The past couple of years have left us all feeling a little jibbed on the travel front, especially when it comes to jetting off overseas. But finally, things are looking up, bookings fill us with a little less dread and that long-forgotten pastime of international air travel is back on the menu. And if you've been particularly hankering for a trip to the USA, United Airlines just made it even easier to get your well-deserved holiday fix. The airline has kicked off new flights between Australia and the States, leaving East Coast punters totally spoiled for choice. Newly partnered with Virgin Australia in a codeshare arrangement, United is now flying Sydney to Houston and Brisbane to San Francisco. Other services that have recently launched or resumed include direct routes from Melbourne to San Francisco and to Los Angeles, and daily direct flights from Sydney to both of those US cities as well. It's a huge win for East Coast travellers keen to jet off on a far-flung adventure without the fuss of any pesky stopovers adding extra hours and effort to the trip. And of course, it means improved access to other Aussie cities, too. United is also upping the frequency of a bunch of its existing Aussie routes. In fact, by the end of 2022, the airline will be flying more than 40 direct US flights from Australia each week, across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. That means you've got more options for a speedy Stateside jaunt than ever before. Of course, thanks to the new team-up with Virgin, Velocity Frequent Flyer members can not only earn points on their United flights, but they've got access to benefits like priority check-in and boarding, and extra baggage allowance when they fly. And if you really want to up the ante for your USA getaway, there's the United Polaris business class service, where you can revel in the luxury of comfy lie-flat seats, generously sized entertainment screens and cute suitcase-inspired amenity kits filled with skincare goodies from Sunday Riley. [caption id="attachment_882756" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Polaris[/caption] United Airlines has expanded its flight offerings between Australia (Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane) and multiple US cities. For all the details and to book a flight, see the website.
Rejoice, gin enthusiasts of Melbourne, as a series of juniper-fuelled cocktail classes is coming to town so you can take your mixology to the next level. Teaming up with German distillery Monkey 47, riverside bar Ocean 12 will host classes every Thursday from March to May on its terrace, which will be transformed into a lush forest with glowing mushrooms, wild vines and plenty of greenery. Running from 6.30–8.30pm, the classes include a free G&T on arrival, food and expert tips of the trade — all for $79. You'll be shaking and stirring cocktails, including a cucumber-infused gin martini that even a tux-wearing 007 would want to knock back, as well as other impressive tipples using Monkey 47 dry gin and Monkey 47 sloe gin. Afterwards, keep the good times going by taking advantage of the bar's happy hour from 8–10pm, where select beer, wines and spirits are a cheeky $8 while Monkey 47-based cocktails will be $12 a pop.
Melbourne has no shortage of design markets (or good designers, to that end) so we were about due for another one to take place. Held three times a year, the Little Sparrow Market is back for its second and third 2016 instalments after a kicking things off back in June. The market will fill The Atrium at Federation Square with all manner of aesthetically pleasing things, from candles to couture sleepwear to cute homewares. Altogether there'll be over 65 stalls, including some of the gourmet food kind — because no market-goer should have to go hungry. The first market will be held on Sunday, September 25, with the following one happening a month later on Sunday, October 23.
The inner west's ever-booming booze scene continues its charge, with the arrival of Kingsville newbie, Willow Wine Cafe. The charming 20-seater marks the first solo venture for local, Ellen Turner, whose hefty hospitality resume includes stints at Gin Palace, Collins Quarter, Seddon Wine Store and even Shanghai's Glamour Bar. Most recently home to a cricket shop, the Williamstown Road building now sports a comfy mix of recycled timbers and repurposed fittings, all warm, natural finishes and cheery glow. Open from 8am until 7pm, Tuesday through Sunday, it's a space that slips easily from morning coffees to those after-work wines. You'll find the early crowd tucking into Five Senses lattes, brekkie boards and crumpets, while loaded toasties and a range of milk bun rolls — perhaps filled with hot smoked trout, crème fraîche and dill — are the stars come lunchtime. Local produce is the focus and the glass cake cabinets filled with treats from the likes of Brasserie Bread, Candied Bakery and Söt by Mörk. The wine list also flies the flag for locality, with a solid crop of Victorian labels backed by a careful curation of drops from further afield. An ever-rotating by-the-glass selection is primed for post-work drop-ins, best enjoyed alongside some of the locally sourced cheese and charcuterie. You'll find a range of wines available to take away, too, while a program of seasonal dinners, tasting events and a Willow wine subscription service are also on the cards. Find Willow Wine Cafe at 126 Williamstown Road, Kingsville.
It might be a favourite for littlies, but Collingwood Children's Farm is far from a whippersnapper itself. In fact, the inner city institution is gearing up to turn the big 4-0 next month and to celebrate, it's throwing a rollicking birthday shindig to delight folks both young and old. Taking over the long-running farm on Sunday, November 3, the aptly named Party Animals will dish up a diverse program of entertainment, market stalls, workshops and more. And the best part? Profits will be heading right back into the farm, to help ensure it kicks on for another four decades. Firing up the stage will be the likes of punk rockers Cosmic Psychos, singer-songwriter Jess Ribeiro, 'BBQ punk' act The Burnt Sausages and The Ookerpookers, featuring a ukulele orchestra made up of Thornbury school students. A jam-packed series of workshops could see you becoming an expert in anything from sustainable living to ukulele jamming, while a program of Table Talks will share expertise from the likes of The Fertile Crescent, Barry The Beekeeper, specialty butcher Meatsmith and Broomfields Pies. There's a slew of culinary treats on offer, too, including a slow-cooked barbecue feast by the crew at Meatsmith. An array of food stalls will be serving up snacks like D'Lish Turkish Street Food's gozleme and giant paella from Western Port Mussel Supplies, or you can nip to the Producer's Paddock and browse a huge assortment of fresh Victorian fruit, veggies, charcuterie, baked goods, ferments, cheese and more. The drinks will also be flowing, with brews from Bodriggy Brewing Co and Mountain Goat, Innocent Bystander wines, and botanical concoctions from Melbourne Gin Co to help you kick on all day long. Party Animals runs from 10am–8pm. Images: Steve Costello
Gareth Sansom is one of Australia's most respected painters who, over the past 60 years, has merged his admired pop culture perspectives with the lurid, the erotic and the philosophical. Across his paintings, collages and watercolours, Sansom displays a strong sense of self-investigation, frequently including disguised self-portraits and blurring the lines between the abstract and the actual. On display at NGV Australia starting in mid-September, Gareth Sansom: Transformer explores the entirety of Sansom's celebrated career, presenting more than 130 of his paintings, photographs and paper works – including many that are yet to be seen by the public. Sansom studied at RMIT University during the early 1960s before rising to popularity as an avant-garde artist drawing inspiration from the likes of Pablo Picasso and Jean Dubuffet. His works are held in numerous private and public collections, including New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art and the National Gallery of Australia. Image: Gareth Sansom, Figure studies triptych (1990), courtesy the artist.
Already home to a natural landmark that can be seen from space, as well as a luminous installation that brightens up the night sky, the Northern Territory is about to add another stellar sight — and site — to its list. From next year, Australia's Top End will make history when it becomes the first privately-owned location outside of the United States to launch NASA rockets. The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Goddard Space Flight Center/Wallops Flight Facility is partnering with the NT's Arnhem Space Centre, SBS reports, with private outfit Equatorial Launch Australia receiving the contract to provide temporary launch facilities in the southern hemisphere. Four rockets, measuring approximately 15 metres high, are expected to launch from the spaceport next year according to the ABC, with each spending around 15 minutes in suborbital space. Their purpose: scientific investigations. Already a lure for tourists, it was Arnhem Land's distinctive landscape and geographical location that reportedly proved an attraction — with NASA clearly taking the Top End moniker literally. The ASC is located in Nhulunbuy, around 700 kilometres east of Darwin. While NASA won't take off from the site until next year, it's expected that the ASC will be ready to launch small rockets by the end of this year. Even better — the centre is planning to launch spaceflights in 2020. The news comes as Australia keeps stepping up its space game — or reigniting it after closing down the Australian Space Office back in 1996. The federal government announced formed the Australian Space Agency in 2018, and revealed that it'd be headquartered in Adelaide from this year. In a statement, ASA Head Dr Megan Clark AC said that "NASA's interest in conducting a sounding rocket campaign in Australia shows the increasing importance of commercial launch activities from Australia". Via: SBS/ABC. Image: NASA/Bill Ingalls.
Cinephiles, picnic-lovers and everyone in between, rejoice — the annual combination of movies, outdoor eating and park hangouts that is Moonlight Cinema is back for another round. After locking in their dates back in September, Australia's biggest outdoor cinema this morning announced their full 2026-17 summer program — and it's a goodie. Kicking off on the first day of summer (how fitting) in Sydney and Adelaide before launching in Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth just a few days later, this year's setup boasts all the regular features that make this one of the country's most popular summer events. Big screen shimmering beneath the stars? Check. Food trucks serving the ultimate movie munchies? Check. Letting super-organised patrons BYO their own snacks? Check. A huge lineup of new releases and cult classics? You betcha. Expect all the big summer releases, like sci-fi thriller Passengers, the much-anticipated La La Land with Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, and Lion, based on the true story of Saroo Brierley who found his birth mother in India via Google Earth after 25 years of separation. Naturally, they'll also be playing Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (which was released today) as well as the yet-to-be-released Star Wars: Rogue One and game-turned-film Assassins Creed. As always, they'll also throw in a few cult favourites — this year it's Grease and Back to the Future — and some Doggie Nights, which will kick off with The Secret Life of Pets. Of course, heading to Moonlight isn't just about the movies shown, as fun as getting a sneak peek of upcoming flicks or sharing the joyous glow of watching iconic favourites on a big screen is. It's also about the experience, which is why you're allowed to start getting excited without knowing which films you'll be watching — and why you should be blocking out December through to April in your calendar. Tickets are on sale now. MOONLIGHT CINEMA 2016-17 DATES: Sydney: December 1 – April 2 (Belvedere Amphitheatre in Centennial Park) Melbourne: December 8 – April 2 (Central Lawn at Royal Botanic Gardens) Brisbane: December 8 – March 5 (New Farm Park at Brisbane Powerhouse) Adelaide: December 1 – February 19 (Botanic Park) Perth: December 3 – April 2 (Kings Park and Botanic Garden) Moonlight Cinema's 2016-17 season starts screening around the country from December 1. For more information and to buy tickets, visit moonlight.com.au.
