Kicking off the summer festival season at 128 BPM, Stereosonic will take over the Melbourne Shouwground this December for a heated, fist-pumping day of electro, techno and house music. Maybe 'getting shredded' isn’t your cup of tea, but good techno, dance and house music is — you don't have to be a big ol' douche to enjoy a solid drop. This year's lineup should please unquestioning Stereo devotees and curious newcomers alike, with the likes of Armin Van Buuren, Major Lazer, Diplo and Duke Dumont heading up quite the 2015 lineup. Alongside international big guns like Sweden's Axwell & Ingrosso, French house producer Tchami, Swedish bro Miike Snow's new electro duo Galantis, British electronic foursome Clean Bandit and San Franciscan legend Claude Von Stroke, Stereo has placed an emphasis on local artists this year — and there’s no shortage of genuine talent. Canberran festival favourites Peking Duk will be playing live (they covered 'Sandstorm' at Field Day so expect anything), alongside former Flume duo What So Not (now Emoh Instead's flying solo), Sydney house producer Timmy Trumpet, up-and-coming Sydney lads Carmada, and Perth beatsmiths Slumberjack are all locked in. Sydney's immortal Hot Dub Time Machine is bringing his perpetually popular decade-hopping set to the table (one that overwhelmingly crushed it closing this year's Secret Garden Festival). Stereosonic kicks off at the Sydney Olympic Park on November 28 before heading over to Perth’s Claremont Showgrounds on November 29. Then it's on to both Melbourne Showground and Adelaide’s Bonython Park on December 5 as well, and Brisbane Showgrounds on December 6. Keen to get amongst it? Get a 24-hour headstart on buying Stereosonic thanks to MasterCard — making sure you don't have to watch the festival happen on social media. Pre-register here to get access to the exclusive MasterCard 24-hour presale, starting Monday, July 27. STEREOSONIC 2015 LINEUP: STEREO STAGE Armin Van Buuren Axwell & Ingrosso Major lazer (Live) Showtek Peking Duk (Live) Generik Galantis SONIC STAGE Diplo DJ Snake Duke Dumont (Live) Tchami What So Not Clean Bandit (Live) Carmada Shockone Jauz Slumberjack ATLANTIS STAGE Gareth Emery Andrew Rayel MaRlo Andrew Bayer Emma Hewitt (Live) Mark Sherry Jason Ross Headhunterz THE WOODS STAGE MK Claptone Claude Von Stroke Hannah Wants Patrick Topping Shiba San Cut Snake BEATPORT STAGE Carnage Will Sparks Hot Dub Time Machine Timmy Trumpet Snails Jessie Andrews Tigerlily Image: Stereosonic.
Handpicking some of the globe's best new artists for yet another glorious year (their sixth, to be exact), Sugar Mountain hasone heck of a 2017 lineup, with Dev Hynes/Blood Orange, homegrown duo Big Scary and British boss Little Simz headlining. Returning to Melbourne's Victorian College of the Arts on Saturday, January 21, Sugar Mountain has again balanced international drawcards with local talent this year, from Perth avant-electronic bedroom producer KUČKA to German producer Pantha Du Prince. Other Aussies converging on Mebourne for the fest include Methyl Ethel, Dro Carey and The Belligerents. The Boiler Room stage will also return, live streaming around the world with a yet-to-be-announced lineup. As always though, music isn't the only thing on the menu for Sugar Mountain. There'll also be a load artists on the bill, including Chairlift vocalist Caroline Polacheck, Melbourne-based, Novocastrian sculptor Caleb Shea and New Orleans-based public space artist MOMO. Nosh-wise, don't just expect your regular festival fare — Sugar Mountain's immersive on-site restaurant Sensory will be back. Last year, it was a collaboration between Bomba, Tin & Ed and Cut Copy, so we can't wait to see what they put together this year. Enough chatskies, here's that lineup you're after. SUGAR MOUNTAIN 2017 LINEUP: ALTA Baba Stiltz (Sweden) Beppe Loda (Italy) Big Scary Black Cab Blood Orange (UK) CC:DISCO! Daydreams Dro Carey Jaala Jack River Jessy Lanza (Canada) Kelsey Lu (USA) Kornel Kovacs (Sweden) KUČKA Little Simz (UK) Methyl Ethel Mood II Swing (USA) Moses Sumney (USA) My Disco Palms Trax (UK) Pantha Du Prince (Germany) Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever Slum Sociable Sui Zhen Suzanne Ciani x Kaityn Aurelia Smith (USA) The Belligerents Tornado Wallace Weyes Blood (USA) ARTISTS Caleb Shea Elliot Routledge Karan Singh (Japan) March Studio MOMO (USA) Myriam Bleau (Canada) Robyn Moody x Caroline Polacheck (USA) Supergroup London - Morag Myerscough x Luke Morgan (UK) By Shannon Connellan and Lauren Vadnjal.
