UPDATE, April 4, 2020: Brittany Runs a Marathon is available to stream via Amazon Prime Video. Everyone has a friend who goes on a fitness kick, then won't stop talking about it. Suddenly your brunch dates are scheduled around training sessions and optimal heart rates come up in every conversation. That isn't Brittany Forgler (Jillian Bell). The New Yorker barely has the energy to start exercising, and she certainly doesn't want to keep nattering on about it. And while Brittany Runs a Marathon focuses on the avid partygoer's highly out-of-character wellness campaign, the feel-good comedy actually sports a similar attitude — because as enormous a feat as attempting to run a marathon is, it's only one part of Brittany's life. Basing his debut feature on his best friend, playwright-turned-filmmaker Paul Downs Colaizzo spends plenty of time cheering Brittany's efforts. Flags are waved and encouragement is yelled — by her new running pals Catherine (Michaela Watkins) and Seth (Micah Stock) and, metaphorically, by the movie itself. But while the story plays out largely as every underdog sports flick has trained audiences to expect, there's a deeper, darker core to this upbeat and amusing affair. Come for a wry spin on all the usual training montages, keep watching as Brittany progresses from groaning through a slow jog around the block to willingly skipping boozing for exercise, then stay for a perceptive exploration of the tough marathon that is finding self-acceptance. Indeed, late in this likeable movie, there's a scene that sums up the film's true focus — and it makes for purposefully uneasy viewing. Seething with pain and devastation, it has nothing to do with running through the streets. At a birthday party for her sister's (Kate Arrington) husband (Lil Rel Howery), Brittany starts talking to a couple. They appear mismatched, she's had a few drinks, and so she asks an awkward, inappropriate question. It doesn't go down well, but it's clear that Brittany isn't trying to judge or be cruel to those around her. Rather, by pondering aloud how a man she deems attractive could love a woman with a fuller figure, she's voicing the harsh mindset that she has always directed internally. Charting Brittany's attempts to improve her health on medical orders, and then to put one foot after the other during New York's 42-kilometre endurance test, Brittany Runs a Marathon dives into its protagonist's damaging opinion of herself. The film is filled with humour — and many, many running scenes — but, primarily, it's the cinematic manifestation of the idea that to help yourself, you actually have to like yourself . For too long, Brittany has been the funny sidekick. She constantly cracks jokes at her own expense, whether at work, on dates, or with the doctor she's trying to convince to prescribe her Adderall. She's also fantastic at self-sabotage, as her fledgling romance with fellow underachieving twenty-something Jern (Utkarsh Ambudkar) shows. Those habits are hard to break, so Brittany Runs a Marathon confronts Brittany's flagging self-esteem one sweaty step at a time. It's a beauty and wellness industry cliché — the type trotted out to sell soap, as Brittany skewers — but loving the skin you're in is hard. It's also tricky to convey on-screen in an authentic fashion (and no, instant makeovers where someone removes their glasses to reveal they're really a bombshell don't count). Brittany Runs a Marathon turns the task into a physical slog, with viewers witnessing every grimace and struggle, then feeling the exhilaration when its reluctant protagonist gets comfortable pounding the pavement — and, of course, when she does what the title tells us she's going to do. There's a reason that writer/director Colaizzo is happy to spoil the outcome in the movie's moniker, after all: running the New York marathon isn't the film's only point. As astute as it proves in exploring Brittany's battle with her inner demons and millennial malaise in general, Brittany Runs a Marathon has its star to thank for striking such an affecting chord. A scene-stealer in 22 Jump Street, Rough Night and Workaholics, Bell puts her heart, soul and gift for witty quips into this thoughtful and funny movie — and ensures that every step that Brittany takes, both in the right and wrong directions, feels genuine. That sensation sets this crowd-pleaser apart from other recent comedies about women trying to gain confidence in their own shoes, such as Amy Schumer-starring misfire I Feel Pretty. Nothing here is calculated, cynical, exaggerated or muddled; rather, it's relatable, realistic and even inspirational. Forget running — sure, you might leave the cinema eager to jog a marathon yourself, but being kinder to yourself is the bigger achievement. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsHlvgTG1iI
This article is sponsored by our partner lastminute.com.au. You've seen the big ball drop in Times Square on the telly every New Year's Eve. Cue the snow, earmuffs and shots of rosy-nosed couples pashing as the clock strikes midnight, a stark contrast to our summery celebrations. If you and your mate/significant other have ever dreamt of experiencing NYE in NYC style but can't seem to scrape up enough cash to make it a reality, this could be your chance. lastminute.com.au is giving away an awesome prize package to two lucky people for an adventure in the Concrete Jungle this December. The package includes two return tickets to New York City, four nights' accommodation in midtown Manhattan's Affinia 50 hotel, two tickets to an NYE celebration in Times Square, and an elite styling session and $1000 wardrobe, courtesy of THE ICONIC. Sounds like a pretty sweet deal to us. So enter now to win NYE in NYC and share the hell out of it on Facebook, Twitter or Google+, because every friend referral earns you another entry to boost your chances of winning. Now is the time to be that annoying friend who is incessantly posting about competitions. https://youtube.com/watch?v=rxO05nQXFY8
If you haven't dreamt of quitting your job, turning off your phone, packing your bag with nothing more than a pair of thongs and some swimmers and jetting off to make a life on a tropical island, you are truly living a blessed life. But for everyone else who holds on to a skerrick of the island life dream, this next bit of news is either going to make you smile or turn you insanely jealous. A guy from NSW has just scored his own entire resort on a private island in the Pacific for the grand sum of 65 bucks. The man, identified just as Joshua, was one of the tens of thousands of people who decided to put a few dollars down to go into the draw to win the 16-room luxury Kosrae Nautilus Resort that sits on the Micronesian island of Kosrae. It was put up for grabs by Australian couple Doug and Sally Beitz, who built the resort back in 1994. After 20 years on the island, they've decided to come back home — but instead of selling the island to an investor, they wanted it to go to someone who maybe couldn't afford to buy it outright, but would give it as much love as they have. Joshua was announced as the winner last night via a post on the resort's Facebook page. So, yeah, now he owns a resort. Not bad for the cost of approx. three espresso martinis. Via ABC News. Image: Kosrae Nautilus Resort.
Time to bust out your overalls and dust off the shopping cart. A popular monthly market has returned to Canberra and is going to have you picking up way more than the usuals — a jar of local honey and a handmade soy candle, that is. Love Local Markets will take place on the last Sunday of every month between 9am–2pm at The Plot at Pialligo Estate. Here, you'll find a range of vendors offering local produce and products, including fresh food, drinks and lifestyle goods. While you're there, make sure you check out everything the estate and its neighbours have on offer, including the Pialligo Market Grocer, the Farm Shop Cafe, Wren & Rabbit Interiors, Pink Flamingo Interiors and Bisonhome. Plus, being conveniently positioned near the inner south and Fyshwick precincts, the location makes it a great way to start your day before taking on other activities in the Canberra region. Make sure you grab the loose change hanging around the house or swing by an ATM on the way as the stalls are cash only and there aren't any EFTPOS facilities. Love Local Markets will take place from 9am–2pm on the last Sunday of each month (excluding December) at The Plot at Pialligo Estate. For more information, visit the website here.
If you're of an age when you can remember burning your friend's So Fresh CD so you could stay up to date with the coolest songs of the season, congrats. You're old now. But also, congrats, because you will seriously enjoy this So Fresh shindig. The old-school get-together to end all old-school get-togethers is coming to South Yarra's Supersmall this Grand Final Public Holiday Eve, and it'll be playing bangers strictly of the 2010 vintage. You can expect a disturbing percentage of Channel 10 alums (Australian Idol winners/losers and ex-Neighbours actors) as well as way too much Nickelback for polite company. Also, just throwing this out there: we're desperately hoping for a timely comeback of the Duff sisters duet 'Our Lips Are Sealed'. Entry will set you back $10 on the door (unless you get there between 9–10pm), and of course it's obviously 18 and over — because if you're under 18 you definitely don't know what So Fresh is. Or CDs, probably.
A few people are saying the Simon Pegg/Nick Frost/Edgar Wright partnership is getting tired. There might be some truth to that, but it isn't tired yet. The World's End — the third film in their 'Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy', a series of comic genre mash-ups that also happen to feature a random Cornetto ice-cream in each one — is a whirlwind of exuberant humour it's easy to get swept up in. Sure, some of the surprise of the mash-up twist has faded since 2004's breakthrough Shaun of the Dead, but the team has also matured as actors, filmmakers and observers of the human condition. The particular human condition they're concerned with this time around is the sad state of being stuck in one's halcyon days, particularly when they're situated in high school, particularly when you're now nearing 40. Pegg plays the thusly afflicted man-child, and it's far from the loveable, self-effacing type of loser character we're used to seeing him be. As Gary King, he is a real loser, still sporting his teenage sludgy black hair and greatcoat, still driving 'The Beast' registered in someone else's name, still embarrassingly overconfident and still sleazing onto women in the loos. He's so close to being unlikeable, yet there's just enough good in him — and just a smidge of relatability — that we want him to win on his ridiculous quest to unite his high school buddies and claim the victory that should have been theirs 20 years earlier: completion of a 12-stop pub crawl known as the Golden Mile. Gary's more capably adult friends — Andrew (Frost), Steven (Paddy Considine), Oliver (Martin Freeman) and Peter (Eddie Marsan) — want out of the caper not long after arriving back in their insular home town, Newton Haven. But then they discover the place has gone Invasion of the Body Snatchers in their absence, and fighting off invading alien robot hordes takes precedence over fighting each other. All the while, following some spectacular drunk-person reasoning, they continue the course of their pub crawl to the mythic World's End bar. In some ways, The World's End doesn't feel like the final movie of the trilogy; it has the anarchic, careening, appropriately drunken energy of an early oeuvre picture, but one suspects that mood is actually harder to control than it looks. The movie is also unexpectedly mature in its human drama, teasing out the fraught relationship we have with our histories and ultimately encouraging us to go a little less hard on our past selves. There's great joy in watching The World's End, and plenty of rewards in the team's signature brand of comedy. Maybe it is time to move on from the genre mash-up, but this is a thundering way to go out. https://youtube.com/watch?v=7ibQvQUpMTg
In good news for northside Melbourne residents heading into summer — a brand new aquatic and rec centre complete with indoor and outdoor swim lanes is coming to Northcote. The Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre (fondly named NARC) redevelopment project will see the much-loved community hub transformed into a space boasting a 50-metre outdoor pool, 25-metre indoor pool and warm water area. For the little ones, a dedicated learn-to-swim pool along with aqua indoor and outdoor play areas are also promised. The fitness centre will also be home to multi-purpose spaces for group fitness classes including yoga, reformer pilates, and consulting rooms for health professionals. The new Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre is spearheaded by Clublinks, who also operate Darebin Community Sports Stadium, Bundoora Park Public Golf Course and Northcote Public Golf Course. [caption id="attachment_911917" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Images courtesy of project architects Warren and Mahoney.[/caption] "The Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre will be a true neighbourhood hub, in which all members of the community feel welcomed," Clublinks CEO Anthony Lawrence says. An inclusive design focus at the renewed Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre extends to its community event programming, which is set to include LGBTIQA+ friendly aqua aerobics and Sensory Sensitive swimming days. "The facility has been thoughtfully designed with accessibility in mind, featuring ramps providing easy access to all pools and a lift for access to the first floor. Additionally, NARC will offer well-equipped changed rooms, including dedicated spaces for accessibility, ensuring that everyone can fully enjoy the facility's amenities," Mayor of Darebin Cr Julie Williams says. [caption id="attachment_911916" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: Images courtesy of project architects Warren and Mahoney.[/caption] NARC is set to open later this year, but to get the community excited, a series of events dubbed The Big Warm-Up will land in Darebin in the coming months. Free coffee and breakfast will be served between 7am-9am at Northcote station on Thursday, Aug 10, before heading to Bell station on Tuesday, Aug 15. Finally, Alphington commuters will be treated on Thursday, Aug 24 to fruit salad, housemade granola, chia pudding and muffins. Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre is set to open in late 2023. Memberships are currently open on the website, including pre-sale fitness and learn-to-swim memberships. Images: Images courtesy of project architects Warren and Mahoney, supplied.
