Since 1987, if you've wanted to hit up South by Southwest, then you've needed to visit Austin in Texas. In October 2023, however, that'll no longer be the case. In what was perhaps Australia's biggest cultural news of 2022, the acclaimed tech, innovation, music, gaming, screen and culture festival and conference announced that it'll stage its first-ever non-US event in Sydney this year — and it's just added a bunch more musicians and speakers to its lineup. Headlining the latest announcement is a new featured speaker, who will be talking at the event's music-industry conference. Chris Lee (also known as Lee Sung-Su) is the Chief A&R Officer and former CEO of SM Entertainment, a K-pop powerhouse. Lee and the label have played a part in popularising breakout K-pop stars like aespa (who recently dropped a Sydney-heavy promo for their new album), SHINee, EXO, Red Velvet and NCT. Two of the biggest annual parties from SXSW Austin have also joined the program. Dr Martens and Vans slide in alongside local legends Young Henrys as major sponsors, bringing their respective music hubs — Dr Martens Presents and House of Vans — to the debut Australian festival. Both showcases are regular occurrences over in Texas, pulling big-name guests to perform, with past lineups including the likes of The Stooges, Denzel Curry, ODESZA and Wolf Alice. More artists have been added to the live music lineup, which already boasts previously announced acts Redveil, Connie Constance, Otoboke Beaver, Ekkstacy and Los Bitchos. The majority of the new announcement is dedicated to the first local Australian acts to join the program, with Teenage Joans, Phoebe Go, MALI JO$E, Ashli, Andrew Guruwiwi Band, Alter Boy, Mi-Kaisha, VV Pete, Rum Jungle and Golden Vessel's side project 1tbsp among the 18 Aussie additions. There are also seven fresh international names, including New Zealand's Soaked Oats, Japan's Chameleon Lime Whoopiepie, South Korean's HYPNOSIS THERAPY and American indie-pop star Wallice — who recently supported The 1975 on their Australian tour. [caption id="attachment_899225" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Chameleon Lime Whoopiepie[/caption] "The lineup features an essential array of styles, ranging from post-punk, jazz and experimental pop to club-tinged hip hop, R&B and indie folk," says Claire Collins, SXSW Sydney's Head of Music. "It is a vibrant snapshot of the undeniably exciting next wave of talent from across the globe, from Western Sydney to the Top End, South Korea to the UK, and beyond. We can't wait to reveal more in the coming weeks and months." The first lineup announcement back in February included American futurist, The Genesis Machine author, and Future Today Institute founder and CEO Amy Webb as the festival's first-ever keynote speaker. Webb will be joined by other featured speakers like Ben Lamm and Andrew Pask, who'll discuss their work on the de-extinction of the woolly mammoth and the Tasmanian tiger; Guy Kawasaki, Chief Evangelist of Canva and former Apple Chief Evangelist, who'll talk evolving tech; lawyer, writer and filmmaker Larissa Behrendt, fresh from helming Richard Bell-focused documentary You Can Go Now; and Saudi women's rights activist Manal al-Sharif. [caption id="attachment_899226" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Teenage Joans[/caption] SXSW Sydney will all take place between Sunday, October 15–Sunday, October 22 within a walkable precinct within the Sydney CBD, Haymarket, Darling Harbour, Ultimo, Chippendale and more. Think of the fest's footprint as a huge hub, with festivals within the bigger fest, exhibitions, talks, networking opportunities and streetside activations popping up everywhere. So far, venues named include Powerhouse Museum, ICC Sydney, UTS, Central Park Mall, the Goods Line Walk, The Abercrombie and Lansdowne Hotel. Attendees can hit up the SXSW Sydney Conference, which is where those keynotes, presentations, panels, workshops and mentor sessions come in — more than 400 of them. And, there's the SXSW Sydney Technology & Innovation Exhibitions, which is all about innovative and emerging tech and entertainment companies from across the Asia-Pacific region. Plus, at the Startup Village, up-and-comers from all industries and sectors will have space to meet, present and chat. SXSW's arts fests will span the SXSW Sydney 2023 Music Festival, which will be focused on live music venues in central Sydney — and the SXSW Sydney Gaming Festival, complete with more than 100 local and international independent games to play at venues (alongside demonstrations, launches performances, exhibitions and social gatherings). Movie and TV lovers, get excited — because the SXSW Sydney Screen Festival isn't just a film fest. There'll be flicks to see, including at red-carpet premieres; episodic content; and digital, XR and social content. Expect Q&As and panel discussions with the folks behind them as well. Can't wait, whether you're a Sydney local or planning to head along from elsewhere in Australia — or New Zealand? Platinum and industry badges are already available at early-bird prices, with more ticketing to come. SXSW SYDNEY 2023 — SECOND LINEUP ANNOUNCEMENT: FEATURED SPEAKERS: Chris Lee (aka Sung-Su Lee) SXSW SYDNEY MUSIC FESTIVAL: 1tbsp Alter Boy Andrew Guruwiwi Band Ashli Dean Brady DICE dust Elle Shimada MALI JO$E Mi-Kaisha Mikayla Pasterfield Milku Phoebe Go Teenage Joans Vv Pete PANIA GO-JO Rum Jungle Hans. hanbee Soaked Oats Nuha Ruby Ra Wallice HYPNOSIS THERAPY Chameleon Lime Whoopiepie Joining: KEYNOTES: Amy Webb FEATURED SPEAKERS: Andrew Pask Ben Lamm Guy Kawasaki Jack Reis Kyas Hepworth Larissa Behrendt Manal Al-Sharif Michael J Biercuk Per Sundin Que Minh Luu Robyn Denholm Rohit Bhargava Sam Barlow Sean Miyashiro Sheila Nguyen Sung-Eun Youn Tom Verrilli Yiying Lu Yoomin Yang SXSW SYDNEY MUSIC FESTIVAL: Connie Constance Ekkstacy Los Bitchos Otoboke Beaver Redveil SXSW Sydney will run from Sunday, October 15–Sunday, October 22 at various Sydney venues — head to the festival's website for further details. If you're keen to make the most of Australia's first SXSW, take advantage of our special reader offer. Purchase your SXSW Sydney 2023 Official Badge via Concrete Playground Trips and you'll score a $150 credit to use on your choice of Sydney accommodation. Book now via the website.
Following the success of their Open House projects, The Design Files are christening a new gallery in Brunswick with work from local abstract artist, Barbara Kitallides. The recently opened TDF Collect is a small gallery that will work to foster emerging artists and provide a space for affordable local work to thrive. Colour us impressed. Kitallides work — which has previously appeared in The Design Files Open House — fits in neatly with the overall aesthetic of the popular blog, proving a smart choice for founder and curator Lucy Feagins. Bold colours pop loudly against the traditional white gallery walls and the space offers a clean simplicity with which to let your mind ooze into the abstract creations. Citing her key influences as inkblot tests, Andy Warhol and "the romantic undertones of Australian landscape artists", Kitallides work marks an interesting start to an exciting new venture. Definitely one to keep an eye on. Decoding the Jungle will be on display till April 3. The next exhibition, featuring the work of Sydney artist Laura Jones, will be held in early July.
Going into Scream VI, viewers know who the killer definitely isn't: the horror franchise's OG final girl Sidney Prescott. Neve Campbell's (The Lincoln Lawyer) character has been a pivotal part of every Ghostface-stalked flick from 1996's initial Scream through to 2022's fifth entry Scream, but famously isn't in the stab-happy saga's latest chapter due to a pay dispute. That's one big change for returning filmmakers Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett to grapple with in their second slice of the blood-splattering, scary movie-loving action. À la Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan — which gets an early nod, naturally — they also move said action to New York. But even if you take Ghostface and the murderer's targets out of Woodsboro, and shake up who the masked maniac swings a knife at, Scream is going to Scream in a screamingly familiar fashion. It has before in Ohio in Scream 2 and Hollywood in Scream 3, and the series knows it. New movie, new city, same setup, same gravelly Roger L Jackson voice, same 'Red Right Hand' needle drop, same overall formula: throw in the same winking, nodding, self-referential attitude, plus the same penchant for mentioning horror movies, their tropes and cliches, and general film theory, and that's Scream VI's easy cut. Once again, someone dons Ghostface's ghost face, of course, and uses whichever blade happens to be in the vicinity (and a shotgun) to terrorise teens and long-victimised targets. Murder Mystery's James Vanderbilt and Ready or Not's Guy Busick haven't taxed themselves with the screenplay — their second Scream effort, after the previous flick — but the franchise's pattern keeps making a comeback for a reason. While intrepid reporter Gale Weathers (Courteney Cox, Shining Vale) notes the world's current "true-crime limited series" obsession, whodunnits and murder-mysteries date back further, and that's where every Scream instalment has also carved a niche since the late, great Wes Craven and Dawson's Creek creator Kevin Williamson started things off. With Sidney happily explained away, Sam Carpenter (Melissa Barrera, In the Heights) is Ghostface's present obsession. She was last time, too, which didn't end well for some of her friends and acquaintances. A year later, she's in the Big Apple because that's where younger sister Tara (Jenna Ortega, Wednesday) goes to college, and Sam isn't keen to let her out of her sight. Horror movie fanatic Mindy Meeks-Martin (Jasmin Savoy Brown, Yellowjackets) and her twin Chad (Mason Gooding, Love, Victor) are also new-ish ex-Woodsboro kids on campus. And, when bodies start piling up, starting with the saga's obligatory and engagingly effective cold open — with Samara Weaving (Babylon) reuniting with her Ready or Not directors to follow in Drew Barrymore (Santa Clarita Diet), Jada Pinkett Smith (The Matrix Resurrections) and the like's footsteps — Scream VI's core four have another date with a psychopath. Sam, Tara, Mindy and Chad also have fresh-faced NYC company, adding to the suspect pool. Sam and Tara are bunking with sex-positive roommate Quinn Bailey (Liana Liberato, A Million Little Things), who has a police detective (Dermot Mulroney, Umma) for an overprotective father. Chad does the same with the studious Ethan Landry (Jack Champion, Avatar: The Way of Water), while Mindy is dating Anika Kayoko (Devyn Nekoda, Sneakerella). Plus, Sam is enjoying a secret fling with neighbour Danny Brackett (Josh Segarra, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law). Because they're all well and truly in a franchise — when Mindy gives her obligatory lecture about what movie conventions dictate should happen next, she expands beyond just horror films to ever-sprawling sagas — Gale hightails it to campus when murders start occurring, and Scream 4's Kirby Reed (Hayden Panettiere, Nashville) also finds reason to drop by. Sadly, when Mindy does get a-babbling about "the rules", she mentions a word that no one who saw 2022's Scream should ever want to hear again: requel. At least that term for do-overs that stick with an established timeline, bring back legacy characters, but pump in new blood to also give the original a remake doesn't then get splashed around as frenetically as Ghostface splashes gore in this followup. Scream VI doesn't get to insufferable levels of geeking out, either — that its predecessor did even for the most adoring horror-movie fans, aka the series' main audience, was an unwanted feat but a feat nonetheless — instead satirising itself by literally asking "who gives a fuck about movies?". Still, Mindy's whole speech, surveying her pals, assessing who is likely to kill or be killed, and waxing irreverent about scary film and franchise lore, shows how beholden Scream VI is to the saga's standard formula. Accordingly, don't believe Mindy when she says this isn't a requel sequel: it is. Also don't believe her when she states that old rules no longer apply: they patently do. Don't believe Mindy when she starts talking about subverting expectations as well, claiming that franchises will only keep on keeping on if they do just that. The horror genre gushes with ongoing series — some namechecked in Scream VI — that've proven the exact opposite because viewers showed up anyway, and little in this Scream entry upends the saga's basics. In fact, the big reveal is dispiritingly by-the-numbers, lacking the smart and savage commentary that helped improve the last Scream's choice of culprit in the process. Noting the wearing nature of living with trauma is a meaningful touch, but never deeply explored. The shoutout to franchise fatigue is also far more superficial than any Ghostface-caused gash. Plus, though focusing on Sam's inner turmoil has the potential to get the inevitable seventh flick to truly try something different, the callback that comes with the storyline is already clunky and played out. Scream VI is still fun enough as a slasher-comedy-slash-whodunnit; staging that slashing, plus the suspense and sleuthing around it, remains Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett's best Scream-relevant skill. That was never in doubt after Ready or Not, and their aforementioned cold open here is entertaining, playful and expertly executed. The New York setting sparks stabbings in alleyways, subways and bodegas, all impressively and tensely shot — although Montreal makes a particularly unconvincing Big Apple. And if you're going to stick with business as usual no matter what the sassy dialogue promises, Barrera, Savoy Brown, stalwart Cox, eagerly anticipated returnee Panettiere, and especially growing scream queen (see also: X and Studio 666) Ortega and always-welcome The Other Two star Segarra, are killer company.
