Ever since Margaret and David exited our lives after the conclusion of At The Movies last year, there has been a bit of a hole in our film-loving hearts. Thankfully, neither one of them has fully retired, and David Stratton for one has certainly been busy. Stratton brings Australian audiences the inaugural Great British Retro Film Festival, for which he is both curator and patron. The festival will be touring nationally, but for a slice of the action in Melbourne, head to the Nova and embrace your inner Brit. The festival includes 19 films of Britain’s greatest contributions to cinema. As you can imagine, the program is filled to the brim with classics, such as 2001: Space Odyssey, Sense and Sensibility, Lawrence of Arabia and Brief Encounter. There are five classics from the esteemed Powell and Pressburger catalogue, but more modern works such as Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire also get a look in for those who like to celebrate Britain's more recent achievements in cinema as well.
If you consider yourself an expert on street food — and really, at this point who isn't? — this is the event for you. Combining all of Melbourne's best bite-sized dishes and conveniently grouping them together on the deck of Circa, The Prince (no searching for food trucks here), Street Feud aims to settle domestic arguments and appease the gastronomically indecisive by deciding who lays claim to Melbourne's best street food. As part of a string of events for the Month of The Prince, Street Feud not only gives you the opportunity to taste each venue's best dish, but the ability to openly judge it as well. Joining Acland St Cantina this Sunday, April 27 will be Fonda, newly-opened Charlie Dumpling, the Newmarket Hotel and sisters Hannoi Hannah and Saigon Sally — all vying to win you over one taco/dumpling/arepa at a time. Give your fave morsel the thumbs up and one vendor will be given the glory of the people of the streets and crowned as Melbourne's 'Street Feud Specialists'. We hear that Acland St Cantina's pork and chipotle arepas will be making an appearance, as will the milk chocolate and chilli sugar dumplings from Charlie Dumpling. So, you know. Tickets are $39 and include one tasty dish from each vendor.
Cute creatures are never far from the silver screen, and neither are the loving bonds between pets and their people. From animated kids films to tear-jerking dramas, the connection between humans and animals is a movie staple — and yet, Heart of a Dog is unlike anything you've ever seen before. Thi personal, poetic and poignant cine-essay is a heartfelt love letter to a canine that made director Laurie Anderson's life brighter; an introspective yet expressive catalogue of her inner musings; and an examination of the mortality that stalks those with both two legs and four. It's also one of the ways that the artist and filmmaker tried to process her grief for not only the titular pooch, but for her husband Lou Reed, to whom the film is dedicated. That's a wide and vast array of content swirling around in one package, but swirl it does. It ebbs and flows, waxes and wanes, and bursts forward and then fades; seemingly shifting, switching and segueing whenever the mood strikes. Flitting between hand-drawn images, photographs, archival clips and even a canine's-eye view of the world, Heart of a Dog is as concerned with capturing and cultivating sensations and emotions as it is telling tales and exploring topics. Indeed, if ever there's been a movie equivalent of stepping inside someone's brain, then this is it. A rat terrier named Lolabelle, lovingly captured in home videos before her death in 2011, provides the starting point for the intimate excursion into Anderson's thoughts, feelings, worries and wonderings — and when you see the pooch, you'll understand why. There's a sparkle in her eye, just as there's a lift in Anderson's voice whenever she shares her recollections of the critter that was more than just part of the family. But, memories are like branches: they each reach out in a different direction. Lolabelle inspires many a new subject as Anderson's mind keeps wandering. In some moments, she dives deep into her childhood, including her relationship with her mother. In others, she ruminates upon the Tibetan Book of the Dead, and the broader, existential matters that it conjures. And in yet others she lets viewers watch as Lolabelle plays tunes on an electronic keyboard. Whatever she's stumbling across or putting on the screen, Anderson offers honest slivers of her life that prove astonishingly universal, while simultaneously making the weighty seem both intimate and personal. With all this in mind, it shouldn't surprise anyone that Heart of a Dog is something that you experience rather than simply view. In the process, gaining a thorough appreciation for both the artistry and just how hard Anderson and company worked to achieve it is all part of the package. It mightn't seem like it when you're roaming through her innermost thoughts and fears – in fact, the feature is so fluid that it appears rather effortless – but making a movie like this isn't easy to make. Nothing this earnest, resonant and revealing ever is.
Demi Lardner's comedy, in one word? Strange. The young South Australian comic has a bucketload of awards to her name, including Best Newcomer at Sydney Comedy Festival and the So You Think You're Funny? Award at Edinburgh Fringe. The listing for her latest show, I Love Skeleton, doesn't offer too many clues as to what we can expect — other than "Demi Lardner is the primary source of nutrition for infant mammals...A good serve of Demi Lardner can make your bones strong and handsome" — but if you want to get a feel for her work check out her baffling performance during last year's Melbourne International Comedy Festival gala.
Cancel your plans for Sunday, June 20, because you're spending an afternoon supporting local musicians. Originally set to take place over three days but adapting and rescheduling following Melbourne's lockdown, Ballroom Blitz will see Cool Sounds, Snowy Band, Martin Frawley and Emily Ulman play the new Brunswick Ballroom. Formerly the Spotted Mallard, the site has reopened all shiny and fresh for 2021. Come check out these fresh digs and see newish and emerging acts who were robbed by the pandemic of their chance to tour in 2020 The Sunday session starts at 3pm — and will treat you to some of the city's best up-and-comers. Images: Nicole Cleary
Nutella has a legion of fans. Peanut butter, too. But for those who are't so fond of nuts, or happen to be allergic to them, Lotus Biscoff cookie butter spread has emerged as a very worthy alternative. It's made from the crumbs of Lotus Biscoff caramelised biscuits, comes in creamy and crunchy varieties and, understandably, has picked up quite a following. Last year, Australians were also able to enjoy Lotus Biscoff cookie butter spread in their gelato, thanks to a limited-edition flavour at Gelatissimo. In 2021, another team up is bringing the spread to your tastebuds in a creative fashion — this time thanks to Krispy Kreme's new range of Lotus Biscoff doughnuts. If you've ever had trouble choosing between slathering Belgium's Lotus Biscoff cookie butter spread over bread or munching your way through a circular baked good or two, you no longer need to pick — at least while stocks last at Krispy Kreme stores around the country, and at 7-Elevens as well. Two types are available, with the 'Lotus Biscoff Ring' taking an original glazed doughnut, smothering it with Lotus Biscoff spread, and adding a swirl of Lotus Biscoff crème on top. As for the 'Lotus Biscoff Cheesecake' version, it's dipped in the spread, filled with cream cheese frosting, and then topped with Lotus Biscoff crumbs and chocolate ganache. The Lotus Biscoff doughnuts are also available via Krispy Kreme delivery, click and collect, Uber Eats, Menulog and Deliveroo. Krispy Kreme's Biscoff doughnuts are available from all stores nationwide while stocks last (including via Krispy Kreme delivery, click and collect, Uber Eats, Menulog and Deliveroo) and at 7-Eleven stores nationally.