Every year, So Frenchy So Chic asks Melburnians a question: do you fancy prancing through a field laced with the charm of provincial France, but without needing to book a flight? If your answer is yes, which it should be, then you'll be pleased to know that that exact setup is just casual summer weekendery when the fest rolls in each January. The ever-popular French celebration will bring the can-can back to Melbourne's Werribee Park Mansion. The date: Sunday, January 14. For newcomers, expect an entire afternoon of French-inspired niceties, including (but not limited to) gourmet picnic hampers, très bon crepes and steak frites sandwiches, and supremely good wine — all set to a blissed-out French soundtrack. So Frenchy So Chic hinges on an eclectic lineup of artists, both taking cues from the classic sonic stylings of France and showcasing top-notch French talent. On the 2024 bill: La Femme, Marlon Magnée and Sacha Got's psych-punk rock group; Kill The Pain, aka Australian singer and songwriter Phoebe Killdeer with French vocalist Mélanie Pain; Laure Briard, fresh from releasing album Ne pas trop rester bleue; and the Serge Gainsbourg- and Angus and Julia Stone-loving Malo'. As always, the wine and food will flow just as easily as the tunes, headlined by an abundance of bubbly courtesy of Champagne Lanson, one of France's oldest champagne houses and a So Frenchy So Chic favourite. Expect oysters, croque monsieurs, duck liver parfait, mussels, chocolate eclairs, macarons and cheese upon cheese. Of course, there'll be plenty of French beer, cocktails, and rosé, red and white wines, too, no matter what you choose to snack on throughout the day. For groups of ten, this year's festival also includes a $199-per-person option that gets you your own prime spot with low-seated wooden tables decorated with flowers, rugs and cushions to make things comfy, two bottles of champers, a shady umbrella, and two charcuterie hampers and two cheese hampers. If you've got kids, you'll be happy to know that the whole thing is very family-friendly, with children's tickets starting from $25 (and entry free for kids under 12). Images: Liz Sunshine / Simon Schiff.
Imagine the movie Groundhog Day, except that instead of augmenting his knowledge and skill base with each nightly reset, Bill Murray's memory simply resets with it and he spends every day like it was the first: scared, confused and trying to figure out what's going on. Not as interesting, right? Well, therein lies the critical flaw in Before I Go To Sleep, a new 'thriller' starring Nicole Kidman, Colin Firth and Mark Strong. Kidman plays Christine, an amnesiac whose memory wipes itself clear every 24 hours, meaning with each new morning she must relearn who she is, what's happened to her and who that man lying next to her is — aka her husband, Ben (Firth). Helping her attempt to break the cycle is neuropsychiatrist Dr Nash (Strong), who compels Christine to leave a video message to herself each night so that she can slowly build upon her own memories the following day. Slowly, the memories begin to linger beyond the nightly reset and with them come growing suspicions that neither man in her life is being completely honest about the source of her condition. The film is based upon S.J. Watson's 2011 bestseller, but its slow-burn plot and predictable twists are far less forgiving on screen, where no amount of Kidman's trademark harrowed stares can engender the kind of tension it purports to have. The closest you come to frights in this film are courtesy of tactless incidental surprises like the sudden horn of a passing truck, and the lack of characters (with a suspects list of two) means the ultimate revelation is far from the scale a true climax deserves. Between the cast and the conceit, Before I Go To Sleep had the potential to explore some genuinely compelling ideas and offer a fresh spin on the Groundhog / Memento / Edge of Tomorrow premise, but instead it flounders in tawdry melodrama and leaves you largely unsatisfied. https://youtube.com/watch?v=L6ckwpaFbBM
With almost 150 different events on the Midsumma 2016 program, trying to figure out exactly what to see can feel rather overwhelming. That's why we're recommending Taste of the Festival, a Midsumma tasting plate at fortyfivedownstairs. For one night only, you can catch snippets from a dozen different shows from the three week festival. Not too shabby for just $15 a ticket. And while you're there, you can also take a peek at the Midsumma Visual Arts Exhibition, featuring works by a number of local artists whose work explores gender and social constructs.
For most of us, a bus stop is a means to an end, a necessary layover during our daily travels, and the place that helps you get from point A to point B. In Singapore, however, the transport hub on Jurong Gateway Road is the kind of place people might actually want to spend time at. When a bus stop has a rooftop garden and free books, you won't want to leave in a hurry. The structure has the bland-sounding name of Project Bus Stop, but it's anything but ordinary, as Australian commuters will instantly recognise. The rampant foliage certainly doesn't escape attention, with the six-metre-by-three-metre green roof boasting trees and drought-resistant shrubs, as well as planter boxes and even a swing underneath. If feasting your eyes on soothing natural sights isn't enough, you can bury your head in a book courtesy of a rack of novels available for everyone's reading pleasure — and if you can't find something that you like, e-books, magazines and newspapers are available to download for free. In fact, the entire bus stop is a tech-savvy delight, thanks to free wifi, phone charging stations, and interactive smartboards that display route and arrival information, Conceived by a group of designers from DP Architects, Project Bus Stop aims to turn the commuting space into a place of social interaction and make waiting for buses an enriching experience. Imagine that — actually enjoying waiting for a bus. Aussie cities, take note. Via Travel and Leisure. Image: Infocomm Media Development Authority / Our Favourite Place.
James Klapanis of Eastern Grace Group (St. Cloud Eating House and Young's Wine Rooms) recently brought on Matteo Tine (ex-Grossi Florentino, Bar Carolina, Tetto di Carolina and Pixie) as the restaurant group's Executive Chef and Creative Director — and they're already working on some big plans. Tine first assembled a new team at Young's Wine Room to reinvigorate the Hawthorn wine bar. But the duo's main focus right now is on Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and bar Orlo, slated to open in late June. Set within the old Dyason Cordial Factory in Collingwood, the Oxford Street venue will have a heap of distinct drinking and dining areas split across multiple levels. In the main restaurant, Tine is leaning heavily into his Sicilian roots, plating up contemporary Italian eats influenced by a smattering of other European cuisines. Tine is all over the food, but the duo has brought on a couple hospo heavyweights to dream up the drinks menus. When it comes to wine, Grossi Group's Carlo Grossi has curated a list of vinos that pair well with Tine's Med-inspired dishes. He's been tasked with making these fun, bright and accessible, meaning you don't have to spend the big bucks when ordering a few bottles for the table. And when it comes to cocktails, the Orlo crew has enlisted none other than Joe Jones (Purple Pit) to work his magic. We're huge fans of his Purple Pit libations, so can't wait to see what he does at Orlo. Here, he has designed a few signature sips, including seasonal cordials that'll be served in old cordial bottles as a fun nod to the building. We're sure the best place to find these bevs will be in Orlo's downstairs bar Cordial Club. The 1880s red brick factory has been revived by the team at McCluskey Studio, who've made sure to keep plenty of its original features while glamming it up a little. They've also worked with Klapanis to use his collection of reclaimed materials and vintage furniture throughout the site. Klapanis and Tine have gone all out with Orlo, and it's hard not to have high expectations. Orlo will open at 44 Oxford Street, Collingwood, this June, and be open every day of the week from 12pm–late. For more information on the new opening, visit the venue's website.
Is it time you put a little je ne sais quoi into your day, night or very early morning? Make tracks to Bar Margaux. Right now, things are even more exotique than usual at the French-inspired, late-night bar, thanks to a brand new offering from legendary hospitality group Made in the Shade. Co-owner and bartender Michael Madrusan has come up with a deluxe, bespoke take on the classic whisky highball. As you might expect from Bar Margaux — where Parisian style meets New York City cool — this concoction is complex and mysterious, yet elegant and very, very sippable. Think a nicely-balanced blend of Johnnie Walker Black Label Blended Scotch Whisky, Pommeau de Normandie (that's an apple aperitif), lemon and a dash of absinthe. And the name? Talk, Dark and Then Some! ($20). If that sounds like something you just have to try, head to Bar Margaux from Tuesday, September 17 to taste it for yourself. The basement bar on Lonsdale Street is a perfect place to head for an after-work beverage or a central catch-up with friends. What's more, it's open until 3am Sunday–Thursday and 5am on weekend nights, so if you ever find yourself wandering around in the dark, feeling thirsty... and hungry... you know where to come. To match Madrusan's creation, British-born head chef Daniel Southern is coming up with a very special eat. So, head on down between 4–6pm or after midnight any day of the week and you can grab a Tall, Dark and Then Some highball and some panisse (chickpea fries) for just $20. Bar Margaux is the fourth venue by the Made in the Shade Group, run by Madrusan, his wife Zara and a bunch of other experts. It opened in July 2019, joining Fitzroy cocktail haven The Everleigh, plus Heartbreaker and Connie's Pizza. Images: Kate Shanasy.
