Move over, craft beer — it's craft spirits' time to shine. Everyone's been to a day dedicated to the former, but on Sunday, March 31 you can spend an afternoon with all the whisky, gin and vodka you could ever want with more than 40 exhibitors and master distillers showcasing over 150 craft spirits at 2019's Indie Spirits Tasting. For the first time, the Indie Spirits Tasting folks are bringing their spirit celebration to Melbourne's Craft & Co for the type of event that whiskey, gin, rum, vodka and tequila-lover's dreams are made of. We'd keep listing different kinds of spirits, but we're getting thirsty. Tickets to each session — either 12–2.30pm or 3–5.30pm — are $59 and not only include samples of the best Aussie and international indie brands on offer, but free bar snacks plus access to seminars across the afternoon, too. And for those particularly eager, early bird tickets are available until February 15 for the discounted price of $38.
Melbourne's iconic street art scene is about to be outdone. Over three days this April, the township of Benalla in northeast Victoria will be hosting one of Australia's largest street art festivals. The annual Wall to Wall Festival, now in its fourth year, will bring together 20 a (gender-equal) lineup of local and international artists to create new murals around the town. Along with the live painting will be an exciting program featuring various workshops, guided street art tours, a cinema, after-dark projections and a work from Adnate in a church of the small town of Goorambat. You'll also be able to unleash your inner Banksy by participating in the Paint by Numbers community mural, which entails the creation of a permanent, large-scale town mural with the help of one of the festival's artists. Image: Nicole Reed.
One moment Dominika Egorova (Jennifer Lawrence) is the pride of Russia. The next, she's being bundled off to "whore school". They're her words, all but spat at the shady uncle (Matthias Schoenaerts) responsible, and they say plenty about Red Sparrow. She's a Bolshoi prima ballerina cut down in her prime by envious colleagues, he's a high-ranking honcho with one of the country's intelligence agencies, and their entire relationship consists of him exerting power over her with a lecherous glint in his eye and no qualms about resorting to violence. Unfortunately, this muddled and murky film is all too happy to follow his lead. With her dancing dreams dashed and the her mother's (Joely Richardson) health insurance under threat, Dominika has little choice but to take her uncle's career advice. After agreeing to meet a suspected traitor and bearing witness to his assassination, her only option is to become a 'Sparrow' — a highly trained spy enlisted to seduce and manipulate using everything at her disposal. When she's subsequently put into the field to procure the name of a Russian mole from an American CIA agent (Joel Edgerton), our heroine is quickly forced to give her new skills a workout. Thanks to Lawrence's typically committed and uncompromising performance, Dominika possesses an indefatigable air and quite the formidable stare. But Red Sparrow isn't an ass-kicking female-driven flick in the vein of Atomic Blonde, Haywire or La Femme Nikita, or even the action spin on Black Swan that it nods to in its name. Nor is it a pulpy revenge story, an icy espionage thriller or a rousing tale of a victimised woman using her feminine wiles not only to survive, but to bring down the system that's stacked against her. Based on a novel by retired CIA operative Jason Matthews and directed by three-time Hunger Games helmer Francis Lawrence (no relation), the film is simply a routine array of predictable twists packaged with a particularly problematic approach. Specifically, there's nothing empowering or entertaining about a movie that constantly wears its heroine down just because it can. Red Sparrow tries to frame its treatment of its protagonist as an example of an entire country's corruption ("your body belongs to the State!" Dominika is told in one of the film's more blatant moments), but that rationalisation fails to convince. At the same time, the screenplay touches briefly on themes ranging from toxic sexual politics to the treatment of women in the workplace, but that social commentary falls flat as well. It's hard to take seriously any statement on the objectification and exploitation of women when your female protagonist spends most of the movie being raped, beaten, pushed around and bled dry, often while naked or close to it. Frequently, it feels like Red Sparrow is putting Lawrence in the same situation as Dominika, using her for the audience's gratification. Still, Red Sparrow does have some saving graces — all of which come courtesy of the film's stacked supporting cast. There's Charlotte Rampling as Dominika's no-nonsense trainer, Jeremy Irons as a slippery Russian general and Mary-Louise Parker doing some excellent drunk acting. A better movie could be made about any of their characters, and mightn't need to include cringeworthy dialogue like "the West has gone weak, drunk on shopping and social media!" As we see demonstrated again and again, that kind of overcooked writing really does speak volumes about this troublesome film. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFpJAIy-cow
She was once one of the most famous movie stars in the business, with an Oscar to her name and roles in everything from It's a Wonderful Life to Oklahoma! to The Big Heat. But in 1981, Gloria Grahame (played here by Annette Bening) was worlds away from her '50s Hollywood heyday. Preparing to take to the UK stage in a version of The Glass Menagerie, she collapsed in pain just before the curtains opened. Refusing medical treatment, Grahame instead asked to recuperate in Liverpool, at the family home of her younger ex-boyfriend and local actor Peter Turner (Jamie Bell). Adapted from Turner's memoir of the same name, Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool doesn't play shy with its narrative. Even for those unfamiliar with this particular chapter in tinseltown's history, there's no prizes for guessing where it's all heading. And yet, much like the movie's multifaceted protagonist, first appearances soon prove to be misleading. Grahame was known for her brash femme fatales in the days of black-and-white cinema, but her on-screen persona only told part of her story. Directed with period flair and eye-catching scene transitions by Paul McGuigan (Victor Frankenstein), the film that charts her final years likewise does more than just combine a tear-inducing tale of sickness with an unlikely romance. Both love and illness feature prominently in Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool, with Grahame and Turner's time together unfolding in flashbacks while she's convalescing under the care of his mother (Julie Walters). In sequences from their early days together, she's spirited and sultry, and he's instantly smitten — whether they're trading lines to help her rehearse, catching a showing of Alien, or enjoying a sensationally seductive disco session in her London living room. Later, as she tries to ignore her worsening condition, she's defiant and he's doting, even as her impending demise hangs between them. From these contrasting glimpses, a touching portrait forms not only of a fading star, but of a fascinating, complicated woman and an equally intricate relationship. As such, those eager for a full rundown of Grahame's career would do well to read up before (or after) they hit the cinema. Matt Greenhalgh's latest celebrity-focused screenplay (after Control, Nowhere Boy and The Look of Love) is more a character study than a cradle-to-grave biopic, evoking a entrancing sense of the actress' presence and personality rather than dwelling upon her work. In Grahame's contemplative backstage moments, her flirtatious looks and her all-round fighting spirit, the film serves up a multi-layered portrayal of a multi-layered figure. In doing so, it says as much about its subject as it does the industry's disdain for ageing, and society's lack of regard for older women in particular. With all that in mind, it's hardly surprising that Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool benefits enormously from Bening's stellar performance. Despite missing out on well-deserved awards acclaim for both this and last year's 20th Century Women, the four-time Academy Award nominee just keeps going from strength to strength. Digging beneath glamour and vanity, and painting Grahame as vibrant and vulnerable all at once, Bening's work makes it easy to understand why Turner melts in her company. For his part, in his best role (and with his best dance scene) since Billy Elliot, Bell delivers a tender and textured performance. But when Bening shines, the whole bittersweet film shines with her. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnE7jdOfp3E
The Conservation Ecology Centre of Cape Otway has some very worthy green goals, and you can help the environmental organisation get a little bit closer to fulfilling them — you'll just have to offer a set of hands this weekend. Running yearly, the Great Otway Tree Plant aims to re-green Cape Otway for the local wildlife, providing homes and habitats for future koalas and birds and protecting the ones that are already there. You can make a weekend of it, too — Bimbi Park has offered up its grounds, and all volunteers can camp there for free. There will also be a meal served on Saturday evening for those giving up their time to put a little green goodness back into the world. But, really, knowing you're making koalas safe and happy is enough of an incentive in itself. Before you head down to the Otways, make sure you RSVP here.