It was the food combination that had to happen, given Melbourne's hearty love of both burgers and dumplings. And, when Burma Lane mashed the two together, it became the most popular item on their menu. Of course it did. That was a year ago. So to celebrate 12 months of eating wagyu cheeseburger bacon dumplings with Vietnamese tomato sauce, the Little Collins Street restaurant is serving them up for $1 each. Yes, you read that correctly, and they're available to both dine-in and takeaway customers for the three days between January 16 and 18. Because everyone loves cheap food, the deal is limited to five per customer. For those unfamiliar with this epic hybrid, they're exactly what they sound like: Wagyu beef, cheese and bacon, parcelled up together and then steamed. Oh, and then devoured quick smart, naturally. Usually, you'd spend $17 for four, so if you weren't convinced already, you are now.
In the scene that gives Never Rarely Sometimes Always its name, 17-year-old Autumn (Sidney Flanigan) sits with a counsellor at Planned Parenthood in Brooklyn. The teen hails from Pennsylvania, but has taken the bus east with her cousin Skylar (Talia Ryder) upon discovering that she's pregnant and realising she only really has one option — knowing that her family is unlikely to help, and after her local women's clinic has advised that she should just have the baby. Before she can obtain the New York facility's assistance, however, she is asked questions about her history. The queries broach tough and intimate subjects, but Autumn only needs to answer with one of the words from the movie's moniker. While they're simple and common, those four terms explain much about why a small-town high-schooler is engaging in a practice that's been dubbed 'abortion tourism'. So too does the silence that punctuates her responses and the heartbreaking expression on her face that goes with them. From its opening frames, which sketch out Autumn's everyday life — the taunting peers, the awkward dynamic at home, the attentions of her boss at her after-school supermarket job, and the efforts to be seen by performing at her class concert — Never Rarely Sometimes Always is an intricately observed and stunningly detailed film. Accordingly, when the aforementioned scene arrives, it's the latest potent, compassionate and revealing moment in a movie filled with them. But filmmaker Eliza Hittman refuses to give viewers even the tiniest reprieve here. Autumn can't escape these difficult questions or the entire experience she's dealing with, and the audience is forced into the same situation. Maintaining the feature's unobtrusive, naturalistic, almost documentary-esque style, cinematographer Hélène Louvart (Happy as Lazzaro) doesn't look away, while first-time actor Flanigan pours out an entire lifetime's worth of feeling under the film's unrelenting gaze. When Never Rarely Sometimes Always premiered at this year's Sundance Film Festival back in January, it deservedly won a special jury prize. The next month, it took home Berlinale's Silver Bear, the festival's second most prestigious award. It now reaches screens Down Under as the year approaches its end, and releases less than a week after another movie delivered another immensely uncomfortable moment in a women's clinic. By almost all other metrics and measures, Never Rarely Sometimes Always and Borat Subsequent Moviefilm share little in common. And yet, both understand how reproductive rights, or the lack thereof in many cases and places, say much about America today. Both make viewers stare unflinchingly at that reality, the way that it disadvantages half of the population, and the life-changing effect it can have on teenage girls and their futures. Never Rarely Sometimes Always is a movie about the politicisation of a deeply personal subject, how that has far-reaching repercussions, and what that means on a daily and practical basis. Making clear exactly what Autumn has to go through to even get to that distressing clinic chat, it's a gut-punch of a film on the topic, in fact. Anchored by Flanigan's instinctual, unaffected performance — one of the year's best, in one of its best films — Hittman's feature surveys the vacant storefronts and empty-hearted locals in Autumn's home town, and the way her mother (Sharon Van Etten) is also trapped in her own way. It watches as Skylar steals the cash needed to finance their trip from the register at work, and shows how the more outgoing teen is unwavering in supporting her reserved cousin. It takes the bus to NYC with its characters, stares out the window at a haze of brown landscape, then rides the subway all night when the pair can't afford a place to sleep in the city. The film meets the men, both overt and in the background, who try to grab the girls' attention, and follows the many choices that need to be made to just get to Autumn's appointment. 'Immersive' is an overused descriptor, but in a movie this meticulous, it fits. As should be evident from all of the above, Never Rarely Sometimes Always is something else as well: a tale of struggling youth. And as anyone who has seen 2013's It Felt Like Love and 2017's Beach Rats will know, there are few filmmakers better at spinning such stories than Hittman. When it comes to the teen experience, the American writer/director possesses a near-uncanny ability to navigate tense rivers of emotion through highly specific yet also highly relatable scenarios. Rather than focusing on sexual awakenings like its predecessors, Never Rarely Sometimes Always explores the aftermath of a tryst that's never seen or mentioned, but it still firmly belongs in their company. Why Autumn is pregnant is far less important than how she feels, what she's forced to endure and how the world constantly tries to make her choices for her — including by placing her in a parade of fraught situations that will only ever apply to women. It takes a vast amount of skill to tell this tale in not only a resonant manner, but also a sensitive one. It requires the same talent to ensure that every ebb and flow in Never Rarely Sometimes Always' seemingly straightforward narrative echoes across the screen, illustrating how thematically and emotionally complicated Autumn's plight is — and, by extension, those of the many other teens just like her as well. Doing just that in a movie that lets actions and images speak far louder than its sparse dialogue obviously falls into the same category. Hittman boasts all that skill and talent, and no second or detail is wasted under her guidance. As intimated by its protagonist's name, as taken from the season when the leaves fall, warmth fades and the weather's frostiest period approaches, this is a film about decay, loss and change in multiple ways — and it's as grim and gripping as it is outraged, empathetic and affecting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsWV2qTX21k
UPDATE Thursday, July 29: Pepe's Italian & Liquor has reopened following the latest lockdown, though with hospitality caps currently in place, your best bet may be to book a table in advance. For more details on Victoria's current restrictions, see the Department of Health and Human Services website. Has that planned ski trip been put on hold thanks to recent lockdowns and border closures? Mope no longer — you can shrug off the winter blues and find the answer to all those apres-ski cravings at Pepe's Italian & Liquor. The CBD spot has transformed itself into an Italian Alps-inspired winter wonderland for Pepe's Winter Chalet, complete with a snow machine, a custom-built sleigh and timber skis adorning the site. Here, prepare to feel like you've been transported to the top of a frosty mountain as you sip hot cocktails, frolic in the powder and breathe in the scent of cinnamon. The kitchen is plating up a limited-edition menu inspired by the flavours of Italy's South Tyrol alpine region, featuring the likes of spinach spätzle pasta with rabbit ragu, spicy vodka rigatoni and wild boar pizza. The drinks list is equally cosy, starring sips like the rye-infused Remember the Dolomites and an apple strudel hot toddy. What's more, if the whole set-up inspires a little von Trapp moment, you'll find the Sound of Music soundtrack playing on loop in the bathrooms. Sing-alongs are encouraged, of course.
