Sent to gay conversion camp after being caught with another girl on prom night, Cameron Post (Chloë Grace Moretz) lies on the ground with one of her fellow campers. They're taking part in a class exercise, but when Cameron doesn't express herself in the way that's expected, she's accused of being hostile. More than that, she's told that by remaining more reserved than her classmates — by simply being who she is — that she's attacking everyone around her. While hardly one of The Miseducation of Cameron Post's most dramatic moments, the scene perfectly encapsulates the antagonism that is often directed towards the queer community just for existing. Adapting the applauded novel of the same name and earning the Grand Jury Prize at this year's Sundance Film Festival for its efforts, The Miseducation of Cameron Post deploys the tactics mentioned above on several occasions. The film includes scenes that appear ordinary within the narrative, and don't always stand out when the end credits roll, yet still speak to something broader. In another example, Cameron peels potatoes in the camp kitchen. The 4 Non Blondes hit 'What's Up?' starts playing on the radio, and Cameron begins to sing along. She's timid at first, but as the song continues — complete with a chorus that screams "what's going on?", as well as lines about praying for a revolution — her enthusiasm grows. In specific scenes and in its overall mood, The Miseducation of Cameron Post is compassionate and sensitive — not to the concept of gay conversion therapy, but to teens who are chastised for deviating from society's narrow idea of normality. Focusing on 16-year-old Cameron, the film explores the struggles faced by those packed off to the strict God's Promise facility as they're lectured about gender confusion and instructed to bury their urges. Under the watchful eyes of Dr. Lydia Marsh (Jennifer Ehle) and her supposedly saved brother (John Gallagher Jr.), attendees are taught how to be more stereotypically feminine or masculine. Girls are pushed away from sports, and guys with long locks are given haircuts. Unsurprisingly, Cameron is far from happy to be there, although she has like-minded company in the world-weary Jane (Sasha Lane) and the thoughtful Adam (Forrest Goodluck). While her film is set in the 90s, writer-director Desiree Akhavan wades into topical territory with her follow-up to 2014 comedy Appropriate Behaviour. It's timely, too, with The Miseducation of Cameron Post the first of two high-profile titles about gay conversion heading to screens before the year is out. (The second, Boy Erased, stars Lady Bird's Lucas Hedges, with Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe as his parents.) That said, it's not the movie's subject matter that makes it revolutionary, but its approach. Although it details a horrendous practice, this is a quiet film. It's not sharply subversive like the similarly themed But I'm a Cheerleader from 1999, and it doesn't need to be. Rather, with a big heart and some well-deployed low-key humour, The Miseducation of Cameron Post demonstrates unshakeable strength and defiance — just as its eponymous figure does when she's torn in multiple directions by her feelings, yet refuses to submit to anyone else's ideas about her sexuality or identity. It's little wonder, then, that Akhavan rarely takes the camera away from Moretz's face. When you're making a movie that's so steeped in the emotions of its protagonist, that's an understandable choice. Given that Moretz turns in a performance that's more nuanced and textured than anything else across her career, it's doubly so. The Miseducation of Cameron Post also finds ample time for the excellent Lane and Goodluck, who ensure that their supporting players feel exceptionally well-rounded. It gives other figures their small but important moments too, fleshing out the myriad of ways that places such as God's Promise can do damage. But whether Akhavan is rendering the picture's frames in muted tones that match Cameron's reserved personality, or simply capturing the pain flickering across Moretz's brow, she always adopts her lead character's perspective. This is a movie that gazes with the young woman at its centre, and strives to convey her experience in difficult circumstances, instead of merely looking at her. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6yPs5Nayog
For its latest event, Welcome to Bowen Hills is celebrating a popular pairing: seafood and sparkling. One comes from the ocean, the other spans everything from Champagne to Prosecco to bubbling rosé, and they each make the other taste even better. Free to attend from 11am on both Saturday, September 15 and Sunday, September 16, the Seafood & Sparkling Festival might have an obvious name, but it's lineup won't fall into the same category. Salt Meats Cheese will be getting their seafood on, and they'll be joined by a heap of others — including Brisbane's favourite seafood trucks, of course. And, drinks-wise, there'll be 12 different types of tipples. If you're really keen on your sparkling — so keen that you want to tuck into as much as you can for two hours — there's also the $99+booking fee option to hang out in the French Garden Bar. It includes bottomless bubbles, plus plates of oysters and other seafood, and you'll need to buy a ticket in advance.
On Saturday, September 8, romance will flow through King Street in Bowen Hills thanks to a free wedding for eight LGBTIQ couples. It's part of this year's Brisbane Festival, and the precinct is spreading the love until Sunday, September 29 with three weeks of themed activities and specials. Called Love is King, the event is all about making hearts flutter. Or, maybe it just knows that the way to anyone's heart is through their stomach. Really, it's celebrating the fact that love is now equal thanks to the marriage equality vote — and attendees can expect to eat plenty of heart-shaped food, nab a few freebies and fall head-over-heels for their dinner. Over at Il Verde, free heart-shaped pizzas are on the menu with every main meal and cocktail, while The Lamb Shop is serving up free pink tzatzki and feta with every souvlaki. The Emporium Barber is handing out free espresso martinis with each haircut, and Hello Chicken is offering free chilli rice cakes with every purchase. Elsewhere — and for a price — Sushi & Nori has heart-shaped sushi, The George is doing rainbow muffins, Banoi has two-for-one bowls of pho and Super Combo has added cotton candy Fairy Floss milkshakes to its lineup. If that's not enough, between 4–8pm on Saturday, September 8, the Bavarian Beerhaus will boast a free lolly bar — because love is sweet, obviously.
Cross your fingers, dog lovers — here's hoping that your four-legged friend feels like heading to a brewery. From 1pm on Saturday, September 1, Ballistic Beer Co. will be turning its Salisbury space into a pupper wonderland, all while people knock back a pint or several. On the Dogs Go Ballistic agenda: craft brews (obviously), dog-centric market stalls, canine activities, an obligatory dog show, a raffle that supports a dog rescue organisation, and live music. We can't promise that the latter will feature pooch-related tunes, but perhaps both you and Fido will be wondering who let the dogs out, asking if the dog days are over and crying all the time like a hound dog. Because taking your barking bestie to a brewery is both thirsty and hungry work, five food trucks will also be on the premises, serving waffles, Thai and other yet-to-be-revealed dishes to go with Ballistic's own brews. Entry is free, and all woofers great and small are welcome at the picnic-style event — although these very good doggos must stay on their leashes.
It's a scientific fact that you can't have too much laughter — or if it isn't, it really should be. Giggling is good for you. A hearty laugh is a heck of a good workout. And checking out the hilarious stylings of up-and-coming comedians doesn't just offer amusement for eager audiences, but supports aspiring talent. That's what's on offer at Bris Funny Fest, which returns for a third year of rib-tickling, side-splitting fun. From August 1 to 26, the fringe comedy festival will showcase the comic stylings of a few recognisable names and whole host of others that aren't quite household fodder yet — but one day, they just might be. Check out Matt Okine on his return home, or other locals such as Mel Buttle, Luke Heggie and Damien Power. Let improv masters get you guffawing, or catch one of the breakout favourites of this year's Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Laugh along with amusing ladies, see which show has the best name ever (our vote: Rage Against the Washing Machine) and enjoy more sketches than Saturday Night Live has ever aired. Okay, so the last one is a bit of an exaggeration, but hey, whatever kind of comedy you're looking for, you'll probably find it here.
