Turn your Hilver into a Klimpen in just three easy steps. Homeware giant IKEA are officially developing their own ‘hackable’ furniture, monetising a concept their customers have already been embracing for years. Announced at IKEA’s second annual Democratic Design Day at company HQ in Sweden, the official IKEA hack kit will allow shoppers to alter their furniture at will. Customisable items would be marked as such in the store, with ideas for various hacks listed online. From there, customers can purchase a hack kit and voila, your desk chair is suddenly a six-piece outdoor lounge. Well, not quite. But you'll be able to change things up a little. The concept behind IKEA hacking is certainly nothing new. Plenty of customers have tried mashing different IKEA items together over the years, treating the products like the oversized Lego kits that they’ve always vaguely resembled. This Italian company, for example, has come up with some genuinely amazing designs. In the past, IKEA haven’t taken too kindly to people straying from the instructions. They even threatened legal action against the fan-run blog IkeaHackers.net, although they eventually backed down in the wake of widespread public backlash. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6XeDShIFbQ&t=0m10s From both a business and public relations perspective, it certainly seems to make a lot more sense for IKEA to embrace this trend. That being said, the fact that these would be official products, complete with instructions, does kind of take away some of the fun. That you’d have to pay for the hack kits doesn’t really help things either. IKEA haven’t actually moved past the initial design phase yet, so no word on when the hack kits will become available — if they become available at all. They’re also considering an official swap program, wherein you can trade in your old IKEA furniture and get credit towards new pieces. And yea, the circle of life continues. Via Gizmodo. Image: Teste Di Legno.
Can you feel a tingling in your toes as your feet start to defrost? That's the feeling of winter slipping away (or maybe you've been sitting cross-legged for too long) and with its demise comes the return of Australia's beloved Moonlight Cinema. Ahhh balmy nights on the grass, we have missed you. Heralding the coming of the warmer months, Moonlight Cinema is a summertime tradition and it always nails the balance between new releases and cult classics. The film program is yet to be announced, but we'll keep you updated as soon as it is. Nosh-wise, Moonlight Cinema will again let you BYO movie snacks and drinks, but the unorganised can also chow down on a plethora of US style food trucks — the perfect, messy treat made for reclining on bean beds. Bean beds and snack trucks, is there anything better? This season includes screens in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth, running from November through to March. Get your pens out and jot down these dates. MOONLIGHT CINEMA 2018 DATES: Sydney: Nov 29–Mar 31 (Belvedere Amphitheatre in Centennial Park) Melbourne: Nov 29–Mar 31 (Central Lawn at the Royal Botanic Gardens) Brisbane: Nov 29–Mar 31 (Roma Street Parkland) Perth: Dec 1–Mar 31 (May Drive Parkland, Kings Park & Botanic Garden) Adelaide: Dec 8–Feb 17 (Botanic Park) The Moonlight Cinema kicks off on November 29. For more information and bookings here.
Hungry musicians doing it tough on tour, prepare to satisfy your appetites. All it takes is a stopover in Brisbane for a gig, and a trip to a certain Fortitude Valley café. That'd be LostBoys, the new saviour of starving artists visiting sunny climates. The Ann Street establishment isn't just largely staffed by those handy with a guitar, drum kit or microphone, but wants to support them too. That's why they've taken it upon themselves to offer a solution to the scourge of musos everywhere: barely making enough money to eat while they're away from home. Travelling around the country playing live shows might seem like a fun life, but the thrill of taking to the stage is tempered by the not-so-glamorous, not-so-financially-lucrative reality. At LostBoys, musical talent dropping by Brisbane can treat themselves to whatever takes their fancy from the cafe's lineup of 100 percent natural, locally-sourced options. Vegetarians, vegans, dairy free foodies and gluten intolerants, there's something on the menu for you, too. The initiative is a brand new addition to what has fast become one of the area's favourite hangouts — which is no mean feat given that LostBoys only opened in October 2014. Of course, their magic all stems from their name. Trust a Peter Pan-inspired eatery to come up with a wondrous way to help creatives' dreams come true. Via The Music. Visit LostBoys at 694 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley, or check out their website.
Before social media, the local milk bar was usually where youngsters went to socialise. Though there's still a few of them about (including 2223 in Sydney and Rowena Corner Store in Richmond), they're fast becoming a thing of the past. That's why Melbourne-based artist Callum Preston has gone to painstaking lengths to recreate one, detail by detail. You'll find his incredibly realistic, immersive artwork Milk Bar in RVCA Corner Gallery, Collingwood, from Friday 1 December. Walking in, it'll be easy to imagine you're in a bona fide corner shop, as the installation is fully operational. But take a closer peek and you'll notice the chocolate bars, magazines and soft drink cans aren't what they seem. They're pretend versions of themselves that Preston has created by hand. "For most of us, these simpler times might have passed," Preston said. "Sure, the memories may be a little blurry now, but it's my hope that when all the elements are recreated you can be transported right back to 'when going down the shop' was an experience of pure joy." This isn't Preston's first venture into nostalgia. In 2015, he revisited Back to the Future via his artwork Bootleg to the Future, which featured a life-sized replica of a DeLorean. Milk Bar will be at Melbourne's RVCA Corner Gallery, 82 Stanley Street, Collingwood. The exhibition runs from December 1-10.
He took home this year's best director Oscar thanks to his enchanting monster romance, and now he's in the spotlight at the Spanish Film Festival. That'd be The Shape of Water's Guillermo del Toro, with the fest celebrating his 2006 Academy Award-winner Pan's Labyrinth as its closing night selection. Of course, on its tour of Australia between April 17 and May 16, the country's long-running celebration of Spanish-language filmmaking has plenty of other delights amongst its 25-film program. Marking its 21st year in 2018, that includes opening night's The Tribe, a street-dancing musical comedy inspired by real-life Spain's Got Talent winners, plus No Filter, this year's Spanish box office smash about a woman who can't stop speaking her mind. Other high-profile highlights range from screenings of Pixar's gorgeous Coco, in case you missed it in cinemas late last year; to a who's who of Spanish talent in historical epic Gold; to Loving Pablo, which features Javier Bardem as Pablo Escobar and Penélope Cruz as the journalist who falls for him. Fans of both actors can also catch them in Jamón Jamón — which, released back in 1992, was actually Cruz's first film. It plays as part of a four-feature retrospective dedicated to filmmaker Bigas Luna, alongside his fellow hits Golden Balls and The Tit and The Moon. A documentary compiled from the late director's video diaries, Bigas x Bigas, will enjoy its Australian premiere to round out the program strand. Plus, in the kind of curation that every film festival could benefit from, the Spanish Film Festival will also showcase the work of emerging Spanish female directors. While Summer 1993 actually played at last year's fest as well, the charming delight is getting another spin, with Málaga Film Festival hit Julia Is, Spanish Civil War-focused The Bastard's Fig Tree and the Goya-nominated The Open Door also on the bill. In addition, Melburnians get an extra pick thanks to doco Singled [Out], which was partially shot in Australia by the Melbourne-based Mariona Guiu and Barcelona-based Ariadna Relea. The Spanish Film Festival tours Australia from April 17, screening at Sydney's Palace Norton Street, Palace Verona and Palace Central from April 17 to May 6; Melbourne's Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, Palace Brighton Bay, Kino Cinemas and The Astor Theatre from April 19 to May 6, and Brisbane's Palace Barracks and Palace Centro from April 26 to May 13. For more information, visit the festival website.
After the announcement that Stereosonic will be going on a 'hiatus' for 2016 and other big music festivals — Future Music and Soundwave included — throwing in the towel due to poor ticket sales, it seemed that this big, bad world of the Australian festival scene was too brutal, too tough for anyone to even consider breaking into the market right now. Well, not exactly. Because while the big guys are struggling, boutique festivals seem to keep on thriving. And a new festival, Sandalphon, has even been announced for later this year. Sandalphon will commandeer 225 acres of private land in the Gold Coast hinterland for three days of music and general debauchery over the Queensland Queen's Birthday long weekend on October 1-3. The music acts are yet to be announced (although it's set to be a mix of indie bands, DJs and R&B artists), but it's all the other stuff that's got us pretty damn excited. There will be seven stages — one of which will be on a lake and can be viewed from the actual water while floating on inflatable pool toys (!!!) — a nightly outdoor cinema, daily yoga practice, round-the-clock bathroom attendants and free access to the things you don't think to take camping, like hair ties and straighteners. Other add-ons seem to take heed from other Australian festivals, like 'The Treehouse', a stage that will be hidden off the festival map in a secret location, a dress-up policy and a kissing booth. Looks like someone might have gone to Secret Garden. There'll be all the usual food vendors, of course, plus three sit-down restaurants, which are apparently five-star (whatever that means). Tickets start from $280 for a one-day pass, $290 for a two-day pass and $300 for a three-day pass. SO obviously it makes sense to go the whole hog and stick it out for three days. Tickets include camping and parking and can be bought here. According to Sandalphon's website, the lineup should be announced soon.
Five years after making the move to the Sunshine State, launching its first-ever River City outpost, Three Blue Ducks is saying farewell to its site inside the W Brisbane hotel. The acclaimed restaurant will close up shop exactly half a decade after it first launched back in June 2018, with both Three Blue Ducks and W Brisbane announcing the end of their partnership to focus on other projects. "We have loved playing host to the Three Blue Ducks in Brisbane since opening in 2018 and celebrating their philosophy of honest, fresh and locally sourced cuisine. We thank them for their collaboration over the past five years and wish them well for their upcoming projects," said W Brisbane General Manager Haldon Philp. "We've really enjoyed our time working with the whole team at W Brisbane. It's been an experience that we're grateful for and we'll use the knowledge gained when planning our next hospitality project," added Three Blue Ducks' chefs and owners Darren Robertson, Andy Allen and Mark LaBrooy. It may be the end of Three Blue Ducks at W Brisbane, but the team are still fond of the city. "Brisbane has an incredible food scene that we feel connected to and want to stay a part of," continued Robertson, Allen and LaBrooy. Whether that means that another Brissie venue is in the works elsewhere is yet to be revealed. The current site will keep heroing its paddock-to-plate dishes until it says goodbye, including by spending April and May serving up a best-of menu of dishes featured over the past five years. That'll span signature plates, the eatery's most well-loved meals and other options that epitomise its approach to food. W Brisbane will run a produce-focused restaurant from June onwards, doing breakfast, lunch and dinner, with more details about what's to come for Three Blue Ducks' old space set to be announced in the near future. Three Blue Ducks will next launch in Bellingen on New South Wales' mid-north coast, with an exact 2023 opening date also yet to be revealed. With the W Brisbane outpost closing, that new venue will join locations in Rosebery, Byron Bay and Nimbo, also in NSW, as well as in Melbourne. Find W Brisbane at 81 North Quay, Brisbane on March 15, with Three Blue Ducks operating until the end of May. For more information on the hotel, visit the website.
As a city with numerous universities, multi-storey libraries, top of the range bookstores and Nick Earls, it's no surprise Brisbane residents have dozens of options when it comes to book clubs. There are those that cater to certain demographics and genres, and others who'll have anyone that's up for a read and a chat. If you've a weeknight to spare, need to voice some Game of Thrones angst or simply love free snacks, we've got a book club for you. AVID READER'S BOOK CLUBS Between hosting author talks, signings and running a cafe, we have no idea where Avid Reader finds the time to host a menagerie of book clubs. But we're sure happy they somehow do — and we're hardly surprised that they happen to be the most fierce and entertaining in Brisbane. This cherished West End store hosts a range of clubs, including 'Young and Restless', 'Bloody crime', sex, Australian, and open book clubs. If you're new to the book club scene, we recommend Fiona's Open Book Club. It takes place the first Wednesday evening and Thursday morning of each month. So take your pick, or check out Avid Reader's Book Club Guide here. Avid Reader, 193 Boundary Street, West End JUNKY COMICS WOMEN'S BOOK CLUB If you know your Alan Moore from your Alan Martin then the book club at Junky Comics might be your type of scene. West End's newest resident may be a fresh face in the Brisbane bookselling game, but they're already making their mark with this fresh and exciting get together. This book club takes place the first Thursday of every month at 6.30pm in-store. As interest in this club grows, and the venue gets a little too cosy, they'll most likely upsize — keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates. Junky Comics, 93 Vulture Street, West End QAGOMA BOOK CLUB The members-only QAGOMA book club selection reflects some of Queensland's best contemporary writing — and often the exhibitions that are taking place. So far they've read and discussed Robert Henri's The Art Spirit, and in months to come will be reading Hwang Sok-yong's Princess Bari and Maxine Beneba Clarke's Foreign Soil. The book club takes place at three different sessions each month — you can have a look at them here. Just make sure to call ahead and book your spot, and don't forget to suss out the 20% discount available on book club books at the QAGOMA bookstore. QAGOMA, Stanley Place, South Brisbane QUEER READERS Queer Readers takes place at New Farm library on the third Monday of each month. Meetings are divided into two parts: books from the reading list are discussed around the table, then — after a tea break that often includes wine and cheese — members discuss anything else they may have read over the past month. Check out their blog for the latest book reviews and information on their next event. New Farm Library, 135 Sydney Street, New Farm 4ZZZ BOOK CLUB Whoever said you need to leave the house to join a book club has obviously never tuned into 4ZZZ. Every Thursday at 7pm Sky, Grace, Amy and Samuel catch up on what's new and exciting in the literary world. They offer reviews, author interviews and, on the first Thursday of every month, discuss their book of the month. Check out their book reviews, and their podcasts. 4ZZFM can be tuned into at Brisbane 102.1FM BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL LIBRARY BOOK CLUBS What would a library be without a monthly book club? If you're stuck in the suburbs, then chances are your local library is the best and most convenient spot to sign up to one. The Brisbane City Council libraries exist everywhere from Zilmere to Eight Mile Plains, with most hosting book clubs on a regular basis. These clubs tend to me managed by individual libraries, so give your local library a call and they'll be able to give you all the details. You can find the full list of libraries that host book clubs here. Various libraries around Brisbane Top image: Dollar Photo Club.