Flinders Lane is home to some of Melbourne's best restaurants, and the eastern end is always packed with punters hunting down a highly sought-after table. The Spencer Street side, on the other hand, is home to a whole lot more office buildings than dining destinations. But this is slowly changing. More and more stellar spots are popping up on this side of the Melbourne CBD, with Salted Egg adding a fresh dimension back in 2021. Situated on the first floor, diners have views down Flinders Lane, just above it all, while tucking into a far-reaching assortment of Southeast Asian dishes. Executive Chef Adam Woodfield (ex-Chin Chin and Jimmy Liks) is serving playful takes on curries, stir-fries and street food eats full of bold flavours. There's no need to reach for the salt or chilli when feasting at Salted Egg. You can go à la carte for lunch and dinner, choosing your own Southeast Asian adventure, or opt for one of the set menus — something we all love to do these days. The menu kicks off with a few one-bite snacks inspired by Vietnamese, Thai and Singaporean street food. The smoked duck betel leaf with jeaw, lemongrass, mint and coriander is an absolute banger. As are the fresh oysters that come with red nahm jim. This is followed up by some spicy curries and stir-fries, as well as fresh salads to cut through the rich flavours. One particular highlight here has got to be the soft-shell crab stir-fry. These generous portions of crab come slathered in lashings of curry powder, Asian celery and oyster mushrooms. There's no doubt you'll be licking this bowl clean. A couple of desserts round out the food lunch and dinner offerings, best paired with some Southeast Asian-inspired cocktails or Aussie wines from the bar. The spot is also open to the public for breakfast but is mostly filled with hotel guests at this time of day. The pandan waffles and Vietnamese rice cakes with fried eggs are there for those wanting some Asian-inspired brekkie options, but your classic avo on toast and chilli scrambled eggs remain as well. Vietnamese coffee is also on the cards for those wanting to change up their usual caffeine fix. Salted Egg is feeding its hotel guests differently (not just in-room burgers and steaks) while also going after the general public. If you work down this end of town, a trip to Salted Egg or The Q best be on your dining hit list.
The Gertrude Street Projection Festival has lit up Fitzroy for ten years in a row. But, this year, it's changing things up. Instead of going for ten nights, 2018's festival — which is usually held in winter — will run over just two nights in conjunction with Melbourne Fringe. According to organisers the Centre for Projection Art, this condensed format will allow for "creative development and careful research". But, you'll be happy to note, everything else seems to be much the same. On the evening of Friday, September 21 and Saturday, September 22, light projections from will once take over Gertrude Street and Atherton Gardens. And, best of all, it will still be free. This year's feature artist is local installation artist Kate Geck, who has created a large-scale kaleidoscopic projection piece that will be shown on community housing estate Atherton Towers. The full artist program is yet to be announced but the projections — which last year illuminated everything from shopfronts to footpaths to the trees in the gardens — will be turned on from 6–9pm each night. Plus, on Friday, there will be DJs and live music happening in the gardens. We recommend having a wander and then finishing up with a $10 negroni at Archie's All Day. Gertrude Street Projection Festival Mini will take place on September 21 and 22 from 6–9pm. Image: Theresa Harrison.
If, this January 26, you're looking for a thoughtful way to reflect on the impact of the survival of Australia's First Nations people — and celebrate its many cultures — you should join the folks from Songlines for an afternoon of music and dance. Share the Spirit Festival — or Balit Narrun, which means 'strong spirit' — has been running since 2003, making this year its 18th. The event is presented by Songlines Music Aboriginal Corporation and, given it supports Aboriginal musicians, so you can expect to catch lots of great music throughout the day. Things will kick off at midday with a Welcome to Country and a performance by Narrm's own Djirri Djirri Dancers. Music will continue all the way through until 7pm, spanning folk to hip-hop and featuring Triple J Unearthed's Allara (aka Yorta Yorta woman Briggs Pattison) and Gamilaraay/Birri Gubba man — and Eurovision finalist — Mitch Tambo. Alongside the music, the Treasury Gardens will also be filled with market stalls, Indigenous art and lots of traditional crafts. It's free to attend, too.
Across its five seasons to date, Black Mirror has dedicated 22 episodes to imagining dystopian futures — and while it makes for compelling viewing, none of the sci-fi anthology series' predictions are particularly pretty. But, for all of its prognosticating, the Charlie Brooker-created show didn't foresee 2020's chaos. And now we've all endured this hectic year and are about to see it come to an end, the team behind Black Mirror has something to say about it. At 6pm AEST on Sunday, December 27, just before 2020 fades away forever, Netflix will drop a new comedy special called Death to 2020 — which is made by the Black Mirror crew. The show will look back on the year via a documentary-style special that uses real-life archival footage from the past 12 months, as well as narration from fictitious characters played by the high-profile likes of Samuel L Jackson, Hugh Grant, Lisa Kudrow, Kumail Nanjiani, Tracey Ullman, Samson Kayo, Leslie Jones, Diane Morgan, Cristin Milioti and Joe Keery. Immediately keen to see more? After revealing a teaser trailer for Death to 2020 earlier in December — when it first announced that the project even existed — Netflix has now dropped a full sneak peek. Jackson's character gets snappy, Grant's wants to make sure that a drink is close at hand, and Jones' advises she'd say 2020 "was a trainwreck and a shit show, but that'd be unfair to trains and shit". Brooker has a history of looking back at events that have just passed, as Newswipe with Charlie Brooker and his end-of-year Wipe specials between 2010–16 have all demonstrated — so satirising and savaging the year's developments definitely falls into his wheelhouse. Brooker and Netflix also love releasing new material over the holiday period, with interactive Black Mirror special Bandersnatch dropping between Christmas and New Year's Eve back in 2018. So, true to form, they're giving everyone an extra festive — and grimly funny — present this year. Check out the full Death to 2020 trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veUqfcyZ_Bo Death to 2020 will hit Netflix at 6pm AEST on Sunday, December 27 . Images: Saeed Adyani/Keith Bernstein.
Need somewhere to let loose on your next night out? LKF Bar might just become your new go-to spot. Inspired by Hong Kong's legendary Lan Kwai Fong nightlife district, this bustling bar features a vibrant mix of karaoke, cocktails and late-night energy, tucked above 1960s-inspired Asian diner Yum Sing House. The real Lan Kwai Fong has long been one of Asia's best-known party districts, known for the bustling bars that line its streets and alleyways. LKF Bar looks to bring a similar energy to its upstairs space on Sutherland Street, with its sleek late-night bar and private karaoke lounges, each of which is named after a Hong Kong neighbourhood. Of course, a karaoke experience to rival Hong Kong's best needs the audio and lighting systems to match. Fortunately, LKF Bar is equipped with state-of-the-art tech and a massive song selection, which will have you singing until the early hours. Plus, if you're heading down with a crowd, the largest karaoke room — named Happy Valley — accommodates up to 29. The karaoke rooms also double as private dining spaces, where you can tuck into a curated set menu or luxe a la carte selections including fresh crab, caviar, and lobster. Once the feast is over you can get the party started straight away, as the room transforms from a dining room into a karaoke den. If you work up a hunger from belting out so many tunes, you can also order dishes to your karaoke room throughout the night. On the menu you'll find appropriately Cantonese-leaning dishes like salt and pepper squid with kewpie mayo and lemon; crumbed pork bao with cabbage and yuzu mayo; and crispy chicken bites with chipotle mayo. Drinks also take their inspiration from Hong Kong — the oolong-infused Jefferson Bourbon with bitters, smoke and an orange garnish is a sophisticated ode to the jugs of green tea and whisky that you'll find at most karaoke bars in the 852. "For those ready to cut loose and have a great time, LKF Bar is the place to be," says Yum Sing House director, Kiet Diep. "We wanted to create a space where every brand has its own personality — Yum Sing House is all about exceptional food and wine, while upstairs at LKF, it's all about the energy, the music, and the party atmosphere." LKF Bar is open Wednesday–Thursday from 7pm and Friday–Saturday from 5.30pm at 22 Sutherland Street, Melbourne. Head to the venue's website for more information.
In 2007, Dublin-born writer-director John Carney released his low-budget indie musical Once to widespread critical acclaim. Seven years later he returns to the genre with Begin Again, a similarly plotted follow-up, just with a far bigger budget and cast. The additional gloss and star power runs somewhat contrary to the film's subject matter, about two unlikely collaborators making music on the cheap. Still, with leads this charismatic, it's difficult to go wrong. In a role that recalls his likeable loser persona from The Kids Are All Right, Mark Ruffalo plays washed-up New York record executive Dan. Once a successful music producer, he's long become disillusioned with the biz, pissing off everyone who matters and getting fired from the company he helped found. His personal life is in a similar state of disarray — when you need to borrow beer money from your teenage daughter (Hailee Steinfeld), it's a sign that things aren't exactly going great. While drowning his sorrows in a bar in the East Village, Dan hears a melancholy performance from Gretta (Keira Knightley), who we soon learn is the recently ditched girlfriend of up-and-coming British pop-star Dave Kohl (played in a fun, self-deprecating turn by Maroon 5 front-man Adam Levine). Convinced that she's got what it takes, Dan approaches Greta with a record deal. The catch is that neither of them has any money, so they'll have to record it live on the city streets. More than once, there's a sense that Carney wants to have his cake and eat it too. The film is highly critical of the music industry — embodied by Levine's sell-out Kohl — and champions the DIY approach of independent artists for whom music is about a lot more than money. It's a message that felt perfectly suited to the micro-budget Once but seems a little bit at odds with the A-list names and glossy production values found here. Begin Again is also a far perkier film than Carney's previous work, gliding over more serious plot points, such as Dan's apparent alcoholism, with relentless, fairytale positivity. Yet only a cynic would begrudge the film its optimism. Even as you're aware of the script's somewhat hypocritical construction, it's hard not to be won over by its considerable warmth and charm. Ruffalo and Knightley have wonderful chemistry, and the fruits of their partnership are a joy to hear come to life. The songs, like the rest of the film, are cutesy but ultimately enjoyable. And who knew Knightley could sing? https://youtube.com/watch?v=zqRL2dY5-us
When a TV show or movie franchise returns years and years after its last instalment, there's no longer any point being surprised. It happens that often these days, with Veronica Mars, Twin Peaks, Star Wars and Jurassic Park just a few recent examples. The latest past pop culture hit set to make a comeback: Sex and the City. Thankfully, as anyone who sat through the terrible 2008 and 2010 movies of the same name will be hoping, the Sarah Jessica Parker-starring series is returning to the small screen this time around. Parker is back, as are her co-stars Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon, all starring in a new HBO show called And Just Like That.... The new ten-episode series is a spinoff, rather than an additional season of the existing 1998–2004 program — and there's one big difference. As revealed in the official announcement, the show will follow Carrie (Parker), Miranda (Nixon) and Charlotte (Davis). That means that the character of Samantha isn't part of the revival, and neither is actor Kim Cattrall, who played her. Parker, Davis and Nixon are also named as producers on And Just Like That..., alongside Michael Patrick King, who worked as a writer, director and executive producer on the original (and on the two movies). HBO hasn't released too many other details; however the US network has advised that the series will follow its three main characters "as they navigate the journey from the complicated reality of life and friendship in their 30s to the even more complicated reality of life and friendship in their 50s". In America, And Just Like That... is headed to HBO Max, the network's streaming platform. Just when the program will hit and where it'll be available elsewhere (including Down Under) haven't yet been revealed. While you're waiting for the new series, you can check out a clip from the original below — or, in Australia, you can stream Sex and the City's six seasons via Binge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fFNOGU_QRU And Just Like That... doesn't currently have an airdate, either in the US or Down Under, but we'll update you when one is announced.