It's Ekka time again, but heading to the annual show isn't everyone's idea of fun. Specifically, if you're after an event that puts sustainability and ethical practices first and foremost — and focuses on zero-waste ideals and cruelty-free products — then you might want to mosey along to The Green Edge's one-day alternative instead. Taking place on the Brisbane midweek public holiday that is Wednesday, August 15, The Green Edge Vegan Ekka Day Festival has dagwood dogs, but without any animal products. It'll also have show bags, but they won't be filled with the kind of sugary goodies you'd get at the RNA. Instead, the Windsor store is all about green and vegan wares — at its bake sale, in its raffles, throughout its stalls and while live music plays. From 9.30am–3pm, a heap of other likeminded businesses will be on-site joining in, and yes, everything is 100 percent vegan. Entry is free, and as well as bringing the littlies, you can also bring your pets too.
End-of-year markets are always excellent for those of us who tend to leave gift purchasing until the last minute — and, thankfully, Etsy is bring its market back to Brisbane in November. Etsy Made Local is a grassroots initiative that celebrates crafters, collectors and artisans in local communities, and provides them with the opportunity to sell their creations both online and in a physical space. So whether you're on the hunt for handmade wares or vintage goods, these guys have got you covered. Returning for the fourth year, the market will take place at the Brisbane Showgrounds on Friday, November 23 and Saturday, November 24 — and because it focuses on the best local talent, every year is filled with different stallholders and unique creations. Supporting creative small businesses and scoring a killer Christmas gift is a win for everyone involved, so head along and get your festive shopping done early, for once.
Start the new season as you intend to go on, Brisbanites: with a boozy bouquet full of beverages and plenty of small bites to go with them. That's what the Treasury Casino's spring edition of Cocktails & Canapes is serving up on Saturday, September 1. Even better — it's slinging an unlimited supply for three hours from 6.30pm. Taking place in The Lab and Ryan's Private Private Dining Room, the event promises all of the appropriate drinks, aka the type that'll make your tastebuds know that winter is over. There'll be cosmopolitans, mojitos, margaritas and espresso martinis, plus cocktails made with bubbles and whiskey — although not in the same glass, we're guessing. Throw in an array of seasonal canapes, add some live music, and you'll be saying quite the merry hello to spring. Tickets cost $75, with everything included — even that blooming good feeling that's certain to blossom.
Bowls clubs aren't just a source of beer at 1970s prices, great cheap lunches and fun stints of rolling balls at other balls — or not at Club Greenslopes at least. The inner-south spot is also Sonic Masala's annual home, with the music festival returning for 2018. The main action takes from 11am on Saturday, August 18, combining everything that a 4ZZZ-presented music festival at a bowls club should: bowls (obviously), bands (of course), brews (naturally) and food (well, you're going to be hungry after all of the above). And, it's bringing a packed lineup, all for the entry price of $25 on the door, with everyone from Harmony and Bad Bangers to Nova Scotia and Eyes Ninety on the bill — plus Glomesh, Oranges, Time For Dreams, the Flangipanis and plenty more. If that's not enough, there'll also be a pre-fest party the night before at Betty's Espresso and Bar in South Brisbane. Screamfeeder leads the Friday evening bill, and tickets to the August 17 shindig also cost $25 at the door.
Like beer? Like trying local boutique brews? Ever feel a little overwhelmed by the number of options available? While no one should complain about the wide variety of beverages those fond of a tipple can now access, attempting to try them all can prove overwhelming. That's where Five Flavours comes in. Changing its microbrewery of the moment at each event, the festival showcases different varieties to give beer lovers a taste of the options they might be missing. On this year's Ekka public holiday on Wednesday, August 15, Brew Dog and Hills Cider will be competing for the limelight, serving up their finest tipples. Yes, it's a brew off of the beer versus cider variety — but drinks aren't the only thing on offer at Five Flavours. There'll also be live music, plus doggos are welcome. And, the festival features a menu of contemporary morsels ranging from pulled pork bao to lamb yiros, with a meal and one beer included in the $24.90 (pre-sale) to $39.90 admission price.
UPDATE, September 19, 2020: RBG is available to stream via DocPlay, Google Play, YouTube Movies and iTunes. It's hard to pick just which moment is more endearing: seeing US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg lifting weights in the gym wearing a 'super diva!' jumper, or seeing women six decades her junior plaster her glasses-rimmed face across their t-shirts, bags and even skin. Actually, RBG is filled with scenes that top both. Whenever the octogenarian is spied doing what she does best — fighting for women's rights and progressive ideals, first as a lawyer and then as a judge — this documentary lights up. Still, if there's anything that beats just simply witnessing Ginsburg in action, it's watching as she howls with laughter after seeing Kate McKinnon's Saturday Night Live impersonation of her for the first time. That's the kind of film that RBG is — jam-packed with segments that equally inform and entertain, well aware of what Ginsburg stands for, and unashamedly celebratory about her impact and achievements. Co-directors Julie Cohen and Betsy West had each separately interviewed the justice previously, and felt that the time was right for a documentary paying tribute to her life's work. They couldn't have been more accurate, astute or ahead of the curve. Consider the end result not just an ode to an American icon, but a reminder that change is possible, that battling for it is worthwhile, and that both remain the case in today's fraught and fractured US political climate. If you've missed the Notorious RBG memes, the aforementioned SNL skits, and both the praise and vitriol slung Ginsburg's way (including some of the latter from America's tweeter-in-chief), don't worry. RBG fills in the gaps, and doesn't assume that viewers have an intricate knowledge of the US judicial system or the movie's central figure. Rather, it tackles Ginsburg's tale from two angles. As a birth-to-present day chronicle, the film steps through her childhood and her opposites-attract college romance with husband Marty, as well as her determination to juggle law school with motherhood and everything that has come since. As an exploration of her specific legal influence, it delves into several cases in detail, focusing on those that she argued in front of the Supreme Court prior to joining its ranks. Ginsburg's biography, her legal contribution and each of the individual cases featured could easily furnish their own documentaries, but Cohen and West know how to balance these various components. More than that, they know how to insert Ginsburg's personality into the film, and shape it with her drive and spirit. Given that the justice is known for being reserved and serious (when she's not living her lifelong dream of starring in an opera), that might sound easier said than done. But there's humour, heart and a big helping of grit to this highly accessible movie, even when it's largely assembled through talking heads, archival footage and snippets of Ginsburg's recent speaking appearances. Indeed, RBG mimics its eponymous figure in several ways. Like the justice, it's small, smart and striving; thorough and proficient; and eager to make the world a better place than it currently is. The documentary is also a testament to something that isn't always championed quite so enthusiastically: simply working hard, getting things done and not worrying about any fanfare. With the #MeToo movement and the current recognition that gender equality is in a much worse state than it should be, the film couldn't come at a better moment, but capitalising upon the present mood is purely a stroke of good fortune. While Cohen and West knew Ginsburg was gaining a cult following when they first conceived of their project five years ago, they couldn't foresee they world they'd release their film into. Doing what's necessary and right just because there's a need for it — well, that couldn't be a more Ginsburg-esque move. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TnaEg91qIA
There are many activities you can do in a two-hour time slot. You could watch all six episodes of the ABC's satirical beauty blog Sarah's Channel, cook 60 packets of 2 Minute Noodles or listen to Pink Floyd's 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond' 4.6 times. But we think the tastiest way to pass 120 minutes is to spend it eating endless plates of tacos. And that's exactly what you can do each Sunday in January, when El Camino Cantina dishes out two hours of unlimited tacos for just $19 a pop. Rock up to either the Bowen Hills or Chermside between 3–6pm, and you'll be able to dig into a bottomless feast of everyone's favourite Mexican dish. To redeem the offer, you will need to purchase a drink of sorts. Watermelon margs will be $7.50 — but you can get a glass of sangria, a Dos Equis or, really, anything else on the extensive drinks menus. [caption id="attachment_746036" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] El Camino Chermside[/caption] If you're getting a crew together, you might want to book in advance. You can lock down a table here.