Vivid Sydney is really cranking it up this year. Announcing a kaleidoscopic festival program of light, music and ideas this morning, Vivid's 2015 plans will have you squealing over social and locking in dates. Now staged in four new precincts (Chatswood, Central Park, Pyrmont and expansion in Sydney University), as well as the usual harbourside suspects, Vivid is back for another year of technicolour merriment and reignited appreciation of your city. So what's in store? LIGHT Alongside the predictably mindblowing projections on the Sydney Opera House sails (Universal Everything), the Museum of Contemporary Art (Danny Rose and Rebecca Baumann this time), and Cadman's Cottage (a 20 multiplayer game this year, just casually), Vivid has some pretty talkworthy surprises in store. Chatswood will be turned into an aquatic wonderland with giant 3D sea creature projections, you'll be able to 'paint' the skyscrapers in Circular Quay, and the ever-popular Light Walk will feature glow swings, an interactive game of duck, duck goose, musical 'beat dice', playable piano stairs, floating fibre optic dresses from Korean artist Taegon Kim and the obligatory selfie stage (with a 'You Are Here' arrow sign). At Central Park, artists Rekko Rennie and Beastman will project on to the Carlton and United Brewery Facade, and there'll be silent discos on the lawn every Friday and Saturday night. Martin Place will once again be a super pretty illuminated food precinct, and Pyrmont Park will let you let off 'digital fireworks' and project yourself on the casino singing karaoke. Plus, the BBC's Life Story projected on the Argyle Cut sounds just about as beautiful as a weeknight gets. MUSIC Music-wise, this year's Vivid program is equal parts supersuperstars in supersupervenues to loved and local party nights around the city. For Vivid LIVE, the big names came tumbling out of today's announcement. Joining the already announced king gloomsayer Morrissey, eclectic folk dreamboat Sufjan Stevens, immortal art rockers TV on the Radio, Aussie legends Hoodoo Gurus, gravelly folkster Bill Callahan, new album-touter Daniel Johns, longtime shredders The Drones, Sydney hypecards The Preatures, garage go-tos Royal Headache and electronic powerhouse Mad Racket. Red Bull Music Academy are throwing The Studio's opening night, where Future Classic are set to celebrate their tenth anniversary with Flight Facilities, Seekae, Hayden James, Touch Sensitive, George Maple and Flume's only Australian concert for the year; alongside all the Astral People, Elefant Traks label Studio parties we love. We're a little disappointed to see only super male headliners and about three female artists in the entire Vivid LIVE lineup (Preatures, Drones, George Maple), but here's hoping for a more balanced Music at the House summer lineup. Around the city, there's a whole bunch of luminous shindiggery to be had, with Vivid Music this year curated by Sydney radio host, DJ and all-round legend Stephen Ferris. Modular's hugely successful Modulations mini-festival is coming back to Carriageworks after a huge Pet Shop Boys year in 2014. This time around, the crew are bringing together Sydney club nights Kooky, Motorik and Pelvis and inviting headliner American jazz saxophonist Pharaoh Sanders to make good use of those Carriageworks acoustics. Freda's will see the return of Sydney's favourite twist-happy party Jingle Jangle and the special performance of Andras Fox under his New Age alter ego A.R.T. Wilson. Goodgod Small Club will see newcomer Oh Reach's debut concert alongside Terry Serio's Ministry of Truth and Spookyland, while Oxford Art Factory showcases brand new Sydney label Personal Best Records (including the Personal Best Orchestra, a ten-piece all live disco electro orchestra with vintage sythesisers). One of the biggest Sydney parties around, Heaps Gay will hold an epic bash at Marrickville's Factory Theatre with the likes of KIM from The Presets, Black Vanilla DJs, Catlips and The Magda Subanskis, and Soul of Sydney are set to hold a huge block party just for Vivid (more details to come). IDEAS Switching on your brain as well as the lights, Vivid Ideas has a chockers program of talks, seminars and conferences to get you right into the global creative conersation. 'The Game-Changers' series will see Mad Men creator Matthew Weiner, Monocle and Wallpaper founder Tyler Brule and Rolling Stones/HBO designer Stefan Sagmeister chatting about their wildly overachieving existence. There's going to be a huge one-day conference at Carriageworks to examine the key factors needed to create a 'Southern Hemisphere Silicon Valley'. And the ever-popular Vivid Ideas Exchange is back, with Cool Hunting founders chatting about connecting creatively with consumers, Auxilio Venture Lab talking about the ethics of data usage for Australian business and government (timely), Junkee teaching you 'How to Survive Without a Real Job' and MTV asking if boredom fosters creativity. Phew. There's plenty more to Vivid Sydney's 2015 program than we can fit here, running May 22 - June 8. For the full schtick, head to the Vivid website.
Find true love without ever lifting a finger. A brand new smart watch app is eliminating the most physically arduous part of Tinder by selecting your matches for you based on the beating of your heart. Yep, it swipes right for you. This is isn't just like putting your Tinder profile on auto-swipe (actual thing). Developed by American creative agency T3, Hands-Free Tinder works by measuring your pulse rate. According to T3, "The heart doesn't lie." The display on your smartwatch will show you a potential date’s profile picture and then gauges your physiological reaction. If your heartbeat quickens, it may well be true love/casual sex time. If it slows, it clearly wasn’t meant to be. Check out their classy, classy promotional video, below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkVLJiJj7qQ We’re not buying the whole ‘always listen to your heart’ shtick, but you’ve got to give the company credit for really boiling Tinder down to its bare essentials. You literally have to press one button, and everything else is taken care of. This is especially great news for frequent and/or desperate Tinder users, many of whom have begun to experience the symptoms of repetitive strain injury as a result of too much right swiping. The hands-free functionality also has the added benefit of removing any lingering traces of guilt you might feel for snap-judging a potential match based solely on their physical appearance. After all, it’s not like you can control your heart rate. Just don’t use the app while you’re on the treadmill. Could lead to some pretty awkward, terribly-matched first dates. While the concept video makes specific mention of the Apple Watch, the agency claims the app will be available via both Google Play and the Apple App Store, although no word yet as to when. It’s also worth pointing out that the app isn’t actually affiliated with the creators of Tinder, so there may be some rebranding before it hits stores. In the meantime, we’ll be huddled around our phones, swiping like a bunch of soulmate-seeking Neanderthals. Via Mashable. Image: Dollar Photo Club.
With each passing festival season, music lineups dominate the hubbub. But with great grub now proving just as much a drawcard as those tunes, festivals are taking their food element next-level. Gone are the days of sad sausage rolls, scoffed speedily between stages — festival food is having a moment. Last year, Sugar Mountain Festival introduced a new onsite dining concept called Sensory, collaborating with some iconic Melbourne names to treat food-loving festivalgoers to an "immersive restaurant experiment". A mega success straight off the bat, Sensory is set to return for Sugar Mountain 2017, on January 21, having pulled together another cracking lineup of tastes, sights, and sounds. An indoor space within the festival's home at the Victorian College of the Arts will be transformed for the multi-dimensional event. There'll be multiple sittings throughout the day, with each 60-minute set-menu experience designed to take guests on a dazzling multi-sensory journey. Peter Gunn, the envelope-pushing chef behind Collingwood fine diner IDES, will be working his magic on the menu, sticking to form to deliver a cutting-edge culinary extravaganza. Meanwhile, the accompanying visual feast is sure to be every bit as impressive, with acclaimed multimedia artist Daniel Arsham taking the reins on the space design — fresh, might we add, from his collaboration with Pharrell Williams for Rules of the Game, which showed at Brisbane Festival this year. And all the while, those earholes will be in total aural heaven, thanks to a glittering, hour-long score crafted by S U R V I V E — yep, that's the Texan band behind the Stranger Things '80s-style hit soundtrack. Of course, the festival's foodie fabulousness extends beyond Sensory's walls, with eats from the likes of Kong BBQ, 8Bit, Pretty Mama and Pidapipo on hand to back up the musical treats. Summer-worthy cocktails will be shaken and stirred by the crew from The Top, while beer partner Sample Brew will be slinging a variety of tap beers and an exclusive range of tinnies. All-inclusive tickets to Sensory are priced at $70 each, and go on sale at 8am, November 16. Grab one separately, or bundle it together with a Sugar Mountain ticket.
Ōtautahi Christchurch is a nature lover's dream. As soon as you arrive you'll notice the crisp air, and you'll soon find out that you're surrounded by scenes of otherworldly, serene natural beauty that changes with the seasons but is ever-present. From some of the world's darkest winter skies without a hint of light pollution to the deserted beaches of the Akaroa Peninsula, you will no doubt find something that will take your breath away. Lean into the naturally cooler climate of Christchurch and visit during winter to experience the full extent of the region's charms. Venture just outside of the Christchurch city centre and it's almost as if you're in another world. Drive for ten minutes in almost any direction and you'll discover something unexpected. Adventurous souls and nature lovers will relish the chance to get in touch with the great outdoors — perhaps by peeling off the layers and relaxing in a natural hot pool or barrelling through the hills on a mountain bike. It was incredibly hard to choose, but here are our favourite cool weather experiences to take on when you're in Christchurch. [caption id="attachment_986567" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Miles Holden[/caption] Look Up at One of the World's Darkest Skies Mackenzie is home to one of the only International Dark Sky Reserves (IDSR) in the world — land which usually surrounds a park or observatory and is home to exceptional views of starry nights. The darkness of the sky in this region of New Zealand is almost unbeatable, and it's the perfect place for a bit of stargazing. At Big Sky Stargazing you'll sit down for an astronomy lesson at the planetarium and take a short drive to an outdoor stargazing area where you'll use telescopes, astronomy binoculars and your own eyes to look up at constellations and enjoy spectacular, peaceful views. Soak in Hanmer Springs' Geothermal Pools When the air has a crisp bite to it and you wouldn't want to be caught outside without being bundled up, that's how you know it's the perfect weather for getting into your swimwear and making a beeline for a hot spring. Don't settle for any run-of-the-mill hot spring either. Located just outside of Christchurch is the alpine village of Hanmer Springs, where 22 natural thermal pools sit surrounded by dramatic snow-capped mountains. If the prospect of a soothing soak isn't sufficiently appealing, there are also spa treatments and massages to really kick your relaxation up a notch. [caption id="attachment_986614" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Miles Holden[/caption] Wander Christchurch's Natural Landscape Lush rolling hills are surrounded by a crystal blue expanse of water on the edges of Christchurch. If you venture slightly out from the town centre, you can explore deserted beaches and dramatic landscapes that have to be seen to be believed. In the small town of Akaroa on the water's edge, you'll find a beautiful cluster of old English-style buildings. Whether you're after a short stroll or a day-long hike, the idyllic beaches, rough bush and winding tracks of this quiet little area will keep you more than occupied. If you need more convincing, take another look at the above photo. Paddle Through Pohatu in a Kayak Head to Akaroa and jump into a 4WD for a spectacular scenic safari that stuns year-round. Travel for just over an hour through the highest passes of the Banks Peninsula with Pohatu Adventures until you reach Pohatu Marine Reserve. When you arrive you'll discover the Christchurch region's most abundant wildlife ecosystem up close via kayak. Get ready to paddle alongside blue penguins, seals and Hector's dolphins. Depending on the timing of your trip, you might even catch a glimpse of the circle of life of the region's wildlife. As temperatures dip, you'll see penguins at their most social as they build homes, find mates and head out and about. If the water is calm, get ready to lose your breath — not because of the brisk air but because of the scenery — as you paddle out to Flea Bay Island where you'll discover a mass of land characterised by desolate beaches, sheer sea cliffs and mysterious caves. Find your very own Aotearoa New Zealand here.
In 2015, Brisbane Powerhouse ushered a new festival onto Brisbane's events calendar. MELT showered the city with the best in queer arts and culture, and became Queensland's rival to the Sydney's Mardi Gras and Melbourne's Midsumma in the process. Of course it received a rather warm welcome, so it's no surprise that it's back this year with another bustling lineup of shows and performances to flock to. Brimming with variety, the 2016 program includes a missing appendage, a southern songstress, a queen of the Cross and a portrait prize — plus these ten things we think you really won't want to miss.
With hard-hitting dramas, imaginative comedies and a retrospective tribute to one of the all-time greats, the latest edition of the Alliance Francaise French Film Festival doesn't disappoint. Lighting up the screen from March 1-24 in Sydney before heading out to Parramatta and Casula in April, from March 2-24 in Melbourne, and March 11-April 3 in Brisbane, the 2016 program features a diverse mix of titles showcasing the very best the French film industry has to offer. Cannes winners are set to be a highlight, with Rust and Bone director Jacques Audiard tackling the issue of asylum seekers in his new offering Dheepan, and Philippe Garrel's masterful romantic drama In the Shadow of Women. Legendary French filmmaker Michel Gondry's new film Microbe & Gasoline will also feature in the festival — which will be closed by Jean Luc-Godard's 1963 film Contempt. Here are our top five picks to see at the festival. But first, enter the comp for some sweet, sweet tickets. [competition]561842[/competition]
Global ride sharing service Uber have teamed up with the legends at Gelato Messina for a one day only office ice cream delivery service. This Friday July 24, heroic Uber drivers will be dispatched across Australia with ice cold scoops of fudgy, wafery, milk choc chippy goodness. As if you needed another reason to look forward to Friday. Here's how it all works: Step One – Starting at 11am, Uber users can log into the app and enter the promotional code 'IceCreamOz' along with their location. Step Two – There is no step two. Your tub of ice cream is already on its way. The #UberIceCream promotion is being run in Sydney, Parramatta, Wollongong, Byron Bay, Canberra, Melbourne, Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Townsville, Cairns, Hobart, Adelaide, Perth and Bunbury. Existing Uber users will be charged $15 for the transaction, while first time users get their ice cream free of charge. The company has also teased some less conventional delivery methods, including dog sleds and jet skis. This could be very interesting. Messina have even created a new flavour for the occasion, consisting of hazelnut gelato with white chocolate, hazelnut fudge, chocolate chips and cream filled wafers (unfortunately there's no backup option for people with egg or nut allergies.) Uber have actually offered ice cream delivery before, along with a number of other novelty promotions such as gourmet lunches and kittens (the kittens were not for eating, thankfully.) And while their legal status in Australia is still a little murky, as long as they keep pulling clever stunts like this – not to mention just being better than regular cabs in pretty much every way – we get the feeling that they won't be going anywhere.
Nine floors above the bustle of Melbourne's Collins Street is Client Liaison HQ — an office filled to the brim with pastel jackets and patterned shirts that have been sourced from vintage stores around the world. The band — Monte Morgan and Harvey Miller — have just rounded off a string of tours across the country, and they're getting ready to release their first full length album, Diplomatic Immunity. The first video sees the boys cruising along Collins Street in the Client Liaison limousine. When you're in Client Liaison, there is no such thing as a half measure. We've partnered with Heineken 3 and spoken to a few of our favourite musicians, chefs and artists, to get their insight on what it takes to create the perfect summer afternoon. For summer fashion advice, there is no one more stylish to ask than Client Liaison. The prestige in their on-stage costumes carries through into their casual wear — so much so that in November, they're due to launch their own fashion line. The boys invited us into their band wardrobe and picked out three options for summer afternoon outfits. Take note — the next time you're with your friends sipping on a Heineken 3, you might need something to wear. A PASTEL SUIT IS PERFECT FOR A SUMMER GATHERING "The boys are running a little bit late. They're in a big white limousine and they're stuck in traffic", says band stylist Kirsty Barros before we meet the boys. Soon enough, they arrive dressed to kill in polished brown shoes and matching summer suits. These were the product of a recent costume sourcing trip to Bali. Client Liaison's signature peach and 'reef' colour variations are a palette developed from the vibrant bubblegum colours of Technicolor film. In the words of Barros, it's a "seamless blend of pop and prestige". Don't be afraid to show your feminine side, she says. "For a more formal summer soiree, pastels are a subtly unconventional way to subvert an 80s power suit." Wear these classic summer colours in cotton or linen — they offer a good alternative to the dull and predictable black suit you might be forced to bring out in summer. A GENTLEMAN SHOULD NEVER WEAR SHORTS, UNLESS IT'S FOR LEISURE OR SAFARI According to Monte, it's as simple as that. "It's still possible to look classy and respectable in the heat of summer, you just have to choose the right fabrics," he says. "You go to India and everyone's wearing long kaftans and light linens. Covering the skin can keep you cool. When people get into stubby shorts and a singlet — for me, that's too far". Barros adds: "We love a sunburnt country and we chose this print for it's fruity Australiana flavour. It's perfect for a summer sunset." Accessorise with a hat, a prawn cocktail, a dirty martini or a Heineken 3. ATTENTION TO DETAIL IS EVERYTHING For Client Liaison, detail is key. "All of our music is under the scrutiny of at least two sets of eyes. Two people have to love it," Monte explains. "For our clothes and costumes, we have three [Kirsty, their stylist]. "Generally, if it's two against one we'll move on, but if we need to explore something further, we will. It sometimes means that things take a bit longer, but generally it's a good way to finesse." For this outfit the details are in the fabric choice. "Linen is the number one fabric for deep heat and breathability," says Kirsty. "For summer colours, we chose the boldest of electric blue to pack a punch and married it back with flirty pastels in textured 80s cotton meshes and a fresh optical white." INTRODUCING: THE CLIENT LIAISON DESIGNER LINE This summer, Harvey, Monte and Kirsty as co-designer launch the Client Liaison Designer Line pop-up in Melbourne and Sydney. While the band have always designed their own merchandise, they felt the time had come to embark on something a bit more ambitious. The range features Client Liaison's signature peach and 'reef' variations, and keeps to a unisex beach theme, manifesting itself as jumpers, beach robes, t shirts, bumbags, visors and budgie smugglers. For Harvey, it's all about slip, slop, slap. "Sun protection is a big one — it's something everyone should remember. We have a rash vest incorporated into the Designer Line." When choosing a summer outfit, the Client Liaison Designer Line is a good place to start. "It's luxury at the beach," says Monte. "You're totally relaxed but retaining a level of class". Harvey adds: "At the beach you'll need a light bag to chuck your beach towel in, somewhere to store your sunglasses at night. Bring a jumper for the icy cold evening. Dressing for the summer is all about being prepared." Enjoy your summer afternoons with the new low-carb Heineken 3 — we're helping you make the most of them. Client Liaison first album Diplomatic Immunity will be out Friday, November 4 via Dot Dash / Remote Control. Images: Chris Middleton.