Who doesn't love a competitive (but still jovial) round of trivia at their local? Well, Harlow is taking things up a notch by throwing in lipstick, heels and a whole lot of dazzle with its Drag Queen Trivia Night. So, next time you feel like a more fun-fuelled quiz, make tracks to Richmond's bustling pub on a Monday. Questions kick off at 7.30pm, but you can nab a spot early and tuck into a cheeky $16 steak beforehand, which is available from 5pm onwards. We're talking 250g of porterhouse steak with chips and salad. Alternatively, if you're on more of a plant-based diet, there's a 'fake' steak option. You won't go thirsty either with happy hour from 4–7pm, where Harlow will be slinging $7 schooners, wines and basic spirits. Then, you and your crew can show off your knowledge with a touch of glitter and glamour as a Drag Queen asks the money questions. You can expect plenty of outrageous and side-splitting jokes thrown in, too. Plus, you're not (just) playing for fun, as there are prizes to be won, with beer cards, jugs and a $100 credit to be won every single Monday. To get in on all the action we recommend you book your spot ASAP, which you can do here.
A film festival dedicated to American films? Bear with us here. Sure, Hollywood pumps out most of the movies that reach our screens, but don't expect to see superheroes battling for supremacy, transforming robotic cars saving the world or an endless parade of sequels at Essential Independents: American Cinema, Now. Instead, the brand new event is dedicated to the types of US flicks that don't usually make it to our shores. Here, smaller titles and character-driven fare share the spotlight with experimental efforts, intriguing docos and the kind of classics that you won't find on every retro lineup. Think revisionist westerns featuring gun-slinging gals and explorations of important American artists, plus the chance to see early work by the Coen brothers, Kathryn Bigelow, Richard Linklater and Sofia Coppola in a cinema. It's a real celebration of the other side of American filmmaking, and the source of the usual festival dilemma: choosing what to see. If you're having a tough time picking the best of the bunch, we're here to help. Here's our five top films you won't want to miss. THE FITS Fleet footwork might feature prominently, but The Fits isn't just another dance movie. And, while it chronicles an 11-year-old girl's attempt to find her way in the world, it isn't the usual coming-of-age effort either. Instead, the striking debut from emerging talent Anna Rose Holmer blends both — as well as an intimate look at housing estate living, an understanding of the struggles of being a tomboy approaching womanhood, and an enigmatic mystery — into one unique package. If the sensitive story at the centre of the film doesn't win you over, then Holmer's fluid yet fresh style of filmmaking will. THE KEEPING ROOM Since first coming into prominence in low-key sci-fi effort Another Earth, Brit Marling has proven one of the American indie scene's most intriguing figures. Audiences either love her or don't quite know what to make of her — but whether she's co-writing and starring in Sound of My Voice and The East, or featuring in I, Origins, she's always interesting. The Keeping Room provides her latest fascinating role, this time pairing up with Pitch Perfect 2's Hailee Steinfeld and rising star Muna Otaru. Together, they explore the plight of women left behind during the American civil war, and offer up a female-centric take on one of the most masculine of movie genres. (T)ERROR True crime fans, rejoice. And then prepare to be thrilled, shocked and even a little horrified. (T)ERROR is the first documentary to thrust audiences right into the thick of the action, with filmmakers Lyric R. Cabral and David Felix Sutcliffe on the ground with the FBI during an active counterterrorism operation. Yes, it's as tense as it sounds — but it is also equally revelatory. The informant at the centre doesn't just let viewers in on secret phone calls and meetings, but exposes the murky procedures followed and questionable decisions made in the name of security. SIXTY SIX Making an animated movie is a massive task; however it doesn't normally take 13 years. But that's how long Lewis Klahr spent crafting Sixty Six — and evidence of his hard work is obvious in every image. Using bits and pieces from '50s and '60s comic books, advertising and pulp novels to tell stories steeped in Greek mythology, the end result looks like an art film in every sense of the word. Unravelling over 12 episodes, it's a true collage of sound and vision, a portrait of a time period and a bit of a road trip. It's the kind of experimental feature that really doesn't come around very often. RIVER OF GRASS Before Kelly Reichardt explored the companionship only a pet can bring in Wendy and Lucy, delved into the western genre in Meek's Cutoff and contemplated eco-activism in Night Moves — and brought Michelle Williams, Laura Dern and Kristen Stewart together for her recent Sundance hit Certain Women, too — she spun a story of social isolation and disconnection in the Florida suburbs. More than two decades later, her debut feature River of Glass has been gloriously restored for all the world to see. If you only see one retrospective title at this year's festival, make it this one. Essential Independents: American Cinema, Now runs from May 17 to June 8, and will visit Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and Adelaide. For the full program, visit the festival website.
Melbourne's been busy reminding us that summer is well and truly over, yet we forecast a scorcher in the inner-north this weekend. On Saturday, April 1, Welcome to Brunswick is firing up for the return of its tongue-numbing Hot Sauce and Chilli Festival. The day's main event is the infamous Hot Sauce Taste Challenge, where a bunch of brave punters will consume some of the world's fieriest condiments in ascending order of burn. If you're game, simply sign up on the day — but be warned, you'll need to sign a waiver. Meanwhile, the bar will be pouring chilli lager on tap, plus shaking up plenty of spicy margaritas. Thirst quenched, you can stock up on fiery pantry staples with a scoot around the boutique hot sauce market, sampling and purchasing sauces from a wide range of local brands. You can nab yourself some 'Hot For Brunswick' merch, too. Of course, there'll also be a swag of spicy food truck menu items to sink your teeth into, in case you love to linger in the burn. Entry to the festival is free and walk-ins are welcome, otherwise you may be able to nab a table by booking online.
Melburnians, if you're currently reading this from somewhere dry, warm and cosy, we suggest that you keep it that way for the rest of the day. After a particularly rainy morning — parts of the city copped 12mm of rain between 6–7am — the wet weather is set to stick around for the rest of the day. And not just any old wet weather, either. The Bureau of Meteorology is reporting that around 50 millimetres of rain is expected to fall on Melbourne today — which is just under 59 millimetres, the average rainfall for the entire month of December. Flood warnings have been issued around the state after 130 millimetres of rain poured down on northeast Victoria in the last 24 hours. The wild weather is a result of tropical cyclone Owen moving closer to us, creating a low-pressure system across the state. That means heavy rainfall and lots of thunderstorms before the cyclone moves up to NSW on Friday. Take a look at it here. https://twitter.com/BOM_Vic/status/1072728661814591488 Naturally, the rain is affecting some services. Public transport looks to be experiencing only minor delays, but a few inbound lanes on the Westgate near Williamstown Road due to flooding. Stay dry out there. And remember to check Vic Roads, PTV and BOM for warnings and updates.