Turning glass containers into plant-filled miniature landscapes, terrariums aren't all that difficult to make. They're an achievable craft project that doesn't require too green a thumb, look great, and can fit in homes of all shapes and sizes. But who wants to whip up a regular ol' terrarium when you can add a splash of Studio Ghibli magic to your pebbles, moss and other plants? At the Totoro Terrarium Workshop, you'll learn all the terrarium basics, including the art of terrarium landscaping, everything you need to know about mosses and lichens, detailed info about tropical species and how to care for them long-term. As the name indicates, you'll also discover how to turn your new creation into an ode to My Neighbour Totoro. As fans of the movie will already know, it's basically screaming out for the terrarium treatment. Your $89 ticket includes all of the above, as well as everything you need to make a Totoro-themed terrarium — with Botanicals by Bella hosting the session at West End's All the Green Things. Book your spot for Friday, January 31, with the workshop running from 6.30–8.30pm. Then, be prepared to get spirited away. Top image: Botanicals by Bella.
Secure yourself one of the best views in town this New Year's Eve and head to a rooftop overlooking Brisbane River, where the magic will be happening for this year's fireworks. W Brisbane's WET Deck is hosting a tropical-themed Tutti Frutti NYE Party, kicking off at 8pm, and is the place to be when you enter into a new decade. Early bird tickets are available for $35, which includes a cheeky Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial champagne spritzer on arrival. Local DJ Jack Wood will be spinning modern and classic house jams to get the party started, before Just Kait steps behind the decks, keeping you glued to the dance floor from 10pm into the early hours of the new year. The bar will be slinging plenty of celebratory bubbles, plus other fruity tipples. To keep you fuelled, the kitchen will be serving up some tropical barbecue fare — think king prawns with lime, pineapple and coriander salsa. To make sure you have some of the best seats in the house, you can book a private table with bottle service for up to eight people. There's a cool $1000 minimum spend on food and drinks, which, let's face it, you and your mates will probably spend anyway. Secure your early bird ticket here, as tickets go up to $55 on the door. For table reservations call (07) 3556 8888 or email bfreservations@whotels.com
Knowing when to treat yo'self is an essential life skill. Spoiling your furry, barking, four-legged best friend is just as important, of course. Pampering your pupper is hardly difficult — who doesn't want to shower their adorable little canine with everything its little heart desires? — but we're guessing you haven't yet taken your pooch to a tapas bar for dogs. Imagine how your woofer's face will light up when they see all that food — and that's just part of the fun at It's a Dog's Life. A puppy party that also doubles as a mini marketta, it'll also feature an indoor off-leash area, a pooch-friendly ball pit, pupcakes and doggy doughnuts, pooch portrait sessions, a kissing booth, a pupper beauty station and a range of businesses showcasing canine products. For humans, there'll be a licensed bar and cafe as well. If your very good dog is keen, head to Smoked Garage in Fortitude Valley from 11am on Saturday, February 1. Tickets cost $29, and it's recommended that you nab one in advance as places are limited — but, as well as entry for you and your pup, you'll receive a Pimm's cup or Aperol spritz on arrival. With the weather set to be warm, you and and pooch will also be pleased to know that the whole shindig takes place in air-conditioned comfort.
For decades, Disney has told viewers tales of princes, princesses, and other heroes and heroines — but they're only half of every Mouse House story. What would Cinderella's plight be without her stepmother and stepsisters? Alice's absent the Queen of Hearts? Aladdin's sans Jafar? And how would've all those dalmatians fared if they were free of Cruella de Vil? The list goes on — and if you've been paying particular attention to all of these wicked, evil and scheming characters over the years, now is your time to shine. Man vs Bear is hosting a Disney Villains trivia night, where your knowledge of the baddest folks in the studio's movies will come to the fore. From The Little Mermaid's Ursula to Beauty and the Beast's Gaston, they'll all be covered. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0OFH4xpPr4 The Lion King's Scar, Sleeping Beauty's Maleficent, Mulan's Shan Yu — we told you they kept coming. Disney Villains Trivia takes place at The Elephant on Thursday, January 23, from 7pm (with arrivals from 6pm). Entry is free, but you'll want to register in advance.
New years and treating yo'self go hand in hand, including on Lunar New Year. For an indulgent way to welcome the Year of the Rat, CBD fine diner Donna Chang is putting on a feast — and you have two weeks to head along. From Saturday, January 25–Saturday, February 8, head chef Jason Margaritis is whipping up a Chinese New Year Banquet for both lunch and dinner. Just what you'll be eating hasn't been revealed, but Donna Chang is known for its Sichuan and Cantonese-style cuisine. It's also rather fond of cooking its dishes in wood-fired ovens and over open flame grills, and serving up dim sum and fresh seafood from its display tanks. This isn't a cheap meal, setting hungry folks back $128 per person — and an extra $50 if you'd like your food paired with matched wines. There'll also be lion dances livening up the inner-city restaurant at 6.45pm and 8.45pm on Saturday, January 25, Friday, January 31 and Saturday, February 1.
With more warm months ahead, we need more ways to stay cool. Sure, there are always runs to Brisbane's various ice cream shops and plenty of cool new watering holes to quench our thirst, but now there's a bar combining the best of both — a pop-up slushie bar. Brisbane's waterfront bar Riverland has given us the summer gift we didn't know we needed — until now, that is. The pop-up features six different alcoholic slushie flavours: piña colada, margarita, blue lagoon, frozé, mango daiquiri and classic daiquiri. It'll be open every weekend until March, so you can grab yourself an alcoholic slushie and sip to your heart's content while overlooking the Brisbane River — just beware of brain freeze. A big ol' glass of icy goodness costs $9 and is a serious win for your inner child. Or, if you really want to go all out, you can enjoy two hours worth of slushies for $39. Talk about a sugar high. The Rainbow Slushies pop-up is open on weekends till Sunday, March 1. To book yourself a spot, head here.
