The history of street photography is generating more interest than ever, now that street style blogs influence high-end brands, everyone has a spy camera (read: iPhone), and documentaries like Bill Cunningham: New York have charmed DSLRs into the hands of the populace. But what about when it wasn't just about fashion, but about documenting a moment in cultural history? A new look at the origins of the movement, Everybody Street, gathers a group of seminal New York-based street photographers to examine the method and motivation behind this most candid and telling style of documenting the human race. Street photography takes balls. Imagine approaching a total stranger, even a pretty rough-looking one, to ask for their picture — as Brandon Stanton of Humans of New York (with almost a million followers on Facebook) does dozens of times every day. Henri Cartier-Bresson similarly knew how to be bold and keep in the thick of the action, and that's why his opus includes so many arresting images of the major events of the 20th century. Nowadays the rising generation of street photographers in New York, including Le 21-eme, I'm Koo and An Unknown Quantity keep busy chasing down Soho's trendsetters. Everybody Street, on the other hand, asks veteran photographers Bruce Davidson, Elliott Erwitt, Jill Freedman, Bruce Gilden, Joel Meyerowitz, Rebecca Lepkoff, Mary Ellen Mark, Jeff Mermelstein, Clayton Patterson, Ricky Powell, Jamel Shabazz, Martha Cooper, Jeff Mermelstein, Max Kozloff and Luc Sante all about how they managed to transgress social boundaries to capture iconic images of their milieu. Jamel Shabazz alone is a phenomenal force in the street photography scene, whose chronicling of the '80s hiphop style movement can be seen in the influential monographs Back in the Days and A Time Before Crack. Shabazz — a former corrections officer with a photographer father — used street photography to perform a type of social work: mainly capturing images of African Americans, he helped to spread pride and self-confidence among young men and women who were at risk of getting mixed up in crack culture. By reminding them they were worth being photographed and admired, and taking the opportunity to talk with them about their lives and share his experiences as a corrections officer, Shabazz hoped to steer people away from drugs and crime. In Everybody Street, documentarian Cheryl Dunn honours Shabazz's story and those of other snap-happy New York street-crawlers who dared to step in and chronicle what was happening every day on the street, and make a difference along the way. Everybody Street will be making its world premiere at the Hot Docs International Film Festival in Canada. Further distribution is TBC. Images by Jamel Shabazz. More on his website.
There shouldn't have been a dry eye in the house, or watching on from around the world, when Ke Huy Quan took to Hollywood's Dolby Theatre stage in March 2023 to collect the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for Everything Everywhere All At Once. His performance in the multiverse-hipping hit, which was only his second stint in front of the camera in two decades, thoroughly earned the coveted accolade on its merits. Just as with the feature's fellow Academy Award-winning actors Michelle Yeoh (The Brothers Sun) and Jamie Lee Curtis (The Bear), the sci-fi-, comedy-, fantasy-, drama- and martial arts-mashing film wouldn't have been the success it was without him. It's always moving to see a well-deserving talent get their time to shine. Quan's off-screen story was responsible for some of those tears, however. Thirty-nine years ago at the time, he was also all over the silver screen as a child actor in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Quan will always be the film's Short Round — and, in his next high-profile part afterwards, The Goonies' Data as well. After a handful of other roles, including TV's Head of the Class and 90s comedy Encino Man, he then stepped away from acting. Quan didn't farewell the screen industry, though. Off-camera, his credits include assistant fight choreography and stunt rigging on the first X-Men, action choreography assistant director on The One and first assistant director to iconic filmmaker Wong Kar-Wai on 2046. What's followed since Everything Everywhere All At Once wasn't something that he could've ever foreseen — as a teenager hitting it big, when he gave acting away and even when he was cast in the movie that changed his life. Neither was his upcoming part leading action movie Love Hurts. As Martin Gable, Quan steps into John Wick territory. He's also in Nobody terrain a touch, too. As seen in the feature's just-dropped trailer ahead of its February 2025 release, Love Hurts' protagonist is a real-estate agent who is devoted to his job, and has a Regional Realtor of the Year Award to show for it. He's also dedicated to helping people find their dream house. His slogan: "I want a home for you". His motto: "every day is an opportunity to change your life". But before this ordinary existence, Martin was in a completely different line of work as an assassin. [caption id="attachment_976823" align="alignnone" width="1920"] David Nguyen, ©AMPAS[/caption] In a film that boasts another Oscar-winner on-screen in West Side Story's Ariana DeBose (Argylle), of course that history finds its way back into Marvin's present. If Love Hurts sounds like classic David Leitch territory, that's because the stunt performer-turned John Wick, Atomic Blonde, Deadpool 2, Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw, Bullet Train and The Fall Guy helmer adds it to the producing side of his resume, where Nobody also sits, courtesy of his production and action design company 87North. Another former stunt professional makes his directorial debut with the movie, with Jonathan Eusebio also a fight coordinator on the first three John Wick flicks (and on plenty others, such as Iron Man 2, The Avengers, The Bourne Legacy, Doctor Strange, The Fate of the Furious, Black Panther and The Matrix Resurrections). Quan hasn't ever been a real-estate agent and obviously was never a hitman, let alone an ex-assassin turned realtor. Still, playing someone being drawn back into a line of work that they'd moved away from has clear synergy with his own path since 2021's Finding 'Ohana brought him back to the screen, then Everything Everywhere All At Once worked its magic, leading to TV's American Born Chinese and Loki season two, voice acting in Kung Fu Panda 4 and now this. We chatted to Quan about that synchronicity, doing something that he never imagined he'd get to in being number one the call sheet for an action film and his 'no compromise' approach to the feature's fight scenes — and about the last few years, capitalising upon and celebrating second chances, and becoming an inspiration to anyone who has ever thought their dream was out of reach. On Reflecting His Own Recent Experience by Making a Movie About Someone Drawn Back Into Their Old Line of Work "Oh, my god, what a great question. You made the connection that I didn't even make. The only difference is Marvin Gable is trying to get away from his past, and it hurts him so much that he can't — versus I want to get back to my past where I am an actor, and I'm very fortunate to be able to do so and have this incredible second chance. One of the things that I love about the character Marvin Gable is that he knows what he's done in the past, and he's very ashamed of it, and he's doing everything he can to redeem himself. And that's why he's a real-estate agent, because he has destroyed so many homes in the past and now all he wants to do is to help people's dream of owning a home come true. He wants to help build homes and not destroy them. And there is beauty in that, and there's that question: are we able to get away from the past that we don't like? That's what the movie is trying to answer." On Leading an Action Film — and Jumping Into John Wick Territory "I always loved the action genre. So John Wick and any action movies, I love, because they're just really fun to watch. And they're a great escape for you to forget about all your problems and just have a good time for 90 minutes. That's what we try to do with this movie. There's no agenda. There's nothing else that we're trying to do, just to entertain the audience for 90 minutes. One of the biggest differences with this movie is what David Leitch and our producers in 87North and Universal Studios try to do to create a new kind of action star. We have seen action movies for the longest time and they always have a certain type of action hero. This one is very different. He doesn't look like an action hero. He doesn't look bad-ass. But he's truly a bass-ass when the situation calls for it. And because of that element of surprise, I find that very refreshing, and I love it. [caption id="attachment_892688" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Everything Everywhere All At Once[/caption] Also, one of the things that I was adamant about when I came onboard was that I wanted to do everything myself. I'm not talking about stunts. Stunts is jumping off a building, getting hit by a car or being set on fire. That is a very specific skill. What I mean by doing everything myself with all the fights, all the punches that I threw myself, all the kicks — and I trained very hard for it with 87North's action team for this. And mentally and physically, it was exhausting. But it was also very gratifying, because I finally got to do it." [caption id="attachment_884620" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Everything Everywhere All At Once[/caption] On How Quan's Stunt and Action Choreography Background Helped Him with Love Hurts "Oh my gosh, it was so advantageous to have that experience and that knowledge. And I did it for a long time. But the only difference is I was behind the camera, and one of my responsibilities was to train actors to do that. For example, like on X-Men, I was helping Hugh Jackman to learn those moves. So to have that knowledge and to be able to utilise all of that in this movie was incredible. And it was a big, big help. I don't think I could have done this had I not worked as an action choreographer. The only difference is I haven't done it for a long time so it's really bringing my muscle memory back to forefront — and also getting myself mentally and physically prepared for it. It was a lot of fun to do." On the Preparation Process for Starring in an Action Movie — and Giving the Genre a Different Type of Hero "I trained for almost three months with our action team, and the training didn't stop when we started production. It carried on till the end of the movie. It was very intense. There was a lot of weights, a lot of core training, muscle training — and, most importantly, a lot of stretching. Because not only you don't want to hurt yourself, but also doing those kicks, you need to be flexible. So there was a lot of stretching involved as well. And I've got to tell you, when we were shooting making this movie, one of the most-difficult things was the time constraint. Actions take time. And ever since day one, I told everybody, I said 'please, there's no compromise. If we don't get it, please do not move on. It doesn't matter how many takes we do'. [caption id="attachment_976827" align="alignnone" width="1920"] American Born Chinese[/caption] Because this is an 87North movie and the audience who watches this movie expects a certain level of action. There was a certain demand from them, expectation from them. So I didn't want to disappoint them. And what that entailed is sometimes shooting 15 hours 16, 17 — I think one day we shot 18 hours. Now 18 hours shooting a dialogue scene is exhausting. But can you imagine what shooting a fight scene is like? And as the hours progress, your muscles get tired. Your mental capacity goes down. But when you do a fight, it takes tremendous focus. One, you have to remember the choreography. And second, you don't want to hurt the person you're fighting with and you certainly don't want to get hurt by them, so you have to remember the choreography. It was really demanding and at the same time, like I said, I didn't want us to compromise. In fact, our action team, at the end of the shoot they printed a shirt that says 'no compromise' and gave it to everybody." [caption id="attachment_976825" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Everything Everywhere All At Once[/caption] On What Quan Learned From Wong-Kar Wai That He Still Draws Upon Today "Nobody makes a movie the way Wong Kar-Wai makes them. He can spend an entire day finessing one shot. And what I learned from that is the dedication, the perseverance, the determination to achieve your goal, and I applied that to this movie. That's why I said 'let's not compromise it. If we don't get it, let's keep on doing it. If we don't have the time, then let's be creative. How can we find time and how can we make it work?'. And Wong Kar-Wai was part of that training that I had. It was seeing him go ' if it's no good, let's go again, and if there are problems, okay, then let's take a step back and let's find out what the problem is'. We applied that to the fight scenes that we did. There are five big action sequences in this movie. When it's just a fight scene, the audience gets tired of watching it very quickly. So what we try to do, what I learned from my experience on those action days was that you have to put a story behind those fights. All the characters, they fight a little bit differently, because that's who they are, that's their personality, that's their character — and we tried to apply that to this movie. And it was fun, but also at the same time it was very challenging to do it in the one movie for five scenes. You understand that the audience has a very sophisticated eye nowadays. They've seen everything already. So it's hard to throw them. I'm going to give you a great quote from Steven Spielberg. He says it's very hard to throw an audience with spectacle, but it's easy to do it if you give them a good story. And that's what we try to do with this, with the fight sequences in this movie." [caption id="attachment_851369" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Everything Everywhere All At Once[/caption] On What the Last Couple of Years, From Everything Everywhere All At Once Onwards, Have Been Like for Quan "It's incredible. Like Marvin Gable the character, it's about redemption and about second chances. When you talk about second chances, I really resonate with that. I got this incredible second chance to be an actor again and everything that has happened since 2022, when Everything Everywhere came out, has just been incredible. And Love Hurts is another proof that I didn't think I would ever get — being the lead actor in a major motion studio film, being number one on the call sheet, I didn't think that would ever happen. And one of the things that I really enjoy and love that came out of all of this is so many people have come up to me and said 'wow Ke, I've also struggled and seeing what you're going through, what happened to you, leaves me a lot of hope. And it gives me a lot of strength to keep on fighting, to continue to struggle, because it can happen'. I keep saying to everybody 'if it can happen to me, it can certainly happen to anybody'. This incredible opportunity to be in Love Hurts, it's kind of my answer to all those questions that they are asking themselves: 'if I put in the work, if I'm patient enough, if I'm determined enough, will one day my future get better? Will one day my dream come true?'. It's a great feeling to have, to be able to do that." [caption id="attachment_921343" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Loki. Photo by Gareth Gatrell. © 2023 MARVEL.[/caption] On Becoming a Source of Inspiration Thanks to His Glorious Comeback "It's amazing, because I have been inspired by so many people, so many wonderful actors that I've enjoyed, so many filmmakers — and not only that, also people outside of our industry. When I watch the news and I see people do incredible charity, I'm very inspired by that. I never thought I would ever be in a position to inspire others, and to be able to do that is one of the greatest feelings I ever had. It just gives me this really warm feeling inside that, I don't know what to say. I know I've been saying a lot of the same things for the last years, where you hear me say it all the time — grateful or it's a great blessing and I'm lucky, and certainly those are true adjectives." [caption id="attachment_976824" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Phil McCarten, ©AMPAS[/caption] On Not Knowing What Was Set to Come When Quan Was Cast in Everything Everywhere All At Once "I didn't think in terms of how much it was going to change my life, and I certainly didn't expect the incredible response that we got, all those incredible accolades that the movie has received. I just thought it was a great script, and I thought the Daniels were incredible filmmakers, and I just wanted to be on that journey with them. So I didn't expect this, but I knew that I would be proud of the movie. Because when I saw Swiss Army Man and it was such an absurd premise, but they were able to move me to tears, keep me at the edge of my seat and have me totally immersed in the story — and I said 'oh my god, if they can do that with that, that's their promise, I cannot imagine what they could do with this incredible script'. And surely they did exactly that and more. And, of course, in the process they changed my life. I didn't expect them to change my life. I was just very grateful that they believed that I can act again after such a long hiatus." Love Hurts releases in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, February 6, 2025.
Bound by a lighthearted mandate to "find beautiful things that make people smile", the Woodsfolk store in Hawthorn is just as charming as it sounds. Colourful vintage suitcases, lush plants, and a wide variety of local and international homewares are artfully strewn throughout the shop. The front half of the store serves as a traditional retail space, while the back half is set up like the kitsch bedroom of your dreams, complete with bright yellow school lockers. While the interior may look chaotically eclectic, there's definitely a method to the madness — from rustic but chic wooden stools by Rokha to Woodsfolk's own trendy neoprene bags, there's something for everyone. Images: Tracey Ah-kee.