Australia has some highly reputable wine regions producing top-notch whites and reds that give their European and American counterparts a run for their money. The Barossa, Hunter Valley, Margaret River — we all know and love these esteemed regions, but what about the lesser-known regions also killing it on the Australian viticulture scene? Unless you're a bona fide wine buff or a local of the region, we're assuming your Australian wine knowledge may not stretch past the ever-popular ones. So, we're here to broaden your knowledge of Australian wine. Here are five alternative wine regions in our fair country — may we suggest you tour them with a juicy red or crisp white (Australian, of course) in hand? From pristine beaches and bountiful wine regions to alpine hideaways and bustling country towns, Australia has a wealth of places to explore at any time of year. We've partnered with Tourism Australia to help you plan your road trips, weekend detours and summer getaways so that when you're ready to hit the road you can Holiday Here This Year. Under current COVID-19 restrictions in Australia, there are some restrictions on where you can go on a holiday. But, you can start dreaming. Bookmark this for when you can explore once again. [caption id="attachment_735941" align="alignnone" width="1920"] David Flanagan via VisitCanberra[/caption] IF YOU LIKE THE HUNTER VALLEY: DISCOVER THE CANBERRA DISTRICT Instead of heading three-ish hours north of Sydney to the historic Hunter Valley, why not use that time to head southeast to Canberra to discover a well-kept secret of award-winning wineries? Not just a region of politicians and government types, the Canberra District is also home to 140 vineyards, boasting a tight group of 40 wineries all within 35 minutes of the capital city. While in the Hunter you find savoury shiraz and dry semillon, in Canberra, wineries present their own take on shiraz by adding some spice — best represented by Clonakilla's shiraz viognier — and deliver dry whites in the form of touted crisp rieslings, like those from Helm Wines. Plus, these ACT wineries expand their offering to several other delicious cool-climate reds and whites including viognier, pinot noir and chardonnay. In early 2020, Samuel Leyshon from Mallaluka Wines was named in Young Gun of Wine's top 50 winemakers, so be sure to add his family-run boutique winery to your hit-list. [caption id="attachment_706722" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] IF YOU LIKE THE YARRA VALLEY: DISCOVER THE KING VALLEY The Yarra Valley is known and loved for its cooler-climate wines, celebrated vineyards and attractive sites that lure many visitors to the area. But off the beaten wine trail, northeast of the Yarra and away from the crowds, you'll find the 'Little Italy' of Australian wine production. King Valley is the epicentre of Italian farming and grape growing in Australia, and the resulting wine varieties, along with the surrounding Italian heritage, make the region a top spot to visit. Sangiovese and prosecco are the key players here, thanks to the strong Italian influence. With all this Italian epicurean culture around, it's incredibly easy to find a delicious meal to pair with these local wines. Take a trip down Prosecco Road and discover bubbles (and great eats) from the likes of Chrismont, with its cellar door and restaurant overlooking rolling vineyards, the famed Brown Brothers and its top-rated restaurant Patricia's Table, and Dal Zotto, run by Otto Dal Zotto, who first introduced prosecco to Australia. [caption id="attachment_617800" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Delinquente Wines[/caption] IF YOU LIKE THE BAROSSA: DISCOVER THE RIVERLAND With the largest collection of old vines in Australia, there's no doubt the prestigious Barossa is up there with the most impressive wine regions. But for those on the hunt for something edgy and truly different, neighbouring Riverland is one to watch. Think of Riverland as the hipster hub of Australian winemaking — it's known for organic drops and challenging those Aussie wine norms. Riverland growers and producers are working to change opinions on the region — it's long been associated with mediocre wines and bulk commercial sales. There's been a shift from your classic cabernet sauvignon, merlot, shiraz and chardonnay to lesser-known varieties, especially those that thrive in Riverland's warmer climate, like Sardinian vermentino, Sicilian nero d'avola and Abruzzan montepulciano. Along with alternative varieties, growers and producers have increased their organic output, quickly transforming the region into the place for organic viticulture. Leading the charge are wineries like small batch, handmade, vegan-friendly Delinquente (whose winemaker Con-Greg Grigoriou also made the Young Gun of Wine 2020 list), Whistling Kite with its award-winning montepulciano and Ricca Terra, which helped establish the Riverland Alternative Wine Group. It's time to jump on the Riverland bandwagon now, so you can say you were drinking its wines before it was cool. [caption id="attachment_617587" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Forest Hill Winery via Tourism Western Australia[/caption] IF YOU LIKE THE MARGARET RIVER: DISCOVER THE GREAT SOUTHERN Founded in the 70s around the same time as neighbouring Margaret River, the Great Southern region has struggled to gain recognition like that of its celebrated sister region. It doesn't help that the region is pretty remote — and that it's massive — but you'd be a fool not to plan an adventure to the Great Southern, dubbed the most ideal wine-growing region in Western Australia. With many pockets of small, revered wineries producing some of the finest WA wines, not to mention visually stunning surrounds in every direction, the region is worth using up your precious annual leave for a proper visit. The Great Southern is so large that it's divided into sub-regions — Albany, Denmark, Frankland River, Mount Barker and Porongurup — with varied terroir allowing for a spectrum of wines. While its nearby sissy mainly grows bordeaux and chardonnay grapes, the Great Southern's repertoire extends to fantastic shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, riesling and a rare full-bodied sauvignon blanc. There's also a young but rich history in the region with the Great Southern vineyard pioneers still shining bright today, including Plantagenet Wines, Alkoomi, Galafrey and Forest Hill, the winery that planted the very first vineyard in the area. [caption id="attachment_769768" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Courabyra Wines via Destination NSW[/caption] IF YOU LIKE TASMANIA: DISCOVER TUMBARUMBA Established only in the early 80s, Tumbarumba's vines are new kids on the block in comparison to Tasmania, a more established and sought-after sparkling wine region. But thanks to its cool climate and pure mountain air, the region produces some standout chardonnays (2016 was a good year) and pinot noirs — the two key grapes for good sparkling wines. Some oenophiles even go as far as drawing comparisons between the NSW region and France's Burgundy and Champagne. So, in case you haven't cottoned on, Tumbarumba is a region for those who love white, and especially those who love bubbles. However, there are still a few reds grabbing some much-deserved attention like Excelsior Peak's pinot noir. And though the fine Tumbarumba grapes are often sold to bigger wineries, there are still some producers keeping things local and opening their own cellar doors at the foot of the Snowy Mountains. Courabyra Wines is a favourite, winning best small cellar door in Gourmet Traveller Wine's 2019 awards. Tumbarumba, with Snowy Mountains peeking in the distance, gurgling streams and picturesque greenery, is a wine lover's fairy tale with crisp days, beautiful sights and remarkable wines. Whether you're planning to travel for a couple of nights or a couple of weeks, Holiday Here This Year and you'll be supporting Australian businesses while you explore the best of our country's diverse landscapes and attractions. Top image: Brown Brothers, King Valley
Sandra Oh taking on co-hosting duties with Andy Samberg and taking home a trophy of her own. Maya Rudolph proposing to Amy Poehler. Olivia Colman proving a worldwide treasure yet again. Christian Bale not only reminding everyone that he's British, but thanking Satan in his acceptance speech. They're just some of the highlights of this year's Golden Globes, and the list only continues. Carol Burnett and Jeff Bridges picked up lifetime achievement awards, and Regina King vowed to only work on productions that achieve gender parity for the next two years. Elsewhere, Willem Dafoe got a flu shot, and Jim Carrey was forced to move from the film to the TV section now that he's made the leap to the small screen in Kidding. That's the ceremony side of proceedings. When it comes to the Globes' winners, plenty of 2018's blockbusters took home awards — Bohemian Rhapsody snagged the big one, Best Motion Picture — Drama, beating out A Star Is Born (which was nonetheless awarded Best Original Song — Motion Picture for the banger 'Shallow'). The forthcoming Green Book also got a movie accolade, and comedies The Marvellous Mrs Maisel and The Kominsky Method won out in the television realm. But now that the Hollywood Foreign Press Association have made anointed their best flicks and shows productions of 2018, we've chosen our top picks of their picks. Some you'll find at the cinema or on your streaming platform of choice right now. Some are coming soon. All of them should be added to your must-watch list. MOVIE MUST-SEES https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fp_i7cnOgbQ ROMA With Roma, Gravity's Alfonso Cuarón makes his most personal effort yet, with this tale of a Mexican housekeeper partly drawn from his own upbringing. That said, the filmmaker's gorgeously shot black-and-white feature doesn't just feel like a window into the 70s neighbourhood where he grew up, or an intimate account of the political reality of the time. Rather, it feels like a personal story for everyone that the world doesn't usually see. One of the best efforts of 2018, this stunner also benefits from a quietly expressive lead performance from Yalitza Aparicio, who puts in her first ever on-screen performance. The empathetic star deserves the same kind of free-flowing acclaim that writer/director/cinematographer Cuarón has been getting — although Cuarón thoroughly deserves his accolades as well. GLOBES Won: Best Motion Picture — Foreign Language, Best Director — Motion Picture (Alfonso Cuarón). Nominated: Best Screenplay — Motion Picture (Alfonso Cuarón). Now streaming on Netflix — read our review here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbfIIGRfRJg SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE "We're in an alternate universe," said writer/producer Phil Lord as he accepted Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse's award. Whichever world we're in, thankfully it includes this enthralling animated feature. Into the Spider-Verse is the perfect antidote for anyone suffering from spider-fatigue — aka a condition we've all been experiencing after seeing three different actors become the web-slinger over the past two decades. With kaleidoscopic visuals that look strikingly cinematic while nodding to Spidey's comic book days, the film doesn't just focus on the antics of Brooklyn high-schooler Miles Morales (voiced by Shameik Moore) after he's bitten by a radioactive arachnid. This smart, heartfelt coming-of-age effort lets audiences enjoy many, many spider-folk, including Peter Porker, Spider-Gwen, Spider-Man Noir, and Peni Parker and her mechanical offsider SP//dr. GLOBES Won: Best Motion Picture — Animated. In cinemas now — read our review here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYb-wkehT1g THE FAVOURITE An awards season favourite, this period drama might've only picked up one gong at the Globes, but it's certain to keep featuring as the BAFTAs and Oscars roll around. It's such a delicious, comedic take on genre that's often anything but those two things — although when The Lobster's Yorgos Lanthimos tries his hand at British regal history, that's probably to be expected. Best actress in a drama recipient Olivia Colman steps into the shoes of real-life English monarch Queen Anne, while Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone also dazzle as the women vying for her attention and affection. In her acceptance speech, Colman made it clear just how much fun she had making the movie, and it shows in every frame of the finished product. GLOBES Won: Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy (Olivia Colman). Nominated: Best Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy, Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture (Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone), Best Screenplay — Motion Picture (Deborah Davis, Tony McNamara). In cinemas now — read our review here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfxerpiKGsk THE WIFE It happens every year. Sometimes it's an actor, sometimes it's someone working behind the lens — but whoever it is, they're not only earning acclaim for their latest great effort, but for their great career in general. Consider it a body of work award or a catch-up trophy, rewarding a talent who hasn't perhaps received the recognition that they've always deserved. In 2019, Glenn Close fits the bill with The Wife, where she plays the woman who's always stood behind her successful author husband. Still, hers truly a fantastic performance and one deserving of glistening accolades, all in a movie that couldn't be more timely thematically. GLOBES Won: Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture — Drama (Glenn Close). Now available on DVD and Google Play. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8qbq6Z6HYk IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK Two years after Moonlight's Oscar win over La La Land, Barry Jenkins returns with another intimate and affecting film. This time around, the supremely talented writer/director adapts James Baldwin's novel If Beale Street Could Talk — and if you've seen the documentary I Am Not Your Negro, which also found its basis in Baldwin's work, then you know you're in for a complex and passionate effort. Narrative-wise, the romantic drama follows couple Tish (KiKi Layne) and Fonny (Stephan James). It's the 70s, and they're expecting their first child when Fonny is falsely accused of rape. As he did with Moonlight, Baldwin excels not only in his emotional and visual storytelling, but in bringing together an exceptional cast, including Globe winner Regina King as Tish's mother. GLOBES Won: Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture (Regina King). Nominated: Best Motion Picture — Drama, Best Screenplay — Motion Picture (Barry Jenkins). In Australian cinemas February 14, New Zealand cinemas March 7. SMALL SCREEN BINGES https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLfLU6-9lxY BODYGUARD There's no shortage of British TV shows about cops, politics and both, but that doesn't mean that they're all alike. In fact, there's nothing standard or routine about this recent addition to the fold. In Bodyguard, Game of Thrones' Richard Madden is a post traumatic stress-afflicted ex-soldier turned police protection officer — and one who's assigned to guard a controversial politician (Keeley Hawes) that he strong disagrees with. As well as proving gripping and tense from start to finish, this six-part psychological thriller shows that newly-minted Globe winner Madden boasts talents far, far beyond attending GoT's infamous Red Wedding. GLOBES Won: Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series — Drama (Richard Madden). Nominated: Best Television Series — Drama. Now streaming on Netflix. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MBjBavIC9U KILLING EVE This year's ceremony belonged to Sandra Oh, and that really shouldn't come as a surprise. Three decades after her first screen appearances, the hard-working actor has turned in the standout performance of her incredibly consistent career in Killing Eve, and she has been duly rewarded for it. Playing the titular MI5 officer, Oh immerses herself in a role that segues from bored spy to determined obsessive as she tracks the path of an alluring international assassin (Jodie Comer). Developed by Fleabag's Phoebe Waller-Bridge based on the Codename Villanelle novellas by Luke Jennings, the end result is a thrillingly twisty espionage effort that never does what you expect. GLOBES Won: Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series — Drama (Sandra Oh). Nominated: Best Television Series — Drama. Now streaming on ABC iView in Australia and TVNZ in New Zealand. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggDTJc470Co A VERY ENGLISH SCANDAL Last time that Hugh Grant and Ben Whishaw worked on the same project, it was in one of the most delightful films of this decade — and in a heartwarming family affair too. Now, the duo have leapt from Paddington 2's charms to a political controversy, or from one extreme to another. The pair take on the roles of British Member of Parliament Jeremy Thorpe and his ex-lover Norman Scott, and if you're unaware of the very English real-life scandal that arose in the late 70s, the details are best discovered by watching. Based on a true-crime novel of the same name, the three-part effort also benefits from excellent writing and direction, the former from Queer as Folk and Doctor Who's Russell T Davies and the latter from High Fidelity and The Queen's Stephen Frears. GLOBES Won: Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (Ben Whishaw). Nominated: Best Television Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television, Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television (Hugh Grant). Screening on Foxtel in Australia. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8T__5EjhYs ESCAPE AT DANNEMORA If you've missed seeing Ben Stiller on your screens of late, that's because he's been busy stepping behind the camera. The actor's directorial credits already include Reality Bites, Tropic Thunder and the Zoolander flicks, but now he's added TV show Escape at Dannemora to his resume. Starring Golden Globe-winner Patricia Arquette alongside Benicio del Toro and Paul Dano, the limited series does what so many crime-focused efforts do, finding its basis in a tale that can only be true. Back in 2015 in upstate New York, two convicted murderers made a daring escape from prison, as assisted by a female employee — and how and why the whole situation came about fuels the program's seven episodes. GLOBES Won: Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television (Patricia Arquette). Nominated: Best Television Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television. Now streaming on Stan in Australia, and screening on SOHO in New Zealand. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s64PUUHD6UQ SHARP OBJECTS When it comes to big names, Sharp Objects has plenty. Amy Adams and Patricia Clarkson star, Big Little Lies' Jean-Marc Vallée directs and the whole project is based on a book by Gone Girl's Gillian Flynn. When it comes to big-impact thrills, this four-part series also ticks all of the boxes. Indeed, the show's main performers are as exceptional as they've both always been — which is no easy feat given both Adams and Clarkson's careers. The former plays a troubled crime reporter chasing a story that takes her back to her home town, while the latter plays her socialite mother. GLOBES Won: Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (Patricia Clarkson). Nominated: Best Television Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television, Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television (Amy Adams). Now streaming on Foxtel Now in Australia, and NEON in New Zealand.