If you live in Brisbane, you've heard all about the city's connections with Asia; we are the home of the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art and the Asia Pacific Screen Awards, after all. Since 2013, the BrisAsia Festival has also been on that list, paying homage to the culture of our neighbours. Timed around Lunary New Year — running from Saturday, February 1–Saturday, February 29 this year — the 2020 program features yet another mix of traditional and contemporary Asian arts, channelled into events across Brisbane. And while some of the unmistakable highlights will serve up a feast for your stomach — a new Valley of Spices festival in Fortitude Valley, plus a BrisAsia Bazaar with markets and street food — that's just the beginning of the fun. Where do we start? Attend a lunar new year rooftop party, dress up for a cosplay-filled summer shindig at Reddacliff Place or head to a Chinese festival in King George Square. Or, pair some Asian food with a film, embark on a culinary tour of Sunnybank, dance at a silent disco, bust out your gaming skills and do yoga all over the city.
Among the array of difficult decisions that shape each and every movie, structure — that is, how directors and screenwriters choose to order and relay their on-screen stories — ranks among the most pivotal. Many filmmakers prefer the scaffolding of their films to remain invisible, so their features flow seamlessly from beginning to middle to end without anyone noticing the wheels turning, and that's perfectly fine. Indeed, it suits plenty of cinematic tales. But when someone like acclaimed French auteur François Ozon calls attention to exactly how he's organising and doling out his narrative, he does so with a definite purpose. Actually, in his latest drama By the Grace of God, he does so to make a statement. This Berlinale Silver Bear-winner explores sexual abuse in the Catholic Church, diving into its tough subject matter by not only charting the paths of three men who were all molested by the same priest as children, but by dedicating roughly a third of its running time to each of them. This move, made by Ozon as both a writer and director, is also equally sensible and natural. By the Grace of God meets its trio of protagonists as adults, as lawyer Alexandre Guérin (Melvil Poupaud), then atheist François Debord (Denis Ménochet), and then the younger and more visibly troubled Emmanuel Thomassin (Swann Arlaud) all face their ordeals decades earlier at the hands of Father Preynat (Bernard Verley). When Alexandre, who remains a church-goer and now has his own young children, discovers that the Lyon priest is still allowed to work with kids, he makes a complaint to Cardinal Philippe Barbarin (François Marthouret). Later, Police Chief Courteau (Frédéric Pierrot) begins investigating as well. Slowly, both François and Emmanuel are drawn into these enquires, with the narrative shifting its focus accordingly. Although there's no literal baton-passing, that's the overall effect. By arranging the movie in this fashion, Ozon gives himself the space to tell three very distinctive (yet still related) stories. As is to be expected, Alexandre, François and Emmanuel's shared traumatic childhood experiences have affected them in completely different ways, and conveying this is crucial. Beyond that, however — and perhaps more importantly than that — Ozon's tripartite structure shows how something this insidious and atrocious causes ripples that don't ever end. Reflecting the reality of such cases, By the Grace of God could've included five, ten or vastly more main characters, relaying the torch from one to the other. As the news keep reminding us, tales like these aren't fictional or isolated. Ultimately, the film hones in on just three men and their encounters with one priest, but it wholeheartedly highlights the devastating scope of sexual abuse in religious institutions, both in terms of the number of victims and the unshakeable pain that follows them throughout their lives. The details at the centre of By the Grace of God are, as with excellent Best Picture Oscar winner Spotlight, actually based on truth. Here, the film's ripped-from-the-headlines storyline caused two of the figures portrayed within its frames take legal action to — unsuccessfully — attempt to block its release. While he's known for working in fiction across everything from the comedy (In the House) to psychosexual thriller (Double Lover) genres, Ozon reportedly originally considered turning this story into a documentary. Sticking with an appropriately beige-hued drama instead, he more than does it justice. This is a sensitive and sobering picture, with Ozon in a far more restrained mode than evidenced in previous efforts such as Swimming Pool and Young & Beautiful. The use of letters read via voice-over to provide viewers with swathes of information doesn't always work as well as intended, but that By the Grace of God sparks a wealth of anger, dismay and empathy while watching should surprise no one — nor that it does so in a measured and careful manner. It seems a sad fact of life that, in most corners of the world, movies like this are always going to be topical and timely. In Australia, in a year that's seen a landmark case taken through Victoria's courts, the film lands at a particularly significant moment. As a result, it's fitting that Ozon's thoughtful feature apes a fundamental tenet of legal action in such heartbreaking circumstances. By telling this tale, it gives victims a voice. Poupaud, Ménochet and Arlaud are each superb as men forever changed by their tainted youth — Poupaud in a grounded way, Ménochet playing lively and impassioned (and proving worlds away from his menacing turn in last year's Custody), and Arlaud serving up a simply haunting performance. By virtue of its savvy structure, By the Grace of God pushes this top trio and their real-life characters to the fore, ensuring that the consequences of letting abuse get swept under the pulpit are not just on display for all to see, but are thoroughly inescapable. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-kwXK-SS3U
Sunday afternoons are great for kicking back, getting cosy in one spot and being leisurely with time. At Ivory Tusk from December 1, they're also great for all-you-can-eat tacos. The Palm Springs-inspired bar is pairing its pastel decor and hefty drinks list with a bottomless serving of filled tortillas — and those non-stop tacos will cost you just $22 per person. Choose from the regular taco flavours on the venue's menu, aka baja fish and cauliflower, as well as an additional array of flavours that'll change seasonally. And, get ready to settle in for the long haul, because there's no time limit. You don't need to purchase a beverage to get the deal either, although all those tacos will likely make you thirsty (as will the tequila flights, probably). Ivory Tusk's All-You-Can-Eat Tacos offering starts with an eating competition from 4pm on Sunday, December 1, if you really want to show just how many you can stomach. Afterwards, the Sunday afternoon feast will run from 12–9pm weekly.
At this time of year, everywhere feels like a party — every bar, pub, venue, club and restaurant, and sometimes every street corner as well. We're all in a festive mood, there's plenty of beverages to be drunk and much to celebrate. That's what Christmas is all about. On Friday, December 6, The Fox Hotel is leaning into that idea by hosting Cheers and Beers. While the taps will be flowing inside the South Brisbane watering hole, as usual, plenty of tipples will be on offer outside as well. In fact, the shindig will take over Hope Street for a huge block party from 6pm. Entry is free, and attendees will find DJs spinning tunes on the street, as well as pop-up bars serving beer, wine and spirits. If you're keen on a cocktail, you can grab one inside, then bring it outside to the festival. And, if you're feeling hungry, there'll also be a pop-up taco bar too. Image: The Fox Hotel.