You know there’s a big difference between drinking vodka because it's Friday and drinking vodka for its silky smooth tang. Ketel One knows it because they’ve spent the last 300 years refining family recipes that make Turducken look about as complex as 2 Minute Noodles, and now they’re on a quest to find one Australian craftsman who’s been equally zealous in turning a traditional craft into a contemporary masterpiece (though probably over a lesser period of time). This quest is called the Ketel One Modern Craft Project and it bears a legacy of $100,000. The winner will be someone who’s making the world a little more exciting to be in by blending a traditional craft with a modern entrepreneurial sprit. Deciding who that person is will be Ketel One’s 11th Generation Distiller, Bob Nolet, plus three experts who have earned complete license to judge you unreservedly: Gelati artisan Nick Palumbo of Gelato Messina, bespoke jeweller Lucy Folk of Lucy Folk Jewellery, and Christian Condo from the Modern Motor Cycle Company. The top 10 finalists will be filmed and showcased via a small bar exhibition in Sydney and Melbourne so that those skilled in the art of drinking can too pass judgement before the experts cast their final vote. Ketel One's Modern Craft Project is open to residents of Australia aged 25 and over, and you have until 1 December to get your entries in via themoderncraftproject.com
I don't know about you, but according to my Instagram feed, it seems like a mid-year trip to Tokyo has pretty much become a prerequiste to calling yourself an authentic Melburnian. Japanese-inspired fashion, food and cultural activities seem to be what's down with the kids these days, and while we may not have designated cat-petting cafes or vending machines that dispense used underwear (as far as I'm aware), Melbourne's affinity for all things Japanese has certainly come a long way since sushi and sake. At the very least, basically everyone has seen Lost In Translation by now. We've compiled a little guide to navigate you through the pockets from Zen to kawaii on our side of the Asia-Pacific. FASHION PET SHOP GIRLS Pet Shop Girls emerged in 2012 as a haven for gals with a penchant for Japanese steeze, with owner Chiara Ippoliti’s impeccable taste bridging the gap between cool and kawaii. It stocks cult Japanese brands including Ne-Net, Tsumori Chisato Cats and Merci Beaucoup as well as local darlings Dress Up, Pageant, Verner and POMS. You could play drunken, blindfolded dress-ups in Pet Shop Girls and still be guaranteed to emerge looking better than even the most considered selection from the 'snazzy' part of your existing wardrobe. Curtin House, Level 3, 252 Swanston Street, Melbourne City Sav Sav Melbourne babe Savannah Anand-Sobti's newly established accessories brand SavSav! draws inspiration from Japanese textiles and street style, using fabrics and knickknacks sourced on a recent trip to Japan to produce the best ever little clutches, totes and hugely popular fluffy pompom earrings (available at FAT stores). Seriously, since purchasing one of her circle purses I have become a notably more fun person. UNIQLO Autumn 2014 will see the opening of major Japanese retailer Uniqlo as a key tenant in the soon-to-be Melbourne Emporium on Lonsdale Street. It's renowned for its simple aesthetic, well-made basics and affordable price point, so never again will you need to rent a corner of Japan Visiting Friend's suitcases. ACTIVITIES ONSEN MA In almost all contexts, getting naked, scouring my body of all its sins and submerging my raw, vulnerable form in hot water for purification purposes is something that I’d probably take a rain check on. Pretty much the only place I’ll allow an exception to this stringent no public nakedness rule is in an onsen — a Japanese bathhouse where mind, body and soul cleansing is the game, and nudity is the only rule. Onsen Ma in the CBD offers the traditional bathing experiences, so get over yourself and get your kit off for ultimate relaxation, Japanese style. Level 1 / 12 -18 Meyers Place, Melbourne City JAPANESE FILM FESTIVAL In its 17th year, the Japanese Film Festival is travelling the country at the moment and will be stopping off in Melbourne between November 28 and December 8. Screening sessions at both ACMI and Hoyts Melbourne Central, the diverse program will cover everything from anime to sci-fi to an intriguing genre entitled 'So Hot Right Now'. Where do I sign up? LANGUAGE SCHOOL Since the only Japanese language in your vocabulary is probably heavily reliant upon emoji, you may want to consider actually taking a course, you big, Japan-loving phoney. If the personal joy of enriching your mind and cultural perspective isn’t enough to convince you, consider the fact that one of Melbourne’s most reputable Japanese language schools is called JAPANEASY. Cutest ever! With this knowledge, you would have to be a genuinely bad person not to enrol. Level 4, 126-128 Russell street Melbourne FOOD HINOKI We Melburnians are unashamedly delighted to get on board a food trend. Like, there is a pop-up sushi bar in my local Woolworths (yes, I once got lunch there, and no I don't want to talk about it). If you’re looking for the real deal, Smith Street recently embraced Hinoki with open arms, a specialty Japanese grocery and sushi store that is legitimately the best place in the entire world. Watch while masters prepare fresh, amazing sushi for you before your eyes! Buy a box of Pocky and be the most popular person in the office! Be confused by strange, condom-like rubber casings called Finger Sacks (actual product I have encountered at Hinoki)! You’re guaranteed to find everything you never knew you needed and more here. 279 Smith Street, Fitzroy SHOP RAMEN A little further down on Smith Street, Shop Ramen set up a permanent space after its wildly successful pop-up venture in early 2013. Much to the delight of Northsiders, hungry lunchtime workers come in hoards for a hearty bowl of what I’m going to officially call the best ramen in all of Melbourne. Using the traditional Tokyo-style Tonkotsu ramen, Shop Ramen veers from the traditional Japanese hot broth with its own unique recipe, including insanely good pickled shiitake mushrooms and silky handmade noodles in a cashew milk broth. I am literally going to go and get a serve of tofu buns as soon as I've finished writing this. Finishing writing immediately. 329 Smith Street, Collingwood
Dumplings are great any time of the year. Whether it's a rainy wintry day, a summer scorcher or smack bang in the middle of spring. Corresponding with the latter is World Dumpling Day, a food celebration we're happy to get behind when free dumplings are involved. Yes, South Yarra's Oriental Teahouse is celebrating this fun food day, on Wednesday, September 26, with a barbecue pork bun giveaway. Head to the front window any time between 12pm and 2pm on the day and you'll snag yourself one for free. They are, sadly, limited to one per person. The Chapel Street eatery thinks that's nowhere near enough dumpling fun, so it's also hosting a one-off dumpling degustation. Kicking off at 7pm, also on the Wednesday, the dinner features six courses of dumplings — including chilli prawn shu mai, braised duck leg dumplings, pulled pork dumplings, pine mushroom and celeriac dumplings, and lychee and red bean dumplings — for $55. If you'd like to pair your buns with matched wines, it'll set you back $85. You can snag yourself a table here. If you're in the CBD, Oriental Teahouse's Little Collins Street is hosting an Unlimited Dumpling Party, where there'll be unlimited dumplings for $45. If you'd like a drink, you can also add on unlimited wine for $25. Bookings can be made here.