If you were a child of the 90s, there's a good chance you will remember the page-turning thrill of the Goosebumps choose-your-own-adventure books or the semi-terror of The Simpsons halloween specials. Well, now there's a chance to live out your own bespoke adventure (or Treehouse of Horror episode) in real life. A Midnight Visit is a captivating theatre experience in which participants will traverse an abandoned Melbourne warehouse on a hair-raising journey through a surreal dream world. And we've managed to get our hands on some double passes. On this dark and eerie immersive theatre experience, you'll be transported to an intriguing and wistful world. Think David Lynch meets Stanley Kubrick with a big pinch of the notoriously macabre works of Edgar Allan Poe. In one room, you'll be plunging into a pink ball pit and, in the next, you will dance with the dead in a blood-red chamber. It's certainly not for the faint-hearted, with plenty of twists and turns, adult concepts and many 'troubled characters'. But, for those daring enough, a whimsical and seductive whirlwind experience awaits. Plus, you can calm your nerves with a cocktail or two at The Raven's Rest pop-up bar — though, unfortunately, there'll be no Bart-turned-raven taunting Homer. This immersive choose-your-own-adventure experience is unlike any theatre offering the city has seen before and, the best part is, tickets are on us. Enter with your details below to be in the running. [competition]731303[/competition] Images: Anna Kucera and Tim da-Rin
So, you've always wanted to explore Australia, but keep jetting off overseas instead. Or, maybe you like the idea of travelling more than actually doing it. For anyone keen to experience destinations they haven't yet visited — and for those that are happy enough to pretend that they're on holiday instead of hopping on a plane — virtual reality offers a solution. And, with their new VR app, Qantas is jumping on that bandwagon. Fresh from announcing that they're closing in on non-stop flights between Australia and Europe, the airline has released their next attempt to change travelling as we know it. Courtesy of 13 immersive 360-degree videos, you can now enjoy everything from a world-first virtual fly over of Uluru to diving at the Great Barrier Reef off Hamilton Island. Heading to Sydney's VIVID, climbing the Harbour Bridge, taking a sunset river cruise through Kakadu National Park, and discovering the spectacular sights and inhabitants of Ormiston Gorge — they're all on the agenda (and once you've felt just like you're there, Qantas is clearly hoping that you'll book a real trip). You can also glide in a hot air balloon over Alice Springs and sail to Whitehaven Beach as part of your virtual tour of the country. Additional content showcasing other locations will be rolled out over the coming weeks, so if you've caught the VR travel bug, your journey is just beginning. And while the Qantas VR app is currently available on iPhone, Android, Samsung Gear VR, Oculus Rift and HTC Vive devices, don't stress if you don't have the requisite headwear — you can also watch in 2D mode on your phone.
Ageing is a privilege. It's certainly better than the alternative. But what if life's physical ravages were condensed and accelerated? What if you were a six-year-old one moment, a teenager a few hours later and sporting middle-aged wrinkles the next morning? That's the premise of Old, which boasts a sci-fi setup that could've come straight from The Twilight Zone, a chaotic midsection reminiscent of Mother!'s immersive horrors, and a setting and character dynamics that nod to Lost. It slides in alongside recently unearthed George A Romero thriller The Amusement Park as well and, with M Night Shyamalan behind the lens, indulges the writer/director's love of high-concept plots with big twists. No one sees dead people and plants aren't the culprits — thankfully, in the latter case — however, surprise revelations remain part of this game. That said, unlike earlier in his career, when the filmmaker might've made the rapid passage of time the final big shock, Shyamalan isn't just about jolts and amazement here. Old has another sizeable reveal, naturally. Shyamalan is still the director behind The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable, Signs, The Village, The Visit, Split, Glass and more, and he likes his bag of tricks. This time, though, he wants to play with and probe his scenario rather than primarily tease his audience and get them puzzling. He wants viewers to experience the minutiae rather than wait for the ultimate unmasking (yes, with his fondness for twists, he'd probably make a great version of Scooby Doo). The notion that ageing brings pain and loss — physical, mental and emotional alike — isn't new, of course. Nor is the reality that death awaits us all, or that we rarely make the most of our seconds, minutes and hours (and days, weeks, months and years). But Shyamalan embraces these immutable facts to explore how humanity responds to getting older and the knowledge that we'll die, and how our worldview is shaped as a result — or, when we're all ignoring our mortality as we typically soldier on day after day, how ordinarily it isn't. Holidaying from Philadelphia — Shyamalan's hometown and usual on-screen setting — Guy (Gael García Bernal, Ema) and Prisca (Vicky Krieps, Phantom Thread) have a different ending on their minds as they settle into a luxe resort on a remote tropical island. Their marriage is crumbling, but they're giving their six-year-old son Trent (Nolan River, Adverse) and 11-year-old daughter Maddox (Alexa Swinton, Billions) one last happy vacation before their domestic bliss subsides. The kids have conflicting ideas about how to spend their getaway, but the hotel's manager (Gustaf Hammarsten, Kursk) has a suggestion. He tells the family about a secret beach, and stresses that he doesn't just tip off any old customers about its existence. The fact that they're escorted by mini-bus (driven by Shyamalan, in one of his regular cameos) alongside a few other resort guests undercuts that clandestine claim, but everyone soon has far worse to deal with. With arrogant surgeon Charles (Rufus Sewell, The Father), his younger wife Chrystal (Abbey Lee, Lovecraft Country), their daughter Kara (debutant Kylie Begley) and his elderly mother Agnes (Kathleen Chalfant, The Affair) — and with famous rapper Mid-Sized Sedan (Aaron Pierre, The Underground Railroad), and couple Patricia (Nikki Amuka-Bird, The Personal History of David Copperfield) and Jarin (Ken Leung, a Lost alum) as well — Guy, Prisca, Trent and Maddox quickly discover that time ticks by at a much speedier pace on this supposedly idyllic patch of sand. Also, no matter how they try, they can't manage to leave its oceanside expanse. The bulk of Old charts their reactions, especially as seconds equate to hours and the effects show almost immediately. Not only do the kids grow up fast (which is where Jojo Rabbit's Thomasin McKenzie, Jumanji: The Next Level's Alex Wolff and Babyteeth's Eliza Scanlen come in), but all of the beachgoers' health ailments are expedited, too. Diving in wholeheartedly, Shyamalan mixes stints of body horror with the film's existential woes, all while deploying Mike Gioulakis' (Us) constantly careening cinematography to convey the confusion sweeping through his exasperated characters. When it works — when it's plunging into the mania, discomfort and disorientation caused by time's sped-up slip — Old unfurls with a sense of fluidity, frenzy and thoughtfulness. It contemplates loss on multiple levels, including of health, childhood and life, and it finds vivid images to express the chaos and dismay that springs. Indeed, its depictions of advancing cancer, osteoporosis, loss of sight and loss of hearing are bold and effective. Shyamalan also uses his scenic backdrop cannily, giving his stranded figures and everyone watching a reminder that the planet's beauty will linger unaffected even as a lifetime of dramas play out (climate change isn't part of this scenario, obviously). And, his musings and the imagery they inspire all strike an emotional chord. His smart casting helps at every step as well, led by not just Bernal and Krieps, but McKenzie, Wolff and Scanlen. It's confronting to watch people realise their future is now gone, their squabbles unimportant and their regrets many, just as it's poignant to see young adults who were kids mere minutes ago grapple with coming of age on a rapid timeframe. Still, Shyamalan's beachy nightmare also has its struggles. Adapting his narrative from Pierre Oscar Levy and Frederik Peeters' graphic novel Sandcastle, he pens dialogue that's descriptive, exposition-heavy and often clunky. His treatment of mental illness as a villainous force is immensely troublesome. As is evident from the get-go, when cocktails are foisted too enthusiastically upon new resort arrivals and a young boy, Idlib (Kailen Jude, Grey's Anatomy), befriends Trent but seems wearied by everything around him, Shyamalan also can't completely resist the urge to force-feed blatantly apparent details. The film's needlessly conspicuous touches don't wash away its thrills, but they do make this a movie that's never as potent as it could be. When it's bonkers, insidious and moving all at once, Old grabs you as firmly as time grabs us all. When it just can't help being too neat, explanation-wise, it treads water rather than seizes the moment.
There's rarely a still moment in BlackBerry. Someone is almost always moving, usually in a hurry and while trying to make their dreams come true everywhere and anywhere. Those folks: Mike Lazaridis (Jay Baruchel, FUBAR) and Douglas Fregin (Matt Johnson, Anne at 13,000 Ft), who created the game-changing smartphone that shares this movie's name; also Jim Balsillie (Glenn Howerton, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia), the executive they pitch to, get knocked back by, then hire as co-CEO. That near non-stop go-go-go look and feel — cinematography that's constantly roving and zooming to match, too — isn't just a stylistic, screenwriting or performance choice. It's a case of art imitating the impact that the BlackBerry handsets and their tiny QWERTY keyboards had on late-90s and early-00s life. Before the iPhone and its fellow touchscreen competitors took over, it was the key device for anyone with a work mobile. The big selling point? Letting people do their jobs — well, receive and send emails — on the move, and everywhere and anywhere. Should you blame Research in Motion, the Canadian technology company that Lazaridis and Fregin founded, for shattering work-life balance? Dubbed "crackberries", their phones played a significant part in extending the office's reach. Is anyone being inundated with after-hours emails on a BlackBerry today? Unless they have an old handset in their button-pressing hands, it isn't likely — and BlackBerry the film explains why. Spinning on-screen product origin stories is one of 2023's favourites trend, as Tetris, Air and Flamin' Hot have demonstrated; however, history already dictates that the latest addition to that group doesn't have a happy ending. Instead, this immersive and gripping picture tells of two friends with big plans who achieved everything they ever wanted, but at a cost that saw the BlackBerry become everything, then nothing. Like its fellow object-to-screen flicks, it follows a big leap that went soaring; this one just crashed spectacularly afterwards. "A pager, a cell phone and an e-mail machine all in one": that's how Mike and Doug explain the PocketLink, the idea that'll turn into the BlackBerry, when they're trying to drum up investors. It's a winning concept, including in 1996 when the film kicks off, but these two pals know computers, coding and tech better than getting their creation out into the world. Balsillie, after rejecting them in a job he's feeling undervalued in, approaches the pair with an offer to assist. Give him a title, authority and a stake in the company, and he'll put in his own cash, become their business saviour and get their phone out into the world. And he does. BlackBerry devices were everywhere in the 2000s. Then Steve Jobs launched the handset that's become ubiquitous since, RIM responded, and the aftermath is well-known in everyone's pockets. There's a cautionary-tale air to this quickly compelling third feature from Johnson, who doesn't just slip into Doug's shoes while rocking an ever-present red headband — he directs and writes, as he did with The Dirties and Operation Avalanche, co-scripting here with Matthew Miller (Nirvanna the Band the Show, another Johnson-starring and -helmed project). BlackBerry isn't content to merely chart an upswing and downfall, plus a trouncing by a corporate adversary, digging into the perils of at-any-cost perspectives in every frame. Always as glaringly evident as a BlackBerry's buttons: if RIM hadn't made short-sighted choices and shady deals, cut corners, and played everything fast and loose while splashing around cash, the film mightn't wrap up as it does irrespective of the iPhone's success. Mark Zuckerberg and Steve Jobs inspired dramas (see: The Social Network, Jobs and Steve Jobs), but Lazaridis, Fregin and Balsillie have sparked a tragedy meets farce. Stepping through IRL events that concluded badly, famously so, doesn't stop Johnson from staying playful as a filmmaker. Indeed, BlackBerry is firmly a satire. Non-fiction book Losing the Signal: The Untold Story Behind the Extraordinary Rise and Spectacular Fall of BlackBerry by journalists Jacquie McNish and Sean Silcoff provides the movie's starting-off point, the overall rise-and-fall arc sticks to the facts, and the era-appropriate aesthetic and pop-culture references — including The Strokes, Moby and The White Stripes needle drops; The Breakfast Club quotes; and Point Break posters — are spot on, but this flick would also go well with The Office or Office Space. The core character dynamic demands a sense of humour, pairing a smart but socially awkward couple of mates with big hopes with a ruthless and shark-like salesman. Reality demands it, too, with the film taking a "what else can you do but laugh?" approach to capitalism in action at its worst. That restless, shaky, zipping-around cinematography by Jared Raab (also The Dirties, Operation Avalanche and Nirvanna the Band the Show, plus We're All Gonna Die (Even Jay Baruchel)) captures plenty that's ridiculous and yet also never surprising. BlackBerry is an eager parody — it purposefully isn't 100-percent accurate in every single detail, and it's as offbeat in vibe as Johnson's past work — but the peppily paced picture remains affectionate about an undersung chapter of Canadian history. So, it chuckles, boggles and chronicles. It perfects the gist of RIM's journey to great heights and back to earth again so savvily that everything feels authentic (emotionally at least) and winking at once. BlackBerry makes cheeky jokes about the device's name, shows LANs and movie nights that couldn't be further away from the corporate normality, giggles when eye-watering figures are thrown at other company's employees and lets Howerton lean into the cut-throat exec type with visible relish — and always keeps clicking as a portrait of faking it till you make it, chasing a quick win over a long-term plan, tech-industry greed and hubris, and selling out over going with your gut. The cast, especially Howerton, buzz on the film's wavelength on the strongest setting possible. While he'll forever be Dennis Reynolds, as he has on the small screen across 16 seasons so far since 2005, he's also a powerhouse as the relentlessly calculating, hockey-loving, take-no-prisoners figure who knows that he's a predator — and he's equally and astutely hilarious. Sporting a shock of greying hair even while playing a thirtysomething, Baruchel is similarly excellent, and subtler. BlackBerry isn't chortling at Balsillie, or at Lazaridis and Fregin, though. Rather, it's amused by the fact that each does exactly what they were always bound to based on their personalities, taking RIM's tale down the only path they probably could with this trio thrust together at the helm. Blackberry phones were once a character-defining status symbol; this can't-look-away movie is three fascinating character studies inside a comedic corporate horror show.
Trekking around town could soon be made a whole lot easier, if Melbourne City Council opts for a new plan that would give locals the opportunity to pay for all types of transport within the city via a monthly subscription fee. As reported by The Age, a transport strategy discussion paper released this week suggests the city switches to a Mobility as a Service (MaaS) scheme, similar to those currently being tested in Finland, the Netherlands and the UK. The plan would see public transport combined with ride and bike share services, to be accessed and paid for within the one app. It's a move that could help speed up travel times and ease congestion for many across the city. Chair of Melbourne City Council's transport portfolio Nicolas Frances Gilley said the scheme would make daily life a whole lot easier for locals. "It is saying, what is the choice I will make today, given the traffic, the weather, the cheapest option," he said. "It provides a streamlined path for you to get to work and taking stuff you see on the Uber app or Tramtracker all in one place." He suggested the RACV are already looking into this kind of offering, and that it might not be too long before it's a reality. If it was to go ahead, it would make using Melbourne's many bike sharing services much more accessible and might encourage more people to use them in conjunction with public transport. Via The Age.