Forget about decking the halls with boughs of holly. That's all well and good and festive, but when it comes to filling your house with greenery, why stop there? Adding to the seasonal shopping bonanza that's taking over every corner of the city, or so it seems, VEND Marketplace's Greenhouse is hosting a one-day Christmas Plant Sale. Earlier this year, the northside spot added the Greenhouse as a new space dedicated to plants. Since then, it has been trying to help you fill your home with all types of green goodies. 'Tis the time for giving, so now it's helping you fill your loved ones' houses with leafy beauties as well. The all-day sale is upping the ante from 8am–4pm on Saturday, December 14. That's when the 250-square-metre indoor garden will be slinging hundreds of its green babies while feeling festive — and yes, there'll be succulents, cacti, indoor plants, hanging plants, outdoor plants, pots and more. Plenty of plants will be on sale for less than $12, and there'll also be juice, smoothies, tea, coffee, beer and wine to drink. Plus, if you can find a hidden jungle animal, you'll nab yourself a free piece of greenery. Image: VEND Marketplace.
For as long as most of us can remember, Wednesday has been an unloved day lurking in the middle of every week. It's a day when the past weekend has become just a memory, the next one seems much too far away and absolutely no one is at their chirpiest. At The End, however, Wednesdays are now cause for celebration. If you love burgers, like pairing them with a drink and are particularly fond of paying as little as possible for the combo, you'll be cheering. At Cheeseburgers in Paradise, you can nab a burg for just $5 — with a beverage purchase on top. A weekly event in collaboration with fellow West End local Amin's Butcher and Grill, Cheeseburgers in Paradise is serving up the obvious — but if you're meat-free, there's also a vegetarian option. Just head down to Vulture Street every hump day between 6–9pm. Images: The End.
Spend your next Saturday morning brunch session with the creature you love most: your furry, barking, four-legged best friend. You'll start the first day of the weekend with cocktails, while they can munch on doggo desserts. It's a win for everyone. Also on offer at Dog Brunch: plenty of cafe fare, tapas if that's what your stomach is hungering for, live tunes and a dog brunch photo wall. You can also learn how to make your pupper a 'fancy as' dog shirt, all thanks to Alice Nightingale. While entry to the brunch is free in general, tickets for the sewing session cost $60 for a three-hour class. [caption id="attachment_760495" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Alice Nightingale[/caption] Held in California Lane, and spearheaded by Froth on Brunswick and The Stand, Dog Brunch takes place from 10am–2pm on Saturday, February 15 — so mark it in your pooch's diary. While further dates haven't yet been announced, this is set to become a monthly happening too — which should cause your woofer to start wagging its tale with excitement.
A gin and tonic is like a pair of jeans: great in its classic form, but capable of many, many inventive and excellent variations. And when it comes to everyone's favourite type of juniper spirits, the possibilities are endless. If you can dream it up, you can drink it. That's the idea behind Ginside Out, which invites gin-loving Brisbanites to Petrie Terrace's Libertine for an afternoon of conjuring up your own takes on the beloved beverage. Yes, it's a make-your-own G&T party, with a heap of boutique gins, Fever Tree tonics, fruits and botanicals on hand so that you can create the ultimate cocktail. It happens once a month, with the next taking place from 2–6pm on Sunday, January 20. All you need to do is head to the Libertine garden and get busy. DJ PopShelf will also be spinning tunes to give your mixology session a soundtrack — and cost-wise, it's a pay for what you drink affair.
Until Saturday, February 16, one word will echo throughout Petrie Terrace's Brisbane Arts Theatre: Miranda. It'll be yelled on the stage and become lodged in the watching audience's minds. After all, you can't mount a production of iconic Aussie tale Picnic at Hanging Rock without shouting after its enigmatic central schoolgirl when she goes missing during a Valentine's Day excursion to the Victorian landmark. For those who haven't read Joan Lindsay's 1967 novel, seen Peter Weir's 1975 film or watched last year's television adaptation, the tale follows a picnicking group who suddenly vanish in 1900. It's a work of fiction, but because Lindsay originally framed it as being a true story, it's become one of the country's great myths. Of course, it's a narrative that lends itself to folklore anyway — and leaves viewers wondering about its enigmatic ending. Brisbane Arts Theatre's season brings the classic to Brisbane's stage scene, enlivening what might just be the nation's biggest mystery. It plays from Thursday to Sunday across its month-long season.
An author who paid others to pen his books. A flagrant womaniser and gambler. Someone who'd lose his last franc rather than live within his means. Obsessed with keeping up appearances in Parisian artistic circles, Henry Gauthier-Villars (Dominic West) — or Willy, as he preferred to be called — was many things. He's certainly the least interesting part of a story that shouldn't be about him, but the real-life figure's actions guaranteed otherwise. Marrying Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette (Keira Knightley) when she was 20, and putting her to work when he was desperate for ghostwriters, he claimed her autobiographical Claudine novels as his own. He also refused to give her any credit despite years of success — and even went as far as locking Colette in a room for hours when he wanted her to increase her literary output. While it might seem awkward to start a review of Colette's biopic by thrusting her first husband to the fore, that was her married life with Willy in a nutshell. There's no doubting that they loved each other, at least initially, however his sense of importance cast a long shadow. The conventions of the era didn't help; it was difficult for women to be taken seriously in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and impossible for Colette to get her books published under her own name. But hers isn't a tale of a talent simply finding her calling against the odds. Rather, as handsomely directed by Wash Westmoreland, it's one of a woman breaking free of a man's control, society's expectations and gender-based constraints. More than that, it's still devastatingly timely. Co-scripted by Westmoreland along with his Still Alice co-director Richard Glatzer and Disobedience screenwriter Rebecca Lenkiewicz, there's a wily air about Colette from the outset. It's evident when Colette is glimpsed rushing through her family's modest Burgundy estate for a secret, lusty rendezvous with Willy. It's apparent, too, when she discovers her husband's philandering ways, and demands that she's no longer ignored and overlooked. Indeed, every time that Colette is pushed aside, she fights back. Whether she's dismissed for her country upbringing, left stranded at home while Willy goes out on the town, or threatened with scandal when she enjoys relationships with women, she rallies against the limitations placed upon her. Earning recognition for her own work might be her toughest hurdle — even more so than the response to her move into acting — but Colette was adept at bursting through boundaries. Often considered restrained or aloof in period dramas such as The Duchess and A Dangerous Method, Knightley frequently uses those traits to her advantage in Colette. Her protagonist isn't distant, but she does boast a sense of steeliness — one that, in another tale, might've been mistaken for detachment. That said, it's when the actor subverts expectations that she turns in some of her most memorable work in recent years, selling her character's full wit, charm and impact. Though never lacking in self-assurance, Colette proves as spontaneous and spirited as she does determined and resolute. She's someone who's always comfortable in her own skin, even when she's told that she shouldn't be, as is continually made plain in Knightley's lively and lived-in central performance. In a movie about a woman blazing brightly, it should come as no surprise that its star is the cast's standout. West's take on Willy is purposefully and convincingly grating, while Eleanor Tomlinson (Jack the Giant Slayer) and Denise Gough (Juliet, Naked), playing Colette's lovers, are barely given room to flesh out their parts. Still, they each add detail to a film that's never just celebratory. In chronicling the formative years of one of the greatest female literary figures of her time (and of all time), Westmoreland's biographical picture compellingly delves into the world that made its subject who she was. Domineering men, gossipy parties, the superficial pleasures of ornate wallpaper and costuming — to understand why Colette was most at home in her family garden, or pouring her life onto the page, or breaking fashion taboos by wearing a suit, is to first understand everything that the iconic author was told to be, yet chose to ignore. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnTNgZz4Sm0
Most folks will tell you that there's no bad time for a margarita, and they'd be right. But there is a particularly great time to grab a glass and enjoy a sip or several: February 22, also known as National Margarita Day. To celebrate the occasion in 2019, the Osbourne Hotel is throwing a Friday fiesta. It's a two-stage affair — head by from 6pm when the party really gets going, or drop by during the day to get the drinks started early. Four different types of margs will be on offer, including a classic, a strawberry and jalapeno variety, an espresso concoction, and that goes heavy on the lemon and lime. Once evening hits, there'll be four kinds of tacos, plus both chicken and vegetarian nachos. Those making a night of it will also find themselves dancing to a mariachi band (combine their music with a few salty tipples, and you'll be making shapes in no time). Image: The Osbourne Hotel.