Imagine a night filled with eats from 40 of Melbourne's hottest culinary names, free-flowing local booze and a healthy serve of revelry. Now, that's what we call a birthday party. And you're invited to join in the fun, when Eat Street Melbourne celebrates its 20th anniversary edition later this month. It's descending upon the Sofitel on Collins on Tuesday, May 21, for an extravagant hawker-style affair, to raise much-needed funds for children's charity Variety. And it's bringing some pretty high-profile hospitality friends along for the ride. Tickets to this shindig are priced at $135. Which sounds steep — but this includes bottomless eats and drinks throughout the evening, and all proceeds go the charity. And these are some serious party snacks. There'll be a oyster shucking station, buttery serves of 400 Gradi's legendary cacio e pepe (which is served out of a cheese wheel), foie gras and chicken liver parfait doughnuts courtesy of The Botanical, and wagyu and bacon cheeseburger spring rolls served up by Red Spice Road. Andrew McConnell's bringing his Cumulus Inc stracciatella with sweet & sour peppers, while Le Petit Gateau's crew of pastry chefs will reimagine the birthday cake as a series of lavish party treats inspired by childhood classics. The drinks situation won't be too shabby either, featuring the likes of rosé from Yarra Valley winery True Colours, De Bortoli bubbles and classic cocktails by The Everleigh Bottling Co. If you fancy making a real night of it, the hotel is also offering staycation packages, starting at $650 for a plush room and Eat Street entry for two adults.
My memories of jumping castles as a child usually involved too much birthday cake, nausea and weeks worth of mystery bruises. As an adult, I’d like to believe that there would be significantly less sugar and post-bounce vomiting if given the chance to relive the glory days of jumping like no one is watching. Thanks to the upcoming installation JUMP from UK artist Stuart Semple, we’re going to have the opportunity to double bounce our best friends like it’s Maddy Smith’s sixth birthday party all over again. The internationally-acclaimed artist will be installing a 10mx10m rubber surface, popping up in St Paul’s Court at Federation Square for two weeks in October. With his previous work featured in biennales, major art fairs, and many solo exhibitions across the globe, Melbournians will be fortunate enough to experience Semple’s giant bouncy floor thanks to Fed Square’s Creative Program, who commissioned the work with the aim of giving the public freedom to explore elevation both physically and psychologically. Of the intention behind this work Semple says, "I think that as we get older we tend to lose a connection to the fun, spontaneous child that we once were, finding reasons and excuses not to engage in activities that can elevate our spirit ... JUMP will re-ignite that inner fun-loving sense that we all have." Semple is no stranger to interactive works designed to excite and delight users. Having been in the industry for over 13 years, he is best known for an aerial installation entitled Happy Cloud, which involved releasing more than 2,000 smiley face pink foam ‘clouds’ over major cities such as London and Milan. The best part is that there is no height restriction or requirement, and you don’t even have to ask your mum if you’re allowed to play! Due to popular demand, JUMP remain open 'til October 20.
When it comes to cheap, cheerful and scrumptious feeds, Moroccan Soup Bar is hard to beat. With almost two decades under its belt, the North Fitzroy eatery is the epitome of a Melbourne institution, renowned for its generous North African dishes and perma-queues of eager patrons waiting to devour them. What this comfy, no-frills joint lacks in modernity, it makes up for in flavour. It takes just a couple bites of the acclaimed chickpea bake and various share plates to see why the place is heaving every night it's open. Guaranteed to keep tastebuds happy and wallets full, it's a winning option for mid-week dinner. Come hungry, and armed with a couple of takeaway beers to enjoy while you experience the time-honoured tradition of waiting for one of these prized tables. Image: Nic Allchin.
After a successful debut back in September, the Flour Market's sweet, doughy spinoff for vegans, coeliacs and lactards is back for round two. The second Wholey Day will take place this Sunday, November 13 with the best local vendors of wholefood, raw, organic, vegan and gluten free treats. Let the face stuffing commence. So what's going to be going begging? ACE's raw cookie sandwiches will be making a return, along with Citizen Cacao's Georgie Castle insane raw cacao treats. Baking Bad — who have just opened a permanent stall at Prahran Market — will also be there with their vegan cupcakes, along with raw treats from Raw Trader and granola from the Sunday Muesli Co. Naturally, there'll be many more vendors than that — but you'll have to head along to find out who they are. The mostly flour-free fanaticism will take place at Brunswick East's urban winery Noisy Ritual. All we can say is: get there early. These goodies are set to sell like gluten free hotcakes.
Brilliantly unique Australian artists Emma Davis and Brian Campeau having been working together for years, ever since Brian agreed to produce Emma's first album. This November, the pair is set to light up the east coast on their Best of Friends Tour. London-born Emma was described by triple J as one of "the quiet achievers of the Sydney scene" and has been quietly achieving national radio and television time since 2011. In September, she headed into the studio with Mark Myers (The Middle East) to record another offering of her soulful, honest tunes. Brian Campeau has done pretty much everything — performing, composing, producing — and he's been critically acclaimed for all of them. Known for his originally individual arrangement and instrumentation, he's been a success both on his own and with his band, The Green Mohair Suits. Both Davis and Campeau have singles out this month, and so set off to entertain the country as colleagues and the very best of friends. https://youtube.com/watch?v=CjlE9bhwhsE
Heartbreaker is turning three, which means we've been enjoying its jukebox-filled, neon-soaked dive bar vibes for three whole years now. To celebrate its graduation from toddlerhood, the bar is throwing a big birthday bash themed around the 80s on LA's Sunset Strip. Glam-rock and big hair are the order of the evening, and there'll even be an emergency makeup station for those who forgot (or ran out of black eyeliner). As at any great three-year-old party, there'll also be jelly — but, here it'll come in the form of complimentary jelly shots. You'll be able to buy adult slushies, too, and partygoers will be some of the first to taste the new Heartbreaker and Stomping Ground collaboration beer, Red Zeppelin. Connie's Pizza — the bar's in-house purveyor of hot, comforting, cheesy carbs — will be in celebratory mode, too, with free pizza pies doing the rounds from 7pm till 3am. With live performances by go-go dancers and DJs on the cards, too, you'll be pleasantly surprised to hear that entry is free.
Take a journey back through time with artist Eugenia Lim, in a playful new video piece that explores the history of Chinese immigrants in Australia. Filmed by Lim at Sovereign Hill Historical Park, Yellow Peril depicts a Chinese 'ambassador’ in a shiny gold Mao suit as she roams the rural mining town amidst the height of the Victorian gold rush. Taking its cues from the low key observational comedies of French filmmaker Jacques Tati, the work touches on questions of cultural and national identity, as well as the interwoven socio-economic destinies of Australia and its Asian neighbour. Yellow Peril is the latest of Lim’s works to explore issues of multiculturalism. A second generation Australian of Chinese-Singaporean descent, she has previously exhibited work at the Tate Modern, GOMA, ACMI and HUN Gallery NY. Yellow Peril will be exhibited at the BUS Projects gallery space in Collingwood from April 8 to 25.