David Bowie lit up the entertainment world like a flash of lightning. In fact, after wearing a bolt of brightness across his face on the cover of his 1973 album Aladdin Sane, the symbol became forever linked with the star. Now, a collective of Bowie-obsessed designers are trying to ensure that he continues to dazzle London thanks to a proposed permanent public memorial. In a plan that has must-visit tourist attraction written all over it, creative consultancy This Ain't Rock'n'Roll have launched a crowdfunding campaign to see a three-storey-high, red and blue coloured piece of stainless steel art built in the centre of Brixton, just five streets away from where Bowie was born. Yes, it'll take the shape of a lightning bolt. Yes, they've already thought of calling it the ZiggyZag. Yes, measuring nine metres in height and almost seven metres in width, it'll be just like the man who inspired it — impossible to ignore. The structure will sit next to another Bowie tribute in the form of Jimmy C's internationally famous Aladdin Sane mural, turning the Brixton spot into an absolute haven for worshipping the artist. If it eventuates, we're guessing there'll be plenty of dancing in the streets. Created in consultation with Bowie's team in New York and London, the project has a target of £990,000 — raising £43,647 so far at the time of writing — with the pledge period ending on March 21. Those who donate funds won't just play a part in making history, but can also receive books, pins, prints, t-shirts, pendants, limited-edition art and even 3D-printed miniature replicas, depending on the level of their contribution. For more information, visit the David Bowie memorial's crowdfunding page.
Career-wise, the past decade has been kind to Australian filmmaker Warwick Thornton. It all started back in 2009, when he won the Cannes Film Festival's Camera d'Or — the award for best first feature — for the fantastic Samson and Delilah. Since then, he has explored ghost stories in The Dark Side, and opened the Sydney Film Festival with We Don't Need a Map, a documentary exploring the prominence of the Southern Cross in Australian culture. In 2017, he also directed one of the best, most blistering Australian westerns ever made, Sweet Country. And, more recently, he co-helmed the second six-part season of TV series Mystery Road — which premiered at this year's Berlin Film Festival before hitting screens Down Under. All that hustle and bustle has had an impact, however, as his next project explores. In The Beach, Thornton documents his own quest to step back from his busy life by living alone on an isolated stretch of sand by the shoreline — at Jilirr, on the Dampier Peninsula on the northwest coast of Western Australia. Thornton directs the exquisite-looking documentary, with his son — Robbie Hood and Finke: There and Back filmmaker Dylan River — shooting the entire series. As well as helming, Thornton obviously stars in the six-part series, too. And it's understandably a highly personal affair; "The Beach is one of the most important projects of my life. It's about my life. It is my life," the acclaimed director explains. Accordingly, when the documentary hits NITV, SBS and SBS On Demand on Friday, May 29 — airing on NITV and SBS simultaneously in one big block, and dropping on the broadcaster's streaming platform at the same time — it'll chronicle Thornton's efforts as he lives alone, endeavouring to follow in the footsteps of his ancestors, the Kaytetye people. Solely relying upon the land, he spends his days in scenic surroundings while hunting and gathering for food, with the docuseries observing unobtrusively as he attempts to transform his existence, connect to Country, and nourish both his body and spirit. As the just-released trailer shows, it makes for quite the striking viewing. And, given the current state of the world, immensely timely viewing too. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaMIcuVH83M All six episodes of The Beach will air on NITV and SBS on Friday, May 29, with the docuseries available to stream via SBS On Demand from the same time.
Just over two weeks ago, the Australian Government announced a ban on non-essential mass gatherings of more than 500 people. Tonight, Sunday, March 29, that number has dropped to two. During an announcement made after the latest national cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that any public gatherings should be limited to two people, excluding family members. If you're not with those you live with — your parents, children or partner, for example — you should only be with one other person. The previous limit was ten. States and territories will decide if this is an enforceable limit. On-the-spot fines are currently in place in NSW, Victoria and Queensland, for individuals and businesses not following other COVID-19 containment regulations, such as self-isolation and unlawful mass gatherings. It was also announced that public playgrounds, outdoor gyms and skate ramps will close from Monday, March 30. The new two-person limit on public gatherings does not apply to weddings (which have a current limit of five people) and funerals (which have a limit of ten), but it does apply to group bootcamps. The Prime Minister also reiterated that Australians should only be leaving their homes for one of four reasons: shopping for what you need — such as food and other essential supplies — "as infrequently as possibly"; for medical care or compassionate reasons; to exercise, in-line with the new two-person limit; and for work or education if you cannot work or learn remotely. Another new announcement made tonight and set to be expanded on by individual states and territories over the coming days is a moratorium on evictions for the next six months. Which means that individuals and businesses cannot be evicted from their residential or commercial properties for not paying rent. The Australian Government also urges anyone that does leave their house to follow its social distancing guidelines. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. Top image: Kimberley Low
An expanding arts and cultural phenomenon in the heart of Austin, Texas, each year South by Southwest hosts thousands of musicians, showcases the latest innovations in technology and introduces some of the year's most intriguing movies to the world. Amongst the most buzzed about films of SXSW 2014 was an Australian production named The Infinite Man, a low-budget, sci-fi rom-com about a man who attempts to give his girlfriend the perfect romantic weekend, only to accidentally trap her in a never-ending time loop. In the wake of its world premiere in Austin, with a release date set for the middle of the year, we spoke with producers Kate Croser and Sandy Cameron about the process of getting the movie made, the story's biggest influences, as well as the rapturous reception that saw the film listed by Time, Indiewire and The Hollywood Reporter as one of the most exciting movies of the festival. WORKING ON A BUDGET Financed through Film Lab, an initiative of the South Australian Film Corporation that offers funding to Australian scripts that can be produced on a limited budget, The Infinite Man was written and directed by first-time feature filmmaker Hugh Sullivan, who Cameron first met at university. "When Film Lab was announced, it forced us to start thinking," Cameron recalls. "We came up with a bunch of ideas … and it quickly emerged that that was the one that would work." Low-budget filmmaking can be tricky, but the producers had high praise for their writer-director's work ethic. "I think he really enjoyed it, but at the same time it was very challenging," says Croser. "We promised the crew we wouldn't work any overtime, because we couldn't afford to. So as soon as we finished for the day, whatever was left over, Hugh and the director of photography would just go out and [film] themselves … they were working much longer hours than anyone else." INSPIRING SCI-FI Naturally, The Infinite Man is far from the first time that romance and science fiction has been mashed together. "A touchstone for us was always Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," asserts Croser. "It's not time travel, but it's got a similar sensibility and tone, and it's also a love story like ours … for us, the time travel is secondary to the exploration of the relationship and the characters." Cameron, meanwhile, makes a comparison that was also made by several critics, to Shane Curruth's cheaply made, highly convoluted time travel drama Primer. "Something that can be done on that low budget, that can get across that complexity of ideas, that was an inspiration, to a degree," says Cameron. "People were giving feedback in Austin saying 'this is like the funny Primer.'" HEADING SOUTH BY SOUTH WEST For the producers, getting into SXSW was always the goal. "A big part of our plans was to get a big festival to launch the film, because being such a small film, you need to get that exposure somehow," says Croser. "The SXSW audience is exactly the audience for the film." "The most exciting experience for us was the world premiere", she continues. "We got there and saw the name of the film up in lights, which was really exciting, and then we saw a line around the block. We sat down in the cinema with the audience and from the moment the film started, people were laughing, and the room felt so warm, and the response really felt genuine … that was just the best feeling."
First we got word of the Yoncé skyscraper, then the elevated park. Melbourne's CBD is on the receiving end of a wealth of weird and wonderful architectural riches recently — and there's more to come. Although this announcement leans more towards the embarrassment side of things. Introducing the 'pantscraper', which is indeed not a weird product brought to you by Danoz Direct, but the popular name of the recently approved 41-storey tower project of developers Cbus Property. The building is so named because of the bizarre double tower design and denim blue colour scheme that combine to look remarkably like a bland pair of baggy pants fit for a giant. The pantscraper design was knocked back a few times and not, as you would assume, for its slightly ridiculous aesthetic, but because the huge tower cast a shadow on both the north and south banks of the Yarra River. However, after negotiations with the Andrews government — which saw them agree to lop six storeys off the top — the new design has been approved. Construction will begin at the Collins Street site by September. Although it may seem like just another bloody skyscraper, this particular bloody skyscraper comes with a perk. They're closing off Market Street and will convert the extra space into a council-run public park — that's a new park right in the middle of the CBD. What could be more relaxing than kicking back in a lush, green park while a giant pair of pants looms over you, watching your every move? Nothing, that's what — and we, for one, welcome our new pant overlords. Via The Age.
For the tail end of winter, The Westin Melbourne's ever-popular, cheese-themed high tea series is set to become even more indulgent than usual. The aptly dubbed High Cheese will score a full truffle makeover, serving up an elevated, truffle-infused menu from August 1–31. This brie-lliant culinary situation is yours to enjoy daily (11am–8pm) in the hotel's Lobby Lounge. The limited-edition truffle lineup clocks in at $140 per person which will see you tuck into an elaborate spread by celebrated cheesemonger Anthony Femia (of Maker & Monger) and Westin Executive Chef Michael Greenlaw. Expect the likes of a baked le Duc Vacherin with shaved truffle on top and specialty sourdough for dipping; alpine cheese scones teamed with Gippsland jersey butter; and the L'Artisan Grand Fleuri brie layered with sautéed mushrooms and leeks in Oloroso sherry, and finished with even more black truffle. Dessert-style treats include stracciatella paired with a Four Pillars negroni marmalade, as well as the famed walnut praline madeleines filled with whipped comté, now teamed with extra truffle and fresh honeycomb. To match, there'll be free-flowing Jing teas, Vittoria coffee and hot chocolates. Plus, there's a curation of vino from South Australian winery Bird in Hand, if you'd like to accompany that truffle-laced cheesy feast with something a little stronger. Rather not leave the house? This year, High Cheese can also be enjoyed from the comfort of home, in the form of a high tea hamper delivered via Providoor.
It's happened to all of us. Your favourite band is in town and tickets are $50. Easy. Done deal. You see the tour announcement, log onto Ticketmaster or Ticketek and begin the transaction. But then, they start casually bringing up other fees. Oh, you want to book the ticket, that'll be an extra $5. Pay with a credit card? $2. Mail it, print it or pick it up at the venue? Each will cost you. By the end of the process your bargain price can end up looking pretty awful. Now, following an investigation led by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), these two ticketing companies will be forced to stop being so sneaky. This process, known as 'drip pricing', will be stopped and all compulsory fees will now be included in the up-front price. Both Ticketek and Ticketmaster will include the payment processing fee in the advertised cost, and Ticketek will also add the service/delivery fee as soon as you select the number of tickets. Admittedly, it's not a huge win for music fans. You're still paying these ridiculous arbitrary fees, but at least you'll know about it upfront. There's nothing worse than grabbing tickets to an event that's selling out and being gouged by mounting fees. Just look at this year's Splendour ticketing hack: even when the price climbed into the thousands people felt pressured to buy. "Although the law does not prevent traders from charging fees, it does require that they are disclosed clearly to avoid consumers being misled," said ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard. "The steps taken by these ticketing companies should give consumers more clarity upfront about the total cost of buying tickets for entertainment events." Two enthusiastic thumbs up. Next on the agenda: airlines. The ACCC have also launched a similar investigation into Jetstar and Virgin that will hopefully put an end to their extra booking and servicing fees. We can deal with buying our own sandwiches on board, but when you try to sneakily charge us $10 for picking a special seat, you've gone too far.
Tucked into Eltham's leafy hills, Montsalvat is Australia's oldest continuously operating artist collective, founded over 90 years ago. Combining art, architecture, and beautiful scenery, the community is getting into the spirit of spring by inviting guests to experience its brilliant wisteria trees in full bloom. Montsalvat's poolside terrace is transformed yearly with a cascade of purple wisteria flowers. Running alongside the estate's long gallery, these flowering vines were planted over 80 years ago and have become one of Montsalvat's most cherished seasonal wonders. Yet visitors have to act fast to experience them at their most enchanting. The burst of violet only lasts two to three weeks, with peak season arriving in mid-September and quickly fading for another year. So, bring your camera or paint brushes to capture the moment. For this year's event, Montsalvat is offering a special wisteria experience, where ticket-holders can access an exclusive VIP area beneath the wisteria canopy. As an extra treat, purple fairy floss and refreshments will also be available. Tickets go on sale when the estate's head gardener confirms peak bloom dates. Top and bottom image: Field of Vision Photography.