For one day only, Melbourne Town Hall will become the city's must-visit shopping spot, especially if you're keen to pick up some pre-loved and vintage threads. From 10am-5pm on Saturday, June 16, the Australian Red Cross will be bringing a treasure trove of clothing and accessories to the CBD spot, as part of their 2018 pop-up shop. Expect outfits, shoes and more for women, men and kids alike — including ace secondhand wares, pieces donated by fashion bloggers and new designer pieces. And expect your wallet to thank you, because there's nothing like secondhand prices. And, as always, shopping with the Red Cross doesn't just help restock your wardrobe — it also helps those in need, with the proceeds going towards the organisation's ongoing work. Entry is free, and we'd recommend arriving early to scope out the best finds.
Section 8, Melbourne's original shipping container bar, is clocking up an impressive 12 years of life. And it's not letting the milestone pass without a proper knees-up, in the form of a free five-day Easter long weekend party. From March 29 until April 2, the famed CBD beer garden will become celebration central, playing host to a huge lineup of 28 great musical acts, with each day's sets curated by a different guest selector or local label. The bar will open at 12pm every day, with live music acts kicking off at 5pm on Thursday. Entry is free across the whole weekend, and gets you you front row seats to Melbourne-based favourites like Rui, Chiara Kickdrum, Salvador Ricardo, Chris NG and A13, as well as international guests like Blaze The Emperor and Smutlee. Also on board for the al fresco festivities are our mates at Hendrick's Gin, Mornington Peninsula Brewery, Monkey Shoulder and Sailor Jerry. This is one twelfth birthday party you don't want to miss.
Masters of late night snack fuel Ben & Jerry's have been dishing out pop culture-riffing flavours like Liz Lemon Greek Frozen Yoghurt, Stephen Colbert's AmeriCone Dream and, of course, Schweddy Balls for years. Then the masters of frozen confection go and create something called 'Free Cone Day', an annual event which defies haters. You can score an ice cream on the house, as part of the company's yearly, worldwide tradition thanking its fanbase for all the gluttonous support. On Tuesday, April 10, Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shops around Australia are hosting the seventh annual Free Cone Day — scooping out free ice cream from 12pm until 8pm. Suss out your nearest Scoop Shop purveyor of frozen dairy heaven here, and rock up on April 10 to claim your cone. Check out Ben & Jerry's Facebook page for updates.
If a hefty stack of pancakes is your brunch of choice, there's a new Saturday session in town that's guaranteed to be right up your alley. From April 7, Saturdays will see Carlton's Prince Alfred Hotel — which has just reopened all shiny and new — host a weekly session of bottomless pancakes and booze on its newly minted rooftop. From 11.30am each week, head up to the top of the Carlton pub for unlimited stacks of pancakes, loaded up with your choice of toppings for just $25. But why stop there? The pub's also offering a bottomless booze package to complement those fancy-pants stacks, priced at $65 for unlimited eats and drinks. Sip bloody marys, mimosas and pints of Hoegaarden to your heart's content, up until the session wraps up at 2.30pm. Live tunes each week will round it all out. Images: Giulia Morlando.
The Jungle Collective has just returned from Sydney and, after a big Easter sale, it's set to open its Abbotsford warehouse for the fourth time this year. Like previous iterations, hundred of plants will be on sale to the public on Saturday, April 14 from 9am. While other Melbourne sales have previously brought in a range of species, this one will focus on monstera — you know, the ones with big split leaves that you often see in designer homes. For those who have a hard time keeping their new friends alive, the on-site horticulturist will again be in attendance to help answer all of your plant-based woes. As usual, the team will have jungle tunes and vibes going from 9am till 4pm, along with themed dress-up specials — including five bucks off if you wear red and white stripes. No ticket or registration is required for this sale, but takeaway boxes will be limited, so plan ahead and bring your own. Image: Mooikin.
Melbourne fashion lovers sticking to a budget, rejoice — the biannual Magic Designer Sale is back for its first sale of 2018. For one weekend a massive amount of end-of-season stock and samples will be available from local designers such as Witu, Verner, Kuwaii, Handsom, Kloke, Seb Brown and Dress Up. With reductions running across the three days, your purchases are guaranteed to be investments. So cancel your weekend plans, empty your piggy bank and race over to Johnson Street. We suggest getting there early for the good stuff. The sale will run from 9am–6pm on Friday, 10am–6pm on Saturday, and 11am–4pm on Sunday.
It has been 28 years since the first Jewish film festival reached Australian screens, and the annual cinema showcase is still going strong. If a movie hails from Israel or explores Jewish culture, it's likely to end up in the Jewish International Film Festival's program — including opening night's Yiddish-language drama Menashe, Orthodox community-set screwball romantic comedy The Wedding Plan, the intimate exploration of grief and connection (and baked goods) that is The Cakemaker, and the Kevin Spacey and Nicholas Hoult-starring JD Salinger biopic Rebel in the Rye, which closes out the fest. They're just some of this year's JIFF's highlights, and there's more where they came from. In fact, the complete 2017 lineup boasts 65 films from 26 countries, including features and documentaries from Israel, Australia, Argentina, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, the UK and the USA. If you're a fan of Jewish-themed cinema, prepare to settle in for the long haul when JIFF does the rounds from October. Melburnians can get their fix at the Classic Cinemas in Elsternwick from October 25 to November 22, and at the Lido Cinemas in Hawthorn from October 26 to November 21 as well.
Neighbouring CBD bars Section 8 and Ferdydurke have teamed up with New York's Brooklyn Brewery for Good Beer Week's free Brooklyn Block Party. From 2pm on Saturday, May 20, Tattersalls Lane will be pulsing with the sounds of local and international musicians, including New York turntablist Total Eclipse and Melbourne hip-hop/soul collective ESESE. There'll be BBQ by Brass Knuckles and plenty of beer, including Brooklyn Brewery brews you'll rarely find in Australia. There'll even be barbers dishing out $5 cuts from up on Ferdydurke's balcony.
Prepare to stuff yourself full of the tastiest donuts in town — Day of the Donut is back. Those baking aficionados at Flour Market are at it again from 5pm on May 17, and this time they're offering sugar-glazed, jam filled, coronary-inducing wonders by twilight. As always, the event will unite some of the best and most ambitious bakers in Melbourne under a single, sprinkle coated roof. Be warned: although it's due to run until 7pm on the Melbourne Central Level 2 Link Bridge, these doughy delights may sell out earlier. BYO wheelbarrow. A full list of the specific doughnuts on offer hasn't been released, but based on the lineup, you can be certain to find something that you'll want to eat as a post-work snack, for dinner and for dessert afterwards, too. Ahhh Donuts, All Day Donuts, Ascot Vale Food Store, Baker D Chirico, Bistro Morgan, Candied Bakery, Cobb Lane, Doughboys, Shortstop Melbourne, St Gerry's, Uncle Donuts and Penny for Pound will be bringing their best fare, and you can be there feasting on them.