Hotel Sorrento has just landed a new venue as part of the first stage of renovations originally announced early last year. Here, in a buzzy pocket of the Mornington Peninsula, Hotel Sorrento has sat for nearly 150 years boasting enviable bay vistas. Now, the historic sandstone building is welcoming an overhauled food and drink offering helmed by George Calombaris as part of the first stage of its redevelopment, including modern Cantonese diner Shihuishi and a 12-seat chef's table in the Dining Room. "The goal is to create dishes that not only satisfy the palate but tell a story of the region and the community's rich history," George Calombaris says. Shihuishi is the newest addition to the Hotel Sorrento family, nestled in the original, grand Hotel Sorrento ballroom. Head chef Junlin (Jerry) Yi (ex-Red Spice Road) is unafraid to stray from tradition, from prawn crackers paired with crème fraîche; to spanakopita dumplings that marry whipped feta and dill. Deeper into the menu, patrons will discover Australian-Canto cuisine that nods to the Chinese restaurant that stood onsite back in the 1980s. A prawn, lap cheong and onion stir-fry is a crowd-pleaser, along with duck pancakes and black pepper beef, served on a sizzling plate. Other classics run to the likes of steamed barra with soy, ginger and spring onion, or the ever-popular pork and prawn shumai. A generous list of cocktails, wine as well as beer and mocktails completes the offering. Don't miss the Dynasty Margarita, a playful mixture of tequila, green tea, honey, lime, jalapeños, Szechuan and rosemary salt. Meanwhile, in the Dining Room, Calombaris and Executive Chef Lucas Menezes Caporal will curate a new, rotating chef's table menu for 12 guests, who will score a front-row seat to all the culinary action. [caption id="attachment_902007" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image: The Dining Room[/caption] Currently, three outdoor bars, Front Bar, Dining Room and Shihuishi are open to guests. The first stage of Hotel Sorrento's hefty makeover encompasses a new 30-metre pool, wellness retreat, day spa and new luxury suites. It is expected to be completed by the end of this year. Shihuishi is open Thursday–Sunday for lunch and dinner. The Dining Room is open seven days a week, also for lunch and dinner.
Long-standing Brunswick East haunt The B.East is known for its hefty burgers, rock 'n' roll and good times aplenty. And that should give you some idea of what to expect when its brand-new sibling dances into Fitzroy this week. The B.East of Brunswick Street makes its official debut on February 18, but you're invited to help christen the space across four huge days of opening celebrations, from Thursday, February 20, to Sunday, February 23. Across the weekend, expect a smorgasbord of DJs — including 3RRR's Annaliese Replica, Northside Records' Chris Gill and Bone Soup DJs — while the new kitchen struts its stuff with a raft of tasty specials. Think, $10 cheeseburgers all day Thursday, $2 classic and vego burgers from 12–4pm on Friday and all-day $10 recovery burgers to help your Sunday run smoothly. From 6pm on Friday, you can try your luck at nabbing $3 tinnies in a heads or tails 'Toss The Boss' coin toss, while on February 22, that competitive streak can get a work out in The B.East of Brunswick Beer Pong League. Throw in a few $2 margaritas for World Margarita Day on Saturday (6–9pm), and $10 bloody marys and caesars matched with some free pool on Sunday and you've got yourself one heck of a welcome party.
Scribbling on the walls used to be a top ten reason for grounding. Now NGV wants you to scribble all over their White Cube. Design duo Matheny Studio have created a brand new kids space at the National Gallery of Victoria called Pastello Draw Act — without a fun-quashing parent voice (or airport official) in sight. Kids can gear up in futuristic crayon-studded helmets and crayon-soled shoes and let the rainbow destruction run rife; allowed to colour, scribble, sketch, draw and obliterate every surface in the space with whatever hue's on the menu. Tables aren't safe. Walls can't run. Footstools quiver in fear. It's not every day kids are allowed to make as much mess as they want. "Pastello Draw Act is a new immersive kids space focused on transforming perception surrounding the simple act of drawing," say Matheny Studio on Vimeo. The studio designed the space and crayon accessories specifically for NGV, seeing an opportunity for unbridled artistry by our most abstract expressionist of citizens: children. Via Gizmodo and KNSTRCT. Pastello Draw Act will be open at the NGV until August 31.
All good bars should come with good secrets — cocktail recipes, ghosts, tip jar protocols. But not every bar comes with a secret bar, like Matthew Bax's brand new teeny, tiny 14-seater watering hole, Bar Exuberante — a secret, windowless cubby hole at the back of his rustic Richmond rum joint, Bar Economico. The brand new bar is apparently based on a made-up, colonial-era Latino hotel bar, the extravagant Imperial Exuberante Palace Hotel — which straight-up sounds like a Wes Anderson invention. Think the grand hotels of Old Havana in the 1960s, where businesspeople attended fancy gala dinners in the hotel ballroom, where wealthy cruise ship passengers shook off their sea legs with champagne crustas. All out the back of Economico. Bax's renowned cocktail skills have leaked into this brand new little gem, with modern, nitrogen-fuelled spins on rum cocktails, and hot/cold pina coladas. Nibbles include 'Senor Bax's Famous Cocktail Savoury Snacks'. You can't book a table, you just have to turn up and be lucky enough to nab one of the 14 seats. Find Bar Exuberante out the back of Bar Economico at 438 Church Street, Richmond. Open Tue-Thu 6pm-midnight; Fri-Sat 6pm-1am. Via Good Food.
Sometimes a movie makes a statement. Sometimes it just thinks it does. In Men, Women & Children, the impact of digital technologies on interpersonal exchanges is purportedly probed for all to see. We’re not only caught up in our daily minutiae, the film appears to posit, but our interactions are so often mediated and dictated by the online world that truly connecting with our loved ones is impossible. An interstellar framing device certainly labors this point, announced in the unseen Emma Thompson’s dulcet tones. Linking to Carl Sagan’s Pale Blue Dot, the sequence bookends the feature’s musing on modern relationships. The narration waxes lyrical about the juxtaposition of our supposed importance: we blast tokens of our species into space as if someone might care, yet given our tiny place in our universe, our daily realities can only be trivial and insignificant. Living life through the internet doesn’t matter; we’re best spending our time cultivating physical, tangible bonds with those we care about. Adapted by writer/director Jason Reitman from the novel of the same name, Men, Women & Children states its case through intertwined vignettes. Across an average American community, lives and loves are influenced by devices on desks and in hands. A married couple (Rosemarie DeWitt and Adam Sandler) seek sexual fulfilment not from each other but through an affair website and prostitution. Their son (Travis Tope) has a porn habit that means he can’t relate to his wannabe actress classmate (Olivia Crocicchia), who posts semi-clad modelling pictures online with the help of her mother (Judy Greer). Said single parent warms to an abandoned father (Dean Norris) concerned that his son (Ansel Elgort) prefers gaming to football. And so it continues, with the lapsed athlete falling for a melancholy teen (Kaitlyn Dever) constantly surveilled by her fear-mongering mother (Jennifer Garner). Then there’s the cheerleader (Elena Kampouris) with body issues and a crush on an older boy (Will Peltz) unnoticed by her father (JK Simmons). Everyone has names, but they need not; they’re symbols, a means to an end, faces placed upon narrative convenience. That the ensemble is rendered in such broad terms, with a clear lack of subtlety and satire from the maker of Juno and Young Adult, is what makes Men, Women & Children alarming to watch. Surprisingly, it’s not the messaging that grates, because the bland material constantly undermines its own aim. The characters aren’t cast adrift by their technological predilections, but by their self-involvement, both of the on- and off-line variety. The usual Reitman aesthetic polish is evident, and the performances from the largely high-profile cast are effective; however, it all amounts to a lot of sound and fury signifying nothing. With the supposed rallying against digital living too easily dismissed by inconsistent plot machinations, all that results is a soapy dramedy on the struggles of sex and secrets that has been done before and better by the likes of American Beauty and Crazy, Stupid Love.
Good thing this isn't on a school night because there's so much to celebrate here. There's Step-Panther's great new EP, Dreamcrusher. There's Bleeding Knees Club frontman Alex Wall's debut solo album, Celebrity Beatings, released under the moniker Wax Witches. There's also new Sydney label Jerko, which is the label doing all the releasing. This sounds like a lot of blood and crushing and beating crammed into one show, but these words are actually quite poor indicators of the sounds you will be hearing. Step-Panther makes bouncy NME-approved shred-rock and Wax Witches is doing youthful noise-pop with a dash of California psych. Perth garage-rockers Foam, who are supporting in both Sydney and Melbourne, are also well worth shouting about. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Rg9DsZG-rlY
If there's one thing that Ben & Jerry's loves above all else, it's the obvious: ice cream in a huge array of ridiculously named flavours. It's the brand behind Chunky Monkey, Cherry Garcia, Phish Food and The Tonight Dough — and has been responsible for Liz Lemon Greek Frozen Yoghurt, Stephen Colbert's AmeriCone Dream and Schweddy Balls, too. And, once a year to the delight of your sweet treat-loving tastebuds, it loves giving away free scoops just as much. Indeed, to share its wares with the masses for nix, these frozen confection masterminds gave the world Free Cone Day, which is exactly what it sounds like — a day where your ice cream is on the house. It ran annually until the pandemic, then took a break for obvious reasons. And on Monday, April 3, it's finally back for the first time since 2019. Here's how it works: if you adore ice cream as much as Ben & Jerry's adores ice cream, then you just need to hit up your local participating store between 12–8pm AEST. You can choose whichever flavour you like, and you can also line up for a free cone as many times as you like within that eight-hour period. Free Cone Day is happening Australia-wide — worldwide, too, in more than 35 countries — at both Ben & Jerry's Scoop Stores and its Hoyts outlets. Victorians have St Kilda and Burwood East stores, and Hoyts venues in Melbourne Central, Docklands, Ringwood, Chadstone, Greensborough, Maribyrnong and Ringwood to choose from.