Your must-see movie list just keeps growing, but your wallet doesn't want to play ball. Call Dendy Cinemas' latest special a case of great timing, then, with the chain offering up discount tickets that'll solve your problem. Every Tuesday to Saturday until February 27, as long as you head to the flicks from 8pm onwards, you'll only pay $8 for your movie of choice at Dendy Portside. Buy online or buy at the box office — either way, you'll nab a bargain. With everything from Glass to Mary, Queen of Scots to A Star is Born (still) currently screening, there's plenty to watch if you're keen to spend as much time in a darkened room as possible. The offer isn't available for special events, previews or Dendy Arts sessions, but remains valid for everything else. Plus, Portside is also slinging two-for-one drinks after 5pm every day of the week.
When Welcome to Bowen Hills was first announced, the new permanent food truck hub promised to drive a truckload of deliciousness into Brisbane's food scene — not only courtesy of their regular meals-on-wheels lineup, but via its special events as well. It's safe to say that the space has delivered over the past year. Case in point: its returning rosé and cheese festival. Pink vino lovers and gooey dairy fiends, prepare to head just north of the CBD on Saturday, February 23 for a whole day dedicated to quite the culinary pairing. You'll drink the tipple in question. You'll eat oh-so-much cheese. It's simple really. The local winery list is still be to announced, but it'll be different from 2018. If you thinking that you can skip it because you went last year, think again. Food-wise, prepare for another feast of cheesy goodness. Fingers crossed that flaming cheese wheels, raclette burgers and deep-fried camembert all make a return, ready to be washed down with local and international pink-hued tipples, including frosé.
Behold the theatre production everyone in Brisbane has been talking about since it first premiered in 2017 — and one that ticks plenty of boxes. A comedy from a talented local writer: check. A timely skewering of race and gender: check again. Written by Michelle Law, Single Asian Female steps into the world of three women from one Chinese family living on the Sunshine Coast. Pearl has runs a restaurant, eldest daughter Zoe is forced to think about the battle between her personal and professional desires, and her younger sister Mei is navigating school. Each contemplates the intersection between their heritage and their western lives, as well as its impact on their identity. Indeed, their troubles and journey are made all the more powerful due to their status as Chinese women in Australia, and the struggles that it brings — as brought to life with humour and insight by Law, director Claire Christian and the talented cast. The play debuted is the first from Law, who co-wrote and starred in TVs Homecoming Queens, and also penned as the book Sh*t Asian Mothers Say with her brother Benjamin. Yes, she's proving one of Australia's rising stars. Image: Dylan Evans.
Stones Corner's Shady Palms has just the activity for your Friday night — and if you guessed that it's giving a game your nan probably plays a musical twist, then that's a bingo. At Musical Bingo, you don't just wait for someone to tumble a sphere of balls, pick out a number and make a bad joke. Instead, you'll hear bits and pieces of songs, and then match them to the ones listed on your bingo card. Running from 7pm on February 1, it's as simple as it sounds — so if you're keen to both face and match the music, then you're more than catered for. Entry is free, the session runs for two-and-a-half hours and there are prizes up for grabs, of course. And yes, given the nature of the night, we're guessing there'll be sing-alongs. Image: Shady Palms. Updated January 30.
Keen to escape the heat in a cinema, but your wallet doesn't want to play ball? Call Dendy Cinemas' latest special a case of great timing, then. For the week spanning Thursday, January 10 to Wednesday, January 16, the chain offering up discount tickets that'll solve your problem — as long as you purchase online, you'll only pay $8 for your movie of choice at Portside and Coorparoo. Or movies. With everything from Aquaman and The Favourite to Colette and Vice currently screening — plus Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Bumblebee, Mary Poppins Returns and Bohemian Rhapsody too — there's plenty to watch if you're keen to spend as much time in a darkened room as possible.Many of these won awards at the recent Golden Globes, so you can start ticking them off your to-watch list, too. The special isn't available for special events, Dendy Arts sessions or preview screenings, but you're certain to find something to watch regardless.
All day, every day that it's open, West End's Covent Garden is in the gin game. Gin and tonics, gin cocktails, gin shots — if you like your alcoholic beverages made from juniper spirits, that's what you'll find here. That remains true from 11am on Sunday, January 27; however the Boundary Street joint is going a little more gin crazy than usual. It's calling the celebration Ginuary, and we recommend that you arrive thirsty. Revamping the event since 2019, this year's shindig will involve a pop-up bar focusing on Ink Gin, where you making your own G&Ts by choosing from seven different tonics and more than 100 garnishes. There'll also be small-sized masterclasses each hour, with Brookie's Gin in the spotlight — and tasting paddles available from Four Pillars. Highlighting how huge 2018 was in the gin world, Covent Garden is compiling a hottest 100 of Australian and New Zealand gins, too, complete with a countdown on the day. You can vote online until noon on Friday, January 25 — or in-person at the venue — and having your say will give you priority in getting into the party. While this soiree is free to enter, the venue does have a 250-person capacity.
"Luke, I am your father" might just be one of the most famous line ever uttered in a movie — except, of course, that's not actually what Darth Vader said. If you're pedantic about the exact phrasing of iconic Star Wars dialogue, or just brimming with Jedi-focused tidbits, then here's your chance to put those skills to the test. Come Wednesday, January 30, Blute's Bar is hosting an evening of fun that no one can have a bad feeling about. The Valley venue is delving into the series that has not only spanned ten films to date, but also inspired a host of new instalments to come. If you have a Chewbacca costume in your wardrobe, you're destined to be there. As for prizes, they'll be on offer for your mastery of Star Wars info. And, because it's all taking place in a bar, drinks are on the menu too. Sure, it's not quite the Mos Eisley Cantina, but you can pretend. The night gets underway from 7pm, but you'll want to arrive early to nab a table — and to start arguing over whether Han shot first.