There's no way around it — these pleasant sunny days are waning fast. All the bright autumn colours will soon fade to grey, the breeze will turn to a gale and we'll be swapping cardigans for parkas. If, like us, you're keen on soaking up every last bit of this season, you'd better get going. In partnership with award-winning bourbon brand American Honey, we're bringing you the top five ways to savour the last days of autumn before winter officially arrives in Melbourne. Think rooftop igloo gardens, brunches, backyard barbecues, houseboat stays and art galleries aplenty. ESCAPE TO A ROOFTOP IGLOO Making the adjustment back to indoor dining after a summer spent leisurely feasting outdoors can be a tough one. That's why The Auburn Hotel in Hawthorn East is bringing back its rooftop igloos for a second year. Kicking off in autumn despite its name, the Winter Igloo Garden lets Melburnians enjoy the rooftop while escaping the cold and embracing a chilly weather theme all at once. This year, the space will be home to five igloos for small groups and one jumbo igloo that'll fit up to 30 of your nearest and dearest. Inside, expect tonnes of lush greenery, as well as a specially curated menu of food and drinks. To kick things off, American Honey-themed cocktails like the hot toddy will keep you warm, made with bourbon, lemon, honey and hot water — or there's also the old fashioned with a honeycomb twist. All of the honey is sourced from the Melbourne Rooftop Honey sustainable beehives. Food-wise, there's a menu for small or large groups starting at $49 per person. Think salt and pepper calamari and charcuterie boards for starters, 18-hour braised lamb shoulder for the main, and chocolate fondue with strawberries, marshmallows and honey popcorn for dessert. Prices include an American Honey cocktail on arrival as well. The Winter Igloo Garden will be open for a limited time from May through August, with bookings available online. INDULGE IN BRUNCH Fitzroy's The Provincial is throwing its own rooftop breakfast feast. The Let's Do Brunch Honey will see the space transformed into a lush garden — and sustainably fitted with recycled timber, scrap metal, salvaged glass and beehives. Thanks to a farm-to-table menu featuring all locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients, attendees can expect an American-style brunch with beer, wine and featured cocktails, plus a stacked share menu. Get ready to tuck into winter fruit platters, honey-smoked chicken wings, waffles topped with barrel-aged honey and honey-whisky cheesecake. Cocktails caught your eye? The list is curated by American Honey and features a garnish wall for pick-your-own trimmings. Cocktails on offer include the old fashioned (smoked bacon-washed American Honey, peach liquor and fresh apple juice) and the Honey John Collins (American Honey, Creme de Cassis, lime and ginger ale). Grab your friends and enjoy a cocktail pitcher or two — the drinks won't stop from 11am–1pm. The Let's Do Brunch Honey is available from May through August. To book, head online. GATHER YOUR MATES FOR A BACKYARD BARBECUE There's no better way to enjoy these last drops of sun than a classic backyard barbie with your best mates. Grab the snags, obviously, and farewell the last of the good weather by trying your hand at creating a few crowd-pleasing cocktail jugs to pair with your grilled feast. Reminiscent of those summer days is the honey and kombucha iced tea, a concoction of American Honey bourbon, Triple Sec, lemon and kombucha. And if you don't have a backyard, don't worry — this cocktail will taste just as good on a balcony or in the park. GO ON AN EPIC ART GALLERY HOP While the weather permits, try your hand at a DIY exhibition tour around the city. With so many display spaces in and around the Melbourne CBD, we recommend getting a group together and embarking on one epic art gallery hop — the Immigration Museum, the National Gallery of Victoria and the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art are all within walking distance and, for the really ambitious, could all be hit in one day. First up, explore the Immigration Museum's new exhibition of tattoos, Our Bodies, Our Voices, Our Marks. Then, at the NGV this autumn, there's a massive exhibition by lauded American sculptor Alexander Calder. As for the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, it's offering a large-scale display of drawings and sculptures by internationally renowned Melbourne-born artist Tom Nicholson. [caption id="attachment_660939" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] SPEND THE NIGHT ON A MURRAY RIVER HOUSEBOAT One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the vibrant colours of autumn (while you still can) is to head toward the Murray River, which is just two-and-a-half hours north of Melbourne. The season turns the natural surroundings vibrant red, orange and golden hues — which'll catch your eye and make for quite the gorgeous happy snaps. Cruising the pristine river doesn't have to be a day activity, either, especially if you skip the Airbnb and book your accommodation on a houseboat. The region specialises in houseboat stays, with options ranging from budget-friendly to high-end. For the latter, try the luxury two-deck Magic Murray Houseboats, featuring two fully-equipped kitchens, luxe linens, a sun deck and a heated spa to boot. For a more wallet-conscious option, check out Mildura Houseboats. Some houseboats also offer adventure packages, including kayaking and fishing, along with exploration of local wineries and villages along the river.
Walk the halls of the State Supreme Court, say a prayer at the Albanian Mosque on Lygon Street, or take a peek behind the curtain at the Circus Oz headquarters in Collingwood. They're just three of the buildings on the Open House Melbourne program. On the weekend of July 26, more than 100 buildings, large and small, old and new, will open their doors to the public. The event is designed to showcase the architectural history and diversity of the city, with a particular focus on sustainable design. Select sites will also offer free guided tours, providing visitors with insight not just about a given building but about the work that happens inside. So, for example, you could learn about cancer research at the Peter McCallum Institute, and then pick yourself up with a visit to the Lego Education Centre. For a full list of participating buildings as well as information on affiliated events, visit the Open House Melbourne website.
Mark your calendars with a big red X, because the Ballarat Beer Festival is back. Taking over Lake Wendouree on Saturday, January 20, this annual event is one of the highlights of the drinking year, with some 34 independent brewers serving more than 150 brews. Combine that with live music, food stalls and a range of drinking-friendly activities like beer trivia and musical bingo, and it's an event that beer lovers won't want to miss. Stomping Ground, Temple Brewing, Pirate Life, Hop Nation and Kaiju! are just a few of the brewers who'll be pouring their wares, some of which will be running beer-ed classes on the day. There'll also be cocktails on offer if beer isn't your thing — although if that's the case, you might want to ask yourself what you're doing at the festival in the first place.
Us Melburnians do love our bottomless food and booze. And now, thanks to Richmond's buzzing cocktail bar, Fargo and Co, we can add bottomless fried chook to our weekday must-eat lists. Head down to the vibrant Swan Street spot on Wednesdays, from 4–6pm, and you'll be settling in for two hours of all-you-can-eat succulent, fried chicken — for just $25. Or, if you and your mates are vego or vegan, you can tuck into crispy buffalo broccoli instead. If you're feeling a little thirsty and want to take it up a notch, you can upgrade to a package that includes free-flowing booze, too. We're talking all the beer and bubbles you can sip in a two-hour sitting, while you munch on your fried feed. And, it'll only cost you an additional $20. To book your spot — which we suggest you do soon — head here.
Endless fried chicken. Bottomless fries. All-you-can-drink beer, wine and cocktails. If that sounds like your ideal Valentine's Day date night — or just ideal Friday night — lock in a night in South Melbourne. Local pub The Market Hotel is welcoming its new kitchen resident — burger joint The Pickle & The Patty — and together they're throwing an Anti-Valentine's Valentine's Day party on Friday, February 14. Hit the pub from 7.30pm and you'll get two hours of endless food and booze. The former comes courtesy of The Pickle & The Patty — you might remember these guys from their recent pop-ups, including that pint-sized carpark store in Ascot Vale — who'll be plating up endless all-beef hot dogs, fries and four flavours of fried chicken wings (or fried cauliflower for those vego peeps). As no date night is complete without dessert, there'll also be bottomless jam doughnuts. On the drinks side of things, there'll be two hours of endless beer, wine and select cocktails. See you there. Anti-Valentine's Valentine's Day runs from 7.30–9.30pm.
The Jungle Collective has just returned from Sydney and it's already set to open its Abbotsford's warehouse for the third time this year. The bohemian plant sale will again open to the public on Saturday, March 24 from 9am, offering hundreds of indoor plants of over 60 green species. While the last Melbourne sale focused on elephant plants, this time the selection will be more broad — meaning there will be plants of all shapes and sized available. We don't know exactly what will be there, but patrons can expect the usual array of hanging plants and ferns, along with rare finds like giant Birds of Paradise and east Asian-native rubber fig trees. For those who have a hard time keeping their new friends alive, the on-site horticulturist will again be in attendance to help answer all of your plant-based woes. As usual, they'll have jungle tunes and vibes going, along with themed dress-up specials — including five bucks off if you wear bunny ears. No ticket or registration is required for this sale, but takeaway boxes will be limited, so plan ahead and bring your own. Image: Mooikin.
Melbourne crew The Altar Electric has been helping happy local couples pull off their own larger-than-life, Vegas-style nuptials for a little over a year. That equates to more than 70 riotous, tradition-bucking ceremonies that have graced partner venues, the CBD's Ferdydurke and Sandy Vee's in Fitzroy. Or, as founders and celebrants Dee Brinsmead, Anthony Cribbes and Sarah Dobson like to call them, "registry-style weddings that rock". And now, there's a whole lot more fun to come, as The Altar Electric unveils its fabulous new permanent digs. With help from interior stylist Kate Forsyth (Good Day Vintage Rentals) the team has transformed a cosy space at Schoolhouse Studios into the wedding chapel of your Vegas-loving dreams. With room for 20 guests, the flexible Collingwood site's been pimped out in a nod to Melbourne's edgy, creative side, where retro rock 'n' roll meets old-school disco in a haze of contemporary colour. Think cherry red modular couch, neon wall art aplenty, sparkly cushions, cowhide rugs and an extra unconventional signing booth complete with disco ball planters. Those wedding snaps are going to be fierce. Dobson says the new venue has given team the "creative license to build a totally rocking and inclusive space for couples of any gender or orientation". Plus, it happens to be right in the thick of it in Collingwood — which she says is "great for after-party options". If you're getting hitched and this sounds like your dream venue, The Altar Electric has a couple of different packages, starting from $650. Find it at 81 Rupert Street, Collingwood. Images: Oli Sansom.
Think about how nervous you feel when you're on a first date. Now imagine that it's happening in front of a theatre full of people. In an era of online dating, when people are judged based solely on a handful of selfies, theatremaker Bron Batten transports the rituals of modern romance from your smartphone to the stage for the Festival of Live Art 2016. Onstage Dating is exactly what it sounds like: each night, a different volunteer gets put through the ringer, as Batten gleefully deconstructs the conventions of contemporary courtship. Will true love flourish, or will the night end in disaster? Either way, it sounds like fascinating viewing. Image: Theresa Harrison.
Ólafur Arnalds, the BAFTA Award-winning Icelandic composer and pianist, is returning to the Melbourne Recital Centre. But, this time he is bringing two self-playing pianos along with him. Arnalds, who has collaborated with the likes of Nils Frahm, performed at the Melbourne Recital Centre back in 2014. His new performances, taking place in December, will feature eerie, atmospheric and electronic works from his yet-to-be released fourth album re:member. The album, which will be released on August 24, was produced in collaboration with hip-hop producer BNGERBOY and features Arnalds' ground-breaking new piano software. A two-year project by Arnalds and audio developer Halldór Eldjârn, the software uses an algorithmic device to control two self-playing pianos. A central piano is also played by Arnalds. While Arnalds used the software to create the album, he'll be performing with it for the very first time during this Australian tour. You can delve deeper into Arnalds' new software, too, as he has posted two videos (here and here) that explain it all in great depth. If you haven't listened to much of Arnalds' music before, his melancholic musical project Islands (2016), which features seven songs recorded across seven locations in Iceland, is a good place to start. Alternatively, you could watch the television series Broadchurch, which Arnalds composed the award-winning soundtrack for, snagging him a 2014 BAFTA for Best Original Music. Ólafur Arnalds tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday, August 3. Pre-sale tickets will be released at 9am, Wednesday, August 1 — to get access, head to the Melbourne Recital Centre website.