"I never expected that my work would amount to anything," says celebrated Australian Chinese artist Lindy Lee in conversation with Concrete Playground. "One dreams, but I never dreamed that I would ever have a proper career in art," she says. It's a humbling statement from the artist whose retrospective Lindy Lee: Moon in a Dew Drop opened at MCA Australia earlier this month. Celebrating her dynamic and often experimental 40-year practice, with more than 70 works including paintings, flung metal pieces and immersive installations, the exhibition is one of the most exciting events in Australia this summer. If you're not familiar with Lee's art, she says her work is never about giving off a message or trying to explain something. "But rather [to create] an experience for the viewer where they find themselves whittling out questions and curiosities," says Lee. "Art exceeds what anyone can say about it. When viewing it, it is almost self-reflective." The multidisciplinary artist has a playful approach to her art in which process is as important as the finished piece. There are Lee's early photocopy works from the 80s, wax paintings and whole-room installations. And there's the dazzling steel sculpture 'Secret World of a Starlight Ember', made up of thousands of tiny perforations and located in the Museum's forecourt, which you'll want to catch at night — and undoubtedly take a selfie. But there are also six artworks that are particularly close to Lee's heart, which, according to the artist are not to be missed. For Lee, they represent different points of her practice, direction and philosophies — and they're pretty great to look at, too. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anna Kucera[/caption] 'NO UP, NO DOWN, I AM THE TEN THOUSAND THINGS' Lee's practice is deeply rooted in Daoism and Ch'an (Zen) Buddhism philosophies, with her works often examining the connection between humanity and the cosmos. But it wasn't always so, which is why her work 'No Up, No Down, I Am the Ten Thousand Things' is such a seminal piece. "[It] was the first work that I ever created with a direct intentional relationship with Zen philosophy," says Lee. 'No Up, No Down, I Am the Ten Thousand Things' takes over an entire corner of the Museum, with approximately 1200 colourful photocopies, marked with flung ink (an ancient Chinese art form), scattered across the walls and floor. The bold work first exhibited at the Art Gallery of NSW in 1995 and has been recreated by Lee thanks to the MCA's Director and exhibition curator Elizabeth Ann Macgregor — her first curated exhibition since the MCA's 2012 Anish Kapoor show. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ken Leanfore[/caption] 'MOONLIGHT DEITIES' This massive, immersive piece of art was commissioned especially for the exhibition and is made up of 31 perforated paper discs, varying from two to ten metres in diameter. So expect the wow-factor when walking through this one. Predominantly black and white with "the silvery light you get on a full moon night", 'Moonlight Deities' has a sense of otherworldliness to it. On the surface, it's all about dark and light, silhouettes and shadow, with moon crater-like projections dancing across the room. There's little difference between the discs and the shadows they cast, which, as you walk through the room, create a sense of liminality — all connecting back to Ch'an buddhism. "I have a fascination with time. In Zen philosophy, the thing I find immeasurably fascinating is the notion that time is actually an ingredient of what we are," says Lee. "We're all impermanent. And in the universe everything changes." [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anna Kucera[/caption] 'BIRTH AND DEATH' 'Birth and Death' is Lee's most personal work in the exhibition. "It remains one of the most important works I've ever done," says the artist. Created as an homage to her late nephew Ben after he passed away aged 22 from cancer, 'Birth and Death' touches on political and cultural themes such as migration, Chinese culture and the White Australia policy. "But the essential purpose of this piece was to honour Ben and give him his place in five generations of family," she says. "It's about paying honour to someone I cared very much about." The work is made up of 100 accordion books, with books dedicated to members of Lee's family at various stages of their life. Using red, the work evokes an association with blood as much as it does with China. It is as visually impactful as it is evocative. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anna Kucera[/caption] 'STRANGE CONDENSATIONS' Lindy Lee is no stranger to experimentation in art. In fact, it is a major part of her process and with 'Strange Condensations' she surrenders to it. Her flung bronze works came about from seeing accidental bronze drippings on a foundry floor and, naturally, she wanted to turn it into art. By taking molten bronze and flinging it at surfaces, the artist creates almost cosmic constellations — in a hazmat suit, no less. Again stemming from her Buddhist beliefs, 'Strange Condensations' — and its making — is symbolic of the universe as an infinite net, constructed and dependent on everything within it. "What I love about [flung bronze] is that it's uncontrollable. Everything that exists in that moment makes that mark," says Lee. "Each shape is unique and it is absolutely about the conditions of the time that creates them. And thus it is with life." [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Anna Kucera[/caption] 'OPEN AS THE SKY' AND 'UNNAMEABLE' If you thought splashing 1200-degree metal around was experimental, think again. Wanting to make her flung bronze works three-dimensional, Lee turned to a litre of Pauls custard — as a cooling substance to drop molten metal into. With the metal rolling into itself while cooling, it creates spontaneous forms that Lee then scales up. The end result is a series of gnarled, pitted sculptures like 'Open As the Sky' and 'Unnameable'. As well as being the product of a cool science experiment, these works are the artist's own version of gonshi (ancient scholar's rocks) and, in turn, celebrate her Chinese heritage. "It takes an immense energy of geological transitions and force over thousands of years to make [gonshi]. That's why they're admired; they literally contain the movement of the universe through them. So, you know, I wanted to make my own." 'Lindy Lee: Moon in a Dew Drop is showing at MCA Australia until February 2021. The gallery is currently open 10am–5pm, Tuesday–Sunday, with COVID-19 measures in place. Entry is free and unticketed. For the latest info on NSW border restrictions, head here. If travelling from Queensland or Victoria, check out Queensland Health and DHHS websites, respectively. Top images: Anna Kucera.
Summer is here and, with it, our desire to take a holiday from the constant hustle of work (and life) and treat ourselves to a relaxing evening out with our mates, dates or ourselves. This summer, we want to slow down, unwind and savour the moment — preferably with a good beverage in hand. Together with Diplomático Rum, we've compiled this list of luxe locations throughout Melbourne where you can chill and savour summertime with a luscious drop of premium dark rum. After all, Diplomático Rum is refined, balanced and smooth — perfect for those moments worth savouring.
Things are about to get loud at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Busy, too. Thanks to Melbourne's six lockdowns, the city spot hasn't been hosting gigs or welcoming in music lovers for most of the past 18 months or so — but come Saturday, October 30, that'll change when Play On Victoria takes over the venue. The site's first big event in months, this one-day music fest was first announced earlier in October, although it didn't have a name back then. A couple of weeks back, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews revealed that Sidney Myer Music Bowl would host a gig for a solely double-vaccinated audience. The reason: to test the state's reopening settings in the period between hitting the 70-percent double-jabbed mark and coming out of lockdown — which is happening at 11.59pm on Thursday, October 21 — and relaxing even more restrictions at the 80-percent double-vaxxed threshold. Now, further details have been announced. If you're double-jabbed, get ready to see King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Baker Boy, Amyl and the Sniffers, Grace Cummings, and Vika and Linda Bull all take to the stage. Everyone performing and working the event will be double-vaxxed, too, in a sign of how things in Victoria are expected to operate as the state opens back up. Play On Victoria will welcome in 4000 patrons, with tickets costing $29.90 each. You can nab yours from 3pm on Friday, October 22, with tickets limited to folks in metropolitan Melbourne. Attendees will need to wear masks at the gig, and will be allocated seats. You'll also be spread across the venue for social-distancing purposes, and to test how concerts can work safely moving forward. In terms of proving that you're vaxxed, you can display your COVID-19 digital certificate via the Service Victoria app, the Medicare app or your smartphone's wallet — or present a printed version of your certificate or immunisation history statement, or provide evidence of a valid exemption. [caption id="attachment_829284" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tim Sabo via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Top image: Piknic Electronik, Wade Malligan.
Although it certainly doesn’t feel like it, spring is just around the corner. So too is Melbourne Spring Fashion Week, and this year they're really pushing the boat out. Alongside the catwalks and usual fashion bonanzas around town, Emporium Melbourne have received the memo that we’re all just big kids in high fashion garb and are creating a multi-storey playground for us. The highlight? A freaking ball pit. Every level of the CBD's already fancy Emporium will be replete with unique activities and installations. As well as getting your guilt-free shop on (because it’s Fashion Week, duh) you can also dive head-first into a 3m x 3m chic ball pit without feeling like you might accidentally elbow someone’s child in the face with your enthusiasm. And while you’re in there, feel free to have a ANTM moment and pose for the cameras. And the fun won’t stop there. For hairy gentlemen, you'll find Whiskey + Whiskers on the lower ground level. While the ‘whiskers’ side things doesn’t mean a kitten-petting station, it does mean you can deposit yourself here for a bev and beard trim. Upstairs on the ground floor is where you’ll find the giant neon playground that spits out prizes every hour (yes, you read that correctly). One floor up, you'll find the beauty station for the ladies with a hair and beauty bar for makeup retouching, coloured contact lens trials and a braiding station (face it — there’s nothing more luxurious than someone gently braiding your hair). All this primping and preening will make sense during the evening when you make your way up one more floor to the party level. Hello, free prosecco on Friday. Hello, garden party and official MSFW photo booth, we'll be here for a while. And we’re not even done yet. If your weary legs can carry your shopping bags, new hair-do and booze-fuelled body up the stairs, make your way to level three to welcome spring with a snack in the cafe court while being serenaded by local live music. Melbourne Spring Fashion Week is taking over Emporium Melbourne, 287 Lonsdale Street, CBD from August 28-30 August. Free entry.
This Summer is shaping up to be a cinematic treat for movie buffs. The latest Bond film hit cinemas last week, Peter Jackson's The Hobbit will be clogging theatres come Boxing Day and for those who like their movies filled to the brim with obscure pop culture references, gratuitous amounts of stylised violence and a pumping soundtrack, then there is Quentin Tarantino's latest offering Django Unchained. But if you are too busy to get to the cinemas this Summer or you like your pop culture in bite size pieces then check out this awesome video by YouTube aficionado Jonathan Keogh of the "IMDB Top 250 in 2 1/2 Minutes". This manic and masterful mash-up of everything from Gone With The Wind to Fight Club to The Lion King will have you reliving all your favourite movie moments and reenacting history's most iconic movie scenes in front of your bedroom mirror. Set to a remix of The Beatles, Joan Jett, Cypress Hill and House of Pain we must warn you that this video will have you fighting the urge to re-account yourself with your local video store and crying "You can't handle the truth!" at unsuspecting passersby.
Gorman. Oh, Gorman. The source of literally everyone's fancy first date outfits has just gone and announced that, this Friday, August 25 they'll be giving out thousands of free t-shirts to anyone who proves they've registered to vote. And while you can vote however you feel, the initiative is proudly and loudly in support of the 'yes' vote. In their own words: "Love is love. All people are equal". Damn right. To share in the love, make sure you've verified and updated your enrolment details today — you have until midnight to do so. Then head to your local Gorman store tomorrow and flash the Gormie staff a screenshot of your verified enrolment details to receive a limited edition (and cute as heck) 'love is love' tee for free. The design is based on an earlier collaboration with Monika Forsberg and there are only 5000 of them. Gorman fans are Gorman fans, so we presume you'll have to get in early to nab one. Most importantly, you can check your enrolment details here.
Look, we'd like to preface this with the simple truth that none of us will ever come close to the elegance and mastery of our queen and saviour Beyonce. We will never leap like a slender gazelle, slide like a water snake or bound across the plains like a kangaroo in heels like the nature goddess herself. Most us will probably never even touch our toes. But that doesn't mean you can't leap and dance and play in homage to the swirly cosmos of life and energy that is Beyonce — and now you can do it in the company of other Yonce worshippers. That is, in a Beyonce dance (or yoga) class. Somehow we've ended up with more Beyonce-inspired classes than we know what to do with. So to ensure you get the daily dose of the Queen herself, here's four classes to put in your iCal.
It's hard to believe it's been a whole six years since Ferdydurke first opened its doors. What's easier to wrap your head around is that the much-loved laneway bar is celebrating the occasion with a free birthday party of rather hefty proportions. On Thursday, August 8, the loft-style venue invites you to help blow out some candles as it treats your senses to a giant serve of live tunes, visual art and dazzling installations. Kicking things off from 6pm, right through until 3am, is a lineup packed full of favourites. Locally based light artist Simbiotic Vision will be reworking the venue in its entirety, all two levels, with a sprawling interactive light show installation embracing the night's theme of 'funk futurism'. On the decks and mic, you'll catch the likes of acclaimed hip hop artist and producer IJALE, PBS FM's Mz Rizk, DJ Spell, Kye, Pietro and Walla C. And to match, there'll be a special cocktail offering by the spiced rum experts at Baron Samedi, alongside a craft beer showcase from Victoria brewery Dainton. Image: Jasmine Sim
The regional town of Trentham, with a population of about 1200, knows how to draw in big crowds. Every year, the Great Trentham Spudfest attracts a whopping 6000 or so potato lovers from all over Victoria. And now, come Friday, August 2, the population will once again grow for a single night as it hosts Trentham Winterfest. From 4–8pm, Trentham's High and Market Streets will come alive with light displays, food and drink stalls, a campfire, live music, art exhibitions and plenty more. Hotel Trentham will be one of the main pitstops. It'll be covered in light projections, and will also host live gigs and plate up barbecued German-style street eats out the front. You can also sample vinos, spiced cider and baked potatoes from Trentham Food and Wine Company; pork and fries souvlaki and falafels from Annie Smithers du Fermier; burgers, beats and laser beams at Jinky's Food Truck at the historic Trentham railway station; and mulled wine, espresso martinis and pizzas at Trentham General. Elsewhere, The Green Store will become an Aurora Borealis-themed winter wonderland, featuring light displays, face painting, free infrared sauna sessions, s'mores and spiced tea. And Vic Market Square will have a roaming silent disco, a stall slinging warming hot choccies and a roaring campfire where you can toast marshmallows. As you walk around these two main strips in Trentham, you'll come across even more installations, food stalls and local retailers selling their wares. This big country winter festival is well worth the hour-and-15-minute drive.
Brunswick Aces is a new Melbourne-distilled gin with a notable difference: it's 100 percent free from alcohol. Forget tonic water-tasting hangovers, this take on gin is an alternative to sore heads and dehydration that still tastes like a summer garden party. It might be just what you need if you're doing Dry July this year. The gin is made in Brunswick, distilled like alcoholic gin is and made from local ingredients. Alcoholic gins require a careful blending of botanical ingredients, and Brunswick Aces is no different. The company releases small batches of two "gins" — the Spades Blend, which contains lime, pink grapefruit, cardamom, parsley and lemon myrtle, and the Hearts Blend, which is a mix juniper, wattleseed, clove, star anise and ginger. Brunswick Aces' launch follows that of Seedlip, the world's first alcohol-free distilled spirit, which first hit shelves in London in 2015. With its own two variations – Garden and Spice – Seedlip began to bridge the gap between "carefully distilled spirits made with natural ingredients" and "not having a headache on a Sunday for once". Brunswick Aces followed suit, but with local, native Australian ingredients. It can be sipped straight, mixed with tonic, or used as the base for a host of "gin cocktails". Make sure you stock up on limes and cucumbers before Dry July kicks off next week. Brunswick Aces can be purchased through its online store.