Whether you're a big nature nerd or err on the indifferent side to the science of it all, chances are you've seen at least some of Sir David Attenborough's Blue Planet. The BBC nature documentary series — narrated by the man himself and accompanied by an epic score from Hans Zimmer — first aired back in 2001, and its follow-up second season, Blue Planet II, was released just last year. But the bits you've seen on TV or YouTube are sure to be belittled when the BBC brings the live show to Australia this April. Like the performances of Harry Potter and Star Wars we've seen in recent months, Blue Planet II Live in Concert will see the documentary screened in all its glory accompanied by a live orchestra. And it's a big score. The music for Blue Earth II was composed by none other than Hans Zimmer (responsible for epics like The Lion King, Gladiator, The Dark Knight Rises and Inception) alongside Jacob Shea and David Fleming. In Australia, the score will be performed by three of the country's leading orchestras and, in lieu of Attenborough, Ab Fab's Joanna Lumley will be narrating in real time. The show will travel around Australia in March 2019, visiting Brisbane on Monday, March 11. In the meantime, you can watch ehe first season of Blue Planet on Netflix. Image: Hugh Miller, copyright BBC NHU (2016).
Enjoying a glass of wine might come with plenty of medical benefits, but having a tipple isn't typically an exercise-heavy pastime. You sit. You drink. You get up, top up your beverage and repeat. You usually don't walk particularly far, let alone run. Then came the Grapest 5K run, a series of wine-tasting fun runs that kicked off around Australia in 2017. Asking participants to put in the hard yards before getting some boozy rewards, it was such a hit that it's coming back for yet another round in 2019. How does it work? Grapest consists of two sections. First, you sprint, jog or set forth at whatever pace suits you best, making your way through scenic vineyard surroundings. Then, you walk another kilometre — yes, in addition to the first five, or ten if you're feeling extra energetic — while stopping at tasting stations along the way and sampling the good stuff. The latter part, they're calling a "wine waddle". Don't worry, if you're not up to the active stuff and you're simply keen on wandering and sipping, that's an option (although it does defeat the idea of combining fitness with throwing back drinks). 2019's event is scheduled for May 18 at The Overflow Estate 1885 near Brisbane.
Summer mightn't be here just yet but, thanks to Brisbane's sunny climate, pool party season is. Indeed, it's kicking off with one big splash at W Brisbane, with the opulent hotel nudging everyone into the water with a huge shindig in their fourth-level rooftop pool and wet deck area. At the second of the venue's Summer Crush Pool Parties — this time named Go Troppo — you'll take a dip, sip drinks and dance the afternoon and evening away, all with a massive view over the river towards Mt Coot-tha. And, while Saturday, November 17 is just an ordinary day, you'll still be making full use of that gorgeous vantage. When you're not admiring the scenery or plunging into the pool, you'll listen to tunes spun byLuke Million, Buff Girls, Shimmy Disco and Little Fritter (who also happens to be W Brisbane's music curator Kane Dignum). You'll also knock back refreshing cocktails while feasting on a summer barbecue. Tickets cost $25 online in advance and $35 at the door, which includes a Bacardi cocktail on arrival — and as for the rest of the food and drink spread, it's a pay-as-you-go affair. The fun starts at 2pm, runs through until midnight, and bringing your togs is obviously essential.
Australia may be filled with burger joints, but Los Angeles favourites In-N-Out hasn't made the permanent leap to our shores. In Sydney, however, Down N' Out is offering the next best thing. And, for the duration of the Commonwealth Games, the Aussie eatery is bringing its burgs up north. Anyone wanting some US-style meat-and-bread combos, complete with deep-fried cheese patties and loaded 'tiger fries, should head to the corner of Surf Parade and Queensland Avenue in Broadbeach from 5pm on April 4 — and then from 1pm every day between April 5 and 15. Yes, that means Brisbanites will need to head down the coast; however, if you're already off to catch some sporting action or soak in the accompanying arts festival, then your consider this a tasty lunch or dinner option. It's Down N' Out's first time in Queensland, and they're also teaming up with Mountain Goat to offer refreshing brews to wash down their delicious burgs.
Many topics are up for discussion at this year's World Science Festival Brisbane, but only one is getting a five-day mini film fest at the Gallery of Modern Art to go with it. That'd be the ways that science and technology can help us re-evaluate our minds and bodies in a number of different ways, complete with true tales, rousing documentaries and ethical explorations from March 21 to 25. Highlights include Experimenter: The Stanley Milgram Story, about the researcher behind a series of groundbreaking '60s experiments; The Farthest, chronicling the 1977 voyager mission into space; climate change doco Before the Flood, which is hosted by Leonardo DiCaprio (on-screen, not at GOMA, sadly); and The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, starring none other than Oprah as the daughter of the real-life African-American woman whose cells were used to create the first immortal human cell line in the early '50s. Still on exceptional women, Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story delves into the true tale of the Hollywood starlet who also invented a radio system that was a precursor to wifi and bluetooth. A dinner-and-film session of The Empire of the Scents will serve attendees a meal specially inspired by scent, fittingly enough, though tickets for it have understandably sold out. Expect a crowd at the free session of The Theory of Everything, too, with the free session also marking a tribute to the late Stephen Hawking.
The Flying Cock do beer and chicken well. Beer yoga and boozy barre classes too. The list goes on, including gigs, trivia, watching sport and just hanging out — and, now comedy. Getting into the funny business, the Fortitude Valley watering hole is embracing laughter with You're Joking, which kicked off in February and now returns for another run. The regular event aims to get you in stitches, offering up not only laughs, but some variety on the bill as well. The latter comes courtesy of the show's two-part format: interactive silliness with The Gong Show, with the games changing each time, and then the headline comedian. Michael Connell is doing the honours in March, in what The Flying Cock hopes will be more than just your average standup night. Tickets cost $5 on the door — and if you work up an appetite from all that chuckling, don't forget that it's also $3 taco night.
Want to see a burlesque show that tells it like it is? Or circus cabaret that contemplates race relations in contemporary Australia? How about singing and striptease while smashing stereotypes? Or a performance that packs a punch of hip hop politics? All that makes up Hot Brown Honey, as well as dance, poetry, drama and a reflection of everyday problems. These bold performers aren't just trying to entertain. They're also working through issues of colour and culture — and courting controversy — in a show that's certain to get people talking. The story jumps from the simmering shores of Polynesia to the bogan streets of Australia, peering through the eyes of an Indigenous drag queen and stepping through the life of a single mother who just happens to be a DJ. Hailing from Polytoxic Dance Theatre, Circus OZ and Briefs, the Luscious Lisa Fa'alafi, the Curvaceous Candy B and the Bodacious Busty Beatz package their tale and topics in spicy humour and simmering honesty. Some like it hot, indeed.
As fun as it is, Easter isn't just about staying home and eating chocolate. Given that most of us have four days off, it's also a great time for a road trip. In keeping with the eating and drinking theme, might we suggest a cheese, wine and food festival? If heading to the Sunshine Coast sounds like your idea of fun, then the Kenilworth Cheese, Wine & Food Fest should be your first destination. Sample cheese and wine all day long, watch cooking demonstrations, and enjoy some live music. And then there's the cheese rolling contest, which is exactly what it sounds like.