Just as uni students across the country start to finish their last exams for the semester and high five each other as they realise they don't have to step foot on campus for the next few months, the team from Shadow Electric have announced plans to throw a huge two-month summer festival — at uni, of all places. And even though it's the holidays, you're definitely going to want to go back to school for it. The organisers — who are known for their summer outdoor cinema at Abbotsford Convent, among other events — will take over the University of Melbourne's impressive Parkville campus for two whole months of music, film and, of course, food and drink. Dubbed Shimmerlands, the festival will run both day and night throughout January and February. Making the most of the ghost town that is a unversity during summer, they'll turn the campus into a veritable feast of cultural delights. There'll be an outdoor cinema, two performance spaces (an indoor concert hall and outdoor music amphitheatre), multiple bars and a pop-up collection of 16 of Melbourne's best restaurants. The full programming details are yet to be released, but we do know Shimmerlands will be hosting Parquet Courts' Falls sideshow on January 5. We'll keep you updated with any new announcements. Shimmerlands will run throughout January and February 2017 at the University of Melbourne in Parkville. For more info, visit shimmerlands.com.
Sizzling hot pork and ice cold cider: two surefire ingredients for a kickass weekend and the cornerstones of your favourite new festival. Taking over The Nursery at Flemington Racecourse this weekend, the Victorian Cider & Pork Festival will welcome dozens of brewers and chefs who specialise in apple and swine. And yes, there'll be plenty of opportunities for ticketholders to stuff their faces. Indeed, from the moment the gates open at 11am on Saturday, punters will be spoiled for choice. Meatmaiden, Bluebonnet BBQ and Burn City Smokers are but a few of the food vendors who'll be on-site, and you can bet they'll be firing on all cylinders. As for beverages, there'll be 17 different producers on hand, including Apple Thief, Hills Ciders, Colonial Brewing Co. and many, many others.
Mother once said: "If you've nothing nice to say, say nothing at all." On that basis, it's likely The Counselor will receive little to no press coverage whatsoever. To begin with, then, something nice. When production first began, this movie was promise itself. Potential made manifest. One of those films where every ingredient seemed perfect: directed by Ridley Scott, written by Cormac McCarthy and starring everyone you've ever heard of. Then something went wrong. Badly. In fact, in that respect the film closely reflects the story of the film, where a well-conceived drug deal completely falls apart to the ruin of many. To suggest, however, that this was Scott's masterful meta-direction would be far too generous. No, in more realistic terms, The Counselor is simply an incoherent piece of crap. It opens with a sex scene, and a none-too-subtle one at that. But just as it is in real life, sex in film requires at least a modicum of foreplay. With the darkness of the cinema only seconds old and the choc-tops largely intact, the audience was still drier than the days-old popcorn kneaded into the lining of its seats. Why this scene was in there, let alone as the movie's opener, remains entirely unclear. If its goal was to establish Penelope Cruz as a sexy woman, then Scott should probably have taken that 'as read'. If it was to set Michael Fassbender up as someone who likes to talk dirty, please break the emergency glass and retrieve your copy of Shame. Then comes the second scene (don't worry, this won't be a scene by scene account — nobody's that cruel), during which yet another crazy-haired Javier Bardem character sits alongside a cheetah-tattooed, gold-toothed, hombre-haired Cameron Diaz as they watch an actual cheetah hunt its prey. In case you missed it: yes, that's a metaphor. Then Bardem says, "Don't you think that's a bit cold?" to which Diaz replies, "The truth has no temperature." Together they stare off into the distance, as if silently aware that way off in that distance, the audience is already laughing at them. Finally, the third scene. Fassbender now discusses the purity and majesty of diamonds with a diamond expert in Amsterdam. Their attention turns to a particularly beautiful specimen which the expert calls his "cautionary diamond", saying "The flaws are there, but they are not visible." So, as the saying never goes: just like a diamond, getting involved with Mexican drug cartels might seem like perfection, but in the end one should exercise caution, because Mexican drug cartels are actually terrifically hard and can cut things. Ridiculous as it sounds, that is honestly the closest The Counselor gets to having a point: don't get involved with Mexican drug cartels, because it will probably end badly. There really isn't a whole lot more to say about this movie. Almost tragically, Cruz's performance is magnificent, representing one of The Counselor's few redeemable features. Bardem is similarly impressive, but everyone else either phones it in (Brad Pitt) or gets buried under impossibly dense dialogue (Diaz's script is, almost without exception, stupefying). With Scott at its helm, of course it looks fantastic and the action sequences are suitably menacing, but as the credits roll you find yourself shaking your head and wondering: what the hell was that actually about? https://youtube.com/watch?v=6ML50I0mVHY
Following its massively successful inaugural year, Plate Up Ballarat returns in 2019 with another scrumptious lineup. Across May, Ballarat's best growers, producers, restaurants and chefs will offer more than 50 delectable food and drink experiences. The special events, which include dinners, workshops, markets, guided tours and tastings, aim to showcase the region's diverse and high-quality produce and talent. One way that locals are getting involved is through Toast of Ballarat. Throughout the month-long festival, venues across town will be serving up their best take on the humble snack. You can take yourself on a toastie tour, hitting up classics like Drive Cafe's Philly cheesesteak and Electic Tastes' croque monsieur, and braving some more inventive options — like a rhubarb crumble jaffle at The Local Cafe, anchovies, micro radish and pecorino from Olive Grove Delicatessen and a lamb ragu and Meredith goats cheese toastie from The Forge Pizzeria. This year also sees an emphasis on plant-based dishes and menus. Across the first weekend of the festival, May 4–5, restaurants and cafes around Ballarat will be experimenting with plant-based menus, using fresh produce from the region. But there's plenty more to fill your food-loving calendar with. You can get a little bit fancy and join a truffle hunt, or test your taste buds at a dinner in the dark or the chilli fest, featuring chilli beer, ice cream, hot wings and more. There's also baking workshops, free talks on food waste and a foraging-focused degustation dinner. Meanwhile, on Saturday, May 4, The Mining Exchange will host local artisans and producers for the Made of Ballarat Marketplace. Plate Up Ballarat will take place from Wednesday, May 1 to Friday, May 31. For more information on the program and to purchase tickets, head this way.