When Amy Schumer starred in Trainwreck back in 2015, audiences may have felt a sense of niggling deja vu. If you'd watched Inside Amy Schumer or any of her standup shows, you knew exactly the kind of character you were getting — not that that was a big problem, necessarily, since seeing the comedian and actress take her usual persona to the big screen was part of the appeal. But even the funniest folks can only coast on the same material for so long. That's not to say that Schumer doesn't throw herself into her latest film with gusto, but rather that her character, the aimless, self-absorbed, recently single Emily, offers very little that's new. The same is true of the film in which she resides, which plays out exactly the way you expect it to. Drunken pick-up attempts? Tick. Gags about intimate personal grooming? Tick. One-liners that only work thanks to Schumer's delivery? Keep ticking. A hard-partying character suddenly forced to address her messy existence? Of course that's what Snatched is about. The film kicks into gear when Emily's cat-loving mother Linda (Goldie Hawn) discovers, via Facebook, that her daughter has been dumped. Emily, for her part, is upset, although seemingly more about her impending, non-refundable vacation to Ecuador than the breakup itself. After trying and failing to find a friend to accompany her on her adventure, Emily discovers an old photo album filled with snaps of a once-carefree Linda travelling in her younger years. So she decides to invite her mother along instead. With a title like Snatched, it's not a spoiler to say that the duo soon find themselves kidnapped by local criminals. Frankly, it's hard to spoil much about this film, given how formulaic it all feels. From the predictable interplay between mother and daughter to the uncomfortable stereotypes about South America and its inhabitants, the uninspired script by Ghostbusters scribe Katie Dippold leaves one person with a huge job. And no, it's not director Jonathan Levine – the man behind The Night Before, Warm Bodies and 50/50 stays mostly on auto-pilot here. Instead, it's Hawn who does the bulk of the heavy lifting. It has been 15 years since the actress was last on screen, but the comic force of the '80s and '90s has lost none of her flair. A committed supporting performance by Joan Cusack aside, it's hardly surprising that Hawn's rapport with Schumer is far and away the best thing about this routine jaunt through the jungle. If all Snatched does is inspire you to seek out some of her earlier work, then at least it will have achieved something of value. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcyeYFXdHNQ
For whatever reason, Vin Diesel and the gang have yet to take their globe-hopping Fast and Furious franchise to New Zealand. But if they do, they'll be racing in the tyre tracks of a couple of Mini-focused homegrown films. Back in 1981, Goodbye Pork Pie saw a ragtag bunch of misfits careen across the country's two islands in a tiny yellow vehicle. Driving into remake territory with a newer model, Pork Pie takes the idea out for another spin. When struggling novelist Jon (Dean O'Gorman) fails to win his girlfriend back at a pal's wedding, he decides to try again after she heads down south to Invercargill. Luckily, he crosses paths with Luke (James Rolleston), who's driving a stolen car and fleeing a troubled past. Recently unemployed fast food worker and animal rights activist Kiera (Ashleigh Cummings) soon hops in as well, and the trio of strangers are suddenly on the road to adventure – albeit with the cops hot on their trail, the media going mad, and the entire nation seemingly watching their every move. Will they all become friends, learn life lessons and grow into better people on their journey? Will you see so many shots of a glistening Mini that you'll think you're watching a car commercial? Will the film showcase just as many scenic New Zealand sights as the Lord of the Rings films? The answer to all three of these questions is a resounding yes. Still, what Pork Pie lacks in surprises, it endeavours to make up for in jovial road trip vibes. Put it this way: if you were stuck travelling for a couple of hours with nothing but this movie for entertainment, you wouldn't mind. Even if they don't always prove the best long-haul companions on-screen, it helps that the three central performers make the most of their roles. None of their characters are particularly well-developed, but the genuine rapport between the energetic O'Gorman, charismatic Rolleston and spirited Cummings more than helps pass the time. Writer-director Matt Murphy boasts a significant connection to the original — it was helmed by his father Geoff Murphy, and Matt was part of the crew. It shouldn't be surprising then that the remake focuses on two things that made the first outing memorable: stunts and humour. In terms of the former, prepare for a standout dash through Wellington that happens to involve a coffin, and cars and trains colliding (but not in the way you might expect). As for the latter, it's more warm smiles and light chuckles than belly laughs. The gags are mostly conventional, but then that's Pork Pie to a tee: affable, enjoyable, but not quite as freewheeling and frenetic as it thinks. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPJpLfKG1AI
If you're one of the many Melburnians who hate waiting but love Mexican food, prepare to rejoice. For the weekend of May 6 to 7, you'll be able to sample Mamasita's best cuisine without schlepping into the city or through the notorious queues. The famous Mexican CBD staple will be joined by their sister restaurant Hotel Jesus (which is permanently located in Collingwood) at Welcome to Thornbury to celebrate Cinco De Mayo. Mamasita will serve up their famous corn, fish and ceviche tostadas alongside never-ending margaritas. And the gluten-wary amongst you can chow down, safe in the knowledge that Mamasita's menu is very gluten-friendly If you can't make it over the weekend, on Friday May 5 a host of Mexican food truck vendors will occupy the same too. So stop by, grab a bite and celebrate the culture that brought us two of life's greatest joys: beer and tacos.
Ten days. 27 venues. 400+ artists from around Australia and the world. The Melbourne International Jazz Festival is turning 20 years old, and, boy, do they know how to celebrate. Running from June 2-11, this year's festival features countless highlights, from big-ticket events to intimate club sets to collaborative performances with KAGE Physical Theatre and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. The festival begins with a concert by legendary guitarist Bill Frisell, who'll be performing a unique interpretation of iconic American film scores from movies including Psycho, The Godfather and Once Upon a Time in the West. Frisell is but one of a number of international guests on the program, along with Dianne Reeves, Kenny Barron and the Carla Bley Trio. Other events worth checking out include the Second Line Street Party at Federation Square, the Jazz on Film program at ACMI, and Bridging the Divide, a free panel discussion about the under-representation of women in jazz. For the full program, visit their website.
The Makers and Shakers Market will visit Melbourne at the end of April, bringing with it the whole kit and caboodle of bespoke ceramics, homewares and jewellery (as well as tasty food to rejuvenate you when you get the oh-no-I-just-spent-all-my-money sweats). Kick things off at 10am with a coffee, spend a few hours browsing, and then chow down on a toastie or a gourmet pie. The market gives space to local makers to sell their handmade wares, with everything from resin rings to tomato chutney to be found. Stallholders this time round include botanical-themed resin wares by Nanna Woo, vegan treats by Von's Vegan Bakehouse, dreamy pastel ceramics from Alison Willoughby and crochet goodness from Full Tilt Nanna. And that's just the crust of the pie — there are many more to choose from when you take a full bite. Images: Alana Dimou.
If you're going to fork out an arm and a leg for candy bar concessions, the food may as well be good. That's the thinking behind the ever-popular Coburg Drive-In Food Truck Festival, which is back for a July run. On July 12 and 13 you can sit back in your car and enjoy the latest Hollywood releases while chowing down on delectable offerings from Melbourne's leading mobile food vendors. Look to the big screen for Spider-Man: Homecoming and Baby Driver, and to the meals-on-wheels lineup for the likes of Yo India, C'est Chick, Real Burgers, Mamma Van, Sweet Forbidden Journey, Bites on Wheels, Mary and a Little Lamb, Poncho Mexican, Ron's Handburgers and Street Crepes. Plus, your pooch is welcome to come along too.
The adorable Finders Keepers Markets have been home to Melbourne's most creative and quirky designers for ten years now. Keeping with tradition, the independent hip-fest returns to its home at Carlton's Royal Exhibition Building for 2017, this time kicking off earlier than before on Friday at 5pm, so you have more time to shop and explore. The autumn/winter edition of the market will take place over three days this July — just in time for the snuggly season. The biannual, designer-centric, come-one-come-all mini-festival has managed to bridge the gap between local market and exclusive exhibition, creating a space for independent designers to engage with the wider community. You'll be able to nab some marvellous treats difficult to find anywhere else. From bespoke, handmade leather goods by the likes of Truso to unique stationery by new comers Darling Paper Co., Blackbrail Atelier's wearable art and all manner of cute and kooky knick-knacks — like the Merchants of Nonsense 'impractical goods for the modern aesthete' — every stall will be a unique shopping experience that combines innovative design with grassroots feel-goodery. And even if you're a Finders Keepers regular, you're sure to discover something new. As usual, there will be live music, a cafe and heaps of other Melburnians celebrating independent art and design. Feeling a little overwhelmed? Finders Keepers are aware this cornucopia of new design can be a little large to navigate. So, they've got their own app with interactive maps to help you find out more info about stallholders, a personal itinerary tool and notifications to keep you looped in to what's happening on the day. You can download the app from the App Store or on Google Play. Finders Keepers A/W 17 market hours: Friday, July 14: 5–10pm Saturday, July 15 : 10am–6pm Sunday, July 16: 10am–5pm Entry is $2 for adults, and free for kids under 12.