Melbourne is about to get a whole lot jazzier as the streets and laneways of the city are set to come alive with the sounds of brass, the beats of drums, and the smooth notes of saxophone. These sounds can only mean one thing: the Melbourne International Jazz Festival (MIJF) is back in town. From October 20 to October 29, Australia's top jazz event will treat locals and tourists alike to over 100 performances in more than 30 venues. The ten-day extravaganza will see jazz music swinging into concert halls, bustling bars, iconic live music joints and even along the scenic banks of the Yarra. Hell, if you're up for a swim, you might even catch some smooth tunes at the Melbourne City Baths. The MIJF has been Melbourne's prized possession since 1998, and it's been a magical time of the year ever since. But this year, the festival organisers have truly outdone themselves, as more than 450 artists from all over the world — paired with Australia's finest — are about to elevate the city's vibe. Highlights include the legendary Chaka Khan, who will be gracing the Sidney Myer Music Bowl stage, celebrating half a century in music and a chill resume boasting ten Grammys. Joining her for the Jazz at the Bowl will be the eternally-funky Nile Rodgers & CHIC, along with Australia's very own Kaiit and Horns of Leroy. Elsewhere, the festival has an expansive array of free community events. You can experience a taste of New Orleans right here in Melbourne as a vibrant parade headed by the Hot 8 Brass Band graces Southbank for one hell of a street party. For those who like their jazz with a side of community spirit, there's the Jazz Westside program which will visit Footscray, Moonee Ponds and Spotswood's Grazeland. Meanwhile, the ever-popular Late Night Jams at The JazzLab returns for another year. And if you've ever wanted to get up close and personal with the artists, the Close Encounters panel sessions have got you covered. So alert your mates, put on your dancing shoes, and get ready to experience the biggest Melbourne International Jazz Festival yet. Head to Visit Melbourne for the full rundown and to check out what else is happening in Melbourne this spring.
The long weekend is here. And, as Monday is a public holiday, some of your regular spots will be shut. So, if you're on the hunt for a caffeine hit, long lunch or a few more beers, we've put together an extensive list of all the bars, cafes and restaurants that'll be open on Monday, June 10. There is something for everybody on this list, too — from Hanoi Hannah's Vietnamese hawker-style fare to King & Godfree's authentic Italian baked goods and Stomping Ground's craft brews. And if you're looking for further inspiration on how to spend your days off, head this way for our pick of the best long weekend happenings. [caption id="attachment_712460" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sebastian[/caption] RESTAURANTS Agostino, Carlton - noon–late Baby Pizza, Richmond: noon–late Chin Chin, CBD: 11am–11pm Fatto Cantina, CBD: 5pm–late Hanoi Hannah Express Lane, Windsor: 11.30am–10pm Hanoi Hannah Vol. II, Elsternwick: noon–late Hanoi Hannah New Quarter, Richmond: noon–late Hawker Hall, Windsor: noon–late Kong BBQ, Richmond: noon–late Matilda 159 Domain, South Yarra: noon–3pm, 6–10pm Pontoon, St Kilda: noon–late Sebastian, Williamstown: noon–late Stokehouse, St Kilda: noon–late Tipico, Windsor: 5.30–10.30pm Tokyo Tina,Windsor: noon–late [caption id="attachment_699800" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Espy by Alex Drewniak.[/caption] BARS The Alehouse Project, Brunswick East: 3pm–midnight Arbory Bar & Eatery, CBD: 7.30am–1am Borsch, Vodka and Tears, Windsor: noon–late The Duke of Wellington, CBD: noon–1am The Espy, St Kilda: noon–late The Exchange Hotel, Port Melbourne: noon–late Fatto Bar, CBD: 4pm–late (with all-day happy hour) Harlow, Richmond: noon–1am Johnny's Green Room, Carlton: noon–late Middle Park Hotel, Middle Park: 4pm–late Newmarket Hotel, St Kilda: 4pm–late Portsea Hotel, Mornington Peninsula: 11am–late Station Hotel, Footscray: noon–late St Giles Wine Bar, Camberwell: noon–10pm Stomping Ground Beer Hall, Collingwood: 11.30am–12am Up in Smoke, Footscray: noon–10pm Village Bell Hotel, St Kilda: 9am–1am [caption id="attachment_671316" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Bentwood, Fitzroy by Kate Shanasy[/caption] CAFES Bentwood, Fitzroy: 7.30am–4pm Collective Espresso, Camberwell: 7am–4pm Fergus, Malvern East: 8am–3pm The Foreigner, Ivanhoe: 8.30am–2pm Friends of Mine, Richmond: 7.30am–4pm The Grain Store, CBD: 8am–3pm King & Godfree Deli & Espresso Bar, Carlton: espresso bar 8am–late; deli 9am–8pm Pidapipo, CBD, Carlton and Windsor: noon–11pm Short Round, Thornbury: 8am–3pm Trei Cafe, Glen Waverley: 8.30am–1.30pm Mr Tucci, Glen Iris: 8am–2pm Top image: Hanoi Hannah Vol. 11
Merrick Watts has some charming words for cafe workers who want to be treated like human beings. Appearing on Channel Nine's Today program, where the discussion centred around a number of Melbourne cafes who refuse service to customers who order while talking on the phone, the radio host and alleged comedian let loose on "hipster" baristas, proclaiming that they should "just make me the coffee" and that "you're not doing real work." "I'm paying for it, so how about you just give it to me, as opposed to the hipster attitude with your beard and all your weird mermaid tattoos," said Watts, to the delighted chortles of his fellow panellists. "Are you a sailor, or are you making coffee?" "Just give me the coffee, let me talk on the phone, 'cause we can't have a conversation, I don't need to engage, because I don't speak pirate!" If you can stomach the rest of the rant, you can watch the 9 News video here. Presumably it's been a while since Watts has deigned to associate with anyone who works in the hospitality industry. Thing is, we actually know quite a few baristas — many of whom work 40+ hours each week. One former Melbourne barista described a typical shift as "8-9 hours without sitting, often 10+ orders deep, trying to juggle customer expectations of friendliness with prompt service". They added: "People on phones generally slowed down the whole process and would often be the first to return a coffee if you'd misinterpreted their wild arm waving." We're not saying you have to be best mates with your barista . And yes, we've all encountered a rude one from time to time — but maybe part of the reason for that are people like Watts, who think it's totally fine to treat lesser paid hospo workers like vending machines. At the end of the day, it's not that hard to take 15 seconds and actually engage with the person on the other side of the counter. Or, if you're really not feeling it, order from a skip-the-queue app and go on your way.
Last year, Fitzroy's Rose St Artists' Market teamed up with the Heide Museum of Modern Art to launch the monthly Heide Makers' Market. And for May's instalment, they're taking another road trip to Bulleen for a special Mother's Day edition. Taking over the lush surrounds of the gallery's sculpture park on May 13, the market will celebrate talented local makers. It'll showcase a broad range of handmade goodness, across art and design, jewellery and homewares, so you'll be able to find a perfect last-minute prezzie for Mum. Among the stalls, you'll find chocolate treats from Brazen Brownies, hand-blended scents from Legato Perfume, and Gracie Keal's cuddly handmade dolls, alongside a whole bunch of other locally-made delights. Even if you're not searching for a gift, the gallery's grounds are a damn fine place to grab a coffee and enjoy a Saturday morning saunter around more than 100 stalls. While you're there, you should also check out Charles Blackman: Schoolgirls exhibition.
This October, your regular commute will turn into an immersive experience when Melbourne Art Trams return for the sixth year, running as part of the 2018 Melbourne International Art Festival. Eight trams will be transformed into public artworks, comprising seven new commissions and a reproduction of a classic 80s piece. The project is a revival of Transporting Art, a program which, between 1978 and 1993, saw 36 hand-painted trams launch across Melbourne. Among the most memorable was a W-Class tram by the late expressionist artist David Larwill, created in 1986 as part of the United Nations International Year of Peace. This year, it's to be faithfully reproduced, with the help of digital photography and adhesive. On top of that, look out for seven brand new concepts. Gunditjmara woman Hayley Millar-Baker, who hails from southwest Victoria, will explore personal and collective connections to country, land, flora and fauna, while psychedelic street artist Oli Ruskidd will be drawing on bright colours and swirling patterns, inspired by Melbourne's powerful creative energy. Other street artists in lineup include Valerie Tang (a Year 9 high school student) ,Nick Howson (best known for Richmond's Tigerland mural) who'll be depicting a tram full of myriad folks and Stephen Baker (creator of Fitzroy's Pool Parade), who'll be interpreting Melbourne as a geometric mosaic. Carrying you from the land-bound to the aquatic will be Oslo Davis, whose weekly cartoon Overheard has been amusing readers of The Age for longer than a decade. His tram will reimagine Melburnians travelling trips the city as swimmers moving through water. Finally, taking things into another dimension will be artist and academic Troy Innocent, whose interactive design will become animated when viewed through a mobile phone with an augmented reality app. The first of the 2018 Melbourne Art Trams will take to the tracks on 4 October, with the others following hot on its heels. Expect to be riding them until early 2019. Images 1-2: David Larwill's 1986 W-Class tram; 3: Valerie Tang; 4: Troy Innocent; 5: Stephen Baker; 6: Oslo Davis; 7: Oli Ruskidd; 8: Nick Howson; 9: Hayley Millar-Baker
Whether you're a big nature nerd or err on the indifferent side to the science of it all, chances are you've seen at least some of Sir David Attenborough's Blue Planet. The BBC nature documentary series — narrated by the man himself and accompanied by an epic score from Hans Zimmer — first aired back in 2001, and its follow-up second season, Blue Planet II, was released just last year. But the bits you've seen on TV or YouTube are sure to be belittled when the BBC brings the live show to Australia this April. Like the performances of Harry Potter and Star Wars we've seen in recent months, Blue Planet II Live in Concert will see the documentary screened in all its glory accompanied by a live orchestra. And it's a big score. The music for Blue Earth II was composed by none other than Hans Zimmer (responsible for epics like The Lion King, Gladiator, The Dark Knight Rises and Inception) alongside Jacob Shea and David Fleming. In Australia, the score will be performed by three of the country's leading orchestras and, in lieu of Attenborough, Ab Fab's Joanna Lumley will be narrating in real time. The show will travel around Australia in March 2019, visiting Sydney on Saturday, March 9. In the meantime, you can watch ehe first season of Blue Planet on Netflix. Image: Hugh Miller, copyright BBC NHU (2016).