Australia's clash-free, one-day summer festival is back for a fifth year at Melbourne Showgrounds. This year, it's bring out flute-playing babe Lizzo ('Truth Hurts' and 'Juice') plus Texas-via-California rap collective Brockhampton. Modern-day boyband Brockhampton headline the bill, bringing their troupe of rappers, directors, photographers, engineers, producers, graphic designers and DJs to Melbourne once again with their catchy pop-led tracks 'Sugar', 'No Halo' and 'Bleach'. Joining Brockhampton and Lizzo is Canadian producer Kaytranada, who's set to drop a new album any day now. Other big names on the lineup include French singer Madeon, UK rapper Octavian and, from the local contingent, hip-hop artist Chillinit and Sydney producer Ninajirachi. Image: Jordan Munns.
At Boho Luxe Market (their words, not ours), Byron Bay comes to Melbourne. Well, the beachy New South Wales spot's general vibe does at least. Forgoing the trappings of the city for bohemian fashion, jewellery, homewares and the like is on the market's agenda, with its first event taking place back in July and more planned — including a three-day market and glamping festival. Clearly Melburnians responded well to Boho's dreamcatchers and flower crowns. If you were one of them — or, if getting some glamping inspiration sounds like your kind of thing — block February 2 to 4, 2018 out in your diary. The Boho Luxe Market and Glamping Festival will head to the Royal Exhibition Building for a weekend of browsing and buying, food trucks, live music and workshops. There'll be more than 250 stalls featuring all of the essentials: eats and drinks (including vegan options), fashion and jewellery, a kombi display and glamping providers tempting you into booking your next holiday. Entry costs $2, with the 100 first attendees receiving a free tote bag. Drop by and pretend you're somewhere quiet and coastal on Friday from 6pm to 10pm, Saturday from 10am to 8pm, and Sunday from 10am to 3pm.
UPDATE Tuesday, July 19: Due to popular demand, Mr Miyagi in the Big Smoke has been extended and will now run until Saturday, September 3. To make a booking, jump over to the website. The following article has been updated to reflect the change. After close to a decade of winning hearts and bellies on Chapel Street, Mr Miyagi is spreading its wings for its first-ever CBD pop-up. The modern Japanese spot is teaming up with QT Melbourne and taking over the hotel's Hot Sauce Laneway (Portland Lane) for a two-month stint devoted to smoke, fire and meat. Thursday to Saturday nights, from June 30–September 3, Mr Miyagi in the Big Smoke will be dishing up a new menu of Japanese delights, starring plenty of goodies cooked over binchōtan (white charcoal). Bringing the fire to this winter pop-up are dishes like a togorashi lamb chop teamed with shiso dressing, and an edamame and pea smash; a play on the classic smoked salmon; miso-glazed cornbread; nori tortillas with yuzu yoghurt and rockling; and a dessert they've dubbed the Hickory Smoked Miso Caramel Coal. A supporting drinks list pays equal homage to smoke and char, featuring sips like the Golden Gai — a riff on the Manhattan starring chocolate, whisky and vermouth. Mr Miyagi's usual lineup of signature Cocky T's will also be on offer if you'd prefer to quench your thirst with the likes of the Hello Kitty Sour. You can book your table online — sittings are at 5pm, 5.15pm, 6.45pm, 7pm, 8.30pm and 8.45pm Thursday to Saturday. Images: Pete Dillon
Sydney Dance Company is celebrating its 50th anniversary in style — with a 2019 season premiere that sees three of the country's best choreographers on the bill. Following its run in Sydney, this trio of performances will share the stage at Arts Centre Melbourne for a limited time from Wednesday, May 8 to Saturday, May 11. The show begins with artistic director Rafael Bonachela's world premiere, Cinco. The performance combines the talents of award-winning lighting designer Damien Cooper, fashion designer Bianca Spender and Argentinian composer Alberto Ginastera. Five of the city's best dancers will take the stage for the performance, which is set to Alberto Ginastera's 'String Quartet No.2'. To follow is a premiere of Gabrielle Nankivell's Neon Aether. The immersive experience transports the audience to a celestial world 'beyond the clouds'. Completing the trio is Melanie Lane's WOOF, which first premiered for New Breed 2017 (a Sydney Dance Company and Carriageworks annual initiative showcasing emerging choreographers). It's an eerie performance that combines romantic, classical and pop dance styles with a score composed by renowned British electronic artist Clark. The Sydney Dance Company Triple Bill will run from Wednesday, May 8 to Saturday, May 11. Tickets start at $30 and can be purchased here. We also have double passes to the preview night to give away. Enter your details below for a chance to win. [competition]712166[/competition]
It may be a little bit gimmicky, but something about the combination of wine and 75-year-old steam locomotive is strangely enticing. Oh, the possibilities it represents! Taylors Wines are putting on this wacky little event in the Mornington Peninsula, in an effort to fundraise for Mornington Railway. After you jump aboard the old train, you'll be treated to wine tastings and education, cheese platters and raffles. You know, all the things you would absolutely expect from a vintage train ride. Just so you know, the dress-up theme is steam punk.