American historical drama gets so contemporaneous as to become current affairs with Zero Dark Thirty, the film about the CIA's hunt for and killing of Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden. Director Kathryn Bigelow and writer Mark Boal, who worked together on the Oscar-winning Hurt Locker, reunite for another epic about a different type of war. It starts in 2001, when two planes hit the World Trade Center, and chilling documentary footage recalls the pain caused that day. Two years later, rookie Maya (Jessica Chastain) is sent to join a specialist team at a CIA black site in Pakistan, where a detainee, following torture and deception, discloses the name Abu Ahmed. Operations come and go for the next eight years, but Maya comes to fixate on that one name, whom she believes to be Bin Laden's right hand. Zero Dark Thirty is stunningly well made, with a controlled level of tension that works on a scale of high to higher. It remains nail-bitingly riveting over two hours and forty minutes. Interestingly, the structure is almost like three films, or at least, a film with three clearly defined acts. Each passing act (complete with the appearance and disappearance of its own high-calibre cast, including Jennifer Ehle, a buff Chris Pratt, Joel Edgerton, and James Gandolfini) reinforces the intensity of Maya's perseverance, her lonely state of being in the right. The film has won widespread acclaim from critics, but from reading the news, you'd think everyone hated it. Many from the American right have criticised the film for its having supposedly improper access to classified documents and glorifying Obama, and many from the left have slammed it for advocating torture. Both stances seem an overreaction. Zero Dark Thirty does depict "enhanced interrogation techniques" — torture, to you and me — happening during the Bush administration, and it also depicts that torture was a favoured tactic of the CIA operatives you get to know here. That's probably accurate. Its attraction to these people in the field is the feeling that they're doing something and of expediting processes when delay can be fatal. The film also shows some of the problems with torture: it yields useful but also false information, and the act is viscerally depraved (even if it's not totally possible for the audience to sympathise with a tortured character whom we only see as dehumanised). The issue isn't that the filmmakers support torture, but that in Zero Dark Thirty, as in The Hurt Locker, they're concerned with hyper-positioning viewers into the perspective of American martial figures. They want you to feel their fear, sacrifice, and bravery — not for a moment the fear, sacrifice, or bravery that could be reflected back at them by the enemy. Many of us prefer to see films that have a different, more challenging purpose, but you can't deny that what Zero Drk Thirty sets out to do, it does excellently. Concrete Playground has 10 in-season double passes to give away to Zero Dark Thirty. To be in the running, make sure you're subscribed to our newsletter and then email hello@concreteplayground.com.au with your name and address. https://youtube.com/watch?v=EYFhFYoDAo4
An entire day celebrating cruelty-free living, this massive community-run festival showcases everything a modern vegan needs. Peruse a whole host of stalls flogging their vegan wares from beauty, natural therapies, food-turned-vegan stuffs (stock up on your fake meats and cheeses) and animal rights charities. Looking to 'Meet Your Pear'? There’ll be vegan speed dating on the day — open to vegetarians too. There'll also be food demonstrations, a vegan fashion show from up-and-coming designers, live bands and roving circus performers. For those wanting to learn a thing or two between shopping and eating, the talks area will have presentations on subjects like the importance of Meatless Monday, Amazon rainforest destruction and cattle rearing. The Fitness Zone provides bodybuilding and exercise tips for animal product-derived fitness nuts. Whether you're vegan, vego, carnivorous or simply curious, this is one open-minded event you'll have plenty to talk about after. Image: Pana Chocolate.
Set your alarms and mark your calendars, folks: Thursday, October 5 is set to be a big day for cannoli lovers (so, basically everyone). Cannoleria is opening a permanent residence at Queen Victoria Market's dairy hall, and it's celebrating in style. The first to step through their doors between 10am–12pm on opening day will be treated to free cannoli. So be quick, 1000 will quickly become 900, then 800 and so on. (We don't need to explain maths to you.) Friends, this is the stuff that ricotta-filled dreams are made of — That's Amore ricotta to be precise. Launched in 2018 by the creators of That's Amore Cheese, Cannoleria has been filling its cannoli daily with fresh ricotta and other classic (and not-so-classic) fillings ever since. Do yourself a favour and experience the rocher, as made with Nutella ricotta and hazelnut crumble. After setting up shop in South Melbourne Market in 2019, Cannoleria began popping up all over Melbourne, going so far as to establish a factory in Heidelberg West in 2020. So, in short, these babies are popular — and a new permanent location in the heart of the city is just plain good news. If you miss the initial opening, you can still go and grab yourself a cannolo or two at the permanent Queen Vic store every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 6am–3pm; on Saturdays from 6am–4pm; and on Sundays from 10am–4pm. So, whether you're a local out for your weekly shop or perusing Queen Vic for the first time, you might want to swing by and grab yourself a little taste of Italia. Ciao for now.
When spring finally arrives in Victoria, it's like an entire world of possibilities opens up in front of you. Destinations that may be difficult to appreciate in the winter, marred by wind and rain, are now ripe for exploration. And the bright, sunny days ahead are sure to make you want to get out and stretch your legs someplace new. While pretty much every regional destination has a host of new dining, cultural and adventure activities to discover, we've done the hard work for you and picked out a few of our favourites. From super traditional Japanese cuisine to sprawling hot springs and luxury glamping experiences, here are eight of the latest openings across regional Victoria for you to check out. Get out the group message, show off your knowledge of all the new places and start planning your getaway with your crew, your family or just that special someone. RELAX: PENINSULA HOT SPRINGS, MORNINGTON PENINSULA Peninsula Hot Springs has long been a go-to relaxation spot for many Melburnians looking to get away from the city and unwind. But, after years of operation, it was time for a bit of a spruce up; the hillside complex recently underwent a $13-million upgrade — its biggest expansion since opening back in 2005. The swish new facilities include two plunge pools and seven hot springs, which means there is plenty of room for spa revellers, even in the usually crowded top pool. The newly added Bath House Amphitheatre presents a host of live entertainment and the surrounding baths have an excellent view of the stage, as well as underwater speakers so you can sing along while you soak. The Hot Springs is also delving into cryotherapy with a new 'ice and fire' experience. This allows bathers to switch between hot and cold therapy — the hot being two new 30-person saunas and the cold, a new (Australian-first) ice cave and 'deep freeze' treatment room that's kept at a cool 25 degrees below freezing. The idea is that, by jumping between hot and cold, you will sweat out toxins, cleanse your skin and potentially burn calories. On top of all of this, there's now a cafe serving locally grown produce, plus a cultural meeting space thoughtfully designed in collaboration with local Indigenous elders. RELAX: THE SPA, BEECHWORTH The Spa Beechworth's relaxing effects take hold as soon as you step inside. The venue, which was previously a historic hospital, has been entirely revamped and is now equipped to create the most soothing experiences possible with screen-free rooms, expert staff and a range of specialist treatments available. The Spa Beechworth offers boutique lodging, day spa treatments and a beauty salon, plus a 'slow-living' store selling the spa's own plant-based products to keep you feeling refreshed long after you've departed. There's a wide range of treatments and self-care rituals to choose from, making this new addition one of Victoria's most serene wellbeing getaways. [caption id="attachment_684876" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sakana, Peter Tasiuk.[/caption] EAT: KUZU IZAKAYA, WOODEND AND SAKANA, DAYLESFORD Bringing the Japanese izakaya all the way to regional Victoria, Woodend's Kuzu Izakaya produces authentic and delicious Japanese food. Located an hour's drive northwest of Melbourne, the restaurant delivers delicately plated fare — highlights include wagyu beef tataki, chicken karaage and miso-cream scallops — alongside incredible local gin from the nearby Big Tree Distillery and wines from vineyards across the Macedon Ranges. If you head half an hour west to Daylesford, you'll find fellow Japanese eatery Sakana — a venue that's been impressing both locals and tourists alike since 2011. The restaurant, which was formerly known as Kuzuki's, has recently reinvented itself, pivoting from what was a formal dining experience into a casual atmosphere that's excellent for groups. The menu is designed for sharing and the best way to sample all of the pan-Asian delights is to settle in with the omakase menu ($85 a head), paired, perhaps, with one of the expertly matched wines or sakes. EAT: BISTRO TERROIR, DAYLESFORD From working in Michelin-starred Parisian restaurants, renowned Australian chef Matthew Carnell followed a long-held dream to open a high-quality French restaurant in Daylesford. Set in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, Bistro Terroir is a bona fide Gallic bistro with exquisitely assembled dishes and a simple but sophisticated setting. Depending on when you decide to visit the bistro, the dynamic seasonal menu is sure to please. As we move from winter to summer, the menu makes the most of the available produce while showcasing a throng of distinctly French techniques and dishes. To match, there's also a carefully considered drinks menu that includes a range of Australian-made wines produced from quintessentially French grapes. The one thing that's missing from this French restaurant is the hefty price tag; it's actually quite affordable (mains are around $30). So, with your spare change, head into Daylesford and Hepburn for some more treats. Get your dose of relaxation at the Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa or drop into trendy boutiques like Sarah Conners. [caption id="attachment_693031" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Ross Farm.[/caption] STAY: ROSS FARM CABIN, SOUTH GIPPSLAND Tucked away in the scenic surrounds of South Gippsland overlooking the valley sits a quaint little country hideaway that's been given a new lease on life. Prominent interior designer Andrea Moore teamed up with her father Lindsay to transform what was once a dilapidated cabin into a stunning countryside retreat. Combining raw, earthy materials with modern finishes, Ross Farm Cabin takes inspiration from both Japanese and Scandinavian design to offer guests a modest but memorable rural stay. Andrea carefully managed the cabin's entire transformation, designing most of the furniture and developing the overall concept. Meanwhile, Lindsay took these designs into his workshop, handcrafting each item with outstanding results. It was a real family effort, which makes the place feel extra special. STAY: LON RETREAT, POINT LONSDALE Set on 200 acres of picturesque parkland, Lon Retreat is Point Lonsdale's luxe new hotel and spa. Featuring seven sanctuary-like suites situated among leafy surrounds, the hilltop retreat boasts elegant contemporary artworks, hand-crafted ceramics and bespoke lighting produced by several local designers. With 360-degree views of the Bellarine Peninsula and surrounding landscape, Lon Retreat also includes a private beach area and an art gallery with exclusive access for guests — just in case you weren't feeling fancy enough already. And since no indulgent hideaway is complete without an equally lavish spa, the retreat has that covered, too. Its luxurious spa includes three distinct rooms — each with panoramic views of the coastal landscape — and utilises the purest natural mineral water, sourced from the nutrient-rich earth that sits beneath the farm. While the family-owned property might not have its own restaurant — hey, you can't have it all — guests can indulge in a well-stocked honesty minibar and a 'makers and growers pantry', featuring the finest produce from throughout the Bellarine region. STAY: UNDER THE SKY AT THE MOUNTAIN, MOUNT BUFFALO Running till Monday, December 17, Under the Sky at The Mountain is a luxury glamping experience in the foothills of Mount Buffalo National Park. Pitched at Lake Catani, this is an adventure for the type of camper that still enjoys some of life's creature comforts. The ten spacious tents come equipped with high-quality linens, comfortable furnishings, as well as gas cookers and kitchen gear to prepare your own meals. You don't even have to go without running water, the park has on-site bathrooms with hot showers to keep everybody nice and fresh. The best part is, from this serene location you'll have direct access to the sprawling landscape of Mount Buffalo — including 90 kilometres of scenic hiking trails, waterfalls and native wildlife so you can explore all day and glamp all night. For more spring places, spaces and events to discover in regional Victoria visit Your Happy Space. Top image: Lon Retreat.