Just opposite the MCG on Wellington Parade, The Cliveden Bar & Dining has opened its doors as the latest part of Pullman Melbourne on The Park's $6 million makeover. Steeped in history, the new all-day operation sits at the East Melbourne address made famous in the '80s and '90s by The Cliveden Room — a fine dining icon and one-time haunt of the A-listers of the era, like Barry Humphries and Bert Newton. Today's iteration has a culinary focus that's equally sophisticated yet thoroughly modern, as executive chef John Ross showcases "a new way to buffet" centred around artisan produce. Within an enormous, 202-seat restaurant space, diners are invited to enjoy five unique buffet menus, running from a European and Mediterranean dinner offering spanning dishes like Spanish chicken pie and confit duck, through to a seafood-heavy Sunday brunch buffet complete with egg station. That's in addition to a lineup of share plates, charcuterie and a soon-to-launch high tea selection. Meanwhile, the bar situation is an exciting proposition in itself, not least of all for the 116-seat designer lounge area. Headlining the drinks list is a range of buzzworthy signature cocktails like the Bloody Aussie Negroni, which is crafted on Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin, Red Økar Amaro from South Australia and Maidenii sweet vermouth. The wine list tips its hat to top Victorian talent from across The Yarra Valley and Mornington and Bellarine Peninsulas, backed by a curation of European varietals and a solid selection of craft beer and cider.
Aside from that time Bart Simpson called Australia and learnt that Australian toilets drain clockwise (and subsequently had to travel out 'ere to apologise), The Simpsons hasn't really uncovered many of our country's truths. But that's not true anymore with a new Simpsons short — which takes place outside the Sydney Opera House — released online yesterday. In the video, Homer manages to take down our accents, diss Rupert Murdoch, meet the Sydney seal and get attacked by seagulls in little more than a minute. It was created by Matt Groening ahead of his appearance at the Sydney Opera House for their GRAPHIC festival, which will run over one weekend in November. The fest celebrates pop culture and graphic storytelling, animation and music. Groening will be doing a keynote (which has already sold out), as well as a talk with fellow cartoonist Lynda Barry. Finally, the rest of the world can know the truth: the Australian animal to be afraid of isn't snakes — it's seagulls. Watch the full short video below. Video: THE SIMPSONS TM & ©2016 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved.
Six businesses in Healesville — all on the same block — have joined forces to create the Healesville Makers Quarter. Whenever you fancy it, you can jump in your car, drive an hour from the city, and spend an afternoon tasting your way around their creations, from small-batch wines to award-winning gins. In the collection are Four Pillars Gin and Watts River Brewing, alongside four wineries: Jayden Ong, Payten & Jones, No. 7 Healesville and Giammarino. And, on top of teaming up, they've launched an event series called Sip & Stroll. The first happened on the Winter Solstice, and the second will take place on Saturday, September 13, to mark the coming of spring. Arrive anytime after midday for an afternoon of drinks, bites and stories. As you wander from venue to venue, you'll be treated to exceptional wines, limited-edition brews and experimental drops. In between sips, learn about the skill, experience and ideas that went into them — and kick back in the fresh air and rolling hills of the Yarra Valley. You're welcome to take your dog along with you.
The Adelphi Hotel's culinary offering, Om Nom, has switched gears this year. Shaking off its former identity as a dedicated dessert bar and reemerging as a wine and cocktail destination, the venue has reopened the doors following an extended pandemic-forced hiatus. It now boasts a new Head Chef in John Law (Entrecôte) and a broadened food offering championing local produce. Open Friday and Saturday nights, the reimagined Om Nom is a primo spot for snack-matched drinking sessions, especially if you're in the mood for some Victorian wine, and grazing boards loaded with the likes of Milawa Blue and free-range mortadella from Ballarat's Mr Cannubi. Small bites might include options like the chicken liver parfait ($16), cheese croquettes ($16) or a beef tartare ($16) while toasties feature fillings such as Six Farm triple cream brie with Quattro Stelle nduja ($25). Every Friday, Sydney rock oysters are going for just $2 a pop, from 4–7pm or until sold out. Signature cocktail favourites like the Salted Caramel Cracking Espresso and the Make The Call (served in a tiny red telephone booth) will return to star alongside a handful of new creations. [caption id="attachment_810364" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Om Nom's Salted Caramel Cracking Espresso[/caption] Of course, Om Nom hasn't surrendered the sweet stuff entirely — you'll now find a rotating offering of one fruit and one chocolate dessert dish on the regular menu. The renowned weekend high teas have also returned, hosted across two daytime sittings every Saturday and Sunday (12pm and 2.30pm).
Four decades back, and three as well, Clown in a Cornfield would've stood out on a video store's shelves. It would've proven an instant hot rental, in fact. The slasher film just has that kind of title. The immediately evocative name comes from the page, where this tale of a killer jester sparking bloody mayhem rather than big laughs in a rural Missouri community initially appeared courtesy of author Adam Cesare. Not just for its moniker, the book won the 2020 Bram Stoker Award for Best Young Adult Novel. Eli Craig, the director of Clown in a Cornfield as a film — and its and co-screenwriter with Carter Blanchard (G vs E) — is no stranger to terrific titles himself. He was initially interested in this as his third feature due to its name, because who wouldn't be? That tracks across his career, however; his first two movies also had marvellous monikers. Fifteen years ago, Craig's Tucker and Dale vs Evil started earning horror- and comedy-loving devotees, and now is deservedly considered a 21st-century classic. When Little Evil arrived in 2017, it also had a title that stood out. How much stock does Craig put in a great name for a movie? "I think a great title is what gets people's attention more than almost any marketing. And it's very fun to me to mashup a title in a way that feels provocative — like you say, and unique. And feels like it tells the story," he tells Concrete Playground. "But then when you go see the movie, it actually has a lot more depth and complexity than the title gives you. So for Tucker and Dale vs Evil, it seems kind of silly and goofy — and, of course, it is a very heightened comedy. But it also has these layers of things it's about, and that is much deeper than you would think." "And it's the same with Clown in a Cornfield," Craig continues. "I think once people see it, they'll be like 'oh, this is actually saying a lot of things. It's not just a goofy movie about a clown and a cornfield'." Clown in a Cornfield is definitely a flick about a clown and a cornfield. It makes good on that promise. It also pushes horror further to the fore than Craig's past features did. This is equally a slasher that uses that high-concept premise to dig into generational divides, economic uncertainty, and both capitalism and the American dream gone wrong, though. As it follows high schooler Quinn Maybrook (Katie Douglas, Ginny & Georgia) and her widower father (Aaron Abrams, Children Ruin Everything) to Kettle Springs, where the latter is about to be the new town doctor — and where the existing resident adults, such as Sheriff Dunne (Will Sasso, George & Mandy's First Marriage) and Mayor Arthur Hill (Kevin Durand, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes), yearn for the locale's past, while teens such as Arthur's son Cole (Carson MacCormac, Shazam! Fury of the Gods) are looking forward instead — it has societal bite to go along with its blood and gore. In Clown in a Cornfield, the character that lives up to the movie's moniker is Frendo, the mascot for the local Baypen Factory, which once kept much of the town employed. Since the corn outfit closed down, its harlequin has become a symbol of happiness and prosperity corrupted, embodying everything that Kettle Springs has lost — and sparking that chasm between its authority figures and everyone of their age with the next generation. In both the picture's 90s-set opening and its present-day bulk, a slicing-and-dicing Frendo is hardly a pal, then. It's positively homicidal, with dispensing with Quinn and her peers its aim. Craig himself has a phobia of them — "I'm terrified of clowns," he shares — but these makeup-adorned figures have long been both jovial and creepy characters in pop culture. His isn't the first feature to play up their eerie side, of course, including in the last decade. IT and IT: Chapter Two became huge box-office hits in 2017 and 2019, and a TV prequel is on the way to HBO. The currently three-strong Terrifier franchise has been getting gruesome on-screen since 2018, with a fourth flick in development. Is making a movie about a murderous clown cathartic when you're already afraid of them? Our chat with Craig started there. Also covered: Clown in a Cornfield's clear love for other slasher and horror films, what goes into a great scary-flick kill, and how the gulf between the film's younger and older characters also provides inspiration for some of its humour, including a pitch-perfect moment with a rotary phone — plus why Douglas was the right choice for Quinn, and fleshing out Sasso and Durand's parts. What does the affection now held by horror-movie lovers for Tucker and Dale vs Evil 15 years on, even if it wasn't the success that Craig was expecting when it released, mean to him, too? That was part of our discussion as well. On Being Afraid of Clowns While Making a Movie About Murderous Jesters — and No, It Isn't Cathartic "I've always found them to be very duplicitous and very not-trustworthy. And I always thought it was kind of funny that clowns would go to kids' birthday parties. I find magicians kind of scary, too. And we once had a magician to my son's birthday, but we elected not to have a clown. But in my last film Little Evil, I had a scene with a clown that spontaneously combusted on fire, because the kid had superpowers — and I really was thinking 'I have to do more with these clowns because they are just naturally disconcerting'. You'd think that maybe I'd have less fear of clowns now, but it's actually the opposite. I think Frendo has surprised me at various publicity events already, where he sneaks up behind me — and I'm always the one that's like 'aah'. So I haven't gotten over my fear of clowns, but there is something quite magical and fun about them, too. So it's that mixture of fear and loathing." On Clown in a Cornfield's Societal Bite — aka Making a Killer Clown Flick About Generational Chasms, Capitalism Gone Wrong and Economic Uncertainty "That was in the book, and that's why I wanted to make the movie, because I was really surprised at what Adam Cesare was able to get at about this generational anger, I think — and this divide between a younger generation that's more progressive and maybe cares about the earth and cares about their future, and maybe an older generation that just feels like they're just harvesting the earth for their own greed. And I thought that frustration is just really apropos to our time. And also, I would say the thing that's so interesting about using a clown to tell that story is that originally clowns were like court jesters, and they were the only ones that were kind of allowed to tell truth to power and to tell the king what maybe was really up — but they had to do it with a sense of humour and satire. So this movie, in a way, it's fun because it has these layers of truth underneath it, and it's a clown telling that story to people. That isn't necessary to love the movie. You could love the movie and not really care about anything deeper. But I think through humour and entertainment is a lot of the ways we get some of our ideas that break through the walls to meet us. So that was quite fun to play with." On Balancing the Film's Evident Love for Slasher and Horror Greats That've Gone Before with Being Its Own Addition to the Genre "I just want to embrace all the movies I saw as a kid. I grew up in the 80s and early 90s, and watched everything from the Halloween movies, Friday the 13th, all of Freddy Krueger stuff — and I also loved the comedy-horror movies like Evil Dead 2. And so a lot of it, to me, just lives in like this bouillabaisse inside my brain, and I don't necessarily know when I'm picking a trope from this movie or that, but they kind of live there. And it's funny to watch other people pick them out and say 'oh, you did this here and this here'. I just kind of feel the tropes and I start writing them, and I don't necessarily pick them all out. The one thing is Jaws, I did play directly to Jaws in this movie, because that is probably my favourite horror movie that goes under the radar as not really being a horror movie — but it definitely is. It scared the pants off me." On What Makes a Memorable Slasher-Movie Kill for Craig — and How Easy or Difficult That Is to Achieve "Well, I think a lot about how to heighten it, how to make it just a little bit more than say — I always love the Scream movies, but I find that Ghostface with this knife gets a little repetitive, so I'm trying to come up with a new way for each kill to be just slightly different. And what are the tools this farmer-type Frendo the clown might use? And so you come up with pitchforks and chainsaws and axes and sledgehammers and all kinds of tools, and then you just try to heighten that and make it something people will grin at and laugh and cheer, and also be freaked out about, all at the same time." On Skewing More on the Horror Side of the Scale Than Comedy Compared to Craig's Previous Features "I did a real comedy-first horror with Tucker and Dale, and then I did almost just a comedy with horror elements with Little Evil. And I really wanted to dive back into horror and do kind of a hard-R, gritty in some ways, horror film — but with some levity because that's just the way I am. I'm not a really dark person — and I like humour in my stories. And I think there's just humour in the darkest parts of life." On Layering the Film with Comic Touches That Also Get to the Heart of Its Generational Clash "When you have the opportunity to nail a joke that also is just inherent in the theme, it really makes me smile. It makes me really excited when I'm sitting there writing and I go 'oh, oh, this is going to be really good' — because you're not breaking out of the story to make a joke. It's just very much within the context of the film. So it's really exciting when those present themselves. I don't feel like I'm making a joke. I feel like comes to me out of the ether. And it just presents itself to me, and then that's the opportunity to do it. There's a few points in this movie that grabbed the theme and make a joke out of it." On Knowing That Katie Douglas Was Clown in a Cornfield's Lead "You'd be surprised — I wanted to cast her before even auditioning her. I had watched a ton of her work. I saw that she had been working since she was about six years old, and she actually has a ton of work under her belt — and all of the stuff I saw from her from, like Ginny & Georgia and also this show called Pretty Hard Cases, and she did some Lifetime movies and she did some short films, and I literally went in and I watched them all. And I just always saw this sort of grounded, natural performance with the toughness and an edge to her, and sort of a sarcasm to her, that I felt just was Quinn. She auditioned for it, and completely nailed the audition. And I couldn't have been more blessed to have somebody that was so ready for being number one on the call sheet. She was so ready to lead this film. And she carried the film — and she does a fantastic job." On the Kind of Guidance That You Give Actors Like Will Sasso and Kevin Durand When They're Tasked with Fleshing Out Horror-Movie Characters That Could Be Cartoonish in Other Hands "I tell them kind of exactly what you just said. I wanted this character to be deeper, and we talk about what their motivations are. So usually they're not thinking about the characters being a villain — they're thinking about them being justified. So every good actor is always justifying their hatred or villainy for their character, and it make has to make sense to them. So anytime it doesn't make sense, we have to work on it. But those guys are so talented. They brought so much of themselves to the role. Will Sasso, as the sheriff, was just fantastic because he's threatening and creepy, but he's also just funny. He just brings a sense of humour and life to everything he does. And Kevin Durand, I don't think I could get an actor that could be this role without playing into something that we've seen before. He really created a new character. And that was really important that we weren't like the Joker or something. He was really, really his own — and very grounded and more gritty and real — character." On the Response to Tucker and Dale vs Evil 15 Years on — and What It Means for It to Be So Beloved as a Horror-Comedy Cult Classic "It actually means I'm not crazy. So when I first made that film, I just believed in it naively, like with all of my heart. And I thought 'well, this is just going to be the biggest hit since Evil Dead 2'. And it wasn't that way. It didn't come out as a big hit. I thought I was making the next Shaun of the Dead or Evil Dead 2 — and it went to some great film festivals, but then once we came out, it kind of disappeared for a while. And then over the years, people discovered it, and it truly became what I always believed it would be by now. And it's kind of validated my own feeling of art and my feeling of 'what entertains me should entertain other people'. Because I'm just ultimately trying to make a film that that I want to go see. And if people start telling me they don't like what I would want to go see, it becomes much harder to make a movie. And now I feel like 'wait a minute, maybe, maybe my sensibility is a sensibility a lot of other people share'. So that means a lot." Clown in a Cornfield released in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
Australia's much-loved cook, author, restaurateur and The Great Australian Bake Off host Maggie Beer is helping you become a culinary whiz while you're spending more time at home. So, next time you're reaching for the instant noodles, do yourself a favour and turn to Maggie. Dubbed Cooking with Maggie, the series features the cooking legend whipping up delicious dishes in her Barossa home. She'll be putting up a new video every day via Instagram or Facebook, showing you how to make an easy rustic-style dish in under 20 minutes. From eggplant and eggs to a caramelised onion and Persian feta side dish and Maggie's take on a panzanella salad, every recipe uses simple ingredients, which you probably already have most of sitting in your pantry. Otherwise, a quick trip to your local grocer — or your garden if you've a green thumb like Maggie — will sort you out. But perhaps best of all is watching Maggie in her own kitchen, offering up little wisdoms. Her enthusiasm and charm is undeniable and will warm your soul. So, even if you're not looking for dinner inspiration, you may want to watch the affable cook anyway. Because, we're all in need of a little comfort — food or otherwise — right now. https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMaggieBeer/videos/242070486919378/
Traditionally, Albury hasn't made many a traveller's bucket list. Drivers tend to whizz past on their way to quainter spots, like the gold rush town of Beechworth or the alpine village of Bright. But, over the past couple of years, this 45,000-person city on the northern banks of the Murray River has transformed itself into a destination. There's a blockbuster-capacity gallery, a sculpture trail, a designer hotel, and a slew of new restaurants, bars and cafes. In between art-ing and eating, you'll find mountain biking and paddling adventures a-plenty. So, next time you're racing along the Hume, stop over for a night — or three. Albury lies 462 kilometres southwest of Sydney and 326 kilometres northwest of Melbourne. Let's get into all things Albury. STAY Stretch your legs after the easy drive and check in to one of Albury's best modern stays. With its oversized industrial light fittings, Scandi-inspired high stools, vintage-style bicycles and open plan, the Atura Hotel's foyer feels more like an inner-city warehouse than a hotel lobby you'd stumble across in Albury. And this is just what Atura, a brand belonging to the AHL Group (which also owns QT, Rydges and Art Series) is going for — more art and better design in regional places. The reception 'pod' flows into the bar, where guests crowd around a retro-inspired pool table. The bar morphs into the Roadhouse Grill, dishing up popcorn prawns, braised lamb shanks and local Gundowring ice cream sundaes by night, and buffet breakfasts from 6.30am. Through the glass back wall, black and white NEMO face chairs look over an arc-shaped pool. Keep an eye out for inflatable pink flamingos around the place and Friesian cattle, who drop by occasionally. [caption id="attachment_563142" align="alignnone" width="1279"] Supplied by Atura[/caption] For excellent views of Albury's motley skyline, ask for an east-facing room on the seventh floor. That said, each of the 140 rooms is decorated with the fun yet sophisticated aesthetic informing the entrance. You'll be napping in a king-sized bed, swinging a cat around in loads of space, cleaning up with Malin + Goetz toiletries in a mural-covered ensuite, sipping free coffee from your own machine and tapping into free wifi. To save some dosh, jump on one of Atura's packages, which top up your stay with gallery tickets, cocktails, movies and more. EAT AND DRINK Make your first stop the River Deck Cafe, open daily for breakfast and lunch, and Thursday to Saturday for dinner. You'll find it right on the Murray, among the leafy plane trees of idyllic Noreuil Park. For years, there was only a kiosk here, but in May 2015, Alex Smit, who's been proprietor since 2011, transformed it into a 120-seater restaurant, bringing in Mauritian-born Ludo Baulacky as head chef. Goat's cheese is turned into dollops of pannacotta, carefully arranged among pickled mushroom, baby beetroot, stonefruit and dukkah. For a light lunch, it's a good match with the herby quinoa salad, which comes with candied walnuts, honey dressing, tomatoes and olives. Among the share plates, there's a Milawa cheese platter and a salmon brushcetta with smoked salmon, crème fraiche and caperberries. If you're looking for a hearty main, try the seared barramundi with cauliflower and dill puree, pickle, clams, soy bean and chicken jus. A map in the menu shows you what produce comes from where — one of the River Deck's local mainstays is Rad Growers, a small farm in Bungowannah, twenty kilometres west of Albury. On the main drag, Green Zebra has been making housemade Italian food for 15 years. You can design your own dish by choosing from the pasta, sauce and ingredients menus. Do not stop yourself from ordering the lemon tart for dessert. On Townsend Street is The Proprietor, a friendly, pendant-lit, checkered-floored cafe, serving Padre coffee from Brunswick, and an all-day menu driven by local suppliers. Go for grilled haloumi and dukkah eggs with hummus, salty lemon, watercress and sourdough, or the mushroom toastie, with cheese spread, haloumi, garlic and green sauce. Another of Albury's outstanding new additions is Boom Boom. Tucked away in AMP Lane, this wine bar and eatery feels like a transplant directly from Melbourne. Owner Matthew Carrington has made sure that every element is on point — from the beautifully-curated, globe-spanning wine list to the impeccably-balanced cocktails to the in-house charcuterie and laidback soundtrack. The star share plate arrives crowded with wagyu bresaola, finocchiona-wrapped caperberries, pancetta, pickled grapes and oyster mushrooms. Unwilling to share? Go for a 'Big Thing', like the ling en papiotte with chilli, lemon, coriander and kipfler medallions, or the scotch fillet with potato rosti and tomato bourbon relish. You can relax in the laneway at a table for two, perch at the bar or take over a communal bench. Another dinner option is the long-standing Border Wine Room. If wine bottles could speak, this place could tell a tale or two — the walls are dotted with empty Grange vessels. The a la carte menu changes monthly, while the six-course tasting menu is revamped fortnightly. Keep an eye out for special events — from French wine tastings to chocolate degustations. DO In late 2015, after a $10.5 million makeover, the Albury Regional Gallery reopened as MAMA (Murray Art Museum Albury), with a 14-metre-high curved wall and a visionary director named Jacqui Hemsley, who's passionate about getting people excited and engaged. To that end, MAMA is currently hosting its first blockbuster: Marilyn: Celebrating an American Icon, showing till May 8. Live circus is coming up on April 22 and 23, and, on May 21, the MAMA Art Foundation National Photography Prize, worth $50,000, will move in. The gallery also now has its own modern, casual eatery: Canvas. It's hidden away from the main street, overlooking a quiet, grassy square. Concertina windows allow natural light to stream into the high-ceilinged space, and the menu features luxurious twists on classics. Think coddled egg with truffled mushroom duxelle and brioche soldiers, and duck benedict with house-smoked duck ham, brioche, poached eggs, beurre noisette hollandaise and spinach. Canvas is open daily for brunch and lunch, and Wednesday-Saturday for dinner. Back alongside the Murray, you'll find the five-kilometreYindyamarra Sculpture Walk, stretching between Kremur Street and Wonga Wetlands. It's part of the Wagirra Trail, a work-in-progress that will ultimately consist of 70 kilometres of riverside shared paths. Every sculpture — from the giant-sized Maya Fish Trap by Uncle Tunny, Darren Wighton and Andom Rendell, to Reconciliation Shield by Tamara Murray — was created by local indigenous artists and is a response to the river. Whether you walk or cycle, take your mobile, to access augmented reality at each stop. Despite Albury's sizeable population, wild places are easy to access. To get on the river, hire a canoe from Murray River Canoe Hire, who'll drop you eight or 12 kilometres upstream for an easy one-two hour paddle back to town. Prepare to meet cheeky flocks of white cockatoos, cormorants and white ibises — 350 bird species live along the Murray, which, at 2,700 kilometres, is the third longest navigable river in the world, after the Amazon and the Nile. There's also some cracking mountain biking terrain. And, four years ago, elite biker Indi Boer, who's won 19 international and national titles, set up a coaching school named The Fastline Bikademy. If you're a beginner, sign up for a basic skills lesson and by the end of it, you'll be conquering scary dips and powering around corners. Experienced? She'll spend hours helping you to refine your skills, so you can take on tougher rides with more skill and strength. If you're looking for an excuse to head to Albury sooner rather than later, the annual Gold Cup is coming up on March 17 and 18. With more than 15,000 people expected to attend, it's the most popular country race in NSW — and an official public holiday for Albury residents. There'll be live music, craft beers and pop-up stalls peddling local produce. LET'S DO THIS; GIVE ME THE DETAILS By car: Albury is about six hours drive southwest of Sydney, and about three-and-a-half hours' drive northwest of Melbourne. By train: The XPT takes seven-and-a-half hours to reach Albury from Sydney, and three hours and twenty minutes from Melbourne. By plane: QANTAS, Virgin Australia and REX all fly the 80-minute route between Albury and Sydney. REX flies between Melbourne and Albury, taking about an hour. Jasmine Crittenden travelled as a guest of Destination NSW. Images: Peter Saw (unless otherwise specified).
Jane has a message to everyone who thinks print media is dead and buried. Jane who, you ask? jane. by the grey attic, a new high-end, independently produced, bi-annual fashion, photography and fine art publication, the first issue of which is now available for purchase. The brainchild of creative director, writer and stylist Annika Hein, and fashion and fine art photographer Dean Bell, who freelance in the Melbourne fashion scene under the name The Grey Attic, jane. features 320 pages of film-shot photographs, arts, poems and articles from contributors dotted in 21 cities around the world. Highlights from the first issue include a review of Helmut Newton: A Retrospective at the Foam photography museum in Amsterdam that includes original snaps by the famed photographer, and an interview with Marion Hume, international fashion editor at The Australian Financial Review. "Our aim was to revert back to slower processes that nurture and encourage the slow creation and consumption of art, something that celebrates undone beauty, effortlessness, authenticity, timelessness and unconventional thinking," said Hein and Bell in a joint statement. "The element of film photography and our preference to analogue processes also provides something different in today's digital market." You can find issue one of jane. in Melbourne at Fitzroy Newsagency and Readings, or online at www.janebythegreyattic.com where they ship internationally.
The good vibes will be off the charts when the next edition of Midsumma Festival arrives, with Victoria's premier LGBTQIA+ annual event serving up 22 days of bright and bold happenings. Running from Sunday, January 18–Monday, February 2, 2026, expect the full spectrum of rainbow-tinged creativity, with over 250 events and 500 artists and culture-makers ensuring this festival is better than ever. In 2026, Midsumma Festival's theme is 'Time & Place,' recognising the present as a pivotal moment where connection matters more than ever. As such, the sprawling program centres on community, with art exhibitions, inspiring conversations and free outdoor celebrations shaping an uplifting experience. Kicking off with the much-loved Midsumma Carnival at Alexandra Gardens, this iconic event sets the tone for the entire festival before an incredible variety of events unfold over the next three-plus weeks. On Saturday, January 24, catch Kiki House of Furia Presents: The Fantasy Ball at State Library Victoria. Combining ballroom and voguing culture amid the grand Queen's Hall, the night celebrates artistry and resilience, complete with multiple categories, judges and DJs. Then, on Sunday, January 25, The Timber Yard hosts Hot and Steamy — a beloved LGBTQIA+ party hailing from Far North Queensland. Think a transformative tropical paradise graced by infectious rhymes and headlined by Drag Race Global superstar Kween Kong. Looking ahead to Sunday, January 31, the Blankë POP Secret Garden Party takes over The Mission to Seafarers Courtyard in Docklands. Dress up, or down, as you dance the afternoon away to queer house music alongside performances by some of Melbourne's most talented artists. Then, following the Midsumma Pride March, Sunday Sizzle serves up a stellar afterparty at the Victorian Pride Centre on Sunday, February 1, lighting up the rooftop with fab performances, refreshing beverages and tasty snags fresh off the barbie. [caption id="attachment_883999" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nocturnal x Midsumma[/caption]
Fancy Hank's is getting in the mood for International Brisket Day — that's Wednesday, May 28 — with a hearty giveaway that might just make your month. Celebrating the occasion with a one-day-only special from 12pm, the Bourke Street HQ is serving up free takeaway brisket sandwiches until they're all gone. Up for grabs is Fancy Hank's signature 12-hour smoked 'Wanderer' brisket — a low- and-slow-cooked creation made to be super rich and tender. Stacked high on an American-style Martin's potato roll, this wallet-friendly deal is bound to put a little more flavour in your lunch break. "As far as we're concerned, there's no better way to honour Brisket Day than with the thing we do best! We've been continuously smoking brisket for 13 years next month and we're immensely proud of the craft we've perfected," says Fancy Hank's co-owner Mike Patrick. "From the time and care that goes into every cut to the unmistakable flavour from our custom-built, two-tonne smoker 'Puffing Billie' — it's what keeps people coming back." Making this bargain even better, each free brisket sandwich also comes with a complimentary drink voucher redeemable right next door at sister venue, Springrock Public Bar. Meanwhile, those feeling extra famished are invited to order a side of Fancy Hank's fries for $5, with a thick coat of chicken salt taking their deliciousness to greater heights. "Brisket takes time, but the reward is in the patience," adds Fancy Hank's Head Chef Jarrod Di Blasi. "The secret starts with selecting a quality cut, which we source from an incredible, local Victorian producer, to ensure it's full of flavour. We season our brisket generously and then smoke it low and slow over Aussie hardwood, delivering meat that is melt-in-your-mouth tender with rich, deep flavours straight from the pit." If you're keen to dine on more brisket — and who could blame you — Fancy Hank's have also announced a new Bottomless Barbecue dining experience, launching on Monday, June 2. Running every week from 5pm on Monday–Wednesday, guests can indulge in a premium barbecue platter with unlimited top-ups from $69 per person, featuring buffalo wings, pulled pork shoulder, free-range chicken thighs and loads more. Fancy Hank's is serving free brisket sandwiches from 12pm on Wednesday, May 28, until sold out at 1/79 Bourke St, Melbourne. Head to the website for more information.
UPDATE Monday, July 26: Along with its CBD sibling Di Stasio Citta, Cafe di Stasio is currently offering a special-edition menu of goodies for takeaway and delivery. Call or jump online to order dishes like the creamy oven-baked ricotta ($12), hearty serves of handmade crab pasta ($35) and a cracking old-school fish and chips ($32). For more details on Victoria's current restrictions, see the Department of Health and Human Services website. If we're talking about institutions, Cafe di Stasio is right at the top of the list. After more than three decades on Fitzroy Street, the restaurant and bar still exudes elegance, sophisticated service and decadent Italian food. Here the lunches are long, the wine is expensive and the atmosphere is right on point. There's a place for old-school, classy dining and this is it. The food here is the kind you'll want to linger over, the menu filled with carefully executed classics and seasonal ingredients in abundance. Start off with small plates like the delicate beef carpaccio ($23), cloud-like ricotta and spinach gnudi ($22), and scallops baked in a crust ($25). Top-notch pasta offerings might include the likes of paccheri bolognese ($32) or a tagliatelle spiked with guanciale and roast tomatoes ($28), while Italian-style mains run to a Milanese veal cotoletta ($34) and slow-cooked beef paired with polenta ($39). An expansive selection of vino sourced from near and far rounds out the fun, including a healthy offering of drops by the glass.
Wellington's inner heart beats with an amazing cultural offering all of its own. As New Zealand's capital, you'd be forgiven for thinking that the city is all political banter and suits. However, this microcosm of creatives is actually a place where artistry, quirkiness and creative risk taking are celebrated within one of the richest arts environs in the southern hemisphere. Best of all, you can walk anywhere in the inner city in around twenty minutes, tops. On any given night, you'll find something happening, whether it's a poetry reading, a new art showing, book launch, gig or interpretive theatre piece. If you're looking for entertaining sights during the day, you'll find Wellington's cultural identity woven along its beautiful waterfront, and tucked into its streets and laneways. Depending on the time of year, one of Wellington's many epic, internationally acclaimed arts festivals and shows might be lighting up its spaces — among them the Lit Crawl, Jazz Festival, Cubadupa, World of Wearable Arts or the New Zealand Festival (held in even years). The creatives of Wellington are wild, rigorous, obscure and genius all at once. They know how to make their own fun, and then take it to the world. Step into their home. CATCH A FLICK AT THE ICONIC EMBASSY THEATRE Wellington's Embassy Theatre is a jewel in the city's film history. The old bird has perched at the end of Courtenay Place, at the base of Mt Vic since 1924. And there's no better place to view a film in the city, whether it's a blockbuster or an arthouse piece. Maintained to the grandeur of old film theatres of yesteryear, the Embassy has hosted each world premier of Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films. Each year, the picture palace also hosts the New Zealand International Film Festival. Before or after your film, pay a visit to the old orchestra pit, which is now home to the Shelley Indyk-designed cocktail bar, The Black Sparrow. With its cocktail menu full of litterati and film references, the bar is the perfect spot for a tipple while you wait for your film upstairs to start, or a post-picture nightcap. [caption id="attachment_636658" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Te Papa.[/caption] BROWSE THE LATEST EXHIBITION AT TE PAPA Should you run into inclement weather during your Wellington stay, look to Te Papa Tongarewa, the national museum of New Zealand. An excellent spot to sink a few hours, its floors of world-standard exhibitions and history are truly fascinating. Learn a bit about New Zealand itself in the permanent exhibitions, and venture to Nga Toi on level five for a revolving glimpse into Te Papa's extensive art collections — you could see anything from an early Picasso sketch to a Venice Biennale entrant. When it comes to exhibitions, the large spaces in the museum have hosted everything from gargantuan bugs to Monets and Warhols, making it a true lucky dip experience. [caption id="attachment_636607" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Stars Are Underground via Flickr[/caption] SEE A GIG AT ONE OF THE CITY'S MANY MUSIC VENUES If ever there was a place where you can find consistently good acts from Wellington and beyond, it's in the underground gig venues of the city — well not really underground, they're pretty well signposted. They're the home turf of a whole heap of great local bands — Fazerdaze, Mermaidens and Flight of the Conchords, for example — and they've all started out with Friday and Saturday gigs at either Meow, San Fran or MOON. This is where set lists are refined, live performances honed and fans made, all in intimate settings, and all with beers in hand and forgiving audiences who come out looking for a musical treat. Join them in the search for sonic gold, and you'll be rewarded. [caption id="attachment_636441" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Enjoy Public Art Gallery[/caption] VISIT THE CUBA ART QUARTER Wellington's Cuba Street is known far and wide for its offbeat inhabitants and kooky spirit. A street that was once considered shady in the '80s has come into its own with an eclectic blend of art, vintage and antiques. The best street style can be found here, while the block around Cuba and Ghuznee has some of the best art and dealers in the country. The iconic Peter McLeavey Gallery has been selling art from Cuba Street since 1968, and its neighbour, the kookier Enjoy Gallery, is famed for its non-commercial artist-run initiative MO (as well as its annual art sale). Hamish McKay, Bartley & Company and Suite Gallery up the street round out a robust, artful offering in the heart of the city. [caption id="attachment_636598" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tony via Flickr[/caption] TAKE A STROLL ALONG WELLINGTON WRITERS WALK Opened in 2002 during the NZ International Festival of the Arts (New Zealand Festival's previous moniker), the Wellington Writers Walk is a project of the New Zealand Society of Authors. It's a beautiful route, mapped along the waters of the Wellington Harbour, that consists of 19 text sculptures. Each work features a quotation about the city from a piece of prose or poetry, penned not only by some of the world's best writers, but by scribes who made Wellington their home at some point in their lives. Writers featured on the walk include luminaries such as Katherine Mansfield, James K. Baxter, Lauris Edmond, Fiona Kidman, Patricia Grace and Maurice Gee. Art, literature and bracing beautiful sea air — it doesn't get much more Wellington than that. You can pick up a map of the walk from the Wellington i-SITE. Maybe you've been to Auckland, maybe you've gone to the snow in Queensland, but now it's time to set your sights on Wellington. The harbourside city may be compact, but that only makes for excellent walkability from its excellent restaurants, cafes and bars to its cultural hot spots and around the great outdoors. Use our planning guide to book your trip, then sort out your Wellington hit list with our food and drink, culture and outdoor guides.
Vegans tired of being excluded from affordable mainstream menus or, at best, treated as an after-thought, got some cheerful news earlier this month when Domino's Pizza announced it would trial vegan cheese on its pizzas. If you were one of those people that rushed out to order some cheap vegan pizza, we have some good news and some bad news. The bad news is that, due to such a huge response, Domino's is quickly running out of the plant-based mozzarella. But the good news is very good: when it's back in stock, it will be on the menu forever more. With the cheese on the menu permanently, you'll be able to turn any pizza on the menu into an animal-free one by asking for vegan mozzarella and parting with an extra $2.95 (which is quite reasonable, really). At the moment Domino's has three all-vegan pizzas on the menu: the vegan avocado veg, the vegan spicy trio and the vegan margherita. "We knew the response was going to be big after the demand we saw for the product on social media but we had no idea it was going to be this big," said Nick Knight, CEO of Domino's Australia and New Zealand. "We're excited that customers love this product as much as we do and that we have been able to source a cheese alternative that vegan customers have given their tick of approval on." The decision to introduce vegan cheese came about as a result of a survey that Domino's conducted via its Facebook page in late 2017. Domino's created the cheese — which is also free of gluten, soy and cholesterol — in its LuvLab, aiming to mimic the taste, texture and melting power of dairy-based cheese. Obviously our fair city has plenty of pizza options that we'd recommend over Domino's, but, nonetheless, a cheap vegan pizza option is a huge win (and convenience) for those who eat a vegan diet. If you're planning on ordering a pizza this week, best to check if your local joint has any vegan cheese left before you get too excited. But, according to Domino's, when it comes back in stock, it'll be on the menu permanently.
Immerse yourself in experimental and experiential art, as some of the most exciting creatives the country has to offer descend on Melbourne this March. Returning for its third year, the biennial Festival of Live Art is the largest event of its kind in Australia, dedicated to showcasing bold, intriguing participatory work across every conceivable discipline. Running from March 13–25 at venues around town, the festival's 2018 program is packed with highlights. Tanya Lee's Landing asks festival-goers to take part in a relay at the Melbourne City Baths, with participants collectively swimming the distance between Australia and Manus. Meanwhile, Cigdem Aydemir's The New National Sport will see the artist return the serve of a machine that ejects a tennis ball anytime anyone tweets the word 'terror' — something that happens about once about every 15 seconds. If you're looking for something a little less intense, Adele Varcoe's Wowzzzeee aims to bring audiences together through the sewing and wearing of onesies. Or you can take part in Caroline Garcia's one-on-one twerking workshop that doubles as a history lesson of the artform (yes, we called it an artform). Image: Twerkshop courtesy of Proximity Festival 2014, shot by Peter Cheng.
Vegetables are the undisputed heroes at the southside's newest casual eatery, which is located right on the edge of South Melbourne Market. Marko is kicking it slow, embracing an old-school food philosophy and dishing up a vibrant offering that's entirely plant-based. The brainchild of food industry veteran Dehne Bingham (former CEO of Belles Hot Chicken and 100 Burgers Group), the restaurant is set on getting back to basics, focusing on serving food that's better for the community, the planet and the people eating it. In the kitchen, Head Chef Nabin Shrestha (Rumi, Vegie Bar) is plating a daytime menu of vegan and vegetarian dishes, curated by long-time champion of plant-based dining, chef Charley Snadden-Wilson (Ramblr, Etta, Embla). There's a strong emphasis on sourcing ingredients as locally as possible, working with the seasons and, of course, snubbing any preservatives or other nasties. But Marko isn't afraid to have some fun, too, with a colourful lineup of eats that shows plenty of creativity. Diners can choose from the list of burgers ranging from $12-15, all available with gluten-free alternatives — from the signature Marko cheeseburger layered with coconut cheese and a plant-based patty to the spicy cauliflower number with jalapenos and chipotle mayo. Fluffy pitas ($13-14) from Brunswick's Alasya Bakery are also on the menu, and come stuffed with the likes of green pea falafel or roasted mushrooms with quinoa tabbouleh and tahini sauce. Marko also serves up a range of vibrant veggie bowls ($13-15), along with sides like chilli-topped corn ribs ($8) and crispy chips finished with your choice of house seasoning. And, you can make a meal of it with one of three 'feed me' options, matching a burger or pita with chips, dip and a Capi soda ($23-26). To drink, expect to find a rotation of craft brews, natural wines, and cocktails both boozy and non-alcoholic, along with caffeinated options shuttled down from nearby coffee window Clement. As a bonus feel-good factor, there's also an environmental conscience that extends beyond the meat-free menu. Marko is using all recyclable packaging, has implemented a special system for recycling food waste and powers its kitchen partly by renewables. Top Images: Bold and Italic Media
Victoria's closest thing to a European summer escape is making its return. After drawing more than 15,000 visitors last year, the Carlsberg Beach Club will take over Frankston Pier once again from Friday, December 19 to Sunday, March 29, bringing live music and Mediterranean holiday vibes to the summery ocean sunsets just 45 minutes from Melbourne's CBD. Created by the team behind So Frenchy So Chic, the pop-up is Victoria's only true European-style beach club. Think daybeds in the sand, lobster rolls in hand and Carlsberg beers served a few metres from the shoreline. The event has also been nominated for a 2025 Best Brand Event award, further solidifying its growing reputation as one of the state's most unique summer experiences. This season, the beach club is dialling up the entertainment. Every Sunday from 5pm, visitors can catch free live concerts featuring acts such as Nadeah and Cookin' On 3 Burners, making it an ideal spot to settle in for sunset sessions, family hangs or a post-beach afternoon that turns into an evening. Alongside the music program, the venue promises its signature European coastal vibe: casual dining, cocktails, cold beers, relaxed seating, and a front-row view of Port Phillip Bay's golden-hour glow. If you're dreaming of a balmy seaside getaway without booking a flight, the Carlsberg Beach Club might be the most convenient escape you'll get this summer. Images: Supplied
If you've ever walked around a gallery eavesdropping on people discussing art, and felt that pang of intimidation, you'll know that talking about art is actually kind of hard. Sure there's the 'if I was rich would I hang it in my house?' test or the 'could I do that?' questioning session, but there's much more to art appreciation than that. In order to save you from awkwardly lurking behind a tour group, taking notes on the important-sounding things the guide says so you can later impress your friends, we've done the lurking for you. Here's our list of the top five talking points of this year's Archibald Prize so you can rest assured that those shifty weirdos who are listening in on your conversations will think you know what you're talking about — though we'd suggest you make no judgements because that was you not so long ago. [caption id="attachment_631052" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Archibald Prize 2017 winner Mitch Cairns: Agatha Gothe-Snape.[/caption] MITCH CAIRNS' PORTRAIT WIN It wouldn't be the Archibald without a little art world controversy, and this year is no exception. Prize winner Mitch Cairns, whose work has been hung in the prestigious prize on four occasions, even hinted at the potential throwdown saying, "I composed this portrait with love in the full knowledge of its inevitable and palpable quake." Cairns' work, a beguiling portrait of his partner and fellow artistic powerhouse, Agatha Gothe-Snape, has seen its audience divided and heads tilted, which begs the question: do the judges strive to make a choice every year that will incite debate and stir conversation? Gallery curator Anne Ryan said of the contentious decision, "It came down to two works in the end, but the judges voted for Cairns' work because of its success in revealing the character of its sitter, and its excellence as a contemporary painting." There's no doubt the work is striking, and the composition and finish are immaculate — and surely a painting that results in gallery-goers debating its merits long after they've departed counts for something? [caption id="attachment_636773" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Archibald Prize 2017 finalist what: Robert Forster.[/caption] THE ROBERT FORSTER PAINTING BY 'WHAT' Let's face it, standing in the corner of a crowded gallery googling "Australian artist what" or "identity of what" will result in you looking like the ultimate creeper. Spoiler alert: there are 12 million results and hardly any of them are remotely helpful, which is why we're here to help. The son of a truck driver, the mysterious artist what, was born in Queensland and grew up in Western Sydney, graduating from the National Art School in 1992. His practice spans sculpture, painting, installation and performance, drawing from his own life, politics, religion and culture. A portrait of Go Between's frontman Robert Forster, what's work is unlike the majority of the paintings in the gallery. With a light-hearted poem accompanying the portrait rather than paragraphs of explanation, his approach definitely incites some consideration of what it means to have your art speak for itself, without being tainted by an artist's identity. [caption id="attachment_637078" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Archibald Prize 2017 finalist Tjungkara Ken: Kungkarangkalpa tjukurpa (Seven Sisters dreaming), a self-portrait.[/caption] SELF PORTRAITS — THE CONFIDENCE TO PAINT YOURSELF FOR THE PRIZE According to the rules of the Archibald Prize, all entries must be "painted from life, with the subject known to the artist, aware of the artist's intentions and having at least one live sitting with the artist." And every year there are a handful of self portraits featured in the Archibald. So do these entries actually pass the criteria? AGNSW curator Anne Ryan suggests that they indeed do. "A self portrait gives an insight into the character of an artist that comes from deep within," explains Ryan. "It can lay bare their self-perception, presenting themselves to the world in a way that can sometimes be very brave, very raw or alternatively, how the artist wishes the world to see them." Another point in the entry criteria is that the subject should be, "of some man or woman distinguished in art, letters, science or politics". Often people will debate whether choosing to paint yourself is conceited, but there's something so bold about an artist who, casting off those pesky shackles of imposter syndrome, decides to say, "you know what? I've been doing this art thing for a while and I'm great at it, so I deserve to be here." [caption id="attachment_636775" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Archibald Prize 2017 finalist Vincent Namatjira: Self portrait on Friday.[/caption] GRANDSON OF A LEGEND, VINCENT NAMATJIRA Whether you're a fan or not, there's no doubt that Vincent Namatjira's work, Self portrait on Friday, is one of the few pieces in the Archibald that immediately makes people smile. The painterly style is bold and honest, the no nonsense title is self explanatory and the work elicits an immediate sense of warmth. Vincent Namatjira has developed his own unique artistic style, but it's worth noting that he is the grandson of Australian art master, Albert Namatjira. Albert Namatjira is no stranger to the Archibald. He's appeared in the prize a number of times both as an artist and a subject. In 1944, his work Gorge, MacDonnell Range was included in the Wynne Prize, and he has been depicted in either paint or sculpture in the exhibition by artists Rex Battarbee, Sylvia Connick and William Dargie. Most recently, Imants Tillers won the Wynne prize with an ode to Namatjira in 2013. Namatjira is now honoured in every major art institution in Australia, but that wasn't always the case. In the 1960s, he fell victim to a curator's 'funny' prank when the artist's work was hung next to the ladies' toilet with a vase of gladioli. Thankfully, curators have developed an actual sense of humour since then. [caption id="attachment_634781" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Archibald Prize 2017 finalist Andrew Lloyd Greensmith: The inner stillness of Eileen Kramer.[/caption] ANDREW LLOYD GREENSMITH'S PORTRAIT OF EILEEN KRAMER There's probably only one thing more impressive than the recent ex-chief of the Melbourne Royal Children's Hospital's Department of Craniofacial Surgery being accepted into the Archibald after he decided to "pursue painting seriously". And that more impressive thing is his subject, Eileen Kramer. At 102 years old, Eileen is the world's oldest working choreographer and dancer, as well as a costume designer, artist and poet. Born in 1914, she's seen the whole world, having lived in Paris, New York, London and India. She only returned to Australia recently — at the ripe age of 99 — to continue her artistic practice. The illustrious careers of both Eileen Kramer and plastic surgeon Andrew Lloyd Greensmith are pretty much all the proof you need that you can achieve pretty much anything you set your mind to — provided you're already incredibly talented and live for over 100 years. The 2017 Archibald Prize will wrap up soon, so if you haven't already, get yourself to AGNSW before Sunday, October 22. You can also catch the exhibition along with some mid-week laughs and live music at one of the Archibald After Hours events, every Wednesday until 10pm. Images: AGNSW.
What do killer Squid Game dolls, Stranger Things rifts, Jurassic World raptors and very nice Borat statues all have in common? They've all brought pop-culture hits not just to Sydney but to Bondi, albeit temporarily. On the morning of Thursday, December 19, 2024, a towering toy loomed over Bondi Icebergs, accompanied by plenty of red and green outfits — and yes, as part of the latest pop-up celebrating the upcoming return of the South Korean Netflix smash for season two, a game of Red Light, Green Light took place. Ever since the world initially watched Squid Game in 2021, the streaming platform has been obsessed with bringing everyone's favourite South Korean streaming series into real life. First came pop-up stunts. Then arrived reality competition show Squid Game: The Challenge, obviously without a body count. Experiences that let everyone play the show's games without appearing on TV also keep proving part of the IRL fun. As the show's second season approaches, dropping on Boxing Day 2024, Australia has welcomed three Squid Game activations — starting in St Kilda, where 200 pink guards relaxed on the Melbourne suburb's beach to kick things off; then cruising through Sydney harbour; and now at the pool so famous that it recently earned the documentary treatment. The Harbour City is no stranger to Squid Game stunts, or to Young-hee. Three years back, the Red Light, Green Light doll first made its eerie presence known in Sydney. When it took to the water this time around, it did so by ferry with 300 pink guards as an escort to get to Luna Park Sydney for Squid Game: The Experience. And now it has visited another iconic location. At Bondi Icebergs, 50 Squid Game guards were also in attendance, while ten players tried their hand at avoiding Young-hee. And the winner? Steve Bradbury, chalking up another claim to fame.. Come Thursday, December 26, Squid Game will unveil its second batch of episodes — and fans' second-last opportunity to press play. The show will return in 2025, too, with its third season; however, that will be the end of the series. More Squid Game: The Challenge is on the way, however. Squid Game season two streams via Netflix from Thursday, December 26, 2024. Season three will arrive in 2025 — we'll update you when an exact release date for it is announced. Squid Game: The Experience is now on at Luna Park Sydney, 1 Olympic Drive, Milsons Point. Head to the venue's website for more information and to buy tickets.
What do you get when you cross a wine bar with a pub and slot it into a cosy shopfront on Johnston Street? Well, for Chris Wright and Jonathan Reisacher the result looks a lot like their new Collingwood venture, Gum — a glam 70s-themed boozer heroing hot pies, tap brews and vintage cocktails. It's the first foray into hospitality for these two best mates, though, as music industry veterans, they're confident they've frequented enough bars in their time to know what works. Here, the winning formula involves a nostalgic 70s rock-chic fit-out by Brunswick designer Bianca Sciuto, imagined with the help of retro wallpaper prints, orange laminate table tops and plenty of curves. Yet more Aussie nostalgia shines through the food offering, which runs to a simple lineup of pies from Footscray's Pie Thief — expect varieties like the Big Mac pie and a vegan spaghetti bolognese number — plus sausage rolls and a classic vanilla slice. Eat them in, or grab a takeaway pack to-go. [caption id="attachment_790772" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Rubin Utama[/caption] Meanwhile, the drinks list serves up a tight, but diverse array of sips, featuring mostly Aussie wines and a range of around 20 craft tins from favourites like Fixation, 3 Ravens, Kaiju and Stomping Ground. A cocktail offering is full of flashbacks — think, banana cream daiquiris and a riff on the mai tai — alongside new-school creations like the vodka-infused Grapple starring green tea and apple boba. And if summer's got you feeling extra thirsty, there's a trio of shared cocktail jugs for $45, including The Aperoyal with its blend of prosecco, Aperol and rosé apple cider. Gum is also keen to help pack out your activities calendar, with local DJs now playing every Thursday to Saturday night, and regular trivia sessions, games nights and Sunday barbecue parties also in the works. Find Gum at 173 Johnston Street, Collingwood. It's open 4–10pm Wednesday–Thursday, 12pm–1am Friday–Saturday, and 12–10pm Sunday. Images: Rubin Utama
Do you need to be acrobatic to enjoy circus arts? Do you need to be especially athletic, have incredible strength or be particularly coordinated to have a good time? The answer is no. How do I know this? I went to the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) for its Come & Try Circus Day as a graceless, confused beginner and absolutely loved it. If you want to know more, read on to find out exactly how my first day at circus school went down. THE SCHOOL In addition to being the only institution in Australia that offers a Circus Arts degree, NICA also runs term classes and holds public open days four times a year — which is where I dipped my toe in the circus-school pool. The classes were led by expert trainers and explored a broad range of skills, apparatus and fitness activities for newbies and advanced practitioners alike. To be honest, I was terrified walking in, and fully prepared for a day of failure and falling over. But, once I met the instructors and shared a few smiles with my classmates, the first-day nerves disappeared. There was a range of abilities and ages at the adult open day, all checking out the venue and teaching style on offer. With enthusiastic beginners taking part alongside more advanced attendees, I am testament to the fact that you can approach circus arts as an absolute novice and still have a great time. THE SESSIONS There were three sessions on offer, with each featuring multiple circus skills for you to try. On offer was everything from trapeze and rope to tumbling, trampolining, juggling, hand balancing and more. Each session started with a quick warm-up activity and some stretching to get the group and your body ready for action. First up for me was aerial hoop. I wasn't perfect, but everyone in the class was supportive, which made me feel like I could give it a red-hot go without embarrassment. We started with exercises to prepare the shoulders for taking our body weight, followed by mounting and dismounting. To finish, we executed a few different shapes including mermaid, DreamWorks and pixie. Shockingly, I was able to do them all. It was the confidence boost I needed to carry me through juggling — at which I was, in fact, terrible. Despite not being able to nail a single 'cascade' juggle, I enjoyed learning about timing, how to arc my throws and the art of letting the balls fall without trying to catch them on impulse. Turns out it was pretty difficult for me to let things go (is this a metaphor for my life?). Regardless, I redeemed myself on the hula hoop by managing a few quick tricks. After lunch it was handstand time. I thought I had chosen something pretty basic and, even though I had never done a handstand in my life, was fairly confident I had the upper body and core strength to manage it. I did not. I did, however, get closer than ever before. Turns out it's important to spread your hands, look down and do your best to fight that fear of falling. Don't want to follow the advice of a writer who couldn't manage a single free-standing handstand the entire session? Go and learn from an expert at NICA instead. I'm told it takes a while to build up from nothing, but as a beginner, this was still an enjoyable and entirely embarrassment-free experience. THE VERDICT If the gym doesn't spark joy, or you want to diversify your physical activity, NICA's term time classes are a brilliant way to get your body moving in interesting and challenging ways. There are prerequisites for certain levels of the term time classes, so make sure to check the website or chat with the staff before enrolling. Then get prepped to unlock skills and talents you never knew you had. As for me, I've just signed up to the Aerial Preparation term course. The sky's the limit. Keen to turn your world upside down in the best way possible? The National Institute of Circus Arts run term time classes and open days throughout the year. The next Come & Try Circus Day will take place on Saturday, September 24. For more information and to find a class that suits, visit the website. Images: Julia Sansone.
It's been eight years since Trevor and Steve Simmons launched their first Industry Beans coffee roastery and cafe in the backstreets of Fitzroy. It would quickly become a landmark of Australia's coffee scene, growing to encompass a seven-strong stable of venues across Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney. In 2021, the brand embraced one of its biggest changes yet, moving from its OG northside digs to a grander space just around the corner, accessed via Westgarth Street. The current site boasts extra room to house an expanded offering — complete with a larger dining space, onsite coffee roastery and dedicated retail area. Guests are greeted with a fitout that fuses familiar Industry Beans elements with some new, modern twists. Similarly, the ever-innovative coffee menu features a mix of signature favourites like the Fitzroy Street blend alongside new seasonal creations to enjoy with the roaster's top-notch rotation of caffeinated delights. There are also variations of iced drinks on offer, including the bubble coffee range — which features coffee-soaked tapioca pearls. Or, you can take your pick from a range of teas and juices. For a bite to eat, you can opt to pair something light with the sip of your choice — the honeyseed slice and peanut butter brownie are house-baked Fitzroy specials, and the winter sponge combines the limited-edition coffee blend with dessert for a seasonally-inspired sweet treat. For a heftier selection, peruse the all-day dining menu. Think house-made golden granola with rosewater-compressed watermelon, a pandan bubble waffle with blueberry gelato or the chilli barramundi folded eggs paired with coffee togarashi. Or, for a more experimental lunch, try the coffee-rubbed wagyu burger. You can also opt for the evergreen omelette, buckwheat and broccolini bowl or the basil and truffle gnocchi for more familiar dishes. Pair your meal with a side of polenta chips or an heirloom tomato salad and you've secured yourself a delicious meal. Plus, you can head home with an Industry Beans blend of your own or coffee equipment for your home brewing if you're ready to splash some extra cash at the end of your visit. Appears in: Where to Find the Best Coffee in Melbourne
We all know that video piracy is a crime and that we should pay for the music we are listening, too, but just how far we have come from 20th-century entertainment is not always present in our minds. Enter photographer Julia Solis and her new book Stages of Decay — a feat that took her across Europe and the US over a period of years to document over 100 disused and dilapidated theatres that once housed The Who, witnessed the cinematic events of their eras and were symbols of popular culture, cultural hubs and signifiers of Western affluence. The images tiptoe along that enticing line between nostalgia, beauty, decay — actually it is all very Tintern Abbey — and all those butterfly feelings that come up when we dream of days long gone. Solis sees the images as more experiential, as she told Flavorwire: "You want a one-on-one encounter with it, to open secret closets and fondle plaster and play with rusted machinery without your parents' interference. In a society that's increasingly controlled, monitored and publicised, a wild space like that can't help but have an incredible allure." Be sure to note the cars parked underneath the ornate ceiling of the old Michigan Theatre, and for the trivia buffs, it is now the parking lot for the new cinema. Circle of life?
After eight years in business, Footscray's Hop Nation Brewing Co is giving its taproom a major makeover. The new space, which opens on Thursday, September 28, will feature a spacious open-plan brewhouse, room for events with up to 50 people and a new purpose-built kitchen helmed by ex-Figlia Pizzeria chef Alex Addams Williams. Called Good Pizza, the kitchen will focus on woodfired pizzas using a long-ferment dough process, with both thin and thick crust options available. Addams Williams and Hop Nation encourage you to get creative with your order, as they reckon that everyone has their own idea of a "good pizza" — so loading up with wild ingredients isn't frowned upon, but actually encouraged (just please leave the pineapple on pizza debate in 2012 where it belongs). Hop Nation closed its doors on Sunday, August 27 to allow for the renovation — but fans of the Hop needn't fret, as it is still around for takeaways in the interim. The revamp itself is being handled by Studio Y, with "Brooklyn warehouse-meets-Melbourne brewery" the ultimate vision. The made-over taproom will have 17 beers on tap, including seasonal brews such as Grapefruit West Coast IPA and Guava, Dragon Fruit & Toasted Coconut sour, as well as a few hard seltzers. Punters can also enjoy the newly released Footscray Draft, created to pay image to the brewery's home suburb. And of course, the full Hop Nation core range will also be available. Hop Nation's revamped taproom will also host a number of events, including a party on the AFL Grand Final (which falls nicely on opening weekend). Footy fans needn't worry about a subpar viewing experience either, as the game will be projected onto the walls. Other events to look forward to include a Oktoberfest-style shindig that will feature three European-style beers, such as a limited release Kellerbier and Czech pilsner. Regular events span new limited-release beers on tap every fortnight and "Hoppy Hour" drinks every Thursday and Friday from 3–6pm. "We can't wait to welcome our neighbours, beer lovers and pizza aficionados to the newly renovated Hop Nation Taproom for some good pizza, good times and obviously some damn good Hop Nation beer," says co-founder Sam Hambour. Hop Nation was founded by two former winemakers, Duncan Gibson and the aforementioned Hambour, with the pair releasing their first beer in 2015. When the brand took over a brewing site in Mornington in 2020, too, it created more room for renovations to occur in the Footscray taproom. Find Hop Nation Brewing Co at Unit 6/107–109 Whitehall Street, Footscray. It will reopen on Thursday, September 28, operating 3–9.30pm Thursday–Sunday
UPDATE Tuesday, July 20: Yarra Valley visits are off the cards for now, but you can get a taste of the region delivered to your door with Rochford Wines' lineup of covetable hampers. There are booze packs, cheese-and-charcuterie kits, and at-home feasting options galore — including a three-course dinner starring hickory-smoked beef ribs and a bottle of Rochford wine. Melbourne deliveries will arrive within two business days of placing your order, which you can do here. For more details on Victoria's current restrictions, see the Department of Health and Human Services website. Arguably one of the Yarra Valley's best-known wineries, Rochford boasts a stunning lakeside cellar door, restaurant and some seriously great pizza. The rolling green expanse of the property is pretty much heaven for greenery-seeking humans and their pups (the winery is dog friendly). If you visit earlier in the year during the harvest, you can go on a guided tour of the vineyard, sampling the as-yet unharvested grapes straight from the vines or head straight to final produce at the cellar door where you can sample the vintages before settling on your take-home bottle or, for a more relaxed experience, set yourself up with a tasting flight at the on-site Isabella's Restaurant. Opt for some charcuterie including nduja, fennel and garlic salami or the terrine with rhubarb jam to pair, or if hunger has truly set in, go for one of the medium, large or 'enormous' dishes, each offered with the sommelier's wine recommendation. What's suggested? Can you really go past a 16-hour oyster blade of beef with the 2017 single vineyard 'Garrigue' Heathcote syrah or the saffron and orange-glazed chicken with the 2017 single vineyard 'Dans les Bois' chardonnay — both of which we're sure your pooch will enjoy a scrap or two from. If you'd prefer pizza though, head over to Il Vigneto, which is located on the Rochford property. Here, it's all about the dreamy, authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas and top-notch serves of pasta. A range of antipasto, sides, desserts and cocktails rounds out the fun.
When it opened 88 years ago at Milsons Point, Luna Park Sydney wasn't the world's first Luna Park, or even Australia's. But Harbour City residents and tourists alike have enjoyed its presence around multiple closures, reopenings and revamps ever since. Come December, the amusement park will unveil its latest reason to stop by and enjoy its attractions: Dream Circus, an immersive experience that's revamping the site's big top. If you've ever wanted to feel like you've walked into a movie, this is the Luna Park Sydney feature for you. Dream Circus will be filled with 360-degree projections, holograms, motion-activated LED screens, surround sound and lighting to immerse you in a Hollywood-style experience. It'll become Sydney's first permanent immersive-experience attraction, the venue advises — and a world-first type of attraction as well. Attendees can expect to enter a narrative journey, where characters and a spectacle that engages the senses will combine. The experience will take over the 3000-square-metre big top, with its sights filling a surface area of over 3500 square metres — and with Artists in Motion, TDC and Auditoria, who have ABBA Voyage, King Kong on Broadway, works at Vivid and Walking with Dinosaurs to their names, behind it. Luna Park Sydney expects people to flock to see the results when Dream Circus opens on Friday, December 22, just in time for the Christmas holidays, anticipating that 50,000 people will check it out over summer. The new attraction will help the site embrace the future, while still loving its status as an art-deco amusement park that dates back almost a century. "We are proud to build for Sydney one of the most technically advanced environments in the country. The result will be a venue without equal — capable of featuring the best immersive experiences, never-before-seen immersive live music and special events" said Luna Park Sydney CEO John Hughes. "As a world-class amusement park, we need to be more than rides, and expanding our depth of offering through world-class immersive experiences will mean that Sydneysiders won't have to travel the globe to experience these incredible environments. We want to be a reliable, magical, and affordable destination for all generations of Sydneysiders and visitors to our city". Dream Circus launches at Luna Park Sydney, 1 Olympic Drive, Milsons Point, on Friday, December 22 — visit the park's website for more information and tickets.
If you spent a few days this winter attending a Twin Peaks-inspired ball and seeing a giant teddy bear with laser eyes — watching a stunning new take on Dante's classic examination of hell, purgatory and paradise, too — then you went to Dark Mofo's 2023 run. Organised by Tasmania's Museum of Old and New Art, the winter arts festival fills Hobart with all manner of weird and wild surprises every year. In 2024, however, it's pausing its usual sprawling event to plan for the future. The fest's team has announced that it'll largely sit out next year, after celebrating its tenth year this year. Apart from its beloved Winter Feast and Nude Solstice Swim, Dark Mofo will take a break in 2024 in order to work out what the next decade looks like for the fest. "Dark Mofo has always been dedicated to enriching and transforming lives through ambitious art and ideas. We want to make sure that we have a festival that continues to deliver incredible art and artists, that continues to expand its artistic boundaries and remains a beacon of creativity, innovation and cultural significance," said Dark Mofo Artistic Director Chris Twite. "While this was a tough decision, it ensures we move forward in a viable manner. The fallow year will enable us to secure the future of Dark Mofo and its return at full force in 2025." The moves comes after a hit year that saw Dark Mofo smash it with attendances and at the box office — notching up record figures, in fact. Despite the most event's success, the crew behind it will now work towards "a more sustainable model for a full return in 2025, and set the foundation for the next ten years", taking rising costs and other changing elements into consideration. So, no full Dark Mofo is the not-so-great development for your winter 2024 plans. That the culinary-focused Winter Feast and the frosty Nude Solstice Swim will still take place next year even without the broader festival around it is better news. "We are excited that in June 2024 — amidst the rebirth and renewal of Dark Mofo — that Tasmanians and visitors alike will still be able to meet and commune around the fires of Winter Feast and cast off the weight of another year at the Nude Solstice Swim once more," said Twite. This year's Winter Feast was headlined by Chef's Table alum Ana Roš from two-Michelin-starred Hiša Franko, cooking up fare inspired by her homeland but made with Tasmania's top seasonal produce with help from The Agrarian Kitchen's Stephen Peak and Rodney Dunn. Exact details for the 2024 food-centric event, and for the next chance to bare all and brave the cold while taking a dip, are yet to be announced. Dark Mofo won't take place in 2024 — apart from the Winter Feast and Nude Solstice Swim — with plans to return in full from 2025 onwards in Hobart, Tasmania instead. Head to the festival's website for further details. Winter feast images: Jesse Hunniford, 2023, courtesy of Dark Mofo 2023. Nude Solstice Swim images: Rémi Chauvin, 2023, courtesy of Dark Mofo 2023.
This August, Melbourne's iconic Fed Square is shaking up its usual offering to deliver a dazzling program packed full of installations, activities and one-off events as part of its first Anything But Square Festival. One of these will see guests embark on a futuristic bunker feasting adventure, dubbed Sensory Underground. This mysterious dinner is being hosted by modern Japanese favourite Tokyo Tina across a series of 90-minute sittings from July 31 to August 11. And it will be anything but normal. First, you'll enter the space through Platform 13 at Flinders Street Station and make your way through to an unforgettable subterranean space deep below Fed Square. There, you'll be served up a four-course dinner, with each future-leaning dish inspired by current food forecasts for the year 2045, crafted around sustainable food practices, minimal energy use and seasonal, local produce. Think casual dining crossed with Blade Runner. While you're tucking into your innovative feast, you'll also be treated to a program of multisensory experiences, from some of Melbourne's hottest creative talent no less. There'll be lighting installations by artist Kit Webster, virtual reality elements from PHORIA Studio's Trent Clews-de Castella and Joseph Purdam, and visual delights from the team at Studio SPGD. Tickets to the dinners clock in at $120, including food, a welcome drink and all that sensory fun. Sessions will run at 6.30pm and 8.30pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, and at 6pm, pm and 9.45pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
If you indulge in a little dog-spotting when wandering the streets, it won't be long until a greyhound, aka the longest of long boys, crosses your gaze. That's in no small part due to the Greyhound Adoption Program's (GAP) enduring work, with the organisation now gearing up to celebrate its 30th birthday. Taking over the Abbotsford Convent from 8am on Monday, March 16, this major milestone honours all those who have adopted, fostered, volunteered or just followed the work of the Greyhound Adoption Program over the years. For those heading along to this free event, expect meet-and-greets with GAP greyhounds and the chance to mingle with fellow long boy lovers. Meanwhile, Nova 100's Street Team will be elevating the moment with live music and giveaways. Alongside coffee, treats and activities for the whole family, there's one more happening worth sticking around for. That'd be a much-loved Aussie TV personality adopting GAP's 20,000th greyhound — a fitting landmark as you navigate the many long noses and wagging tails in attendance.
In Love Lies Bleeding, a craggy ravine just outside a dusty New Mexico town beckons, ready to swallow sordid secrets in the dark of the desert's starry night. Tumbling into it, a car explodes in flames partway through the movie, exactly as the person pushing it in wants it to. There's the experience of watching Rose Glass' sophomore film emblazoned across the feature's very frames. After the expertly unsettling Saint Maud, the British writer/director returns with a second psychological horror, this time starring Kristen Stewart in the latest of her exceptionally chosen post-Twilight roles (see: Crimes of the Future, Spencer, Happiest Season, Lizzie, Personal Shopper, Certain Women and Clouds of Sils Maria). An 80s-set queer and sensual tale of love, lust, blood and violence, Love Lies Bleeding is as inkily alluring as the gorge that's pivotal to its plot, and as fiery as the inferno that swells from the canyon's depths. This neon-lit, synth-scored neo-noir thriller scorches, too — and burns so brightly that there's no escaping its glow. When the words "you have to see it to believe it" also grace Love Lies Bleeding — diving into gyms and in the bodybuilding world, it's no stranger to motivational statements such as "no pain no gain", "destiny is a decision" and "the body achieves what the mind believes" — they help sum up this wild cinematic ride as well. Glass co-scripts here with Weronika Tofilska (they each previously penned and helmed segments of 2015's A Moment in Horror), but her features feel like the result of specific, singular and searing visions that aren't afraid to swerve and veer boldly and committedly to weave their stories and leave an imprint. Accordingly, Love Lies Bleeding is indeed a romance, a crime flick and a revenge quest. It's about lovers on the run and intergenerational griminess. It rages against the machine. It's erotic, a road trip and unashamedly pulpy. It also takes the concept of strong female leads to a place that nothing else has, and you do need to witness it to fathom it. Stewart is Love Lies Bleeding's shaggy mullet-wearing heartthrob, a surly and oft-silent type who knows what she wants and doesn't. In the first category for the gym-managing Lou: a life free of abuse for her sister Beth (Jena Malone, Rebel Moon — Part One: A Child of Fire), who has scuzzy and vicious husband JJ (Dave Franco, Day Shift) lurking about; nothing to do with the shooting range-owning, gun-running, insect-obsessed, ponytailed Lou Sr (the scene-stealing Ed Harris, Top Gun: Maverick); and, from when she first sets eyes on her, muscular and permed out-of-towner Jackie (Katy O'Brian, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania). It's 1989, Lou is unwilling to be anyone but herself — iron-pumping patrons try and fail to insult her with "grade-a dyke" — and she's also introduced knowing how to clean up a mess and navigate amorous complications. Glass initially finds one of her protagonists with a hand deep in a backed-up toilet, and with local hang-about and past fling Daisy (Anna Baryshnikov, Dickinson) pleading for a date. More muck and more relationship chaos are in store for both Lou and for Love Lies Bleeding. Breezing in en route to a bodybuilding championship in Las Vegas, Jackie reciprocates her affections, then moves into her house — but the day before they meet, she's sleeping with JJ for a job at Lou Sr's. That's just some of the shit, metaphorical rather than literal, that Lou will have to get more than elbow-deep in. The FBI agents hovering around asking questions fall into the same camp. Alongside gleefully subverting the usual take on powerful women characters on-screen, Glass carves into idyllic perceptions of love. Love Lies Bleeding's central romance is urgent, instant, sweaty and horny, and also opportunistic, perilous and thorny. The idea that discovering your special someone is transformative also receives a stunning spin, and far beyond the fact that bulging biceps and doing everything on steroids — sometimes literally there — are rarely far from returning Saint Maud cinematographer Ben Fordesman's lens. It isn't merely Glass, Fordesman, editor Mark Towns (another Saint Maud alum), composer Clint Mansell (Sharper) and the meticulous team of sound designers who go all in on crafting Lou and Jackie's plight as an evocatively visceral and squelchy fever dream, heated sex scenes, an onslaught of gore and brutality, and an eagerness to get weird all included. Almost every time that she rolls out a new performance, Stewart is in never-better form again and again, which is true once more in this phenomenal portrayal. The anxiety, tension and vulnerability that's pulsating through Lou is evident in a look, a line reading and posture alone, as is determination, devotion, grit and complexity. Stewart masters something that's only matched by the electric O'Brian, as Glass demands: mesmerising viewers, and making them fall as head over heels for this chemistry-dripping pair and the movie they're in as they do with each other. For O'Brian, who also has The Mandalorian and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. as well as Westworld and The Walking Dead on her resume, has studied martial arts since childhood, takes part in bodybuilding contests off-screen and was previously a cop, it's a star-making, can't-look-away turn. Add obsession to the forces pumping ravenously through Love Lies Bleeding, which befits its filmmaker; this isn't her first picture about transformation and connection. The links between Saint Maud and Love Lies Bleeding mirror Lou and Jackie, with the two duos as much kindred spirits as opposites. Glass relishes the magnetic clash, then revels in it. What it truly means to change, and why, and the motivations to try; attempting to abandon old and forge new habits; what a person can and can't find in another; where faith and trust kick in: they all throb through both flicks. But jumping from a claustrophobic British setting to the expansive American west, plus from ailing bodies to musclebound figures, is also Glass' journey. Contrasts abound within Love Lies Bleeding itself, which is intimate but sprawling, raw and tender, sweet and savage, gets love and sex butting heads with carnage and death, grim but blackly comedic, and also dark and distressing yet swoonworthy and romantic. In her two features so far — a helluva debut, then this astounding follow-up — Glass has also proven herself a builder, but not of the bodies that her second movie peers at with as female a gaze that cinema is capable of. There's no watching Love Lies Bleeding and not spying its influences, as was the case with Saint Maud. That said, that both take those inspirations as foundations to construct something else entirely is equally inescapable. These are no one's copies. True Romance, Wild at Heart, Lost Highway, Thelma & Louise, Showgirls, Badlands, Paris, Texas, Raising Arizona, Bonnie & Clyde, Natural Born Killers: consider them all Love Lies Bleeding's siblings. So are Nicolas Winding Refn's Drive, Only God Forgives and The Neon Demon, as spied in the intoxicating hues that dance across the screen. Although it similarly only reached cinemas in 2024, Ethan Coen's Drive-Away Dolls would make a glorious double with one of the standout movies of the year. For a burning, bulging, blistering and brilliant plunge into filmmaking at its most exhilarating, however, Love Lies Bleeding stands and shines fiercely atop its own cliff.