When you’re dreaming up the location for your next holiday you might look to your friends, a travel blog or maybe even a travel agent if you're pushing 40. Not Melbourne artist Thomas Jeppe — his most recent sojourn was set in stone after he spied a sardine tin with pictures of a seemingly perfect European fishing village. The result of his trip, Seaside Vernacular, is presented in the ghost of a shipping container, a nod toward the new global influences that have come to shape the village and the artist’s concerns about the reality of life there. As with most things from a can, the packaging didn’t reflect the reality of what was inside and when Jeppe visited the Canary Islands what he found was not the sleepy town that the sardines had promised. Instead he was presented with a low budget tourist village that had been disrupted by recession, with rotting half-finished building ventures and crowds of English, Russian and other European tourists. While Jeppe’s practice has come to be characterised by an exploration of work and labour, Seaside Vernacular departs from this theme slightly by examining the value of research in coming to a conceptual position. Oh, it also features a two metre tall painting of a bare-breasted woman with a bird head.
When the weather gets chillier than a run-in with your ex, it's time to rug up and find yourself a fire by which to sip delicious vino. South Melbourne gastropub O'Connell's certainly knows a thing or two about this, and it's got a winter event series that delivers both in good measure. The pub is running a Homegrown Heroes Series where, once a month, it teams up with Victorian winemakers to host a dinner celebrating some of the state's best regions. While June's dinner focused on Mornington Peninsula, July's dinner is all about the Pyrenees, the popular wine region just outside Ballarat. On Wednesday, July 25, head chef Tom Brockbank will be dishing up a delicious five-course meal using local produce from the Pyrenees. Each dish will be paired with wine from one of the area's premier vineyards, Sally's Paddock Redbank Winery, with winemaker Sasha Fair on-hand to talk through each drop. The final Wine Dinner on Wednesday, August 29 will celebrate the Yarra Valley region — with the help of grower Giant Steps. O'Connell's Wine Dinners will take place on Wednesday, July 25 and Wednesday, August 29. Tickets are $125 per person and can be purchased via the website.
Throwing shapes on the dance floor is one thing, but how about really thrilling that inner tween of yours with a pair of skates, a roller rink and an afternoon of disco? Come October you'll have the chance to do all of that, with the Collingwood Underground Roller Disco returning for its latest instalment. Once again setting up shop in a carpark beneath the suburb's landmark high-rise flats — and kicking off at 3pm on Saturday, October 20 — it's set to be a family-friendly affair, with a lineup of much-loved Melbourne DJs and performers setting the beat for punters of all ages. Expect a mix of boogie, disco, and house beats as you go for a roll for the entry price of $10. You can take your own lucky skates or hire some on the day — for $5 per hour — and there'll be plenty of eats and drinks on offer to help fuel those freestyle moves. Start practicing now and grab tickets at the door.
If you've been dreaming about a new set of wheels to help you gracefully glide into the sunny season, the legends at Amsterdam-born bike label Lekker can help you out. For two days this October, the company's North Melbourne store will host another edition of its ever-popular 'garage sale' filled with bikes, bargains, eats and beats. The party starts pedalling at 10am on Saturday, October 26 and Sunday, October 27 at Lekker's cheery Provost Street warehouse. Those in the market for new wheels will be able to test ride a few different designs, and, if all goes well, buy one — bikes, accessories and parts will be discounted, some by up to 50 percent. Backing up the fun and embracing those sweet spring vibes, there'll be a soundtrack of groovy tunes, plus free pancakes and beer. Don't risk a sleep-in, though — Lekker's past sales have seen pretty hefty lines of punters keen for those bicycle bargains and you don't want to miss out. Lekker Bikes Garage Sale will run from 10am–5pm.