If Parasite and Burning introduced you to the spectacular world of Korean cinema, we have great news: there's much, much more where they came from. As well as delivering two of the very best movies of 2019, Korea's film industry is filled with other gems. And, each year, the Korean Film Festival in Australia (KOFFIA) brings the latest and greatest to local screens. In 2020, KOFFIA in streaming its lineup to everyone's screens, actually. Adapting to the pandemic, the fest has curated a program of 18 features that'll be available to watch digitally nationwide from Thursday, October 29–Thursday, November 5. Plus, if you need some extra motivation to spend more time staring at your TV or phone, the event is entirely free. On the bill: crime caper By Quantum Physics: A Nightlife Venture, sporting comedy My Punch-Drunk Boxer and sibling drama Family Affair, the latter of which stars Parasite's Jang Hye-jin. Or you can check out the multiple stories in Fukuoka, page-to-screen adaptation Kim Ji-young: born 1982 and assassination thriller The Man Standing Next. The list goes on — but you will need to note the exact date and time that each film is available, with every title only on offer to start viewing within 30 minutes of its scheduled timeslot. Also, courtesy of SBS On Demand's free Korean Film Festival Selects, seven more flicks from past KOFFIAs will be available to stream — at your leisure — from Sunday, November 1–Sunday, November 8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PT5w9y7OVy8
Last month, Douwe Egberts surprised weary air travellers with their yawn-activated coffee machine. Before that, Pepsi set up a vending machine that exchanged drinks for Facebook likes, rather than cash. Now, Amstel Bulgaria has taken the concept to a new level, with a vending machine that gives a beer to anyone who can stand still for three minutes. As you can see from the video, it's not necessarily as easy as it looks. Checking your mobile phone, for example, can prove to be something of a thirst-prolonging distraction. Despite our modern propensity for restlessness, however, Amstel did manage to give away 1,344 beers over the course of 16 days, which equates to a daily average of 84 giveaways and a total of 67 hours of rest time. The machine was placed in Sofia, Bulgaria's capital, where drinking in public is still legal. The promo is a collaboration with creative agency NEXT-DC, whose goal is 'to keep the conversation between brands and their customers alive and inspiring'. [via PSFK]
This is one suave-as-all-blazes tour announcement. After the recent announcement of their national tour set for November, Flight Facilities have revealed their perfect sidekicks for the road: Client Liaison. Currently touring the country on a cheeky headline tour of their own, the Melburnian duo are set to play their biggest shows to date with FF. They've recently released their perpetually listenable, essentially '80s-meets'90s debut LP Down to Earth through Dot Dash/Remote Control and now they're one of Australia's most must-see artists. Seriously. Flight Facilities have sold out their first Sydney and Melbourne shows, with extra dates announced all round. This is one show you're going to want to suit up for, lest you feel underdressed by the talent. FLIGHT FACILITIES + CLIENT LIAISON TOUR DATES: Thu 6 November — Adelaide HQ Sat 8 November — Perth CAPITOL Thu 13 November — Melbourne FORUM SOLD OUT Fri 14 November — Melbourne FORUM Sat 15 November — Brisbane TIVOLI Thu 20 November — Sydney ENMORE SOLD OUT Fri 21 November — Sydney ENMORE Tickets available here. https://youtube.com/watch?v=L_7DN_X4zsk
Master sommelier Madeline Triffon describes pinot noir as 'sex in a glass'. Winemaker Randy Ullom calls it 'the ultimate nirvana'. Broadway wannabe Titus Andromedon loved it so much he compares it to 'caviar, Myanmar, mid-size car' (see below). No wonder the good folk at Revel — who bring Malbec Day and Mould our way each year — are coming back to town with Pinot Palooza, an epic travelling wine festival celebrating all things peeeno noir. For just one day, Melbourne wine connoisseurs will have the chance to sample more than 200 drops, direct from Australia and New Zealand's best producers. Whether you're a newbie who wants to start with something light and inviting, or a pinot pro ready for the biggest, most complex mouthful on the menu, there'll be an abundance of selections at either end — and plenty along the spectrum, too. If, at any point, you need to take a pause in your tasting adventures, you'll be catered for. Food will be supplied by a whole heap of local favourites — we'll let you know when they're announced. Pinot Palooza will hit the Royal Exhibition Building on Saturday, October 5. Tickets are $65, and include all tastings and a take-home wine glass. What's more, those keen to fuel their brains (as well as their tastebuds) can spot $90 for a VIP pass. For that you'll get access to the VIP area, a glass of bubbles on arrival, entry into wine talks and masterclasses with one of the event's sommeliers. https://youtu.be/A6yttOfIvOw
More than 100 years ago, Russian composer Igor Stravinsky crafted The Rite of Spring. The ballet became famous not only for its tale of ritual and sacrifice during the eponymous season, but for its avant-garde music and choreography. Indeed, since first premiering in Paris in 1913, it has been held up as one of the 20th century's masterworks. Returning to Melbourne International Arts Festival after her 2017 hit Under Siege, Chinese choreographer and dancer Yang Liping has reimagined this iconic piece — filtering it through Chinese and Tibetan culture, and taking particular inspiration from the two nations' symbols of nature. Hitting the stage between Thursday, October 3 and Sunday, October 6, the result is a fusion of old and new, east and west, and movement and music, complete with Yang's expressive style, 15 dancers, plus designer Tim Yip, who won an Oscar for art direction for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
Today, intricately painted portraits line art gallery walls. Tomorrow, it'll be selfies. In fact, a new Los Angeles museum is dedicating its entire space to the snaps we all take of ourselves. Called The Museum of Selfies, it'll open for a limited time from January. The upcoming addition to LA isn't the first place or exhibition championing the cause, with a site in the Philippines taking that honour, but it is jumping on board with gusto. As well as showcasing selfies in all of their guises, attendees can expect hands-on installations that chart their history, play with common themes and — of course — encourage plenty of snap-taking. Bucking the trend in other galleries in recent years, selfie sticks are certain to be welcome. Highlights will include an Iron Throne made out of those very items, like Westeros would have if it had the technology, plus set-ups dedicated to food selfies, bathroom selfies, rooftop selfies and more. Narcissism, the rise of deaths attributed to selfies and contemporary artists' takes on selfies will also feature, mixing the psychological, societal and creative, plus something designed to make the Guinness Book of World Records. https://www.instagram.com/p/BcDNtLYlR0T/?taken-by=themuseumofselfies Overall, the museum aims to document, probe and challenge our fascination with the self-portrait form, as well as the perception of it in these iPhone-wielding times. Are selfies art? What makes your selfie-filled Instagram feed any different to artist self-portraits on canvas? Why can't we stop taking them? They're just some of the questions that'll be under consideration. The timing comes hot on the heels of a recent study on the concept of 'selfitis', which proposes that excessive selfie-snapping might be a mental disorder. According to research out of Nottingham Trent University, anyone taking at least three selfies a day could be afflicted. Whether or not you're convinced, visitors to The Museum of Selfies are certain to hit that target the moment they walk in the gallery's doors. Via Mashable/Time Out.
The big screen is going green at the sixth annual Transitions Film Festival, Australia's leading showcase of socially-conscious cinema. In Melbourne from February 16 to March 3, this year's festival lineup is jam-packed with deep-diving documentaries about some of the biggest social, environmental and geopolitical issues facing the world today. Standout films include A Plastic Ocean, about the harmful effects of plastic on marine life; Riverblue, a look at the disastrous environmental cost of the global fashion industry; and Power to Change, which chronicles the fight by German activists and entrepreneurs for a more energy efficient future. For the full Transitions Film Festival lineup, visit transitionsfilmfestival.com.
Defiant, powerful and passionate at every turn, Muru depicts a relentless police raid on New Zealand's Rūātoki community. Equally alive with anger, the Aotearoan action-thriller and drama shows law enforcement storming into the district to apprehend what's incorrectly deemed a terrorist cell, but is actually activist and artist Tāme Iti — playing himself — and his fellow Tūhoe people. If October 2007 springs to mind while watching, it's meant to. Written and directed by Poi E: The Story of Our Song and Mt Zion filmmaker Tearepa Kahi, this isn't a mere dramatisation of well-known events, however. There's a reason that Muru begins by stamping its purpose on the screen, and its whole rationale for existing: "this film is not a recreation… it is a response". That the feature's name is also taken from a Māori process of redressing transgressions is both telling and fitting as well. Kahi's film is indeed a reaction, a reply, a counter — and a way of processing past wrongs. In a fashion, it's Sir Isaac Newton's third law of motion turned into cinema, because a spate of instances across New Zealand over a century-plus has sparked this on-screen answer. Muru's script draws from 15 years back; also from the police shooting of Steven Wallace in Waitara in 2000 before that; and from the arrest of Rua Kēnana in Maungapōhatu even further ago, in 1916. While the movie finds inspiration in the screenplay Toa by Jason Nathan beyond those real-life events, it's always in dialogue with things that truly happened, and not just once, and not only recently. If every action causes an opposite reaction, Muru is Kahi's way of sifting through, rallying against and fighting back after too many occasions where the long arm of the NZ law, and of colonialism, has overreached. Played by Cliff Curtis (Reminiscence) with the brand of command that he's long been known for — and with the unshakeable presence that's served him through everything from The Piano, Once Were Warriors and Whale Rider through to The Dark Horse, Fear the Walking Dead and Doctor Sleep — Police Sergeant 'Taffy' Tawhara sits at the heart of Rūātoki's us-and-them divide. A local cop, he has the nation's laws to uphold, but he's also beholden to the community he hails from. His homecoming is recent, with his father (Tipene Ohlson) ailing and undergoing dialysis. So far, it has also been quiet. On the day that Muru begins, Taffy drives the school bus, takes the Aunties for medical checkups at the local mobile clinic and does what everyone in the valley does in their own manners: watches out for and tries to support 16-year-old Rusty (Poroaki Merritt-McDonald, Savage), the nephew of fellow officer Blake (Ria Te Uira Paki, The Dead Lands), who has the role of Rūātoki's resident wayward teen down pat. When Rusty smashes up shop windows that night, Taffy takes the call, then makes Iti's Camp Rama his second stop. A gathering of locals that champions survival skills and Tūhoe culture, it's designed to foster and reinforce the area's identity, which Taffy thinks Rusty can benefit from — even if that evening marks the sergeant's first attendance himself. But Camp Rama has also been under surveillance by the NZ police's special tactics group, with haughty leader Gallagher (Jay Ryan, The Furnace) and his quick-tempered second-in-command Kimiora (Manu Bennett, The Hobbit) deciding that Iti and his friends are a threat to national security. The highly armed tactical unit descends upon the community the next day, aided behind the scenes by colleagues Maria (Simone Kessell, Obi-Wan Kenobi) and Jarrod (Byron Coll, Nude Tuesday), overseen by an MP (Colin Moy, Guns Akimbo) determined to make a statement, and ignoring Taffy's pleas that their mission is mistaken. From the outset, Kahi flits between the two halves of Muru's narrative, letting their clash echo from the feature's frames. Daily life in the valley isn't idyllic, but everyone's wellbeing is a communal responsibility, as seen in the way that Blake pitches in to help with pāpā while Taffy is out driving, as well as the fondness shown for Rusty by school kids and elders alike. Among law enforcement, displaying force and strength rather than flexibility or care is the only focus — to explosive ends once the raid starts. His film isn't subtle, but Kahi proves both unflinching and perceptive in contrasting empathy with its utter absence. A case in point: the evocatively shot (by cinematographers Chris Mauger, Herb — Songs of Freedom, and Fred Renata, Dawn Raid) and tensely edited (by Hacksaw Ridge Oscar-winner John Gilbert) moments when the cops surround the school bus, tracking Rusty on his horse. The children see ninjas, the adults see life changing forever and the police simply see targets. If Muru didn't come layered with real-life context and a wealth of history, it'd still make for taut, intense and gripping viewing; as an action-thriller, it's sharp, tightly wound and skilfully executed, and teems with lively chases — by foot, car, horse and air alike — as well as loaded confrontations. Undercutting IRL trauma by boiling it down to a Hollywood formula isn't Kahi's intention, though, or the end result that pulsates across the screen. Muru is all the more riveting because it's so deeply felt, so steeped in generations of shattering violence, and so willing to ponder what compassion and justice truly mean. It also bubbles with the sensation that the movie wouldn't even need to exist in a better world, because the events that it's interrogating wouldn't have happened. This is a reckoning on several levels, including with that truth. As set against Rūātoki's scenic greenery, Muru is always a complicated picture, clearly — and that includes its choice to work in fiction instead of remaining glued to facts. Sometimes, though, spinning a story rather than sticking to actuality can be more potent, more emotionally authentic, and also brim with more feeling, as it instantly does here. Of course, there's no avoiding Iti, the feature's constant reminder that reality underscores even Muru's most imaginative narrative leaps. As himself, he's one part of a fine-tuned cast — weighty performances by Curtis, Merritt-McDonald, Ryan and Kessell stand out — but he's also Muru's beacon. Fury, understanding, hope, honouring the past, striving for a different future: in this dynamic film and in Iti's eyes, they all both ripple and linger.