Don't get mad at us for talking about hot cross buns so early. We've already been inundated by countless emails spruiking Easter treats and events — and we have shielded you as best we can. Nonetheless, Easter is coming early this year (Sunday, March 31), so let's dive in. One Easter treat hitting Melbourne that sounds the most gluttonous and over the top is coming right out of Penny for Pound's pastry kitchen. Not only has the team created three different flavour combos — traditional, double chocolate and its signature sticky date jam with caramelised white chocolate — but they have joined forces with Holla Gelato to stuff them with fresh gelato. And it's not just one flavour going into all these bad boys. The folks at Holla Gelato have paired each with their own filling. The traditional hot cross buns get a scoop of classic salted butter caramel gelato. The chocolate versions get stuffed with milk chocolate and hazelnut gelato. And the sticky date hot cross buns come with a coffee pecan crunch gelato. We're not drooling. You are. The hot cross bun gelato sandwiches are retailing for $9.50 each, or $35 for a six-pack that includes six buns and a 500ml tub of ice cream. Scoop and fill them as you like so they don't go all soggy when being transported from the Moorabbin, Camberwell or Richmond shop to your home. But you don't have to go down the gelato route. Individual buns are going for $5 each and $24 for a pack of six. Why not start your Easter snacking early? Penny for Pound and Holla Gelato's hot cross bun gelato sandwiches are already available in-store — at Penny for Pound's Moorabbin, Camberwell and Richmond locations — and can be pre-ordered through the venue's website.
Time flies when you're watching films and pretending you're on the other side of the world, which is exactly the kind of fun that Palace Cinemas' annual Volvo Scandinavian Film Festival serves up. It has been six years since the arthouse chain started giving winter-loving movie buffs a smorgasbord of films from frosty Nordic climes — timed for the Australian winter, naturally — and the cinema showcase is still going strong. Touring the country from July 9 to August 7, this year's event doesn't hold back when it comes to its strengths. If you're a fan of twisty mysteries and thrillers, brooding dramas set against a stunning snowy backdrop, and smart leaps in genres, you're in luck. Spanning the latest and greatest titles from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland and Finland, plus old favourites that you'll want to revisit on a big screen, this year's Scandinavian Film Festival is lineup is stellar. Here are our five must-see picks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MIlE9R00ik ANIARA The savviest sci-fi films don't simply ponder a future that may not come, they follow today's big troubles to their possible end. If environmental issues are big on your radar, add Aniara to the watch list. In this Swedish imagining of the apocalypse, earth is uninhabitable, humanity is in the process of fleeing for Mars and there's no way to repair the damage of the past. When a spaceship headed to our nearest celestial neighbour is pushed off course, there's no way to return either. It should come as little surprise that this ambitious movie contemplates our ability to ignore what we're doing to the planet, as well as our need to soothe our existential ills with nostalgia and materialism. Directors Pella Kågerman and Hugo Lilja found inspiration for the film in a poem by Swedish Nobel Prize winner Harry Martinson, and the end result is quite the trip. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8bzar3Nrjk THE PURITY OF VENGEANCE Across the Department Q movie series to date, crime buffs have watched eccentric homicide detective Morck (Nikolaj Lie Kaas) reluctantly team up with fellow cop Assad (Fares Fares). From there, fans have followed the duo's efforts to solve difficult and dead-end cases, including a political death that was initially ruled a suicide, a scandal at an elite boarding school, and a series of child disappearances, too. To wrap up the page-to-screen series, The Purity of Vengeance tasks the intrepid investigators with a particularly murky case and a ticking clock, after they discover three mummified bodies — plus space for a fourth. When this franchise is at its best, it offers up a compelling odd couple, gripping mysteries and plenty of twists and turns, which this huge last chapter promises to continue. At home, it absolutely smashed the local box office, achieving the biggest opening ever for a Danish movie. A WHITE, WHITE DAY One of the big hits of this year's jam-packed Cannes Film Festival — where it took out the best actor prize in the event's Critics' Week sidebar — A White, White Day marks the second Scandinavian Film Festival title in two years for Icelandic filmmaker Hlynur Pálmason. After the writer/director's stellar Winter Brothers last year, his sophomore feature is immediately worth a look. Given the remote location, striking icy scenery and exquisite cinematography on offer, there's clearly plenty to literally peer at, with Pálmason proving an accomplished visual storyteller. And, narrative-wise, this acclaimed drama charts a suitably thorny tale, following a grief-stricken ex-top cop (Ingvar E. Sigurdsson) who is trying to get over the loss of his wife, only to discover that their marriage might not have been as blissful as he thought it was. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ue91wuHsLIY AURORA In one of Finland's standout contributions to the program, the hard-partying Aurora (Mimosa Willamo) meets Iranian refugee Darian (Amir Escandari). Equally outcast in their Lapland surroundings, they're both at their lowest points; however, Aurora is a romantic comedy, so (naturally) their chance encounter changes both of their lives. That said, writer/director Miia Tervo doesn't stick to the usual script from there, making a movie that's passionate, lively, topical and subversive — and not only examining the plight of immigrants across Europe but unpacking the expectations placed upon Finnish women. This charming debut also proved a hit at this year's SXSW Film Festival. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlF-hk3IJQE THE MILLENNIUM TRILOGY Before Rooney Mara and Claire Foy stepped into Lisbeth Salander's shoes, Noomi Rapace got there first. She'll always be the original and best incarnation of everyone's favourite tattooed computer hacker. A decade after the Swedish adaptations of Stieg Larsson's best-selling novels first hit screens, it's easy to forget just how fantastic Rapace is in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played with Fire and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest. While the trio of Millennium movies follows the same trajectory as the books they're based on (starting off with quite a bang, then losing their impact a little as they go along), it's also easy to forget just how involving the entire series is as a whole. As directed by Daniel Alfredson and Niels Arden Oplev, and also starring the late Michael Nyqvist (John Wick) as a journalist who makes Lisbeth's acquaintance, this franchise kicked off the world's obsession with Nordic noir for a reason. Plus, if you can't get enough of Larsson's twisted fictional world, the festival will also be screening a documentary on the late author's life. The Volvo Scandinavian Film Festival tours Australia from July 9, screening at Sydney's Palace Norton Street, Palace Verona and Palace Central from July 9 to July 31; Melbourne's Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, Palace Brighton Bay and Palace Balwyn from July 11 to July 31; Brisbane's Palace Barracks and Palace James Street from July 18 to August 7; and Perth's Palace Cinema Paradiso from July 17 to August 7. For more information, visit the festival website.
At first it seems upsetting to be away from your family at Christmas. There's a definite lack of presents and no one's around to serve you pavlova or giant ham. Trust us, both of those things are far too depressing to eat on your lonesome. But if you are out on your own this year, there's a definite bright side: Christmas with friends is the best. With all the food and drink, and none of the persistant in-fighting, celebrating December 25 with some buds can be great. And, if you get a little bored chilling on a sharehouse couch and watching Home Alone for the 50th time, Federation Square are hosting a shindig of their own. From 9am you can swing down and score yourself a free buffet breakfast courtesy of the folks at Hopskotch, then you have the choice of settling in for a movie marathon on the big screen or burning off some of those Christmas calories with some games from Pop Up Playground. Of course, all films will be holiday themed with The Nightmare Before Christmas kicking off at 12pm, followed by The Santa Clause, and old classics like It's A Wonderful Life and White Christmas.
Ah, l'Europe. Land of architectural charm and grandeur, where a staircase is never just a staircase but a work of art in itself. Surely providing one of the most gorgeous ways to scale an incline ever, Sicily's Staircase of Santa Maria del Monte in the city of Caltagirone comes alive every year with beautiful designs entirely composed of potted flowers and lights. It's a simple and elegant method of transforming a public space into a natural and versatile artistic canvas, drawing both natives and tourists together to celebrate local heritage. During the La Scala Flower Festival and the Scala Illuminata, the Staircase of Santa Maria del Monte's 142 steps, dating back to 1608, host a series of intricate floral and candle arrangements that take advantage of the steep slope to present vast perspectival images of patron saints and traditional patterns of the region. People can flock to see the designs flicker by night during the light festivals and walk up and down admiring the foliage by day during the flower festivals. Made up of thousands of decorated tiles — one of the signature products of Caltagirone, which is famous for its ceramics and terracotta industry — the Staircase of Santa Maria del Monte is already a landmark. The addition of some 2000 plants (geranium, boxwood and marigolds) took its appeal to the next level this year during the flower festival in honour of Our Lady of Conadomini, patron saint of the city, which ran from 8 May to 3 June. You can scope out more of the inventive and colourful designs here. It's certainly hard to imagine noticing any muscle fatigue in your glutes when you're distracted by so much colour. These inspiring pictures beg the question: which spots in Australian cities are ripe for this kind of ornamentation? We reckon it's time to take a cue from sophisticated Sicily and import the flower stair concept on a grand scale. Via This is Colossal.
