will be paid accordingly. Receiving community support after a public consultation period that ended in September, with 71 percent of submissions in favour of the change, the part-day public holiday applies from this year — so yes, this Christmas is covered. Affected workers will receive penalty rates of up to 250 percent of their normal wages, as well as the option not to work, where reasonable. For further information, visit the Queensland Government website.
Footscray's Mr West is known for many things: its craft beer-packed bottle shop, its dog-friendly bar, its charcuterie boards and its espresso martini and negronis on tap. Previously, you had to visit the Melbourne bar to try said cocktails, but now you can have them delivered to your door. In 1.5-litre 'bagnums', no less. Made with Mr Black Coffee Liqueur, Boston Black cold drip coffee, stout and vodka, the Good Spirits espresso martini packs a serious alcohol- and caffeinated-punch. The Good Spirits negroni is made with Poor Toms dry gin, Campari and Mr West's house-blended vermouth. It's suggested you serve the latter over ice with an orange garnish, but straight-up in a mug is okay, too. Each 'bagnum' (a portmanteau of 'bag' and 'magnum') costs $99 and contains 12 serves of espresso martini and 20 serves of negroni, which works out to be about $8 a serve for the former and $5 for the latter (a bargain). As an added bonus, the espresso martini bag also comes with a mini Parisian cocktail shaker, so you can froth up your drink a little before serving. If you're located in surrounding suburbs in Melbourne, you can get the bagnums delivered to your door within an hour from 1–7pm daily for a $7.50 flat rate. Sydneysiders and Brisbanites can get them shipped in three-to-ten days from $12. Mr West's online bottle shop doesn't just have oversized cocktail bags, either. You'll also find a whole heap of craft beers, natural wines, local and international spirits, sakes and so much more. Those wanting to commit to more regular drinking can also sign up to Mr West's subscription service Good Booze Project, which sees boxes of three, six or 12 wines and beers delivered to your door every month. You can order a Good Spirits espresso martini or negroni bagnums via the Mr West online shop.
After months of discussion and debate, Queensland is reopening its border from Friday, July 10, allowing residents from all Australian states and territories other than Victoria to enter the state for the first time since March. But anyone hoping for a quick trip over the border — whether you're holidaying up north or heading home to the Sunshine State — should expect plenty of company. In fact, more than 200,000 Aussies are planning to make the trek in the next seven days alone. At a press conference today, Thursday, July 9, Queensland's Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young advised that the state has already received 238,000 applications for border declaration passes — the permits that anyone entering Queensland from interstate, including Queenslanders returning home, are required to obtain before they'll be allowed across the border. The passes only permit entry into the state within seven days from approval, which means that a hefty amount of people are planning to make the trek within the next week. As Dr Young notes, "that is a lot of people — so that will mean that we'll see congestion and delays". The huge figure was revealed as Queensland announced significant changes to its border policies, including increasing restrictions on travellers who've been to Victoria in the past 14 days. While, since Friday, July 3, Queensland has required anyone travelling from Victoria, including Queenslanders, to go into forced quarantine for 14 days — in a hotel, at your own expense — it'll now completely ban visitors from Victoria from noon on Friday, July 10, including from both accessing the state and quarantining in the state. Exemptions will be given "for essential specialist workers, as well as for health, legal or compassionate grounds", but Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk advises that "very few exemptions will be granted". Although Queenslanders returning to the state from Victoria will still be able to come home, they'll continue to be required to go into forced quarantine for 14 days, in a hotel, and pay for the costs. https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1281002263457132545 Queensland also revealed that it's implementing new requirements for interstate visitors who develop COVID-19 symptoms while in the state. As announced by Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles, anyone entering Queensland will be required to get tested if they show any signs of the coronavirus within 14 days of arriving in the state — and, to commit to that requirement, you'll have to make a binding declaration to get tested when you apply online for your border pass. Mobile testing clinics will be set up at popular tourist destinations to help travellers get tested — and anyone who refuses testing will face a $4004 fine. The testing requirement will also apply to Queenslanders returning to Queensland, with folks in both categories receiving text messages from Queensland Health to ask if they have developed symptoms and remind them that they must get tested. At the time of the announcement — and at the time of writing this article — Queensland only has two active cases of COVID-19 in the state. To find out more about Queensland's COVID-19 restrictions, and the status of the coronavirus in the state, visit Queensland's online COVID-19 hub. 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. Top image: Tourism and Events Queensland.
Heading to Given Terrace staple Darling & Co is all about hangs in the venue's breezy space, and every Aussie knows that a weekend party isn't complete without a little (or a lot of) bubbly. Happy to oblige, the Paddington spot has launched bottomless prosecco and spritz brunches, which are now on offer every Sunday. And the restaurant isn't simply offering the standard two hours of bottomless booze. Instead, patrons have unlimited access to a fountain. You'll be able to pour your own bubbly and spritzes from its taps throughout the two hours, while enjoying an extensive spread. Find a comfy spot while tucking into an antipasto platter stacked with marinated olives, roasted peppers, bocconcini and watermelon wrapped in prosciutto, your choice of three pizzas, and a side salad. Although your $69 ticket gets you all of the above food and all the drinks for the fountain you like for two hours, the weekly event runs from 12–4pm, so you've got some options in terms of timeslots.
Questions flow freely in She Said, the powerful and methodical All the President's Men and Spotlight-style newspaper drama that tells the story behind the past decade's biggest entertainment story. On-screen, Zoe Kazan (Clickbait) and Carey Mulligan (The Dig) tend to be doing the asking, playing now Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times journalists Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey. They query Harvey Weinstein's actions, including his treatment of women. They gently and respectfully press actors and Miramax employees about their traumatic dealings with the Hollywood honcho, and they politely see if some — if any — will go on the record about their experiences. And, they question Weinstein and others at his studio about accusations that'll lead to this famous headline: "Harvey Weinstein Paid Off Sexual Harassment Accusers for Decades". As the entire world read at the time, those nine words were published on October 5, 2017, along with the distressing article that detailed some — but definitely not all — of Weinstein's behaviour. Everyone has witnessed the fallout, too, with Kantor and Twohey's story helping spark the #MeToo movement, electrifying the ongoing fight against sexual assault and gender inequality in the entertainment industry, and shining a spotlight on the gross misuses of authority that have long plagued Tinseltown. The piece also brought about Weinstein's swift downfall. As well as being sentenced to 23 years in prison in New York in 2020, he's currently standing trial for further charges in Los Angeles. Watching She Said, however, more questions spring for the audience. Here's the biggest heartbreaker: how easily could Kantor and Twohey's article never have come to fruition at all, leaving Weinstein free to continue his predatory harassment? In a female-driven movie on- and off-screen — including director Maria Schrader (I'm Your Man), screenwriter Rebecca Lenkiewicz (Small Axe) and cinematographer Natasha Braier (Honey Boy) — She Said details all the moments where the pivotal piece of reporting could've been forced to take no for an answer, something that Weinstein wasn't known for. At the NYT, assistant managing editor Rebecca Corbett (Patricia Clarkson, Sharp Objects) and executive editor Dean Baquet (Andre Braugher, Brooklyn Nine-Nine) are always supportive, starting when Kantor picks up the story, and continuing when she brings in Twohey fresh off an investigative article into Donald Trump's sexual misconduct. But, unsurprisingly, the women made victims by Weinstein are wary. Many also signed non-disclosure agreements. Kantor and Twohey's pitch: by speaking out and ideally going on the record, they can assist in ensuring that what they endured doesn't happen to anyone else. Knowing the end result, and the whole reason that She Said exists, doesn't dampen the film's potency or tension. Instead, it heightens the appreciation for the bravery of those who spoke out — at first and afterwards — and the care with which Kantor and Twohey handled their task. The two reporters knew that they were asking women to revisit their darkest traumas, make their worst ordeals public and take on a man who'd been untouchable for decades (with the spate of NDAs and settlements with many of his targets to prove it). Even Rose McGowan (voiced by The Plot Against America's Keilly McQuail) is hesitant; she's mentioned but not quoted in the