No longer just the realms of year three excursions where your mum came as chaperone, Melbourne Zoo Twilights — the after-hours live music series that boasts perhaps one of the best summer nights out, as well as lots of adorable animals — has proven they've got some real cred when it comes to hosting outdoor gigs in the past few years. This summer, they're back with a brand new lineup playing spesh live sets every weekend from Friday, January 27 through Saturday, March 11. Considering it includes the likes of Kurt Vile and Tegan and Sara and then Killing Heidi and george, it's probably their most diverse yet. Picnic-bringing is encouraged, but there'll also be handy gourmet hampers available to pre-order, as well as a slew of food trucks to choose nosh from. Either way, it's actually the one of the best dates in Melbourne — lock those tickets down. All proceeds from Zoo Twilights go back into Zoo Victoria's ongoing conservation work to help fight the extinction of the Eastern Barred Bandicoot. [caption id="attachment_595048" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Save this little guy.[/caption] MELBOURNE ZOO TWILIGHTS 2017 LINEUP Friday 27 January – JO JO ZEP & THE FALCONS and THE SPORTS Saturday 28 January – PETER GARRETT & THE ALTER EGOS and KEV CARMODY Friday 3 February – HOODOO GURUS with special guests Saturday 4 February – THE RUBENS supported by Bec Sandridge Sunday 5 Februrary - THE RUBENS supported by Bec Sandridge Friday 10 February – BALL PARK MUSIC and THE JUNGLE GIANTS Saturday 11 February – BJÖRN AGAIN Friday 17 February – PAUL DEMPSEY supported by Melody Pool Saturday 18 February – george supported by Felix Riebl (Cat Empire) Friday 24 February – WARPAINT (US) supported by Big Thief (US) Saturday 25 February – KILLING HEIDI supported by Abbe May Thursday 2 March — THE LIVING END 'TWANGIN' AT TWILIGHT' featuring special guests, supported by Gabriella Cohen Friday 3 March – THE LIVING END 'TWANGIN' AT TWILIGHT' featuring special guests, supported by Gabriella Cohen Saturday 4 March – KURT VILE (US) supported by Mick Turner Wednesday 8 March – TEGAN AND SARA (CAN) with special guests Friday 10 March – MARTHA WAINWRIGHT (CAN) supported by Margaret Glaspy (US) Saturday 11 March – THE SPECIALS (UK) with special guests Tickets go on sale at 9am on Tuesday, October 25 at zootwilights.org.au.
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.
Nothing warms the cockles of our hearts more than traipsing along to a warm enclosure and getting an educational experience while we fill up on the newest stout or IPA. And it's the perfect timing for such merriments, with Melbourne's Good Beer Week in full swing and the GABS taking over the Exhibition Building this weekend. With an impressive 15 beers being released every week in Australia alone, it can be hard to get a grasp on all the best brews on the block. To help, we tried and tested an innumerable amount on your behalf. You can find most of these ten beauties at your local craft beer bottle shop, or you can take your legs along to one of Melbourne's many beery events this weekend. So grab a glass and hop to it y'all. 10. BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS — MOON DOG The experimental Moon Dog crew have created another taste-explosion, and it's the ideal choice for when you can't decide if you need the hair of the dog in beer or tomato format. Moon Dog's answer is to mimic the classic Bloody Mary — but instead of tomato juice, we're talking Red Ale. Three types of chillis have been infused but these aren't added to dominate. Instead, they leave a warm tingle on the tongue. Vonnegut might surely agree that this sort of nonsense is Moon Dog's strength. moondogbrewing.com.au 9. SUMMER ALE — MOUNTAIN GOAT When it comes to a supernatural weekend getaway, cruising the liquor isle in search of non-glass beers is a headache. Thankfully, the Mountain Goat lads are helping us out by packaging a passionfruit style favourite into cans. Not only will your beer be hoppy and aromatic, but it sure does make it easier having a chilly bin filled with tinnies so you don’t have to worry about security stealing your stash. Something to note for next summer. goatbeer.com.au 8. MISS PINKY — BOATROCKER There are not many beers the Germans didn't think of first, and sour beer is one of them. This sour style is called Berliner Weisse and is becoming increasingly popular on Australian palates. So how do you make such a sweet drink turn pink? Well, the Boatrocker Brewers have added 100kgs of sour raspberries to their ale yeast to create a cloudy pink beer. It's a tart, fruity character, yet surprisingly refreshing. Just make sure you get your lips wrapped around this lady at the beginning of the evening. boatrocker.com.au 7. WATTLE PALE ALE — BREWSMITH Using a 110-year-old recipe stolen from the beer gods, BrewSmith give you the chance to create your own batch at home. Their Aussie Wattle Pale Ale kit comes with a mix of wattle seeds, malt extract, hops and specialty grains, all of which you can leave in a dark nook for three weeks. What you're left with is a lighter pale ale (at around 4.4%) — one that will impress any backyard gathering. brewsmith.com.au 6. MOTLEY BREW — CAVALIER Collaboration is a beautiful thing. And so is the Motley Brew: a Summer Wheat IPA rocking those fruity and hoppy characteristics we’ve all come to enjoy. It's the love child of 15 different breweries (possibly the biggest beer collaboration ever achieved), using 5 different hops, which have all been left to ferment into one good taste. Although the Motley was only a limited release, the Brunswick-based brewers will be showcasing another collaborated tasty during Good Beer Week. Make sure you don’t miss their next one. cavalierbeer.com.au 5. GO FIGA — GRAND RIDGE BREWERY By substituting figs instead of sugar, the Grand Ridge Brewery have spiced up the classic ginger ale — and it's one to go wild about. It's long been their ethos not to add any sugars, chemicals or preservatives, so they’re sticking with organic figs. To top it off, there are even subtle hints of coriander, making this complex brew a real infusion of flavours. Their fig and ginger ale has even had a life as a sorbet — but with winter nearly afoot, we recommend lighting your inner fire with a bottle or two of this fresh, yet toasty delight. It will be available for the first time at GABS this weekend. grand-ridge.com.au 4. BLACKMAN'S UNFILTERED LAGER — BLACKMAN'S BREWERY A young couple from Torquay are naming their brews after family members; cousin Arthur might be a smoked porter and uncle Bob the spiced witbier. But it's their Unfiltered Lager that’s making us go all gooey – much like those delicate, honey-like malt flavours you'll find in this brew. Unfiltered lagers can tend to be difficult to make well, but Blackman's are using a mix of German and Czech styles to create one elegant, refined beverage. Notes of citrus hops are present, which is pretty ideal for a brewery based right near the coast. This lager just became your perfect accompaniment to your sunset feast of fish and chips. blackmansbrewery.com.au 3. BOHEMIAN LAGER — BROOKES BEER If you like your coffee Vienna style — you know, with a cheeky dollop of cream to smooth and cool your cup of joe — then you'll be keen on Brookes' Bohemian Lager. Full-on hops, cold coffee and chocolate notes are what you can expect from this copper-coloured beauty. These Bendigo-based brewers have been in the business for a mere 18 months, so you would be forgiven for not having heard of them already. Just make sure you don’'t forget them, as this malty Vienna lager is one to add to the 'session list'. brookesbeer.com.au 2. #003 MILK STOUT — EXIT BREWING Who doesn’t dream of throwing in their mundane day job and making a living from brewing beer? Well, it's the actual fairytale ending — or rather, beginning — for the two gentlemen who quit their IT jobs in the UK to create Melbourne-based Exit Brewing. The Milk Stout may have seemed a risky bet, at only their third release, but it's one stout that's firmly in our hearts. She's dark and nutty, but her velvety creams balance those hints of rum. If you are lactose intolerant, steer clear, as it's the real deal. exitbrewing.com.au 1. RAMJET WHISKY BARREL AGED — BOATROCKER What happens when you put imperial stout in just-emptied whisky barrels? The Ramjet, that's what. And with notes of caramel and toffee, this stout is out of this world. There's a reason this vintage, barrel-aged brew works so well — once the beer is removed from the barrels, they're bottled and left to age for another six months. The end results in roasted chocolate characteristics, followed by subtle hints of oak and whisky. The Ramjet Imperial Stout is our number one. And should be yours too. Roger that? Good. Over and out. boatrocker.com.au Hero image: Dollar Photo Club. Moon Dog image credit: formulatorrah via instagram; Boatrocker Miss Pinky image credit: gerert via Instagram; Grand Ridge image credit: sekainobeer via Instagram; Blackman's Brewery image credit: brewer_ash via Instagram; Brookes Beer image credit: beardface151 via Instagram
UPDATE Tuesday, August 3: Tickets are currently sold out for NGV's Friday Nights due to the current government restrictions, however, the NGV has stated that more tickets will become available to purchase as restrictions begin to ease over the coming weeks. The NGV has your winter culture fix sorted, with its much-hyped exhibition French Impressionism now showing. And, as has become custom with a seasonal blockbuster descending on the gallery, so comes a brand new season of NGV Friday Nights. The gig series is now a quintessential way to end a chilly winter week in Melbourne. And, thanks to a slew of pop-up bars, you'll get to enjoy this after-dark art excursion with a cocktail in hand. Having returned July 30, the series will now run all the way through to October 1, delivering a different curation of live bands and DJs from 6pm each Friday. Eilish Gilligan, Ali Barter, Solomon Sisay and Husky are just some of the acts set to make an appearance. As always, you'll get after-hours access to the gallery as well as the gigs, roving between the current exhibitions and out in the garden as you soak up the live soundtrack. Meanwhile, some great eats and drinks will come courtesy of three different pop-ups — think, fizzy delights from the Pommery Champagne Bar; cheese platters, charcuterie and crisp brews at the Asahi Bar; and Yarra Valley vino from the Yering Station Wine Bar. NGV FRIDAY NIGHTS WINTER 2021 LINEUP August 6 — Eilish Gilligan August 13 — Eternal Crush August 20 — Akosia August 27 — Ali Barter September 3 — Bananagun September 10 — Solomon Sisay September 17 — Akosia September 24 — Ali Barter October 1 — Olympia [caption id="attachment_821537" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Thandi Phoenix performing at NGV, by Tim Carrafa[/caption] NGV Friday Nights run from 6–10pm.
Traditional Japanese nosh meets on-trend superfoods at Armadale's newest cafe, Walk Don't Run. Opened by Vincent Conti and Mario Minichilli — the duo responsible for both The Merchants Guild and Prana Chai — the eatery is serving up what's been dubbed 'mindful gourmet' food according to Good Food. In other words, you get all the goodness of superfoods, but without sacrificing taste. The man making this happen is head chef and co-owner Ryo Doyama, who's previously worked at St Edmonds. Drawing on his Japanese background, he's come up with innovative dishes, like green tea noodles with poached chicken, green beans, nuts and tahini-ponzu dressing. All ingredients are organic, locally-sourced where possible, and put together to make sure that diners leave feeling well-nourished. "The focus is on ensuring customers feel nourished and energised when they leave, like they have been good to themselves," Minichilli said in a media statement. "We want a health conscious person to pick anything from the menu and not have to worry about what is in the dish — as it is all super good for you because if the fresh produce isn’t organic, it doesn’t make it onto the plate." Walk Don't Run's interior has been designed to complement the menu — simple, clean, beautiful and features one-off pieces from Please Please Please. It's the work of designer Wendy Bergman of Bergman & Co., who's lengthy resume includes Kong, Hello Sailor, Taxi Kitchen, Mr Miyagi, The Meatball & Wine Bar and Green Park. Find Walk Don't Run at 17 Morey St, Armadale. Open Wednesday to Sunday, between 7am and 3pm. Via Good Food. Images: WDR Instagram.
Film lovers of Melbourne, prepare to get square eyes and sore backs. Once you see the entire Melbourne International Film Festival lineup in all its 370-title glory, however, you won't be complaining about the prospect of either. Certain to make fans of Frances Ha squeal with glee, MIFF have slotted in Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach's second co-written collaboration, Mistress America, as their closing night feature. Indeed, American indies are in the spotlight in 2015, with 7 Chinese Brothers and The Overnight starring Jason Schwartzman, Mississippi Grind from Half Nelson's Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden, and Sleeping With Other People with Alison Brie and Jason Sudeikis also screening. Still looking at the indie scene, MIFF will welcome filmmakers Josh and Benny Safdie, as well as Chilean director and screenwriter Sebastian Silva, to the festival for retrospectives of their work. After wowing audiences at SXSW, the Safdies' drug drama Heaven Knows What is one of the picks of the fest, while Silva presents his latest effort, Nasty Baby, as well as earlier offerings such as Magic Magic and Crystal Fairy and the Magical Cactus. Going local, alongside screenings of Sydney Film Festival hits The Daughter, Sherpa and Holding the Man, a heap of Aussie-made flicks will receive their world premieres. They include the haunting and confronting Downriver, Melbourne-made off-kilter character study Pawno, and coming-of-age comedy Sucker, as written by comedian Lawrence Leung. There's also Early Winter, the English-language debut of former Cannes Caméra d'Or winner Michael Rowe, plus Neon's celebration of the science behind and beauty of the titular lights, and Colin Hay – Waiting For My Real Life, a star-studded tribute to the Men at Work frontman turned successful solo artist. From a program that's jam-packed full of them, other highlights include Takeshi Kitano's Yakuza comedy Ryuzo and the Seven Henchmen, hip hop threads doc Fresh Dressed, and Speed Sisters, about the first female racing team in the Arab world. Then there's Romania's answer to Rear Window in One Floor Below, and sleep paralysis documentary The Nightmare, which is guaranteed to make you never want to close your eyes again. Avid cinephiles will want to flock to My Life Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, a behind-the-scenes look at the filmmaker behind Drive and Only God Forgives, as well as Raiders!, the story of a fan-made shot-by-shot remake of Raiders of the Lost Ark made by three 11-year-olds back in the '80s. All this is in addition to earlier announcements — a sneak peek back in May, a list of Cannes titles in June, and the David Wenham-starring Force of Destiny for opening night — and the program also includes a 12-movie tribute to psychedelic fare, an ode to Australian icon David Gulpilil, a spotlight on true crime cinema, and a special selection of shorts designed to be watched vertically. The problem facing fest-goers isn't what to see, but what they can live with missing. Yes, MIFF 2015 isn't just about film — it's also about FOMO. The Melbourne International Film Festival runs from July 30 to August 16. For more information and to book tickets, visit the MIFF website
Sydney foodies, we're spoilt for choice at every turn. New top-notch eateries are cropping up faster than ever before. If you're struggling to keep up — and who isn't? — never fear Taste of Sydney 2016 is the four-day foodie festival to get to up to speed on the cream of the culinary crop. Setting up residence in Centennial Park from March 10 to 13, Taste of Sydney in partnership with Electrolux is all about bringing diners and chefs together. Ticketholders will be treated with nosh from some of Sydney's top restaurants, including treats from beloved man-on-the-move Mike McEnearney (Kitchen by Mike), Biota Dining's sustainable modern Australian dishes, fire-cooked noms fromFiredoor, nel.'s fine dining dishes, plus Middle Eastern street food from the crew at Glebe's Thievery. Also joining the deliciousness will be Porteno, MoVida, Sake, and the newly opened Kensington Street Social, among others. But we can't wait until then. We annoyed Mike McEnearney to give us a recipe, NOW. NOOOOOOW. So Mike relented and told us how make his fresh, crunchy cucumber, mirin and sesame salad. You can make it too! Mike McEnearney's Cucumber, Mirin and Sesame Salad Ingredients: 800g cucumber 1 whole long red chill, thinly sliced 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil 1 pinch good quality salt ½ bunch fresh coriander 2 tsp toasted black sesame seeds 2 tsp toasted Japanese sesame seeds 120 ml Mirin and ginger dipping sauce Method: Slice the cucumber lengthways discarding the seeds. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, toss and serve. Mirin and ginger dipping sauce Ingredients: 350 ml mirin 250 ml rice wine vinegar 100 ml raw soy sauce 50 g ginger 50 g eshallots, peeled Combine all ingredients in a bowl, and let sit for at least one hour before serving.
Calling all mathletes, design nerds and lovers of witty tea towels. New Orleans-based artist Craig Damrauer has teamed up with wholesale art merch crew Third Drawer Down Studio to create the most adorably tongue-in-cheek design collection you'll want to immediately and proudly display on your desk — much to the dismay of your jealous, regular mug-wielding coworkers. Dubbed 'New Math', Damrauer's collection features tea towels, mugs and keychains boasting cheekily simplified equations of real life complexities — an approach that has seen the artist show at institutions like MCA Denver and LA Contemporary Editions. After creating the popular tea towels boasting the equation "Modern Art = I could do that + Yeah, but you didn’t." tea towels a few years ago, Damrauer and TDDS have now created a few more equations like "Chef = Cook + Authority” and “Staring = Looking - Not Looking”. The 'New Math' collection is due for release in May 2015 from TDD, and could be the perfect gift for that life mathemaddict in your crew.
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]
Once the realms of Dahl-created Wonkahood, entire rooms dedicated to drinking chocolate are now a reality in our humble non-fiction lives. Melbourne-based drinking chocolate producer Mörk Chocolate have opened the doors on their new store — an entire liquid chocolate brew house, just in time for autumn. Founded in 2012, Mörk is run by Kiril Shaginov and Josefin Zernell. According to Good Food, the two were workmates at a Swedish coffee roastery back in 2009, bonding over the often underrated, non-coffee bev of dreams: the hot chocolate. Shaginov and Zernell decided to take it upon themselves to perfect the art of drinking chocolate with a bang-on recipe, high-quality ingredients and handmade integrity. They've now sold their secret recipe chocolate to the likes of Melbourne institutions such as Proud Mary, Long Shot, Bluebird Espresso, Seven Seeds and St Ali; Sydney's Reuben Hills and Harry's Espresso Bar; and Brisbane's Two Trees. Enough history, what of this magic chocolate dream palace that is the Mork Chocolate Brew House? Shaginov and Zernell found a '50s bakery warehouse on Errol Street in North Melbourne, and have converted the whole thing into a 16-seater chocoholic's dream. There are multiple blends to try, including the one we're all squealish about: Campfire Chocolate (smoked dark hot chocolate with smoked salt and served with marshmallow skewers, oh god). There'll likely be tastings, so make sure you're all over their Facebook page to stay on top of your addiction. Find Mörk Chocolate Brew House at 150 Errol Street, North Melbourne. Open Tues–Sat 8am–5pm; Sun 9am-5pm. For bookings or more info, ring 9328 1386 or head to morkchocolate.com.au. Via Good Food.
Summer is gone, and your beachside holiday memories along with it. Don't worry — there are plenty of excuses to jet around the country this autumn. Australia's art scene is positively thriving for the next three months, so even if you're staying put, you're not going to be bored any time soon. Up and down the eastern states from Brisbane to Melbourne, everything from artistic explorations of witchcraft, to deep dives into Chinese terracotta treasures, to haute couture gems are gracing the halls and walls of Aussie galleries. The list goes on, particularly if you're eager to ponder life beyond earth by stepping into a galaxy far, far away, staring at the moon, or getting up close and personal with objects that've travelled into space. If you're someone who travels for art, you might want to book those domestic flights now. This is an impressive autumn lineup — and, come June, plenty of them will be gone. Hop to it.
Hold onto your doughnuts and prepare to say ay, caramba! more than once, because the Sydney Opera House has just announced a huuuuge headliner for this year's GRAPHIC festival: Matt Groening. The comedic cartoonist genius responsible for The Simpsons and Futurama will make his way to Australia for the very first time to speak at the two-day festival this November, which celebrates pop culture and graphic storytelling, animation and music. Considering most of us probably acquired the large majority of our pre-Internet knowledge on global popular culture from Groening's work (well, when we could wrangle watching The Simpsons instead of the 6pm news), it seems like a brilliant full circle that we're now able to see him speak IRL as adults. He will deliver a talk titled Secrets of The Simpsons, and a Couple of Milhouse Fun Facts, which will delve into the making of the show, include hardly-seen clips and apparently even some full-frontal cartoon nudity. He will also join a session with his friend and fellow cartoonist Lynda Barry. "The most intense Simpsons fanatics I've met are from Australia, so I'm coming to Sydney to check out all you lunatics," Groening said. "I'm going to share stories of the making of The Simpsons and show embarrassing home movies and rarely-seen animation, including oddball outtakes and uncensored Itchy & Scratchy cartoons." Other highlights from the GRAPHIC 2016 program announced this morning include a screening of George Lucas' 1971 sci-fi epic THX 1138, which will be re-scored live by Asian Dub Foundation. There will be a heap of free talks from cartoonists including Leunig and First Dog on the Moon, as well as two film premieres from Nail Gaiman, who has previously called the festival "the smartest, wisest, most cutting-edge festival and celebration of narrative literature and its intersection with culture in the world". GRAPHIC will take place at the Sydney Opera House from November 4-5. Tickets go on sale on Friday, September 16 here.
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.
If you've been looking for a reason to go away for the weekend, block off a couple of days in March and head to Canberra for Enlighten 2017. Touted as the original Vivid, Enlighten celebrates art, culture, music, performance and innovation. Held in Canberra's iconic Parliamentary Triangle, the event site is transformed into a buzzing hub of activity, with spectacular architectural projections on iconic national attractions and a programme of free and ticketed interactive performance and installation works. Over each weekend from March 3-12, the city will light up with live music, performances, events and exclusive exhibitions. Large-scale projections will bring to life Canberra icons including the National Portrait Gallery, Australian Parliament House, National Library of Australia, National Gallery of Australia and Questacon. Highlight events from the programme include Pedaleando Hacia El Cielo by Theatre Tol (a large-scale aerial act featuring performers, singers, video imagery and pyrotechnics), the amazing, interactive digital architectural projections splashed across the National Portrait Gallery, the pop-up wine bars, roving entertainment and Enlighten Night Noodle Markets (which based on Canberra's population should be significantly less hectic than the Sydney version, meaning you'll be able to jump in and eat as many dumplings as you can). There's also Sunset on the Roof — drinks, music and snacks at the Australian Parliament House's rooftop bar for two nights only (March 3 and 11). The festival's live music line-up features indie band Tigertown, Australian singer/songwriter Cleopold and electronic duo Mondecreen, as well as Cookin' On 3 Burners and Bustamento, who will bring the funk vibes to the stage. A glowing, black-light, industrial 'dance zone' is popping up in a high-security factory production corridor on March 3. DJ Robot Citizen will lead the charge in showcasing Canberra's underground dark-electronic music scene on the night (who knew), and high-vis vests and glow-sticks will be supplied. Visit Enlighten 2017 and delve into the whole programme.
The Melbourne Central eatery, Son in Law, is the perfect destination for a cheap and cheerful Thai fix while enjoying a day out in Melbourne's CBD. Located in the shopping center, this isn't the kind of place that takes bookings — rather it's more a grab and go destination with a few tables located inside. The menu features several baos including a vegan selection of fake duck, chicken, or plain tofu. The pork belly bao is a hit as is the Peking duck and soft shell crab with iceberg lettuce, green curry and pickled carrot. And while the above dishes are served in your classic white fluffy boa buns, Son in Law takes it a step further with other offerings. Grab fried chicken burgers (vegan options are also available) sandwiched between brightly coloured cartoon buns. Head here to eat Hello Kitty or another adorable fluffy creation for lunch. These adorable eats come in several sweet forms too — including Thai milk tea, coconut and Nutella with banana. But it isn't all about the buns at Son in Law. It also offers rice dishes including fried or grilled chicken served with a selection of sauces and fresh cucumber as well as a soft shell crab option in a green curry. The fried chicken ribs even give KFC a run for its money, boasting dressings such as spicy, cheese, BBQ or a classic Tom Yum. This is not your average Thai restaurant in Melbourne. Such care and love is given to the space's design, the colourful and creative boa buns and the great tasting food. Be sure to pop down next time you're in the city, even if it is just to look at the cabinet full of edible cartoon characters. Appears in: The Best Thai Restaurants in Melbourne for 2023
When it comes to making your first movie, there are easier ways to go about it than not just following in but recreating your father's footsteps. That's what O'Shea Jackson Jr experienced in taking on the role he was perhaps born to play — that of Ice Cube, who he normally just calls Dad, in the NWA biopic Straight Outta Compton. Alongside Corey Hawkins as Dr Dre, Jason Mitchell as Eazy-E, Aldis Hodge as MC Ren and Neil Brown Jr as DJ Yella, Jackson tackles the formation, fame and split of the influential hip hop group across the '80s and '90s. Starting on the streets of Compton in South Central LA, NWA created anthems that reflected their reality of difficult race relations and altercations with law enforcement, and went on to change the course of music history. The film that results is a slick, stirring, entertaining and engrossing music biopic that captures the spirit and circumstances of the songs and figures it focuses on. We chat to Jackson about making his acting debut by playing his father and doing justice to his family's legacy. You play your dad in this movie. I imagine this role is more important to you than any ordinary film role could be? Yeah, this is my family's legacy. It is bigger than NWA to me. I know that a lot of the people who may not even like the genre, a lot of the people who may not have grown up with NWA, there's a few people who know Ice Cube as only a movie star — I know that those people are going to take this movie as law, as exactly what happened. I couldn't risk somebody's portrayal of my father not being in the same light as I see him in. I knew the importance of this, so it had to be in my hands. Was taking on your family's legacy daunting? Of course. It takes a lot, but the sacrifices that had to be made were for my family. I'd run through a wall for them. Extreme bootcamps at times — I was twenty-two at the time, trying to look seventeen, so I had to go through a bit of a bootcamp, and I lost fifteen pounds in twenty-four days eating nothing but grass, dirt and diet water. It was a lot, but pressure makes diamonds, and if you run away from it you'll never know what you can do. Going into the film, how much of Ice Cube and NWA's complete story did you know? My father has been telling me these stories my whole life, and that was something I used to my advantage. I knew how things really went, and I knew that the authenticity of this film was what was going to make it stand out. I'm not going to say I knew about the guns in the hotel, but there were things I was comfortable with, stories that I knew, stories that knew I could talk to the source about to make sure we get it correct on film. It was just about re-enacting things I've heard since I was a child. You’ve been rapping for a few years now, touring with your father. Was that the easier part of the film for you? That's what made him believe that I could do it. Him taking me on stage, him seeing how I am on stage, is what led to him feeling like I could play him. That's such an important aspect. And my father was the young one of the group — he has the most energy on stage, he's the one rocking the crowd, waving his hands, bouncing up and down — so you know you have to bring that. When it came to those scenes, my guys — Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell, Aldis Hodge and Neil Brown Jr — they knew that I had that experience under my belt, so they let me quarterback those scenes a little. They know that that's me in my element, and I'm forever thankful to those guys for making me feel comfortable. Those scenes that you see are really what NWA did. The Detroit scene, them looking at each other, making sure "are we all down to do this, to drop 'Fuck Tha Police'", that's something that really happened. The film’s director, F. Gary Gray, has ties to both Ice Cube and Dr. Dre going back to making music videos in the '90s. Do you think that helped the film’s feeling of authenticity? Oh my god yes. That was one of the aspects of him getting the job, that my father saw that Gary got it. He got what it meant. My father knew he wouldn't have to explain the power or just the aspects of NWA to Gary. He also really let me really spread my creative wings. I know I won't deal with a lot of directors who are willing to let an artist be an artist the way that Gary Gray does. If you do it by the book, get it by the script the couple of times, he lets you do what's called an 'eat take' and go ahead and just be you. And if it works, it works, you know. And I thank Gary, because I know how meticulous he is, and if it is not right he won't do it. And as a young actor, as a rookie actor, you want someone in your corner that's going to make sure you don't look stupid. Straight Outta Compton is in cinemas now. Read our review.