Victoria's High Country is one of the first places we think of when planning an escape from the city. When winter hits, these snow-cloaked mountains become a wonderland of cold weather experiences. From dogsledding to wintery cheese adventures to world-class alpine resorts, the snow-based activities are virtually limitless. Since 1973, Macpac has been kitting out adventurers with the latest technical clothing to protect you from whatever harsh conditions you encounter. So, together, we've picked out five of the best experiences you can organise right now for your winter getaway this year. We've also included some packing tips — because when sweeping backcountry trails, you need to make sure you have the right gear. [caption id="attachment_669834" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] SNOWSHOE YOUR WAY TO CHEESE FONDUE This isn't quite your average wine and cheese night. The Snowshoe to Cheese Fondue adventure leads you through the snow gums, concluding with some high-quality French cheese and a delightful three-course dinner. After departing at sunset, you'll follow your dedicated guide through a 30-minute snowshoe tour before arriving at a remote eco-village. Find a warm spot inside the central tipi and indulge in a spectacular meal. Up in the ice peaks, you'll also learn the culinary secrets behind making traditional fondue while sipping a glass of Scandinavian-style spiced wine by the outdoor fire. For adventurers who want to take their wintertime journey to the next level, you can also opt to spend the night in a plush alpine dome. Pack this: Macpac Men's & Women's Quest Hoody, $199.99 [caption id="attachment_669851" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] LET HUSKIES GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE ALPS Among the unique activities on offer in Australia's winter wonderland, one of the best ways to experience the alpine region is going dogsledding with a pack of huskies. The Howling Huskies is one of Australia's most prominent dogsledding services. Take your pick from seven incredible tours, ranging from rapid 30-minute trips to epic four-hour ventures that include traipsing through the snowy countryside along the nation's longest commercial dogsled trail. This great alpine adventure is possible at both Mount Baw Baw and Mount Hotham, and each offers its own maze of backcountry trails and special panoramic views. The husky squad is made up of 58 dogs altogether, with 47 of those rescued over the last few years. The temperature may be icy, but these doggos will give you all the warm and fuzzy feels. Pack this: Macpac Piste Gloves Unisex, $59.99 SNOWBOARD WITH AN OLYMPIC CHAMPION Falls Creek is quite possibly Victoria's most picturesque snowcapped location, featuring striking rolling hills, towering snow gums and a variety of charming stays. This section of the Alpine National Park boasts 450 hectares of skiable terrain and 90 awesome runs for snowboarders to test out. The Backcountry Tours with Steve Lee will whisk you away with the three-time Winter Olympian and legendary free-rider to visit the mountain's remote open bowls and vertigo-inducing steeps and chutes for an action-packed day. You don't have to be a pro — Falls Creek has some great runs for beginners such as the Wombat's Ramble, which is Australia's longest at just over two kilometres. Pack this: Macpac Powder Ski Jacket Men's & Women's, $349.99 [caption id="attachment_717523" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Visit Victoria[/caption] CROSS-COUNTRY SKI THROUGH SNOWY MEADOWS When it comes to cross-country skiing, Lake Mountain is the third most visited destination in the world for this gut-busting activity. The rugged landscape hosts a sprawling network of ski trails spread across the mountain, which both beginners and expert skiers are more than welcome to come and explore. As the closest snow resort to Melbourne, Lake Mountain is home to 30 kilometres of groomed trails. Meanwhile, a further 7 kilometres of ungroomed tracks present more of a challenge for the well-versed skier. After a morning of activity, warm up and share a relaxing glass of wine at Lake Mountain Resort cafe. Pack this: Macpac Tech Ski Socks, $34.99 [caption id="attachment_628046" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Andrew Railton[/caption] SKI AND SPA AT MOUNT BULLER Mount Buller is undoubtedly one of Victoria's (and Australia's, for that matter) most popular winter destinations. It presents snow lovers with a variety of slopes and terrains that stretch across the enormous mountainside. Whether you're just starting out or have grown up attached to a pair of skis, Mount Buller is bound to have a run that suits your skill level. Particularly popular amongst skiers, Mount Buller features 300 hectares of snowy scenery for you to explore. Once you've had enough action for the day, warm yourself up with dinner and drinks at one of 30 bars or restaurants situated nearby. More than just a snow sports destination, Mount Buller also offers a luxe spa resort, a cinema, a museum and even a sculpture park for when your body needs a break from the slopes. Pack this: Macpac Merino 220 Merino Baselayers, $109.99
When the Godzilla franchise first started rampaging through Japanese cinemas almost 70 years ago, it was in response to World War II and the horrific display of nuclear might that it unleashed. That saga and its prehistoric reptilian monster have notched up 38 movies now, and long may it continue stomping out of its homeland (the American flicks, which are set to return in 2024, have been hit-and-miss). In such creature-feature company, the films of Makoto Shinkai may not seem like they belong. So far, the writer/director behind global hits Your Name and Weathering with You, plus The Place Promised in Our Early Days, 5 Centimetres per Second, Children Who Chase Lost Voices and The Garden of Words before that, sadly hasn't applied his talents to good ol' Zilly, either. But Japan's animators have been musing on and reflecting upon destruction and devastation for decades, too — stunningly and heartbreakingly so. In Studio Ghibli's Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Grave of the Fireflies and The Wind Rises — in Howl's Moving Castle, Porco Rosso and From Up on Poppy Hill as well — conflict lingers in a variety of ways. In 2016's gorgeous and affecting In this Corner of the World, war is utterly inescapable. And in Shinkai's recent work, it's another catastrophe that casts a shadow: the Great East Japan Earthquake and the resulting Fukushima nuclear disaster. He's made his past three movies, including his latest beautiful and heartfelt effort Suzume, with that incident clearly in mind. Indeed, although it hops all over Japan, acting like a travelogue in magnificently realistic animated form, this new tale about a teenage girl, matters of the heart and the earth, supernatural forces and endeavouring to cancel the apocalypse firmly has its soul in the part of Honshu that forever changed in March 2011. Suzume meets its namesake (Nanoka Hara, Guilty Flag) on Kyushu, Japan's third-largest island, where she has lived with her aunt Tamaki (Eri Fukatsu, Survival Family) for 12 years. More than that, it meets its titular high schooler as she meets Souta (SixTONES singer Hokuto Matsumura), who catches her eye against the gleaming sea and sky as she's cycling to class. He's searching for ruins, and she knows just