When you're home alone and looking to belt out a few tunes when nobody is watching (we've all been there), the tinny speakers on your laptop simply won't do. Prioritising high quality sound is often relegated to the realms of live music venues and exxy headphones, but fortunately, Sonos is upping the home stereo game. Thanks to their insanely high-quality wireless PLAY:1 smart speakers, audiophiles can crank up the crisp sound quality they deserve — and you can customise the sound in every room in your house. This is some gadget wizardry. Controlled using a free app for iOS, Android, Mac or PC, the compact smart speaker PLAY:1 boasts crystal clear sound and can stream your own music library to any room in your house — including your bathroom, if you so require. Seriously, close your eyes and you'll swear Aqua was performing in your living room. As it happens, we're such big Sonos fans that we threw a beach party with them in Byron Bay this past weekend (using those killer speakers) and we're teaming up with them on a giveaway that music lovers won't want to miss. Enter your details below and you can go in the running to win one of their coveted PLAY:1 speakers, valued at $299. [competition]582397[/competition]
Finally, coveted New York fashion label rag & bone has landed in Australia. Now open in Melbourne's CBD shopping district, The Strand, the US brand has unveiled a characteristically minimalist, 1150 square feet space. Haven't stumbled upon it yet? Take a look. Features include a glass façade and interiors decked out in rag & bone's signature industrial style with exposed ceilings and concrete floors. Endeavouring to become a true Melburnian, the brand has also collaborated with local Australian designers to include unique fixtures in the space, like custom tube pendant lighting, brass shelving and walnut detailing. To complete this highly visually satisfying space, the label will host media installations in-store, kicking off with the SS17 campaign film playing throughout. Among the modern industrial look of the new store, rag & bone's women's ready-to-wear, /JEAN, accessories and footwear collections sit, ready to tempt your wallet with tailored silk shirts, satiny slip dresses, wide-neck and off-the-shoulder knits and plenty of denim. Australia, it's time to inject some New York style into your wardrobes. Find the new rag & bone shop at 320 Elizabeth Street, Shop T21 in The Strand.
As the Pineapple Hotel has been in business since 1864, it's fair to say they know what they're doing, and do it damn well. And while its heritage bones have been retained, the interior has been stylishly refurbed — an old classic with a slick new twist. The Glasshouse beer garden catches the rays, while Helsby Ale House pours independent brews in dapper, gentlemanly surrounds. The Park Bar has 15 beers on tap, lunch specials and an all-day menu including salt and pepper calamari, woodfired pizzas and pub grub, while the 5th Quarter Bar is the old-school beer-and-snacks sports joint. The restaurant, recently revamped, is a proper sit-down steakhouse, with a 400-gram rib on the bone from Kimberley Station and a tender 350-gram Grandchester black Angus from Darling Downs. All steaks are served with fries and your choice of sauce. Other meals include a slow cooked lamb shank and sticky barbecue pork ribs. The Pineapple Hotel is always buzzing, with live music each Saturday and monthly trivia sessions. Bright, cheerful and family friendly — with Gabba proximity — it's a smart-casual setting for a cold one on a warm day, a pre-game lunch or a full night out.
Did you spend your childhood wishing that Jurassic Park wasn't just a movie (or a book that spawned a movie and box office-smashing sequels)? Us too. While that dream is yet to become a reality, Queensland University of Technology has created the next best thing. Welcome... to the digital Dino Zoo. It's exactly what it sounds like: a two-storey installation that lets hyper-realistic, full-sized versions of prehistoric creatures roam wild, with the floor-to-ceiling screens acting like a glass enclosure. It's also much, much more than that. Dino Zoo doesn't just offer the world's first ever opportunity to interact with ten dinosaurs — including the largest flying reptile ever to live, and Australian critters with names like Muttaburrasaurus and Australovenator — but combines video game wizardry with scientific knowledge. What does that mean? Well, these dinos not only look the part, but act it as well. They've been designed to simulate real creatures, with each species vested with artificial intelligence. Watch Stegosaurus and Triceratops make their own decisions about moving, hunting, grazing and resting — and, if you're lucky, recreating parts of your favourite film. We can't promise that you'll be fleeing from a Tyrannosaurus Rex, but we can promise that you can pretend to. With data gleaned from real-life fossils instrumental in the project, Dino Zoo also features a digital dig pit that lets audiences uncover prehistoric bones, an interactive Earth timeline that visualises tectonic plate movement throughout history, and an 'Earth mass extinction simulator' — eek. Basically, it's all the virtual dino fun aficionados could ask for — and everyone loves dinosaurs, after all. Yes, yes they do. Just ask all the folks that flocked to see Jurassic World, which mightn't have been the sequel fans of the original were hoping for, but it still made more than $52 million at the local box office. Find Dino Zoo at QUT's The Cube in the QUT Gardens Point Precinct, George Street, Brisbane until January 27. Check out their website for further information. Image: Erika Fish, QUT.
The 2018 Alliance Française French Film Festival might be one year short of a major milestone, but the Gallic cinema showcase is still celebrating its 29th iteration in style. As always, that means a feast of films is on the agenda at the crowd-drawing and -pleasing annual event — 47 features, two documentaries and one televisions series, in fact. Touring the country from February 27, starting in Sydney before heading to Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Perth, Hobart, Adelaide, Parramatta and Casula, this year's AFFFF will bookend its program with amusement. The festival kicks off with comedy C'est la vie! from The Intouchables duo Éric Toledano and Olivier Nakache, before coming to a close with rom-com 50 Is the New 30. In-between, everything from acclaimed efforts to star-studded dramas to the latest work from master directors will grace cinema screens around Australia, celebrating the best in French film from the past twelve months. Sitting high amongst the highlights are the AIDS activism-focused BPM and the Juliette Binoche-starring Let the Sunshine In, which will both receive a nation-wide run after screening at last year's Melbourne International Film Festival. In the high-profile camp, they're joined by a Marion Cotillard double, with the acclaimed actress featuring in last year's Cannes opening night pick Ismael's Ghosts and comedy Rock'n Roll; romantic drama The Return of the Hero with Mélanie Laurent and The Artist Oscar-winner Jean Dujardin; Isabelle Huppert in coming-of-age effort Reinventing Marvin; and Gael Garcia Bernal in If You Saw His Heart. Or fans of prominent French filmmakers can get their fix courtesy of François Ozon's Double Lover and Xavier Beauvois' The Guardians, marking the latest flicks from the respective directors of Frantz and Of Gods and Men. The Artist's Michel Hazanavicius tackles an icon, turning the life of Jean-Luc Godard into Redoubtable, while Laurent Cantet jumps from 2008 Palme d'Or-winner The Class to thriller The Workshop. Elsewhere, actor-director Mathieu Amalric helms and features in Barbara, about an actress starring in a biopic about a famed chanteuse AFFFF 2018 will also shine a spotlight on queer cinema for the first time, to celebrate marriage equality, and also include its usual selection of family-friendly fare for younger cinephiles. And, for those keen on catching some TV on the big screen, three episodes of Paris, Etc will whisk you away to the French capital, following the lives and loves of Parisian women. The Alliance Française French Film Festival tours Australia from February 27, screening at Sydney's Chauvel Cinema, Palace Norton Street, Palace Verona, Palace Central and Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace from February 27 to March 27; Melbourne's Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, Kino Cinemas and The Astor Theatre from February 28 to March 27; and Brisbane's Palace Barracks and Palace Centro from March 8 to April 4. For more information, visit the festival website.
Trying to stay healthy while eating the food you love can sometimes feel like an exercise in futility. Basically, we want to have our cake, and eat it too, but to also have that cake not ruin any chance at being healthy as blazes. Luckily, the good folk at food delivery service Youfoodz have put together a couple of recipes that offer unexpectedly healthy takes on some of our all time culinary favourites. Say goodbye to the grease-sodden offerings from your local fish and chip shop because, for dinner, they suggest a healthy, homemade alternative, that subs out those deep-fried chippies for baked roast veggie chips and a good-for-you superseed crust instead of batter. Alternatively, if you've got a hectic sweet tooth, they've got the perfect protein packed recipe for blueberry pancakes with a light honey ricotta that looks every bit as good as it sounds. Add some extra berries on top for added antioxidants and deliciousness. Healthy eating ain't so bad after all. Check 'em out and enjoy the spoils. FISH AND CHIPS Ingredients (fish) 120g cod 1tbs almond meal 1tbs slivered almonds 1tbs quinoa 5g chia seeds 5g sesame seeds Lemon wedges Salt Ingredients (chips) 60g sweet potato 60g carrot 60g potato Paprika Ingredients (tartare sauce) 2-3 tbs of your favourite prepared aioli 2 large Gherkins (chopped) 1tbs Capers (chopped) Juice of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon 2tbs fresh dill (chopped) 2tbs continental Parsley (chopped) Method 1) Pre heat oven to 180 degrees. 2) Cut vegetables into chip shapes and sizes and combine with some paprika. Bake in oven until roasted and delicious. 3) Combine almond meal, nuts and seeds and mix well, sprinkle heavily on top of cod and bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked. 4) Add chopped gherkins, capers, dill, lemon juice and zest and parsley to prepared aioli and mix well. 5) Garnish with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of sea salt. BLUEBERRY BAKED PANCAKES AND HONEY RICOTTA Ingredients (pancake mix) 4 eggs 1 cup almond meal Half cup gluten free flour 100g protein powder Lemon zest of 2 lemons 1.5 cups natural yoghurt Quarter cup white sugar 1tsp bi carb soda 1 cup blueberries Ingredients (ricotta and honey mix) Ricotta cheese Honey Method 1) Lightly beat eggs with sugar till combined well. 2) Add almond meal, gluten free flour, protein powder and bi carb soda and mix well. 3) Add yoghurt, blueberries and lemon zest, combine all ingredients and cook in medium hot non stick fry pan till risen and golden. Combine ricotta and honey, spoon over cooked pancakes with additional berries and honey. Want someone else to cook these for you? Youfoodz will bring them right to your door. To view the full menu, head to youfoodz.com.
Thousands of punters attending Splendour in the Grass were left stranded for hours at the North Byron Parklands site on Friday evening, with bus and traffic wait times reaching into the early hours of Saturday morning. After The Strokes wrapped up on the main Amphitheatre stage, the masses flocked to the festival's shuttle buses — only to find almost empty bus bays and unbelievable queues. Oh man. #Splendour bottleneck is absolutely burying the vibe of thousands in one fell swoop. NOT COOL @SITG 😭 — Kira Puru (@kirapuru) July 22, 2016 In a pretty chaotic scene that resembled The Walking Dead, punters were jumping ditches, ducking under fences, pissing in fields and flocking to any maxi-cab (or moving vehicle, for that matter) that passed by. Concrete Playground even saw a woman with a walking frame having to walk the 1.25km from the festival entrance to the festival gate and duck under a fence, waved to do so by a NSW Roads and Maritime traffic controller. By 1-2am, many punters even waved $50 notes at passing cars in the hopes of catching a ride back to town. Traffic was no better, with early leavers waiting up to two hours just to leave the festival site, many returning to Byron Bay by 2-3am. The "line" for the buses at #SITG2016 been waiting for 65mins so far. Poor form #Splendour organisers @secretsounds pic.twitter.com/ojhl33RLmM — BrigFee (@boo_indeed) July 22, 2016 NSW Roads and Maritime officers corralled punters down into darker, less busy parts of the pre-highway road — with little time for compassion for the stranded punters. NSW Police rolled out the riot squad, patrolling with formidable casualness. This is not Splendour's first time at the closing time rodeo — so what the heck went wrong? Using data for non-camping ticketholders versus camping ticketholders should have offered a clue into Friday night's logistical nightmare — there were simply not enough buses for the number of non-staying punters. Here's hoping Saturday's three-hour set from The Cure staggers the leaving times. so we'll wait all damn niiight by the big floodlight towers they have the buses and also the powerrrr #SITG2016 pic.twitter.com/6zQvraIz7N — spicy cinnamon taco (@Caitlin_Welsh) July 22, 2016
Lately we feel like we've been the bearer of bad news when it comes to the fate of festivals, but this time we've got the complete opposite. The cats behind Falls Festival have this morning announced something pretty darn exciting: a brand new three-day festival is coming straight at ya over the Melbourne Cup long weekend. They're calling it The Lost Lands, a name which has enough mystery (and a vague enough reference to Jurassic Park) to have us very intrigued. The three-day camping festival will not only feature heaps of music, but will centre around art, theatre, comedy and outdoor activities as well. It'll be held over the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the October long weekend just outside of Melbourne at Werribee Mansion, the luxe AF mansion and grounds that has played host to So Frenchy So Chic and the late Harvest Festival (RIP). But the real point of difference for The Lost Lands is that it's designed to be hella family friendly. Festival organiser and Falls founder Simon Daly has a family of five, and he recognised the need for a more European style of festival in Australia that not only lets kids attend, but actually involves them in the festival's activities. "The Lost Lands will give parents the chance to reconnect with the festival experience while instilling in kids a love and appreciation of music, arts and adventure," said Daly. "I think there's an appetite for more experiences crafted with parents and kids in mind and it's exciting for the industry." The festival will be focused around "shared experiences" that can be enjoyed by everyone — be that parents, kids, friends, and anyone who rocks up — and it looks set to incorporate so many activities, such as bushwalks, bike rides and even day trips to the Werribee Open Range Zoo. They're also offering a range of workshops to expand the mind (such as cooking and songwriting) or lengthen the legs (like circus play and yoga). Um, sign us up for everything. A photo posted by The Lost Lands (@lostlandsfest) on May 26, 2016 at 1:05am PDT But just because there's kids around doesn't mean that the menu is limited to chicken nuggets and juice boxes. The Lost Lands is promising a huge range of festival eats and drinks, including a curated range of Mummy and Daddy drinks such as craft beer, wine, organic spirits and even an on-site distillery. All this will be happening with a backdrop of classic Italianate-style architecture amongst the sprawling formal mansion gardens (designed by W.R. Guilfoyle, the man behind the Royal Botanic Gardens) and a chill but fun musical line-up. Expect to be swaying along to The Waifs, Harts, The Grates, Ozomatli, Missy Higgins, CW Stoneking, Architecture in Helsinki, The Bamboos with Tim Rogers, Mariachi El Bronx, Tash Sultana, Olympia, Ali Barter, The Little Stevies, Pounded By The Surf, The Royal Jellies, Nicky Bonba, Ainslie Wills, and Alex Lahey. As it's a three-day, two-night festival, camping (and glamping) will be available, but with Melbourne only half an hour away by car or train, it's not a necessity like most festivals. However, if you want to feel like Marie Antoinette for a weekend, you can even rent accommodation in the actual mansion and live like damn kings. It may be dark and gloomy right now, but we cannot wait for festival season to return. The Lost Lands will run from October 28-30 at Werribee Mansion. Tickets will go on sale on Thursday, June 2 from thelostlands.com.au.