If you'd been hoping to dance like Christopher Walken, pretend you're in Cruel Intentions, or just get transported back to the late 90s and early 00s when Fatboy Slim plays Melbourne's Sidney Myer Music Bowl in late April, we have bad news: that gig is sold out. But, thanks to a just-announced new addition to the British dance music legend's Australian itinerary, you can now hit the club — Revolver Upstairs, to be specific — for his 'live in the cage' DJ set for one night only. The man born Norman Cook will take to the decks on Wednesday, April 26, two nights before his openair show. And, tickets are just $43.95, although they're bound to get snapped up quickly. There will be some on the door on the night, too, but only until sold out. [caption id="attachment_878696" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Secretaría de Cultura de la Ciudad de México via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] If you've seen Cook spin tunes before, you'll know that this is news to get excited about right about now. His 1998 album You've Come a Long Way, Baby was the club soundtrack to end the 20th century — a staple of every 90s teen's CD collection, too — and responsible for hits like 'Right Here, Right Now', 'The Rockafeller Skank' and 'Praise You'. As for 2000's Halfway Between the Gutter and the Stars, it gave the world 'Weapon of Choice' and its iconic Walken-starring (and Spike Jonze-directed) video. Alongside the Chemical Brothers (a huge highlight of this year's Coachella livestream), The Prodigy, Basement Jaxx, The Propellerheads and Crystal Method, Cook helped bring the big beat sound to mainstream fame. [caption id="attachment_878697" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Secretaría de Cultura de la Ciudad de México via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] He's been making music since the 80s, but took on the name Fatboy Slim in the mid-90s, starting with 1996 record Better Living Through Chemistry. His discography also spans 2004 album Palookaville and 2013 single 'Eat, Sleep, Rave, Repeat'. Cook's Australian tour marks his return after his 2020 headline shows — pre-pandemic — with his Melbourne gig at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl recorded for an epic live video that's notched up more than 2.4-million views. At Revolver Upstairs, he'll do a three-hour set from 10.30pm–1.30am, with Mz Rizk, Luke McD and Luke Vecchio also getting spinning beforehand, and Sunshine afterwards. FATBOY SLIM 2023 AUSTRALIAN TOUR Wednesday, April 26 — Live in the Cage at Revolver Upstairs, Melbourne Friday, April 28 — Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne Wednesday, May 3 — Riverstage, Brisbane Friday, May 5 — The Entertainment Quarter, Sydney Sunday, May 7 — Burswood Park, Perth FATBOY SLIM LIVE IN THE CAGE AT REVOLVER UPSTAIRS LINEUP: IN THE CAGE 6–7.30pm — Mz Rizk 7.30–9pm — Luke McD 9–10.30pm — Luke Vecchio 10.30pm–1.30am — Fatboy Slim 1.30am–close — Sunshine ON THE STAGE 9.30–11pm — Joey Coco 11pm–12.30am ‚ Sarini Fatboy Slim tours Australia in April and May 2023, with tickets on sale now. Tickets for Fatboy Slim's Live in the Cage DJ show at Revolver Upstairs go on sale at 10am, Tuesday 18 April, with limited tickets also on the door until sold out. Top image: Secretaría de Cultura de la Ciudad de México via Wikimedia Commons.
You don't know what you've got till it's gone. That saying has never felt more poignant than right now as we look for ways to keep living our best city-dwelling lifestyles within the confines of our homes. We're missing impromptu after-work drinks with colleagues and big birthday bashes at a flashy restaurant with our crew. We're missing the thrill of seeing our favourite band perform live or shaking off the shackles of the workweek with some kidulting fun. These things will return in good time. Until then, we're going to be spending a bit more time at home than usual, so we may as well make it a place we actually like hanging out. To celebrate the return of the Miller Design Lab, we've come up with five ways to customise your home and bring the best aspects of your city's nightlife into the fold. Miller Design Lab has built their own online home of creativity and self-expression with Australia's leading minds in design, art, technology and fashion. Together, we're celebrating our nightlife and its impact on culture by bringing you ways to create exceptional moments in your own home. [caption id="attachment_503345" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Le Bon Ton[/caption] TRANSFORM YOUR BALCONY OR GARDEN INTO A ROOFTOP BAR It's no secret that we love a rooftop bar — there's just something about the fresh air and epic sunset views (and perhaps the altitude) that make our drinks even tastier. If you're lucky enough to have a balcony or garden space attached to your home, you better be making the most of that prime piece of real estate. Take some cues from some of your favourite sky-high bars around the city and transform those few square metres into a mini oasis that you can kick back in with a drink in hand. Once you've got the furniture sorted — whether that's the full setup from an outdoors warehouse or an eclectic mix of chairs and tables from Gumtree — focus on injecting some colour and personality into the space. Start with some greenery: you can get hanging planters, quirky pot plants and all kinds of foliage delivered to your door via The Plant Society in Sydney and Melbourne or The Plant Lounge in Brisbane. Next, set the mood with some lighting — go with some traditional fairy lights for an ethereal feel or festoon lights if you're aiming for something a little more rustic. TURN YOUR LIVING ROOM INTO A LIVE MUSIC VENUE Working from home has its perks, but it can actually be really hard to switch off at the end of the day when you've got nowhere to rush off to. To mark 'tools down', set a date with yourself and your roommates or partner to go to a gig — in your own living room. Live music venues may be closed for now, but there are a bunch of playlists that you can stream (check out some of our favourites here), plus many artists are bringing the gigs to you via the wonders of the internet. There's the daily LGBTQIA+ Zoom party Club Quarantine, Defected Records' Defected Virtual Festival (featuring sets from Calvin Harris, Sam Divine and more), and Room 2 Radio, the Sydney-based virtual dance party which kicks off every Friday night at 8pm. Plus, the likes of Hayden James and Major Lazer are doing weekly streams, while Radiohead and Metallica are uploading footage from old concerts every week on Youtube. Sunset is the signal for you to the shut the laptop, get the live-stream up on your TV and reshuffle the furniture (or just haphazardly push it to once side — either works) so you can have enough room to throw shapes. If you really want to get into the spirit, treat yourself and the room to a funky disco ball, neon sign or strobe light machine, too. MAKE NIGHTTIME PLAYTIME If there were ever a time you wished you could wind back the clock and be a little kid again, it's probably right now. Unless you have a Delorean in your possession (if you do, can we borrow it?), it's not a possibility. So, we've found other ways to get our kidult kicks across the city — think arcade bars, indoor trampoline centres and escape rooms. And you can bring some of those into your own home, too. Set up a mini golf tournament in your backyard, dig out those classic board games from the cupboard or stock up on puzzles — even our PM agrees the latter is essential. You can also try your hand at a virtual escape room — our pick is this Harry Potter one. Or, crowdfund with all your housemates to purchase a traditional arcade game. CONVERT YOUR DINING AREA INTO AN INTIMATE BAR Finding a dimly lit nook in a small bar and splitting a bottle with someone is one of our favourite winter pastimes — it suits when on a first date, catching up with an old friend and bonding with a new colleague. To bring some of those cosy vibes into your apartment, set mood lighting with those candles you've been hoarding, grab a couple of premium beers, then order in some cocktails from a local bar for 'happy hour' or crack open that vino you've been saving for a special occasion. Oh, and don't forget the snacks. Get some top-notch cheese delivered from Formaggi Ocello in Sydney, Milk the Cow in Melbourne or Le Fromage Yard in Brisbane and build your own grazing board. [caption id="attachment_709879" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Kate Shanasy[/caption] REVAMP YOUR BEDROOM TO BE LIKE AN ART GALLERY You may only think of it as the place you go to sleep, but your bedroom is pretty important, particularly when you live with other people. It's where you retreat to after all that partying around your pad. It's also where you have free rein to express your personality and interests through your art and styling choices — from your bed linen to funky furniture choices. A wall mural decal will transform a blank wall into a big statement that emanates an inner-city laneway. For something a little less permanent, create your own mural with old photos, posters or magazine clippings (yes, just like you did in high school), or support a local artist and buy one of their pieces — sites like Cream Town are a good place to start with artworks starting at just $100. For more ways to celebrate your city's nightlife and recreate its energy in your own space, head this way.
Travelling further than your own city hasn't been all that easy over the past 18 months, all thanks to the pandemic and the restrictions and border closures that've come with it. But, back at the end of June, Virgin Australia announced that it was going to give Aussies some extra incentive not just to travel, but to get vaccinated against COVID-19 so that borders can reopen, restrictions can ease and jetting off on holiday can become a reality again — and now the airline is coming through. The carrier has just launched a new giveaway called VA-X & Win, which is handing out free flights, a heap of frequent flyer points, lounge memberships and Virgin Australia PJs to Aussies who've had the jab. That's the catch, obviously. To enter, you'll need to roll up your sleeve first. You'll also need to be a member of the airline's free-to-join Velocity frequent flyer program. Here's how it works: once you've had both doses of the COVID-19 vaccination, you'll head to the airline's website, fill out the form with all of your details and wait to find out if you've won. You've got until 11.59pm on December 31, 2021 to enter, and you'll need to tick a box confirming you've been vaxxed, and also have proof of your jabs to show if asked. The full prize pool includes 25 return business class flights, 50 return economy flights, 30 Virgin Australia lounge memberships and 85 sets of pyjamas, with 50 people scoring 10,000 Velocity points and ten folks nabbing 100,000 points. Also, one person will become a Velocity Points millionaire, with the lucky winner then able to put those points to plenty of use. "We are offering an opportunity for every fully vaccinated Australian aged 18 and over to enter the Virgin Australia VA-X & Win competition, for simply rolling up their sleeve, getting vaccinated and protecting their community and the future of our country," said Virgin Australia Group CEO and Managing Director Jayne Hrdlicka. "We know how important it is to reach the vaccination thresholds as soon as possible, especially for those people living in New South Wales and Victoria, and we're proud to play our part in adding to the benefits of getting vaccinated." Qantas has also launched a similar giveaway, if you'd like to double your chance to win across both airlines. And, if you're now looking for vaccination clinics, you can check out a handy online map that collates vaccination hub, clinic and GP locations. It covers all Australian states and territories, including New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. To enter the Virgin Australia 'VA-X & Win' competition, head to the airline's website before December 31, 2021.
In 2021, the Royal Exhibition Building is set to be overrun with pooches of every shape and size. Returning for another year, the Melbourne Dog Lovers Show usually welcomes more than 200 exhibitors and upwards of 30,000 visitors. Whether you're in the market for a new family pet or are just looking for a bit of a cuddle, you won't find a more adorable event in Melbourne. Obviously, cat people need not apply. Taking place between Friday, October 22–Sunday, October 24, this year's show includes a number of special events for guests on two legs and four. There'll also be a doggy pool show and a parade of famous Instagram puppers, while celebrity vets typically run seminars on canine health. Several of Victoria's dog shelters will also be there, with no shortage of rescued animals looking for permanent homes. Oh, and in case that doesn't make your heart melt, they've also got a dedicated puppy patting zone. A note: while the Dog Lovers Show is all about dogs and features dogs, it isn't for dogs to attend — so you'll need to leave your own pooch at home.
The life and times of Joseph Merritt will play out on the Malthouse stage in Tom Wright's The Real and Imagined History of The Elephant Man. Running from August 4–27, the new play tells the story of Merrick, a young man whose unique deformities made him a subject of fascination in late 19th century London. Having previously been brought to life on stage by the likes of Mark Hamill and David Bowie — and in film by John Hurt in a performance that scored him an Oscar nomination — here Merrick will be played by acclaimed local actor, dancer and filmmaker Daniel Monks in his Malthouse debut. "Joseph Merrick has been a role that I have dreamt of playing for many years," said Monk. "As a young disabled person, Joseph and his story had a huge impact on me, as I know he has had on many others, and I feel honoured to be part of sharing his powerful story with new audiences."
Summer is usually the time when we let go of our culinary pretension. Dirty fish and chips on the beach? Why not. Eat nothing but overripe mangoes all day? Sounds good. But this year, you won't have to sacrifice any of that trademark Melburnian foodie love. The guys behind Huxtable and Huxtaburger have teamed up for a mouth-watering new venture on Smith Street, and they'll be serving up cheap lobster rolls all summer long. That's right — not flake, not prawns, but lobster. Running next to the group's ever-popular Collingwood burger joint, Mr Claws will be slingin' rolls stuffed with pieces of lobster meat and dripping with your choice of three sauces: miso and wasabi, Sriracha spiced mayonnaise or buttermilk ranch. A single roll will set you back just $12, or $15 if you feel like adding straw potato chips and pickles. While the organisers say it's an idea they got while in London, we've seen a bunch of places take an interest in these small kinds of luxuries. It's no longer unusual for lobster to pop up on your local pub menu occasionally and restaurants in Sydney are all over it. It's definitely a trend we can get behind. Just like Huxtaburger there will be limited seating available in store, but if you do find the space they'll be serving a bunch of tasty drinks to wash down all that decadent goodness. We're talking craft beers, Pimms and Gordon's Elderflower Spritz. Proper lush stuff. Mr Claws was first tested out at Taste of Melbourne earlier this month and punters predictably loved it. In a press release this week they've stated the Smith Street store will be open "indefinitely", but "updates on the duration of the pop up can be found on the Mr Claws Facebook page". They're also scouting out permanent sites for 2015. But all that's besides the point — the sun is out and the smell of cheap lobster and Sriracha is in the air. Get down to Smith Street ASAP. Mr Claws is located at 104 Smith Street. It's currently open Monday-Friday 12pm-3pm and 5pm-9pm.
Dance meets activism at Off the Grid 2017, an all-day party where the environment is on the agenda. Featuring an eclectic mix of local and international DJs, musicians and performance artists alongside speakers and environmentalists, this "solar-powered celebration" promises some 14 hours of eating, drinking, dancing and discussion. The fun begins at 9am on Friday, December 22 in the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art forecourt. The music lineup includes Jay Daniel, Chee Shimizu, Krakatau, KAIIT, Two Steps on the Water, Ben Fester and Dianas. Importantly, the sound system will be run off solar power, while proceeds from the event will be invested in solar projects around town. Guest speakers, meanwhile, include Alison Rowe from the Moreland Energy Foundation, Amy Roberts of organic basics label Vege Threads, and Erin Rhoads, brains behinds the eco-lifestyle website The Rogue Ginger. Image: Austin Fassino.