Grab your specs, all you book worms and literary nerds out there, because the program for this year's Melbourne Writers Festival is a good 'un. Running from August 25 until September 3, this year's festival lineup is packed cover-to-cover with authors, journalists, activists, historians, bloggers, playwrights and more. The festival will begin with an address on Australian Identity by two-time Miles Franklin Literary Award winner Kim Scott. The evening will continue with an opening night party featuring music by Indigenous and Torres Straight Island artists curated by DJ Sovereign Trax. Scott is one of a number of prominent local guests; others include ABC journalist Stan Grant, social commentator and writer Jane Caro, author and journalist Benjamin Law and engineer and author Yassmin Abdel-Magied. Major international guests, meanwhile, include journalist and transgender activist Janet Mock, National Book Award winning author Joyce Carol Oates, young adult writer Angie Thomas and former UN Under-Secretary-General Shashi Tharoor. The festival will wrap up with a talk from Robert Fisk, a journalist for The Independent who has reported from battlefields in Syria, Iraq, Algeria, Afghanistan and Lebanon. Plus, there will be a glorious day filled with free Harry Potter activities, including readings, performances and a Sorting Hat. It says it's "for families" but we doubt they'd kick you out. "Literature has always been a platform for revolutionary ideas and a way to escape the politics of despair," festival director Lisa Dempster said. "Melbourne Writers Festival will explore the darkness of discrimination, oppression and war, but the program is threaded through with hope. We're listening to voices too long shut out, searching for the ideas that can bring us out of dark places and into the light."
You don't normally associate the MCG with fine dining — it's more overpriced pies and eating an entire six-pack of hot jam doughnuts to yourself. But it appears that's about to change in the lead up to this year's AFL Grand Final, as some of Melbourne's best restaurants set up outside the 'G. Part of this year's pre-GF celebrations, Yarra Park will play host to a four-day Footy Festival in the lead-up to the big game, featuring music, movies and some seriously good food. Fancy Hanks, Biggie Smalls, Taco Truck and Gelato Messina are just a few of the heavy-hitters – and you can expect footy-inspired spins on their typical cuisine. You can also have a tipple at one of the pop-up bars, and UberEATS will also be setting up their first restaurant on-site. Clearly the AFL has at least one foodie on the payroll. Yarra Park will also be home to the Grand Final Live Site, with activities, live entertainment and broadcasts. It will be open from 10–6pm on Wednesday and Thursday, and 9am–6pm on Friday and Saturday. Disclaimer: you will not be allowed to drink your wine out of a Premiership Cup. It will be a good place to get a snack if you're going to the game or just to the free Killers gig afterwards. Image: Fancy Hanks.
Cheese freaks — you're in good company. Maker & Monger's Anthony Femia will share his cheese expertise at a special Prahran Market workshop on Saturday, July 22. Cheese 101: Behind the Rind will see the master monger school punters on all things cheese, from sourcing accompaniments to preparing the perfect cheese board. And yes, there will be plenty of samples to stuff your face with. Kicking off at 11am in the Prahran Market Harvest Hall, the hour-long workshop will focus on the story and flavours behind four main cheese styles — the exact details have been kept under wraps, so the varieties could be anything from the creamiest brie to a sublimely stinky blue. Either way, participants will leave with a better nose for pairings and a fresh list of cheeses to sniff out. A $30 ticket gets you entry and a tasting booklet, as well as a complimentary glass of wine.
The work of Australia and New Zealand's top female game designers will be in the spotlight at a brand new exhibition at ACMI. On display from July 25 until November 5, Code Breakers: Women in Games is a free exhibition that will gives visitors the chance to experience a wide variety of games made by female directors, writers, programmers, developers, designers and digital artists. "Despite women making up almost 50 percent of game players, they account for less than 10 percent of the games industry," says ACMI CEO Katrina Sedgwick. "Code Breakers seeks to shatter stereotypes and celebrate the women who are breaking down barriers and building vibrant, creative careers within a global industry." Games featured in Code Breakers include Ninja Pizza Girl, Armello and Need for Speed: No Limits. The exhibition will also feature gamemakers speaking frankly about the experiences in a male-dominated industry via a custom-built audio tour.
Reboots don't just involve huge movie franchises — they can also apply to film festivals, too. When the Turkish Film Festival returns from July 6 to 16, it should feel both familiar and fresh. Indeed, the existing fest has evolved, boasting more films and more screenings in more places, plus a few special events as well. Heading to Palace Cinema Como and The Kino, this year's TFF will feature six movies that showcase the current state of Turkish filmmaking. It all kicks off with Rosso Istanbul, the latest effort from Italian-Turkish director Ferzan Özpetek, before offering up everything from 2014 Cannes Palme d'Or winner Winter Sleep and photographer-focused documentary The Eye of Istanbul to The Water Diviner's Yilmaz Erdoğan and Cem Yilmaz showing off their newest flicks. For those who want to go on a culinary journey as well as a cinematic one, The Turkish Way showcases Catalan cuisine across Turkey, with popular Istanbul chef Maksut Aşkar in attendance. As with all food-focused flicks, you'll want to grab dinner beforehand to avoid a hangry viewing experience. If the inevitable food envy wins out, you can also join chef Aşkar for a one-night only Turkish feast hosted by Tulum on July 17.
If you're the kind of market-goer who beelines immediately for the ceramics stall at your local makers market — and dreams of Patrick Swayze's ghost every time your hands hit the potter's wheel — then do we have just the ticket for you. A new ceramics-only market is coming to Fitzroy. Melbourne Ceramics Market, or MCM, is a free event launching on August 6. They'll showcase handcrafted creations from over 25 different ceramicists. You can expect unique pieces (with bespoke being ever the watchword in editorial). And, if you're big into the clay world, you may have already heard of the two founders, who are ceramic artists themselves. Daisy Cooper of Daisy Cooper Ceramics and Tina Thorburn of Clay by Tina are bringing the market to Fitzroy to create a retail space for other artists to sell their pieces directly to the public. You'll also find coffee trucks, cake stalls, and live music to fuel your ceramics-buying rampage.