Sushi is great. Burritos are great. Frankly, it was only a matter of time before some genius combined the two. Now, the gastronomic phenomenon that has been filling bellies in the US is on its way to Melbourne. Opening soon on Little Collins Street in the CBD, Josie Jo is the brainchild of entrepreneur Jessica Tse, and sushi burritos are her specialty. "Basically I just really wanted to eat one," she explains when we ask what inspired her to open her to open a sushi burrito bar. "I love sushi myself, and I think it's a great concept." For those of you who are still unsure about what's certain to be the country's next big food trend (with an unrelated sushi burrito place also slated to pop up in Brisbane in November), the culinary combo is exactly what it sounds like. "It's a massive sushi roll, the size of a burrito," says Tse. "Everyone who has tried it says that it's really yummy." Diners at Josie Jo will be able to choose from a number of different varieties, served either in burrito form or as a rice bowl or salad. Think fresh salmon with spinach, avocado, cucumber, furikake, flying fish roe, pickled seaweed and wasabi mayo, or king prawn with roquette, cherry tomato, coriander leaves, red onion, avocado, grated cheddar, cumin, paprika, sour cream and chilli flakes. There's also a vegan option with marinated tofu, baby spinach, avocado, sweet corn, edamame, pickled radish, roasted sesame sauce and crispy onion. Alternatively, you can ditch the menu and mix-and-match your own. Josie Jo will also stock a "refined collection of drinks," including coconut water, ginger beer, poke green tea and organic cola. Although it's her first restaurant, Tse comes well prepared, having grown up in a family of chefs. "My father was a restaurateur, my brother is also a restaurateur, and I've cooked since I was five," she says. "I just love cooking for people." In any case, she will have a little bit of assistance from the restaurant's namesake, her cat, muse and fellow CEO. "She says she loves the food," quips Tse with a laugh, before quickly reassuring us that she's not actually taking business advice from her pet. "I'm not crazy." Look for Josie Jo at Shop 10, 318 Little Collins Street, Melbourne in the coming months. For more information visit their website, Facebook and Instagram.
Molly Rose Brewery is best known for its beers and wicked brewery bar in Collingwood. But the team is now branching out into the world of distillation, playing around with a few small-batch gins, pastis, vodkas and vermouths (with its own version of a Campari/ Aperol currently in the works as well). To help introduce punters to the range — named Véraison — the Molly Rose crew is running a bunch of fun Apéritif v Aperitivo sessions throughout the week. Every Wednesday–Friday from 4–6pm, the team is slinging $8 house-made spirits (crafted as part of the Véraison distilling project), giving away free olives and serving half-price Pacific oysters ($3 each). Three-strong gin-tasting flights are also available whenever the venue is open for $35 a pop. But wait, there's more. The Founder and Brewer of Molly Rose Nic Sandery is even running intimate gin masterclasses ($95) once a month, where you can craft your own custom citrus gin with Nic before having a sit-down dinner. If you're a fan of Molly Rose's brews, consider trying out these new concoctions.
You could trawl every art gallery and every private collection on the planet and you'd only find 800 paintings signed by Vincent Van Gogh. That's the sum total of what remains of the Dutch genius's output. So, it's insanely, insanely exciting that 60 of his masterpieces will be travelling to the National Gallery of Victoria in 2017. Set to open on April 28, the blockbuster exhibition will be titled Van Gogh and the Seasons and is expected by NGV to draw one of the gallery's biggest audiences yet. You can expect around 40 painting and 25 drawings, collected from some of the world's top-shelf galleries, including Amsterdam's Van Gogh Museum and Otterlo's Kröller-Müller Museum. The curating is being taken care of by Sjraar Van Heugten, author of a genuine bucketload of books about Van Gogh and ex-head of the Van Gogh Museum's collections section. What's more, you'll also get to see a bunch of Van Gogh's letters, as well as some of the artworks he collected during his 37 years on Earth. These will be arranged to give some insight into how various artists have responded to the seasons. "It's a huge coup for the NGV and another reason why Victoria is the creative state," said Martin Foley, Victoria's Minister for Creative Industries, when announcing the exhibition on Friday 16 September. "Van Gogh is undoubtedly one of the most recognisable and famous names in art history. His incredible work laid the foundation for modern art and influences artists to this day." Van Gogh and The Seasons is the 22nd exhibition in the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces series, which the former Labor Government set up in 2004, to treat Melburnians to the best art in the world at least once a year. Also in the 2017 series will be the NGV's inaugural Festival of Photography, featuring works from William Eggelston (US) and Melbourne's own Zoë Croggon. Van Gogh and the Seasons opens on April 28 at NGV International. It's part of the gallery's Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition for 2017. Image: Vincent van Gogh, Dutch 1853–90, Orchard in Blossom, Bordered by Cypresses (1888), oil on canvas, 64.9 x 81.2 cm, Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo, © Kröller-Müller Museum.
File this one under news that probably won't happen, but damn would it be cool if it did: Italian architect Piero Lissoni has won a competition to design New York City's new aquarium, and it's easy to see why. The proposed 'Aquatrium' would be situated at Long Island City's Anable Basin, and would consist of two circular elements submerged in the East River. Picture the underwater lair of a '70s era James Bond villain, and you probably won't be too far off the mark. The plans feature an open-air basin sitting just below water level, boasting eight clear 'biomes' that would house aquatic creatures from the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian and Southern oceans along with the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Red and Tasman seas. An iceberg in the centre would represent the poles, while at night the space would be covered by a sliding domed roof, transforming it into a planetarium (casually). You can't accuse this guy of having a lack of imagination. "Having the water level define the starting point of the project, the site is excavated to become a spacious and innovative water basin," Lissoni's team told Dezeen. "The main idea is to generate an environment whereby visitors feel that they themselves are entering the water to discover the beauty of the marine life on display." Sadly, the design competition isn't anything official, so don't expect to be walking through Lissoni's futuristic aqua-dome any time soon. But feel free to stare longingly at the pretty pictures. Via Dezeen.
One of Broadway's hottest and most prohibitively priced tickets of the last five years, The Book of Mormon, is finally getting an Australian staging, making its Australian premiere at Melbourne's Princess Theatre this year. Written by South Park and Team America's notoriously puerile creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, together with Robert Lopez of genius grown-up muppet show Avenue Q, The Book of Mormon is probably one of the most lauded comedies ever to have centred on the Church of Latter Day Saints, African missions, AIDS, bum jokes and super ironic racism. If it wasn't so smart and so funny, few would forgive it. But since it is, The Book of Morman has picked up nine Tonys, four Olivier Awards and a Grammy since it debuted in 2011, and has been called "one of the most joyously acidic bundles Broadway has unwrapped in years". Directed by Parker with choreographer Casey Nicholaw, the show has a new local cast. If you've been among the throngs to see the musical in New York, Chicago or London, then you'll be plenty excited that your Melbourne friends will now get the chance to go learn all the idiosyncratic details of Mormonism, meet war criminal General Butt-Fucking Naked and know the true meaning of the hakuna matata-like saying 'Hasa Diga Eebowai'. If you're still deciding whether or buy tickets or simply waiting patiently for the day to come, get in the mood by watching this clip of Girls star and original Mormon cast member Andrew Rannells singing the ballad of religious faith 'I Believe' at the Tony Awards. UPDATE, JANUARY 6, 2017: The Book of Mormon has announced an additional preview show on Tuesday, January 17, a day before performances officially start. The best part? Tickets are only $20. But to get your hands on them, you'll have to physically get yourself to the Princess Theatre box office from 10am on Monday, January 9. We're betting you'll have to get there real early. All the details are here.
Baa baa black sheep, have you any wool? If Three Bags Full was like the nursery rhyme, we'd want to be the little boy who lived down the lane. Fortunately for us, however, there is plenty of Three Bags Full goodness to go around. You'll find this gem of a cafe nestled inside a huge warehouse building in the back streets of residential Abbotsford. And like any good Melbourne cafe, Three Bags Full takes its coffee seriously. Very seriously. Five Senses coffee is expertly brewed to give each origin its turn in the spotlight. Single origins and seasonal signature blends are pumped out using their Synesso machine, which is custom made, of course. Filter and pour over are also on offer. The food is worth writing home about, too — and has been for many years. Oatmeal, toasts, and more adventurous breakfast dishes like the Turkish breakfast ($22) made up of cilbir eggs (a kind of poached egg), sliced tomato and cucumber, green olives, pickled chillies, baba ganoush and dried fruit on toast are all generous in their servings. And as Melbourne's cafe scene increasingly embraces healthier dishes, Three Bags Full has kept up with a series of less greasy options. The bircher muesli ($17) is a classic win with seasonal fruit, honey labneh, chia seeds, roasted almonds and elderflower pearly. The everchanging super bowl ($18.50) is a must-try for health-conscious diners, too. Boozy brunches are also on the menu at Three Bags Full, thanks to its decent selection of wines, beers and cocktails. We still can't skip the spicy chipotle bloody mary when trying to nurse that Sunday hangover. Like Three Bags' food and drink offerings, there's no room for disappointment when it comes to the place's interior. A beautiful, light room is filled with pieces that give it an industrial but warm feeling. We hear the communal table in the centre used to be a ten-pin bowling lane. Hearty food, buzzing atmosphere, and satisfying coffee have been on the cards at Three Bags Full for almost a decade — and this Abbotsford go-to is showing no sign of slowing down. To ensure you get a table at this beloved Melbourne cafe, book ahead via the Three Bags Full website.
Just as uni students across the country start to finish their last exams for the semester and high five each other as they realise they don't have to step foot on campus for the next few months, the team from Shadow Electric decide to throw a huge two-month summer festival — at uni, of all places. And even though it's the holidays, you're definitely going to want to go back to school for it. The organisers — who are known for their summer outdoor cinema at Abbotsford Convent, among other events — will take over the University of Melbourne's impressive Parkville campus for two whole months of music, film and, of course, food and drink. Dubbed Shimmerlands, the festival will run both day and night throughout January and February. Making the most of the ghost town that is a university during summer, they'll turn the campus into a veritable feast of cultural delights. There'll be an outdoor cinema, two performance spaces (an indoor concert hall and outdoor music amphitheatre), multiple bars and a pop-up collection of 16 of Melbourne's best restaurants. The 45 title-strong film program has been developed by Lauren Valmadre, director of the Human Rights & Arts Film Festival. It will include the Australian premiere of The Rolling Stones Ole, Ole, Ole!: A Trip Across Latin America, as well as the new Nick Cave documentary One More Time With Feeling, Tom Ford's Nocturnal Animals and the much-anticipated La La Land. UPDATE 21 FEBRUARY 2017: To cap off the season, Shimmerlands is throwing a big day party from 3pm on Sunday, February 26 with music from Tim Sweeney (Beats in Space), The Egyptian Lover, Awesome Tapes From Africa and Andee Frost. Tickets are available for $35 here. Images: William Hung and Ivanna Oksenyuk.
As many films do, The Space Between begins with a series of influential events that shake up an otherwise stagnant life. When his stint in New York came to an unplanned end through a family tragedy, Marco (Flavio Parenti) returned to his home town of Udine in Northern Italy, gave up on his dream of being a chef and carved out a routine existence — and just as he has somewhat accepted his fate, more hardship strikes. But at the same time, he meets Olivia (Maeve Dermody), an Australian in the country wading through her own family and career matters. A connection forms as the two try to find their path forward. The film's narrative isn't just an interesting story worth spending 98 minutes watching — it's also somewhat based on reality. In fact, The Space Between is partially inspired by the day that Melbourne-based writer-director Ruth Borgobello met her husband Davide Giusto (who also serves as one of movie's producers), and the bond they forged as he coped with his real-life grief. In turning the tale into a film (her first feature, no less), Borgobello has not only transported parts of her life to the big screen, but has also crafted the first-ever Australian-Italian co-production in the process. While the former feat has personal significance, the latter is no lesser of an achievement; indeed, a filmmaking treaty between the two countries was signed back in 1993. Just how did Borgobello draw from such intimate experiences? And how did she manage to make history with her debut feature? With The Space Between currently touring Australia as part of the Italian Film Festival, we chatted with the filmmaker about finding inspiration in Italy, working through trauma and turning an aspect of your life into a feature film. ON LETTING REALITY INSPIRE THE NARRATIVE "I met my husband the day he lost someone very important to him unexpectedly. We'd sort of already had this plan to spend a couple of weeks together, because he's a good friend of my cousin in Italy, and he was planning to come to Australia, and he had his visa ready. And so, in spite of this loss and grief he was going through, we spent a couple of weeks together, and I guess that always stayed with me as a very transformational moment for both of us. We were in our early 20s, so it kind of throws everything into question and makes you think very carefully about the life path that you want to choose when something like that happens. You tend to think you're quite invincible when you're that age, I think. Years later I kind of was developing another project focused more on a migration story of my family and my father, but I guess just spending time in Italy and thinking about that moment, I was sort of quite inspired and pushed to do something a bit more personal as my first film. And talking about contemporary Italy within that as well. So, it was inspired by that moment — but the actual characters and the journey that they go on is very fictional, and very, much more connected to Italy today than back in that time." ON DRAWING FROM EXPERIENCED GRIEF AND TRAUMA "When I set out to write this script, I was sort of basing it on my husband's experience of losing someone close to him — and I had never lost someone, especially not a close friend in the way that he had. So I tried to get inside his head, I guess, and his grieving process. And then also working with my co-writer who had lost his father when he was quite young, so he had gone through that. But then, strangely, in the journey of writing it — and it was something that really kind of terrified me when it happened — my best friend actually was in an accident, a very unexpected accident, and was in a coma for a few weeks hovering between life and death. Luckily now she's fine, she's got through it, but I guess it strangely sort of brought me very close to that experience, which can be quite challenging because when it happens to you — you don't know if you can actually go there to bring it into the script. But, I tried to write during that period just to tune into the emotion of it all. I guess with the grief, I think the lesson that came for us that was very powerful — it was that he left...but then someone else arrived in that moment that would be very important and play a similar role, I guess, in Davide, my husband's, life. Just that sort of interesting thing that someone leaves and someone else arrives, and I guess to trust in life sometimes that it will bring you support in those kind of moments, and then opportunity to maybe grow and evolve." ON MAKING THE FIRST AUSTRALIAN-ITALIAN CO-PRODUCTION "It's just enormous, and I think it's not just sort of all the relationships and paperwork and trying to make the two governments sort of work — or their rules — really work together. Also, then you've got to translate everything and every time it changes you've got to re-translate it. So it is an enormous amount of work. I guess, at the end of the day, it's just kind of willingness and determination to make it work. And we sort of sensed that if we could make it work, then there would be a lot of positivity that would come out of that — obviously for the film, but also creating future possibilities between the two countries. So it's worth it. When you know you're going to make history, it's worth it to persevere. And we had a lot of willingness from Italy and the Italian government too, that really supported us in wanting to make it work, so that helps." ON SETTING HER FILM IN ITALY — AND FINDING THE RIGHT LOCATIONS "We spent years of research looking at locations that are not the typical tourist locations. They're not the places you could open a book and find out where they are — they're all sort of quite hidden and you have to know people who know people. So it took a lot to find those places that would really serve the psychology and the narrative of Marco's journey, and with Olivia. So I spent time myself there in Italy, living for periods of six months or so, just to also really get to know the people and the place. And trying to perceive the current climate of today, and what's going on, and the relationship between the environment and this sort of crisis as well, which I always found quite contradictory because there's so much beauty and inspiration in what's been created in the past, but it feels very stagnant in the present. So it was about sort of being able to marry those two together." ON HER TIES WITH ITALY "I've got two projects that I'm working on, and both are connected with Italy again. One of them is also sort of connected to climate change, and I really want to do a sort of original creative story around that, kind of featuring nature as a main character — and it's positive, not fear-driven. So that's something that I'm heavily researching at the moment. And then another film, perhaps with Italy dealing with refugees and what's happening at the moment in Europe with that crisis, through quite a courageous character who goes out on a limb to help the refugees. So sort of inspired by a true story that we've come across. I think we've learnt so much, so it will make the next one easier. I'm sure it will always be challenging, but it feels like there's a clear path now." The Space Between is currently screening at the Italian Film Festival, which tours Australia until October 19. Check out our top five picks of the festival.
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.
Ordering a scotch at your local is your one way ticket to mad steeze with your mates, right? But what do we know about Scottish whisky, really? Every good whisky bar has an arsenal of scotch, but do you really know what you're ordering? In order to dispel the air of mystery surrounding scotch (and just so we can stop pretending we know what we're talking about), we've called upon Auchentoshan's head distiller Rachel Barrie to set us straight about this long-loved spirit. Rachel became the first female Master Blender 13 years ago (after 12 years working in the industry), making a few waves in the industry as a result. Suffice to say, she's the perfect person to answer all our Scotch questions. Learn up. [caption id="attachment_576038" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Lindores Abbey, Nathan Baker.[/caption] Where and when did Scotch whisky originate? The earliest recorded evidence of distilling in Scotland goes back to 1494 at Lindores Abbey in the Lowlands, where Father John Cor distilled 800 gallons of aqua vitae ('water of life') from eight bolls of barley (48 Scottish bushels), on the order of King James IV of Scotland. What were the original techniques used to distil Scotch whisky? How have things changed? Prior to the Industrial Revolution, distilling was conducted on a much smaller scale (and was often illicit) using small copper pot stills. During the Industrial Revolution, sometime between 1760 and 1840, malt distilleries were granted a license to distil by government, and industrial grain distilleries were set up primarily in the Lowlands, based on the steel continuous still design using grain (wheat or maize) to provide alcohol rather than malted barley. The grain distillation process was disputed at the time, and took decades to be accepted as Scotch whisky. Around 1860, blending grain and malt whisky commenced, creating blended Scotch whisky, which heralded the growth of the spirit in the 19th and 20th centuries. The Scotch Whisky Order of 1990 defines how Scotch whisky is made. Over the years, the law has been more tightly defined, and now every distillery in Scotland must be verified for Geographical Indication (GI) to ensure the highest standards of production quality and integrity. How does Scotch whisky differ to other whiskies like Irish whiskey, Japanese whisky or American whiskey? Scotch whisky has evolved over many centuries to create the greatest diversity of style of any whisky. Scotland grows high quality barley in the east, has peat in the north and west, and a year round supply of water in deep lochs, flowing rivers, and natural springs. Microclimate shapes maturation in oak casks (mainly ex-bourbon American oak and ex-sherry Spanish oak), and seasonal weather and local microflora help unlock balanced complexity, enriching the spirit with vitality and depth from youth to a ripe old age. Scotch whisky is unique in the rich complexity of flavours unlocked from the 115+ malt distilleries. Single malts are united by malt sweetness that harmonises fruit, floral, salt and smoke flavours from each distillery. AMERICAN WHISKEY American whiskeys are mainly distilled from corn and rye, and matured in American oak for a relatively short time (mostly five years or less). Grain produces a spicy/oily spirit combining with intense vanilla and caramel sweetness from the oak. IRISH WHISKEY Irish whiskeys are distilled mostly from unmalted barley and corn (with a small amount of malt), and pot and continuous stills are employed. Most Irish whiskeys are blends that are light, sweet, smooth and grassy. There are a small number of single pot still Irish whiskeys (made primarily from unmalted barley), and even fewer (for example Connemara) made from peated malt. JAPANESE WHISKY The handful of Japanese distilleries in existence were built less than a century ago, based on Scotch whisky production methods. In this short time, Japanese whisky has moved to design different styles, from light, clean and precise through to smoky and oily. [caption id="attachment_576044" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Gary Crawford.[/caption] How does taste differ between regions within Scotland? Each distillery's character is highly individual, however similarities in style can be found between regions. The Highland region is the largest, with Speyside having the most distinct style united by malt and fruit, much of which is blended with grain to make the heart of high volume blends. Islay malts have the dominant taste of smoke (from peat) and salt, with all other tastes woven in. Although very few distilleries exist in the Lowlands, the style is vibrant and refined with predominantly grassy, sweet and floral characters. What does it mean when you define a Scottish whisky as 'single malt' and 'single grain'? Both single malt and single grain whiskies are the product of only one distillery. Single malt whisky is made 100 percent from malted barley and distilled in copper pot stills at a single distillery. Single grain whisky is made from grain (wheat or maize), distilled in a continuous still (Coffey still) distillery. Feel like you've got a handle on scotch now? If you're a bartender, bar owner or know someone in the bar industry, listen up. Auchentoshan is looking for talented bar teams to come up with a brand new scotch-based cocktail for their 'Distilled Different' competition across Australia. More details on Auchentoshan's website.
Visiting Sydney's rugged Blue Mountains region is always worth the two-hour drive from the city. There are hundreds of things to do — from bushwalks, to abseils, to waterfalls, to standing around and generally admiring the view. There's also the option to do all of that in one go — with a Blue Mountains canyoning adventure. The description on this RedBalloon adventure says you don't have to be a professional adventurer (no abseiling or canyoning experience is required). But requirements are being able to walk up steep steps for 20 minutes and swim for 25 metres, which we discovered makes it a full on adventure that even the more experienced in the group will enjoy. Dedicate one day out of your weekend to abseiling off cliffs over massive valleys, jumping over rocks in freezing water, canyoning, and swimming in waterfalls. The day starts with some beginner abseiling over the Megalong Valley (see below). Later, you'll go rock jumping through caves, and eventually abseil a 30 metre waterfall. Read this and find out what you're really in for. THE MORNING Arrive at The School of Mountaineering at 8:45am. There are two instructors per group of ten, so you're sure to get individual attention throughout the day. In the Megalong Valley you'll start off with a couple of practice runs abseiling off a cliff. The shortest is five metres, and the longest is thirty metres — they vary in difficulty and overlook the massive valley below, so if you're not too terrified you should look down and enjoy the view. You're only abseiling a minuscule portion of the distance to the ground, but you'll feel the height in your gut. These smaller trips are 'practices' because they're intended to get you ready for the tough abseil of the 30 metre Empress Falls at the end of the day. THE AFTERNOON The next part of the adventure is a twenty-minute hike down a mountain. Enjoy this trip down, because soon you'll be going the other way and you'll feel every step. Once you reach the creek at the base, change into a wet-suit and pop your clothes into a dry bag – make sure you close it properly, the water you're about to jump into is cold. Very cold. Your instructors will mention how cold the water is several times, but there is no way to properly oversell this point. You'll get used to the temperature pretty quickly, but you'll definitely want your clothes nice and warm when you're out. Your group will be instructed how to trek through the canyon you're in, which can be a dangerous activity if your head isn't screwed on straight. There are four water jumps through the canyon, at varying difficulty and at a maximum height of 5 metres. The safest option is the 'Grandma' jump, but once you get confident you can go for the more extreme 'Keanu Reeves' and 'Mission Impossible' styles. Take a breather and look up among the oasis of the temperate rainforest within this sandstone gorge. The peaceful air is unparalleled and makes it easier to forget the cold. The only way out the canyon is to abseil the Empress Waterfall. This is why the adventure is not for onlookers or the faint of heart – once you commit to the canyon, you're in it. THE WATERFALL Harnessed in, you go over the ledge of the waterfall and immediately duck into its cave. This rope is heavy duty and it's the most important time to remember your abseiling training because the waterfall crashing over your head is a major distraction (even though it's beautiful). At the end of the rock, take a final leap and land in the waters of Jamison Valley. Savour your success – a few minutes later you'll be heading back up those steep steps. Change out of your wet-suit and get going while the adrenaline is still kicking in. Book your Blue Mountains canyoning adventure (or gift it to someone else) at RedBalloon. Images: Marissa Ciampi and RedBalloon.