As Melbourne's legendary food scene embarks on a necessary shake-up to suit the post-lockdown age, we're set to see plenty of clever and out-of-the-box events landing on our culinary calendars. That includes Everleigh-After — a multifaceted, art-filled dining experience from new culinary concept SSIXX, which hits Melbourne for seven weeks this summer. This envelope-pushing event will serve up a multi-sensory fusion of visuals, sonic delights, food, drink, art and aromas, in a collaborative effort between famed cocktail haunt The Everleigh, Ides' renowned chef-owner Peter Gunn and SSIXX's founder Philip Bucknell (who has imagined creative experiences for the likes of The Met Costume Gala, MOMA and New York Fashion Week). Taking place across a limited run of sittings from Tuesday, January 12, Everleigh-After features a series of intimate 14-person communal dinners, held within a futuristic cube at a secret inner-city location. Yes, it's set to be an immersive, otherworldly affair, offering a simultaneous feast for all the senses. And, while it comes in at a cool $250 a pop, this one aims to blow all your previous food experiences out of the water. While the visual splendour, bespoke scents and aural offerings unfold, guests will also enjoy a lineup of specialty Everleigh cocktails, carefully matched to a four-course feast. Much is being kept under wraps for now, though you can expect to taste a masterful reworking of Gunn's iconic Black Box dessert somewhere along the way — a much-loved Ides creation made famous after an appearance on Masterchef Australia. It seems that Melbourne is just the beginning, too. The minds behind Everleigh-After have confirmed the concept is a "travelling experience", imagined "in collaboration with culinary experts, artists and designers Australia wide." SSIXX presents Everleigh-After will host a limited run of sittings every Tuesday–Sunday from January 12–February 28, 2021. The location will be revealed to guests closer to the date of their dinner. To learn more and book a spot, head to the website.
Loss, compassion, healing — these are all themes set to move audiences at the Melbourne Town Hall this month when several tours de force of the Australian classical music industry combine to bring us A Night of Compassion. Eight years after Australian composer Nigel Westlake and singer-songwriter Lior released their groundbreaking contemporary-meets-classical album Compassion, they're reuniting for a return to the stage. This time, they'll be accompanied by Melbourne's Symphony Orchestra for a night of musical extravagance not to be missed. You may have been lucky enough to see Compassion live the first time around in 2014: the seven-song cycle was a sensation, spending a cool ten weeks at #1 on the ARIA classical charts upon its release and even receiving the 2014 ARIA Award for Best Classical Album. Inspired by the tragic death of Westlake's son in 2008, Compassion was a means of healing for the acclaimed composer, who you may also know as the musical mind behind the scores for Babe and Miss Potter. After seeing Lior perform in Hebrew at a fundraiser event in his son's memory, the pair collaborated to create a musical selection drawing on ancient Hebrew and Arabic poems, proverbs and texts. The theme of the album was how compassion can provide relief in a world struggling with divisiveness — a concept that seems more pertinent now than ever. [caption id="attachment_868611" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paul Grabowsky and Emma Donovan[/caption] Whether you're a long-standing fan or this is your first classical foray, this one-night-only show on Thursday, September 29 is set to be one to remember. Included in the lineup is MSO composer-in-residence Paul Grabowsky AO and acclaimed Indigenous soul vocalist Emma Donovan, who'll be performing in language as the pair share a selection of songs from their most recent country and gospel collaboration, The Old Rugged Cross. Also set to perform is a Ukrainian-Jewish-Australian duo, singer Billie Tumarkin and multi-instrumentalist Alex Burkoy. [caption id="attachment_868609" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Billie Tumarkin by Grace Hunder[/caption] Brought to you by the Festival of Jewish Arts and Music (FOJAM) and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO), A Night of Compassion is one for your spring calendar — just maybe bring some tissues. Tickets to A Night of Compassion can be purchased here.
Reading that daily horoscope might be enough of a foray into astrology for some, but what about a whole hotel dedicated to the celestial study? If the moon positions itself correctly, true buffs might be compelled to start planning that weekend away now — because Sydney is set to get the world's first ever astrology hotel. The Ultimo officially launches next month with a collection of newly refurbished rooms, which include single, studio, trio, family and pet-friendly courtyard rooms. But keen astrologers will have to wait a bit longer to get the low-down, as the hotel has given next-to-no hints as to what's involved with this, er, innovative hotel concept. That said, if it's anything like Switzerland's Park Hotel Weggis, which has offered a 'Park and Stars' package in the past, guests can probably expect individual astrological readings and consultations, and perhaps even a dinner created with their astrological sign in mind. Located at 37 Ultimo Road in Sydney's CBD, The Ultimo is set to open next month — and their full set of offerings will be unveiled on Wednesday, February 8. We'll update this story once we know the details.
Whether you're keen to cross completing a marathon off your bucket list or you're just looking for a wholesome and endorphin-inducing way to spend the weekend, there are plenty of must-run events taking place around Australia during the second half of the year. So, chuck on your very best activewear and get ready to clock some serious — or not so serious — kilometres at these events along the east coast. CITY2SURF, SYDNEY The annual City2Surf has called upon all Sydneysiders since its humble beginnings nearly 48 years ago, and this year shall be no different. The world's largest timed fun run has raised around $36 million for more than 900 charities since 2008 — and is aiming to raise a jaw-dropping $5 million this year alone. With more than 80,000 participants expected to tie up their laces and join the race, the City2Surf is a must-do for running enthusiasts. Owned and organised by the Sun Herald in partnership with Westpac, the 14-kilometre-long course starts from Sydney's Hyde Park, winds through the city streets, up the notorious Heartbreak Hill and through the eastern suburbs until it comes to a finish at glorious Bondi Beach. As you can tell, this isn't just your casual stroll through the park. Beyond the finish line, a beachside event awaits participants. Live entertainment, food vendors and cold beers await you. The City2Surf will take place on Sunday, August 12. You can register for the race here. RUN MELBOURNE, MELBOURNE This year, Run Melbourne will celebrate its 11th birthday with a two-day running festival — and it features live music and delicious food pop-ups as well as the race. As one of Australia's most iconic winter running festivals, Run Melbourne attracts both super fit athletes and casual Tan strollers alike. More than 175,000 runners have participated in this famed Melbourne running event since its inception — raising roughly $12 million for more than 400 charities to date. Organised in partnership with Lululemon, the course includes three race options: five kilometres, ten kilometres and a hefty half marathon. Run Melbourne will commence in the heart of the city at Federation Square, taking participants past Melbourne landmarks including the MCG, Rod Laver Area and South Wharf before finishing up at Birrarung Marr. Run Melbourne kicks off with the Friendship Dash on Saturday, July 28 with the main race taking place the following day, Sunday, July 29. Register for the Run Melbourne events here. THE COLOR RUN, NATIONAL Founded as a way to promote happiness and health, this five-kilometre-long run involves splashes of colour to distract you from the fact that you're, you know, exercising. All participants are asked to wear white t-shirts and embrace the colour pigment that's blasted at them at various points during the race. This is sweaty exercise disguised as straight-up fun. With a party at the beginning, a party at the end, and four colour zones to dance your way through — the fun never stops, and neither do your legs. The Color Run now takes place in more than 35 countries worldwide, attracting six million runners across the globe. This year it'll run races in Melbourne, Sydney, the Gold Coast and Perth. The Color Run will happen on the Gold Coast on Sunday, August 19; Sydney on Sunday, October 7; and Melbourne on Sunday, November 25. You can register for the events here. SYDNEY RUNNING FESTIVAL, SYDNEY On this Sydney track runners are afforded postcard-like views of the city while running on one of Australia's most iconic landmarks: the Harbour Bridge. With four events — the Marathon (42.2 kilometres), Half Marathon (21 kilometres), Bridge Run (nine kilometres) and the Family Fun Run (3.5 kilometres) — it doesn't matter whether you are a seasoned athlete or just starting your running journey. Post-event, all runners and their family and friends are invited to celebrate their achievements in the recovery village located in the Royal Botanic Gardens. The Blackmores Running Festival kicks off on Sunday, September 16. You can register for the races here. BRISBANE MARATHON FESTIVAL, BRISBANE A run is always made better by a scenic view — whether it's keeping you motivated, or distracted from your athletic endeavours, a pretty landscape makes all the difference. The Brisbane Marathon Festival provides running experts and novices with exactly that. Runners and walkers descend on the streets of the Brisbane CBD for this annual event, enjoying full closure of major city streets to experience a marathon event of epic proportion. The course has three duration options — the marathon, the half marathon and the ten-kilometre race — and whether you're from Brisbane or interstate, it's the best way to see the city in all its glory. The Brisbane Marathon will take place on Sunday, August 12. You can register for the marathon here. MELBOURNE MARATHON FESTIVAL, MELBOURNE The Melbourne Marathon Festival started back in the 70s and is a favoured annual running event for many Melburnians. The races vary in length and difficulty — the shortest event being a three-kilometre walk — and the flat course is perfect for less-experienced runners. The track spans the Melbourne CBD and gives runners an opportunity to experience the city's famous landmarks, feet first — from the St Kilda beach foreshore to the MCG, there's plenty to see. Take part on your own, as a team or with colleagues, and help raise funds for the Cerebal Palsy Education Centre, or a charity of your choice. The Melbourne Marathon Festival will take place on Sunday, October 14. You can register for the race here. [caption id="attachment_677471" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Flickr.[/caption] PUB2PUB CHARITY RUN, SYDNEY The annual Pub2Pub is arguably one of the most scenic runs in Sydney boasting spectacular beach views. Celebrating its 27th birthday this year, the running festival has raised more than $3.5 million for local northern beaches' charities. Whether you consider yourself an avid runner or more of a leisurely stroller, Pub2Pub has three course options available to satisfy all types of runners: Dee Why Beach (13 kilometres), Warriewood (six kilometres), and Mona Vale (three kilometres). Beyond the finish line, on the shores of Newport Beach, a huge family-friendly festival awaits with live music, a licensed bar, an array of food vendors, fun rides and games. The Pub2Pub Charity run kicks off on Sunday, August 26. You can register for the run here.
In news that has ironically prompted outraged profanity worldwide, Vladimir Putin has signed a bill which prohibits the use of swear words in Russian film, theatre and live music performances. This legislation is just the latest in a long line of gradual moves against freedom of expression in the country. With the much-protested bills passed against the "promotion" of "non-traditional sexual relations", the increasing moves towards internet censorship, and the ruling in April this year against profanity in the media, the whole situation seems a bit fucked. Coming into effect on July 1, this most recent bill will ban four specific words from Russia's art and performance. All hailing from the lexicon of mat: khuy (cock), pizda (cunt), ebat (to fuck), and blyad (whore) will be prohibited from appearing in any new work, while books and printed materials containing such words will be sold in sealed packaging with warning labels. If artists refuse to abide this new ruling, not only will their works be refused distribution, they will be charged up to 50,000 rubles ($1,510). To further confuse matters, though the ban will include live performance and events, it will reportedly only affect products of "popular culture" and not "art". "The law is not aggressive," said a representative from the Culture Ministry to the Moscow Times. "Its only aim is to regulate this sphere, so that swearing will have its purpose." Though the difference between the two realms of production has not yet been specified by the Ministry, artists across the world can finally feel some sense of relief — who would have thought this man would be the one to pin down the elusive definition of art? Many in the Russian art world are unsurprisingly outraged by this recent move and take particular issue with its effect on literature. Mat has in fact had a rich history in Russian poetry and prose, as seen in the seminal Romantic work of Mikhail Lermontov and Alexander Pushkin. The banning of such words, pivotal to the language of the working class, will undoubtedly limit the range of character and emotion in much of Russia's cultural work. Unfortunately, I'm not that well-versed in Russian film or literature, but just imagine a world where American Psycho is illegal; a place where this iconic scene from Planes, Trains and Automobiles could never have reached its audience. In a worldwide exclusive, we've actually obtained a copy of the upcoming Russian Wolf of Wall Street re-release. It may not have the glamour or excitement of Scorsese's original, but its does 100 percent comply to the standards of the Culture Ministry. Enjoy. Via the New Yorker.
Some days, you wake up, go about your business as normal, and absolutely nothing unusual or exciting happens. Other days, you're hit with the unexpected announcement that new Rick and Morty has just landed. That's the way the news goes sometimes, including today, Monday, June 21 — because the first episode of the animated comedy's fifth season has just landed on Netflix. Get ready for more interdimensional adventures — and to get schwifty if you want to — because the show's specific brand of chaos is back for another go-around. Once again, Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith (both voiced by show co-creator Justin Roiland) will do what they do best: not just aping a concept straight out of Back to the Future, but wreaking havoc in as many universes as they can stumble across. Also back are Morty's mother Beth (Sarah Chalke, Firefly Lane), father Jerry (Chris Parnell, Archer) and sister Summer (Spencer Grammer, Tell Me a Story) — and, as not one but two trailers have already demonstrated, they're playing a big part in Rick and Morty's dimension-hopping antics this time. Rick and Morty trailers are more about the mood, look and feel than the storylines — so, while you can obviously expect a heap of out-there situations, battles and general sci-fi mania, just what's in store is always best discovered by sitting down and watching a new episode. In season five, though, there'll be nods to and parodies of everything from Voltron to Blade. Rick and Morty will argue, too, because that's one of the thing that this Back to the Future-inspired pair do best. If you're keen to rejoin the smartest Rick and Morty-est Morty in the universe, you can check out the fifth season's first episode now — with new episodes then dropping each week. Now, unless you're a total Jerry, you've got something to look forward to come quittin' time for the next few Mondays. Watch the latest Rick and Morty season five trailer below: Rick and Morty's fifth season will stream weekly from Monday, June 21 on Netflix in Australia and New Zealand.