For every popular film franchise, there must be an origin story — or that's how it frequently feels. The latest beloved series to step back into its past to provide an insight into how one of its characters became who they are: Pixar's adored Toy Story saga, which is now diving into Buzz Lightyear's history (and has a trailer to prove it). First, to answer the obvious question, this isn't a film about how the talking toy was manufactured. If anyone could make that delight, it'd be Pixar, though. Instead, Lightyear focuses on the flesh-and-blood Buzz in Toy Story's world, aka the space ranger who inspired the plaything that's been such a pivotal part of four films so far. So if you've ever wondered why there even was a Buzz figurine, now you'll find out. "My Lightyear pitch was, 'what was the movie that Andy saw that made him want a Buzz Lightyear toy?' I wanted to see that movie," explains filmmaker Angus MacLane, who previously co-directed Finding Dory, and also worked as an animator on both Toy Story 2 and Toy Story 3. To tell that tale, MacLane's film follows Buzz on an intergalactic adventure — a trip that, as the just-dropped trailer for Lightyear shows, he's mighty excited about. Chris Evans swaps from wearing Captain America's spandex to voicing the spacesuit-wearing Buzz, and he's joined by a cast that includes Keke Palmer (Hustlers), Dale Soules (Orange is the New Black) and Taika Waititi (Free Guy) as new space ranger recruits. The film hits cinemas in June — reaching the big screen, unlike Pixar's past two releases Soul and Luca, as well as its soon-to-stream Turning Red — but the most adorable part of the Lightyear trailer right now belongs to Buzz's new robot cat companion Sox. Yes, you can already see how many toys that mechanical feline is certain to inspire. Check out the Lightyear trailer below: Lightyear will release in cinemas Down Under on June 16, 2022. Top image: © 2022 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.
Malvern might be accustomed to welcoming new cafes, but Leah Blefari is accustomed to the difficulties of eating out with particular dietary. And this is why, perhaps, her new café Tonic & Grace will stand out from the Glenferrie Road crowd. Open now and nestled in near Malvern Station, Tonic & Grace has a menu almost entirely made up of vegan and vegetarian fare, with the option of adding a sly egg or bit of smoked salmon here and there. All inclusive of vegos, vegans, gluten-free and dairy-free folks, the cafe is doing a couple of things to the beat of their own drum — and it's a worthy drum to be banging. "80 percent [of the menu] is vegan," says Blefari. "So people that are vegan or gluten intolerant don't need to worry about what's in their food. There's still the option of adding different proteins for those who don't have dietary restrictions. The whole idea was to flip the coin — usually people with dietaries have to chop and change; how about we make it easier for them and let everyone else add on what they like?" Blefari's menu includes some of the classic brekky goodness Melburnians have grown to love and demand from their city, including — of course — the omnipotent smashed avocado. This one's vegan though, served with quinoa, beetroot hummus and a sesame crumb, and "people go crazy for it," says Blefari. There are also multiple — six — milk choices, ranging from soy to rice. The cafe's range points to inclusiveness everywhere it can, something Blefari sees as an integral focus. "We want people recognising that everyone does eat differently and that it's ok. I would love to make some waves, seeing that other cafes follow suit and have all the dietary requirements accessible for people," says Blefari. Future plans for Tonic & Grace will stretch beyond breakfast options. Blefari wants the cafe to be a one-stop, on-the-way-back-from-the-train-station effort for the folk of Malvern, and is looking at providing ready-made, fresh meals for those too busy to cook. "Clean, fresh, take home meals, sort of like Hello Fresh… on your way to or from the train station, if you want some dinner, we'll have it there waiting for you — that's the aim." With big goals (and milk selections) abounding, our interest is certainly piqued. The "Nyctophilia" certainly helps: dark chocolate and pea protein pancakes, with strawberries, walnuts, salted caramel and dark chocolate ganache — made from raw cacao — and, of course, all vegan and gluten free. Find Tonic & Grace at 63 Glenferrie Road, Malvern, or visit its Facebook page for further details.
Once again the Spirit of Jazz has come to inhabit us all during the first week of June for the Melbourne International Jazz Festival. The festival will be sprawled out all over the city, with events held in concert halls, arts venues, jazz clubs and throughout the city's streets. Now in its 17th year, the festival encourages all ages to find their groove and get down with a huge variety of events that will engage both jazz noobs and well established scatmen and women. Davi Sings Sinatra is sure to be a highlight for those who enjoy Ol’ Blue Eyes and The Great American Songbook. Robert Davi, an actor most noted for playing tough guys, will bring his swagger and classically trained pipes to St Kilda’s Palais Theatre for one night only. Here, you can expect classics such as 'I’ve Got The World On A String', 'Witchcraft' and 'Day In Day Out' pour from his lips like a smoky single malt. If jazz beckons you to get up and shake it loose, you can’t miss 774’s Swing Noir. Hosted by the effervescent Hilary Harper the evening will be filled with gypsy swing and local jazz heroes Ultrafox and Swingville getting everybody on the dancefloor. From there, the Swing Patrol instructors will teach you the classic steps of the charleston, and ABC’s dance diva DJ Miss Sugar Puss will be spinning seductive jazz throughout the night. Obviously there's plenty more to see and do at this year’s festival. With a range of free concerts, modern masters, club sessions, family events, artist workshops and films on show, you'll be able to rival the jazz knowledge of Howard Moon in no time. Melbourne International Jazz Festival is running in various venues across the city from May 30 till June 8. Check out the full program on their website.
Plans for the renewal of Fishermans Bend have been in the works for a while now, but just exactly what it is all going to look like has been uncertain. However, the Victorian Government has just released a new framework for the new suburb, and it provides the most fleshed-out vision for it yet. If you're not familiar with Fishermans Bend, that's because you probably haven't had much reason to give it a visit. As you can see from the map below, it's the space of land below South Melbourne and sandwiched between Port Melbourne and the Yarra. To the south, it's accessible from Yarraville over the West Gate. At the moment, it's largely industrial — but the Andrews Government plans to turn the 480-hectare site into a brand new suburb, complete with residential housing, commercial buildings, new schools, community centres and plenty of green open space by 2050. According to the Government's newly released Fishermans Bend Framework, when developed, 80,000 people will live in the suburb and the same amount will work there. Labor is calling it Australia's largest urban renewal project. This new framework completely reworks the previous Liberal Government's rezoning of the area, capping building heights in an attempt to stop the suburb from becoming overdeveloped. To complement this, the Andrews Government has worked a considerable amount of parks and public spaces into its plan — apparently the open space will add up to the equivalent of 60 MCGs. It will also require all new builds to include at least six percent of affordable housing. The plan is for the suburb to be largely car-free, with residents and workers using bike lanes, walking tracks and public transport instead. While the framework does mention future tram and train connections, these don't appear to be fully worked in with current transport plans yet. For this all to go ahead, the Andrews Government will have to win at next month's state election. If it does, it will then work with the community and council to develop precinct plans, with the view for the first drafts to be released to the public in the first half of 2019. You can find all the documents and more info — and have your say on the renewal — here.
There are many ways to mark the winter solstice — from swimming naked in Tasmania at Dark Mofo (which is back, by the way) to catching the legendary Belgrave Lantern Festival. But, if your favourite way to warm up on the shortest day of the year involves copious amounts of excellent wine and good food, then the Yarra Valley's Shortest Lunch might be the way to go. For two days, thirteen small, family-run wineries will join forces to bring you tastings, eats and live music. They range from winemakers like Boat O'Craigo, who've been looking after the same plot of land for generations, to young, dynamic creators like Fin Wines, who are experimenting with new ways of doing things. All in all, more than 100 wines will be available for tasting. Meanwhile, menus will range from slow-cooked ragu on parmesan polenta and baked gnocchi in vodka sauce to sticky date pudding and house-made chocolate Florentine. Three types of tickets are on offer. The entry ticket at $35 buys you free tastings at all 13 wineries, plus a glass to keep. Pay another $35 for the wine and dine ticket, and you'll also get a meal voucher and a glass of wine. Or, go all out on the VIP ticket for $100, which gives you all the above as well as a bottle of wine. Book before Sunday, June 1, to score a 10% discount.
Brain freeze or caffeine hit? Sweet, sweet sugar in ice-cold slushie form, or a soul-warming cup of joe? Melburnians, you have an important decision to make on Tuesday, November 7: would you like a free slurpee or a free coffee? Pay particular attention to the date, not just to put in your calendar, but to explain why you're scoring freebies. It couldn't be the more perfect time for 7-Eleven giveaways, on a day that the convenience store chain has dubbed 7-Eleven Day — and the celebrations will be running at the brand's 740 stores Australia-wide. Here's how it works: head to a 7-Eleven store all day — so, from 12.01am–11.59pm —then purchase anything other than tobacco or tobacco-related products to receive your choice of either a free regular coffee or a large slurpee. In more great news for your wallet, you can spend as little as 25 cents on a lollipop or 50 cents on a chocolate to still score a free drink.
You might never make it to the South Pole, but you can experience it at the world premiere of Polar Force. Taking over the the Playhouse Rehearsal Room in Melbourne's Arts Space from November 24 until December 1, this performance will immerse you in a massive inflatable space where you'll be surrounded by Antarctic winds, crackling ice bergs and blinding whiteness. At its aural centre are hundreds of field recordings made by Dr Philip Samartzis, an Associate Professor in Sculpture, Sound and Spatial Practice at RMIT, who travelled to the South Pole in 2009 and again in 2015, on Antarctic Arts Fellowships. This soundtrack of extreme weather will combine with live percussion, played by Speak Percussion on instruments built at the RMIT School of Industrial Design. "Polar Force allows audiences to understand, through sound, the phenomenal energies at play in Antarctica," said Eugene Ughetti, creator, co-director, composer and instrument designer. "It also points to the excessive infrastructure and power required for humans to safely exist there and therefore our impact on the environment."