Obsessing over mysteries is human nature. We're hard-wired to piece together puzzles, trawl through murky terrain and look for answers; in fact, you could say that's what life is all about. Gothic tales understand this. They take audiences to dark, strange, far-from-straightforward places, and as a rule we're more than willing to go along. They unsettle, unnerve and ooze with unease — and that's precisely what makes them so alluring. These are the sensations conjured my My Cousin Rachel as it immerses viewers in a story of love, death, money and mistrust. For Philip (Sam Claflin), that's also the feeling he gets from the film's title character (Rachel Weisz), his cousin by marriage. When she arrives at the Cornish estate he'll inherit upon his upcoming 25th birthday, he's bubbling with anger and intent on vengeance, believing that she murdered her husband. And yet Philip soon finds himself mesmerised by the new woman in his life, even if he can't quite quell his suspicions. A Gothic romance penned by Daphne du Maurier back in 1951 (and first brought to the screen one year later), My Cousin Rachel leans into its enticing climate of wariness; this is a movie where a stiff gust of wind leaves everyone shaken, and where flickers of candlelight cast telling shadows. Writer-director Roger Michell (Le Week-End) successfully bathes every frame of the film in tension, using his handsome period staging to further the mood. A grand old house in the English countryside — and one typically seen during the daytime, too — has rarely elicited such feelings of seductive discomfort. Simmering beneath the feature's mastery of tone, however, is an exploration of both the power of perception and the battle of the sexes. It shouldn't escape attention that Philip is quick to condemn a woman he doesn't know based purely on conjecture, nor that he mostly changes his mind — becoming determined to help her, and unable to hide his affection — when she pays him attention. Similarly, noticing the response that Rachel receives for wanting to live her own life, have her own money and make her own decisions is crucial. Indeed, for all of its talk of potential poisonings, subterfuge and betrayal, as well as its pondering of Rachel's true nature, perhaps the most perturbing element of the film is the bewildered reaction directed towards her for daring to be independent. Is she a killer? Does she deserve Philip's doubts? They're questions that My Cousin Rachel asks; questions that Weisz's inscrutable performance makes it impossible to answer. Ambiguity is often the key to Gothic narratives, drawing you in to themes and situations that have no easy answers. Weisz expresses that conflict perfectly. That probably wouldn't have been the case in another actor's hands, but, as she's made a career of doing, she inhabits the role of Rachel so completely that it's hard to imagine anyone else doing it justice. While Claflin does well playing the naive but stubborn Philip, the movie's real point of interest is right there in its name: an enigmatic woman, the talented actress that brings her to life, and the mystery that follows. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-C-q7by64mA
Back in 2017 for its 11th instalment, Opera Australia's popular Mazda Opera in the Bowl returns to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl for a wonderful night of opera under the stars — and it's absolutely free. Hosted by ABC Radio's Christopher Lawrence with featuring some of Australia's top vocal talent in soprano Stacey Alleaume, mezzo-soprano Sian Pendry, tenor Diego Torre and baritone Luke Gabbedy, Opera in the Bowl will have you whistling along to famous tunes you didn't even know you knew. Gather the crew (and your trusty picnic basket) and settle in for a night of some of opera's most famous and most beautiful moments. But don't worry if you don't actually own a picnic basket — a whole heap of the city's best food trucks will be there cooking up a storm, the garden bar will be slinging all your favourite summer cocktails, and a 'luscious flower wall' will provide the perfect backdrop for your Instagram stories. As for the soundtrack, a parade of famous arias, duets and overtures is sure to delight all music fans, whether you are an opera aficionado or you don't know Bellini from a Bellini. If nothing else, it's a perfect cheap date idea.
Presented at Melbourne CBD's West Space, Every Second Feels Like a Century sees a range of local artists from a host of creative backgrounds explore concepts of utopia and dystopia, survival and apocalyptic worlds. The exhibition suggests that objects have the power to reflect our histories, journeys and stories, and are clear "remnants of ideas, tools and thoughts scattered throughout cultures and time". The eight exhibiting artists investigate this notion, with the presented works considering what's important to cultures and society, as civilisations and ways of life become lost to time. Curated by Hannah Presley and Debbie Pryor, the exhibition showcases works by John Brooks, Nicholas Hovington, Alterfact, Vito Bila, Sarah Mary Chadwick, Angela Thirlwell, Adam Ridgeway and Jasmine Targett, who utilise mediums such as video art, 3D-printed sculpture, glass and metal works and more. Image: Jasmine Targett, Thirst Knows No Season
Kicking off with a light-hearted caper, ending with happy tears — that's what we look for in an Italian jaunt. And even if you're not heading over to Europe anytime soon, sitting in a cinema this September might be the next best thing, in the form of the 2017 Italian Film Festival. Marking its 18th year, Australia's annual celebration of Italy's filmmaking finest will kick off with screwball effort Let Yourself Go!, which won the 2017 Italian Golden Globe for best comedy, stars The Great Beauty's Toni Servillo, and follows a tightly wound psychoanalyst's dalliance with an upbeat personal trainer. Bookending the festival is a 20th anniversary screening of Roberto Benigni's bittersweet Life Is Beautiful, an Academy Award winner for best foreign language film. One of the more popular film events in Australia, IFF's 28-film, six-week national tour features brand new highlights, excursions off the beaten track, jaunts all over the country and an ode to coffee. Yes, there really is a film called Coffee in the program, which intertwines three tales about everyone's favourite caffeinated brew, and was inspired by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's 2006 Oscar-winner Babel. As for the rest of the fest, highlights include the tender portrait of conjoined twin sisters that is Indivisible (the festival's centrepiece), to Sea Girls Dreaming, a documentary about carefree grandmothers living in the tiny Italian mountain village of Daone. Plus, Italian movie buffs can also enjoy romantic comedy Emma, which comes to Australia straight from the Venice Film Festival, and the based-on-a-true-tale Sicilian Ghost Story, about the disappeared teenage son of a Mafia informant. There's more where they came from, including Roman ex-cons attempting to start a new life, broad Christmas comedies and topical accounts of ex-terrorists fleeing extradition — and a special guest and a new initiative. This year's festival will welcome Australian-Italian actor Greta Scacchi, who'll attend screenings of her latest effort Tenderness, and sit on IFF's first jury. The Looking for Alibrandi star will help pick the festival's best from a six-film competition, with help from The Space Between's Ruth Borgobello, actor Daniela Farinacci, actor Damian Walshe-Howling and Radio National's Jason di Rosso.
Hophaus Bavarian Bier Bar Grill is hosting its annual charity dachshund race once again this September — and, frankly, you shouldn't need any more information to understand why that's a thing you should care about. Returning to the Southbank German restaurant, the teckelrennen is an Oktoberfest tradition, and will see sausage dogs from far and wide pumping their stubby little legs for gold and glow. The first heat kicks off at 11am on Saturday, September 23, with the grand champion expected to be crowned later that afternoon. There'll also be a costume competition, because the only thing better than dachshunds is dachshunds in tiny adorable outfits. It isn't just all for the fun of it though — all money raised from entry fees paid by competitors will be donated to Dachshund Rescue Australia. Over the last two years the event has raised over $6000. https://player.vimeo.com/video/139814129
If seasonal change has left you in a dizzy headspin of brand new colours and fabrics and prints and jackets — or if, y'know, you just like some fancy new clothes now and then — you'll be pretty pleased to know that the Big Fashion Sale is coming back to Melbourne for three days this October. The name pretty much says it all. This thing is big. You'll find lush items from past collections, samples and one-offs from over 20 cult Australian and international designers, both well-known and emerging, including Stella McCartney, Missoni, Karla Špetić, Studio Elke, Christopher Kane, Benah, Marni and more. With discounts of up to 80 percent off, this is one way of upping your street cred with designer threads that'll leave your bank balance sitting pretty too. Prices this low tend to inspire a certain level of ruthlessness in all of us, though, so practise that grabbing reflex in advance. This is every man and lady for themselves. The Big Fashion Sale will be open 9am till 7pm Friday, 10am till 6pm Saturday, and 10am till 4pm Sunday.
Further cementing its status as a hot-spot for musicians and music fans alike, the City of Port Phillip is gearing up for the return of its Live N Local Festival, from August 19–26. The eight-day celebration of live, local sounds brings with it a cracking line-up of big-name talent, free gigs hosted in unexpected venues and an extensive artist development program of workshops and talks. Join in the fun as the newly relaunched Acland Street Plaza kicks things off with an August 19 'pop-up' party, featuring a record fair, live broadcast from PBS DJ Emma Peel and a brass-filled performance from Horns of Leroy. Looking deeper into the festival, Southside Twang and Soul at Starward Distillery will see the whisky makers team their signature cocktails with live tunes from La Bastard and Vasco Era's Sid O'Neill, local artists will add some rhythm to your morning rush with a series of Commuter Carols pop-up sessions and St Kilda's Sacred Heart Church will play host to a female-focused showcase of singer-songwriter talent with Women of Song. There's even a full program dedicated to events where music and eats combine, and with the festival kicking off at Starward, it's only fitting to close it out with an after party at Melbourne Moonshine Distillery featuring acts by local garage, rock and punk bands. Live N Local Festival returns to the City of Port Phillip from August 19–26. Jump over to the Live N Local website to check out the program and start planning your festival hit-list.