Christmas shopping needn't be a chore. It's your chance to think about a person you care about, think about what element you and only you bring to their lives, mix it all up, and then pop a bow on that beautiful creation. Or, at the very least, make sure it's a good scented candle. Need some inspiration to start you off? Here's a leg up from the Concrete Playground team. It's only the products we've been eyeing off all year. These are the gifts we'd want under our tree, and to leave under others'. For the style savants A maximally minimal watch from The Horse No one does a wrist-dwarfing yet understated watch quite like The Horse. Japanese quartz movement meets gently grainy Italian leather at their Sydney studio, resulting in 12 highly Instagrammable timepieces. $129 from www.thehorse.com.au. Karen Walker's bold gold sunnies To mark ten unconventional years in the eyewear game, NZ designer Karen Walker has released the 'Celebrate' collection, entirely done in gold. This is for loved ones comfortable taking risks on their faces. NZ$399 at www.karenwalkereyewear.com. A reworked vintage Eames chair It's the kind of chair you get and then keep for life, and few do them better than Cast + Crew, who keep the classic shell and upholstery and add new custom legs in neon colours. From $395 at castandcrew.bigcartel.com/products (only some products ship to Australia). This completely perfect water bottle Ignore the gushy high-fashion crap all over the BKR website; these are just the best water bottles, period. They feel good to hold, they feel good to drink from, they're dishwashable and (since they're made of glass with a silicon sleeve) BPA free. US$30 at www.mybkr.com. The Lucy Folk 'Aphrodisiac' necklace It's a pearl. In its natural home. Much harmony, so wow. $750-$850 at lucyfolk.com/shop/. A custom wood keyboard by Oree For the design nerd who has it all: wooden tech. This portable wireless keyboard is made from single piece of wood (maple, walnut or wild cherry), and is customisable down to the key font. £150 from oreeartisans.com. For the food fiends The tiny woodfired pizza oven Yes, this is a legitimate option available to you. Tiny oven, full-size woodfired pizza. Just imagine the camping trip. The Uuni 2 oven is $399 from au.uuni.net. The Thug Kitchen cookbook If only all health food advocates were this sweary. We might be well detoxed by now. The Thug Kitchen cookbook is the perfect gift for friends, lovers, relatives, anyone in the MA15+ bracket. $23.95 at booktopia.com.au. Eau de Vie's small batch cocktails The only acceptable premix to put under someone's tree, from the cocktail masters at Sydney and Melbourne's Eau de Vie. $15 each from www.experimentalspiritsco.com.au. Cornersmith Hamper Hampers can be old hat, but not when they're full of goodies from Sydney's home of pickling, baking and cheese making. If you get the Workshop Wonder hamper, which comes with a class voucher, your giftee can learn to make the whole lot themselves. $40-195 at www.cornersmith.com.au. For the culture munchers The beautiful hardcover Wes Anderson Collection Film critic Matt Zoller Seitz dissects Anderson's aesthetic and idiosyncratic characters over 335 whimsical pages. If you think your giftee already has this one, there are 54 pages of lovingly made Wes Anderson tchotchkes on Etsy. $38.25 at www.booktopia.com.au. A dancing baby Groot Marvel is finally officially licensing these babies — the possible best thing from their possible best movie, Guardians of the Galaxy. The dancing baby Groot boogies in its pot while Jackson 5's 'I Want You Back' plays from the speaker. Stockists are as yet unknown, but Mashable says they'll be on shelves by Christmas. Tickets to one wild outdoor concert The new bookers at Taronga and Melbourne Zoos are magicians; they've got the likes of Bright Eyes' soul-searching dreamboat Conor Oberst, twee monarchs Belle and Sebastian and the one and only Rufus Wainwright playing their summer Twilight series. Tickets from $69 at twilightattaronga.org.au and www.zoo.org.au/melbourne/twilights. This portable speaker that looks like a big iPhone Portable speakers are almost as ubiquitous as soy candles this time of year, but the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A2 speaker stands out for its omnidirectional sound, 24-hour battery life and crazy-good looks. For the fidelity geek $479 at www.beoplay.com. Sydney Festival tickets If your giftee is in Sydney, give them the gift of a dazzlingly cultured January. We've rounded up some of our favourite and most giftable shows over here. From $29 at www.sydneyfestival.org.au. For the sun junkies This meta picnic blanket The seagulls are dive-bombing for your chips forever on this genius 'Mine Mine' picnic blanket. Trust Gorman. $99 at www.gormanshop.com.au A very clever beach bag Beach bags full of stray sand are just a summer reality, right? Wrong. The Shake Tote has a little flap that opens out to ditch those little grains, easy. US$29.99 from www.quirky.com. This semi-sensible rash vest Safety up top, party down the bottom with this cute rashie from new swimwear brand Neon Cactus. Octopus print and maroon are a sincerely underrated combo. $145 from www.neoncactus.com.au. These thongs with built-in bottle opener Look, this isn't the handsomest shoe, even among that dubious category know as 'mandals'. But that moment when your giftee takes off their thong and uses it to open a beer? That will make it all worth it. $69.99 at www.reef.com/au The Phantom 2 camera drone Twenty years ago, a camcorder was a cool thing to take on holiday. Now it's this: a rugged little quadcopter designed for videography whose flight path you can precisely program from your iPad. US$959 at store.dji.com For the stocking Underwater Puppies: The Book Is your giftee the Grinch? Because only the Grinch would fail to enjoy 128 pages of underwater puppy photos. Everyone else: loves them, loves you, loves everything forevermore. $23.95 from www.booktopia.com.au. The Sunscreen Flask Suddenly that extended family gathering is looking a lot more survivable, thanks to this innocuous-looking flask. US$16.99 at www.thisiswhyimbroke.com. The World's Largest Gummi Bear 24cm and 2kg of pure gummi, this is the perfect gift for that friend in your life (rightly) bemoaning the new reduced size of Killer Pythons. US$29.95 from giantgummybears.com. A mould to turn hard-boiled eggs into tiny skulls Who doesn't need this in their life? There's also one for giftees who prefer their eggs sunny side up. US$9.99 at www.amazon.com. Super Soakers Give someone in your life the gift of a very Leo DiCaprio summer by sticking a Nerf Super Soaker in their stocking. Hint to self: make sure you have one of your own to fire back at them. From $7.99 at www.toysrus.com.au.
Prepare yourself for a serious case of food envy. After months of hype and speculation surrounding the menu, Noma Australia is officially open for business, and it looks totally out of this world. Popping up for a ten-week residency at Sydney Harbour's new Barangaroo precinct, Noma Australia sees head chef Rene Redzepi and his world-renowned team working exclusively with local ingredients. The menu includes Kakadu plum, pepperberry, wattleseed and kangaroo, along with a vast assortment of Australian seafood. "On my many trips around Australia I’ve seen a larder that is so foreign to me," says Redzepi. "Foraging for abalone, eating fresh muntries, nibbling on pepperberries and cracking open a bunya nut — these experiences are so wild compared to what we're used to in Europe." Redzepi has also been influenced by local cooking techniques. "Spending time with indigenous communities in places like Arnhem Land have left the biggest impact on me and the Noma team," he said. "For instance, seeing the use of fire as the main way of cooking ingredients inspired us. Most of what we’re cooking at Noma Australia will be cooked over fire." Standout dishes on the Noma Australia menu include dried scallop and lantana flower pie, abalone schnitzel with bush condiments, a seafood platter of pippies, sea bounty mussels, strawberry clam, flame cockles, oysters and crocodile fat, and — the icing on the cake — a lamington made with rum, dried milk and tamarind. Oof. [caption id="attachment_557122" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Wild seasonal berries flavoured with gubinge[/caption] [caption id="attachment_557123" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Unripe macadamia and spanner crab[/caption] [caption id="attachment_557124" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Rum lamington[/caption] Now for the bad news: bookings for Noma Australia have long been snapped up, despite costing a whopping $485 a head. Still, we can dream. Noma Australia will be serving lunch and dinner at the Barangaroo pop-up until April 2. If you're optimistic, you can put your name on the waiting list at noma.dk/australia. Images: Jason Loucas
These days it seems like just about anywhere can be a cinema. Rooftop viewing is all the rage, drive-ins are popping up all over the place, and even local bars is getting in on the action. But that's only the beginning. Come April in Brisbane, film buffs will be getting locked up for their movie fix. No, going to the movies isn't being outlawed. Instead, cult film guru Kristian Fletcher has put together yet another must-attend event. This time, he's hosting a brand new movie night at Boggo Road Gaol. With a "when in Rome" attitude, Fletcher's regular program will serve up prison films in a prison setting – because flicks about roaming free in wide open spaces really wouldn't work, would they? First cab off the rank is The Great Escape on April 29, followed by 80's classic Brubaker and the Coen brothers' Miller's Crossing. And if you're wondering why we haven't mentioned The Shawshank Redemption yet, don't worry. Of course it will also grace Boggo Road's big screen. Each movie will start at 7:30pm, although anyone after more than just a film is encouraged to arrive an hour earlier. That way you can take an ex-prisoner tour, browse the markets, and peruse the jail art show. Our tip: BYO Rita Hayworth poster if you think you might want to tunnel out of there during the evening. Prison Movie Nights at Boggo Road Gaol kick off on April 29. Tickets will be $15 per film, or $35 for a film and tour combo. For more information keep your eyes on the Boggo Road Gaol website.
Australian cinephiles, meet the cure to your yearly bout of Sundance and SXSW envy. Palace Cinemas has announced a brand new film festival dedicated to the American indie scene — i.e. the closest you can get to heading to Park City, Utah or Austin, Texas without actually heading overseas. Debuting in May 2016, and running two-week-long seasons in Palace's Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra venues, Essential Independents: American Cinema, Now will showcase the past, present and future of US independent filmmaking. In a dedicated screen event, audiences will be treated to a snapshot of current creative directions in America, as well as an exploration of their impact throughout international cinema. Accordingly, expect new features, documentaries and shorts, retrospectives on important figures from both behind and in front of the camera, talks and masterclasses, and a few special guests, too. Basically, in a program overseen by former Australian Centre for the Moving Image Head of Film Programs and current Revelation Perth International Film Festival director Richard Sowada, expect American indie heaven in Australian movie theatres. Considering the wealth of talent that has emerged from the US indie realm — think Inherent Vice's Paul Thomas Anderson, Boyhood's Richard Linklater, Mistress America's Noah Baumbach, Selma's Ava DuVernay, Night Moves' Kelly Reichardt and Sleeping With Other People's Leslye Headland, just to name a few — there are plenty of reasons to be excited about an annual trip through the kinds of flicks that don't always make it to local screens outside of Sydney and Melbourne's major film fests. Indeed, while there seems to be an Australian festival dedicated to every other culture, style and theme, until now non-Hollywood US productions have proven an overlooked niche. Essential Independents: American Cinema, Now will tour Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra in May 2016. For more information, keep an eye on the Palace Cinemas website.
The clocks have ticked forward, and we all know what that means: the outdoor cinema season is almost here. Movie lovers in Brisbane are spoiled for choice when it comes to openair screens — and from the looks of things that doesn't appear to be changing any time soon. Following on from Moonlight Cinema's announcement of their 2016/17 program, Sunset Cinema is the city's latest pop-up picture house — and we can't wait to check it out. Sunset ran outdoor cinemas in North Sydney, Canberra and Wollongong last year, but this is their first Queensland venture. Located at the Mt Coo-tha Botanic Gardens, Sunset Cinema kicks off on Friday, March 17, before running Wednesdays through Saturdays until April 15. The program skews towards more recent films including Captain Fantastic, The Magnificent Seven, Bridget Jones's Baby and The Girl on the Train, although they have squeezed one retro title in there: Dirty Dancing. They've also put together a top-notch food and beverage offering, in order to keep your stomach from grumbling during the film. They'll set up a snack bar and the site will have a fully licensed bar, serving 4 Pines craft beers and MadFish wines. For more information about Sunset Cinema, including the full program, visit sunsetcinema.com.au/brisbane.
Swap your own four walls for some of Brisbane's most famous places: for a few days each year, that's what Brisbane Open House offers. Taking architecture fans, folks keen to explore another side of Brisbane and just anyone who likes to peek behind closed doors on behind-the-scenes tours of the city, the event notched up ten years back in 2019. Now, it's returning in 2022 for the first time since hitting that milestone, and expanding its showcase of Brissie's buildings, structures and precincts across two big weekends. If you've always liked to peer beyond the surface, then this is the event for you — because seeing past Brisbane's famous facades, and even stepping through nooks and crannies that aren't usually open to the public, is on the agenda here. After a couple of years spent at home more often than not, Brisbane Open House might just feel particularly enticing when it hosts its first-ever Villages of Brisbane day on Sunday, August 21, then holds its main two-day program across Saturday, August 27–Sunday, August 28. If you're keen on the first part, it's taking over Sandgate with a lineup of talks and walking tours. Attendees will hear about the history of the seaside spot, and also obviously go for a wander through its heritage-listed buildings. Among the places getting in on the action: Full Moon Hotel, Sacred Heart Church, Shorncliffe Railway Station, Sandgate Museum and Sandgate Town Hall. Over the main part of the fest, there's a focus on precincts — a new initiative for this year's Brisbane Open House. Fish Lane in South Brisbane is in the spotlight, which means making the most of the arts precinct that stretches through to South Bank, covering everything from museums and galleries through to restaurants and boutiques. Elsewhere, you can make a date with a hefty range of locations, and see them like you've never seen them before. In the CBD, that includes Anzac Square, Brisbane City Hall, Museum of Brisbane, Howard Smith Wharves, Parliament House, Queensland University of Technology, Roma Street Fire Station and Roma Street Parkland. Hitting up the Spring Hill heritage tours, which include the Old Windmill and service reservoirs, is always popular. Other sites welcoming folks in include performance venues such as the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Woolloongabba's revamped Princess Theatre, The Tivoli and The Fortitude Music Hall. And, depending on what kinds of spaces you're interested in taking a gander at, the Cathedral of St Stephen, Brisbane Cruise Ship Terminal, Fort Lytton, Government House and Masonic Memorial Centre are also on the list. So are the Port of Brisbane, Southbank Parklands, State Library of Queensland, Shingle Inn, The University of Queensland, Victoria Park, Wolston Farmhouse and Wivenhoe Dam, too. In total, around 40 venues are taking part — some letting you mosey at your own leisure, others hosting guided tours. Brisbane Open House's Villages of Brisbane program takes place on Sunday, August 21, with the full Brisbane Open House program then running across Saturday, August 27–Sunday, August 28 at a variety of places around Brisbane. For the full program, head to brisbaneopenhouse.com.au. Top images: Walter Taylor Bridget by Jake Churches, Port of Brisbane by Kim Williams, Government House Fernberg and Old Windmill Tower by Paul Knie.
Everyone's dreamed of walking on water, and not only has Bulgarian-American artist Christo Vladimirov Javacheff made that a reality — he's made it look insanely beautiful as well. After 50 years of planning, Christo's The Floating Piers this week opened to the public at Lake Iseo in the north of Italy. And boy does it look incredible. A photo posted by ottaviadrago (@ottaviadrago) on Jun 22, 2016 at 11:00am PDT The floating pier creates a three-kilometre water walkway from the village of Sulzano to the small island of Monte Isola on the lake. Over 220,000 polyethylene cubes have been used to create a floating dock, which moves with the small waves and gives visitors the feeling of walking on water. Sort of like those mats you'd try and walk on in swimming lessons, but more, y'know, secure. To top is all off, the walkway is covered in 100,000 square metres of shimmering saffron fabric. "Those who experience The Floating Piers will feel like they are walking on water — or perhaps the back of a whale," said Christo on his website. "The light and water will transform the bright yellow fabric to shades of red and gold throughout the sixteen days." The Floating Piers were first conceived by Christo and his late wife Jeanne-Claude back in 1970. Realised almost 50 years later, the project cost around $22 million — all of which has been funded by Christo himself. It's totally free for the public to visit, 24 hours a day, until it wraps up on July 3. If you're in Italy in the next two weeks, consider this a vigorous nudge. But for everyone else, here's some of the epic Instagrams that have been taken in the last few days. A photo posted by Simona Maculotti (@simona_maculotti) on Jun 22, 2016 at 2:30pm PDT A photo posted by Carlo D'Andrea (@c_a_rlo) on Jun 22, 2016 at 11:05am PDT A photo posted by The Floating Piers (@floatingpiers) on Jun 22, 2016 at 1:50am PDT A photo posted by Marta sangalli (@marta_sangalli) on Jun 22, 2016 at 12:12pm PDT A photo posted by The Floating Piers (@floatingpiers) on Jun 17, 2016 at 4:43am PDT A photo posted by The Floating Piers (@floatingpiers) on Jun 18, 2016 at 2:15am PDT Top image: The Floating Piers via Instagram.
Whiskey fiends of Brisbane, it's time to add another spot to your citywide bar crawl. Blind Tiger is about to open its doors in Bulimba, not only gifting the riverside suburb with the quaint and quirky speakeasy-style establishment it has always needed, but also treating liquor fans to their favourite beverage thanks to its focus on amber-coloured spirits. Of course, the finest distilled, fermented grain mash-derived alcoholic tipples from around the world aren't the only thing on the Oxford Street dive bar's drinks menu — although there'll be plenty on offer in keeping with the Prohibition theme, don't worry. Its sugarcane-focused counterpart, aka rum, will also feature. So will six taps pouring out tasty, foamy beer, plus a range of boilermakers and a cocktail menu. That's not bad for a tiny space that you could easily fill with two dozen of your closest friends — and with Brisbane bartender Jesse Stowers helping Blind Tiger come up with their complete beverage list, and owner Robert Harding also behind neighbouring men's-only grooming palace The Moustachery Barbery, there's certain to be plenty more goodness in store. For those after a bite to eat with their refreshments, that includes cheeseboards, charcuterie plates, nachos and sliders, all served up amidst an eccentric, antiques-meets-log cabin-style of decor. Find Blind Tiger at 1b/204 Oxford Street, Bulimba from April 29, or check out their Facebook page for more information.