"My name is Jordan Belfort" explains Leonardo DiCaprio in the opening to Martin Scorsese's new film, The Wolf of Wall Street. "The year I turned 26, I made $49 million, which really pissed me off because it was three shy of a million a week." If you're a banker, that probably frames this film as something of a tragedy for you. For everyone else, it sets the tone for a semi-true story about a materialistic mercenary whose insatiable appetite for money and power saw him wreak havoc on both the stock market and his own family for two decades. Taking its name and story from Belfort's bestselling (and unsurprisingly self-aggrandising) biography, The Wolf of Wall Street largely confirms all the things you presumed you hated about unscrupulous investment bankers and even establishes a few new ones for you to despise. It is black comedy at its very darkest; a chronicle of depravity that at once amuses and nauseates. In his now award-winning turn as the eponymous 'wolf', DiCaprio holds nothing back — screaming, beaming and drooling his way through every scene with gleeful, passionate intensity. His best lines are often reserved for internal monologue, navigating by narration all the intricacies of drug consumption, prostitute procurement and, of course, stock market manipulation. Alongside him is Jonah Hill in a fantastically weird performance as Belfort's right-hand man Donnie Azoff. Grinning through hypnotically white teeth, Azoff is both Belfort's enabler and guardian — simultaneously safeguarding their friendship whilst steering it irreversibly down the road to inevitable ruin. Despite its cracking pace, The Wolf of Wall Street runs at just one minute short of three hours and definitely feels as long as it is. The cycle of sex, drugs and opulence admittedly entertains at first but soon becomes as unvarying and unremarkable as, presumably, it was in real life. That vapidity is then compounded by the lack of growth experienced by just about every character in the film. Belfort's transformation from wide-eyed newcomer to unapologetic sybaritic lasts precisely one (albeit probably the best) scene right at the start of the film, after which his character arc sits firmly on the 180. Lessons aren't learned, egos aren't checked and virtue never rears its head as the Wolf and his pack cruise, jet and blindly stumble from one orgiastic spectacle to the next. In that respect, The Wolf of Wall Street ultimately feels shallower and less arresting than, say, Oliver Stone's Wall Street or even Brian De Palma's Bonfire of the Vanities. All three unreservedly showcase the extraordinary grandiosity, greed and ruthlessness of men like Belfort, yet Wolf's predecessors prove that less is more when examining those for whom 'more' is the singular ambition. https://youtube.com/watch?v=iszwuX1AK6A
'Tis the season for many things, though at one particular pop-up Christmas market, the festivities are entirely, deliciously gin-related. The Craft & Co's inaugural Gin Market is a one-stop pressie shop with a very distinct flavour. Taking place at The Craft & Co in Collingwood across the first weekend of December, expect a careful curation of delights from nine Aussie gin distilleries. As it's a sit-down event, they'll be going from table to table, speed dating style, so you can hear all about the passion for their product, while maintaining a safely distanced environment. Exclusive specials are promised on the night, so if you're a real ginthusast you'll want to stock up on presents. And, you know, a few treats for yourself. Just don't forget to eat something during all that sampling — the bar will be open for snacks downstairs, but bookings are recommended.
This summer we're getting out of the CBD and exploring some of the buzzing areas on Melbourne's fringe. With coastal walks, nature reserves and creative hidden gems, Frankston is a vibrant beach suburb that's only getting better as each summer rolls around and visitors begin flocking. If you haven't ventured to this picturesque coastal region just 45 minutes southeast of the CBD, it's time to change that. We've put together seven reasons why you should put this severely underrated spot on your list for this summer. FIND CREATIVE INSPIRATION On the walls of unassuming buildings and streets around Frankston you'll discover a thriving street art scene, with works from local and international artists bringing the city to life. The best way to experience it is through the area's award-winning Street Art Walking Tour. Taking around 90 minutes, this tour shows off works from acclaimed international and local artists like Smug, PichiAvo, DVATE and more, while giving you a chance to get familiarised with the streets of the city. Tickets are only $15 — and that includes a coffee or tea from a local cafe. How good? If the weather isn't playing ball or you haven't had your fill of art yet, check out a new exhibition at the McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery. This modern public gallery sits on a 16-hectare property in neighbouring Langwarrin and houses more than 2,700 works — including more than 100 stunning sculptures you can discover in the park. The gallery's current exhibit Bridging the Gap is definitely worth checking out for history and art aficionados alike — it celebrates post-war Australian sculpture. GET SPENDY Looking to get a jump on your Christmas shopping, or want to give your home a freshen-up with some fresh flowers and locally made knick-knacks? Frankston has one heck of a market scene where you'll be able to find unique goods from local creatives and makers. Our favourite is the Sunset Twilight Market, which runs every month until April on the picturesque Frankston waterfront — and where you can browse jewellery, art, homewares and unique gifts as the sun goes down. Roaming performers and live music provide the vibes‚ and it's the perfect chance to capture a classic bayside silhouette photo. Make a night of it by grabbing dinner at one of the many food trucks during the special Christmas edition of the Sunset Twilight Market on Sunday, December 18. For daytime shopping, Little Beauty Market is a gorgeously curated market showcasing local art, gifts, fresh blooms, jewellery, crafts and more in Frankston's suitably named Beauty Park. You'll be able to find handcrafted natural skincare, plants, eco-friendly gifts and gourmet food options — head to the website to learn more about the market's regular makers and creators, and pop the next one in your diary — Saturday, January 21. VIBES ARE ON Pop the champagne — summer is a time for al fresco festivities and celebrations. Luckily Frankston has a stacked lineup of festivals and events this season so you can celebrate in style. For all your summer vibes, The Waterfront Festival is returning in February after smashing local crowd records last year. The 2023 edition will be even better — think two days of live music, including Aussie rock legends You Am I (whose albums have regularly topped national charts on release) and fellow legends of rock The Casanovas, who have seen similar success in their 20-year career. Plus cultural performances, shoreline activities, a market and a stunning fireworks show over the water to cap things off. You'll want to pencil Saturday, February 18 and Sunday, February 19 into your calendar — keep up to date with the programme here. GO COASTAL We couldn't write a guide to Frankston without mentioning its star attraction. If you're visiting Frankston this summer you're going to want to kick off those shoes and get your toes in the sand — the suburb has some of the best beaches in the region. We recommend making a day of it by beginning your stroll at the Frankston Pier. If you're feeling peckish, you can then mosey along the boardwalk toward Olivers Hill to grab a bite to eat. Three food trucks have set up for the summer at the base of Oliver's Hill Boat Ramp. Top off an early morning swim or surf with a coffee from Little Olly's — it opens at 6am on weekdays and 7am on weekends. For your arvo and evening eats, fuel up with a fresh feed from locally-owned Cripps Fish & Chips and wash it down with ice-cold treats like smoothies and gorgeous gluten-free ice creams from Picoletta (Mercetta). We know locals in the know will be setting up for the day on the Seaford foreshore — this postcard-perfect beach boasts white sand, crystal-clear water and some of the best sunset views you'll find anywhere around Port Phillip Bay. Plus there's a whole stretch of sand dedicated to being dog-friendly — bring your four-legged best mate out for a day trip and let them frolic in the waves. [caption id="attachment_881580" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Lona Hotel[/caption] DRINK AND DINE IN STYLE One of Frankston's best-kept secrets is its thriving hospitality scene — you'll find some delicious eats and drinks throughout the area. We recommend kicking off your day by grabbing coffee and brunch at Two Boys One Beagle, a super relaxed (and pastel pink) all-day eatery which was voted Frankston's best coffee in 2019 — and standards haven't slipped. As of the new year you have a brand-new spot for your afternoon and evening hangs — bar and eatery Lona Hotel has opened its doors to the public. If the name sounds familiar it's because its sister venue can be found in St Kilda. Be one of the first to park yourself up in the beer garden when this new local fave opens this summer, and enjoy picks from the tapas-inspired menu and killer cocktail list. And of course, street art trails aren't the only tour worth taking — Frankston has its very own seven-stop Beer and Spirits Trail, featuring a real who's who of local brewers and distillers from giant beer halls to smaller family-friendly haunts. Make it your mission to tick them all off the list this summer. IMMERSE YOURSELF IN NATURE After all that eating and drinking, you'll need to get out for a walk or two. There's nothing like a hefty dose of nature to shrug off the end-of-year stress, so get yourself to Frankston Nature Conservation Reserve and find 98 hectares of land suited to walking, jogging and biking, and is home to 300-odd species of native plants and animals. If you're looking for a shady oasis to beat the heat, Sweetwater Creek Reserve offers picturesque walking paths and boardwalks under the cool canopy of trees. Be soothed by the sounds of waterfalls and wildlife as you meander along — and if little legs need a break, there are heaps of seats and rest points along the path. HEAD OUT AFTER DARK The sun has to set at some point, so take a date (or a mate) out for an evening to enjoy. Don't stress about planning it — we've got it sussed. Start your evening at Pixar Putt — the popular openair mini golf course inspired by the Disney-owned studio's loveable films is popping up on Frankston's waterfront from December 16 to January 29. This kidult-friendly course takes you past childhood heroes like Buzz Lightyear, Sheriff Woody and Elastigirl, and is sure to become a summertime favourite. Head in between 7–10pm on weekends for adults-only sessions with a fully stocked bar – that's date night sorted. Once you've finished a friendly round or two, head for a round of a different sort at one of Frankston's local watering holes. Our favourite place to catch the sunset is the foreshore's walk-up-only sunset beach bar Oliver's Corner (that's Ollie's to the locals), an ideal spot to sip a cocktail and watch the sun go down. For great vibes and live tunes, there are acclaimed live music venues throughout the area to tickle your fancy — and maybe introduce you to your new favourite local acts. We're big fans of The Cheeky Squire (especially Monday's $6 pint nights) and historic venue The Pier Hotel, but for a cocktail list and bottomless brunch deal worth savouring, hit The Deck. Frankston is delivering a stacked lineup of cultural activities, live bands, stage shows, fabulous food, twilight markets and more until May 2023. Find out more at Discover Frankston.
Looking for a spot to catch the Australian Open finals this weekend? Take a wander down to The Boatbuilders Yard. To celebrate Melbourne's tennis fever, the riverfront bar has transformed into a tennis club this January, with the help of Aperol. You'll be watching all the hits on an outdoor screen, backdropped by the Yarra. Kick back in a deck chair with an Aperol spritz in hand (just $12 a pop) and a bunch of the Boaties' snacks. Among the menu's game-powering delights are haloumi fries with beetroot tahini ($13) and soft shell prawns with chilli jam, lime kewpie and togarashi ($16). But the Aperol Tennis Club isn't just about watching and feasting. It's also about getting in on the action yourself. When you're ready to dominate with your serve and dazzle with your forehand, jump on the ping pong table and do your worst. The club will be around until Sunday, January 27. Get there on Saturday, January 26 at 7.30pm for the Women's Singles Final and on Sunday at 7.30pm for the Men's Singles Final. For more information, head to The Boatbuilders Yard website.
For the second year in a row, North Byron Bay Parkland won't be welcoming in bands and music lovers this July, with Splendour in the Grass' 2021 festival already rescheduled to November. But if enjoying a jam-packed lineup of tunes is a cherished part of your winter routine, that's still on the cards, with the fest's organisers announcing that a new virtual Splendour event will take place in its usual midyear times slot. Called Splendour XR, the mud-free two-stage event will pop up across the weekend of Saturday, July 24 and Sunday, July 25 — but you'll be watching along from home. Or, from wherever you choose to tune in via your mobile, tablet, browser, desktop or VR headset, all to watch more than 50 acts take to the virtual stage over two days. Leading the charge are headliners Khalid and The Killers. The former will do the honours on Saturday, while the latter will take over on Sunday. They'll be joined by a hefty list of talent, including Chvrches, Denzel Curry, Duke Dumont, Tash Sultana, Violent Soho, Phoebe Bridgers and Band of Horses on the first day, plus Charlie XCX, Vance Joy, The Avalanches, Of Monsters and Men, The Jungle Giants and Ocean Alley on the second. If you're wondering how Splendour XR will work, that's understandable — and no, you won't just be watching old gig footage or clips from past Splendours. Instead, the fest will feature new, never-before-seen live sets that have been created especially for the virtual event. And, while they'll be available to watch worldwide, the fest will operate on Australian time — running from 12pm–2am AEST each day, with tunes starting from 2pm. You'll also be able to view the performances for seven days afterwards. Splendour organisers are also aiming to take as much of the IRL festival experience with them into the virtual realm, too, with attendees set to access "an imaginatively embellished but faithful recreation of Splendour's Byron Bay venue", according to the festival announcement. You'll also create your own schedule so that you can hop between stages to see whoever you like, and you'll be able to virtually meet up with your mates in the process as well. Also part of the fest: raising funds for live music industry workers, mental health and wellbeing, and sustainability. There'll also be an online medical centre designed to help anyone that's struggling with their mental health after the chaos of the past 15 months or so. Obviously, attending Splendour XR will be much, much kinder to your bank balance than going to the real thing. Tickets start at $17.49 for one day for existing Splendour IRL ticketholders during early bird sales, which are open now — and max out at $49.99 for both days when it gets down to final release tickets (just a couple of days out from the event). SPLENDOUR XR LINEUP: DAY 1 Khalid Chvrches Denzel Curry Duke Dumont Tash Sultana Masked Wolf Russ Millions Band Of Horses Little Simz Violent Soho Aurora Phoebe Bridgers Vera Blue Pink Sweat$ Client Liaison Griff Pond Tayla Parx Dune Rats Methyl Ethel The Chats Triple One Cat & Calmell King Stingray The Southern River Band DAY 2 The Killers Charli XCX Vance Joy Grimes Metaverse (Super Beta) The Avalanches Of Monsters and Men Kaytranada Black Pumas Hot Dub Time Machine Millennium Parade The Jungle Giants Ocean Alley Jungle What So Not King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard Sinéad Harnett Holly Humberstone Spacey Jane Crooked Colours Amyl and The Sniffers Wafia Aviva The Snuts Band-Maid Ziggy Ramo Gretta Ray Splendour XR will take place on Saturday, July 24 and Sunday, July 25. For further details or to buy tickets, head to the festival website. Top image: Mitch Lowe.