final piece. Persevering to bring Weinstein's crimes to attention, Kantor and Twohey keep digging, and keep trying to persuade their potential interviewees — and She Said doubles as a lesson in compassionately and respectfully doing just that. Some of the women approached are household names, with Ashley Judd appearing as herself and Gwyneth Paltrow referenced but not seen. Others worked in less visible roles in Weinstein's orbit — and She Said's moments with Samantha Morton (The Serpent Queen), Jennifer Ehle (Saint Maud) and Angela Yeoh (The Batman) as ex-Miramax employees Zelda Perkins, Laura Madden and Rowena Chiu, helping the feature explore why they agreed to talk, are electrifying and heartbreaking at the same time. In a blistering scene set in a London cafe, Morton plays someone toughened by and determined because of her 90s efforts to stand up for a colleague, her anger radiating from the screen. Ehle is the face of sorrowful regret, with the pain she conveys about being accosted as a young woman — a flashback to which opens the movie — just as palpable. And Chiu is devastating as someone who hasn't even told her husband about what happened, such was is misplaced shame and lingering fear. Great procedurals, of which She Said is one, know the importance of three things: diligently putting pieces together, charting the dedicated efforts making that happen and showing the impact of a job well done. Not all such films get as satisfying an IRL ending — Zodiac is an all-timer and the serial killer it focuses on has never been caught — but conveying why the work matters is one of the genre's key aims. No one needs a movie to stress that fact here, obviously. The results of Kantor and Twohey's efforts have garnered headlines for five years now and will continue to. Still, consider She Said a testament to that hard work, and a film eager to ensure that toiling gets its due. It isn't a self-congratulatory flick, but a solidly compelling, sensitive and astute one. It never even lets Weinstein's face be sighted. And, it tells its tale with naturalistic, lived-in visuals, including in the NYT's offices and cafeteria, always emphasising that its details are real and tangible. Where 2019's chilling and exceptional The Assistant fictionalised a film production company led by a Weinstein type and the culture of sexual harassment it enabled, She Said always dwells in fact. Both movies are gripping, engaging, moving and essential, however, as well as attentively directed and outstandingly cast. For the second time in the past few years, Mulligan confronts the abhorrent treatment of women by men, and strikes back — and while this feature couldn't be more different tonally from Promising Young Woman, she's a firmly committed presence in both. Quiet strength emanates from Mulligan and Kazan alike, while their characters are doing their jobs and as they're balancing home lives. That juggling act is never the point of She Said, which seamlessly works in the pair's respective children, plus Twohey's pregnancy and post-natal depression. Nonetheless, including it helps reinforce the variety of ways that this is a women-centric story — crucially so — and what that means on an array of levels.
Getting comfy on the couch is nothing new for avid readers. Staying in to attend Brisbane Writers Festival is, though. Like many other events in 2020, the annual celebration of all things literary is going virtual this year, serving up a week-long celebration of the written word that's being delivered digitally. Called Brisbane Writers Festival 2020: Room to Dream, the fest runs from Monday, August 31–Sunday, September 6, with seven events on the agenda. Each day, two artists will respond to the theme as part of a call and response-style presentation that's available to watch via the BWF website. Also, checking out their readings, poetry, art and dance is completely free. First up is poet Alison Whittaker and dancer and choreographer Katina Olsen, offering up a piece that's being described as "a fusion of feelings". Also on the bill: Vietnamese Australian author Vivian Pham's words brought to life with artworks by Vietnamese illustrator Camelia Pham; a collaboration between award-winning novelist James Bradley and writer and video game enthusiast Shastra Deo; and real-life partners Chris Flynn (author of Mammoth) and Eirian Chapman (an illustrator). The list goes on, which is reason enough to tune in each day — and to get your BWF fix before it returns as a physical event from May 7–9, 2021. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLEw15OmF0M&feature=emb_logo Brisbane Writers Festival 2020: Room to Dream runs from Monday, August 31–Sunday, September 6 via the BWF website.
If you're a sugar-lovin' Brisbanite, we've got good news for you. Next time you’re in the vicinity of New Farm — specifically, New Farm Cinemas — you might want to treat yo'self. After working markets here, there and everywhere around Brisbane, New Farm Confectionery now has a permanent home. Tucked around the side of the cinemas on Barker Street just off Brunswick Street, the new confectionery shop is a cute little haven dedicated to the kinds of handmade, high quality goodies that you can't find just anywhere. These aren't mass-produced, supermarket-variety lollies filled with additives — everything's free of artificial colours and flavours, and made in store in small batches. Think couverture chocolate honeycomb, marshmallows flavoured with real fruit and oil, and individually-wrapped salted caramels. We'd keep listing things, but there’s too much goodness to choose from — including six different milkshake flavours. Is your mouth watering yet? New Farm Confectionery was originally inspired by a trip to Paris by owner Jodie Neilson, who saw sweet bites to eat everywhere throughout the French city and wanted to offer the same luxury to Australian adults. That's excellent news for those in Brisbane with a sweet tooth, but for those outside the city, the store will ship their products anywhere in Australia. You can still find them at Eat Street on weekends; this just means there's more deliciousness on offer more often.
Black suits, black shades, futuristic weaponry and plenty of aliens: the Men in Black are back. Because film franchises never die — they just get revamped/remade/rebooted/reimagined — the sci-fi series is releasing its fourth instalment. It's a spin-off, and it features a brand new cast. In Men in Black: International, Thor Ragnarok co-stars Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson step into the outfits originally made famous by Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones. The Aussie star plays Agent H, while Thompson plays agent M, a newcomer who nabs a job after tracking down the secretive organisation. Helping them with their London-based efforts are Emma Thompson and Liam Neeson, who are also donning the requisite attire. Two (unrelated) Thompsons are better than one, clearly, and, when it comes to Neeson, why not? Directed by Straight Outta Compton and The Fate of the Furious' F. Gary Gray, Men in Black: International arrives 22 years after the original flick (and the original theme tune that you now have stuck in your head). It follows the new agents as they not only try to keep watch over the world, but attempt to track down a mole inside the Men in Black. If it wipes the franchise's rather average Men in Black II and Men in Black III out of our memories, it'll achieve something. Men in Black: International opens in Australian cinemas on June 13, 2019 — check out the trailer below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gexS_FVXdhk&feature=youtu.be
With Game of Thrones ending its run this year, there's currently a huge fantasy-shaped hole in the TV and streaming landscape. Of course, the beloved show will go on thanks to its own prequel; however plenty of networks and platforms are trying their hands at the genre in the interim — and giving television buffs plenty to watch. Amazon is hoping to fill the gap with its forthcoming Lord of the Rings series, although it isn't due until 2021. HBO's next contender will arrive sooner, courtesy of its adaptation of His Dark Materials. And, while Netflix already has its Dark Crystal prequel launching in August, it'll soon drop new series The Witcher as well. An exact date for the latter hasn't been announced, but the Henry Cavill-starring show has just unveiled its first trailer at San Diego Comic-Con. The witcher of the title is Geralt of Rivia (Cavill, sporting long blonde locks), a monster hunter who prefers to work — aka slay beasts — alone. But life has other plans for the lone wolf, forcing him to cross paths with powerful sorceress Yennefer of Vengerberg (Anya Chalotra, Netflix's Wanderlust) and young princess Ciri (newcomer Freya Allan). The latter harbours a secret, because of course she does, with the series blending plenty of fantasy staples such as magic, royalty, fighting factions, battling hordes, fearsome creatures, a heap of sword-swinging and many a scenic location. After stepping into Superman's shoes and facing off against Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible — Fallout, The Witcher marks Cavill's return to TV a decade after starring in regal period drama The Tudors. Behind-the-scenes, the show's eight-part first season is created, executive produced and co-scripted by Lauren Schmidt, who has everything from The West Wing, Parenthood and Power to Daredevil, The Defenders and The Umbrella Academy to her name. If the series' name sounds familiar, that's because The Witcher is based on the short stories and novels of writer Andrzej Sapkowski — and, as well as being turned into comics, it was adapted the video game series of the same name. A Polish film and TV show also reached screens back in the early 2000s, although they were poorly received. Check out the trailer for Netflix's The Witcher below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSqi-8kAMmM The Witcher will hit Netflix sometime later this year. We'll keep you updated with a release date when we have one.