The restaurant at Bad Shepherd Brewing Co's Cheltenham HQ has long had people flocking for its low-and-slow American-style barbecue fare. But as of Saturday, May 13, that classic USA-inspired menu is getting a full-blown Aussie makeover in honour of our country's most iconic — and most divisive — condiment. Yep, Vegemite is turning the big 1-0-0 this year and as part of the birthday celebrations, the beloved brand is teaming up with Bad Shepherd's kitchen to create a special Vegemite-infused food offering that packs a huge umami punch. Available exclusively at the Bayside brewery from Saturday, May 13, 2023–Thursday, February 1, 2024, the Mitey Menu spans a bunch of innovative new dishes, both sweet and savoury. Happy little barbecue-loving Vegemites can get excited for creations like Vegemite and cheddar snags, Vegemite-rubbed brisket and fried chicken wings slathered in a Vegemite-infused barbecue sauce. Even dessert's been given the Vegemite treatment, with a sweet-meets-salty cheesecake that we're guessing is unlike anything you've ever tasted before. You can be among the first to say g'day to the Mitey Menu when Bad Shepherd throws a free launch party at the brewery on May 13. There'll be live entertainment and giveaways galore to enjoy while you tuck into the new Aussie-fied food offering. What's more, you'll have the chance to try two additional dishes being whipped up exclusively for the party — Vegemite-glazed chicken lollipops and a buttery smoked potato mash paired with Vegemite gravy. Find the new Mitey Menu at Bad Shepherd Brewing Co, 386 Reserve Road, Cheltenham, from Saturday, May 13, 2023–Thursday, February 1, 2024. The launch party kicks off from 12pm on May 13, with walk-ins welcome.
In Bertrand Tavernier's new political comedy, fictional foreign minister Taillard de Worms is likened to a human tornado. His arrival is announced by a sudden blast of wind, his departure accompanied by the scrambling of stressed-out aides. In that way, he's a lot like the film in which he resides. The French Minister rushes around with lots of sound and bluster. Yet it never really adds up to anything more than a bunch of hot air. The film is based on a popular French comic book by author Antonin Baudry. The book was, in turn, based on Baudry's time working as a speechwriter for Dominique de Villepin, the actual French Foreign Affairs Minister during the early parts of the 2000s, who serves as inspiration for the bombastic, temperamental de Worms. An arrogant, volatile, melodramatic diva, de Worms speaks mostly in pompous quotes and metaphors, with the occasional bizarre demand thrown in for good measure. He should be intensely unlikeable, but actor Thierry Lhermitte — apparently a major comedic star in France – endows him with a cocky sort of charisma. He's certainly more interesting that the film's protagonist, newbie speechwriter Arthur Vlaminck. There's nothing wrong with actor Raphael Personnaz's performance, but the character is just way too thinly drawn; a cipher through whose wide eyes we're given a glimpse at the madhouse of power. Even blander is his dutiful fiance, whose sole reason for being in the film appears to be so she can smile adoringly at her BF. Well, that and a few totally unnecessary shots of her lounging around in her underwear. Most of Arthur's working day involves drafting and redrafting speeches — and then inevitably redrafting them again once de Worms or someone else dismisses his work out of hand. The film's ticking clock is an address to the United Nations, at which de Worms will urge the free world against a pre-emptive invasion of the Middle Eastern nation of Ludmenistan — a very obvious stand-in for pre-2003 Iraq. Despite being sold as In the Loop with subtitles, Tavernier's film is far sillier than it is satirical. Most of the sharpest gags centre on the ministry's appalling bureaucracy problem; Arthur seems to have about five bosses and spends the first third of the film without an office. Niels Arestrup has some terrific moments as a veteran chief of staff, his character providing the perfect deadpan foil to de Worms' energy and Arthur's naivete. What the film is really missing, though, is a character like Malcolm Tucker. Without an angry Scotsman threatening to punch people into paralysis, the humour feels decidedly toothless. Soon, jokes and comic arcs start repeating themselves — whether Arthur is writing a speech about a coup in Africa or a dispute between French and Spanish anchovy farmers, de Worms' reaction is inevitably the same. As disconnected subplots crop up one after the other, the movie grows episodic and the comedy rather stale.
If you've ever tried to con your pet into sitting still for a even a second so you can take their picture, you'll be delighted to learn about Frog Dog Studios. Melbourne's newest photography studio just opened in Yarraville, and focuses solely on taking cute, elegant and charismatic portraits of pups and cats. Belinda Richards is the woman behind the camera and she's the perfect candidate to snap pooches. She's been working with animals for 16 years and as a photographer for seven. After working as a groomer, trainer, animal ambulance driver, in animal welfare and animal management, Belinda decided to enrol in a diploma of photo imaging and eventually went on to complete a Bachelor of Fine Art at RMIT. From there, it was a natural progression to bring her two loves together and open Frog Dog Studios. Richards admits to the vice shared by most iPhone-wielding pet owners: Instagramming the ever living crap out of her fur babies. Her French bulldog Smooshie is actually the inspiration behind the brand (Frenchies like to sit like little frogs, naw), and her cats Marley and Nala feature on the website. Her studio is perfect for new-age pet owners who treat their animals like members of the family, and want a non-cheesy photoshoot to prove it. The pet portrait experience at Frog Dog Studio is quite involved — there's no half-assing it here. The team book a consultation and get to know you and your pets before organising the shoot. "One of the most common concerns we get from customers is that their dog won't sit still long enough, to which we reply: good — the more movement the better!" says Belinda. "This is definitely an exercise in patience, but it's so worth it. Our favourites are the ones who just want to play and catch. We get the funniest photos from those guys." The team uses high-speed photography techniques to capture the undeniably adorable moments. You'll then have another appointment to pick a showreel and decide which shots to blow up and print on many and various homewares (matching puppy pillowcase set, anyone?). They offer a set of all-inclusive packages, just in case if you're not sure how to display their glamour shots. "People are prepared to spoil their dogs, not only because it brings the pets joy but because it brings us as pet owners so much joy," Belinda says. And that extends to the rest of us who can cruise their Instagram for A+ doggo content. Frog Dog Studios is located at 80 Anderson Street, Yarraville. For more info or to book an appointment, visit their Facebook page.
There are several truths to the Michael Bay Universe: 1. Magic Hour (i.e. the brief period just after sunrise or before sunset) lasts for approximately 22 hours in any given day. 2. Everything is explosive. Even Water. Especially water. 3. All explosions go predominantly 'up' and emit firework-like flares. 4. A shot should never go for more than three seconds, because, what is this, a Steve McQueen film? 5. There's nothing funnier than people who aren't Cool-Arse Playaz from Da Street speaking like they're Cool-Arse Playaz from Da Street (see: grandparents and/or cars). 6. Pretty girls wear heels. Even if they're ice-skating. Even if they're mountaineering. Even if they're spelunking. Even if they're blowing stuff 'up' or being blown up. 7. The higher the heel, the shorter the skirt. 8. The shorter the skirt, the lower the cut of the top. 9. Physics is bullshit, and should apply to neither action sequences nor breasts. 10. Blow something else up. Make sure it goes 'up'. The thing about the Bay Universe, though, is that it's so much fun. Big, dumb and fun. You know what you're going to get when you buy your ticket, and you get total value for money when you do. On that front, Transformers: Age of Extinction doesn't fail to deliver. Just on length alone, you're getting almost three hours of film, which is an hour too long from a critical standpoint, but from a Bay Movie perspective, it's the promise of several hundred more explosions, car chases and outrageous racial stereotypes. As for plot (and yes, there is one…just...), Transformers: Edge of Extinction picks up the story several years down the track from where the initial Shia Labeouf trilogy left off. Our new hero is Cade Yeager (Mark Wahlberg), a Texan inventor whose ranch is in receivership and whose predictably hot teenage daughter (Nicola Peltz) is on the cusp of graduation. Around the world, all the Transformers — Decepticon and Autobot — are being hunted down by the CIA (led by Kelsey Grammer), and a mysterious third-party Transformer/bounty hunter named Lockdown. It's an uncomfortable alliance through which each party furthers its own sinister agenda, and which threatens to end all life on earth. As the inexplicably overweight truck that even more inexplicably smokes cigars would say, "bummer, dude" (refer to Truth No.5). There's nothing especially new here, save for the 3D, which is, admittedly, extensive and impressive, as well as the introduction of Dinobots, which fans of the comics/cartoons will doubtless appreciate. The performances are solid despite a laughably bad script, most notably from Stanley Tucci as the unscrupulous tech billionaire. The film's highlights centre almost exclusively around Lockdown, who makes for an outstanding villain, not in the least because his character actually has one. Now if you'll excuse me, it's time to blow something up. https://youtube.com/watch?v=ubGpDoyJvmI
It's only taken a few short years for the British Film Festival to become a highlight of Australia's busy festival calendar, and their first titles for their fourth year demonstrate why. Fancy seeing this year's Cannes Palme d'Or winner? Or a host of high-profile titles direct from their premieres at the Venice and Toronto film festivals? Or a restored version of the David Bowie-starring sci-fi classic The Man Who Fell to Earth? Well, they're all on the bill. Ken Loach's I, Daniel Blake — which took top honours in Cannes back in May — takes a look at the British welfare system through the filmmaker's usual social realist lens, and ranks among the most highly anticipated of the bunch. It's joined by the high-profile likes of opening night's A United Kingdom and closing night's A Monster Calls. The former tells the true tale of a Botswana prince (Selma's David Oyelowo) who caused a scandal when he married a white Englishwoman (Gone Girl's Rosamund Pike), and is also slated to open the London Film Festival. Directed by The Impossible's Juan Antonio Bayona, A Monster Calls adapts a fantasy novel about a young boy coping with his mother's terminal illness, and features Liam Neeson as the voice of the titular creature. Audiences will also get the chance to see crime-drama Trespass Against Us, which not only stars Michael Fassbender and Brendan Gleeson, but marks the film debut of the Chemical Brothers' long-term visual collaborator Adam Smith. For cinephiles looking for something completely different, rom-com fans can get their fix watching Gemma Arterton and Sam Claflin in Their Finest, from An Education helmer Lone Scherfig. And because all good film fests don't just look forward to future hits but also peer back to the greats of years gone by, this year's British Film Festival has curated a ten-movie tribute to some of the country's enduring cinematic heroes. As well as Bowie proving his out-of-this-world acting abilities, catch Gary Oldman getting his punk on in Sid and Nancy and feast on the epic action adventure that is Highlander. The full program will be released in late September, so expect more ace titles to come. The BBC First British Film Festival tours the country from October 25, screening at Sydney's Palace Verona and Palace Norton Street from October 25 to November 16, Melbourne's Palace Cinema Como, Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay and The Astor from October 26 to November 16, and Brisbane's Palace Barracks from October 27 to November 16. For more information, visit the festival website.