For more than a decade, French cuisine-loving Brisbanites have been making a beeline to Paddington for soufflés, steak frites and Friday night five-course degustations. Come November, however, inner-west mainstay Montrachet will be moving its Gallic gastronomy to the other side of town. Au revoir, Given Terrace, bonjour Bowen Hills' King Street. It's a case of onwards and upwards for the award-winning restaurant, which will not only set up shop in bigger digs, but will also add another venture to the mix. Located on the corner of King and Machinery streets, Montrachet's new 240-square-metre site will offer twice as many seats as its current location — great news for anyone who's tried to score a table at the always-popular bistro — as well as a cellar and an all-day takeaway patisserie. Indulgent diners will find the likes of double baked soufflé with crab meat and gruyere cheese, seafood bouillabaisse and Grand Marnier brulee still on offer for sit-down meals, while those keen on a lunchtime baguette or pastry can take the goods away. As you'd expect, the daytime patisserie also promises a packed cabinet filled with lunch options and French desserts alike. The move marks the latest change for Montrachet, after current owners Shannon Kellam and Clare Wallace came on board back in 2015. It's also the latest joint to head to Brisbane's fast-filling new food precinct, alongside the likes of Sushi & Nori, Il Verde, Super Combo, The Lamb Shop, The Pine Kitchen and Banoi. Find Montrachet's new digs at King Street, Bowen Hills from November. In the interim, find the restaurant at 224 Given Terrace, Paddington. Head to their website and Facebook page for further information.
What a slam dunk of year it's been for Bastille. The British four-piece have spent 2014 touring internationally, and casually celebrated a Brit Award win for British Breakthrough Act off the back of their UK #1 album, Bad Blood. Not too shabby. Singles 'Of The Night' and 'Pompeii' both reached #2 spots on the UK charts, and they’ve been working relentlessly on their second album to be released in 2015. Before we get to wrap our ears around their highly anticipated second effort, Bastille have released their third mixtape VS. (Other People's Heartache, Pt. III), featuring latest single 'Torn Apart'. The lads already visited Australia this year in June, and will be returning for Sydney's Field Day on New Year's Day. We managed to get hold of bassist Will Farquarson, and had a chat about the new album, the art of battling your friends and his unrelenting desire to go shark diving. The Second Album is Going to Sound REALLY Different Bastille’s first album, Bad Blood, is certainly going to be a tough act to follow, but the lads have seized the opportunity to do things very differently second time around. Firstly, there will be guitars in the new album. This sounds like an anticlimax, but guitars actually don't feature at all on Bad Blood. "On the first album, we got halfway through and realised we haven't really used any guitars. It became a little bit of a challenge to finish the record without putting any guitar on,” says Farquarson. "On this new one there’s loads of guitar stuff, which is cool because I play guitar, so it felt like a bit of a promotion. I get to stand on things and do solos at gigs which is all I ever really wanted to do." Despite the introduction of lead guitar, Bastille are conscious of not going too far in one direction; instead working to create a sound that mixes many different genres. "We didn’t want to suddenly sound like a guitar band, so we started to more electro, R&B and hip hop influences coming through. I think there will be quite a broad mix of musical styles," explains Farquarson. Any idea when it might be released? "We’re looking at the [European] summer, but these things can often take longer, so probably more like September. If it's not out by the end of the year we've done something horribly wrong, so hopefully it will come out!" We’ll keep our fingers crossed for. Mixtapes, Ryan Gosling and Side Projects Keep Things Fresh While recording original Bastille material, the band also brewed up a cheeky couple of mixtapes: Other People's Heartache and Other People's Heartache, Pt. 2. They've just released VS. (Other People's Heartache, Pt. III), but before you can accuse these lads of procrastinating the real album game, Farquarson is quick to point out that the mixtapes are not so much a distraction but more of a creative side project. "It gives us a chance to move away from the Bastille sound and the restrictions of having the band identity. It’s a Bastille project but it’s a collaborative thing. It’s not distracting but it’s a nice break." Another creative side project that they recently took part in was a rescoring of the Ryan Gosling-tastic film Drive, orchestrated by BBC Radio 1 DJ, Zane Lowe. "It was really nice to be asked to do that. It was quite interesting because we've not really set music to a film before, and it's quite different to just writing a song, says Farquarson. "We were in the studio and had the Drive scene playing, and we were trying to get a bit of a mood going. Working within the confines of a preexisting visual was an interesting challenge." Other prominent musicians also featured in the rescoring include Foals, Banks, SBTRKT, Jon Hopkins and CHVRCHES. They Enjoy Sporadically Battling Their Friends VS. (Other People's Heartache, Pt. III) will feature much collaboration and head-to-heads with Bastille's buds. "We don’t have any collaborations on Bad Blood or the second album," says Farquarson, explaining the mixtape offered up a great chance to explore new territory and test the waters of other genres. When Farquarson was asked who he particularly enjoyed working with, it was pretty clear he had difficulty choosing a favourite. "I personally was quite excited to work with Skunk Anansie because I'm from a generation that listened to that sort of music. Haim were wicked, we love them a lot. Angel Haze is a crazy rapper chick, and there's also Rag N Bone Man (who's also on the song with Skunk Anansie), who’s going to blow up really big and is a friend of ours. It's nice to get all your friends down." Previous mixtapes have included songs such as 'Of The Night' (a mash up of Corona's 'Rhythm Of The Night' and Snap!'s 'Rhythm Is A Dancer') as well as covers such as City High's ‘What Would You Do?' and reinterpretations ('No Angels' is TLC versus The xx). Interestingly, these songs are not exactly amongst the band's all time favourite tunes. "The idea behind them was to do songs that were not necessarily songs we particularly loved, but were just in our consciousness a lot," says Farquarson. "It's also kind of funny to choose songs that perhaps you wouldn't expect us to cover. Instead of picking a similar genre, we pick something completely different." They've Played Some Pretty Weird (and Somewhat Ancient) Venues Being in an internationally acclaimed indie band, you're bound to perform in some pretty whimsically novelty locations. Around the time their colossal single 'Pompeii' was released, the British Museum were curating an exhibition called Life and Death: Pompeii and Herculaneum. "I made a joke that we should play there because of the collection, and then they actually phoned us up, which was a bit strange, and we got the curator of the exhibition to give us a private viewing of it two days before it opened, which was amazing," says Farquarson. Bastille performed their hit single for the opening of the exhibition in front of an audience of press and leading archaeological figures. "We got to play our song 'Pompeii', we stood in a reconstruction of one of the rooms from the town of Pompeii which was slightly surreal." Funnily enough, the boys were asked to play at a French museum just a short while later. "For a bit it started to become a thing that we were the band that played in museums," chuckles Farquarson. They've Got a Soft Spot for Dangerous Creatures International touring this year saw Bastille performing to massive crowds over the Northern Hemisphere summer, including Glastonbury and huge shows in South Africa. Despite doing three 15,000 capacity shows in South Africa earlier this year, the highlight for Farquarson was going on safari. "We all got to meet baby lions. Holding a baby lion is the highlight of my life,” Farquarson enthuses. When they arrive in Australia for Field Day they also have similar animal adventures in mind. "I want to go shark diving. We went skydiving last time we were in Australia, and it seems like the most Australian thing we can do. Either that or have a barbecue,” he says. Sadly their New Year's resolutions don't include any more baby animal holding. "My New Year's resolution last year was to have more fun and drink more, maybe I should take that one back. I don't really go for New Year's resolutions, but I hope to release the second album, so maybe that can be it. Bastille are playing Sydney's Field Day in the Domain on January 1. More info right this way.
Deck the halls and unpack the plastic tree — the festive season is well and truly upon us. And while that whole Christmas tradition stuff is nice, we're not going to deny what we're most excited about: a whole stocking-load of new films. Along with the cricket and stampeding through shopping centres, going to the movies is one of our favourite Boxing Day traditions. After all, what better place to recover from your post-Christmas food coma than in a nice, dark, air-conditioned cinema? Of course, not all of the end-of-year titles measure up. That's why we're reporting in with our annual Boxing Day Battle Royale, to ensure that you get maximum bang for your Kris Kringle gift voucher buck. Or you could just go see the new Star Wars movie for the third time. That's also a totally valid option. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rgO_TyyOoU CALL ME BY YOUR NAME We give it: 5 stars It's easy to fall in love with Call Me By Your Name on sight. Full of the kind of sumptuous visuals that director Luca Guadagnino (A Bigger Splash) is known for, the '80s-set effort proves a gorgeous piece of filmmaking from its opening frames. That said, it's the movie's sun-dappled dalliance that will really make you swoon, as Guadagnino follows the blossoming romance between 17-year-old Elio (Timothee Chalamet) and grad student Oliver (Armie Hammer) over the course of a sweltering Italian summer. A seductive and sensual queer romance, and a pitch-perfect account of yearning and desire — one that features an emotionally intricate turn from Chalamet in particular — Call Me By Your Name is the film that stories about first love will be judged against for many years to come. – Sarah Ward https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNCz4mQzfEI COCO We give it: 4 stars It's with vibrant detail that Coco bursts onto cinema screens. A tale of following your heart while honouring your family, Pixar's latest effort is both a colourful sight to behold and an exuberant journey; a film exploding with dazzling visual and emotional fireworks. Within frames heaving with intricacy, there's never a dull moment as the movie sashays from modern-day Mexico to the Land of the Dead during the country's Dîa de los Muertos celebrations. Often it's the little things that stand out, from the grain of the many flowers never far from view, to the weathered skeleton bones that literally dance through the streets, to the melancholy look on an old woman's face. – Sarah Ward https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QKg5SZ_35I JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE We give it: 3.5 stars Updating itself, quite literally, for more modern times, the new Jumanji sees the board game from the original film transform itself into a mid-90s video game cartridge. Fast-forward 20 years and, in a clear nod to The Breakfast Club, the game is discovered in a storeroom by four motley teens during high-school detention, who soon find themselves sucked in to the perilous jungle. But there's a twist: they're now in the bodies of the game character they chose. Each of the main cast members plays impressively against type: Dwyane Johnson as the allergy-afflicted nerd, Kevin Hart as the jock cut down to size, Karen Gillan as the introverted loner and – most amusingly – Jack Black as the vacuous popular girl. The laughs are frequent, coming mostly from the body-swap setup, but also from the tongue-in-cheek references to point and click video games. – Tom Glasson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fN46DCFr2Y0 JUST TO BE SURE We give it: 3 stars As a comedy, Just to Be Sure doesn't always hit the mark. As an insightful look at life, love and family, however, the French film proves both thoughtful and charming. In her third feature, writer-director Carine Tardieu explores the story of widower Erwan (François Damiens) and his pregnant 23-year-old daughter Juliette (Alice de Lencquesaing) — plus the man he has always called dad (Guy Marchand), the man who might be his biological father (André Wilms) and the attractive doctor (Cécile De France) that links them both. With great performances all round, the movie is at its best when it's getting to the heart of the various characters' emotional reactions, rather than trying to find laughs. – Sarah Ward https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_YnYrLfjxA BREATHE We give it: 2.5 stars Based on the exploits of polio sufferer Robin Cavendish, Breathe comes to the screen with the best of intentions. Indeed, Cavendish's son produced the film, showing just how personal this true tale is. Sadly, celebrating his father's fortitude and crafting a rousing movie aren't one and the same, despite the fact that many of the right tools are there. As Cavendish, Andrew Garfield (sporting his natural accent) flits between frustration and determination, while Claire Foy gives a moving performance as the dependable wife by his side. The production also boasts thoroughly handsome cinematography that captures its '50s, '60s and '70s setting. And yet the directorial debut of motion-capture actor Andy Serkis (The Lord of the Rings, War for the Planet of the Apes) ultimately proves heavy on sentiment but light on emotional impact. – Sarah Ward https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCrBICYM0yM DOWNSIZING We give it: 2.5 stars It's a great concept: to help save the planet, humanity gets shrunk down to size. But the unmistakably odd Downsizing isn't just an eco-friendly, statement-making update of Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, even if it comes with a few ace sight gags. While director Alexander Payne has long been fascinated with ordinary guys struggling with their lot in life — think Sideways, The Descendants and Nebraska — the theme doesn't quite work in this ambitious but messy sci-fi-esque comedy. The film isn't helped by Matt Damon rolling out his usual everyman routine, though other cast members fare better. Christoph Waltz is considerably more jovial than usual, and Hong Chau turns a thinly written, stereotypical character into something more memorable. – Sarah Ward https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXCTMGYUg9A THE GREATEST SHOWMAN We give it: 2 stars If Hugh Jackman's mega-watt smile and Zac Efron getting musical out of high school can't save The Greatest Showman, then nothing can. Turning the life of 19th-century American circus whiz P.T. Barnum into a family-friendly musical, the film prefers easy sentiment over anything more than the most obvious of themes and the simplest, flimsiest of narratives. The flat, uninvolving pop songs scattered throughout don't help or demonstrate any depth, and neither does their music video-like staging by first-time Australian director Michael Gracey. There might be warm intentions behind this broad, unsubtle underdog story about dreamers and outsiders, but they're lost in a movie that resorts to painting a critic as the villain — as if to pre-emptively scold anyone who isn't enamoured with its empty spectacle. – Sarah Ward
Australia's creative industry is about to get pretty damn employed — the new Alien and Thor movies will be filmed in Australia. Announced by the Federal Government in a press conference broadcast on ABC News 24 today, the films will start filming in 2016. The Australian government is fronting $47 million so the two films can be made in the country. "What it means is 3000 direct jobs for Australians," said senator Mitch Fifield. "This helps develop skills, skills that couldn't be developed on smaller budget productions." When briefing the cabinet, Senator Fifield apparently got pretty excited about the fact that Prometheus had a character called Fifield, until ol' mate industry and innovation minister Christopher Pyne piped up, "He died." Sir Ridley Scott's new Alien film and Marvel's new Thor film will start filming in 2016. We're pretty sure the casts of both movies will be advised to leave their dogs at home. Via SMH.
Chef Matt Stone wants to you to make a bar out of your own backyard. Really. Melbourne's young gun head chef of Victoria's Oakridge winery, Stone made his industry name as head chef of Joost Bakker's Greenhouse, Silo and Brothl, then as the culinary brains behind IconPark's Sydney pop-up Stanley Street Merchants and a MasterChef regular. At his core, Stone's a stickler for ethical and sustainable cooking, so he's just released his first cookbook The Natural Cook to help fuel some of that philosophy in everyday Aussie kitchens. The (extremely well photographed) cookbook's brimming with recipes meant to make you rethink food, bring you back to basics, try traditional techniques, adopt new sustainable cooking habits and make the best of the bounty of native ingredients Australia's got going on (one of the most sustainable ways Australians can cook). Of course, the book champions Stone's infamous 'zero-waste' philosophy, whether you're making yoghurt, pickling things or making a Bloody Mary. We've taken a couple of recipes out of of Stone's book, to show you how easy it is to incorporate native Australian ingredients into your everyday — well, into your cocktails in particular. Here's a little humdinger of a recipe for a Bloody Mary using native Australian spices — a truly homegrown breakfast of champions. Once you've crafted this gem, try making Stone's ant-rimmed Aussie South Side too (recipe over here). NATIVE SPICED BLOODY MARY "For a fresh kick, you can also add finely chopped veggies such as tomato, cucumber, celery and chilli. Hangover be gone!" INGREDIENTS Serves one ice 3 dried bush tomatoes 60 ml (2 fl oz/¼ cup) vodka 15 ml (½ fl oz) lemon juice 6 dashes of Worcestershire sauce 5 dashes of Tabasco sauce (or other hot sauce) 2 large pinches of ground pepperberry, plus extra to garnish 2 large pinches of Australian Seven Spice (recipe below) (see page 211), plus extra to garnish 1 pinch of pink salt, plus extra to garnish 125 ml (4 fl oz/½ cup) tomato juice celery stalk or cucumber slice, to garnish Fill a serving glass with ice and let it stand. Muddle the bush tomatoes, and any other vegetables you feel like, in your cocktail shaker. Add all the other ingredients except the garnishes to the shaker and fill with ice. Slowly 'roll' your shaker end over end to mix and chill the ingredients without frothing things. Taste-test with a straw and add additional Tabasco if you'd like it spicier. Discard the ice from the serving glass and replace with fresh ice. Single-strain the liquid into the serving glass. Add the celery stalk or cucumber slice and finish with a pinch of salt, pepperberry and Australian seven spice. Note: Online bush food specialists offer a variety of Aussie fruits, herbs and spices, including bush tomatoes and pepperberries. HOW TO MAKE MATT STONE'S AUSTRALIAN SEVEN SPICE This is my version of Chinese five spice and it's perfect on barbecued meats, vegetables and fried bugs. If you don't feel like eating bugs with your beer then perhaps try it rubbed into barbecued chicken wings or slow-cooked beef ribs. The individual spices can vary due to season, availability and personal taste, so think of this as a rough guide. Use double the amount of mountain pepper if you like your spice mixes hot. 1 tablespoon ground bush tomato 1 tablespoon ground lemon myrtle 1 tablespoon ground wattleseed 1 tablespoon ground pepper leaf 1½ tablespoons ground mountain pepperberries 2 teaspoons ground aniseed myrtle 1 tablespoon ground mangrove myrtle Note: While most of the Australian ingredients used in this book can be substituted with something non-native, this is the one recipe I urge you to stick to (otherwise it will become 'mostly Australian seven spice'). Mix all ingredients. Store in an airtight container or jar. Recipe and image from The Natural Cook by Matt Stone (Murdoch Books). Photography by Mark Roper RRP $39.99 available now in all good bookstores and online.