Throw on your winter coat and head out into the night as the Glow Winter Arts Festivaal returns to Melbourne's southeast for its fourth year. Hosted by the City of Stonnington over 11 chilly nights, this after-dark arts fest celebrates the best that local creatives have to offer, with everything from comedy acts to dazzling light projections to tempt you out into the cold. With a solid progra m of free and ticketed events stretching from Windsor to Malvern, figuring out an itinerary is no easy feat. Following on from Fitzroy's Gertrude Street Projection Festival and Footscray's West Projections, Glow will employ lights, projection art and lots of neon to bring the area to life once the sun goes down. Malvern East's Central Park oval will become Alice's Garden with surreal larger-than-life flowers, mushrooms and rainbows, while Greville Street will be lit up from 6pm each night. Punters will have plenty to discover on a little wander, with guerrilla opera taking over Greville on August 19 and Helpman Award-nominated theatre If These Walls Could Talk..? showing over at Chapel Off Chapel for two nights. For the complete Glow Winter Arts Festival program, go here. Images: Phoebe Dunn.
For the second instalment of the annual Small Works group exhibition, more than 60 local and international artists have come together to present their best works under 25cm². Held at Brunswick's BeinArt Gallery, Small Works 2017 showcases art from numerous much-loved and established artists, as well as relative newcomers to the art world. From oil paintings to acrylic, embroidery works and illustrations, Small Works 2017 has brought together a rich and diverse range of artists. Highlights include Miles Johnstone's distorted pencil drawings, Johnson Tsang's Class Series of porcelain babies, and "sculptural oddities" by Mahlimae. The exhibition is open now and runs until Sunday August 20 at BeinArt Gallery and provides the perfect opportunity to pick up some fantastic pint-sized artworks for your collection.
Having worked with a who's who of actors, athletes and entertainers, American photographer David LaChapelle is known as one of the forefront fashion photographers of our time. Never before seen in Australia, the Art Gallery of Ballarat will host a major exhibition of LaChapelle's most famous portraits, fashion shoots, and fine art projects. Getting his start for Andy Warhol's Interview Magazine at just the age of 17, throughout a hugely successful career, LaChapelle has photographed the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Pamela Anderson, David Beckham and Madonna. Having retired from the fashion industry in 2006, LaChapelle underwent a period of self-discovery, emerging inspired to return to fine art and commentate on social issues facing the world today. This period has seen LaChapelle produce cutting-edge photography that explores consumerism, atonement and salvation, while highlighting themes around contemporary art practice and history. Showcasing more than 90 of his works, David LaChapelle headlines the Ballarat International Foto Biennale and runs from Saturday, August 19 until Sunday, September 17. Image: David LaChapelle, Last Supper (2003).
James Batchelor — the recipient of Chunky Move's 2017 Next Wave Commission — has created a new dance piece that explores the unknown. Redshift will premiere on November 23 and incorporates ideas of human treatment of the unknown, why we chase it, and how we recognise and capture it. Time and space are stretched; elements of surrealism and humour make their way in. The ambitious project comes from a creator whose recent experiences have ventured into the unknown too — Batchelor joined a team of scientists, students, artists and crew in 2016 on an expedition to the sub-Antarctic Heard and McDonald Islands. His experiences there led him to the creation of Redshift. Resulting from a continued collaboration with visual artist Annalise Rees and sound designer Morgan Hickinbotham, the work aims to explore these encounters of the body with the universe, and how we go about mapping them and the greater unknown.
"Goodbye Christopher Robin," announces the title of this treacly biopic. Goodbye subtlety and and emotional nuance, too. A true tale about Winnie-the-Pooh author AA Milne, his son, and the loveable bear that made them both famous, this is a movie that doesn't trust its audience to laugh or cry without being told when and how much. Eeyore's constant moping and Tigger's bouncy zest seem almost restrained in comparison. The handsomely staged effort sets its sights on a shell-shocked Milne (Domhnall Gleeson) in the wake of the First World War. He's rattled by London life following his experiences on the battlefield, much to the dismay of his socialite wife Daphne (Margot Robbie). A move to the country doesn't seem to help matters either — or at least it doesn't until a stint in the surrounding forest without Daphne or live-in nanny Olive (Kelly Macdonald), when the writer and his eight-year-old son Christopher Robin (Will Tilston) imagine a whole new world with the help of some stuffed toys. If it worked for Peter Pan and Mary Poppins, then it can work for Winnie-the-Pooh. Or at least, that's what director Simon Curtis (Woman in Gold) appears to think. Indeed, as Finding Neverland and Saving Mr. Banks did before it, Goodbye Christopher Robin presents itself as a behind-the-scenes origin story, but soon proves more interested in riding an easy wave of affection. Given that everyone's favourite fictional bear is involved, there's ample love flowing, of course. Alas, though the movie's approach is well-intentioned, the end result remains noticeably heavy-handed. An overwrought score, uninspired cinematography and pacing that pauses for impact every time something notable happens are just a few of the film's particularly grating elements — although arguably the biggest problem is the mismatch between the script and the way it's been executed. Screenwriters Frank Cottrell-Boyce (The Railway Man) and Simon Vaughan aren't afraid to take the narrative to darker corners, touching on the trauma of war, the difficulties of marriage and motherhood, the struggle of having your childhood suddenly opened to the public, and the distance that can grow between a father and a son. Sadly, Curtis would rather skip nostalgically past the bleaker material, or wring it to inspire easy waterworks. Filmmakers underestimating their viewers isn't new. Nor is spoon-feeding plot developments and signposting sentiment, pairing a cute kid with a grumpy adult, or leaning on pop culture commodities. Goodbye Christopher Robin is guilty of all of the above — but, more than that, it's guilty of squandering its potential. As the great performances from young Tilston and the suitably conflicted Gleeson both show, there's plenty of emotion and drama to be found in the Milnes' story without smothering it in honey. As Winnie himself would say: "oh bother." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jb6gC-G2-6c
Over two days this week discover the hidden masterpieces of artists living and working in Melbourne's inner west with Maribyrnong City Council's Open Studios in the West. Through a self-guided tour, you'll be able to wander in and out of the studios, galleries and workshops of some of Melbourne's most interesting artists, performers and designers in Footscray, Yarraville, Maidstone and Braybrook. These artists will welcome you into their studios — be it their backyard shed, a warehouse, or even their own lounge room. It's a great opportunity to experience the inspiration and working spaces of a diverse range of the city's creatives. Alongside the artistic wandering, the Maribyrnong City Council will be hosting a number of events, including an illustration exhibition by artist-in-residence Serene Lau, artist talks at Footscray Library and drawing workshops at The Art Room in Footscray. For the full program, visit the website.