Twenty years ago the Australian wine landscape was shaped by French viticulture. The grapes we grew and the wines we drank were dominantly French in origin — Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. But over the last decade, an influx of Italian, Spanish, and Greek varietals have begun to make their mark across Australia, and they're now commonplace on wine lists and retail shelves all over the country. The winemakers who saw the potential for these varieties, long before they were considered cool, deserve endless credit. Before Aussie Wine Month kicks off in May, we've partnered with Wine Australia to round up five bottles of Australia's most delicious, innovative wine — keep this list in mind for your next dinner party. ASSYRTIKO Because the temperature in Australia's wine regions is continually rising, the search for varieties that thrive in warmer environments has moved to the top of every winemakers to-do list. It's taken ten years and a long wait at Australian customs to get Santorini's indigenous white grape Assyrtiko into Australia (specifically, South Australia's Clare Valley). Producing a fresh, crisp, acidic style of white wine, it's the perfect accompaniment to contemporary Australian food, and a natural partner to Australia's climate and cuisine. Think grilled octopus, fresh seafood, slow cooked lamb shoulder and cured ocean trout. In a couple of sentences: Assyrtiko is native Greek white wine that we've recently started producing here in Aus, that thrives in a warmer climate and which will quench any thirst on a hot day. Try it if you like Sauvignon Blanc, if you're bored with the status quo, or have a seafood platter to devour. One to try: 2016 Jim Barry Assyrtiko, Clare Valley SA MENCIA A wonderful little region called Galicia is tucked up high in the North-West corner of Spain. Here, among some of the steepest wine-growing mountain ranges, a delicious red grape called Mencia was found, picked and brought over to our shores. What's exciting about this grape is that it can express so many different characteristics when it's made into wine. From light and fresh, with a powerful mid-palate concentration of fruit and an elegant finish, to a rich and opulent, dark and brooding beast with structure and density. No matter which direction the flavours go, the wine is always perfumed, with a persistent juiciness that lingers in your mouth for hours. In a couple of sentences: Tastes like Pinot Noir on steroids — loads of fruit, but a nice grip on your palate. Try it if you're eating pulled pork, and you need something to match it with. One to try: 2016 Oliver's Taranga '2 Chicas' Mencia Rosé, McLaren Vale SA ZINFANDEL Zinfandel (also known as Primitivo) is a black-skinned grape variety that produces a robust red wine. Expect to experience jammy flavours of blueberry, raspberry, cherry, plum, and cranberry alongside characters of black pepper, clove and liquorice. When you taste Zinfandel, it often bursts on the palate with juicy fruitiness, followed by spice and often a tobacco-like finish. A pro-tip when searching for the right Zinfandel is to keep an eye on the back label and check the Alcohol by Volume (ABV). If you like a lighter, more red-fruited style, look for a lower ABV. If big dark fruits and savoury spices are more your speed, look for a Zinfandel with an ABV above 15%. In a couple of sentences: Originating in Italy, made famous in the USA and now found in our backyard, Zinfandel is your Friday night pizza wine. If Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot had a love child, Zinfandel would be the product. One to try: 2013 Lowe Wines Zinfandel, Mudgee NSW SKIN CONTACT/ORANGE WINE To make an orange wine you take white grapes and crush them slightly (usually under foot), and then put them in a vessel (often ceramic, or made of large cement) to ferment. The fermenting wine is left alone from anywhere between four days to over a year. The longer the time spent on skins, the darker the orange/amber colour and the more tannin (or structure) the wine receives. Orange wines are usually robust and bold, with honeyed aromas of sweet melon, hazelnut, brazil nut, bruised apple, wood varnish, lanolin, juniper, sourdough and dried orange rind. On the palate, they're big, dry, and tend to be overly acidic — not for the faint hearted. In a couple of sentences: The colour and tannin structure of orange wine comes from extended juice contact with the skin of the grape — it's white wine for lovers of red wine. Try it if you like sour ale, cider, bold flavours, tannic wines, or if you've got a lemon stuffed baked chicken in the oven. One to try: 2016 #003 by Tom Ward, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewurtztraminer, Orange NSW PÉTILLANT-NATUREL Pétillant-Naturel is a delicious, lightly-sparkling wine, unfiltered and often bottled with a crown cap (like a beer bottle) rather than a cork. Colloquially shortened to Pét Nat, it's lightly cloudy like a cider and holds the distinct vinous characters, aromas and flavours of the grape variety it's made from — meaning each bottle, or vintage will have its own unique flavour. A rustic style of sparkling wine, Pét Nat is made using mostly traditional production methods. Unlike classic sparkling wines and Champagne however, wine producers don't add sugar to kick off secondary fermentation in the bottle (the element that gives most varieties of sparkling a firmer, more pronounced bubble). In fact, most, if not all Pét Nats do not see any additions in their fermentation process. The literal translation of the name is 'natural sparkling' — meaning it's the truest essence of grape in a bottle that a winemaker can get. In a couple of sentences: Bursting with flavour, Pét-Nat is a lightly-sparkling wine with a stylistically softer bubble compared to more traditionally-made sparkling wine. Try it if you like cider. One to try: 2016 Delinquente 'Tuff Nut' Bianco di Alessandria Pét Nat Riverland, SA Celebrate all types of Australian wine by getting involved with Aussie Wine Month over May — there will be events and tasting opportunities all over the country. Images: Kimberley Low.
Were it not for a fearless, feisty adventurer by the name of Marie Byles, Bouddi National Park wouldn't exist. As a kid growing up in Palm Beach in the 1900s, she spent hours and hours gazing across the Hawkesbury River towards the Central Coast. As an adult, she ventured across the water whenever she could, to walk, camp, swim and write. By 1930 (shortly after becoming New South Wales's first practising female solicitor), she'd decided the area should belong to the public forever. And, after five years of fierce, relentless campaigning, she made it happen. Thanks to Byles, Bouddi looks pretty similar to us to the way it did to her. Its 3790 glorious acres still stretch along the Central Coast's southeast corner. Among them are more than 100 important Aboriginal sites, secret sandy beaches, dizzying cliffs, waterfalls, patches of rainforest, walks and mountain bike trails. At either end lie the ultra-relaxed, tree-filled villages of Copacabana in the north and Killcare in the south. SEE AND DO For a thorough exploration, slap on some sunscreen and take on the Bouddi Coastal Trail. This 8km hike runs the length of the park, sticking to the coast most of the time. You'll pass lookouts and beaches and, if you're not too raucous, meet wildlife of all kinds. Don't have the time — or inclination — for such an enormous journey? You can always squeeze in a briefer stroll. One of Bouddi's most popular short walks is the Maitland Bay Track, which begins at Maitland Bay Information Centre (cnr, Maitland Bay Drive and The Scenic Rd, Killcare Heights; (02) 4320 4200). It's a 1.5km wind through sandstone and rainforest to beautiful Maitland Bay. Take your snorkelling gear — Bouddi has a 300-hectare marine extension, so you'll catch plenty of underwater action — and if the tide's low, tiptoe around the PS Maitland, shipwrecked in 1898 in the bay's eastern corner. On your return journey, there's every chance you'll notice the trail seeming steeper than it did on your way down. If you're not in top form, travel slow or take the gentler, 3km route to Putty Beach — another excellent beach for swimming. Just don't forget to organise a ride back to your car. Some of Bouddi's indigenous history can be explored at Daley's Point. It's reached by an easy, 1.7km-long stroll along a ridge. The views over Brisbane Water are brilliant and inside Milligans — also known as Fish Hook Shelter — you'll find a series of ancient sandstone engravings. Alternatively, go day tripping with your mountain bike and conquer the Bouddi Ridge Explorer, a 10 km loop around the park's north-western section. Count on cracking views and keep an eye out for swamp wallabies and echidnas. Inexperienced riders might want to limit themselves to one or two easy sections, like the 5km Strom Loop. If you're keen to stay the night, there are three campgrounds in Bouddi National Park. The biggest is Putty Beach, with 20 spots, while Tallow Beach and Little Beach have six each. It's definitely a good idea to book in advance. EAT AND DRINK When you're ready to refuel between outdoor escapades, drop by Copacabana or Killcare. Copacabana is a 2,700-person settlement on mighty Allagai Bay. For breakfast or lunch right on the beach, there's Bar Copa. It's a casual kiosk operating out of the northern end of the Copacabana SLSC (220 Delmonte Place, Copacabana; Wed-Mon, 8am-3pm). The coffee comes from the Byron Bay Coffee Company and the menu specialises in tasty, wholesome, goodness, covering both classics and surprises, from salted caramel hot chocolate to vegan burgers filled with homemade patties, featuring exotic flavours like carrot and coconut. Just across the road, sheltered by a Norfolk Island pine, is Allagai Bay Cafe (2/204 Delmonte Place, Copacabana; Sun-Thu, 7am-3pm; Fri-Sat, 7am-3pm and from 6pm;(02) 4382 6120), serving up inventive dishes, which change according to the availability of quality produce. Current examples include scallops with chorizo and pea puree; salt and pepper soft shell crab; and deconstructed cheesecake with nutella, berries and marshmallow. Visit on a Sunday afternoon to score some live acoustic sessions with your meal. For beachside dining in Killcare, drop into Horizons, a cafe and tapas bar occupying the first floor of the SLSC. The focus is on simple, hearty fare done well. Lunch dishes are big on fresh seafood — think prawn risotto with tarragon, peas and parmesan; and grilled barramundi with French beans, crispy prosciutto, almonds, mint and lemon. If you're treating yourself to a fancy, schmancy day out, make a booking at Manfredi at Bells Restaurant (Fri-Sun, lunch and dinner; Mon-Thu, dinner only; 107 The Scenic Road, Killcare Heights; (02) 4349 7000). Manfredi's hung onto its chef's hat since 2008, so you're pretty much guaranteed a top-shelf feast. Plus there's a strong commitment to sustainability and ethical farming: the 500-square metre kitchen garden supplies more than 15 percent of produce, roaming hens provide free-range eggs and there are hives onsite. And, if you're feeling worn out after a day's adventuring, this is the perfect place for a luxurious overnighter. GETTING THERE AND AWAY Copacabana and Bouddi National Park are both a 1.5-hour drive north of the Sydney CBD. You can also catch a ferry from Palm Beach to Wagstaffe (near the park's southern end), but your adventures will be limited to what you can cover comfortably on foot. Image: Dollar Photo Club, FotoSleuth (Flickr), Allagai Bay Cafe.
Come summer in Melbourne, you won't just see stars on cinema screens — you'll sit beneath them while you're watching a movie. That's what Rooftop Cinema promises each and every year, and the first part of its 2018–19 program certainly delivers. First stop: Ryan Gosling in Damien Chazelle's First Man. Kicking off on the first day of summer (conveniently a Saturday) and running through until March 2019 (with the second half of the program still to be announced), there's plenty more movie fun where that came from. Haven't had a chance to see one of this year's most hyped films, A Star Is Born? Keen to check out Nic Cage bloodied in one of the best horror films of this 2018? Want pretend you're at Live Aid watching Freddy Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody? You'll find them all on the lineup. Don't forget that checking out classics on the big screen is all part of the Rooftop Cinema experience as well, though. This year's retro contingent includes tributes (Labyrinth, Heathers and Rocky), all manner of Christmas hijinks (Love Actually and Home Alone) and three nights of Leo (The Basketball Diaries, The Beach and Shutter Island). If there's ever been a reason to spend your evenings outdoors for the next few months, this is it. Rooftop Cinema takes place in the Melbourne CBD, on top of Curtin House, Swanston Street (between Little Bourke and Lonsdale Streets). The bar opens daily between 11am and 1am, with films starting at 9.30pm in December and January. The February and March program will be announced in late January.
There's a reason why fine dining is reserved for something other than just the everyday. The element of occasion, the gathering of your best company, and the wearing of your finest attire calls for extravagant surrounds; equally important, a food experience that lingers longer in your mind than the food in your belly. Frequently acclaimed as one of the best restaurants in the country, Cutler & Co. does exactly that. In a city saturated by endless food trends, Cutler & Co. at once remains innovative and traditional. Housed within an old metalworks factory, the industrial interior is softened by wicker lighting and luxe fabrics, meeting a crossroads between the minimal and the opulent. With the open plan kitchen placed at the front of the restaurant, diners are greeted upon entry by the busy kitchen staff. If the story of Cutler & Co. is all about chef Andrew McConnell's passion for produce, this is where it begins. The highly flexible dining room makes the ideal location for business dining, drinks at the bar, long lunches and truly extensive degustation experiences. A carefully considered space means diners are privy to each other, yet can remain secluded in their own experience. Highly attentive wait staff contribute to the affair, knowing everything you need before you know it yourself, be it a dietary requirement or the return of your coat on the way out. This is food to admire, and then food to love. Each dish is plated to supreme ornateness. The visual deconstruction continues as you unpick the myriad of flavours, including that of a shaved fennel and cabbage salad which sounds simpler than it appears. With an extensive menu of variable tastes designed for sharing, we recommend the Sunday lunch: a seasonal selection of dishes that demonstrates Cutler & Co. in its best light. The set menu means you're free to enjoy a truly leisurely afternoon, and at $75 (pair a wine selection for an extra $50), is extremely good value. Reservations are highly recommended. Faultless, indulgent and majestic, the Cutler & Co. experience can't be given justice simply through words. This is one restaurant that needs to be experienced to be believed.
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.
There's always something to see at a documentary festival. Whether true crime gets your pulse racing or you're excited about the idea of diving into the weird and wonderful side of this world we live in, part of the fun of a festival focused on factual efforts is the sense of real-life discovery — you'll most likely learn something new. Since it started in 2011, that's what the Antenna Documentary Film Festival has offered movie buffs keen on a dose of reality with their viewing, with the fest's annual program nothing if not varied and vibrant. Taking their true tales to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane audiences, the latter for the first time this year, Antenna beams everything from docos about eating crawling critters to cine-essays about the impact of horror cinema into hearts and minds. From this year's 39-feature lineup, here's our top five picks. BUGS Maybe you're the kind of person who's willing to eat almost anything once. Or, perhaps you're much more cautious about your culinary choices. Either way, this doco is something everyone should watch — when it comes to what we eat, the future of the planet is at stake. Researchers from gastronomic entrepreneur Rene Redzepi's (Noma) Nordic Food Lab investigate the practise of eating insects as a solution to issues of food security and scarcity, and documentarian Andreas Johnsen follows their efforts. Yep, Bugs is probably going to make your stomach squirm — but, if you really are adventurous, you can try an ant-covered ice cream at the films's screening. FEAR ITSELF In Beyond Clueless, critic and filmmaker Charlie Lyne explored the films audiences not only literally grew up with, but also chronicled that process on screen. Now, like we all do, he's moved on from teen flicks to horror — and he's giving the fright-inducing genre the same treatment. Assembling tension-filled clips from over 100 spooky efforts, he examines just how everything from the usual suspects to hidden gems manage to give audiences goosebumps and leave them on the edge of their seats. Clearly, this is a film for horror buffs — maybe don't head along if you're easily scared. CAMERAPERSON You mightn't know Kirsten Johnson's name, but if you watch documentaries, then you know her visuals. As a cinematographer and camera operator, she has shot or contributed to the shooting of everything from Fahrenheit 9/11 to Citizenfour, however, that's not all she has filmed. After more than two decades in the business, Johnson has assembled quite the array of unused footage from every effort that she has worked on, which all forms part of Cameraperson. Using these otherwise-discarded scenes, she crafts a portrait of the relationship between the people on either sides of the camera, as well as an absolutely riveting cine-memoir. BOBBY SANDS: 66 DAYS It was the film that launched the careers of both Michael Fassbender and his Shame and 12 Years A Slave director Steve McQueen: Hunger, a recreation of Irish Republican prisoner Bobby Sands' refusal to eat food for 66 days. As Bobby Sands: 66 Days' title suggest, Brendan Byrne's documentary also tells that story. Of course, it looks at the situation from a factual rather than dramatised perspective, with the end result both powerful and informative. There's a reason that the eponymous figure's actions back in 1981 continue to draw attention, which this compilation of interviews, archival materials and recreations attempts to get to the bottom of. CITY 40 The Russian city of Ozersk is the city time may as well have forgotten, closing itself off to the world around it, and even using armed guards to stop anyone entering. Indeed, the mountainous locale is referred to as City 40, and though it looks picturesque, it's really anything but. It's here that the Soviet nuclear weapons program was born after World War II — and where many are now stockpiled. This documentary examines not only the place, but the people who remain, even as their beloved home town literally poisons them through radiation. The Antenna Documentary Film Festival screens in Sydney from October 11 to 16, in Brisbane from October 26 to 30, and in Melbourne from November 2 to 6. For the full program, see the festival website.