the local place — an abandoned onsen, which she beats him to. There, Suzume discovers a door standing mysteriously within a pool of water, then opens said entryway to see a shimmering sight on the other side. That's an ordinary act with extraordinary consequences, because Shinkai adores exactly that blend and clash. To him, that's where magic springs, although never while spiriting away life's troubles and sorrows. Every single door everywhere is a portal, of course, but this pivotal one takes the definition literally. Suzume can't walk through the opening; instead, she's left peering at the enticing evening-hued realm lurking within its frame. That said, she does unwittingly unleash a monster that Souta and his family have spent generations trying to contain. The worm lives up to its moniker, sprawling high into and across the sky, and sending its red tendrils far and wide. As his grandfather was, plus a long line of other relatives before that, Souta is a closer, which means he's tasked with shutting the doors that pop up at Japan's abandoned places — including a school and an amusement park — to keep the worm away and humanity safe. Sometimes, he needs a keystone to do so; however, the one in Suzume's hometown turns into a cat when she picks it up. Also transforming, but not by choice: Souta himself, who swiftly takes the form of a three-legged yellow chair that his new pal has owned and loved since she was a pre-schooler. What's a girl, a walking-and-talking seat and a tiny white kitty — Daijin, aka that metamorphosed keystone, which can also speak (as voiced by newcomer Ann Yamane) — to do? The latter cutely but quickly scampers, unsurprisingly attracting ample social-media attention, while Suzume and Souta follow as fast as they can. Most road trips don't involve attempting to save the planet, but Suzume's is as scenic as any cross-country jaunt by ferry, scooter, van, train and car thanks to one of Shinkai's ever-reliable hallmarks: his breathtaking visuals. Whether or not any member of the film's audience has been to Japan themselves, watching this spectacular affair feels like stepping right into Miyazaki, Shikoku, Kobe, Tokyo and more. Once again, as he did with Your Name and Weathering with You as well, Shinkai brings the Japanese capital to the screen with detail so gloriously lifelike that it makes for simply exquisite animation. That gift is shared with everywhere that Suzume, Souta and Daijin visit, mesmerisingly so. It's both a fitting and knowing touch to get Suzume's heroine residing in the city that shares its name with Studio Ghibli great Hayao Miyazaki. By the watching world, Shinkai has been anointed the Spirited Away and My Neighbour Totoro filmmaker's successor frequently since Your Name proved such a delight and smash — and so stirring, melancholy and dazzling — and, while thoroughly earning those comparisons yet another time, he leans in. Whisper of the Heart, which is similarly about a teen chasing a cat, gets a direct (and lovely) shoutout. Nods to Kiki's Delivery Service also ripple, again thanks to the crucial adorable feline. As its characters tumble through episodic adventures sparked by that fateful first door, Suzume adds references elsewhere, starting with Alice in Wonderland. It's easy to see the thematic trilogy it's happily forming with Shinkai's last two movies, too. There's a mythic air and a determination to make something meaningful and with a message that's oh-so Ghibli always, though; like the animation house, Shinkai crafts films as devoted to getting viewers marvelling at the planet, life on it and the relationships forged as they are committed to entrancing the eyes with their radiant sights. Already the fourth-grossing Japanese film of all time globally — Your Name is third, and Weathering with You ninth — Suzume is vivid in every moment. Aided by its music from Shinkai regulars Radwimps and composer Kazuma Jinnouchi (Star Wars: Visions), it's rousing in all the fashions that a feature can be, in fact. Its guiding light makes cosmic romances, fantastical voyages and supernatural disaster flicks as well, plus contemplations of growing up and taking care of nature, and ensures that they swell and swirl with all the emotions that they demand. In a national cinema industry so well-known for confronting the country's past that it turned part of it into a giant stalking lizard, Shinkai keeps finding bewitching and sensitive methods to achieve that feat, and wonderfully. Here, as Suzume battles her own hulking force, she faces life-changing heartache that no one can ever truly get over, still learns how to go on but never lets her history slip away. It's no surprise that Suzume is as sweet and swoonworthy as Shinkai's work comes, and as earnest, intricate, intelligent, involving and enchanting.
Busy scenes at St Kilda Beach and its surrounds over the weekend have led two local councils to unleash strong warnings for those ignoring public health directives. After crowds gathered beachside to take advantage of the warmer weather, with some reportedly ignoring social distancing guidelines, City of Port Phillip has come out swinging, taking to Facebook to warn the rule-breakers. "Unfortunately, if we have large crowds of people doing the wrong thing, then we will have no choice but to close the beach or park as a last resort," Council CEO Peter Smith explained in a post yesterday. "We are extremely disappointed by the number of people who breached the Victorian Chief Health Officer's orders," he said, labelling the crowd's behaviour as "unacceptable" and warning that such actions could delay Melbourne's reopening efforts. The mayor of Bayside Council Clarke Martin echoed this sentiment in a statement to The Sunday Age, saying, "my message to Bayside residents and anyone who wants to come down to the beach is not to. Please, just stay away for another two or three weeks and let this virus eat itself out." https://www.facebook.com/cityofportphillip/posts/3497330073666492 A Victoria Police spokesperson said that while the "vast majority of Victorians" had displayed good behaviour over the weekend, there were still some who'd flouted the rules, "with a number of arrests made and infringement notices issued". The spokesperson reminded Melburnians that police will continue to be out in force patrolling popular public spots and handing out fines. Meanwhile, City of Port Phillip is currently working on finalising its Play It Safe summer management plan, with a few of the key measures also trialled over the busy weekend. They include the installation of social distancing circles — similar to the ones that have popped up in Prahran — at South Beach Reserve. The St Kilda markers range between three and four metres in diameter, with the larger ones designed to cater for group exercise. They're spaced 1.5 metres apart, in keeping with the DHSS's social-distancing guidelines. The Council also says it's bumped up policing of the sites, having put additional Local Laws officers on the ground and "worked closely with the police to ensure an increased police presence". As it implements further measures in the coming months, expect to also see new pedestrian areas and expanded footpath dining precincts. You can check out all of metropolitan Melbourne's current restrictions over at the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services website. Top image: St Kilda Beach by Matteo Artizzu via Flickr.