Resembling vintage photos from a bygone era, these time-aged Postcards from Above are actually aerial images taken from Google Maps and reworked by Hungarian art director, Akos Papp, ad agency at BBDO New York. Instead of just using Google Maps as a directory tool, Papp takes snaps of businesses, schools, shipping yards, airports and more, retouching them to look of a 1950s postcard. Papp was inspired by the idea of being able to show loved ones the various foreign places he has travelled using mesmerising aerial imagery, and creates a pleasant reminder of a way we once communicated. Here are 12 examples from Akos Papp's collection.
It's finally time to shed those winter coats. Spring is here and it's brought with it a week-long program of runways, workshops, panels, markets and stylish soirees. It's okay if you're not a professional model or a high-flying designer either. MSFW offers opportunities for people of all styles and threads; hell, even jeans and runners are making a comeback these days. Hardcore fashionistas will find their home this year with a vast selection of runway shows. For those wanting to cast their eye over garments that are actually somewhat affordable, check out the contemporary runway, which will feature the likes of local legends ALPHA60, búl and Kawaii. As always the emerging runway shows will prove to be a good chance to spot the up-and-comers, and a new event called ARTZ will combine the unlikely pairing of fashion and poetry on the catwalk. For everyone else, MSFW's Curated program is the way to go, with a whole slew of high teas, exhibitions, talks and workshops. The festival hub is smack bang in the middle of the CBD in City Square and will be quietly humming with excellent free events for the duration of the festival. Of course, you're not expected to do all this without a drink in hand. Campari is one of the official sponsors of the festival and will be mixing up crisp Campari Tonics at runway times for the duration of the festival. Also on display at the bar will be an exclusive collection of Campari artworks and advertisements that span 155 years, from vintage to the modern day — proving that, just like good fashion design, the signature ruby red Italian aperitif is timeless. Just make sure your outfit matches the drink. By Meg Watson and Lauren Vadnjal.
A fresh season is as good an excuse as any to stock up on a few new threads. And on Saturday, October 1, you can revamp your wardrobe with a fresh haul of quality vintage gear without breaking the bank — Sacred Heart Mission's Chapel Street op-shop is hosting one of its huge annual sale events, in honour of National Op Shop week. Venture in from 10am to get your hands on a bumper array of vintage and pre-loved gear; from fashion and accessories to homewares and collectibles. There'll be enough shoes, bags, coats, jewellery and outfits to impress even the most avid of op-shop connoisseurs, plus a swag of art, furniture and antiques for those looking to spruce up their pad. The Sacred Heart Mission crew has been putting aside its most covetable donations from the past year, so you can expect to find some top-notch labels and premium goodies in the mix. What's more, former Leonard Joel auction house stylist Shawn Mitchell is on board once again, helping to style the store and its contents for maximum shopping pleasure. Speaking of feel-good shopping, every $4 spent at a Sacred Heart Mission op-shop can help fund a nutritious meal for a person experiencing homelessness.
The end of the year is hurtling closer, which means it's almost time for the fleeting annual lotus flower season to kick off once again. And, for the Blue Lotus Water Garden to throw open its gates and show off its brand new blooms. Open to the public only from December 26 until April 13, the lush landscaped grounds boast a collection of ponds, lakes and lagoons, which all come alive for these few months of the year, jam-packed with thousands of flowering lotus and waterlilies. You can wander the gardens through the lotus-filled waterways and flower beds in full-boom, with over three kilometres of pathways to explore. See the stunning 500-metre-long Monet lake, carpeted with over 70 varieties of water lily — including a collection of the artist's original flowers — then wander over the Japanese Pond's red bridge to catch a glimpse of flowers spawned from one of the world's oldest known lotus blooms. There's even an onsite cafe and ice cream kiosk to fuel your flower-filled adventures. Blue Lotus Water Garden is open from 10am–5pm daily.
Discerning meat eaters, Southern-style food lovers and smoked meat savants, this is the event for you. Possibly the only event where you can get all dressed up, sit down at a shared table and then chow down on some slow-cooked brisket, the Carnivores Ball is a delicious ode to all things meaty. The ball comes after last year's events held both here and in Austin, Texas, with BurgerMary (Jess Pryles) curating three glorious Texan-inspired courses that all revolve around meat (yes, even dessert). With creations from some of Melbourne's best Southern chefs featuring on the menu, expect Rockwell & Sons' fried chicken and biscuits, smoked lamb and brisket from Silver Creek Smokers and a pork fat caramel doughnut with pork scratching and cinnamon sugar from Shaun Quade and Gavin Baker for dessert. If the thought of three courses of meat has you a bit hot under the collar, we suggest you book yourself a seat (and a day to recover). The Carnivores Ball will be held on both Friday 4 and Saturday 5 April at a country-clad Ormond Hall.
This city is no stranger to the humble (and not so humble) doughnut. From Shortstop to Doughboys to the van at Queen Vic Market, Melburnians are spoiled for choice when it comes to deep-fried dough, be it glazed, iced, covered in cinnamon or bursting with piping hot jam. The organisers of the Flour Market even ran a doughnut-only event earlier this year. So, really, it made sense that, last year perfect sense that our sweet, sweet obsession was taken to its logical conclusion: a full-blown festival featuring all the doughnuts you can eat. Returning to Melbourne for a second year, Donut Fest take over Coburg's Batman Royale events space on Saturday, August 19 and Sunday, August 20 — although, despite taking the same name, it's not related to the huge Chicago-originated Donut Fest that we wrote about last year. Sugar fiends will be able to gorge themselves on freshly made doughnuts from a variety of local vendors, as well as mulled cider and a selection of boutique beers. So who will be there? Lukumades will be taking their Greek doughnuts up north, Goldeluck's Bakeshop will be bringing in their croissant-doughnut creations from Croydon South and there will be Nutella doughnut burgers, hot jam doughnuts and glow-in-the-dark doughnuts. There will be gluten-free options and savoury nosh for doughnut breaks This time round, entry into Donut Fest will be $15, with a portion of each ticket going towards food charity FareShare. Two sessions will run on both days, from 11am–3pm and 4–8pm.
Ever wanted to get up close and personal with that famous house from Kath & Kim? Or better still, own a piece of it? Well, you'll have the rare chance to do both at one very unique fundraiser this Saturday, August 31. The folks who now live in the Patterson Lakes house, where the original Kath & Kim series was filmed, are planning a few cheeky renos... but before they kick things off, they're throwing open the front door and letting fans in for a sneak peek. What's more, this open-house is raising much-needed funds for an excellent cause, with all proceeds from the $5 entry fee going to support Carrie's Beanies 4 Brain Cancer. On the day, you'll get to mosey through the legendary pad, while enjoying a cake stall, coffee cart and classic sausage sizzle. And, if you fancy nabbing yourself a piece of TV history, you'll also find the house's original fireplace and kitchen up for sale via a silent auction. So ploise – crack open the Tia Maria, the footy franks and, of course, some car-donnay. This is set to be the ultimate Kath & Kim party. Kath & Kim Open-House Fundraiser runs from 10am–3pm.
Step into the strange and seductive world of Greek cinema as it lights up the screen at Palace Como and The Astor, as well as locations around the country. Now in its 23rd year, the latest edition of the Greek Film Festival boasts an expectedly eclectic program, ranging from fiction features to documentaries and a couple of Australian productions as well. The festival will begin with an opening night screening of Worlds Apart, a romantic anthology film from writer-director-actor Christopher Papakaliatis co-starring Oscar winner J.K. Simmons. It's one of a number of critically acclaimed contemporary films on the bill, with skewering social satire Chevalier and darkly comic thriller Suntan both deserving of a look. Other highlights including a pair of local productions by Greek-Australian filmmakers, in bold religious drama Sacred Heart and medicinal marijuana documentary A Life of Its Own. Audiences in Melbourne will also get the chance to delve into the back catalogue of 'weird wave' master Yorgos Lanthimos, in a retrospective stream featuring his films Kinetta, Dogtooth, Alps and The Lobster.
If you wouldn't trust Gumtree, Domain or Craigslist to find you a new roommate, you're not alone. You're probably pretty smart, as well. To help you avoid the slob, the creep, or the no-concept-of-personal-space roommate, Friends With Rooms has created a Facebook roomie-finding app. The app utilises Facebook's social graph to match you up with other people whose profiles contain similar information and interests. Users answer a series of general questions designed to get a more in-depth concept of what type of roommate he or she might be (Do you prefer to stay out late or to rise early?). If you do happen to find a 'match', you can even have a mutual friend vouch for the other person. So rest assured that, thanks to this app, not every roommate has to be like your infamous first-year uni roommate. [via Mashable]
If you're due for your next Yarra Valley getaway, this might just be the weekend to do it. South Yarra's much-loved Leonard's House of Love is packing up its retro-tastic food truck, hitting the road and descending on Four Pillars' Healesville headquarters in a blaze of deliciousness. Camping out at the much-loved distillery on July 14 and 15, the burger maestros will be slinging an assortment of signature eats, from old-school cheeseburgers and mushroom burgers, to vegan classics. The team will also be serving up its new slaw and hot chips. And of course, at this spot, no one's going thirsty either. In at the bar, Four Pillars will have all your booze needs sorted, with gin tastings and flights, a range of house G&Ts, and a lineup of crafty gin cocktails to boot. The Leonard's House of Love pop up will run from 11.30am–7.30pm on Saturday, July 14, and 11.30am–4.40pm on Sunday, July 15.
For more than two decades, Brook Andrew has challenged us to think about our place this country. An uncompromising artist whose work crosses mediums from painting to photography to video, the Sydney-born Andrew has long focused on colonialism, race and life in contemporary Australia. Now, more than 100 of his works will be on display in Brook Andrew: The Right to Offend is Sacred at the NGV's Ian Potter Centre. Open from March 3 until June 4, the free exhibition will feature iconic pieces from throughout the artist's career, including his signature neon light works and Wiradjuri word plays that explore the relationship between Indigenous communities and consumer culture, along with a number of new and never-before-seen works, including two new large-scale sculptures. Image: Installation view of Brook Andrew: The Right to Offend is Sacred at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia. Shot by Wayne Taylor.
By this stage, you've probably forgotten what the inside of a movie theatre looks like and it's anyone's guess when you'll be reacquainted with one. But hey, at least you can still get your cinema candy bar fix, thanks to the folks at Thornbury Picture House. Every Saturday, the family-run indie movie theatre is opening its doors for Drive-Thru Cinema. No, not an actual movie screening, but a pop-up shop offering a selection of takeaway eats and drinks to make your couch-based film sessions just that little bit better. On the menu, you'll find all the cinema staples, from serves of freshly popped popcorn, to old-school lolly bags. There are Maltesers — for rolling down the aisle of your living room, of course — and a range of choc tops, including The Toddy Shop's famed vegan iterations, in flavours like burnt toffee and espresso martini. And of course, they've got a few boozy offerings to wash it all down, with bottles of Noisy Ritual wine also up for grabs. Do remember, for now, you can only swing past if the drive-thru is in your five-kilometre bubble. [caption id="attachment_693396" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Thornbury Picture House by Nicole Cleary[/caption] Drive-Thru Cinema at Thornbury Picture House is open from 3–7.30pm every Saturday. Top image: Tinny Tang
Barbecue eats are set to reign supreme this month, when the annual Sizzlefest returns to the Prahran Market. The free event fires up the southside food precinct from Friday, March 26, to Sunday, March 28, this time delivering three big days of flame-driven celebrations. Across a series of day and evening sessions (12–5pm daily, plus ticketed events from 5–10pm Friday and Saturday), Market Square will come alive with pop-up stalls slinging an array of grilled delights, while the Mezzanine plays host to a Burnley Brewing pop-up beer garden, complete with live, local tunes and performances. You can level-up your skills with a program of workshops and cooking demos in the Prahran Market Kitchen — including classes run by the local barbecue experts at The Que Club — and tuck into barbecue-inspired food specials from your favourite market traders. As for the famed Sausage Tasting Competition, it has also been given a shake-up, now running across three ticketed sessions. Once again, it'll see some of the market's top butchers battle it out for the title of champion snag, as voted by the public. To help pick the winner, grab a ticket and you'll score a sample plate featuring each of this year's sausage creations, plus a drink voucher for the beer garden. The full program will be available over at the Prahran Market website soon, along with tickets.
The films of one of the most influential directors in motion picture history will be the subject of a special retrospective coming to Melbourne's ACMI this year. Curated by beloved film critic and former Sydney Film Festival director David Stratton, the Essential Kurosawa lineup will showcase ten iconic films from Japan's legendary Akira Kurosawa, including several efforts that could contest the title of greatest film of all time. The retrospective — which is a collaboration between Sydney Film Festival, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image in Melbourne, and the National Film and Sound Archive in Canberra — will span almost the full length of Kurosawa's incredible career, from his groundbreaking Rashomon (1950) to his sweeping feudal war epic Ran (1985). Further highlights include Seven Samurai (1954), The Hidden Fortress (1958), Yojimbo (1961) and Kagemusha (1980). A number of titles will screen on specially imported 35mm film prints courtesy of The Japan Foundation and Toho Co. "The best of Kurosawa's films possess a grandeur combined with a common touch," said Stratton in a statement accompanying the announcement. "No-one filmed action scenes like he did – his use of multiple cameras, long lenses and intricate editing combined to make these sequences unforgettable."
Are you the kind of person who looks for hot cross buns on your local supermarket shelves the moment that December 26 hits each year? If so, congrats — you know that these seasonal treats really should be available all year round, as everyone should. And, you're likely also aware that not all hot cross buns are created equal. Lune Croissanterie's hot cross cruffins are in a league of their own, for instance. The highly coveted Easter bites are back for 2024, too, to the delight of pastry lovers across Melbourne and Brisbane. Whether you've had plenty of Lune Easters or just a few — Lune only opened its first interstate store in Brissie in 2021, after all — these baked goods are a must-try. Also, they're available all month in March this year. Yes, they're exactly what they sound like. Forget plain old croissant-muffin hybrids — Lune's Easter version throws hot cross buns into the mix as well. The croissant-muffin-hot cross bun mashups come filled with a spiced custard and traditional hot cross bun fruit blend, which includes sultanas and candied citrus peel. They're then topped with a cross (obviously) and brushed in a sweet glaze. And, they're both vegetarian- and Halal-friendly. Similarly Easter-friendly and returning for March: Lune's twice-baked pain au chocolat, which features a Mork chocolate frangipane, guanaja molleux, melted chocolate, mascarpone chantilly and cocoa nibs. Last but not least, there's also a lamington-croissant hybrid that's been created to celebrate the Australian Grand Prix, because Lune founder Kate Reid is an ex-Formula 1 aerodynamicist. The F1 takes a twice-baked traditional croissant, then packs it with coconut frangipane, dark chocolate ganache, vanilla sponge and raspberry gel. On top: a tempered chocolate chequered flag. If you're keen, you'll find all of the above in-store until Sunday, March 31 at almost all Lune sites. The chain is serving up hot cross cruffins and triple-choc pains au chocolate at its Melbourne CBD, Fitzroy, Armadale, South Brisbane and Brisbane CBD venues. For The F1, you can pick it up everywhere except the Melbourne CBD across the month — and at that venue from Thursday, March 21–Sunday, March 24 only. Lune's March specials are available until Sunday, March 31, with details and dates varying per store. Head to Lune's website or to the bakery's Melbourne CBD, Fitzroy, Armadale, South Brisbane and Brisbane CBD venues for more details. Images: Peter Dillon.
If you've ever had a sneaky little go with some small person's Lego blocks once they're all tucked up in bed, LEGOLAND sees you, tips you their hat…and raises you an adults-only night at their Melbourne Discovery Centre. With no children to get in the way (or outdo your creations), you'll be able to have free reign of LEGOLAND to check out the 4D cinema and rides, take a factory tour, and build to your heart's content in the brick pits. Challenge yourself by taking on the master builder or a speed build and vie for the prizes up for grabs — there'll even be a scavenger hunt so you can go full inner child mode. BYO shameless excitement, taste for glory, and creativity to enter the model of the month competition. It'll be a fierce one. The Thursday adult nights will run once a month until November, on August 24, September 21, October 26 and November 30.
If you were enjoying Melbourne's current bout of hot weather and planning to beach it up over the weekend, we've some bad news: wet and wild weather is on its way. While the city's set to hit a maximum of 34 degrees today, a cool change is expected to swing through in late the afternoon, with thunderstorms, damaging winds and heavy rain across Melbourne and the state's west. https://twitter.com/BOM_Vic/status/1190084341642256384 Today's hot weather comes just one day after centres including Sale, Orbost and Bairnsdale clocked their hottest October day on record. The highest was a hefty 35.8 degrees. The city's then in for a fairly grisly weekend to kick off the final month of spring. Thunderstorms, heavy rain and damaging winds are likely again on Saturday, with showers across both days and temperatures peaking at just 22 and 23 degrees. A severe weather warning has been issued for much of the central and northern parts of the state, including Melbourne, on Saturday, with the State Emergency Service advising locals to move cars away from trees, secure loose items and keep clear of fallen power lines. As always, it's suggested you don't walk, ride or drive through flood waters, either. https://twitter.com/BOM_Vic/status/1190055596248223747 According to the BOM, the crazy weather is setting us up for a rather dry couple of months. November and December are forecast to be warmer than usual with below-average rainfall, especially across the east coast. That means plenty of sticky nights ahead — best run out and buy that fan now. In the meantime, prepare for a weekend indoors (or in ponchos). Thankfully, a free new Japanese fashion exhibition has kicked off at the NGV. For more tips on what to do this rainy weekend, check out our events wrap-up. Stay dry out there. And remember to check Vic Roads, PTV and BOM for warnings and updates.
If you're looking to join the cycling revolution, you won't find many stores with a better pedigree than Beasley Cycles to help you get kitted out. With numerous Australian cycling champions and Tour de France participants among the family's ranks, Beasley Cycles has been passed down through generations of passionate cyclists since 1919. Stocking a massive range of bicycles, apparel and equipment that'll soon have you summiting mountains — or at least getting from A to B — Beasley Cycles can sort you out with a new roadie or e-bike in no time at all.
The patch of greenery at the heart of Werribee City Centre is set to score a glow-up this autumn, as it's transformed into a luminous after-dark wonderland for the return of immersive installation Lit at Wyndham Park. Come 8pm each night from Friday, March 17–Sunday, March 26, Wyndham Park will come alive with a collection of glowing artworks set against its leafy natural spaces. You're invited to wander through the pop-up openair gallery for free, where you'll encounter a cast of colourful characters and creations. Among them, catch a touch-controlled work by Yandell Walton featuring ever-shifting projections of native flora, and a laser show lighting up the main lawn every half hour. Elsewhere, award-winning art experience crew The Indirect Object has created an inflatable glowing installation inspired by mangroves, an 800-metre trail of luminous creatures stars as part of Skunk Control's The Great Escape, and you're invited to lose yourself in the interactive installation of glowing streamers that is Morphology. Plus you'll catch 40 supersized mirror balls sparkling amongst the tree canopies and light-drenched foliage sparkling from every corner of the park. As for refreshments, you can pack a picnic or hit one of the many nearby eateries for a range of dine-in and grab-and-go options.
Got a penchant for pretty penmanship and a fondness for ink flourishes? Load up on inspiration and learn handwriting tips and tricks from the experts, at Melbourne's inaugural CalliCon event this weekend. Organised by five young local calligraphers whose handiwork has probably graced your Instagram feed on many an occasion, the event takes over Richmond's Inspire 9 coworking space on October 14 and 15. The program of demonstrations, workshops and exhibitions is designed to delight any calligraphy-curious folk, from beginners right through to more practiced pen artists, as the artform continues to make a serious comeback worldwide. Each CalliCon visitor will take home a goodie bag of treats, complete with one of Pilot Pen's famous Parallel Pens to help you hone your craft. Grab your CalliCon ticket and sign up for workshops here.
Melbourne's coffee addiction has long been established. It's so pervasive that there are now 'Melbourne-themed' cafes all over the world are serving up specialty coffee with a slice of Australian culture to boot. From Amsterdam to Split to Shanghai to New York, you simply can't escape it. But while these cities might have only a few cafes dedicated to a quality cup of joe, Melbourne has hundreds — it's the art of sorting through them all to find the perfect place for you that can prove difficult, particularly since everyone has different ideas about what makes for a great cafe. However, if there's one thing people can agree on it's that a good coffee spot should have two things: a top-notch brew and an easy-to-reach location. To aid you in your search, we've teamed up with Shop Small supporters American Express to put together a list of our five favourite local Melbourne cafes that consistently provide both quality caffeine and convenience. Plus, in a total win/win, these spots let you pay for your coffee with your American Express Card and reap the sweet rewards of being a Card Member — all while supporting local business. Save them to your Google Maps so you can easily hit them up on the go.