In recent years, we've encountered the likes of the cronut, the cruffin and even the macanut. Now, joining this ever-growing foodie family of hybrid frankenpastries is the baklava muffin, an outrageously logical invention by chef Peter Conistis for Sydney's acclaimed Alpha restaurant. Featuring a honey-spiced batter with roasted walnuts, hazelnuts, sesame seeds, cinnamon and dark chocolate, the muffin is topped with Alpha's signature chocolate hazelnut baklava, baked in filo pastry and drizzled with spiced honey syrup. What do we call you? A 'bakluffin'? A 'mufflava'? A 'bluffin'? Conistis' creation is a contemporary interpretation of traditional Greek food. "I wanted to create muffins for our Alpha Foodstore that are synonymous with Greek cuisine," he says. "They're an indulgent reflection of the dishes we serve at Alpha." Featuring on Alpha's breakfast menu alongside the already crowd-pleasing spanakopita muffin, the baklava muffin is bound to become a favourite amongst Sydney food lovers, so expect to see it all over your Instagram feed very soon. Find Alpha at 238 Castlereagh Street, Sydney. Open Monday to Sunday, 7.30–10.30am for baklava muffins, then 12–3pm, 6–9pm.
The Coopers Inn — a heritage-listed pub in the CBD that's been serving locals and visitors since the 1850s — knows what it's doing when it comes to hospitality. Family owned and run, The Coopers Inn has a bunch of different function rooms and spaces, a kitchen pumping out quality traditional pub fare (including vego, vegan and gluten-free options) and a main bar complete with 75-inch TV screens and surround sound for primo sport watching on a Saturday afternoon. One of the highlights of The Coopers Inn is the weekly comedy nights every Friday. This is one of the only venues in the CBD that offers a weekly comedy night, so if you and your mates are looking for a way to get the weekend started in style, this is your best bet. Past acts have included Dave Thornton, Anne Edmonds, Celia Pacquola and everyone's favourite quiz show host, Tom Gleeson. If you're a comedy fan then this must be one of your go-to spots. And if you haven't been to its Friday night show then you've probably been there during comedy fest, as it's also an official Melbourne International Comedy Festival venue. After so much laughter you've likely worked up quite the appetite, and luckily, Coopers has that covered, too. Share plates and snacks include pork belly bites, buffalo chicken wings, a trio of dips with grilled bread and loaded fries with cheese, bacon and gravy. For mains, options include an eggplant parma with chips and salad, a slow-cooked lamb flatbread with salad, rigatoni with beef rags and a 250-gram scotch fillet with your choice of sauce. I am running a few minutes late; my previous meeting is running over. There is a burger and pizza menu too, just to make sure making a choice is as difficult as possible. There's nothing funny about these pizzas, though; it's serious New York-style pepperoni with Napoli sauce and chilli flakes.
UPDATE, January 22, 2021: Get Out is available to stream via Binge, Foxtel Now, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Amazon Video. When a movie starts with a character walking nervously along a dark street, we all know what's going to happen next. Decades of horror films have taught us that nothing good can occur here. And, in Get Out, the situation plays out exactly as we've been conditioned to expect. The scared person is abducted by a masked attacker and dragged into a car. Crucially though, the victim isn't an attractive young woman, but rather a black man (Lakeith Stanfield) getting snatched up in the kind of picket-fenced suburbia most white folks could stroll through without fear. If you've ever seen his work with Keegan-Michael Key across the five seasons of their sketch comedy show Key and Peele, writer-director Jordan Peele's fondness for dissecting matters of race won't come as much of a surprise. While his first stint as a filmmaker doesn't feature white zombies refusing to eat people of colour, the underlying idea that African Americans are treated differently still sticks. Here, as in his comedy, he presents a scenario that quickly goes from amusing to uncomfortable to downright unnerving. Following Get Out's sinister opening scene, the film's focus switches to Brooklyn photographer Chris (Daniel Kaluuya), who's about to head to his girlfriend Rose's (Allison Williams) family home in the country. He's meeting her parents for the first time, and he's understandably anxious. When he asks "do they know I'm black?", she assures him that it doesn't matter because her dad would've voted for Obama a third time if he could've. Chris has clearly heard similar sentiments before, and knows it's going to be awkward anyway. "I don't wanna get chased off the lawn with a shotgun," he jokes. After they arrive, Rose's father (Bradley Whitford) keeps dropping "my man" into daggy attempts at conversation. Her mother (Catherine Keener) is polite to Chris, but noticeably stern with their black servants (Betty Gabriel and Marcus Henderson). Then there's Rose's younger brother Jeremy (Caleb Landry Jones) who makes uncomfortable comments about Chris' physique. To say that things don't feel quite right is a horror movie understatement right up there with Rosemary finding her new neighbours a bit odd in Rosemary's Baby. But again, Chris has seen this type of behaviour before. He's not thrilled, but he's not astonished either. Like all sinister storylines, the events that unfold are best discovered with as little prior knowledge as possible. It's not hard to pick up on the cleverly deployed horror tropes as they appear: the isolated location, hitting a deer on the way there, and the vocal warnings from Chris' pal Rod (LilRel Howery) back home. Likewise, you won't be able to miss the way that race keeps seeping into every conversation, shaping the way the movie unfolds. Peele's mastery of his spook-inducing genre is evident from the outset, but it's how he uses his classic setup to subvert the expected cliches and unleash a barrage of scathing social commentary that proves downright genius. What's so great about Get Out is how it defies easy categorisation. It's smart and oh-so-timely in the way that it highlights what it's like to be black in "post-racial" America. It's also genuinely unsettling and tense in an edge-of-your-seat manner, and never stops making viewers question what it is they're seeing. Last but not least, it's frequently hilarious, which given the director's background shouldn't come as a surprise. Add all of that together, and you're gifted one of the most assured, astute, entertaining and intelligent horror movies to creep out cinemas in years.
There is nothing quite like saluting the sun from a Melbourne rooftop. Taking full advantage their own high-flying, inner city location, Rooftop Yoga is hosting a series of Saturday yoga sessions, to be held in their studio in the sky. Beginners and well-practised yogis alike are invited to get bendy with a mix of Vinyasa and Ashtanga, under the expert guidance of two experienced instructors. As you stretch and relax, you'll look out over the city's sweeping skyline. If that's not motivation, then we don't know what is. Running from 8.30am to 10am on January 6, 13 and 27, classes cost $20, with attendees advised to bring a mat, towel and water.
The National Gallery of Victoria has been serving up an art fix you can enjoy from the comfort of home since lockdown 1.0, with a jam-packed digital program of virtual tours and events, essays, interviews and more. And now, kicking off on Monday, July 13, it's hosting an online surrealism art course, to help see your creative mind through these looming weeks of lockdown. Dubbed 'Surrealism — 1920s to Now', the self-guided course will run over eight weeks, delivered by the NGV's expert curators and special guests through a program of videos, quizzes, readings and activities. You can sign up for full access to the intermediate-level study for just $49 (or $44 for NGV members), or go a little deeper with a premium enrolment ($134–149), which'll also get you five virtual study sessions hosted via Webex. Students will dig right into the history of the surrealism movement, kicking off with its origins in 1920s Europe. You'll explore its defining elements and techniques, its arrival into Australia in the 1930s, and its emergence in art and film right up to today. Learn under the likes of acclaimed art critic Dr Andrew Frost and La Trobe University lecturer in Screen Studies Dr Anna Dzenis, while exploring key NGV works like Salvador Dalí's 1946 painting Trilogy of the desert: Mirage. Top image: Trilogy of the Desert: Mirage (1946), Salvador Dali, courtesy of NGV
If there's an Aussie film that's had everyone talking over the last few months, it's Down Under. You don't make a comedy about the 2005 Cronulla riots — and about racism in Australia in general — without causing some chatter. The fact that the flick has reached cinemas at a time when the subject of prejudice and discrimination has been splashed all over the local media has certainly helped. Actually, unless you're actor-turned-writer/director Abe Forsythe, you don't make a movie about either the horrific events of more than a decade ago or the pointless hatred behind them at all. Determined to create "a communal experience where we can all just share in just kind of how stupid and how scary everything has kind of gotten," Forsythe didn't hold back when it came to shining a light on the more problematic side of our multicultural country — and he spoke with us about his motivation, spreading a message through laughter and the timeliness of the film's release. ON DECIDING TO MAKE A FILM ABOUT THE CRONULLA RIOTS "I think the main thing for me personally was that I found that I was going to be a father, and there were two things in play. One was that I realised I didn't have much time to get the script happening because soon there was going to be someone that I was just completely responsible for, and I was kind of running out of time. And then the other was that I felt like I was bringing someone into the world and I guess I was concerned about that. This was six years ago that I wrote it. I was looking around, and going, 'This child that I'm bringing into the world has absolutely no say about it — and what kind of world is he going to be exposed to?' So that was all stuff that led me to the Cronulla riots. Because, I mean, I've got a son, and so much of the Cronulla riots, I feel, has to do with masculinity and displaced masculinity and the way males in our country — but also everywhere around the world — the way they can deal with certain things. So it was at a particular time in my life where everything just kind of bubbled up and just fell into place. And then it wrote itself very, very easily and quickly. I mean, I spent five years working on the script, but the initial draft just kind of poured out of me." ON TURNING A HEATED HISTORICAL SITUATION INTO A COMEDY "Before writing this script, [comedy's] what I had been working in. I had been working in comedy a long time ago when I made my first film [2003's Ned] — but the years preceding writing Down Under I'd been experimenting with telling these sorts of stories but in a comedic way in a couple of films I'd made for Tropfest and a couple of other things I'd been working on. "For me, it's really interesting to use comedy to take an audience into a subject matter which I guess can shine light on that subject matter in a different way. And also, it's my experience that if you can make people laugh, you're actually opening them up in a way to accepting other things. If you're laughing, you're opening yourself up emotionally, and if you're opening yourself up emotionally, then you're more receptive to, you know, a movie that's actually saying something about something." ON BALANCING HUMOUR AND TRAGEDY "To use an example, the opening two minutes where we have all that real riot footage, one consistent thing throughout every screening of this movie that we've had has been how shocking everyone finds the opening two minutes. And I think that's partly to do with the fact that it has been ten years — and when I wrote this six years ago, one of the reasons I wrote it was that I felt like we we hadn't dealt with what happened during the riots. So, it kind of feels like we've just brushed it away, and obviously recently everything's been changing locally and internationally as well. But people were shocked by — people have always been shocked by — that first two minutes. "We actually tested the movie without opening the movie with that footage, and when we didn't have that footage at the beginning of the movie, people actually had trouble with all the stuff that happens later in the movie because it kind of took them a little bit by surprise. But by opening the movie with all that footage, where you go, 'This happened, these people did this, and it's as bad as it looks,' we were actually kind of making people go, 'Okay, this subject matter, even though we're going to ease into comedy, there's going to be all of this other stuff which appears every now and then and eventually it's going to end this way too.' "So it was a tricky tonal balancing act to go from scenes where you're laughing at all sorts of different things and behaviour, but then it was always important that we were jolting back into the darker aspects and easing back into the comedy... It was tricky and it took a lot of time to get it right. But I felt like you couldn't tell this particular story and deal with this subject matter without having the darker aspects in there." ON THE TIMELINESS OF THE FILM'S RELEASE "I think it's going to make people question what we've done more, definitely. But it is one of those things — you can have a preconceived notion of what this movie is before you see it, but after you see it, I think it's pretty clear that we're trying to be respectful with how complicated this movie is and the issues are. "Even if we're going to get specific about it, the last couple of weeks with everything that happened with Sonia Kruger's comments on television and Pauline Hanson and everything — it is a little bit crazy that for me, writing something six years ago dealing with this issue, that it is getting released at a time that I could not have guessed with everything that's happening in Australian and also internationally." Down Under is currently screening in Australian cinemas. Read our review.
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.