Melbourne's Holy Bombolina isn't just dishing up crowd-pleasing, award-winning, Italian-style doughnuts to the masses, it's often doing so for a good cause, using its sweet treats to throw support behind a swag of great community groups and initiatives. It has even launched Holy Bombolina's Sweet Charity event series, which kicks off on Thursday, June 28, with a doughnut-filled charity movie night at Kino Cinemas. It'll feature an exclusive screening of Greta Gerwig's 2017 drama-comedy Lady Bird, with all profits going to WIRE Women's Information — the state's only generalist support, information and referral centre for women. Grab a ticket to enjoy an evening of Holy Bombolina's fluffy bomboloni doughnuts, prosecco, guest speakers and a top flick, all for a great cause. You'll even have the chance to win some excellent raffle prizes, donated by local makers and creators. Tickets are $35 and can be bought here.
While summer is oh-so close, Melbourne is still drizzly and cold enough that it counts as soup season. CBD restaurant Wonder Bowl agrees and is bringing back its five-day noodle soup giveaway just for the occasion. From September 23 to 27, the Little Lonsdale Street eatery is offering the first 50 customers each night a bowl of its Chinese-style noodle soup, on the house. That's 250 bowls of free soup. For the giveaway, you can choose any noodle soup off the menu — except for dishes in the 'royal' or braised series — so, you can dive into hearty bowls of soup with meatballs, spicy soup with chicken and soup with pipis. Wonder Bowl is already en route to becoming a firm CBD favourite, thanks to a menu of signature soups that combine thick rice noodles, rich seafood broth and Chinese rice wine. Current menu hits include a seafood combination noodle soup and a version featuring drunken chicken. Be quick off the mark next week and you can probably try them both for free. The noodle soup giveaway starts at 6pm each day.
Housed in a converted Brunswick warehouse space, Bhang specialises in regional Indian street food, incorporating lighter cooking styles from the southern regions with lots of coconut, red chilli, seafood and pork. As well as serving up delicious meals all round, the restaurant also plays host to a series of super affordable dinners. Called Thali Nights, they kicked off in 2018 and return every four to six weeks. Each dinner is influenced by a different region in India, showcasing the different flavours and varieties on offer throughout the south Asian nation. This month's affordable feast is inspired by Chennai, in the south of the country. Chennai is known for its street food, like dosa, biriyani, uttapam (which are like thick savoury pancakes), deep-fried vada and curries packed with chilli, coconut and tamarind. On Tuesday, September 17, diners will eat their way through generous vegetarian or meat thali platters filled with street snacks and bites, curries, salads, pickles, pappas, raitas, chutneys and Indian sweets, all for only $30. For the uninitiated — and if the above description didn't give it away — thali platters are Indian meals made up of lots of small dishes, so it's basically a dream option for the indecisive. There'll be drinks on offer, though they're not included in the price. Understandably, bookings are essential. We'll update you as more dates are announced. Image two: Kate Shanasy. Updated: July 15, 2019.
Sweet treats and smooth jazz go hand in hand, with the return of Jazz High Tea to The Pavilion at the Arts Centre. On the first Sunday of every month, visitors can indulge in an afternoon of luxury, as sparkling wine, freshly brewed tea and house-made cakes and pastries are paired with some of the finest jazz acts in town. Designed to cater to both jazz fiends and newbies, the lineup features no shortage of local talent. April will welcome drummer and vocalist Rod Gilbert, followed by husband and wife duo Kimba & Ryan, along with their longtime double base collaborator Mark Elton, in May. Other performers include vocalists Chelsea Wilson and Kelsey James in June and July respectively, cabaret chanteuse Tamara Kuldin in August, gypsy swing ensemble Le Grand Soiree in September, and long time performer Vanessa Fernandez in October.
Victoria by Farmer's Daughters has been delighting diners with its crafty exploration of local produce since opening the doors in July. And now, it's time for the restaurant's much-anticipated Terrace Bar to make its own grand debut. With a leafy outlook overlooking the Yarra, the al fresco space is kicking things off with a new weekly series that'll soak up the best of Melbourne's sunny season. Running Sundays from January 15–March 26, Summer Sunday Sessions will be dedicated to wrapping up your week in style — with the help of DJ tunes, produce-driven eats and plenty of gin. Each week, the kitchen will be showcasing a seven-course sharing menu built on top-notch Victorian ingredients — think, O'Connor beef skewers in a black garlic glaze, fried rockling sangas elevated with gribiche and kohlrabi remoulade, and luxe brownies made on Cuvée Chocolate and paired with salted caramel sauce. To match, you've got bottomless gin cocktails crafted on Four Pillars, plus free-flowing Victorian beer and wine, and tunes by DJ pHinioUS. There are two two-hour sittings each Sunday — 11.30am and 2.30pm — with tickets clocking in at $90.