The brainchild of cosmic Melbourne trio Midnight Juggernauts, Siberia Records plays host to a swag of electronically-grounded, eclectic artists worth giving a significant damn about. For their highly-anticipated Vivid label party Siberian Nights they're bringing Mancurian electronic wizard Andy Stott and his formidable bass/vox fusion to The Studio on May 23, alongside Sydney threesome Black Vanilla, Forces, Cassius Select (Guerre), DCM and Four Door. Plus, the Middy Juggs will be jamming as well, bringing their fully immersive experience AERIALS to psych everyone out. To psych you up for Friday's highly anticipated Studio party, the dudes at Siberia have put together a playlist of weird and wonderful offerings; from the charismatic strangeness of Kirin J Calinan to the smooth stylings of Cassius Select. So jump in, bliss out and make the trek to Siberia on Friday night. https://youtube.com/watch?v=rUtZOGP8VCA 1. Alex Cameron — Jumping the Shark "Technically this is an album. But one of my favourites this year. An interesting exploration into the down and out world of show business (see video). Alex was self releasing it on his website for free so we decided to press a small run baby blue vinyl for it. It now sits proudly on my shelf, and hopefully yours too. "He's in London right now where he's been playing a few shows with R. Stevie Moore but will be magically appearing at our Siberia show at Vivid, along with the next character — it's a bit of a secret how they'll actually get there..." https://youtube.com/watch?v=ycK1xMEzQeQ 2. KIRIN J CALLINAN - Constant Craving (feat. Sophia Brous) "Kirin also covered 'Apology Accepted' by The Go Betweens a few years ago. Both great Australian covers in my honest opinion. KD Lang might be Canadian but this version slices and dices her into the Southern Hemisphere. "Like I was saying, Kirin will be present in 'some form' this weekend at the Siberia night however, technically he'll still be in London recording his second album." https://youtube.com/watch?v=s9LYXnII_7Q 3. FORCES - Altered States "A classic Australian electronic track. And band. I fell in love with these guys about four years ago when they did a reworking of another artist we were working with. They hadn't released any original material at that point and then they sent me this track, among others. "We ended up bringing them to Sydney to play at a rave in 2012 in an abandoned room in Hibernia House (that we somehow got the keys to). There's a great photo of them almost getting arrested when the cops came and shut it down. You can find it somewhere online." https://youtube.com/watch?v=OZWmYEUoweg 4. SPK - SLOGUN "These guys were quoted to be the inventors of industrial music by Throbbing Gristle. Little do people know, the beginnings of industrial music actually started in Sydney Australia with SPK. These guys were working at the asylum in Balmain (that is now SCA) and they mention in interviews they were influenced by the sounds they were hearing all day, that bled into their first album. They then went onto actually sampling those sounds in subsequent records. "To me they are a great representation of some of the harshness of Australian music. One of them eventually moved to Hollywood and now creates incredible sound design — he did the soundtrack to The Crow in the 90's. This video has a bit of a history lesson on the group if you're interested. I like the quote in the comments: "This is the result of leaving a 56k modem in the microwave.'" https://youtube.com/watch?v=FtH_6fVLHgk 5. CASSIUS SELECT - Judge / Lock "Lavurn Lee's debut video. I've known this guy for a long time through Guerre and now Black Vanilla. His solo material as Cassius Select is incredible. I find it hard to engage with electronic music sometimes but this is totally immersive. It sets such a strong tone; dark and menacing yet in a strange way euphoric and slinky. It's totally fresh. We've just started doing stuff with him and I think he's got a lot of exciting things coming." Siberian Nights is happening in The Studio on Friday May 23 for Vivid LIVE. More details over here.
Head along to The Underdog for a rare opportunity to see some of Australia’s most talented singer/songwriters band together for an intimate evening of melodies. Summer Flake is the name fronting Adelaide’s own Stephanie Crase (Birth Glow, Batrider) as a solo venture, a stripped and raw sound teetering on the line of fine craft and chaos. She is supported by the steamrolling rock outfit Gravel Samwidge - powerhouses in their own right as far as sound and influence are concerned. They have recently toured alongside the legendary Mudhoney and Feedtime and have earned the respect of musicians on a global scale. Joining the fray are also The Wrong Man who take to the stage with drums and guitar and limitless possibilities. They will fit in superbly with their darker take on the rock sound. Finally, the relatively upbeat Bent will have your night off to a stomping good start, their edgy garage sounds seeping into your conscious before you know it.