The National Gallery of Victoria has revealed what will be on its agenda at the tail-end of this year, this evening announcing its summer centrepiece in the world premiere of Between Two Worlds | Escher X Nendo. Much like the NGV's 2016's Andy Warhol | Ai Weiwei show, the blockbuster exhibition will celebrate two very different creators: Dutch artist M.C. Escher and Japanese design studio Nendo. It will be the first to unite the two, bringing them together in an assembly of immersive art and design. More than 160 different prints and drawings created by Escher during his career that ran from 1916 to 1969 will be shown, the first time the Dutch artist has had a major exhibition in Australia. Optical illusion being what he is known best for, and the images on display will be drawn from the world's largest collection of his work at the Gemeentemuseum in The Hague. In tandem, Nendo will create an environment to house the works, taking inspiration from Escher to manipulate geometry and space to warp perception. This'll create a fully immersive experience in which to be boggled by Escher's works. It doesn't stop there for the upcoming season, though — the NGV's spring/summer is bursting with art shaped fruit ready for you to pick.Australian artist Polly Borland will also be celebrated via a display of her works of recent times at the Ian Potter Centre. Borland is a locally born, LA-dwelling photographer notable for her photos of well-known figures like Queen Elizabeth II and Nick Cave. Gravitating lately more towards surrealism in her photography and producing disquieting and abstract images, both recent and new works of Borland's will be shown. This'll run from September 28 until February 3. Also on the lineup is an exclusive showing of British artist Julian Opie's mixed media works. To be set in the NGV's gallery and gardens, the exhibition was created specifically to fill these spaces and will incorporate sculpture, video, and art specifically for the children's gallery. Try Hito Steyeri's landmark video installation Factory of the Sun, about workers in a motion capture studio whose actions are used to create artificial sunshine, becoming a metaphor for the way digital screens use and emit light. Or take a bite out of Willian Wegman's work — a man whose Weimaraner dog became his artistic muse, William Wegman: Being Human highlights the artist's versatility across different artistic methods and mediums. And don't forget Designing Women, a 40 year highlight of the role of female designers in shaping the culture and fabric of the design world. Drawing from the NGV's permanent collection, over 50 significant works will be showcased, icons by name and affect, and united by gender. This summer's Triennial was the most visited exhibition in the NGV's 157 years, and this exhibition is sure to get similar numbers through the St Kilda Road doors. Start planning your art viewing now. Between Two Worlds | Escher X Nendo will run at NGV International, Melbourne from December 2, 2018 until April 7, 2019. For more info, visit ngv.vic.gov.au. Image: 'Day and Night', M.C. Escher, © The M.C. Escher Company, The Netherlands.
Whether he's behind or in front of the camera, making his own version of Nosferatu or documentaries about volcanologists, popping up in Parks and Recreation or playing a villain in a Jack Reacher movie, there's no one in the film industry like Werner Herzog. His voice is famous, including get a use in family-friendly animation not once but twice. His work as a director is thoroughly inimitable. He's one of Germany's cinema greats — and Australia's 2024 German Film Festival is recognising him as such. This year's touring event, which has dates with Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Byron Bay between Tuesday, May 7–Wednesday, June 5, boasts a Werner Herzog retrospective on its just-announced full lineup. A documentary about him is on the bill, so get excited to see Werner Herzog: Radical Dreamer on the big screen. Also set to flicker through the projectors: Aguirre, The Wrath of God, about searching for El Dorado; Fitzcarraldo, which focuses on trying to move a steamship over a Peruvian mountain; and Nosferatu the Vampyre, featuring Klaus Kinski, as with the aforementioned two titles, but this time as Dracula. There's also Heart of Glass, which gets experimental in a Bavarian village — and The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024. Clearly, the German Film Festival has the past on its mind with its latest program. That also comes through in a second way, by marking 70 years of German Films, the organisation tasked with promoting the country's movies beyond Germany. As part of that retrospective, the Oscar-nominated Jacob the Liar, Oscar-winning documentary Serengeti Shall Not Die, Rainer Werner Fassbinder's iconic The Marriage of Maria Braun and unforgettable recent standout Toni Erdmann will all play the fest. So will Trace of Stones and Yesterday Girl, both from 1966 — the first from East Germany, the second from West Germany. Looking backwards isn't the only thing on the agenda, however. As it usually does, the event will bring some of the best German and Austrian movies that premiered at this year's Berlin International Film Festival to Australia. 2024's fest spans six such titles, starting with opening night's World War II-set From Hilde, With Love, which follows a young woman in the anti-Nazi resistance movement. From there, centrepiece choice Foreign Language features the always-exceptional Nina Hoss (Tár) in a tale about a friendship playing out through letters, while closing night's Treasure stars Lena Dunham (Sharp Stick) and Stephen Fry (The Morning Show). Plus, Andrea Gets a Divorce brings tragicomedy to the program, Scorched Earth gives the lineup a crime thriller and Every You Every Me is a social-realist drama. Elsewhere, highlights come via One for the Road, complete with a dive into Berlin's nightlife, then a switch to attempting to get sober; the Leipzig-set Dark Satellites, which tells of three love stories; Lubo, the latest must-see starring Franz Rogowski (Passages); Blind at Heart, which takes the leap from the page to the screen; and Not a Word, joining the ranks of recent films — such as Tár — to feature a conductor as a key character. And, as always, the Kino for Kids section returns with movies for younger viewers, making heading to the fest a family affair. A comedy about teen sisters who love skateboarding, an adaptation of the novel The Flying Classroom and Lassie — A New Adventure are all on that part of the bill. German Film Festival 2024 Dates: Tuesday, May 7–Wednesday, May 29 — Palace Electric, Canberra Wednesday, May 8–Wednesday, May 29 — Palace Norton Street, Chauvel Cinema, Palace Central, Palace Moore Park, Sydney Thursday, May 9–Wednesday, May 29 — Palace James St, Palace Barracks, Brisbane Friday, May 10–Wednesday, May 29 — Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, The Kino, The Astor Theatre, Pentridge Cinema and Palace Penny Lane, Melbourne Wednesday, May 15–Wednesday, June 5 — Palace Nova Eastend Cinemas, Palace Nova Prospect Cinemas, Adelaide Thursday, May 16–Wednesday, June 5 — Luna Leederville, Luna on SX & Palace Raine Square, Perth Thursday, May 16–Wednesday, June 5 — Palace Byron Bay, Byron Bay The 2024 German Film Festival tours Australia from throughout May and June. For more information, visit the festival website.
May 5 isn't just May 5 — it's Cinco de Mayo. That's when the spotlight shines on Mexico; however, despite beliefs to the contrary, it isn't the country's Independence Day. Instead, the celebration marks the nation's 1862 victory against French forces in the Battle of Puebla. Back then, the day was declared a holiday. These days, the occasion is actually a bigger deal in the US. That said, it's still a great chance to appreciate Mexico's culture and heritage. There are plenty of ways to do this, although we suggest taking the traditional path: a party. So just how do you throw your own Cinco de Mayo gathering? What should you eat, drink and listen to? Follow our guide, and you'll be having a fiesta in no time. AVOID STEREOTYPES Starting on a serious note, Cinco de Mayo should celebrate Mexican culture, not stereotype it. Avoid the easy route when it comes to theming — so that means no sombreros, no fake moustaches and no Day of the Dead (which actually happens in October, so the timing doesn't work anyway). In fact, just discourage people from dressing up altogether. You'll be more likely to avoid accidental cultural appropriation. Focusing on the colours of the Mexican flag is one good option, with splashes of green, white and red certain to look festive. Or, you could champion the country's creative talents. Frida Kahlo deserves many parties in her honour, with her paintings considered iconic for good reason. Mexican cinema is among the world's best (think: Del Toro, Inarritu, Cuaron, Rodriguez), so if you have screens or projections going, look to these guys. Or just bring a splash of summer to your bash — grey, late-autumn Australia will thank you. FIND YOUR HERO FOOD This might be the easiest part of the party-planning process, but you don't just want the food to be good — you also want it to be authentic. That means tacos made with corn tortillas, chorizo, guacamole, salsa, onions and coriander, and quesadillas filled with stringy Oaxaca cheese. Put your focus into the central component of the dish and no one will notice if you go with store-bought stuff for the rest. A good option is always to take your cue from Neil Perry — his chicken (or pork) adobo for tacos sings with chipotle, honey and vinegar. You might also have time to try making your own churros for dessert. Yum. You can also get your guests in on the action (and take the heat off yourself) by asking them to bring their own homemade guacamole or salsa. Add a competitive element, and call it a guac off. The chef behind the best wins bragging rights, and everyone else wins by getting to eat it. Just stock up on corn chips beforehand, because there's going to be plenty of dipping to do. THREE DRINKS TO COVER ALL BASES When it comes to Mexican beer, it's an easy choice. Chill some Coronas in as big a bucket as you can find, and make sure you have plenty of extra lime slices lying around for people to pop in the tops. If you want something stronger, it wouldn't be Cinco de Mayo without margaritas making an appearance. Just combine 2 parts tequila to 1 part Cointreau (or another triple sec) and 1 part freshly squeezed lime juice. Choose a silver tequila, and look for the words '100% agave' on the label. That means it's the real stuff. Pour over or blend with ice, but don't forget the glass rimmed with salt. For a non-alcoholic option, agua fresca is your beverage of choice. It couldn't be easier to make or tastier to drink. Watermelon is a popular flavour, and all you need to do is blend cubes of the fruit then mix it with the juice of four limes, three quarters of a cup of castor sugar and a cup of mint leaves. Stir, stand for an hour, strain and top up with sparkling water. GO TO CONTEMPORARY MEXICO WITH YOUR PLAYLIST A party isn't a party without a soundtrack to match the occasion. Here you have multiple options, but we're only going to recommend two. Acoustic guitar fans need look no further than Rodrigo y Gabriela (fans of nuevo flamenco, rock and heavy metal too). The duo's sound is certainly diverse, which isn't surprising given that they mix traditional Mexican music with European influences over their five studio albums and three live records. For a more unpredictable playlist, there's always Spotify. Any one of their hundreds of Mexican playlists will spit you out a party-ready concoction of mariachi music, contemporary Latin songs and questionable Ricky Martin numbers. HIT THINGS WITH STICKS There's one party staple that never gets old, even as you get older. That'd be the piñata, something that the Spanish brought to Mexico, and also links in with Mayan culture. You know how it works: you wear a blindfold, swing a stick and try to break open a suspended, decorated container filled with goodies. That's the fun part — but making your own is just as fun, too. Papier mache away using newspaper scraps and a paste made from equal parts flour and water, plus a tablespoon of salt. Balloons work well as a sturdy base, as you might remember from primary school. Once everything has dried, decorate it with paint and crepe paper, and then stuff it full of goodies. Lollies are fine, but you might want something a bit more age-appropriate. We were thinking mini bottles of tequila or hot sauce, individually packaged T2 teabags, discs of pour-over hot chocolate, playing cards or obscure Mexican lollies — or a combination of the lot. Top image: Dollar Photo Club.
After a year full of lockdowns and restrictions, travelling around Australia is finally possible again. Now, the bumper-to-bumper summer season of the country's top galleries is within reach to out-of-town art lovers too. We've pulled together a taster of major exhibitions that span both new and recognisable art and will encourage reflection on this crazy year. Each state is offering something unique, from an expansive all-women artist exhibition in Canberra to shows revealing the diversity of contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art from across the country. Join us in celebrating culture and open borders with an Australian summer full of art, performance, community talks and tours.
The man who conquered Melbourne’s laneways has set his eyes on the sky. Co-creator of Laneway Festival and the man behind Thousand Pound Bend, Ponyfish Island and Sister Bella, Jerome Borazio will stake his claim to a prime piece of high-altitude Melbourne real estate, with an upscale camping ground on the Melbourne Central roof set to open on May 20. "I was literally just looking at the building, and I had this idea," Borazio tells us. "I’ve worked with Melbourne Central on and off on projects for five or six years now, and I know they’ve been trying to activate it, so I knew the space was available. But I wasn’t just going to put another pop-up restaurant or pop-up bar up there." Christening the project St. Jerome’s – The Hotel, Borazio promises "five-star intelligent design" and "high level personalised service" to go along with panoramic views of the Melbourne skyline. The accommodation consists of 30 canvas bell tents, with a combination of standard 'rooms' and suites. There's the 'Luxe' (a four-metre Homecamp bell tent) and 'Luxe Plus' (five-metre Homecamp bell tent, with mini-bar, electric blankets and heating) option to pick from, both fitted out with pretty stunning bed linen from Linen House's latest collection — and they'll provide you with one of their fluffy white robes too. Guests will have access to a range of amenities including 24-hour concierge service, free wi-fi, a guest-only communal lawn area, complimentary breakfast hampers, morning coffee by Plantation, goodies from the Swisse Body Care range and free Tai Chi and meditation sessions every morning. The St. Jerome’s – The Hotel General Store will be stocked up with everything from postcards to bed socks, amenities to Laurent Perrier Champagne, Victorian wines from Treasury Estate to Melbourne-based Fire Drum Vodka (yeah, not your average camping ground kiosk). The five-star trappings also mean a five-star bill, and Borazio says prices would start from around $330. That puts it about in line with other high-end CBD accommodation, but a tad more expensive than just pitching a tent in your own backyard. But this is a pretty unique stay in a significantly epic setting. The Melbourne Central rooftop has seen sporadic use over the years, and was recently home to a pop-up tennis court during last year’s Australian Open. The space is expected to open for business on May 20, and Borazio remains undeterred by Melbourne’s notorious winter weather. "We actually think it’s quite romantic," he says. "You’ll be in the tent, hearing the rain on the canvas. It's a pretty unique experience." St Jerome’s – The Hotel currently intends to occupy the space for a limited time only. St. Jerome's — The Hotel opens on May 20. Stay glued to their Facebook page for more updates.