Another day, another streaming platform. While there's a service for everything these days — Disney flicks, documentaries, Aussie movies, films recommended by Drive director Nicolas Winding Refn and, soon, British television (just to name a couple) — the just-launched Quibi comes with a few twists. We hope you like glueing your eyes to your phone and watching everything in ten-minute chunks, because that's what's on offer with this newcomer. It's all in the title, really, with Quibi shortened from 'quick bites'. Whether you're checking out a new version of Punk'd hosted by Chance the Rapper, seeing Chrissy Teigen preside over small claims cases in the Judge Judy-style Chrissy's Court or getting immersed in a Reese Witherspoon-narrated documentary series about females in natural history, you'll be doing so in small portions. And, you'll be watching on your mobile device of choice, because that's the only place the Quibi app is available. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3awKJu7EN6I Created by ex-Disney chairman and DreamWorks cofounder Jeffrey Katzenberg, and led by former eBay president and CEO Meg Whitman, Quibi has been in the works since 2018 — and earning ample attention thanks to its huge stash of cash (reportedly raising $1.75 billion to spend on content), as well as its hefty array of stars and shows (including an upcoming remake of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days). But the service's arrival in Australia actually came as a surprise, with the platform touting a US launch on April 6, then becoming available Down Under on the same date. That means Aussie viewers can now catch everything from dramas and comedies to news and reality TV in bite-sized chunks, with instalments maxing out at ten minutes but most running shorter (between five and eight minutes). Also on Quibi's lineup are 'movies in chapters', which are exactly what they sounds like — films broken down into episodic segments to fit the platform's whole concept. Launching with a sizeable range titles — with an ultimate aim of hitting 175 different shows and 7000 episodes in its first year — Quibi highlights include mockumentary Nikki Fre$h, which follows Nicole Richie's efforts to become a wellness-focused rapper; cooking competition show Dishmantled, where host and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt star Tituss Burgess shoots food at two culinary industry figures, then forces them to try to recreate the dish in question; and Lena Waithe-hosted documentary series You Ain't Got These, about sneaker culture. From the 'movies in chapters' lineup, there's also Flipped, starring Will Forte and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia's Kaitlin Olson as a down-on-their-luck couple desperate to host their own TV renovation series; Most Dangerous Game, the latest twist on the humans-hunting-humans idea, this time with Christoph Waltz and Liam Hemsworth; and Survive, which casts Game of Thrones' Sophie Turner as a suicidal patient suddenly forced to fight for her life after a plane crash. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3IRvX9UaIk&feature=emb_logo If you're wondering about watching all of the above on your phone, Quibi is designed to play in full-screen no matter whether your handset is vertical or horizontal — with the image automatically changing as you move your device around. And if you're thinking "clearly this is targeted for people watching on the go, such as on the train to work", you're spot-on. Thanks to COVID-19, of course, that's not how folks will be using the service for the near future, though. That makes Quibi a Netflix-meets-YouTube streaming platform with plenty of things to watch, but a flimsy gimmick — or a poorly timed one, at least. Whether anyone wants to get their TV and movie fix on their phone while they're cooped up at home is one of the questions the service currently faces. The other is the lack of communal viewing, because no one wants to crowd around one handset to watch a show or film with their significant other. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKPuomRV5C8 Still, Quibi is betting that audiences will be interested anyway, with more big-name titles in the works. Serving up car-based stunts, Elba vs Block will see Idris Elba face off against professional rally driver Ken Block. And expect lots of cuteness in Barkitecture, which'll see the construction of OTT houses — for dogs. In the remake category, a new version of late 90s sports flick Varsity Blues is on the slate, as is a revival of comedy series Reno 911, as well as a Kiefer Sutherland-starring take on 60s TV series and 90s movie The Fugitive. Sci-fi movie Code 8 is getting a Quibi spinoff, starring Robbie and Stephen Amell, while Japanese horror manga Tomie is being adapted for the platform. And even Steven Spielberg is jumping on the bandwagon, courtesy of horror series Spielberg's After Dark. For further details about Quibi, visit the streaming platform's website. To download the Quibi app, head to the App Store or GooglePlay — with a 90-day free trial currently available, and subscriptions costing AU$12.99 per month afterwards. Top images: Survive and Barkitecture
Crowdfunding is a relatively new concept, but it's also been pretty controversial, especially after big-name artists started using it to fund albums (Amanda Palmer and Eskimo Joe, anyone?). But it's also being used as a starting point for some great ideas and inventions that may not have ever become a reality otherwise. In 2012, cycling enthusiast Izhar Gafni invented a bicycle made out of recycled cardboard, rubber and plastic — the total cost of the materials coming to just $9. Now, Gafni has launched a $2 million Indiegogo campaign to take the project to the next level, which would involve mass producing the bike with the ultimate aim of making it affordable and widely available to people all over the world. Gafni describes the technology behind the bike as 'game changing' and thinks it could be the start of a 'green revolution'. On his Indiegogo page, Gafni says that the bike "means that children in under-developed countries can have access to these bikes to get to school, and their parents can get to work" and "the funds we raise will allow us to establish the first cardboard bicycle production line, thereby creating jobs, affordable transportation and a cleaner environment. For the people, by the people." https://youtube.com/watch?v=jBa0Wy50X5Y Via PSFK.
North Fitzroy Italian diner Lagotto is turning its attention to the sweeter side of life — and a good cause — by collecting funds for bushfire relief with a good old fashioned bake sale. On Sunday, February 2, it's firing up the oven and rounding up a couple of well-known foodie friends for a special fundraiser that'll send 100-percent of proceeds to Country Fire Authority Victoria and Wildlife Victoria. Lagotto's chefs will be staying on theme as they whip up an assortment of classic Italian treats, from biscotti and crostoli to bomboloni and stuffed cannoli. Meanwhile, local bakeries Loafer Bread, Dench and To Be Frank are coming in hot with some baked goods of their own. They're donating goodies like buttery croissants, biscuits and French-style baguettes. Even Lagotto's siblings are coming to the party — expect homemade sausage rolls from wine bar Congress and serves of yuzu custard mochi courtesy of modern Japanese restaurant Future Future. No one's going thirsty, either, with caffeinated sips donated by Vacation Coffee and native bush bellinis made in collaboration with the folks up the road at Pinotta. [caption id="attachment_723464" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Parker Blain[/caption] Both the espresso machine and the tunes will be pumping, so your freshly baked goodies are best enjoyed out on Lagotto's sunny terrace. Word is, there'll even be some cheeky dog treats on hand for very good boys and girls. PSA: bring your change — this is a cash-only sale. Top image: Kate Shanasy
Even the most seasoned traveller can get a little homesick from time to time, particularly if you're bunking down in the great outdoors without the usual creature comforts. Enter the Bank luggage range by Marc Sadler, as designed for Fabbrica Pelletterie Milano. As well as spanning the usual array of suitcases, it also features three trunks that turn into your own office, bed and kitchen away from home. Encased in shiny aluminium exteriors, jet-setters will find fold-out mini rooms that take care of our basic needs: sleeping, cooking and, sadly, working. The 'bedstation' includes a wooden base with a thin folding mattress, while the 'workstation' contains a table, chair, storage draws and charging ports. As for the 'cookstation', which isn't yet available, it'll boast a hot plate, chopping table, storage for kitchenware, its own power and even a mini fridge. Unsurprisingly, nothing in the range comes cheap — expect to pay nearly AU$11,000 for the bed, around AU$7500 for the office and an estimated AU$10,000 for the kitchen. Still, if you're keen on taking a piece of home with you on your next trip, or close enough to it, it's an option. For more information, visit Marc Sadler's website or the Fabbrica Pelletterie Milano website. Via Travel + Leisure.
Take in the scenery and work up a proper thirst at Red Hill Brewery's annual Ride with the Brewer. Riders will be split into through groups based on skill level before embarking on a fully guided cycling tour of the picturesque Red Hill region. Afterwards you can cool down with beers and lunch back at the brewery. Not a bad way to spend your Sunday, and a lovely low-key outing for the final day of Good Beer Week 2017.
For a lot of us, 2020 so far has involved a whole heap less travel than we'd usually like. With devastating bushfires raging across the country, many had to forego our annual summer trips and stay at home. Then, COVID-19 hit Australia, resulting in nationwide restrictions on travel. Recently, the Australian Government announced its three-step roadmap out of COVID-19 lockdown, with talks of interstate and possibly trans-Tasman travel happening before the end of July. Finally, we can start dreaming of our next trip away. And to help inspire your post-iso plans, Tourism Australia is hosting an online program of virtual travel experiences and entertainment. Best of all, it's completely free. Dubbed Live from Aus, the program will run from Saturday, May 16 to Sunday, May 17 via its YouTube channel and Facebook page. It'll feature everything from Phillip Island's penguins to underwater reef tours at the Great Barrier Reef, music by First Nations artists with Uluru as its backdrop, Mona's Spectra light show, an Australian wine tour with Adelaide Hills' Unico Zelo, a cheesemaking session with Jo Barrett and Matt Stone, sunrise yoga at Byron Bay and cooking the ultimate Aussie brunch with Darren Robertson, Mark LeBrooy and Andy Allen from Three Blue Ducks (if you want to cook along, you can check out the recipes here). All up, expect a taste for Australia's natural beauty, food, music, wildlife and culture. Other highlights include a disco party with The Wiggles, an exploration of Indigenous Australian ingredients with famed chef and MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo, tours of Australia's greatest golf greens, pub trivia, a coffee making tutorial with Ona Coffee, a tour of Kangaroo Island, a night at the Opera House and Dreamtime stories with Darren 'Capes' Capewell. You can check out the full program and times here. Live from Aus will kick off at 7am AEST on Saturday, May 16 till Sunday, May 17. You can tune in for free via Facebook or its website. Images: Uluru Sunset Session with First Nations music curated by Sounds Australia, Underwater Reef Tour at the Great Barrier Reef, Penguin Parade Bedtime Stories from Phillip Island and Kangaroo Island Tour with Craig Wickham — all courtesy of Tourism Australia.
Come November, if you're keen on travelling to a galaxy far, far away, you won't need to visit your local cinema. Disney is getting into the streaming game and, when it launches its new Disney+ platform, it'll do so with the first-ever live-action Star Wars spinoff television series, The Mandalorian. One of the most anticipated shows of the year on this (or any other) planet, The Mandalorian follows a lone gunfighter who hails from the planet Mandalore and roams the outer reaches of the universe. His bullet-firing antics happen far from the prying eyes of the New Republic, with the series set after the fall of the Empire — that is, after the events of Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi but before Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens. If the basic premise isn't enough cause for excitement, then the stacked cast will help — it includes Game of Thrones' Pedro Pascal and Breaking Bad's Giancarlo Esposito, plus Nick Nolte, Gina Carano, Carl Weathers, Ming-Na Wen and none other than legendary director and occasional actor Werner Herzog. Behind the scenes, The Mandalorian also boasts plenty of big names, with The Lion King's Jon Favreau calling the shots (as the program's creator, writer, showrunner and executive producer), and Taika Waititi among its series' directors. Waititi will also voice a new droid, called IG-11. After announcing the show last year, then keeping the details as secret as possible, Disney has slowly been revealing bits and pieces about the series in recent months. If you've been keener than Han Solo in any cantina in the galaxy to get a glimpse, the Mouse House dropped its first trailer for the series back in August, and has just followed up with a brand new second sneak peek. Given all of the above details — the cast, the concept, the place in the Star Wars timeline — plus the fact that the show hits in a matter of mere weeks, Disney isn't being quite as shy this time around. Expect space beasts, spaceship battles, bounty hunter dramas and folks getting frozen in carbonite in the new clip, as well as more of The Mandalorian's number one asset. Yes, that'd be Herzog and his inimitable voice, which once again get a workout in the latest trailer. Check out the new preview below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmI7WKrAtqs The Mandalorian will hit Disney+ when it launches Down Under on November 19.
Pharrell's putting that giant-hatted brain to good use; the multi-Grammy award-winning artist has co-designed and curated the first ever denim collection made with recycled plastic yarn. Fronting the G-Star crew as creative director of Bionic Yarn, Pharrell is spearheading G-Star's eco-friendly collections for men and women, dubbed RAW for Ocean. Sounding like something Iron Man knits mittens with, Bionic Yarn is an eco-thread of fibres made from recycled plastic bottles found littering the ocean. Having already recycled a whopping ten tonnes of plastic waste from the seas, RAW for Ocean is the first ever collection to use Bionic Yarn to create a denim collection. And when three times as much rubbish is dumped into the ocean as the weight of fish caught every year, this is a sustainable initiative we can truly get behind. At the forefront of sustainable fashion, G-Star and Pharrell have teamed up with some pretty kickass initiatives to see the collection come to fruition. The Vortex Project works to retrieve and recycle the millions of kilos of plastic floating in our global oceans, hoping to reduce it and come up with smart awareness campaigns to disrupt the vicious cycle. Parley for the Oceans is another top notch platform which brings together artists, musicians, fashion designers, scientists, engineers and other environmentally-conscious legends to talk about the ocean's massive problem in high-profile events and activations. They've also got Sea Shepherd giving them the thumbs up. So what's in store for the collection? Raw for Ocean will see jeans, t-shirts, sweaters, caps and more created from Bionic Yarn — all featuring different shades of mazarine indigo blue and black. One of the cornerstone pieces for men is a modern trench cut from the Bionic Yarn raw denim, the A-Crotch Trench, while ladies can look forward to a printed denim Fallden Bomber. The RAW for Ocean collection even has a dorky little mascot, Otto the Octopus, whose presence in the collection becomes a quirky take on the classic houndstooth print. Sea Shepherd's Paul Watson said, "Creativity is the key to saving creation from our darker side and the key to a future of ecological harmony between humanity and the diversity of wondrous species we share this planet with." Big ups to G-Star and Pharrell for getting on board. The RAW for Ocean collection drops September 10 in stores and online.