If you often rue the day in your adolescence that chicken nuggets became an unacceptable item to eat for dinner, well, Christmas has come early. This weekend, Welcome to Thornbury will take fried chicken back to junk food basics and throw another Chicken Nugget Festival. First held in November last year, the permanent food truck park will dedicate another weekend to nuggets this July, with a vast selection ranging from traditional nuggets to spicy nuggets all the way through to a nugget burger, specially produced by Mr Burger. Welcome to Thornbury will also be serving up a suitable range of dipping sauces (from sweet chilli to szechuan) and a slew of cocktails and beers. The full bite-sized fried chicken festival will be spread across two days, with lineup starring Belles Hot Chicken, Mr Burger, Hansby's Nuglife, The Real Jerk Food Truck, Jamm'd and Sparrow's Philly Cheesesteaks. Welcome to Thornbury has also announced a dessert nugget from Dip'd Gourmet Mini Donuts to complete your three-course nugget experience. The festival kicks off at midday both days and runs til 10pm — and dogs are welcome.
Dressed in cape and tin-foil hat, local comedian and avid conspiracy buff Sam Rankin is here to open your minds. In this updated version of his hit Melbourne Fringe Festival show, Rankin and his alter ego Dale the Illuminati intern explore the world of far-out conspiracy theories, from government black ops to PM-abducting Chinese subs. The perfect show for the paranoid and obsessive. Expect blurry footage of Big Foot and plenty of crowd participation.
The National Portrait Gallery's WHO ARE YOU exhibition aims to have visitors questioning "what counts as a portrait?". Peruse the vast collection of diverse and unconventional portraiture in this exhibition, which brings together historical and contemporary portraiture in one experience. From Boris Cipusev's typographic portrait of Jeff from The Wiggles to Polixeni Papapetrou's Magma Man — a photograph that aims to merge sitter with landscape until they cannot be distinguished from one another — the portraits in this jointly-curated exhibition test the limits of Australian portraiture. This combination exhibition brings together the collections of the NGV as well as the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra, creating the largest exhibition of Australian portraiture ever compiled by either gallery. This is the first time the two collections have combined on a large-scale project. This exhibition also highlights new acquisitions to the NGV collection, including a rare Joy Hester oil painting and Kaylene Whiskey's Seven Sisters Song, a playful take on portraiture from last year. Situated on the third floor of the NGV's Ian Potter Centre, this exhibition is free to the public and open from Friday, March 22 until Sunday, August 21. Photo credit: Installation view of WHO ARE YOU: Australian Portraiture at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia from 25 March to 21 August 2022. Photo: Tom Ross
Drones: if filmmakers aren't deploying them to capture bird's-eye sights, they're making thrillers about their use and impact. Expect plenty of the former at Drone Film Festival Australia + New Zealand, as lofty visuals get their time to shine — and swoop, soar, float, glide and more. Touring Australia throughout September and October, the fest showcases 36 unique short drone films, stories and documentaries from around the world, including those made by filmmakers, production companies and everyday drone hobby enthusiasts. It's the kind of cinematic package those not so fond of heights mightn't be eager to see, so consider yourself warned. For the rest of us, however, it's a chance to look at the world from a whole new vantage. Last year's highlights included superhero-like tales, jaunts through natural and urban spaces, and even a beer odyssey, as filmmaking took to the skies thanks to the latest unmanned aerial technology. Expect a whole new crop when the festival comes to Cinema Nova on October 5 for a one-night-only stopover.
Come Saturday, November 18, ten Aussie and New Zealand breweries will take over Moon Dog World in Preston for a specialty tasting sesh. Each of the breweries will showcase their own craft beers made using NZ Hops‚ a cooperative of farms supplying hops to breweries in over 20 countries, including Moon Dog Craft Brewery itself. Mountain Goat Beer, Fixation Brewing Co, Moffat Beach Brewing Co, 8 Wired Brewing, Felons and Sawmill Brewery are just some of the breweries participating, slinging 100ml tasters of their craft creations from 12pm–6pm. [caption id="attachment_844719" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Samantha Schultz[/caption] Either grab the Taster Pass ($34.85), getting you ten 100ml serves of beer, or purchase The Primo Pass ($80.12) to nab a tasting glass, ten 100ml tasters, an additional three serves of event-exclusive beers, merch and priority access to the masterclasses running throughout the day. Adding to the festivities, Moon Dog will also set up a bucking bull (best to ride before getting on the beers, based on our experience) and hop volcano while a DJ plays Kiwi-made tunes all day long. Regular punters can still access these parts of the New Hop Drop Fest for free, opting to pay for their own beers as they go. The New Hop Drop Fest will run on Saturday, November 18, from 12pm–6pm, at Moon Dog World, 32 Chifley Drive, Preston. For more details on the participating brewers and masterclasses, head to the venue's website.
Craft beer and science aren't always the most likely of combos, but they are coming together in perfect harmony for National Science Week later this month. If you head along to Richmond brewery Mountain Goat, on Thursday, August 16, you'll have the chance to explore the hidden wonders of the deep, dark universe, from the comfort of your bar stool. Astrophysicists Professor Alan Duffy and Dr Rebecca Allen will host an immersive, science-filled session, looking at some of the groundbreaking work Aussie scientists are doing in the realm of space-time and the microscopic world. As part of the Q&A, guests will each pop on a SciVR headset to embark on an immersive virtual reality tour, shooting through black holes and discovering a plethora of microscopic wonders along the way. All this, while enjoying a few Mountain Goat beers.
What do slicing-and-dicing villains in horror movies and Monster Fest's annual weekend-long mini film festival have in common? Both can strike at any time. