The Blackhearts Club

Overview

As the official bar of the 65th Melbourne International Film Festival, The Blackhearts Club is all about good booze, good food and good vibes to best accompany some killer cinema. Created by Blackhearts & Sparrows wine shop, the piano bar will pop up at the Forum Theatre on the first full day of the festival on Friday, July 29, and run until its conclusion on Sunday, August 14. It's set to pay homage to Hollywood's Golden Age grandeur and speakeasy vibes while delivering a series of performances inspired by the festival's programming.

The bar itself is centred around a Steinway & Sons Concert Grand Piano, which will be manned by 'player in residence' Mark Fitzgibbon. Fitzgibbon is an internationally-renowned Melbourne jazz pianist who has famously played in the Shinjuku Park Hyatt Bar, better known as the bar featured in Lost in Translation.

But the set we're most excited to witness is on opening night, when Mr. Ray "I ain't afraid of no ghost" Parker Jr. — aka the guy behind the Ghostbusters theme song — will headline a very special, one-off DJ set. Yes, that is his real nickname and yes, this is really happening. Guests can also expect birthday cake (it's MIFF's 65th, after all) and a full night of entertainment to follow.

Other special events include a 'Gimme Danger' after party, with DJ sets inspired by Jim Jarmusch's film about Iggy & The Stooges, and a Bieber "Sorry" dance workshop hosted by the fabulous Amrita Hepi.

The bar will of course feature a wine list curated by Blackhearts & Sparrows, including a few specially produced for MIFF. The simple food menu by D.O.C will consist mainly of cured meats, cheeses and antipasti ($15), along with their much-loved minestrone soup ($10) and tiramisu ($10), all of which are pre-packed for in-theatre enjoyment. This slim menu will be extended for the August 10 Aperitivo Night, which aptly coincides with the screening of the Italian film-noir Suburra.

Though the bar was created specifically for MIFF, patrons don't need a festival ticket to enjoy it. And enjoy it we will.