In this very time, in this very galaxy, someone is usually on a screen somewhere talking about the force. It might've been three years now since a Star Wars movie hit cinemas — 2019's Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker, to be exact — but Disney+ has been filling the gap with The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett. And if you still need more intergalactic drama in your streaming queue, Obi-Wan Kenobi will soon be here to help. Your new hope for another step into the Star Wars realm, the six-part series hits Disney+ from Friday, May 27, with Ewan McGregor (Halston) once again donning the iconic Jedi master's robes. As both the original Star Wars trilogy and the prequel films showed, however, it's impossible to tell Obi-Wan's story without also stepping into the tale of a certain padawan-turned-sith — and the latest Obi-Wan Kenobi trailer makes that plain in a big way. The fact that Anakin Skywalker-slash-Darth Vader (Hayden Christensen, The Last Man) is a part of the series isn't new news, but it's a key focus of this sneak peek anyway. Initially, Kenobi is reminded about his time training Anakin when he approaches Owen Lars (Joel Edgerton, The Green Knight) about trying to do the same with young Luke. Before the trailer is out, though, the familiar suit and sounds of Darth Vader take centre stage. Disney+ dropped the new sneak peek as part of May the Fourth celebrations. Yes, the force is clearly still with this franchise. It's been 45 years since a little movie called Star Wars — now known as Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope — first hit screens, and the George Lucas-created space-opera franchise has been with us ever since, including through prequels, sequels, spinoffs, theme parks and, as of this week, meditation apps. Timeline-wise, Obi-Wan Kenobi is set ten years after Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith, and bridges the gap in its namesake's narrative between the prequels and the OG Star Wars flicks. So, that means following the fallout after Anakin's turn to the dark side and reinvention as Darth Vader, and also chronicling the fact that Obi-Wan is now being pursued across the galaxy. Following on from the show's initial teaser back in March, the new trailer another glimpse at the Empire's search for Obi-Wan, and also includes Kumail Nanjiani (Eternals) — who, based on appearances here, could be playing a jedi. Also set to pop up in the series: Bonnie Piesse returning as Beru Lars, plus Moses Ingram (Ambulance), Indira Varma (This Way Up), Rupert Friend (The French Dispatch), O'Shea Jackson Jr (Just Mercy), Sung Kang (Fast and Furious 9), Simone Kessell (1%) and Benny Safdie (Licorice Pizza). Check out the full trailer for Obi-Wan Kenobi below: Obi-Wan Kenobi starts streaming via Disney+ on Friday, May 27. Top image: © 2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Scienceworks' new exhibition Beyond Perception takes a look at the unseen: gravitational waves, invisible light, and the sound and aerodynamics that all surround us. While it's technically designed for teenagers, you'll still find it fun if you're into the cool stuff that science Even more adult-friendly is the accompanying Party Beyond event that will happen on Friday, June 22. With Scienceworks open late and the event only open to those over the age of 18, attendees can get a hit of adult science along with their glass of adult drinks (suck it, kids). Food and drinks will be available to purchase, and you won't be mulling over whatever you've just learnt about invisible light in silence — performances by Pillow Pro, Biscotti and Future Fosil will be featured throughout the six exhibition spaces. Plus, DJ Anton Motorik will be spinning everything from Italo-disco to proto-techno between acts. Image: Museums Victoria/Benjamin Healley.
A massive Gandhi exhibition is on its way to Melbourne's Immigration Museum. Curated from more than 1000 photos, over two hours of footage, an hour's worth of film clips and 20 audio recordings, the show focuses on Gandhi's role in leading India to independence, as well as his travels in England and South Africa. At the same time, it's a celebration of Indian diaspora all over the world. One of the reasons the exhibition is heading for Victoria is that the state is home to more people of Indian descent than any other place in Australia. "Mahatma Gandhi was an inspirational leader and I'm thrilled that Victorians will be able to enjoy this incredible exhibition," said Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, who's in India this week checking out the show. It's been at Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra in Delhi since October 2016. "Victoria is home to Australia's largest Indian population and this exhibition is an important way to acknowledge their cultural heritage and build the cultural understanding of India among the wider Victorian community." You'll have until July to head along. The show is just one of many upcoming events celebrating Victoria's Indian connections, following the release of Victoria's India Strategy: Our Shared Future. The Mahatma Gandhi Exhibition will be at Melbourne's Immigration Museum from April to July, 2018.
Step into the strange and seductive world of Greek cinema as it lights up the screen at Palace Como and The Astor as well as cinemas around the country. Now in its 23rd year, the latest edition of the Greek Film Festival boasts an expectedly eclectic program, ranging from fiction features to documentaries and a couple of Australian productions as well. The festival will begin with an opening night screening of Worlds Apart, a romantic anthology film from writer-director-actor Christopher Papakaliatis co-starring Oscar winner J.K. Simmons. It's one of a number of critically acclaimed contemporary films on the bill, with skewering social satire Chevalier and darkly comic thriller Suntan both deserving of a look. Other highlights including a pair of local productions by Greek-Australian filmmakers, in bold religious drama Sacred Heart and medicinal marijuana documentary A Life of Its Own. There's a lot to see, but find our picks of the five must-see films at this year's Greek Film Festival below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfE7zzOXR3A CHEVALIER One of our very favourite films of this year's Melbourne International Film Festival, Chevalier offers of deadpan critique on male insecurity. Directed by Attenberg's Athina Rachel Tsangari, who also co-wrote the screenplay with regular Lanthimos collaborator Efthymis Filippouk, the film is about six men on a yacht as they compete to determine who is "the best in general". How quickly can you solve a Rubik's cube? How good are you at household chores? Everything — and we mean everything — becomes fodder for their ridiculous contest, in a film that is both hilarious and profoundly sad. In addition to sessions at this year's Greek Film Festival, Chevalier is screening in Melbourne at ACMI until October 20. Read our full review here. SUNTAN Where Chevalier offers a cringingly funny look into the middle-aged male psyche, Suntan provides a more sinister view of a similar subject. Makis Papadimitriou stars as Kostis, a doctor who takes a job as a GP on a small Greek island, only to fall hard for a beautiful young tourist. But infatuation soon gives way to misanthropic obsession, as director Argyris Papadimitropoulos leads viewers down a path they may not wish to tread. The sun-soaked cinematography belies the darkness at the heart of this picture, which proves an uncomfortably compelling watch. A LIFE OF ITS OWN As the Australian medical community continues to debate the potential benefits of medicinal marijuana, Greek-Australian journalist and broadcaster Helen Kapalos delves into the controversial subject for herself. Inspired by her encounter with cancer sufferer Dan Haslam, who used cannabis to relieve his excruciating pain, A Life Of Its Own: The Truth About Medical Marijuana explores the social and political factors that shape legislation around the drug, while chronicling groundbreaking research that could make a world of difference. Kapalos will be on hand for public Q&As following screenings in Sydney and Melbourne. SMAC Critically acclaimed in its native Greece, Elias Demetriou's SMAC won the audience awards at both the Athens Outview Film Festival and Cyprus Film Days International Film Festival, and shapes up as essential viewing at this year's GFF. Evangelia Andreadaki stars as Eleni, a middle-aged lesbian woman struggling with a cancer diagnosis. In order to quell her fears of dying alone, Eleni invites a homeless man to live with her, leading to an unlikely friendship. Whatever you do, don't forget to bring a pack of tissues. BENEATH THE OLIVE TREE Inspired by secret journals written by imprisoned female political dissidents during the Greek Civil War between 1946 and 1949, Beneath the Olive Tree is described in the GFF program as "an exposé of courage, ideals, forgiveness, healing, and the important role our past plays in our present and future". Using a mix of archival footage, contemporary interviewers and motion capture animation, young New York-based documentarian Stavroula Toska recounts the remarkable stories of incredible women accused of crimes they didn't commit. The Greek Film Festival will run at Palace Como and The Astor from Wednesday, October 12 until Sunday, October 23. For the full program, visit greekfilmfestival.com.au.