Adam Driver driving a bus. Kristen Stewart trying to talk to ghosts. Casey Affleck confronting past trauma in his home town. They're just three things in the 2016 Brisbane Asia Pacific Film Festival program — and yes, each of the movies they're in hails from outside of the fest's titular region. This year, BAPFF is veering ever-so-slightly into broader territory. That means New Jersey-set Cannes hit Paterson, French director Oliver Assayas' Personal Shopper and the Oscar-tipped Manchester by the Sea will all screen at the cinema showcase from November 23 to December 4, alongside an array of efforts from the Asia Pacific area. It's a move anyone who has missed the kind of big-name arthouse flicks the now-defunct Brisbane International Film Festival used to schedule should be excited about. Ten international selections, including German comedy Toni Erdmann, the Dardennes brothers' The Unknown Girl and Bulgarian-made Locarno Film Festival winner Godless among them, will feature. Of course, looking closer to home still remains the name of the game, as the bulk of the 82 films in the event's third-ever lineup demonstrate. And, just like last year, BAPFF will unleash a few titles upon the city's cinephiles before the main fest, which is great news for anyone who wants their fix as soon as possible. One of the pre-screenings is Lav Diaz's eight-hour epic A Lullaby to the Sorrowful Mystery, with the ticket price including a light lunch during intermission. And, for those keen on outdoor viewing rather than an in-cinema marathon, 1953 classic Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing will play at a one-night-only deckchair cinema in King George Square. From opening night's sexual politics-focused Parched to closing night's upbeat road trip El Clásico, there's still more on offer: 31 Australian premieres and 33 Queensland premieres over 12 days at Palace Barracks and Palace Centro, in fact, as well as 31 of the 39 films just announced as nominees for this year's Asia Pacific Screen Awards. On the Australian front, MIFF's opening night pick The Death and Life of Otto Bloom makes its way to Queensland, while recent Venice success Hounds of Love — starring The Castle's Stephen Curry as you've never seen him before, and taking audiences into a Snowtown-like suburban horror — will make its debut on home soil. The eagerly anticipated Queen of Katwe, directed by Indian-American filmmaker Mira Nair and starring Lupita Nyong'o and David Oyelowo, also ranks among the highlights. So does Train to Busan's animated zombie companion piece Seoul Station, woman-with-a-tail drama Zoology, culinary documentary Ants on a Shrimp, and Cannes Best Actress recipient Ma'Rosa from Filipino director Brillante Mendoza. His compatriot, Lav Diaz, pops up again, this time with the more modest, just under four-hour Venice Film Festival Golden Lion winner The Woman Who Left. Still, you'll want a comfy seat. Elsewhere, the talent keeps on coming, particularly as far as established names are involved. Fans of Iranian legend Abbas Kiarostami can watch his last-ever finished film, the short Take Me Home, alongside a personal documentary about his passing from one of his long-term collaborators. No Home Movie provides another cinematic goodbye, this time for feminist director Chantal Akerman. And it wouldn't be a BAPFF without the latest soju-soaked Hong Sang-soo movie, Yourself and Yours. The 2016 Brisbane Asia Pacific Film Festival runs from November 23 to December 4 at Palace Barracks and Palace Centro, with pre-festival screenings taking place on November 12, 15 and 18. To view the program and buy tickets, visit the BAPFF website.
UPDATE, November 18, 2020: Destroyer is available to stream via SBS On Demand, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Amazon Video. Directed towards Jack Nicholson's hard-boiled Los Angeles private eye, "forget it Jake, it's Chinatown" is one of cinema history's most iconic lines. But Chinatown could've been a little less specific with its famous quote and still conveyed the same sentiment (although "forget it Jake, it's LA" just doesn't have the same ring to it). Los Angeles may be America's city of angels, but it's also a destroyer of dreams. It's where starry-eyed hopefuls flock with their sights set on fame and fortune, where so few secure that wish, and where plenty of unpleasantness lurks beyond the glitz. It's also a place where rise-and-fall tales like La La Land and A Star Is Born can sit beside slacker noir flicks like Inherent Vice and Under the Silver Lake, neo-noir comedies such as The Nice Guys and grim noir dramas like Destroyer. Indeed, noir, the stylised crime genre so often populated by detectives dredging through society's ills, seems particularly drawn to Los Angeles. Where else can gloss and grime reside in such close proximity, one shining and the other tarnishing? There's little that glistens in Destroyer, though. While set in a city almost perpetually bleached from above, this bleak thriller shares little of LA's stereotypically sunny appearance. Instead, the film dwells in the shadows and styles itself after its exhausted protagonist, as portrayed by a far-from-glamorous Nicole Kidman. Proving increasingly chameleonic as her career progresses, the Australian actor plays detective Erin Bell — the usual noir cop with a chequered past; a flawed anti-hero desperate to correct past wrongs. Nearly two decades earlier, Bell went undercover with her partner Chris (Sebastian Stan) to try to sniff out a California gang. All this time later, she still can't shake the difficult gig or the failed bank robbery that brought it to an unhappy end. When ink-stained notes from the heist arrive in the mail, Bell attempts to hunt down the criminal crew's shifty leader Silas (Toby Kebbell). She has other worries, including a teenage daughter (Jade Pettyjohn) who wants little to do with her, but she won't stop until she has put her old case to rest. Bell could walk alongside any of noir's dogged investigators and hold her own. Kidman could do the same among any of the genre's best stars. Destroyer lives and breathes through its complicated protagonist and phenomenal lead performance, with each putting on a stunning show. Baked into both, and into every element of the movie, is the feeling of determination in the face of near-certain defeat. It's the same undying pluck amidst inevitable peril that made a line like "forget it Jake, it's Chinatown" such an emblem of the genre. Noir's most compelling figures know that little is going to turn out well, but they also know that soldiering on anyway is the only option. What an experience it is to see Bell do just that, and to witness Kidman bring her to life (as aided by the appropriate wigs and makeup). The Aussie talent's recent roles in Boy Erased, Aquaman, Big Little Lies and The Beguiled couldn't seem further away from her work here, and yet she couldn't seem more perfect for the part. While the film's title applies to many aspects of its story, Destroyer completely ravages the idea that these dark, hard-luck tales are the domain of men. It's easy to say that gender doesn't matter to a character like Bell, who couldn't be less feminine — but the way the world has worn this woman down, and the way she's worn herself down to cope and survive, never escapes notice. With its incredible bank heist scenes — some of the most riveting since the original Point Break — Destroyer's versatility doesn't evade attention either. As directed by Karyn Kusama, it's a sunlit noir, a scorching character study, a subversion of typical gender roles and an impressive action movie. Working with her regular screenwriters Phil Hay and Matt Manfredi, the filmmaker already has a diverse and notable record, including Girlfight, Jennifer's Body and The Invitation. With Destroyer, however, both the director and her star sear themselves into viewers' memories. Their film might reside in a world and genre that tells everyone to forget, wipe their minds and move on, but everything about this heavy-hitter lingers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcKinfILGDk
Unhealthy habits add up. A soft drink here, a packet of potato chips there, week after week. Before you know it, you've got some serious health problems on your hands. For many people, getting healthy and eating clean means swearing off deliciousness altogether — embarking on the monk-like tedium of a broccoli-watercress-brown rice kind of diet. But we all know what happens here — a day or two of self-inflicted torture later, desperate for a modicum of joy, they tear into the nearest packet of chocolate biscuits. And another. Luckily, it doesn't have to be that way. In fact, pendulum-like feasting and fasting is the most ineffective way of kicking a noxious lifestyle. The trick is baby steps. Swap one ingredient for another, one at a time. New Australian delivery service Youfoodz are pros at this, they're delivering healthy versions of your favourite indulgences every night of the week — from fish and chips to raspberry and coconut protein pancakes. And they make sure the substitutes are tasty, so you don't even notice you're going healthy. Here are ten super easy ideas to get you started — that you'll actually want to give a chance. SWAP VEGE OIL FOR COCONUT OIL Shortly after the UN revealed that bacon had graduated to its cancer hit list, vegetable oil took a beating. Leading scientists told us many vege oils, when heated, contain dangerous concentrations of aldehydes — chemicals linked, not only to cancer, but to heart disease and dementia, too. The good news is that coconut oil isn't anywhere near as nasty — in fact, it can help to sort out cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. What's more, it doubles nicely as a moisturiser. SPREAD WITH AVO SMASH RATHER THAN BUTTER Science's many contradictory studies of butter have left us confused as to just how bad — or good — it is. According to the latest research, it's okay in