Moonshine Cinema

Overview

The coming together of the words Shebeen and Speakeasy sounds very underground and illegal, however we have it on good authority that association with this new collaboration won’t land you in any trouble.

Shebeen, the newly opened not-for-profit bar on Manchester Lane, sends proceeds to projects in the developing world, while Speakeasy Cinema seeks out the weird and wonderful of the film world, offering viewers something not on offer at the local Village. It seems to make sense that these two are coming together for Moonshine Cinema, playing four films in February and March.

Blank City, screening Tuesday, February 26, gives a raw depiction of the underground filmmaking scene in New York in the '70s and '80s. The documentary features interviews with filmmakers and really captures the spirit of DIY filmmaking in a tale that shows us how No Wave and the Cinema of Transgression began.

Bombay Beach, screening Thursday, February 28, follows the journey of three protagonists through southern California — each with their own story, yet bound by their shared outsider status. Music from Bob Dylan and choreographed dances by Zach Condon are featured in the film.

On Saturday, March 2, Girl Walk // All Day takes viewers on an unexpected ride through dance that sits somewhere between a music video, a recital and a musical, set to mash-up artist Girl Talk. A boogie is advised and in order to encourage this, seating will be minimal.

The final screening for Moonshine Cinema, on Sunday March 3, will be the Australian premiere of Valtari Film Experiment, a collaboration of 16 directors' responses to Valtari, the latest album from band Sigur Ros. With a common budget 14 directors were asked to create a film in response to the sounds. Fans were asked to do the same and out of 834 submissions two were chosen to make up the 16 films featured.

Image via speakeasycinema.com.au