If it's drinks with a view you want, then it's drinks with a view you'll get at Eleven Rooftop Bar. Come Sundays from midday, that's now particularly true. Not content with hosting regular weekday morning exercise classes, the Ann Street venue is also adding end-of-weekend hangout sessions to its roster of events in the form of Vinyl & the City. It's a simple recipe for fun: once you climb up to the 11th floor (or take the lift — don't worry, you don't have to exercise), records will spin, you'll sip a few tipples and you'll also stare out over the city. Get cosy, make an afternoon of it and you'll be quite the spot when sunset hits. Lunch will also be available for those keen to drop by once the clock strikes noon, while cocktail specials and magnums of rosé will be on offer all afternoon.
They're one of the country's best breweries, and they're no stranger to Brisbane's shores — but, come March 29, they're popping up for some pre-long weekend fun. That'd be Young Henrys, who are trekking from Sydney's Newtown to Brisbane's riverside to pour brews at the Pig 'N' Whistle. From midday until late, the PNW Riverside's beer garden will become Young Henrys' headquarters 2.0, with the folks behind the pints in attendance. Ask questions, find out more about their tipples and drink their brews, of course. There'll also be live music and a DJ later in the night. As for what'll be pumping through the taps, expect the yeasty goodness of both the Newtowner and The Stayer. The former is a good ol' fashioned Aussie pale ale, the latter is the mid you need if you're being sensible. Remember, though, you won't have to work the next day.
Can't stomach wheat, but still want something delicious to eat? For folks with dietary requirements, nabbing a bite isn't always as easy as it sounds. If you're avoiding gluten, then Brisbane's newest food truck festival is here to help. In fact, you won't find any of it on the menu. The latest in a growing list of events at Welcome to Bowen Hills, the We Hate Gluten Festival says farewell to the pesky wheat-based proteins, with a heap of eateries getting in on the gluten-free fun. On April 20, attendees can munch on meals from Neshama, Rolls Pho Mi, Wing Fix, London Spuds and The Wurst Dogs, while April 21 sees Mr Burger, Smokin' Pizza, Spud The Food Truck and Curry in a Cone cooking up a storm. And if you're after something sweet, Gluten Free Donuts will be on hand across the entire weekend. Plus, if you'd like something to wash it all down with, you can grab some gluten-free beverages at the on-site bar. The venue does advise that those with allergies should chat with the food vendors about their specific situation when they're ordering — which is something everyone with a dietary requirement is no doubt used to.
Valley Fiesta might be months away, but it's not the only annual explosion of music, dance and culture on Fortitude Valley's calendar. Come 5pm on April 14, the Chinatown mall will play host to this year's Valley Multicultural Festival, showcasing a variety of acts and performances from around the world. The free evening shindig forms part of Brisbane Youth Week, so if you're under 25, there's plenty of other fun on offer. In fact, the full program includes more than 100 events. Youth acts will also feature as part of the festivities, so expect to get a glimpse at some top future talent. For everyone else — and for everyone, actually — combining your trip to Chinatown with a delicious meal is highly recommended. All that toe-tapping will help you work up an appetite, no doubt, and might inspire your international cuisine choice.
UPDATE, November 23, 2020: Human Flow is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies and iTunes. Like the renowned artist he is, Ai Weiwei opens Human Flow with a splash of painterly beauty, one of many that'll be seen over the course of the film's 140 minutes. An aerial shot of the sea fills the screen, its texture glistening, its colour shimmering, and a lone white seagull soaring over its scenic expanse. Even when the movie cuts to its next image — of a vessel filled with refugees powering through the gentle waves — it looks like something from a nature documentary. In a way, that's exactly what Human Flow is: a visually striking exploration of the planet's inhabitants migrating en masse across its surface. Of course, the film is also much, much more than that. Ai has never been one to shy away from politics, and is presently exiled from his Chinese homeland as a result. Returning to a topic he has contemplated repeatedly across his particular blend of art and activism (as also seen in his studio in Lesbos, recent series of New York fences and the 60-metre-long inflatable boat now on display in Sydney), he doesn't hide the documentary's strong viewpoint on the subject at hand. Moving between more than 40 refugee camps in 23 countries in total — from Afghanistan and Israel to Germany and the US — Human Flow both depicts and denounces the reality experienced by the 65 million people currently considered displaced. As the movie informs the audience, that's a level last seen during the Second World War. Interviews pop up throughout, flitting between experts, those trying to assist and a number of the displaced themselves. Lines from poets, writers and thinkers also frequently feature on-screen, speaking of humanity's overwhelming desire to simply be treated with dignity. Further slabs of text provide facts about and add context to the film's geographical segments, while a newsfeed intermittently scrolls across the bottom of the frame. Occasionally, Ai himself makes an appearance, chatting to refugees, bearing witness and trying to grapple with the enormity of the struggles before him. He helps people onto the shore from boats, and at one point swaps his own passport with a Syrian asylum seeker. At a wedding, he even dances. As rousing and resonant as all of the above proves, it's the documentary's main imagery, and the cinematography that goes with it, that makes Human Flow such a stunning achievement. Some shots offer breathtaking bird's-eye views of the masses moving across different landscapes. Others are grainy, urgent and shot on mobile phones, immersing viewers in the daily existence of refugees everywhere. The juxtaposition tells its own story: about the ease of seeing things from afar versus the difficulties of truly diving into the details, and the vastness of the problem at hand versus the personal toll for those trying to find a better life. This film is clearly an emphatic condemnation of the refugee crisis. It's also one that knows that reading headlines is one thing, but that seeing it up close — on the ground, all around the world — is something else entirely. The end result is a moving documentary that's mammoth yet intimate in both its scope and impact. Crucially, it's also heartfelt without overtly tugging at the heartstrings. Again, Ai is well aware that his observational, unhurried images (shot with the assistance of 11 other credited cinematographers) speak for themselves. Forget a picture just being worth a thousand words – Human Flow convincingly and compellingly advocates for millions of lives, for action in a world of apathy, and for not only the free movement of people in need, but the flow of humanity towards them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YP5F7-RwVgM
From themed Friday drinks to dedicated rooftop parties to a host of top eateries, Brisbane's love affair with all things Japanese is still going strong — and, thanks to the latest event to join the fun, shows no signs of slowing down. For one night only, King Street's Sushi & Nori will make you think you're on the streets of Tokyo. Or, make your tastebuds think that, at least. Food, food and more food is the main attraction from 6pm on March 22, so get excited if Japanese street cuisine gets your stomach rumbling. Grilled salmon nigiri, piles of gyoza, modern kaiseki, and oh-so-much sushi and Japanese salad will be on offer for three hours, with the fun not only taking over the eatery itself, but spilling outside as well. Sushi & Nori's Matsuri Markets will also feature traditional Japanese attire, decorations and more, treating all of your senses to the next best thing to a holiday. A word of warning: if you have trouble resisting the urge to book cheap flights as it is, this isn't going to help.