small doses. But you don't want to go lathering everything in it. So smash and spread an avocado instead. This little green powerhouse is packed with goodness, from vitamins and minerals galore to potassium to fibre. Plus, it tastes mighty, mighty fine. ASK FOR BROWN RICE INSTEAD OF WHITE If you don't ask, most restaurants will pile white rice on your plate. But, in most cases, the brown variety is available. Even if it costs you a little extra, it's cheaper than medical bills from long-term health problems. Brown rice is crowded with nutrition that's been stripped from its white equivalent — Youfoodz do brown rice with their Moroccan chicken tagine. With every cup of brown rice, you'll score 80 percent of your daily manganese requirements (great for your nervous system), a burst of antioxidants, stacks of selenum (keeps arthritis away) and loads more healthy things. GO ITALIAN WITH SPAGHETTI SQUASH RATHER THAN PASTA Spaghetti squash looks, feels and even tastes so much like pasta, it's spooky. All you have to do is buy it, season it and bake it in the oven for 40 minutes or so (until it's soft). Scrape out the flesh with a fork and voila! Your pasta substitute is ready to go. Every serve delivers omega-3, omega-6, beta carotene, potassium, antioxidants, vitamin A and vitamin C. SNACK ON AIR-POPPED POPCORN INSTEAD OF POTATO CHIPS There's no doubting the addictiveness of salty, crispy potato chips. But there's even less doubting their detrimental effects. The low nutrition to high calorie ratio makes them a fast track to weight gain. Add to that their generous doses of sodium and saturated fat and you're in sky-high blood pressure territory. One easy way to break your chip-munching habit is by replacing it with an air-popped popcorn routine. You still get all the crispiness and morishness, but without the baddies. DESSERT ON YOGHURT INSTEAD OF ICE CREAM The unhealthiness of your ice cream does, of course, depend on where you're getting it from. Some scoops are chock-full of sugar and additives, while others are made using clean, natural ingredients. Either way, though, your body will thank you for choosing yoghurt instead. That's not any old, sugary yoghurt laden with gelatine and food acids, by the way, but the high-quality, sugar-free gear. If you're craving creamy satisfaction, Greek yoghurt's the way to go. Whichever you choose, find one that's made using old-school, set-in-the-pot methods. EAT PROTEIN BALLS, NOT CHOCOLATE Of all food addictions, chocolate can be the hardest to kick. In fact, one study at Drexel University demonstrated that, for some people, chocoholism inspires similar reactions to those experienced by drug addicts. If feel like your habit is taking over, get it gone by swapping it for protein ball snacking — and variations like Youfoodz's rocky road protein balls will make you forget they're good for you. When you're feeling tired or low, they pack an energy punch, while reducing cravings. TRAIL MIX INSTEAD OF SWEETS Like chocolate, sweets tempt us when our energy levels are sinking. Ignoring cravings altogether is tough — you'll overcome them much more easily by replacing sweets with fruit and nut mix. You'll get the pick-me-up you need, but without a sugar-inspired crash and burn, and with a whole pack of healthy stuff — like magnesium, zinc and fibre. You can even snack on trail mixes made up into bars if you're on the go, like YouFoodz's supa food bar. ADD VANILLA IN PLACE OF SUGAR This one's for the bakers in the house. Biscuits and cakes packed with sugar and fat can be tasty — there's no denying that — but, to get some sweetness without slowly killing your audience, cut back on sugar and add vanilla. You can use extract or, for a really intense flavour boost, try beans. They're pricey, but worth it. DRINK SPARKLING WATER, NOT SOFT DRINKS When the sun's beating down, we often reach for a soft drink, hankering for its cool, effervescent rush and sugary high. But next time you're feeling hot and thirsty, go for sparkling water. You'll get all the refreshment with none of the calories. If plain water doesn't appeal to you, add a dash of sugar-free juice. Lemon is especially effective in summer. Images: Youfoodz, Dollar Photo Club, Wikipedia/Wikimedia Commons, Cary Bass-Deschenes (Flickr).
Brisbane artist Erika Scott teases the chaos out of everyday objects in her latest exhibition 'No Wonder'. Graduating from the Queensland University of Technology with Honours in Visual Art and as the co-director of Accidentaly Annie St space, if there were anyone fit to develop such an intricate showcase, it's the talented Scott. Using second hand fish tanks, photographs, gap filler, boxer shorts, dusters, glass and a live axolotl, she challenges the order of our world, in turn unveiling the pandemoneum that lies beneath. All out of interest in shifting definitions, ambivalent attitudues, confusion, allusion and a little bit of delusion, Scott's installation looks to seek a 'space' where the subjective ackowledges 'carefully caliberated feeling'. This exhibition is a sculptural collage that exposes, interrupts and investigates our simple world, and it's relation to beauty.
Turning an unloved patch of the inner city into Brisbane's newest riverside precinct, Howard Smith Wharves is quickly making its presence known. Breweries, overwater bars, Greek tavernas — you'll find them all here. Come Monday, December 31, you'll also find plenty of ways to party. Getting into the NYE spirit to cap off its first two months of operation, HSW is throwing a heap of shindigs to see out 2018. It's a choose-your-own-adventure kind of deal, with something on offer for all price ranges — and both laidback and luxe options as well. Of course, there's one thing they all share: a mighty fine view of the fireworks. Want to get the celebrations started early? Head to Felons' free shenanigans from midday, where you'll find brews aplenty, plus live entertainment from 5pm. Fancy a picnic in the parkland? That's also on offer from$43.45, complete with a feast of cheese, prosciutto, dip, baguettes and more. Even better — pay an extra $28.15, and you'll get access to a 1000-square-metre arcade. You can also spend the evening on the Moët and Chandon Lawn from $68.95, where there'll be pop-up bars and food trucks as well. Sitting down to a full meal by the river (from $155.65) and partying in the precinct's overwater hangout (from $104.65) round out the range of festivities. Image: Howard Smith Wharves.
It’s the age-old story—twenty-something university student questioning the direction and meaning of life, wondering how he will survive in the real world while trying to stay afloat in a system that will supposedly prepare him for it. In Brisbane (A Doing Word), Matt is your typical school-leaver, millennium-dweller and wonderer. He is trying to make sense of the world around him, investigating ways to express himself in a cynical world, faith in a life of the non-believers. He seeks guidance in those around him; his engineer roommate says he should stick with his studies, better himself and join the forces of the working man to pay for his independence. His religous-and-fabulous bestie says Jesus will guide his way. However, his boyfriend, a soon-to-be psychologist, thinks he just needs help. This is a story close to everyone’s heart. He is the insecurities, the questions and concerns, the failures and missteps in all of us. Brisbane (a doing word), presented by Vena Cava Productions, showing for a limited time only.
If you've ever coveted a fashion brand's whole aesthetic and wished you could step inside its ads, New Zealand clothing label Rodd & Gunn comes bearing good news: thanks to its chain of bars and restaurants, called The Lodge Bar & Dining, you can now do just that. Originally opening in Queenstown in 2016, then expanding to Auckland in 2020, and also making the leap to Melbourne in 2021, The Lodge turns Rodd & Gunn's rustic-meets-sophisticated vibe into a venue — and comes highly recommended from NZ. Its next stop: Brisbane, thanks to a new site on James Street that'll open in mid-May. In its homeland, The Lodge goes for a big alpine mood, naturally; however, don't just assume that it's skewing tropical in Brissie. Here, the new 150-seater eatery will feature wood flooring, wool rugs, and plenty of leather and brass decor. There will also be a wraparound balcony that lets patrons peer out over Fortitude Valley and New Farm, though, so it will be leaning into its Queensland location in at least one way. While an exact launch date hasn't been revealed, Brisbanites can look forward to roving around a 749-square-metre space in a heritage Queenslander, which has been revamped to play up the local design and also nod to NZ. Downstairs, you'll find a retail space for shopping, a dining room, plus a corner bar with banquette seating. Then, upstairs there'll be another bar, a private dining area and that aforementioned balcony. Also set to be part of The Lodge: a chilled wine wall, a bespoke bar made out of stone and a feature flagstone wall. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Lodge Bar (@thelodgebaranz) Menu-wise, the food will focus on Australian produce, while the wine list will go heavy on multi-award-winning NZ tipples. The Lodge Bar Group's chef Matt Lambert is responsible for the culinary lineup, with The Lodge Brisbane's Head Chef James Evangelinos putting it on plates — and master sommelier and The Lodge Bar's Head of Beverages Cameron Douglas doing the honours with the drinks selection. New Zealand has just reopened to Australian tourists effective Tuesday, April 12, so trips over the ditch are back on the agenda, of course. But consider The Lodge the slice of NZ you can eat, drink, hang out in and shop your way through without hopping on a plane — all on James Street. Find Rodd & Gunn x The Lodge Bar & Dining at 49 James Street, Fortitude Valley, from mid-May — we'll update you with an exact opening date when it is announced.