Thirty Eight Chairs has something especially comforting to it. It may be the warm bread that lands on your table straight after ordering, or the five types of pasta on the menu. Or it might have something to do with the hospitable waitstaff who take their time to entertain their guests, as opposed to plonking plates onto tables and leaving faster than you can say grazie. The team here are experienced, having dished out Italian food in South Yarra for years already. Constantly flying out of the corner of the restaurant are salumi boards piled with cured meats such as a 24-month aged prosciutto di Parma and porchetta arrosto — that is, roasted, rolled suckling pig. These all make for great grazing, but we suggest you visit for dinner for a complete course of its Italian cuisine. Pasta remains the frontrunner at Thirty Eight Chairs — it calls itself a pasta bar, so it's unsurprisingly the dish works its way onto most diners' dockets. The pappardelle duck ragu in Napoli sauce remains a crowd favourite for good reason. The monstrous wine list can be a little overwhelming, so we urge you to put your faith in the waitstaff, who are extremely well-versed with what wine will best accompany your food. The Gibele (a Moscato) from Sicilian winery Duca di Castelmonte matches almost anything — dry and aromatic, yet soft. And if you find a slither of room in that stomach for dessert, we suggest Thirty Eight Chairs's tiramisu, that achieves the perfect amount of sweetness, instead of being drowned in coffee. The volume of the space makes for a fantastic dining experience, hosting "about 38" chairs inside a high-ceilinged room. It's refreshing to feel comfortable, and not suffocated by dozens of tables in a space that simply can't take them. Appears in: Where to Find the Best Pasta in Melbourne for 2023
Movie fans, prepare for your first wave of film envy for 2016. On January 21, the Sundance Film Festival kicks off its annual celebration of cinema in the snow — and that means a host of celebrities are headed to Utah to party with Robert Redford, and a new batch of indie titles are about to premiere. Last year, we were so consumed with excitement about the program that we outlined the ten flicks we desperately wanted to see on Australian screens — and with Mistress America, The End of the Tour, Dope, Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck and Sleeping With Other People on our list, we had a pretty good hit rate (if we do say so ourselves). So, what's got us buzzing this time around? Well, theres a few documentaries, a mermaid thriller and an all-star cast in a film named Wiener-Dog, to name a few standouts. Here's our picks of the films we hope Aussie audiences will get the chance to watch, either courtesy of a local release or a festival — plus a few more we've got our eye on. HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE There's plenty about this flick that appeals: its manhunt for a rebellious kid and his foster uncle storyline, and Sam Neil and Rhys Darby featuring among the cast, to name a few. However, most of our enthusiasm for Hunt for the Wilderpeople stems from the involvement of Taika Waititi. To date, the New Zealand filmmaker has brought us the charming Boy, directed episodes of Flight of the Conchords, and co-starred and co-directed one of the funniest flicks of the past few years, the vampire mockumentary What We Do in the Shadows. With Marvel sequel Thor: Ragnarok coming up next, he's clearly bound for bigger things, but this eccentric comedy sounds like vintage Waititi. Also watch out for: Sing Street, another music-focused flick from Begin Again director John Carney — this time about an Irish teen in a glam-ish band. LO AND BEHOLD, REVERIES OF THE CONNECTED WORLD More and more documentaries keep touching upon the topic of the technology we're all now unable to live without. The latest comes from none other than the great Werner Herzog, which marks his first factual effort since Into the Abyss five years ago. History and horror stories combine as he interviews a wealth of experts and tries to look at both the good and the bad of the online environment. And yes, the filmmaker provides the narration — because hearing his distinctive tones wax philosophical is all part of the Herzog doco experience. Also watch out for: Under the Gun, a dissection of the firearms debate that continues to divide America. WIENER-DOG When is a sequel not quite a sequel? When it takes one figure from a film and inserts them into a compilation of tales. That's the case with Todd Solondz's Wiener-Dog, with its title referring to the as dachshund at the centre of its stories, as well as the Welcome to the Dollhouse character of Dawn Wiener (then played by Heather Matarazzo, now by Greta Gerwig) it crosses paths with. If you're a fan of the director or the 1995 feature, this is all good news. Plus, there's the cast, with the ever-luminous Gerwig joined by everyone from Kieran Culkin and Girls' Zosia Mamet to Julie Delpy and Danny DeVito. Also watch out for: Maggie's Plan, also starring continued Sundance fave Gerwig, but this time contemplating marriage and children alongside Ethan Hawke and Julianne Moore. CERTAIN WOMEN Another film, another set of intersecting stories — however, don't let the format deter you from Certain Women. In one tale, Laura Dern is immersed in a hostage situation. In another, Michelle Williams copes with marital problems in her new home. In the next, Kristen Stewart plays a lawyer-turned-teacher. All three segments are tied to a vision of America's midwest that sees the women forge paths forward. If you're not already sold, knowing that the movie is directed by Kelly Reichardt — who previously worked with Williams on Wendy and Lucy and Meek’s Cutoff, and most recently helmed Night Moves — should take care of that. Also watch out for: Love and Friendship, which sees Whit Stillman reuniting with his The Last Days of Disco stars Kate Beckinsale and Chloe Sevigny for an adaptation of an unpublished Jane Austen novella. THE LURE If you think there's just not enough mermaid-related horror flicks, then The Lure should catch your attention. Aquatic sirens feature quite prominently in the feature debut of Polish director Agnieszka Smoczyńska, as does a tale of romance, some bloodlust and a neon-lit dance club. Yep, this is a musical affair as well as a scary one, coming together with what Sundance describes as "a knack for both burlesque and the grotesque". If it can live up to that description, consider us pumped. And even if it can't, it has to be better than one of the last films to chart this territory: the exactly-as-bad-as-it-sounds Killer Mermaid. Also watch out for: Convenience store clerks, Johnny Depp playing his character from Tusk, and plenty of silliness in the next Kevin Smith effort, Yoga Hosers. MANCHESTER BY THE SEA In 2012, Kenneth Lonergan's Margaret finally found its way to Australian cinemas. Problems and delays had plagued the film for years — the Anna Paquin-starring effort was actually made in 2007 — however if ever a film was worth the wait, it was this one. Thankfully, Lonergan's latest doesn't seem to be suffering the same fate — we're just hopeful that it will deliver. Here, a loner handyman has to take care of his teenage nephew and face a past tragedy. The underrated Affleck brother, Casey, leads a cast that also includes Kyle Chandler and Michelle Williams. Also watch out for: Belgica, the new bar-set, Soulwax-scored film from Belgian writer and director Felix van Groeningen, who was nominated for an Academy Award for his polarising The Broken Circle Breakdown. THE BIRTH OF A NATION If you know your film history, you should've already heard of a film with this title. Back in 1915, filmmaker D. W. Griffith made a silent, black and white chronicle of the American Civil War. The film is still considered ahead of its time in a technical sense, but was courted for its stance on race and depiction of the Klu Klux Klan. Now, actor-turned-director Nate Parker (Beyond the Lights) uses the same name for an effort charting a real-life slave rebellion in 1831 — and there's a statement in his choice of moniker, of course. He also stars on screen, alongside Armie Hammer as a slave owner. Also watch out for: The Office's John Krasinski steps behind the camera as director for The Hollars, a family comedy featuring Anna Kendrick, Margo Martindale, Charlie Day and Sharlto Copley. ALI & NINO He might be known for delving into the life and death of both Amy Winehouse and Ayrton Senna in two of the last decade's most powerful docos — that'd be Amy and Senna — however, Asif Kapadia also has a few narrative features on his resume. Ali & Nino marks his return to non-factual storytelling, adapting the novel of the same name. This time, he examines a clash of cultures in Baku between 1918 and 1920. Given that the film explores a romance that springs up between a Muslim Azerbaijani boy and Christian Georgian girl, expect plenty of tension between traditional and modern ways in this politically-charged love story. Also watch out for: Southside With You, a romance about a guy called Barack and a girl called Michelle. We know who you're thinking of — and yes, we mean those ones. HOLY HELL When Holy Hell was first announced in the Sundance lineup, it didn't list the director. Filmmaker Will Allen initially kept his identity a secret — which, considering the subject of his documentary, is more than a little understandable. For 20 years he lived inside a secretive spiritualist community led by a charismatic guru, filming everything that went on. That footage forms the basis of the doco, however Allen also shares his own recollections, and interviews fellow former members of the community. He ponders not only the organisation he devoted two decades of his life to, but the lengths people are willing to go to in search of happiness. Also watch out for: NUTS!, a doco that tells the so-crazy-it-must-be-true tale of the small-town doctor who tried to cure impotence by transplanting goat testicles into men. We're serious. THE INTERVENTION You've seen Clea DuVall in the likes of The Faculty, Girl Interrupted, Argo and TV's Carnivale — and now you can watch her directorial debut. In The Intervention, she stars as well as guides Cobie Smulders, Alia Shawkat, Natasha Lyonne, Melanie Lynskey, Jason Ritter and Ben Schwartz through a weekend trip that doesn't quite turn out the way everyone thinks it will. Four couples head away for what seems like the usual booze-soaked holiday, however, the apparently jolly jaunt also doubles as an intervention. Yep, this one is a dramedy, making the most of the dramatic and comic talents of its ensemble of performers. Also watch out for: Other People, which corrals Jesse Plemons, Molly Shannon, Bradley Whitford, June Squibb and Parks and Recreation's Retta into the big screen, feature-length debut of Saturday Night Live writing supervisor Chris Kelly.
As if alcohol alone doesn't do enough to unleash your inner, six-year-old self, you can now embrace it shamelessly — that's if you happen to be in San Francisco and anywhere near that city's latest thing: a pop-up ball pit in your local bar. Yep, you read that right. A brilliantly regressive-thinking organisation by the name of Forward Motion has turned every kidult's dream into a reality. The team is heading into willing bars and nightclubs, setting up enormous pits, and filling them to the brim with balls of all colours. And you're welcome to jump straight in — even if, or especially if, you're armed with a cocktail. Forward Motion held its first pop-up on Saturday, March 19 and Sunday, March 20 at San Francisco's Romper Room. "It took a little over a year to actually make it happen, as the biggest obstacle was trying to raise enough money to purchase 40,000 ball pit balls," Forward Motion founder Ryan Lum told Mashable. "After several failed crowdfunding attempts, I decided to just start selling tickets to [the] event that didn't even exist. It took a long time trying to raise the money but it was all worth it in the end." Not only did stacks of people attend, they made the most of it. Some dressed as brides and one as a kangaroo. There were ball fights, conga lines, limbo matches and Macarena displays. The bar staff got on the bandwagon, too, throwing a plastic green turtle into the pit and offering a free shot to the first person to find it. Forward Motion, you are hereby officially invited to Australia. In the meantime, readers can cry with envy at ball pits happening on the other side of the Pacific by following announcements on Facebook. Via First We Feast and Mashable. Images: Dollar Photo Club and Miracles Ramirez/Forward Motion.
Since the ambitious NGV Triennial opened just before Christmas, the National Gallery of Victoria has been absolutely buzzing. And it's set to take this vibe to the next level with Triennial EXTRA, a one-off festival that will see the gallery open late for ten days this January. The NGV will turn things up a notch and and remain open from 6pm till midnight run every day between January 19 and 28. Like the exhibition the festival is free to attend, and its program covers immersive and experiential events across art, music, dance, live performance, design and ideas. You can grab a drink and take a tour led by dance company Chunky Move, attend a talk of the intersection of gender and race in art or dance along to one of the DJs-in-residence. Chef Andrew McConnell will also take over the gallery's Garden Restaurant for the ten days and transform it into Supernormal Natsu, a spin-off of his modern Japanese restaurant in Flinders Lane. Image: Eugene Hyland.