One of the permanent markered events in the Sydneysider spring calendar, Newtown Festival remains one of Sydney's go-to events for grass lawn sprawlers, like-nobody's-watching dancers and festival food stall enthusiasts — and it's still only a gold coin donation. The always-anticipated festival in Camperdown Memorial Park has announced its 2014 program — this year in celebrating the Day of Independence for Australia's newest micronation, 'Newtown Republic'. Heh. Themes. Sitting at the top of the lineup are shiny handclap-triggering foursome Deep Sea Arcade, beloved punk rockers Straight Arrows, reggae-driven hip hip crew Astronomy Class and epic prog-rock favourites sleepmakeswaves. Magical Mystery Tour-like psychedelics Richard in Your Mind, rascally garage punk trio Bloods and Sydney's suavest disco-funk-cranking-epic-shoulder-pads-wearing smooth talker Donny Benet will be hangin' out too. Country bluegrass supergroup The Morrisons will soundtrack your spring festival meandering, Day Ravies will psych you out, newcomer East is a definite bright spark to catch, party-triggering hip hop crew Daily Meds will be an undoubtedly must-see set, while sassy vintage rock-n-rollers The Fabergettes will be sure to have you mum dancing like a boss. This is just the start of the huge local lineup — we haven't even talked about the dog show. Or the live art hub with Phibs, Peque and Unique painting all day. Or the writer's tent with talks from Dr Karl and the Moriarty Sisters. With over 80,000 people making their way through the gates every year, Newtown Festival remains one of Sydney's best local 'how sweet is Sydney' ops — also still raising funds for the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre. Full program details can be found at the festival website. NEWTOWN FESTIVAL 2014 LINEUP: DEEP SEA ARCADE ASTRONOMY CLASS SLEEPMAKESWAVES DONNY BENET & THE DONNY BENET SHOW BAND STRAIGHT ARROWS TIGERTOWN RICHARD IN YOUR MIND BLOODS EAST DAILY MEDS DAY RAVIES THE FABERGETTES THE LULU RAES THE MORRISONS BRAVE Newtown Festival 2014 is on Sunday, November 9.30am – 5.30pm in Camperdown Memorial Rest Park, Newtown. Entry is by gold coin donation, there's no glass or BYO and there's no entry after 5pm. For more info head to the festival website. Top image: Newtown Festival.
My my, it's almost Christmas already — where has the time gone? Where has the year gone? Not that we're complaining, because Christmas time is magical and few things are more fun than Christmas shopping at a market. Enter the Makers and Shakers Market, which is setting up shop in Williamstown for a festive bonanza from 10am–4pm on Saturday, November 11 and Sunday, November 12. The market promises a treasure trove of 100 artisanal stalls where the only thing mass-produced is good vibes. Expect a variety of stalls showcasing homewares you won't find at IKEA, fashion that's far from fast and made with care, and a number of food and drink options — including a fully licensed outdoor bar. The soundtrack of the day will be brought to you by a number of DJs spinning vinyl sets, including Emma Peel and MzRizk. And for those who've not yet nailed this year's awkward family Christmas card, Awkward Portraits has your back (and front) from just $20 a pop — no bookings, no fuss. It'll cost $4 to get in for adults and $2 for kids — a small price to pay for access to all of the above plus crafty workshops, product sampling and creative installations. Plus, your support helps the local makers. So forget the Chemist Warehouse perfumes and boring gift cards — grab some gifts with heart and soul this Christmas. And grab a little something for yourself, too. You deserve it.
When October rolls around, movie lovers turn their attention to one thing: films of the spookiest, eeriest, most terrifying and frightening variety. When Halloween is upon us, 'tis the season for bumps, jumps, screams, creepy celluloid dreams and getting scared while sitting in a cinema — but there are halloween marathons, and then there's the Astor Theatre all-night movie-watching extravaganza. Back after a pandemic hiatus, The Great Astor Spooktacular knows how it wants you to feel while you're watching — and this year's event knows that it's been there and done all of this before. So, 2022's festivities have been dubbed The Great Astor Spooktacular — The Sequel, with the program all about follow-ups to some of cinema's most unsettling franchises. And grooviest horror franchises, too — yes, Evil Dead II, screening in spectacular 4K, is on the bill. From 9.15pm on Saturday, October 29, it'll be joined by Scream 2 and Final Destination 2, both on 35mm, plus A Nightmare on Elm St 3: Dream Warriors, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, Demons 2 and Jason X. Ash, Ghostface, Freddy, Leatherface, cinema's most famous son of a summer camp cook, bizarre and inescapable accidents, iconic Italian filmmaker Dario Argento: they're all covered. Seven horror movies makes for a hefty marathon, but that isn't all that's on the agenda. This year, there'll also be two secret flicks — sequels, naturally. You can start guessing what they are now. Our dream pick: Halloween III: Season of the Witch, because surely Michael Myers has to be represented as well. Top image: Charlie Kinross Photography.
Right now 3D printing is best known for its fun applications, such as making action figures of yourself or of your foetuses. But 3D printing is also a technology that's hugely useful and has the potential to reshape many industries. Somewhere in between is the 'Landscape House', the first 3D printed house, to be built in 2014. The house, by Janjaap Ruijssenaars of Dutch architecture studio Universe Architecture, has a two-storey design in the form of a single, flowing Mobius band. The architect worked with mathematician and artist Rinus Roelofs to develop the design, which will be printed in pieces and then assembled (ruining our daydream of a giant, multi-storey printer that spits out houses existing somewhere in the world). The Landscape House is part of the Europan competition, which gives 15 architects 15 blocks of land and two years to create something impressive with. Via 3ders. Images from Universe Architecture. Read more about 3D printing in our interview with The Beehive.
It's times like these that you can add a big summer gig to your diary, with Foo Fighters coming to Melbourne in December. The Dave Grohl-fronted rockers will embark on their first headline tour of Australia since 2018. It's also their first visit Down Under since drummer Taylor Hawkins passed away in March 2022. Foo Fighters were last in Australia that same month and year, playing a huge Geelong show to help launch Victoria's post-COVID-19 lockdowns live music program. The band unsurprisingly took a break from touring after Hawkins' death, only returning to live gigs in 2023. In Melbourne, they're headed to AAMI Park on Monday, December 4 with Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers and Hot Milk in support — and more tickets are going on sale at 3pm AEDT on Friday, October 13. [caption id="attachment_903613" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Scarlet Page[/caption] Picking up the sticks: ex-The Vandals, Devo, Guns N' Roses and A Perfect Circle drummer Josh Freese, taking on the likely-daunting task of being the touring drummer in a band led by Nirvana drummer Grohl. Freese's stint with the band was announced in May, ahead of their first tour dates. When they hit our shores, the new-look Foo Fighters will weave in tunes from their new record But Here We Are, which released in June. Of course, all the hits from across their career will get a whirl, with their current setlist including everything from 'This Is a Call', 'Big Me' and 'Monkey Wrench' through to 'Learn to Fly', 'The Pretender' and 'Best of You'. And, yes, 'Everlong', because it wouldn't be a Foo Fighters show without it. 'I'll Stick Around', which is also on the list, isn't just a song title from the group's first album. Given that their new tour comes 28 years after that debut release in 1995, it perfectly sums up Foo Fighters' longevity. Over the years, they've made it Down Under a heap of times, released 11 studio albums including the just-dropped But Here We Are, and made 2022 horror movie Studio 666. [caption id="attachment_903619" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Mr Rossi vi Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Top image: Jo via Wikimedia Commons.
Writer/director Paolo Sorrentino itched to create a character based on The Cure's Robert Smith. After seeing that Smith doesn't shed his '80s goth punk gear when he leaves the stage, Sorrentino became fascinated with the idea of "a 50-year-old who still completely identified with a look which, by definition, is that of an adolescent," and all the contradictions in character it implies. That's how we get Cheyenne (given life by Sean Penn), a former rock star who once fronted Cheyenne and the Fellows and now lives a quiet life on an Irish estate with his countervailing, down-to-earth wife (Frances McDormand). There's a little bit of Ozzy in him, too; after years taking drugs (though never booze), he moves slowly, dragging his grocery trolley behind him. He's prematurely old, but also stuck in youth. He's sweet, but petulant. He insists on living in the world the way he wants to live in it. And, yes, he still paints a red oblong over his lips and tucks his black jeans into Docs. This Must Be the Place is a unique comedy where you laugh with someone who's slow-paced, not quick-witted, and you laugh with him. Cheyenne's sentences are a meandering journey whose end you can't envision when you're at the beginning. Or in the middle, usually. It's uniquely funny, and in a gorgeously big-hearted way. There's a couple of lines in here so hilarious and inimitable they alone are worth watching the film for. Concrete Playground has four DVD copies of This Must Be The Place to giveaway. To go in the running, just subscribe to Concrete Playground (if you haven't already) then email your name and address to hello@concreteplayground.com.au https://youtube.com/watch?v=MuvFmg_Ge9k
The 2020 edition of Melbourne Fringe is pencilled in for November, but in the meantime, organisers are serving up a little taster of things to come, by way of new digital arts celebration called Virtual Common Rooms (VCR) Festival. It's a smorgasbord of performance, music and conversation, mostly live-streamed out of Fringe HQ at Trades Hall's Common Rooms, from Friday, July 31 to Sunday, August 2. Beamed to screens across the weekend will be an inclusive, diverse program of works from some much-loved local artists, complete with pay-what-you-can pricing. Comedy darling Zoë Coombs Marr will unleash her latest show, Born Slippy, delivering a wild mix of lecture, laughs and live musings. Then, you can sink your teeth into Biladurang 2.0 — a new solo play from First Nations artist Joel Bray, streamed live from a Melbourne hotel. Those in the mood for some tunes can catch a virtual music theatre sing-along with Marie's Crisis, played live from New York, or shed a few uninhibited tears with a high-voltage set from noise-pop favourites Cry Club. And a special edition of dance party series Mr McClelland's Finishing School promises to transform your living room into a sweaty indie-pop rave. [caption id="attachment_778310" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cry Club by Giulia McGauran[/caption] Elsewhere in the lineup you'll find comedy, cabaret, and a series of arts-focused chats and discussions, including a panel hosted by artist and activist Carly Findlay on the future of access in the arts space. VCR Fest will feature an interactive digital foyer where you can mingle with artists and other audience members between shows. You'll need to register online in advance for performances, but tickets are purchased via a pay-what-you-can format, after each act. Biladurang 2.0 image: Pippa Samaya
Inspired by musical scores and how sound can be physically transcribed, The Score considers how the emerging art trend of cross-disciplinary works might be further explored through colour, performance and other unexpected creative formats. As dance, music and vocal performance become increasingly often featured in visual works, The Score highlights artworks that shift between disciplines and defy our experiential expectations. Taking up the full three floors of the Ian Potter Museum of Art, this significant international group exhibition presents numerous and varied examples of music and dance notation — from medieval manuscripts to paintings being 'played' by musical ensembles, hand gestures communicating sound and translating a ballerina's emotive diary into choreography. Throughout this exhibition you'll experience how visual metaphors can reinterpret sound, presenting new experiences for your eyes and ears. The Score runs from Tuesday, August 1 until Sunday, November 5 at the Ian Potter Museum of Art.
While so many hospo businesses are playing it safe right now, Mamas Dining Group (Hochi Mama, Straight Outta Saigon, Kiss and Tell) is executing its growth plans at a rapid rate. Just last month, the crew opened Windsor Wine Room on Chapel Street, bringing a contemporary sip and snack wine bar to the strip. And on Thursday, July 18, Mamas opened two-storey Chinese restaurant Suzie Q on the Prahran stretch of Chapel Street. The 150-seat site is the team's biggest venture to date, and it includes not only a large main dining room and bar, but also a private mezzanine level and karaoke room. Suzie Q takes its cues from an underground Chinese restaurant in San Francisco in the 1980s that went by the same name — and everything here is inspired by that very diner. Mitchell and Eades (Beverly, Grill Americano, Hawker Hall) was tasked with designing the space, which the team says embodies "the hedonism and rebellion of the underground nightlife scene in the 80s, re-imagined through a modern lens". Expect plenty of red accents, exposed brickwork, plush booths and a striking black marble-topped bar with green leather stools that you can park yourself on for a long boozy feed. Within these retro surrounds, punters will dine on nostalgic Chinese eats inspired by the food served at the original Suzie Q. Head Chef Michael Stolley (ex-Ish Restaurant, Eazy Peazy) is executing this all with playful contemporary flair, just as he has done with Windsor Wine Room's new menu. At Suzie Q, this kicks off with a bunch of yum cha bites, including candied pork buns, prawn toast and a selection of dumplings. With 12 options available on this side of the menu, you can easily build a sharing feast just out of these. But it would be a shame to miss larger dishes like Suzie Q's mapo tofu, roast duck, crispy egg noodles with mixed seafood and fried rice packed with sausages, prawns and spring onions. A few different set menus are also up for grabs, making group dining a whole lot easier. On the drinks side, you'll find signature cocktails, beers on tap, an Australian-leaning wine program and a sizeable back bar that includes a solid selection of sake. It's clear that the Mamas crew is having plenty of fun with Suzie Q, bringing the San Francisco diner back to life, but this time on Melbourne's own Chapel Street. You'll find Suzie Q at 247 Chapel Street, Prahran, open 5–10pm from Sunday–Thursday, and 5–11pm from Friday–Saturday. For more details and to book a table, head to the venue's website.
Master sommelier Madeline Triffon describes pinot noir as 'sex in a glass'. Winemaker Randy Ullom calls it 'the ultimate nirvana'. Broadway wannabe Titus Andromedon loved it so much he compares it to 'caviar, Myanmar, mid-size car' (see below). No wonder the good folk at Revel — who bring Game of Rhones, Malbec World Day and Vin Diemen our way each year — are coming back to town with Pinot Palooza, an epic travelling wine festival celebrating all things peeeno noir. For just one day, Melbourne wine connoisseurs will have the chance to sample more than 100 drops, direct from Australia and New Zealand's best producers. Expect drops from Macedon's Curly Flat, Shaw and Smith (which will be coming in from the Adelaide Hills), Orange's Swinging Bridge, and Akarua and Pegasus Bay from NZ — and that's just the first few leaves on the vine. Whether you're a newbie who wants to start with something light and inviting, or a pinot pro ready for the biggest, most complex mouthful on the menu, there'll be an abundance of selections at either end — and plenty along the spectrum, too. If, at any point, you need to take a pause in your tasting adventures, you'll be catered for. Food will include barbecue from Burn City Smokers, Milk End bagels, raclette from Maker and Monger and Yarra Valley caviar. Pinot Palooza will hit the Royal Exhibition Building on Saturday, October 6. Early bird tickets are available up until August 1 for $60, and include all tastings and a take-home crystal Plumm RedB glass. What's more, those keen to fuel their brains (as well as their tastebuds) can spot $95 for a VIP pass. For that you'll get access to the VIP area, a glass of bubbles on arrival, entry into wine talks and some one-on-one with one of the event's sommeliers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6yttOfIvOw
Get together with your fellow film buffs and chat all things Scorsese at ACMI's new fortnightly film club. Held every second Sunday between June 12 and July 24, these guided discussions are the perfect chance to unpack the movies in the Essential Scorsese film season, screening at ACMI as part of the ongoing SCORSESE exhibition. Free to attend for Essential Scorsese ticketholders, each session will tie-in with a pair of films on the program, beginning with Mean Streets and Taxi Driver, followed by Raging Bull and Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, then an organised crime double in Goodfellas and Casino, before rounding out with period dramas The Age of Innocence and The Aviator. So grab a drink from the ACMI Bar, because yes, we are talking to you.
Strap in, Melbourne: it's time to finally control the weather. That's right, Rain Room is back in town for its third season. The installation is a former resident of world famous art spaces including New York's MoMA and The Barbican in London, and the ever-raining-but-you-never-get-wet experience is not to be missed. It's basically a dark, rainy room you can stroll through without needing that umbrella you always leave behind at bars. Housed in the Jackalope Pavilion in St Kilda, Rain Room covers a 100-square-metre space, and merges art, technology and nature into a single immersive experience. As you move, so does the rain. How neat? The whole experience isn't just a stroll in the rain; it's designed to make us reflect on our relationship with nature and the environment. Thinking of diving in? The Rain Room runs from Wednesday, November 1, 2023–Sunday, March 31, 2024. It's open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10am till late, with specific child-friendly slots in the mornings (10am–11.30am) and afternoons (3pm–4pm) for little rain dancers. Adult tickets go for $29, kids and concessions at $19, and families at $89. If you're after a fun group adventure, a cute date, or some introspective solo time, this is the spot. Go on, enjoy yourself, go make it rain.
If you're a fan of all things garlic, you'll find yourself in excellent company with a visit out to Meeniyan, next Saturday, February 16. That's when the famed annual Meeniyan Garlic Festival sees over 8000 punters descend on the Gippsland town for a jam-packed day of garlic-infused fun. This year's food program is as big as ever, with a sprawling lineup of chef appearances, markets, talks and events to tempt just about every palate. Catch garlic-driven cooking demonstrations from the likes of Tamsin Carvan (Tamsin's Table), Hogget's Kitchen's Trevor Perkins and Gippsland Food Ambassador Alejandro Saravia (Pastuso), and browse garlic-infused products from milkshakes to beer at the dedicated garlic marketplace. The town's Main Street eateries will be getting into the spirit, too, with a slew of special festival offerings — including garlic ice cream at The Meeniyan Store. What's more, you can load up on all sorts of knowledge with a series of talks and presentations led by the team at The Garlic Institute. They'll cover everything from garlic's many health benefits through to how to get started as a commercial grower.
Fitzroy North's Horn Please has a surefire way to cure your Sunday hangover: all-you-can-eat curry. But, it's not just curry. It's six different vegan curries, plus rice and a couple of starters. And you can dispel any worries you've got about spending too much cash — all of this will only cost you $30. It's not just a great deal for those with day-after regrets, either. Can't be bothered cooking? Want a cheap date night? Have a vegan mate to entertain? Tick, tick, tick. [caption id="attachment_775009" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Peter Tarasiuk[/caption] The all-you-can-eat deal is available across three 90-minute sittings every Sunday — 5pm, 6.30pm and 8pm. You'll kick things off with two entrees — maybe some cauliflower and spinach fritters — before digging into unlimited serves of curry. The lineup's set to vary, though you can bank on Horn Please favourites like chana masala and butternut squash curry, alongside newcomers like aloo gobi with cauliflower and potatoes. And as always, you can pair that food with wine, signature cocktails or brews from the legendary Horn Please beer fridge. You'll need to make a booking if you want to head along, so head over to the website quick smart. If you're choosing to go out and support local businesses, have a look at the latest COVID-19 advice and social-distancing guidelines from the Department of Health.
Since it first lit up Flinders Street back in 2013, White Night has quickly become one of the biggest events on the Melbourne cultural calendar. Last year, more than half a million people flocked into the CBD for a night of music, projections, installations and performances, from the spectacular to the downright strange. For Melburnians, the after-dark arts event represents a chance to see their city — quite literally — in a whole new light. But a single night of live art requires months of behind the scenes planning. There are sites to secure, routes to plot and transport to wrangle. Managing all that — while also recruiting hundreds of artists and performers and ensuring that everything runs smoothly on the night — is no easy feat. "There's a mountain of things that are taking place," Artistic Director David Atkins tells Concrete Playground, less than two weeks out from the main event. "The works that are being created for the program are all in various stages of being delivered. We're attending rehearsals and looking at digital content and looking at projection materials. We're looking at screens, fine-tuning some of the bands and the musicians, and looking at all of the risk and safety stuff." It's Atkins' first year at the helm of the festival; he previously worked on major events including the ceremonies for the Vancouver Winter Olympics and the New Zealand World Cup. Still, from the sounds of things, he seems to be more or less on top of things. "Frantic isn't the world I'd use," he laughs. "But it's busy." [caption id="attachment_609855" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Amanda Parer: Intrude[/caption] DESIGNING THE PROGRAM "With something like White Night you are inheriting expectations," says Atkins of the way he approached this year's lineup. "[You have] an audience that has an understanding of what they're coming to see, and an expectation around that. So we're not going to dramatically depart from that, but then we also want to give them new things to look at, and some installations and activities that they might not have experienced before." This year, says Atkins, there's a bit more performance and interaction than there might have been in previous years. Punters can also expect a slightly more political bent to some of the installations. "I think when you've got an audience of half a million people, it's really behoven on you to actually use that to bring some issues to attention," he says. "Not to make judgments, but to at least make people aware." Asked for specifics, Atkins points to Home Less, a projection on the exterior of St Paul's Cathedral inspired by "the dreams of homeless people", as well as Rebel Elders in Rainbow Alley which explores "ageism and perception". [caption id="attachment_609854" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Tilt: Peony[/caption] PULLING IT ALL TOGETHER Of course, it's one thing to commission the art. It's another thing to deliver it all simultaneously on the night. "As we get closer to [White Night] the focus changes and we get into the real detail," says Atkins. "We run a whole series of tabletop exercises and 'what ifs' in terms of running the control centre…we're [also] working with all the various stakeholders as we get closer in terms of event messaging for public transport, emergency services and how we interface with them." "It's about managing a whole range of different things on the night, and being sure that we're prepared for them," he says. "You work on the basis that you want everything to run smoothly, but you need to be really well prepared, and have everyone else well prepared in case something goes awry on the night." They even have a plan in case of bad weather. "There are lots of things that are still happening indoors, and we have safety measures to deal with inclement weather," says Atkins. "We're still in a really good part of the year, so it's not cold. And I think if you live in Melbourne and you're not prepared for the rain, then you've not lived in Melbourne very long." [caption id="attachment_603012" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Eness: Sonic Light Bubble[/caption] WHAT NOT TO MISS Alright, so now we have an idea of how the whole thing comes together. But the question remains: what are we actually going to get? Atkins was keen to share his recommendations for the evening, starting in the Carlton Gardens. "On the Royal Exhibition Building you've got a piece called Rhythms of the Night, which I think is going to be a really popular projection this year — the guys have gone to a lot of trouble mapping that building and I think it's going to be one of the highlights," he says. "In that same area, you've got Sonic Light Bubble which is an interactive dome, and then you've got Pixel Fruit which is an LED installation. So there's a lot up there to enjoy." Moving through the city, Atkins spotlights Swing City on Collins Street, a never ending dance marathon featuring a 13-piece big band, ballroom dancers, vintage cars and more. "Then you look at the southern end of the city where you've got Alexandra Gardens, and the White Knight Messenger, which is an automated puppet which involves projection, sound and performance," Atkins continues. "So that's a fantastic piece that's going to be down there, along with The Medusa, which is a huge jellyfish suspended from the trees." Still, of all Atkins' recommendations, we reckon his best one isn't about what to see, but when. "If you haven't got kids and you can come after midnight, then that's the time to come," he says. "If you go later, you can avoid the crowds, [and] if you can spend Sunday in bed, that'd be my advice. I'd make a night of it."