As anyone who's seen the doco Amy knows, during Amy Winehouse's troubled final years, the media was excruciatingly obsessed with her drug and alcohol issues. But, a new exhibition, arriving in Melbourne later this year, is bringing us another perspective. Titled Amy Winehouse: A Family Portrait, the show covers four concepts: faith, fashion, music and London life. Expect to see loads of never-before-seen-in-public objects, such as family photos, dresses (including the dazzling Luella Bartley number that Winehouse wore at Glastonbury 2008), cookbooks, stories, records and musical instruments. Acting as soundtrack will be a mixtape Winehouse put together at the age of 13. The exhibition was conceived and curated by Amy's brother, Alex, and sister-in-law, Riva, in collaboration with the Jewish Museum of London. Since premiering in London in 2013, it's travelled to San Francisco, Vienna, Tel Aviv and Amsterdam, and, right now, it's at the London museum, Camden. Amy Winehouse: A Family Portrait arrives at the Jewish Museum of Australia, St Kilda, on October 22 and will show until March 22, 2018. Via The Age. Image: Amy.
Any plans for food-filled Japanese getaways have been put on ice for 2020, but that doesn't mean you can't indulge in a bit of escapism. And, no, we're not just talking about daydreaming and spending hours scrolling through Pinterest. Australian Venue Co is helping to ease the wanderlust a touch by transforming more than 20 of its pubs and restaurants across the country into some of the world's most popular holiday destinations for summer. At Friday's, that means eating dumplings under cherry blossom trees in its courtyard. Also on the menu: sitting beneath pink and red-hued lanterns, drinking matcha sours and whiskey highballs, and tucking into plenty of gyoza. The riverside spot has been turned into a cherry blossom garden until the end of summer — so, until the end of February — and it's pairing its love of all things Japanese with its usual watery views. Head by on Wednesdays for bottomless karaage chicken for $30 (with bottomless beer and wine for an extra $25). Or, opt for a cherry blossom sunset session from 4–7pm Tuesday–Thursday — which'll cost you $49 and includes 90 minutes of unlimited cherry blossom slushies, house wine and selct tap beers, plus bites from the Japanese-inspired food menu.
When Lunar New Year rolls around, there's one obvious place to go in Brisbane: the Chinatown Mall. Lion and dragon dances will saunter through the Fortitude Valley spot, fire shows will light up the night and traditional music will provide the soundtrack — as will an array of cultural performances and street performers. Beneath plenty of lanterns, these Year of the Rat celebrations will also include workshops — so learn a new skill while you're commemorating the occasion. It all happens from 4–9pm on Saturday, February 1 and 12–5pm on Sunday, February 2, and entry won't cost you a thing. [caption id="attachment_758021" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tanya Dedyukhina via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] And if you're wondering about the tastiest part of Lunar New Year celebrations — the food, obviously — you'll be in the absolute best place thanks to Chinatown's many eateries. We recommend booking in advance, though, as you won't be the only one with that idea. Top image: J Low via Flickr.
From hotels t0 karaoke bars to surfing carnivals, Australia's dogs can spend their time at a considerable array of welcoming places. And, they can head to their own bakeries and food trucks, eat their own gelato and don their own raincoats, too. Add concerts to the list — and while dog-friendly music festivals are hardly unique, Concert for Dogs doesn't just let humans bring their four-legged friends along. Rather, the show's melodies, frequencies and riffs have been composed specifically for pooches. Eight years after premiering her Music for Dogs piece at the Sydney Opera House, artist and musician Laurie Anderson is heading back to Australia to stage another Concert for Dogs. Taking place on Sunday, June 24 at the Gold Coast's Home of the Arts, the 20-minute show combines low-decibel violin, vocals, keyboards and electronic sounds into a symphony certain to get puppers' tails wagging. Only held a handful of times before — including in Sydney, in New York's Times Square and in Brighton, England — the free event is open to all doggos, although they must play nicely with others and be kept on a leash. For both hounds and humans alike, the concert will be followed by Anderson's Heart of a Dog, her astonishing documentary tribute to her own furry BFF — and to all of dog kind. Anderson is in the country for a number of shows, including a virtual reality experience and a sonic installation at Dark Mofo. On the Gold Coast, she'll become HOTA's artist-in-residence from June 20–24, premiering new music pieces (including Songs from the Bardo, which uses texts from the Tibetan Book of the Dead), presenting multimedia work The Language of the Future, and chatting about stories and language in All the Things I Lost in the Flood. Concert for Dogs takes place at 9am on Sunday, June 24 at the Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise, while Laurie Anderson's week-long residency spans June 20–24. For more information, visit the Home of the Arts website.
Attend classes, join in storytelling events and get the low-down from some of the best writers around, all without leaving the comfort of your couch. Streaming live from February 11, this year’s Digital Writers' Festival will feature more than 30 online events hosted by a bevy of talented writers from all across Australia and the world. Now in its second year, the 2015 festival will cover a huge array of topics, from coding to video game writing and data journalism to freedom of speech and good sex writing. The Twenty Minute Cities program will let you interact with emerging writers from places like Dublin, Iowa City and Reykjavik, while a special event on White Night will see a group of desperate publishers scrambling to complete a magazine before dawn. Speakers include Lisa Dempster (Melbourne Writers’ Festival), Adam Brereton (Guardian Australia), Paul Verhoeven (ABC3’s Steam Punks) and Michelle Law (Shit Asian Mothers Say). So, whether you’re an aspiring journo, a wannabe novelist or just looking for tips on how to spice up your erotic fan-fiction, visit the DWF website and check out what’s on offer. We Twitter-interviewed festival director Connor Tomas O'Brien about the first DWF in 2014. Read it here.
Next time you do something physical and monotonous, think of Doyoung Lee. For him, repetitive actions such as baking, polishing, cutting, drilling and knitting — and knotting, layering, sanding, grinding, scraping, tightening and scoring — are all art. Indeed, they've inspired his current exhibition, which turns the above antics into abstract pieces that ponder the concept of making something. In Six Monochromes, Lee doesn't just contemplate, however. He uses the kind of materials you wouldn't usually expect, as a way of re-enacting the processes that have influenced his work. Accordingly, magazine pages, wooden benchtops and an oil-based putty combine with rice and hair — from the artist's spouse and children. Displaying at Webb Gallery at the Queensland College of Art at South Bank, the exhibition runs from January 9 to 20, with opening night festivities taking place from 6pm on January 12.