Ben Stiller is having a very good year. The actor has only made two movies, and neither have really proven to be a stretch for him, but when it comes to middle-aged malaise in soul-searching comedy-dramas, he well and truly knows what he's doing. The furrowed brow, the frustrated gaze, the constant passive-aggression streaming towards everyone his characters interact with: if you've seen Greenberg, While You're Young or this year's The Meyerowitz Stories, then you definitely know the type. And while Brad's Status mightn't reach quite the same heights as any of those titles, it still demonstrates Stiller doing what he does best. Playing the eponymous Brad, Stiller gets ample chances to show off his world-weary on-screen persona. Running his own non-profit organisation, married to the laid-back Melanie (Jenna Fischer) and about to see his son Troy (Austin Abrams) off to college, Brad still finds himself unhappy with his lot in life — purely because he hasn't done as well as his former friends. Nick (the film's writer-director Mike White) is a Hollywood hotshot, tech wiz Billy (Jemaine Clement) has retired to Hawaii with stacks of cash, and Jason (Luke Wilson) has a high-powered hedge fund job, a wealthy wife and a growing family. Meanwhile, the last time Brad saw author and TV political commentator Craig (Michael Sheen), he asked for a favour and didn't hear back. White's script, his third this year after The Emoji Movie and Beatriz at Dinner, uses a trip to Boston to stoke Brad's anxieties about his status. It's not really a surprising development; he's touring college campuses with Troy, and thinking about who he was when he was a student, who he is now, and the difference between his youthful dreams and his current reality. Just as Stiller isn't flirting with anything particularly fresh, but still knocks his performance out of the park, White does much same behind the camera. Having previously directed Year of the Dog and TV's Enlightened, the filmmaker is no stranger to pondering how people see their place in the world — and their reactions when they contemplate making a change. Here, of course, White has rich material to mine, especially in today's social media-obsessed world. Brad's Status shows Brad scrolling through his old pals' Facebook and Instagram feeds and fantasising about the glamorous lives he's sure they're living. Sound familiar? Far from simply serving up a Generation X riff on Ingrid Goes West, however, White also unpacks Brad's sense of entitlement as a perfectly comfortable white guy living in Sacramento (#firstworldproblems). On top of that, he probes the envy that can spring when a parent thinks their child might grow to eclipse them. It's an ostensibly straightforward, emotionally dense scenario, albeit one that overplays Brad's inner monologue a tad. There's an interesting balancing act at work here, one that Brad's Status aces more than it might initially appear. While the film's warm visuals might seem to clash with its pointed score, they encapsulate a movie that's both affectionate towards its flawed protagonist and painfully aware of his many faults. That, if nothing else, is something you don't see every day. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43jt74GwBmk
UPDATE, April 16, 2021: Brigbsy Bear is available to stream via iTunes and Amazon Video. In Brigsby Bear, a grown man finds himself unable to let go of his childhood obsession. No, it's not a documentary. While farewelling beloved franchises, characters and TV shows is an increasingly rare occurrence in today's remake-, revamp-, reboot- and resurrection-centric popular culture, this sweet, insightful and genuinely moving comedy doesn't simply chronicle an adult fanboy suffering from a severe bout of arrested development. Brigsby Bear's furry heart beats with more than easy nostalgia. For the shy and awkward James Pope (writer and star Kyle Mooney, best known for his work on Saturday Night Live), his love of Brigsby Bear Adventures and its eponymous animal hero isn't driven by a wistful yearning for a past long passed. The television series might look like a relic – with its cheap sets, stilted acting and kid-friendly life lessons – and yet a new episode arrives like clockwork on VHS every week. James devours each instalment with wide-eyed enthusiasm, in his room packed wall-to-wall with Brigsby merchandise. Having spent the bulk of his life in a homely underground bunker with just his parents (Mark Hamill and Jane Adams) for company, it's literally the only escape he knows. It's also his only experience of the world beyond his contained existence. Directed by Dave McCary and co-written by Kevin Costello (two of Mooney's primary school pals), Brigbsy Bear follows James' reaction when he's thrust out of his comfort zone, forced to interact with reality and confronted with the realisation that his favourite program isn't quite what he thinks. The precise nature of the revelation is best discovered by watching, though it's not a spoiler to say that his post-Brigsby life comes as quite a shock. As he endeavours to cope, the film couldn't be more earnest or astute in exploring why we become so attached to shows and movies, or the cathartic role they play in shaping how we approach the world. Sure, it might sound like the kind of quirky concept that Mooney could satirise in an SNL skit, but empathy rather than parody proves the guiding principle here. Steeped in warmth as well as melancholy, while also flirting with darker territory, Brigsby Bear is the type of film that's cute yet never cloying, heartfelt but not schmaltzy, and amusing without resorting to caricature. It's a big bear hug of a movie, but one that ultimately makes it clear that even the most eager embraces can't last forever. Thanks to McCary's DIY-esque aesthetic, Brigbsy Bear offers viewers quite a cosy visual cuddle as well, reminiscent of Be Kind Rewind and YouTube fan films. Hey, if you're going to make a film about undying '80s-style passions, you have to make it look the part. Throw in Mooney's impressively deadpan central performance, and this is a flick that excels in hitting the right notes — in its images, its themes and its emotions alike. And, like the fictional show at its centre, it also imparts a lasting message: we're more than the things we love, but we wouldn't be who we are without them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MdrGM27yQ8
When you're celebrating Irish cinema in Australia, there's nothing like a movie made in the former with talent from the latter to connect the two together. And, if it involves one of the stars of beloved Aussie comedy Muriel's Wedding, even better. Last year, Toni Collette was in the spotlight at the Irish Film Festival, but this year it's Rachel Griffiths' turn. She's absolutely compelling in intimate drama Mammal, one of the five features on the eight-film program. Screening at the CBD's Kino Cinema from April 6–8, this year's festival boasts everything from a comedy based on a true crime tale (The Young Offenders) to a documentary about the troubles of oil and fishing at the sea narrated by actor Brendan Gleeson (Atlantic), plus plenty in between. That includes a relationship drama that tackles unplanned pregnancy with sensitivity (Twice Shy), plus a heartwarming account of two young people with learning disabilities falling in love (Sanctuary). Plus, for those who missed it at the Melbourne Queer Film Festival, the festival kicks off with the charming love and friendship-focused A Date for Mad Mary, complete with a breakout performance from Irish talent Seána Kerslake. Throw in docos about Bobby Sands' famous hunger strike (Bobby Sands: 66 Days) and two friends selling mattresses (Mattress Men), and you've got yourself a short but sweet feast of Ireland's finest filmmaking.
First it was the Cheese Festival. Then it was the Sausage Fest. Finally, Prahran Market completed the holy trio of meats, cheese and chocolate with — you guessed it — a chocolate festival. After a delicious start in 2016, the Wicked Chocolate Festival returns for another year on Sunday, May 7. As well as on-stage talks about the stuff, a kitchen where you can see how it's made and tasting events, Melbourne's finest will be pulling out their best chocolate creations at the Pop-Up Chocolate Precinct. This will include — are you ready for this? — chocolate doughnuts from Doughboys, a chocolate dessert pizza from 400 Gradi, a chocolate butter bar from King Valley Dairy, and a caravan bar serving chocolate cocktails. There'll be everything from hot chocolate to cold chocolate (read: ice cream), and rich chocolate mousse to choc salted caramel lollipops. Want more? There'll also be a chocolate fountain. The market is known for their decidedly delicious events, and this one is set to be just as epic and coma-inducing — especially if you enter the chocolate eating competition. The Weiss Chocolate Eating Comp will see seven contestants pitted against each other to see who can eat the most chocolate in two minutes. They'll win a $250 prize pack, which includes market goodies and — you guessed it — more chocolate. Contestants will be selected by ballot — so to enter, just email your name, age and phone number through to chocolate@prahranmarket.com.au before April 24. In the meantime, we suggest you start practicing with some blocks of Cadbury Dairy Milk and a few rounds of The Chocolate Game. Fingers crossed you roll a few sixes.
Once, Ned Kelly and Mark "Chopper" Read called it home. Soon, a microbrewery, pub, 15-screen cinema and apartments will do just that instead. Yes, the times are certainly a-changin' at Coburg's Pentridge Prison, with 2017 marking 20 years since the site stopped its incarceration operations — and also marking the first time they're throwing a two-day festival. What was formerly Victoria's longest running gaol will host an all-ages fest filled live music, market stalls and food trucks on April 8 and 9, in what is hoped will become a yearly event. Attendees keen to get a dose of the facility's past can break up the eating and tunes with hourly tours of the prison's B Division, exercise yards and solitary confinement cells. Music-wise, the lineup features local acts such as Big Words, Cumbia Massive, Billy Davis and Funkalleros, while meals on wheels will be served up by Mr Burger, Beatbox Kitchen, Pasta Face, White Guy Cooks Thai and Billy Van Creamy, among others. Indeed, the fest has lured the likes of Zero 95 and Fancy Hank's to turn into food truck vendors for the event, treating visitors to their tasty fare beyond their usual four walls. It wouldn't be an outdoor food festival without picnic rugs aplenty — with everyone in the vicinity encouraged to hang out on the grass in the Pentridge piazza — or a beer garden bringing some booze to the celebration. Best of all, the event is free. Unlike the site's residents from times gone by, you won't want to leave.