There's a reason our city has such a reputation for arts and culture — it's been run by hipsters for generations. Though they may not have been wearing custom skinny jeans and buttoned-up shirts, they were doing all the same kinds of great experimental work in music, art and performance that you can catch in our best galleries, theatres and shonky laneways today. This latest exhibition at the State Library of Victoria tells their story. Packed full of paintings, photographs, books, diaries, letters, costumes, posters, albums and films, Bohemian Melbourne delves into the city's alternative artistic world from the mid-19th century till the present day. There will be work on show from famous local creatives such as Nick Cave, Barry Humphries, Albert Tucker and Joy Hester as well as some small histories of our city's finest institutions — Heide, La Mama, and the Nicholas Building just to name a few. "Every generation feels nostalgic about its own unique bohemian legacy, but this exhibition shows how the spirit of bohemianism has endured through 150 years of Melbourne’s history," says curator Clare Williamson. As a bonus there'll also be a series of walking tours, a live showing of body art, and a ritzy nostalgic cabaret show. Failing that, you can just go and hunt for a photo of your hipster granddad hanging out with some kids from Fitzroy.
Every evening Sepideh Hooshyar looks up at the night sky and marvels at what she sees. An amateur stargazer, she wants desperately to be an astronaut. Failing that, she’d like to become an astronomer, although for a girl in provincial Iran, one seems about as likely as the other. Named for its determined teenage subject, this shoestring doco reveals in stark, day-to-day exchanges the inequality faced by women living in conservative Iran. And yet somehow, the film leaves you feeling inspired. First time Danish director Berit Madsen shot the film over a two to three year period, beginning when the project’s namesake was 16 years old. When we first see Sepideh, she’s watching a documentary about Iranian-American engineer and businesswoman Anousheh Ansari, who in 2006 became the first Iranian to visit outer space. Ansari is one of Sepideh’s four big heroes, along with her late father, Albert Einstein, and the head of the local astronomy club Mr. Kabiri. It’s Kabiri who encourages Sepideh to attend university in order to pursue her cosmic ambition. Unfortunately, for Sepideh, the future seems to be slipping out of reach. Since her father’s unexpected death, the household has been brought to the edge of bankruptcy, with no help coming from her paternal uncles. There’s also the matter of her mother’s brother Hadi, who disapproves of his niece leaving the house after dark with the boys in her astronomy club – even going so far as to threaten to kill her if she does anything improper. What’s truly unsettling about the threat is that you can tell Hadi thinks he’s doing the right thing. It’s an example of how deeply ingrained patriarchal attitudes in the country are. Despite this, Madsen keeps things relatively optimistic. The film’s thesis can basically be boiled down to ‘believe in yourself and you can achieve anything’; whether or not that’s entirely realistic, Sepideh’s refusal to abandon her dream is certainly worthy of applause. As she and Mr. Kabiri petition the local government to finish a half-completed observatory, you’re filled with hope that perhaps Sepideh’s generation will be the one that brings about change. Until then, she’ll keep reaching for the stars.
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 19, Tattersalls Lane will be pulsing with live music, street art, projections and a tonne of food and booze. Section 8 will keep things rowdy on street level with live art from The Bushwick Collective and a pop-up barber shop slinging cuts for just five bucks. Upstairs, Ferdydurke will be more Coney Island, with hot dogs, dirty carnival food and disco. Oh, and lots of beer.
If you fancy channelling your inner Snoop Dogg this summer, it's time to get acquainted with The Bridge Hotel's new Gin & Juice pop-up. The Richmond pub's teamed up with iconic gin producer Tanqueray to transform its laneway and front bar into the ultimate summer drinking destination, celebrating all things gin from January 19 to March 11. And it all launches in style with a free 'Gin & Juice' party on Thursday, February 8. To lubricate the summery celebrations, there'll be six specialty Tanqueray cocktails on offer, starring all sorts of juicy infusions. Go for a classic, like the gin with freshly pressed apple juice, or get adventurous with the fruity combination of Tanqueray 10, pineapple, lemon and pineapple pok pok. Or you can keep your cool with one of Popstic's gin-infused sorbets or icy poles. Rounding out the fun, there'll be DJ tunes, games and an assortment of free snacks showcasing the best of the pub's summer function menus. And while none of it will cost you a cent, RSVPing is essential to gain entry. Image: Brook James
For proof that Australia's cocktail game is world-class, look no further than the calibre of the international mixology stars lining up to play on our turf. In 2015, it was New York's famous speakeasy Please Don't Tell, taking over the bar at Fitzroy's acclaimed cocktail haunt The Black Pearl. Then Sydney Bar Week 2016 saw The Everleigh in Melbourne and Sydney's Henrietta Supper Club each play host to pop-ups by Asia's best bar, 28 Hongkong Street. Now it's time for one of the world's most famous hotel bars to make its way Down Under. The American Bar, which is located at London's Savoy Hotel, will take over The Black Pearl on October 15–16. As England's longest surviving cocktail bar, The American Bar has quite the pedigree — in the last year alone, it's scooped the title of Best Bar in Europe at the World's 50 Best Bars awards and seen its team voted Best International Bar Team by Tales of the Cocktail. Backed by the creators of local coffee liqueur Mr Black (who are behind the Espresso Martini Festival in Sydney and Melbourne), this Aussie adventure gives The American Bar the opportunity to showcase some of its own caffeinated mixology magic. At the helm will be senior bartender and World Coffee In Good Spirits champion Martin Hudak, as he treats local audiences to American Bar signatures like the Green Park, the Black Diamond and the Hanky Panky. It's not a ticketed event, so you'll have to be there when the doors open at 6pm each night for the best chance of scoring a seat.
It's time to break out your best 50s threads and your most electrifyin' moves, because Brunswick's Howler is stepping back in time to deliver its own version of Grease's 1959 Rydell High Dance. On Saturday, August 4, you'll have the chance to live out a few adolescent fantasies, as you channel your inner Sandy or Danny and roll around Howler's high school gym with all the other cheerleaders, jocks and Pink Ladies. As for the night's soundtrack, Melbourne-born supergroup The Beauty School Drop Outs will be serving up wall-to-wall Grease hits, followed by DJ Cassette Walkman with a set full of 1950s classics. Tickets to this high school dance-off are on sale from midday, June 29.
When is an outdoor cinema not an outdoor cinema? When it's tucked away in an openair atrium on the banks of the Yarra River. The only place in Melbourne where you can watch a movie under the stars rain, hail or shine, Southgate Cinema is back for another year, with a brand new program that combines major releases with non-fiction gems. And the best bit? It's 100 percent free. Screenings take place on Tuesday evenings in a makeshift movie theatre complete with deckchairs and headphones. The season begins with the recent Bill Murray comedy St. Vincent, followed by fashion photography doco Bill Cunningham New York. Other films announced so far include Selma, Big Eyes and The Theory of Everything, along with documentaries about Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei and legendary American design duo Charles and Ray Eames. Sessions tend to fill up fast, so we recommend booking ahead.