Take your date for a nice beverage, or opt for something a little bit different? It's an age-old problem, and one hardly helped by the fact that one's a classic for a reason, and the other can lead to all kinds of great surprises. Doing one and then the other is certainly a solution — but doing both at the same time is better. Behold: beer yoga, the Valentine's Day edition. Yes, The Flying Cock isn't just getting in on the blissful boozing trend once again (or, finding a way to make drinking even more delightful, you could argue), but turning it into a romantic activity. Whether you're a pair of yoga fanatics who also like a tipple or you just don't want to sit around for another dinner in another restaurant like everyone else, it's an ace way to mark the occasion, and something you probably hadn't been considering. Tickets cost $60 per couple — and yes, that includes a brew for you both, of course, as well as a mat if you need one. It also covers the class, obviously, plus two dinners afterwards. Booking ahead is recommended, because it's bound to be popular. Image: The Flying Cock.
Sydney yacht rock dudes The Holidays have announced a string of huge shows around Australia, following on from their wildly successful album release tour in March. Filling out venues from Sydney's Metro Theatre, Melbourne's Hi-Fi to Brisbane's Alhambra Lounge with hyped up Sydney electronic producer Thief, the threesome will also stop by Newcastle's Bar on the Hill on campus with indie pop maestro Pluto Jonze, Wollongong's Uni Bar with Sydney garage ratbags Step-Panther. The new Groupie Magazine-presented dates coincide with the release of third single 'Tongue Talk', taken from the outfit's super pop-fuelled second album Real Feel. Tickets go on sale this Wednesday 14 May, with more details on The Holidays' Facebook page. THE HOLIDAYS 'TONGUE TALK' TOUR DATES Wed 28 May — Bar on the Hill, Newcastle (with Pluto Jonze). Tickets available from Big Apachee and campus outlets. Thur 5 June — Uni Bar, Wollongong (with Step-Panther). Tickets available from Big Apachee and campus outlets. Fri 13 June — Metro Theatre, Sydney ALL AGES (with Thief). Tickets available from Metro Theatre and Ticketek. Fri 20 June — Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane (with Thief). Tickets available from Alhambra Lounge and Moshtix. Fri 4 July — The Hi-Fi, Melbourne (with Thief). Tickets available from The Hi-Fi and Oztix. https://youtube.com/watch?v=aiHQLvAu2lg
There's no one quite like Frank, the person, and there's nothing quite like Frank, the film. The former, as played by Michael Fassbender while wearing a papier mache mask, is a soul seemingly eccentric but really just looking for the essence of creation and contentment. The latter is quirky by design but beautifully bittersweet by execution, revelling in all life's failures and flaws. Frank leads an experimental rock band with the fittingly unpronounceable name of The Soronprfbs, and that's exactly where Jon (Domhnall Gleeson) finds him. Downtrodden in his dismal everyday routine, Jon wants desperately to be a musician but lacks the opportunity and the ability to extend himself. His unlikely encounter with his new friend with the obscured face brings both, one fruitful, the other less so. As the reconfigured group ventures from the Irish wilderness to the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas in search of musical fulfilment, the solace they find comes from internal, not external, forces. Written by journalist turned screenwriter Jon Ronson (of The Men Who Stare at Goats fame), Frank is inspired by Frank Sidebottom, the comic persona of musician Chris Sievey. Read our full review here. Frank is in cinemas on June 19, and thanks to Madman Entertainment, we have ten double in-season passes to give away in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email us with your name and address. Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au Brisbane: win.brisbane@concreteplayground.com.au https://youtube.com/watch?v=IblHV2x64f8
To those who thought The Chalk Hotel wasn’t capable of hosting anything besides trivia nights, college exchanges and snow parties, have we got news for you. April 26 marks the launch of their new urban musical experience, Sound Check, a collection of ten monthly mini festivals to be held right throughout 2014. And to kickstart the ride, they’ve hauled in a mighty collection of artists that may or may not be entirely overshadowed by the Chalk’s biggest catch, Xzibit. I kid you not. Meme-fiend, king of the screen, and rapper Alvin 'Xzibit' Joiner will be at The Chalk Hotel this Saturday, performing, existing and showing up Will and Kate as rapper royalty. The Funkoars, Remi, Briggs, IAMD, DJ Invisable and Demrick will also be showing off some urban, musical talent. But until they start pimpin' some rides, they won’t be getting descriptions, just hyperlinks. Whether you’re a Stereosonic junkie or just appreciate a finely curated selection of contemporary rap, R&B and rhyme, check out this new Brisbane festival. It's only $55 to see Xzibit and co — and for a chance to fist punch alongside Xzibit, that’s nothing.
If your job sees you doing the Monday–Friday grind, then we're betting that you love Friday afternoons and evenings. That's when you're filled with relief that the working week is done once again — not to mention overflowing with enthusiasm for the two-day reprieve you're about to bounce into. So, it isn't hard to make a Friday night feel special. They just have that inherent feel from the moment that you clock off. But if you'd like to do something extra exciting on Friday, January 29, you can make a beeline to Ivory Tusk's Cocktail Hour with the Queens from 6pm. Thin Lizzi, Kim Shotte and Karmin Dioxide will be your entertainment for the evening and, while you're watching their drag performances, you'll sip your way through a couple of cocktails. Two are included in your ticket price, and you can keep paying for more from there — and checking out the venue's food menu as well.
Stealing from the rich isn't just the domain of Robin Hood. In Hustlers, it's exactly what a group of strip club employees decide to do, too. Fed up with putting up with wealthy, lecherous Wall Street types who happily rip off everyone they can, including ordinary hard-working folk, the gang of gals hatch a plan to even the score. And, they know that if they ring up extra charges on their clientele's credit cards, the fleeced men are highly unlikely to report it. It's the type of tale that can only be true, with Hustlers based on an article on The Cut about the real-life ladies who started swindling white-collar crooks between dances. It's also the kind of story that needs a killer cast to bring it to life, so the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Julia Stiles, Constance Wu, Cardi B and Lizzo are doing the honours. As written and directed by Lorene Scafaria (Seeking a Friend for the End of the World, The Meddler), the film's stacked roster of stars also includes Riverdale's Lili Reinhart, Scream: The TV Series' Keke Palmer, The Handmaid's Tale's Madeline Brewer, Parks and Recreation's Jon Glaser, and Luke Cage's Frank Whaley. Oh, and Usher. Check out the trailer below — which, fittingly, is set to Cardi B's 'Money': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_dfc0iqmig Hustlers releases in Australian cinemas on October 10.
Maybe exploring graves on the outskirts of the Brisbane CBD, singing songs adjacent to a cemetery and pretending to be a corpse that's being washed and prepared for burial is your idea fun. Maybe it isn't. Either way, indulging in morbid-leaning pastimes or challenging yourself to face the end that awaits us all is on the agenda at Brisbane's newest festival, Deathfest. Running from November 12 to 20, Metro Arts' latest program of live art, music, film, visual art, discussions and social events wants attendees to confront death, literally. No, the grim reaper won't be there, but you will have to contemplate the weighty subject. We know, we know, it's a topic most of us choose not to think about, other than in a vague, YOLO-like way by reading trashy vampire fiction, or crying when the killer year that is 2016 keeps offing our artistic heroes. The Brissie arts venue knows this too, in fact, increasing death literacy in the community and finding a new way to embrace grief are among its chief aims. No wonder it's the first arts and culture festival of its kind in Queensland. And, no wonder it has compiled an array of out-of-the-box (or coffin) events and activities designed to push attendees out of their comfort zones. Taking place at a number of locations around the city, they include a concert of songs about leaving people and life behind, a theatrical dance piece about love and loss, a Yarn storytelling session focused on the experience of mourning, and a musical performance that uses sounds of endangered and extinct animals. And, plenty of talking: about dying in general over wine and cheese, and in an artist-filled panel session on what it means to die well. Elsewhere, you'll spy divination cards in Fish Lane that draw attention to bigger existential questions, and images of wildflowers in Eagle Lane stressing the importance of thinking about what came before. Plus, tying in with Metro Arts' newly revamped Lumen Room, a feast of appropriately themed films also feature. Griefwalker provides a poetic portrait of dying people talking about their predicament, while Oscar-winning Japanese effort Departures follows a man working at a funeral home. Or, relive what still ranks as Hayley Joel Osment and M. Night Shyamalan's career highlight, aka The Sixth Sense. You know exactly why it's appropriate. Deathfest takes places from November 12 to 20 at Metro Arts and other venues around Brisbane. Visit the festival website for more information.
Everyone needs to start somewhere, whether it's running an event, performing at or attending one. Organised by Backbone Youth Arts, that's the aim of the 2high Festival. It offers an unofficial training ground for festival workers, artists, administrators and leaders in the industry — and you get to share in the entertaining and informative results. See what this year's team has put together under the theme 'Forgotten Treasures' — though its roster of talent promises to prove anything but. Spanning circus, film, music, theatre, writing, visual arts, poetry and more, 2high has assembled a diverse array of up-and-comers to revel in all things creative, and including the usual endeavours and the not so. Everything takes place at the Old Museum, and there's plenty of activities and shows to choose from, ensuring everyone can join in the fun. Play an interactive art game, dance along at an all-ages midday rave, or jump inside the human mind. Overstep the mark in comedy cabaret, celebrate street art, and learn the craft of love letters. Or better yet — get a festival pass and try them all.
When The Fast and the Furious took Point Break's premise and swapped surfing for street racing, it seemed like one of those easy Hollywood knockoffs that would speed into cinemas and then race right out of viewers' memories. Eighteen years, seven sequels, plenty of Coronas and a whole lot of talk about family later, we all now know that wasn't the case. It's the high-octane franchise that just keeps tearing up tyres and tearing across silver screen, and it has yet another new addition. The first Fast and Furious spinoff, Hobbs & Shaw reunites two of the series' newer players: Dwayne Johnson's Luke Hobbs, the government agent who has been a F&F staple since 2011's Fast Five, and Jason Statham's Deckard Shaw, the villain from Furious 7 who starts buddying around the gang in 2017's The Fate of the Furious. Directed by John Wick and Atomic Blonde's David Leitch, it's basically an excuse to put the two action heroes in the same movie again, watch as they bicker and banter like a muscular odd couple, and throw in the usual world-saving, car-racing antics. It also sounds like box office catnip —complete with the ridiculous stunts that the franchise has become known for, this time featuring a helicopter, a long chain and a truck in one of them. After releasing a first sneak peek earlier this year, the film has now revealed an extended three-and-a-half minute trailer. Check out the new clip below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZ7PAyCDwEg Because two of today's biggest stars isn't enough for this initial foray outside of the main F&F stable, Hobbs & Shaw also features Idris Elba as the flick's villain — plus Helen Mirren reprising her role as Shaw's mother, and The Crown's Vanessa Kirby joining the fold as his sister. Johnson reportedly wanted Hobbs to not only have some family as well, but to have an incredibly high-profile family member; however bringing Aquaman's Jason Momoa on board didn't work out due to scheduling conflicts. Fans of Vin Diesel and the original gang, don't worry. Ninth and tenth F&F films are due in 2020 and 2021 respectively, so Dominic Toretto and company will be back to live their lives a quarter mile at a time once more. Also on the agenda is a female-focused spinoff focused on the ladies of the franchise, because this series remains furious about stretching out its run for as long as possible. Hobbs & Shaw opens in Australian cinemas on August 1. Image: Universal Pictures
Exploring the world in person isn't on anyone's agenda at present, but that doesn't mean you can't improvise from your couch. After hitting up online tours of the planet's best museums and landmarks, then checking out a heap of travel live-streams, you can now journey around the globe via a heap of Netflix documentaries screening for free on YouTube. Viewers can watch all eight episodes of 2019 nature series Our Planet, which is narrated by Sir David Attenborough — and ventures to 50 countries to explore the huge array of different habitats present across the earth. Or, you can feast your eyes on documentary feature Chasing Coral as it follows a team's efforts to invent the first time-lapse camera that's capable of recording coral bleaching events as they happen. In total, ten different Netflix titles have made the leap to YouTube — meaning that, even if you don't have an account with the streaming platform, you can still watch. The move is part of the company's efforts to help teachers and parents find informative and educational options for children; however viewers of all ages can take advantage of the free material. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wGZc8ZjFY4 Other freebies include Ava DuVernay's Oscar-nominated documentary 13th, which explores race relations in America; Knock Down the House, about the campaigns of four women — all progressive Democrats — running for US congress; and the first season of Abstract: The Art of Design, featuring profiles of illustrators, architects, shoe designers, photographers, stage designers and more. Or, you can check out select episodes of Explained, spanning topics such as music, the world's water crisis and cricket, and Babies, which covers the obvious subject — or view three short films, including Academy Award-winner Period. End of Sentence., about access to sanitary products in India; The White Helmets, following volunteer rescue workers in Aleppo, Syria and Turkey; and Zion, about Zion Clark, a wrestler born without legs. To view Netflix's free selection of documentaries on YouTube, visit the streaming platform's YouTube channel. Top images: Our Planet, Netflix.
Brisbane's only celebration of queer cinema has announced its first films for 2017, with a fresh selection of lesbian, gay, bi, trans, gender diverse and multigenerational movies heading to New Farm Cinemas from March 10 to 19. Eager to take an in-depth look at the art form that is voguing, and the world that surrounds it? Explore the ups and downs of an intimate relationship? Catch an Aussie coming-of-age flick? Watch new Brazilian television? Dive into a romantic drama starring Mistress America's Lola Kirke? You'll find all of that and more in the Brisbane Queer Film Festival program this year. After impressing audiences at last year's Sydney and Melbourne film festivals, Kiki kicks off the BQFF 2017 lineup, while Berlinale 2016 Teddy award winner Tomcat bookends the fest with an intimate tale about two men and their beloved pet feline. In between, multicultural queer effort Teenage Kicks, four episodes of Portuguese-language runaway drama The Nest and small-town drama AWOL also prove highlights, alongside 12 other features and two shorts sessions that reflect modern queer life and contemporary forms of storytelling. If that sounds like must-see viewing, then keep your eyes peeled for a second announcement, with seven of the festival's titles due to be revealed on January 30. And, as exciting as it is to discover that you'll be feasting your eyes on everything US black comedy Women Who Kill to the launch of Brisbane web series Two Weeks to documentary Out Run, which tells the story of Bemz Benedito's attempts to become the first transgender woman in the Philippine Congress, that isn't the only news on offer. With BQFF turning 18, it's also branching out on its own and becoming an independent event. After forming part of Brisbane Powerhouse's slate of festivals, the fest moves out of home for its 2017 run. While BQFF has screened at external cinemas for the last two years, this year it will become its own individual entity. For eager movie buffs, that means a whole separate party in addition to and at a later date from Powerhouse's MELT — or, two ace reasons to celebrate queer arts and culture at two different times, rather than one.