Whether you're heading to the cinema with friends or curling up on the couch with your significant other, a night watching movies remains a fantastic source of entertainment, enjoyment and escapism. Sitting in the dark, switching your mind away from your regular worries and slipping into another world — if you're catching the right flick, few things can top it. Cinema-wise, 2018 has thrown up plenty of films that tick all of the above boxes — and now we're just past the halfway mark, it's time to look back. Maybe you missed one of this year's hits when it was in theatres. Perhaps it's still showing and you haven't made it yet. Or, there could be a few gems that just slipped your attention. Of course, there's always the ace movies you saw, loved and want to see again. Whichever category fits, here's 12 films from 2018 that you you need to catch up on. Head to the cinema and grab a choc top or organise your streaming queue and cook up some popcorn, as we've sorted out your viewing for the near future. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQH3jqetJoY THE SHAPE OF WATER What our critic said: A sea of perfectly assembled elements, The Shape of Water truly feels like a film that no one else could have made. Working from a script co-written with Vanessa Taylor (Divergent), director Guillermo del Toro is operating at the top of his game, and his fingerprints can be seen in every exquisitely detailed image. Read the full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKbjnLpxv70 FACES PLACES What our critic said: If everyone looked at strangers in the same way as French New Wave icon Agnes Varda (Cléo from 5 to 7, Vagabond), the world would be a much kinder place. Roaming through small yet lively villages, Varda makes new memories while reminiscing about older ones — about love, work, times passed, friends lost and past moments immortalised in earlier photos. Read the full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCYB28iknIM PHANTOM THREAD What our critic said: Every textile metaphor you can think of applies to Phantom Thread. It's a film that's carefully woven from the fabric of human urges, teeming with hidden layers and positively bursting at the seams with emotional detail. It's also one made by the finest possible craftspeople, with Anderson and his three stars fashioning the cinematic equivalent of haute couture. Read the full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzgTHyEv5Ng LADY BIRD What our critic said: As impressive a list of plaudits as Lady Bird has amassed, they pale in comparison to the movie itself. While it can seem like high school coming-of-age films are more common than actual high schoolers, Greta Gerwig gets everything right with her entry into the genre. Read the full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJHex4ZitgA A FANTASTIC WOMAN What our critic said: It can't be overstated how wonderful it is to see transgender representation on the big screen (no offence Eddie Redmayne, but this is how it should be). Vega's performance as Marina feels authentic, in no small part because it is authentic. Every movement, every delivery is subtle, considered and real. Read the full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNtLIcyjsnI GAME NIGHT What our critic said: At its best, Game Night is laugh out loud funny, subverting some classic comedy tropes and delivering scores of killer one-liners. It's probably one of the better Hollywood black comedies we've seen in the last few years, and ultimately entertains enough to justify the price of admission. Read the full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqy27Bk0Vw0 A QUIET PLACE What our critic said: John Krasinski's stripped-back use of sound reflects his entire approach, crafting a masterfully sparse movie from start to finish — and a downright masterful one too. Forget questions about why the monsters are there and where everyone else is: they couldn't matter less in this taut, fast-paced thriller, and they shouldn't even cross your mind. Read the full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9iVra2kdD4 TULLY What our critic said: Tully's motherhood scenario inspires rich performances from a particularly raw Charlize Theron and a suitably sparkling Mackenzie Davis — the former committed to conveying the hardships of maternity in all of its unglamorous glory, the latter calm and kind as Tully brings Marlo back from the brink of desperation. Read the full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4_79dnJeNU BPM (BEATS PER MINUTE) What our critic said: Set to a soundtrack that flits from electronic beats to sorrowful piano, to the pleading chants of ACT UP taking to the streets, what emerges is a movie that's both intimate and expansive. Just as BPM's first scenes leave a definite imprint, so does the cumulative effect of its 143 minutes, weaving personal tales into a sprawling snapshot of a real-life movement. Read the full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3__y-uPwbe8 HEREDITARY What our critic said: Ari Aster plagues the movie's protagonists with weird occurrences, including strange words etched into walls, odd flashes of light, upsetting strangers and alarming seances. He is making a horror film, after all. But more than that, the writer-director doubles down on tragedy, stretches the characters' emotional limits and heightens their psychological strain, Read the full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEnRNIvEKu8 UPGRADE What our critic said: Bone-crunching, blood-splattered revenge is a dish best-served with an AI sidekick in Upgrade. Although the concept might sound more tired than wired on paper, it makes for a sharp, sleek and savage wander into genre territory. Read the full review. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6o5WPcCgT0 FOXTROT What our critic said: Foxtrot asks the audience to stare at its main cast harder than most films; to feel their aching hearts, to dive into their despairing minds, and to experience their unshakeable sorrow. Writer-director Samuel Maoz doesn't just call upon his actors to attract attention, though, but ensures that every meticulous shot reflects the characters' internal states. Read the full review.
It has been almost a decade since Petrie Terrace's former gaol-turned-barracks was transformed into a retail, restaurant and cinema complex — and it just keeps evolving. There's always seems to be somewhere new to eat here, with Nativo Kitchen and Wine Bar the latest addition to the precinct, bringing Tuscan-style food and dining to Paddington. With NKB Group running the show, Nativo joins their alliterative stable of culinary haunts, which also includes Nickel Kitchen and Bar in Fortitude Valley and NKB Express in Indooroopilly. It's a case of one door closing and another one opening for the company, however. Their other Indro joint, Nantucket Kitchen and Bar, is set to shut on May 14. But back to all things new, shiny and delicious. Nativo plays up the rustic-style atmosphere the Barracks has in spades, turning the former French Twist site into a little Italy, complete with exposed brick, a cosy courtyard and a mural of the Italian countryside. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, the menu keeps the same vibe flowing, favouring classic, regional dishes. Start the day with a Nativo breakfast board, which features Parma ham, dried tomatoes, basil pesto, smashed avocado, sourdough and marinated eggplant, or get fresh and fruity with fresh strawberry and basil salad, whipped ricotta, fresh honeycomb and vincotto. The lunch and dinner selection ranges from crisp fried baby calamari with squid ink aioli and house-made rabbit and pistachio terrine for starters, a choice of ten pizzas and five pastas, plus mains such as osso bucco, pan-roasted duck breast and three types of scallopini. For dessert, opt for more old favourites, with gelato, affogatos and tiramisu on offer. And as for the drinks list, Italian wines — including nine rather pricey varieties labelled 'collector wines' — lead the charge, as well as a hefty array of grappa (of course), and trusty tipples such as Bellinis, Americanos, Negronis and Milano martinis among the cocktail choices. Nativo Kitchen & Wine Bar is now open at 61 Petrie Terrace, Paddington. For more information, check out their website and Facebook page.
Perhaps Peter Pan was onto something. The famous literary character didn't want to grow up — and, once you've become an adult, it's hard not to agree with him. Alas, flying through the air and cavorting with pirates isn't a reality for anyone, well, real, but it's easy to pretend otherwise. Brisbane boasts a hefty array of activities that'll unleash your inner kidult, bouncing around, taking a few boozy swings and playing giant board games included. HIT A FEW BALLS AT HOLEY MOLEY Brisbane's mini-golf bar sure happened upon one hell of an appropriate name. Just try not to exclaim "Holey moley!" several times while you're there. It's impossible, unless you're a big ol' boring grown-up. You heard us. Putting your way around a former church — and through courses that glow in the dark, are filled with creepy clowns, take a swing at Twister and feature a nine-iron throne the entire Stark and Lannister clans would be envious of — will incite that reaction. Cap it all off with a drink at the Caddyshack Bar, where Long Island Iced Tees and Happy Gilmoreo cocktails await. MASH BUTTONS AT NETHERWORLD It's a simple idea, but a good one. Whenever you come across an arcade or pinball game in a bar, lumped into a corner somewhere, it's always popular — so why not fill an entire pub full of them? Turning a space that has housed plenty of seedy watering holes into a gaming mecca, Netherworld doesn't just want you to pump tokens into machines, with video game consoles and board games on offer too. If you're after the same retro fun without the booze, head to Morningside's 1Up instead. TAKE MARIO KART INTO REAL LIFE AT SLIDEWAYS Think Mario Kart's Rainbow Road is hard? It is — but, so is sliding around a real-life multi-coloured space at Slideways. Don't worry, it's also fun as well, courtesy of a 425-metre, two-level indoor track, complete with a bridge, tunnel and loop of the carpark. It's the best kind of car-related activity Eagle Farm has to offer. No, getting stuck in traffic on Kingsford Smith Drive doesn't count. JUMP AROUND AT SKYZONE Is there anything as simplistically enjoyable as jumping up and down? There's a reason countless musicians instruct you to do so. Skyzone at Macgregor will help you bounce until your heart's content — on huge trampolines, between huge trampolines, off of walls, into pits of foam, while shooting hoops and while dodging balls. And when you're done hopping around, you can also take in a game of laser tag in a massive three-storey arena. Indoor rock climbing is also in the works, making Skyzone a one-stop kidulting bonanza. GET ZAPPY AT LASERFORCE Speaking of running around wielding flashing pretend weapons, Laserforce is a Brisbane mainstay. Most folks would have ventured to the Woolloongabba centre as a kid — if you didn't hold a birthday party there, you went to someone else's. Still running after 29 years (yep, that'll make you feel old), it still offers all of the fun you knew and loved, plus a few new attractions. Walk through a glowing portal into the time vortex, pretend you're in an action movie as you crawl under laser beams, or just run, hide and blast away. GET YOUR SKATES ON AT STAFFORD SKATE CENTRE Another place that time seems to have forgotten, but you shouldn't. Stepping inside Stafford Skate Centre will make you feel like you've gone back to the '80s; if the decor doesn't do the trick, then the soundtrack will. But, that's all okay. Rolling onto the rink, clutching the wall trying not to fall over or imagining that you're in Whip It are all timeless activities. If you'd prefer to bust out your best Blades of Glory impression, you can get icy instead at Iceworld at Acacia Ridge and Boondall. PAINT AND SIP WINE AT CORK AND CHROMA Lurking inside all of us is an artist waiting to emerge and smash out a masterpiece worthy of GOMA. For some of us, however, that creative side needs a bit of encouragement. That's where painting with a glass of Pinot in your hand comes in, with Cork and Chroma taking an activity you mightn't have dabbled in since high school and adding alcohol to the mix. You bring the bottle, they'll provide all of the necessary art supplies. Themed evenings include everything from pineapples, surf shacks and Brisbane itself to Frida Kahlo, Vincent van Gogh and Ziggy Stardust. GET SLEUTHING AT ESCAPE HUNT Six rooms. Three games. Only one way to work your way through each — or is there? Puzzling over mysteries and plotting your escape from a locked space is what's on offer at the aptly named Escape Hunt. Can you discover who killed a jockey, find explosives at Government House or locate stolen jewellery? Of course you can! Round up your best pals and find out (and, likely learn plenty about your friends' problem-solving skills, too). In a nice touch, each of the experiences is Brisbane-themed. GET SOME BOARD GAME ACTION Good news, fans of rolling dice, moving counters and shuffling cards — if that's your idea of a kidulting great time, this is the town for it. As well as the aforementioned Netherworld, Brisbane has plenty of places just waiting to make your board game-playing dreams come true. Here's five to start with, and Paddington also has a dedicated space, Club Sosay. Or, head to Woolly Mammoth to not only get your giant-size jenga on. [caption id="attachment_623917" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Riverlife, Kevin O'Matta.[/caption] HIT THE WATER AT RIVERLIFE You can't miss the massive body of water snaking its way through Brisbane, and nor should you. Sure, the powers that be keep building bridges and tunnels to bypass it, however, thanks to Kangaroo Point's Riverlife, it's a great place for some splashy fun. In fact, with the city lacking in water parks since Amazons was torn down back in 2001, it's one of the only places offering something other than just taking a dip. Hire a kayak for an evening paddle, or give standup paddleboarding a try, all with killer views of the CBD.
Kween Yonce is about to tower over Melbourne. A skyscraper inspired by Beyonce’s fierce aesthetics in the 'Ghost' video clip is set to be built near Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station. Although 'Beyonce' is not yet a recognised religion (give it time), the 76-storey tower will pay homage to the mother of us all by mimicking her monochromatic twists and turns in 'Ghost'. The 13012 Premier Tower will house retail space and hotel rooms as well as apartments and creates those curves with an innovative vertical cantilever system designed to make Beyonce fans weep (and effectively redistribute mass and stabilise the building but whatever). The tower has been designed by the architectural firm Elenberg Fraser, who have a monopoly on the chic apartment market; they're responsible for 42 percent of the apartments under construction in Melbourne right now and we're stoked they're Beyonce fans too (can we please have a 'Crazy In Love' apartment block next?). It may just be a marketing strategy but if so, boy do they have our number. We would love to live inside Beyonce. And we can even discern some graceful and svelte curves in the initial renderings of the 13012 Premier Tower. It’s a case of art mimicking life and who better to mimic than the Kween herself. Bow down bitches. Via The Guardian. Images: Elenberg Fraser.
Those who were mad fans of Bill Cunningham, or watched and loved the 2010 documentary Bill Cunningham: New York (that Venn diagram is probably a single circle), would be unsurprised to hear that the legendary fashion photographer was still shooting less than a month before his death last Saturday. Cunningham's tenacity and single-minded focus, along with his modesty and warmth were just some of the things that made the street style photographer such a joy to watch. As a reporter and historian of fashion he displayed an extraordinary depth of understanding of his subject. It's a little dismaying therefore to discover that finding photos taken by Bill Cunningham is harder than you might expect. Trawl the usual channels (Google, Tumblr, Pinterest) and inevitably nearly every image will contain a telltale flash of blue — the French workman's jacket that Cunningham made his now-iconic uniform. Though I can't blame anyone for wanting to swoon over Cunningham himself, it seems fitting to honour the reluctant celebrity by turning our attention back to his work — if nothing else, there's no doubt that's what he would have preferred. [caption id="attachment_578295" align="alignnone" width="1280"] William J. Cunningham, Facades, Penguin Books, 1978.[/caption] NEW YORK IS ITS OWN STAGE Cunningham's muse, friend and co-star Editta Sherman poses in full Edwardian get-up in this shot from Cunningham's 1978 book Facades. Many of the photographs from the book depict authentic period costumes (which Cunningham himself had collected) placed against a backdrop of iconic New York architecture. The photos are contemplation on a city that, perhaps more than any other, has made progress and modernity into an aesthetic. Though Cunningham is better known for his (generally) unstaged street photography, this photo of the Lady Bracknell-esque Sherman includes elements of the photographer's sense of humour which are familiar. Note the advertisement hanging on the graffitied subway car above Sherman: "A woman of good taste". [caption id="attachment_578296" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Bill Cunningham, Vogue, (Conde Nast, March 1974).[/caption] AMERICAN FASHION "OOZES VITALITY" If you're interested in 20th century fashion history then don't walk, RUN to watch this 2014 interview in which Cunningham describes "the most exciting fashion show" of his life. Cunningham is momentarily reduced to tears as he recalls details of the 1973 'Battle of Versailles' fashion show, in which French and American designers were pitted against one another. The two nations' designers represented two different fashion ideologies, and Cunningham wasn't shy about naming his victor. In the Chicago Tribune, he wrote that the Yanks "devastated" their French counterparts, with their "uncluttered American taste oozing vitality". Halston was among the American contingent who showed at Versailles, and though this 1974 photograph by Cunningham displays the more overt, embellished glam of the coming decade, one can still recognise in the dress' cut the kind of simplicity of design that Cunningham was still championing 40 years later. [caption id="attachment_578297" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Bill Cunningham, 'Make Your Own Art: On the Street', New York Times (OCT. 31, 2014)[/caption] FASHION NEEDS EXPERIMENTATION TO AVOID SIMPLY BEING COMMERCE So here's a fun fact: Bill Cunningham literally invented the application of the word 'deconstructionism' to fashion (Bonnie English, Japanese Fashion Designers: The Work and Influence of Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto and Rei Kawakubo, Berg, 15 Aug. 2013 , p.170). It is a rare thing indeed to encounter someone with so fierce, varied and long-lasting an appetite for fashion. In a 1989 video interview, Cunningham described how he first recognised parallels between the early 1980s designs of Rei Kawakubo, and the clothes worn by New York's homeless women. His tone is not uncritical as he makes this extraordinary observation, but you can also detect his exhilaration as he goes on to make a further link to the proportions of medieval European dress. More recently in his 'On The Street' video series for the New York Times, Cunningham showed his continued fascination with the avant-garde by comparing the red of mainstream fashion to Kawakubo's "blood and roses". He concluded: "Fashion as we know it today is absolutely commerce. Very little artistic expression. Lots of it is very beautiful and women look wonderful in it. There's nothing wrong with that! But you have to have this wild experimentation." [caption id="attachment_578300" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Bill Cunningham, 'Dashing', New York Times (February 24, 2012).[/caption] COLOUR IS POWERFUL AND DEMANDS YOUR RESPECT Many of Cunningham's most enticing collage spreads for the New York Times were based around a colour theme. Cunningham sensitivity to and appreciation of colour was something else. In 1965, the New York Times reported on a presentation given by Cunningham at Carnegie Recital Hall (the same building in which he lived and from which he was evicted in 2010). Cunningham spoke to an audience of fashion designers and students and described the colours he had seen at the recent Paris couture shows. To illustrate the colours he "sliced a pumpkin in half, peeled a banana and held up a raw beefsteak to illustrate the major colours…", documented by Bernadine Morris in her 'Two Views on Fashions: One Scholarly, One Pop' piece. Cunningham never lost his voracious appetite for fashion, and it's hard to imagine that we'll see his like again.