UPDATE, October 12, 2020: The Shape of Water is available to stream via Google Play, YouTube Movies, Amazon Video and iTunes. A secret lies inside every fairytale and monster fable, whispering to those who dare to enter. It's an obvious one, though it's not always fully appreciated. As we wade through narratives about dark forces and strange, enchanting creatures, it's not just their fantastical or fright-inducing aspects that enthrall us; it's also the fact that they beat with a warm human heart. Like Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and countless other storytellers before him, filmmaker Guillermo del Toro knows this — and he's eager to prove it every chance he gets. Since taking on the undead in his quietly unnerving debut Cronos more than two decades ago, the Mexican writer-director has approached his gothic tales with empathy and curiosity. His films might be filled with bugs, ghosts, vampires, beasts and kaiju, but at their core they ponder what it means to be alive. Accordingly, when Pan's Labyrinth follows a young girl as she plunges into a mysterious garden underworld, del Toro charts the relatable need to explore, connect and fight back in trying circumstances. Likewise, when The Shape of Water brings together a mute woman and a man-like amphibian against the backdrop of Cold War-era USA, he spins a story about the power of love and the resilience of outsiders searching for a place to belong. As often seen in the director's work, the enemy here isn't the monster, but rather the idea of judging something just because it's different. A moving horror-romance that splashes its devotion across every gorgeous teal and butterscotch-hued frame, The Shape of Water swims into the realm of Elisa Esposito (Sally Hawkins). When she's not working nights cleaning at a government facility with her chattering colleague Zelda (Octavia Spencer), she finds company with her lonely artist neighbour Giles (Richard Jenkins) and comfort in her daily routine. But things change when security operative Richard Strickland (Michael Shannon) marches into her life, along with the water-dwelling being (Doug Jones) he's brought back from the Amazon. While everyone else is fearful, cruel or primarily interested for scientific reasons (such as Dr. Robert Hoffstetler, played by Michael Stuhlbarg), Elisa finds a kindred soul in the captured creature. The idea of outcasts finding solace in each other's arms is hardly new, but while del Toro's movie seems to dive into busy waters, he's really wading through a stream all of his own. In the crowded field of monster flicks, The Shape of Water cherishes and celebrates its big-hearted heroine and her aquatic companion with love and care, ensuring every emotion they express also washes over the audience. Equally vivid and violent as it jumps between matters of the heart and moments of espionage, the film entrances with its sweet, soulful, delicate approach while never shying away from weighty themes of persecution or oppression (and at the same time, it remains remarkably light on its feet). In short, it's a whirlpool of intensely felt, vibrantly realised wonder — one that's both frothy on the surface, and dark and deep underneath. A sea of perfectly assembled elements, The Shape of Water truly feels like a film that no one else could have made. Working from a script co-written with Vanessa Taylor (Divergent), del Toro is operating at the top of his game, and his fingerprints can be seen in every exquisitely detailed image. With its stylistic odes to both creature features and the Golden Age of Hollywood, succumbing to the movie's seductive visual charms is easy. Falling for the sensitive way in which it handles its underwater lovers is as well. Assisting in that department, Hawkins and Jones couldn't be better, fashioning their performances out of glances, movements and the things that words just can't say. Often they're floating, either literally or emotionally. Thanks to the story's depths of affection and acceptance, so is the audience. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQH3jqetJoY
Do you like horror films? Australian director Mark Hartley obviously does. His infectious, gleeful enthusiasm for his popular if sometimes critically reviled genre of horror makes this a blood-soaked treat for like-minded fans. Having previously explored the rich if somewhat forgotten back catalogues of Australian exploitation cinema horror in his excellent doco Not Quite Hollywood, he takes the next logical step here, remaking Richard Franklin's 1978 cult favourite B-movie. The tagline of the original also serves as a neat plot summary: 'He's in a coma…yet, he can kill!' He is Patrick, a patient who somehow maintains his excellent condition while those around him waste away in a vegetative state in a creepy, isolated hospital. When a young nurse makes a ghoulish discovery that leads to her grisly end, the bright young Kathy 'Jac' Jacquard (Sharni Vinson) is recruited to the facility, which is overseen by Dr. Roget (Charles Dance) and his dead-eyed daughter, Matron Cassidy (Rachel Griffiths). Jac has just broken up with her boyfriend Ed (Damon Gameau) and is seeking a clean break. She soon finds an ally in the spirited Nurse Williams (Peta Sergeant), who fills her in on the shady happenings in the facility, a dimly lit Gothic hellhole. She takes a special interest in Patrick, who Dr Roget has adopted as his special project, administering electro-shock therapy and other techniques not prescribed in any medical journal. Alarmed at the bizarre experiments and freaked out that the comatose Patrick seems to be able to communicate with her, Jac confides in Brian (Martin Crewes), a former doctor and writer who advises her to report Dr Roget to the authorities and get out of town. But this wouldn't be a horror film if its hero took the safe option, and as Ed arrives in town to reconcile with Jac, he too gets drawn into the escalating terror wreaked by malevolent forces at the hospital. Patrick rattles through genre tropes (creaky elevator shafts, dirty-looking syringes, zombie-like patients wandering blackened corridors, moments of silence shattered by a pounding at the door) with an expert's assurance and a fan's relish. This is a film that knows exactly what it is, and that recognises that some things are cliches for a reason. Vinson, last seen in You're Next (a more nasty and realist film than Patrick) makes for a plucky heroine, while it's a shame Sergeant's character fades into the background somewhat as Jac delves further into Patrick's story. Their performances form part of an impressive film seemingly destined for cultish devotion. While Patrick may not convince the unconverted, horror fans will lap up every minute of its lean, gore-splattered running time. https://youtube.com/watch?v=0N5iCcPGqoY
Federation Square is about to be overrun by legions of ravenous zombies, as part of a Halloween promotion for Call of Duty: Black Ops III. A partnership between the game's developers, Activision and Secret Squirrel (aka the awesome folks behind Underground Cinema), the Black Ops III Zombie Escape Room will throw you into a real-life version of the game's popular zombie mode — albeit without the live ammunition. Popping up at Fed Square from October 30 until November 6, the immersive experience brings to life Shadow of Evil, the film noir-inspired horror narrative from Black Ops III, in which four strangers must work together to fight off the undead hordes. So too will Escape Room participants have to work together uncovering clues and solving puzzles, in order to find a way out before it's too late. Participation is free, but places must be booked online. To secure your spot, head to the registration site.
At last year's Melbourne International Film Festival, Perth-set apocalypse film These Final Hours beat out high-profile competition, including The Turning and Mystery Road, to snag The Age Critics Award for Best Australian Feature. Now, almost 12 months later, the film has finally arrived in theatres. Trust us when we tell you that this movie, blending heart-pounding thrills with character-driven drama, is well worth the wait. By the time the story gets going, the end has already begun, courtesy of a devastating meteor strike somewhere in the North Atlantic. Europe is reduced to a cinder in an instant, while a rolling wall of fire promises to annihilate everywhere else. We're never deluded into thinking that survival is even remotely an option. The only question that remains is what to do with the time that's left. Nathan Phillips, most easily recognisable as one of Mick Taylor's ill-fated victims in the original Wolf Creek, plays James, a self-absorbed screw-up with no intention of going out sober. But life, even in its last few moments, has a way of messing with your plans. So it is that on the way to an end-of-the world blow-out, James becomes the reluctant protector of a 12-year-old girl named Rose (newcomer Angourie Rice). After James rescues her from a pair of would-be rapist, she asks him to help her find her family. Perhaps sensing a chance to atone for his squandered life, our dubious hero agrees. In his first feature outing, writer-director Zak Hilditch seems remarkably assured. His native Perth provides a unique and unsettling backdrop for the film, the haunting images of forsaken Australian suburbia striking eerily close to home. Visuals like that contribute to a suffocating sense of bleakness that hangs over the film like a scorching summer heat. But These Final Hours is not entirely devoid of hope. Fundamentally, in fact, it's a film about redemption — about a single act of kindness in the face of common fear. Phillips' performance is one of resounding emotional honesty, while Rice displays a maturity that far exceeds her years. An unlikely pairing, both James and Rose bring out the strength and humanity in the other. In the face of imminent extinction, it's a surprisingly comforting thought. https://youtube.com/watch?v=QaoF6byFQFU
Whether you're an early riser or perpetually out late with mates, Brisbane is a vibrant city with a jam-packed schedule of exciting to-dos — all year round. Sunlight or city lights, kid-friendly or up-past-bedtime, in 2023 you'll be more than set to explore the city your way. Early bird? Rejoice! You've come to the right place — it is the Sunshine State, after all. Sate your appetite for science with an intellectual festival feed. Be enraptured by song with a stellar calendar of music events. Take to the skies via artistic explorations of our earth's atmosphere in a world-class exhibition. Flock together for storytelling and cultural conversations. See your city habitat transformed by immersive installations that query the lines between art, science, human, nature and AI. There are tours and workshops, parties and playtime — all before the sun sets. Though, they don't call her Bris Vegas for nothing. Bright lights and late nights, baby. It's not the city that never sleeps — but there's more than enough to keep you occupied well into the night. In 2023, expect festivals and innovative cultural events, immersive experiences and guided night tours, groundbreaking theatre and augmented reality landscapes. Explore art, science and the space in between via pop-up installations; catch rare films in an art-gallery cinema; watch an epic opera al fresco; witness light shows and fireworks along the river; and feed your musical appetite at a huge urban festival dedicated to the most exciting, fresh talent in the Australian music scene. Whether you prefer to stay indoors or venture into the darkness, Brisbane will keep the lights on for you. Here, we've compiled a bunch of arty things to do and see in 2023, so that no matter what time you're heading out in Brisbane you're guaranteed to have a ripper time. Read on for all the daytime fun, then flick the switch above and we'll turn down the lights and show you the best events happening at night.