You could soon be the proud owner of your very own tram, thanks to the Andrews Government's new Retired Trams Strategy, revealed today. The plan's designed to give the city's old vehicles a new lease on life, allowing Victorians to apply to acquire their own tram for free. Expressions of interest will open on Monday, May 28, and run until July 6. They're not just giving them away to anyone, though — if you're keen to add one of the historic vehicles to your collection, you'll have to explain how you'll plan to restore, repurpose and maintain it, so it's preserved for future generations. Priority will be given to applicants who plan to keep the vehicles accessible to the public and of benefit to the community. The best part is that the trams will be completely free for Victorian community organisations, museums and not-for-profits. But those wanting to use the tram for commercial purposes (like accommodation or hospitality) will need to pay, as will interstate residents. There are 134 W-Class trams (the old rattly green and yellow ones) up for grabs, following a recent careful examination of the state's 237-strong retired fleet. Currently, they're sitting in storage at the Newport Railway Workshop. "Over the years, trams have transported millions of Victorians, connected our communities and are an integral part of our rich heritage," Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan explained. "If they're not going to be used on the network, we want to keep these trams accessible to the community." Expressions of interest can be made via the VicTrack website.
Drive two hours northwest of Melbourne and you'll arrive in the town of Lexton. Perched in Victoria's Pyrenees region, this tiny township is surrounded by outstanding wineries and outdoor adventures, ensuring a visit here will be jam-packed with unforgettable experiences that'll live long in the memory. Whether you prefer to roam grand pictorial gardens or scale the Pyrenees mountains, finding the experience you crave is almost guaranteed. To give you a head start, we've teamed up with Wild Turkey to highlight the activities that'll keep the good times flowing for you and your crew on your next out-of-town adventure. [caption id="attachment_846008" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Arianna Leggiero[/caption] STAY IN A CONVERTED CHURCH Considering the immense beauty of Victoria's Pyrenees, booking yourself into some suitably snug accommodation is the best way to spend the night. Arguably the top spot in the area is Grayling's Gift, an immaculate 19th century church rejuvenated with luxurious furnishings and amenities. Inside, the antique decor includes an elegant clawfoot bathtub, a vintage chesterfield lounge and a wood fireplace that elevates the cosiness factor to the extreme. While breakfast is provided during your stay, there's also a compact kitchen to use — we suggest using it to put together a grazing platter with local produce to enjoy during a star-gazing session in the expansive fields on your doorstep. [caption id="attachment_844023" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elliot Kramer[/caption] TREK THROUGH THE RAINFOREST Situated on the edge of the Great Dividing Range, Lexton is home to mind-boggling natural beauty. To experience the variety of landscapes in one place, a 30-minute drive to Mount Buangor State Park is your best bet. With its 15 kilometres of interconnected trails, this is the place to explore mountain peaks or delve deeper into the valley floor. If you're looking for a low-intensity hike, the Waterfalls Nature Walk trail should be at the top of your to-do list. Taking just 45 minutes to complete, this return journey sees hikers wander through blue gum forests on their way past three waterfalls, including the stunning Ferntree Falls and the Cascade Falls. [caption id="attachment_844026" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] EXPLORE WINE COUNTRY It might seem a little on the nose, but this part of Victoria does indeed get its name from the Pyrenees region stretching between France and Spain. Our Pyrenees wine region dates back to the 1960s, so expect your visit to this thriving food and wine country to be overflowing with delicious flavours. More than 40 cellar doors provide ample opportunity to sample the local varieties, and Blue Pyrenees Estate is considered one of the best. Head to this sprawling estate on the outskirts of Avoca for tasting tours and a refined cafe that overlooks the vineyard. In nearby Moonambel, Summerfield Wines offers an equally delectable experience, featuring world-class vino and woodfired pizzas. ROAM HISTORICAL GARDENS AND HARVEST FRESH PRODUCE Despite its location in the heart of the Goldfields region, Lexton didn't quite have the same luck as its neighbours when it came to buried treasure. However, that didn't stop several great estates from being established in the area. For example, the Mount Mitchell Homestead serves as a lasting symbol of Victoria's pre-federation history. Founded in 1838, this sprawling home offers ten acres of pristine gardens from which to admire the Pyrenees Mountains that rise to the west. Stop in to stroll through the beautiful gardens and working farm, where you can pick up fresh produce like eggs from the resident hens, catch yabbies and fish from the property's lake and pick your own fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs from the orchard and kitchen garden. [caption id="attachment_844028" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Matt (Flickr)[/caption] HIT UP PARMA PALACE When you roll into any country town, a good pub meal is often one of the first things to seek out. Lexton's Pyrenees Family Hotel isn't afraid to put its reputation on the line, with the self-appointed nickname of the 'Parma Palace'. There are 12 plate-sized varieties of the pub classic to choose from here, with each one bound to leave you very satisfied. The pub also features the hallmarks of any classic country pub: there's a top-notch beer garden where you can enjoy a crisp lager beneath the shade of a mulberry tree, a pool room and jukebox. Plus, if you stop by on a Friday night you can even try your luck at winning a meat tray. [caption id="attachment_844031" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elliot Kramer[/caption] TEST YOUR BUSHWALKING SKILLS There's stellar bushwalking to be found all over the Pyrenees region, but you can quickly access some of the best with a short drive to Beaufort. Here, you'll find the challenging Ben Nevis Walk – a 9.6-kilometre circuit that kicks off with a seriously steep climb up an old 4WD track. As the terrain levels out, you'll have the energy to admire the wildflowers and panoramic views that adorn this landscape. Although this adventure will definitely put even the fittest bushwalkers through their paces, the views from the peak make this journey supremely worthwhile. [caption id="attachment_844032" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Francesco Vicenzi (Flickr)[/caption] EXPERIENCE A NEXT-LEVEL BUSH DOOF Bush doofs don't come much bigger, or more colourful, than the annual Rainbow Serpent Festival. Launched in 1998 in the dusty fields surrounding Lexton, this hedonistic playground presents a global showcase of electronic music, ranging from psytrance to minimal techno. With the pandemic and bushfires quashing recent years, a return is on the cards for Easter 2023. Alongside the mind-melting tunes and sparkling outfits, the festival invites you to explore your spiritual side through immersive art installations, workshops and otherworldly experiences. If that sounds up your alley, get your pals together for a metaphysical reawakening. Just be sure to take a few days off to guarantee your recovery. Find out more about Wild Turkey's Discovery Series at the website. Top image: Elliot Kramer
When your relationship kicks off with a flashed nipple and an injured dog, it clearly doesn't start smoothly. When Colin From Accounts returns for its second season, the romance between Ashley (Harriet Dyer, The Invisible Man) and Gordon (Patrick Brammall, Evil) is set to continue as it began. The titular canine is still a key part of their connection — and they're trying to get him back — but so is couple banter about each others' past, and just the general kind of chaos that rom-coms can bring. It was back in 2022 that Colin From Accounts won audiences over as quickly as a cute pooch, and became one of that year's best new TV shows. When it debuted, Colin From Accounts had everyone bingeing their way through a tale of an awkward but memorable meet-cute, which began when a medical student and a microbrewery owner crossed paths in Sydney, then went from strangers to pet co-owners almost instantly. The series starts dropping its second season from Thursday, May 30 — but this time, however, it will be releasing its episodes weekly on Binge instead of in one batch. If you're new to Colin From Accounts, which won Best Narrative Comedy Series at the 2024 AACTAs and a trio of Logies — Most Outstanding Comedy Program, Most Outstanding Actor and Most Outstanding Actress — in 2023, it's the latest collaboration between real-life couple and No Activity stars Dyer and Brammall. Story-wise, the first season of Colin From Accounts charted what happened after Gordon was distracted by Ashley one otherwise ordinary morning, then accidentally hit a stray dog with his car. The pair took the pooch to receive veterinary treatment, then committed to look after him — and, yes, named him Colin From Accounts — causing their lives to intertwine. In season two, Ashley and Gordon are now living together, which brings its own mess — including the quest to get Colin From Accounts back from his new owners. A heap of fresh faces are joining the series for its second date, such as Celeste Barber (Wellmania), Virginia Gay (Mother and Son), Justin Rosniak (Wolf Like Me), Lynne Porteous (Frayed), John Howard (Bump) and Aunty Donna's Broden Kelly (Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe). Check out the trailer for season two of Colin From Accounts below: Colin From Accounts season two will stream via Binge from Thursday, May 30, 2024. Read our review of season one. Images: Lisa Tomasetti.
When Disney+ made its way into the world back in 2019, it gave viewers — including folks in Australia and New Zealand — access to a huge range of Disney, Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars and National Geographic movies and shows. What it didn't do is bring Hulu, which the Mouse House owns the majority stake in, to audiences Down Under. And, with Disney+ focused on family-friendly fare, it didn't deliver the kinds of series and films that Hulu screens, either. Hulu still isn't heading our way. But, come Tuesday, February 23, Disney+ is expanding to include a new section that's basically an international equivalent of Hulu. It's called Star and, when it was first announced late in 2020, film and TV fans were advised that it'd screen "an additional 1000 unique titles... in the first year". Wondering exactly what that'll include? Well, now Disney has revealed which series and flicks will be available when Star launches. Prepare to add 159 TV series and 447 movies to your streaming options — with four of those television shows falling into the 'Star Originals' category, meaning that they'll be brand new to viewers Down Under. Three of the four newbies are Hulu shows, too, so if you've been wanting to watch Love, Victor (the spinoff from 2018 movie Love, Simon), Helstrom (which forms part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe) or Solar Opposites (an animated sitcom co-created by Rick and Morty's Justin Roiland), then you'll be able to. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uh-IaEaEdE0 From Star's big list of classics, plenty of titles stand out. Among the film selection, you'll find the Alien, Planet of the Apes, Die Hard and Omen franchises, plus the Predator and Taken flicks as well. And, you can also pick between older movies like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Fly, Never Been Kissed, Office Space, Pretty Woman and Moulin Rouge, or more recent fare such as Black Swan, Eddie the Eagle, Logan, The Favourite and Jojo Rabbit. A heap of Wes Anderson films, including Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums, The Grand Budapest Hotel and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, are also featured. On the television front, you'll be able to binge your way through every episode of Angel, Alias, 24, Felicity, Firefly and Glee — or opt for New Girl, Prison Break, Scandal and The X-Files instead. The list goes on and, like the existing Disney+ range, you'll find a hefty focus on older shows over new titles. Star draws upon Disney's studios, such as Disney Television Studios, FX, 20th Century Studios, 20th Television and Touchstone. And it doesn't everything that Hulu does, because plenty of Hulu's series and films pop up elsewhere Down Under — like The Handmaid's Tale, for instance. That said, it's safe to expect that some of the rights deals that deliver Hulu content to other networks and streaming platforms in Australia and might change after Star's hits, moving where you can catch certain flicks and programs in the process. As you might've already guessed, Disney+'s expansion to include Star comes with a price increase. Australian subscriptions will go up to AU$11.99 per month or AU$119.99 per year, while New Zealand subscriptions will go up to NZ$12.99 per month and $129.99 per year. If you're already a subscriber, the new price won't kick in for six months, though — so whenever your next renewal hits after August 22. Star joins Disney+ in Australia and New Zealand on Tuesday, February 23, with Disney+ subscriptions costing AU$11.99 and NZ$12.99 per month or AU$119.99 and NZ$129.99 per year from that date.
If I were to present you with a map and ask you to direct me somewhere, you'd say something along the lines of "Huh? Where's the GPS on this piece of paper?" I am universally acknowledged as being useless when it comes to directions. I will frequently ask people to turn left, then yell "no! I meant the other left!" For this reason my friends forbid me to offer any form of direction on any means of transport and have been known to resort to violent swearing. I use Google Maps every day. But never have I been lost and resorted to an actual map. Google Maps rules the field of location and direction these days. People Finders connect you with others during times of disaster, Street Art View allows you to tag art from around the world, and with a new and improved view you can take a virtual stroll through the streets of Stockholm and Mexico City. An oversized and confusing piece of paper simply can't compete. Now, a series of collages entitled Map Works by American artist Matthew Cusick have taken what has essentially become a dead medium and turned those maps into beautiful and intricate collages. By rescuing them from the landfill and thrusting them into the retro-chic realm of cassette tapes and typewriters, it's work like this which will make us appreciate old-fashioned maps in years to come.
Tavi Gevinson, the precocious pixie editrix, is finally manifesting her person on our shores. As a hugely successful teen blogger and founder of Rookie magazine, her entrepreneurial chutzpah is something of a phenomenon. She'll be giving a keynote address at the Melbourne Writers Festival, as well as stopping by the Opera House in Sydney. She's an old hand at public speaking, too, having already given a TED talk. Awash as the internet is with kids promoting their #personalbrands, it's cool to see someone so young found a publication like Rookie, a surprisingly down-to-earth and intellectual voice in the teen zine scene. Launched in 2011, it's festooned with the Tavi aesthetic, which, since her solo blogging days as a 13-year-old, has channelled '90s pop-goth and pretty pastels, movies like Ghost World and all the quirkiest developments of the fashion world. But it's Tavi's self-awareness and feminism that make her a compelling fashion commentator: never glossing over the fact that this is an industry which fetishises youth, she's all for female empowerment. We're looking forward to hearing her speak on a local stage.