The publishing collective Heavy Time is back at it again, this time launching their new venture, The Heavy Time institute. The Institute is a community building exercise, based in Collingwood for now, that will build workshops, exhibitions and presentations around social and creative themes. They've got a sweet line-up of events coming up in next few months to pencil into your calendar, starting with the This Is a Song exhibition curated by Benedict Brink, which is showing at the RVCA Corner Gallery until April 9. Their residency in the space will also feature a temporary bookshop featuring a curated selection of mags, zines and pieces from local folk. If you're in the neighbourhood, stop by and check out the raw and real group exhibition while it's still there.
UPDATE, March 26, 2021: Raw is available to stream via Stan, Binge, Shudder, Google Play, YouTube Movies and iTunes. Cinematic explorations of teen sexuality are fairly common. So is finding the horrific side of adolescent desires and urges. Indeed, there are plenty of scary big screen stories about teens battling their feelings as well as a deadly figure or force, with the filmmakers practically yelling "METAPHOR!" at the audience. But pairing such tales with cannibalism? That's something a little more unusual. Here's hoping that your stomach is empty, because Raw offers quite the filling meal. First, the rotting carcass in the room. When Julia Ducournau's debut feature screened at the Toronto International Film Festival last year, an ambulance had to be called to look after fainting movie-goers. Raw isn't actually the wall-to-wall gore-fest you might have been led to believe, but red bodily fluids do flow freely, severed limbs certainly feature, and downing rabbit kidneys with vodka is one of the more tame occurrences to fill the film's frames. Basically, the film isn't recommended viewing for those who easily get queasy. Thanks to its far-from-standard take on the savagery of growing up, however, it's absolutely vital viewing for everyone else. When the quiet and studious Justine (Garance Marillier) is dropped off at veterinary school by her vegan vet parents, she's awash with both excitement about what's to come and reluctance about leaving her old existence behind. Marillier delivers an astonishingly astute and fluid performance, and you can see both emotions swirling behind her expressive doe eyes. The look remains when Justine is dragged out of bed in the middle of the night as part of a hazing ritual, and when she's forced to attend a raucous, rave-like subterranean party. It flickers strongly when she's told, despite her protests, to eat meat, receiving absolutely no assistance from her older sister Alexia (Ella Rumpf) who also attends the same college. And, when Justine breaks out in a rash soon after gulping back her first mouthful, it positively beams from her gaze. With a ravenous appetite for dissecting what it means to chew upon adulthood when you're still just a teenage girl — one that aptly matches her protagonist's new craving for human flesh — Ducournau slices through the typical cliches to create a film that is both thought-provoking and a sensory feast. Saying that the movie is meaty might seem a little bit easy, but as its writer-director cooks up a distinctive platter of body horror musings – taking inspiration from genre king David Cronenberg while carving out her own space – such an adjective really couldn't be more fitting. To put it simply, if you have the constitution for it, you're going to want to consume every last morsel of Ducournau's film. Your eyes will drink in the visceral thrills that come from the bites and the splatter. Your ears will soak in a score that knows when to keep things simple and when to season with pounding pressure. Finally, your brain will hunger for more as it gnaws upon the onslaught of emotional and physical carnage. Bon appétit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDiVGDmgsFY
Whenever a part of the country goes into lockdown due to the pandemic, businesses are hit hard. Even if the return to stay-at-home conditions is brief, cafes, restaurants and bars can't trade as normal, and neither can retail stores that aren't deemed essential. Suppliers who work in the events industry and accommodation providers are all impacted as well — including small- and medium-sized businesses, plus sole traders. When the state last went into lockdown back in February, the Victorian Government announced a $143-million support package designed to help businesses impacted. Now that another seven-day lockdown is in effect, it has launched a new $250.7 million offering. This time, the funds are designed to help around 90,000 businesses, with the new plan split into three different initiatives. More than doubling the amount allocated in February, the Business Cost Assistance Program will receive an extra $190.01 million in funding. It'll cover one-off payments of $2500 for businesses operating in industries that can't operate under the circuit-breaker restrictions — and can't work remotely. Also receiving more funding: the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund, an initiative that has been providing financial support to licensed venues impacted by COVID-19 restriction since late 2020. It'll receive $40.7 million in this new round, and offer $3500 grants per premises. And, $20 million will go to providers in the events industry, specifically to cover losses incurred as a result of the current restrictions. Exactly how the Victorian Events Support Package will work hasn't been revealed as yet, however. While accommodation providers were covered by the Victorian Accommodation Support Program back in February, this time they're asked to apply for the aforementioned Business Cost Assistance Program alongside restaurants, cafes and non-essential retailers. Event suppliers are also eligible for the latter scheme, in addition to the targeted Victorian Events Support Package. Hoping to help a Victorian business by scoring another travel voucher? This time, you aren't in luck. No announcements have been made there, either — and whether the announced Melbourne Money rebates for CBD dining will go ahead as planned from Friday, June 11 will obviously depend on whether lockdown extends beyond its current end date of 11.59pm on Thursday, June 3. The Victorian Government has announced a $250.7 million support package designed to assist businesses impacted by the state's current circuit-breaker lockdown. To find out more, head to the Business Victoria website.
Whether you regularly take advantage of its open spaces, simply rush across it while you're walking through the city or just occasionally frequent some of its sites, if you're a Melburnian, you probably have some thoughts on Federation Square. The Flinders Street spot has become a significant part of the city since it first opened back in 2002 — and, as it nears the end of its second decade, the Victorian Government is asking for input about the space's future. As part of a review that was launched earlier this year, interested parties can supply their thoughts, wants, hopes and dreams for Fed Square during the now-open community consultation process. And, given recent events, it's likely that plenty of folks have some pretty strong views. It was only back in April that the site's planned big revamp — the controversial construction of Apple's first Australian flagship store, which would've involved the demolition of the Yarra Building — was canned after vocal backlash. [caption id="attachment_685146" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Federation Square[/caption] Fed Square will still be undergoing a significant change anyway, thanks to the $11 billion Metro Tunnel. One of the project's new stations, at Town Hall, will include an entrance at Fed Square's northwest corner — as well as an underground pedestrian connection to the site and Flinders Street Station. Taking planned developments into consideration, the current review is seeking specific feedback on how Federation Square functions as a public space and meeting place. The government is pondering opening the site up with more public space, as well as providing a better connection to the Yarra River. If you have a burning idea, you have until the end of September to complete the Federation Square Review online survey.
Lobster has long been the fancy champagne of the seafood world. For most of us, it's the kind of dish that you can only justify having when you really feel like going all out and treating yo'self — but, for the next few weeks, the indulgent crustacean-based meal is gracing Betty's Burgers' menu. Combining fresh lobster meat, the chain's special mayonnaise, shallots, chives, lemon and spice, Betty's new lobster roll is now on offer at all of its 22 Australian stores. If your stomach is already rumbling, you can tuck into one for $19 — or combine it with fries and a glass of wine for $29. You'll need to get in quickly, though, with the lobster roll only available for a limited time. Just how long you'll be able to nab one for hasn't been revealed, but it's expected to only last a few weeks. Known for its Shake Shack-style burgs and frozen custard desserts (called concretes), Betty's is making a foray into lobster to celebrate its beachy roots. While you can now grab a Betty's burger at six Sydney outlets, four Melbourne spots, four Brisbane outposts, one Toowoomba eatery and one location in Adelaide, the company first began in Noosa, and then expanded to the Gold Coast. Betty's Burgers' lobster roll is available at all 22 Australian stores for a limited time. For more information and to find your nearest store, visit Betty's Burgers' website.