What would you do if you were a little less freaked out by consequences? Would you talk to more new people, fear a bit less, dance a little more like FKA Twigs, quit your desk job and put on that festival you've always wanted to give a red hot go? Some sparkling young Australians are already flinging their inhibitions into a ziplock bag and seizing this little ol' life with both hands. Concrete Playground has teamed up with the Jameson crew to give you a sneak peek into the lives of ten bold characters who took a big chance on themselves. They've gone out on a limb and rewritten their path, encapsulating 'Sine Metu', the Jameson family motto which translates to 'without fear' — getting outside your comfort zone and trying something new. After all, we only get one shot at this. Take notes. As Katharine Butler Hathaway once said, "If you let your fear of consequence prevent you from following your deepest instinct, your life will be safe, expedient and thin," and never have her words rang truer. In our safe modern world, full of concrete, cushy comfort, our deeper instincts are all too often quashed. The only antidote to a safe, expedient and thin world is to seek out risk. For Brett Louis, co-founder and curator of Melbourne's ambitious festival Sugar Mountain, a 'Sine Metu' way of life is the only way. Thanks to Brett's meticulous curation and the team's unique penchant for collaboration over the years, Sugar Mountain has broken new ground with its blend of music, art and food — redefining what a festival can be (without fearing it won't work). RETHINK WHAT A FESTIVAL 'SHOULD' BE A change has been a-brewin' in Australia's festival scene for years. The exorbitant prices, cookie-cutter lineups and disappointing food so characteristic of the bigger festivals has worn thin and a counter-culture of boutique festivals has emerged. Enter Sugar Mountain, the brainchild of Brett and his equally groundbreaking team Tig Huggins, Pete Keen and Nicci Reid. It debuted in 2011, a small festival with a niche lineup of hungry musicians and artists. In the years since, SM has grown into an annual mainstay for foodies, visual art and music lovers across the country. Growing a festival from the ground up is no easy feat and harder still is maintaining momentum. The culmination of 18 months of planning comes together in one make-or-break day, and punters walk into the Victorian College of the Arts site brimming with expectation. Brett says the aim of the festival is to feed off this, to anticipate assumptions and shatter them on purpose. Instead of pandering to the common denominator, the Sugar Mountain music and art lineup pushes audiences out of their comfort zone and promises something different — something Brett and his hardworking collaborators value first and foremost. "We never want to be pigeonholed," says Brett. "Each year, we look for ways to expand creatively, it's about creating a cultural event. People go because they want to have a great day, be challenged a little bit and enjoy something that only happens once a year and really can't be recreated." At Sugar Mountain, it's best to leave all your preconceived notions of what a festival should be at the gate. OBLITERATE YOUR COMFORT ZONE (AND YOUR PUNTERS') Sugar Mountain is a place for creativity to be absorbed and celebrated; this is the antithesis to a safe, expedient and thin life. The ethos behind curating a festival that pushes boundaries is for people to have complete faith in Brett and his hardworking team, and understand that although the festival might differ from year to year, the quality will never falter. "We only book it if we love it and believe in it. Booking buzzy bands creates an expectation that every year you have to put on a buzz lineup," he says. Sugar Mountain has never been about validating people's taste, but about discovering new things and new favourites. Getting comfortable is a trap for musicians and artists too and Brett believes that the lineup should work as for itself as well as the audience. Blending a lineup of interconnected acts works because they respect and push each other; when the musicians know each other, like each other, work well together and vibe off each other's sets it changes from being a lineup of separate acts and becomes about the bigger picture. "When we put the lineup together, it's always a gamble because pretty much everything's put on the table," says Brett. "There's a team of us who are continually putting together booking options and our tastes and formative influences are incredibly broad." However for Brett, the food and drink offerings are the highest priority because, as a coeliac, he's had more than his fair share of terrible festival food, but also because sharing good food and drink is such an important social ritual that can elevate a festival from good to God-tier. In 2016, Sugar Mountain premiered Sensory, an immersive dining experience collaboratively crafted by experimental foodies Bomba, themed by visual artists Tin and Ed and soundtracked by Cut Copy. A risky venture (who's ever chanced a four-course sit-down tapas meal at a festival before?) but it paid off and brokered the completely novel idea that, if it's your bag, you can go to a music festival for the food alone. DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT TO WHAT'S ALREADY OUT THERE When punters walk through the gates into Sugar Mountain, they see a slick, well-oiled machine. It's success incarnate; a well-planned, thoughtful and smooth event that flows seamlessly with no hiccups or clashes. What they don't see is the struggle. "People walking in aren't aware of what you faced only days earlier, problems that come about through so many different things, the weather, logistical problems, artist related issues… but when you do get put in the shit, the most rewarding feeling is when you get the outcome that you intended," says Brett. The idea that success is the absence of hardship is, as Brett points out, ridiculous but common. Often the assumption is that if something is meant to be, it's meant to be easy and people conflate a smooth ride with success. "The five or six days leading up to show day… that's my favourite time of the year," Brett explains "Everyone's constantly knee-deep all week and you're forced to make decisions and problem solve as you go." Planning, rather than hoping for a cosmic alignment, is the key to overcoming the hurdles. Brett believes level-headed decision making and quick reaction times are all you need to turn a crisis into an opportunity (a crisitunity). "Just do it. Dive into it. There's no harm in starting small, just make sure you do everything in your own way because you want to make sure you're doing something different to what's out there. If you believe in it and you really want it the only thing that can stop you is your self-doubt." Want to experience a little bit of 'Sine Metu' yourself? Thanks to Jameson and The Rewriters, one extremely fortunate Concrete Playground reader (and their even more fortunate mate) will get the chance to 'fear less' and go on a big ol' adventure to Ireland. In addition to two return flights departing from your choice of Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, this epic giveaway comes with five night's accommodation and $500 spending money you can use to paint the Emerald Isle red. ENTER HERE. For more about how 'Sine Metu' influenced John Jameson's journey visit Jameson's website.
Hot on the heels of the NGV's exciting announcement of a new gallery dedicated to contemporary art, the Melbourne gallery has launched its latest blockbuster: a collaborative exhibition with New York's revered Museum of Modern Art. MoMA at NGV: 130 Years of Modern and Contemporary Art takes a chronological look at art and design over the past century, from the late 1900s through to modern masterpieces. MoMA at NGV features more than 200 works from all six of MoMA's curatorial departments: Photography, Film, Architecture and Design, Painting and Sculpture, Drawings and Prints, and Media and Performance Art. The exhibition might be one of your only chances to see some of these works outside of New York with 127 of the showcased artworks having never left MoMA's walls before. You'll find masterful paintings that signalled a modern age with works from Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin; art based on emerging technology with Cubism pioneers Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque; collections of post-war American culture that are "bursting with energy"; as well as participatory artworks, pop-art icons, Space Invaders, and many more. The works are spread across eight expansive themed sections at NGV International, which, MoMA director Glenn Lowry calls 'mini villages'. "The spaces between them are alleyways and streets, so movement in this exhibition is always experiential," he said at the exhibition launch. "You go from one town to the next town and along the way you'll discover something." While all the works on display are must-sees, below we've selected five works that you absolutely shouldn't miss. SALVADOR DALI: THE PERSISTENCE OF MEMORY (1931) One of the most admired Salvador Dali paintings is The Persistence of Memory, which is based on the seaside landscape close to Dali's home in Catalonia, Spain. A master of warping time and space with his dream-like style, the painting can be found at the entrance to the Inner and Outer Worlds section of the exhibition. The painting is one of MoMA's most prized possessions, and even Lowry seemed surprised that it had been loaned out to the NGV's ("What? We lent that one?"). Like the Mona Lisa, The Persistence of Memory proves that sometimes artworks big in stature come in small packages — the work is only 24 by 33 centimetres big. So get in early (or make use of your elbows) to get up close and take in all the magnificent details found throughout Dali's work. EL ANATSUI: BLEEDING TAKARI II (2007) Using thousands of bottle caps that have been crushed and reshaped in many ways, Bleeding Takari II is made from materials collected by the Ghanaian artist El Anatsui. Linked together with carefully formed copper wiring, this large-scale work flexes and wrinkles in a different way each time it's installed. The work considers the trade of goods, and peoples, from West Africa to Europe. NGV director Tony Ellwood is particularly excited about this work, which demonstrates the type of diverse global works that the NGV and MoMA hope to continue to champion. "This a beautiful example of El Anatsui's work, and I think, in many ways, it heralds the future of contemporary art collecting for major institutions," says Ellwood. ANDY WARHOL: MARILYN MONROE (1967) One of the quintessential works of pop art and a distillation of American culture, the NGV showcases Andy Warhol's famed Marilyn Monroe series. Throughout his career, Warhol would create more than 800 printed images, although almost none more famous than this one. Produced five years after the famous actress's death in 1962, this collection of ten vibrant prints, while colourful in nature, peel back the complexities of fame suggesting a darker perspective on celebrity culture. JOHN BALDESSARI: WHAT IS PAINTING (1968) Displayed next to Warhol's prints, you'll find a vastly different kind of work in John Baldessari's What is painting. It's a self-referential question of genre — for this work, Baldessari hired a sign-painter to produce the lettering in careful detail. Exploring the definitions of art and painting, this 1968 work draws on a strong sense of irony as although this work fits the definition of paint on canvas, it defies our typical understanding of the format. "This fantastic Baldessari is one of my favourite works of art," says MoMA's Lowry. "The painting is about painting — and it challenges us to think about the very act of art making." ROMAN ONDÁK: MEASURING THE UNIVERSE (2007) Slovakian conceptual artist Roman Ondák is known for his large-scale works that often blur the boundaries between art and everyday life. Taking up an entire room of the NGV, Measuring the Universe is an artwork that relies on public participation to fill out what begins as an entirely blank space. Recalling parents measuring their children's height as they grow taller, participants have their height, names and the birthdate scrawled around the room. Over the three months of MoMA at NGV, these engravings will become layered, eventually forming a whirling galaxy-like mass of names. "It isn't art until you participate," explains Lowry. "In the end this work of art is about inscribing ourselves into the history of this institution." MoMA at NGV: 130 Years of Modern and Contemporary Art is on display at NGV International, St Kilda Road, Melbourne until October 7. You can grab tickets here. Images: NGV/Tom Ross.
If you're heading to New Zealand's Christchurch region for a short holiday, you can't leave without going bungy jumping. There are plenty of opportunities to get your adrenaline going, so why not live on the wild side of life? Experience breathtaking views of the Southern Alps, beautiful coastal vistas and lush green forest while you get reacquainted with the thrill-seeking side of yourself. If you're into the kind of fun that leaves your stomach in knots, then this guide will not disappoint. The adrenaline-junkie kiwis seem to know a thing or two about going on an adventure. TACKLE THE RAPIDS IN HANMER SPRINGS Drive for 90 minutes to Hanmer Springs and book yourself in for a white water rafting adventure. You'll find yourself situated within a stunning mountain range, with pink marble land formations heading all the way down the Waiau River canyon. The rapids are Grade 2 in Hanmer Springs, so expect medium-size rapids and low drops with waves less than a metre high. After all the twists, turns and drops you can still get your fair share of serenity — Hanmer Springs is known for its beautiful blue water and stunning scenery. Don't forget to pack something to swim in, there's no doubt you're going to want to relax with a swim at the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools after a day out on the rapids. Even adrenaline junkies need some time to chill out. GO JET BOATING IN WAIMAKARIRI GORGE The Waimakariri River, translating to 'cold water' in Māori, is the home of jet boating in Christchurch, with canyons, gorges, rock faces and native forest lining an adventure trail through the water. You can choose between a 30- or 60-minute jet boating adventure in the beautiful blue water — expect 360-degree spins, hairpin turns and a high-speed ride that'll get your heart racing. The Waimakariri river is 90 minutes from Christchurch, but Alpine Jet organises transfers that pick you up from the city and drop you back when the day is done. Because there are so many beautiful rivers in the Christchurch region, there are many places to go jet boating. Another option is at Hanmer Springs. Once you've tested the strength of your stomach there'll be plenty of opportunities to sit back and take in the fresh air in both locations — catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Southern Alps if you're lucky. BUNGY JUMP AMID STUNNING SCENERY You're heading to New Zealand, which means you're going to want to throw yourself from a tall structure connected to an elastic cord — this is the home of bungy jumping after all. Why not let yourself free fall from a bridge for 35 metres towards a surging river to get the blood pumping and the bones jumping? It's an adrenaline rush like no other and one that you're bound to get addicted to. The idyllic Hanmer Springs Bungy, 90 minutes from Christchurch, is the perfect spot for first timers who may need to distract themselves with stunning scenery before taking a leap of faith. MOUNTAIN BIKE THE EDGE OF THE CITY The Christchurch region's beautiful scenery and stunning mountains make it an ideal destination for avid mountain bikers. There are many cycling tracks to discover, but the Port Hills is one of Christchurch's best kept secrets and one of our favourites. With its dramatic landscape of tussock grasslands and rugged mountain terrain, it's easy to see why. Ten different trails in this area each have their own unique highlights — and they're perfect for both new and experienced riders. The new Christchurch Adventure Park is another mountain biking option. The huge trails inside range in difficulty — from beginner courses to those designed for experts only. If you're new to mountain biking and want to learn some skills in a safe environment, head here. It's the biggest mountain biking path in the Southern Hemisphere — you won't be short on space. FLY THROUGH THE ADRENALIN FOREST If you consider yourself to be a little bit of a George of the Jungle, here's your chance to prove yourself in the tree tops. A 20-minute drive from Christchurch is the Adrenalin Forest, a two-kilometre aerial obstacle course set in the beautiful Spencer Park. We can't promise you'll have the opportunity to hang from vines, but there's more than enough to keep you challenged with over 100 activities and six courses to sink your teeth into. If you're a real adrenaline junkie, tackle the high-wire course. It's not quite walking between the twin towers Man On Wire-style, but you're sure to get up to 20 metres into the forest canopy — that's at least two or three stories off the ground and more than enough to get you shaking in your boots. Maybe you've been to New Zealand's North Island, but have you ever ventured down South? Christchurch, and New Zealand's surrounding Canterbury region, is the perfect place for a quick holiday. Use our planning guide to book your trip, then sort out your itinerary with our food, nature and relaxation guides.
Last year, Jungle’s unique brand of modern soul exploded worldwide, landing them prime positions at international music festivals and a Mercury Prize-nominated debut album to boot. Earworms such as 'Time', 'The Heat', and the triple j Hottest 100 shoe-in 'Busy Earnin' (it reached number #67) made everyone wake up and pay attention. But they're no mere studio cats — Jungle's live set is one of the best excuses to bust out your dancing shoes we've seen in a while. Not content with playing around with their laptops on stage, Tom McFarland and Josh Lloyd-Watson — more commonly known as J and T — will be joined by Jungle's live band, recreating their music in all its harmonic splendour. Opening the show will be Melbourne’s golden boy Oscar Key Sung, so arriving early to this gig has more advantages than just a prime position. If you're not content seeing Jungle in their set at St Jerome’s Laneway Festival, get along to their sideshow while they're in town.
A much-loved winter wine festival is back for 2024, with The Shortest Lunch kicking off on the winter solstice across Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23. If you haven't heard of this one before, it's basically two jam-packed days of wine tasting, live music, incredible food and beautiful scenery, spread across nine family-owned wineries in the Yarra Valley. We're talking smaller, boutique names like Billanook Estate, Steels Gate Boat O'Craigo and Sutherland Estate. You can grab tickets for $35 for a single day, or $50 for the weekend, for access to tastings and small plates at any of the wineries on the lineup. Most of the venues are also dog-friendly too, so fur babies are more than welcome. In terms of food, there's plenty to choose from. With a backdrop of crackling wood fires and rolling Yarra Valley views, you can tuck into freshly baked calzones, ploughman's platters, hot apple pies, hearty pastas, and plenty of kid-friendly dishes. As with the wine, the food is a showcase of the best of the region, and no dish is priced over $25. To make things a little more fun for the kids (and competitive adults), the Shortest Lunch crew has created three wine-themed quests (with the help of an escape-room architect), so you can hunt for clues at the different wineries and potentially win a special prize. On top of that, Tokar Estate has even got a free petting zoo for the little ones.
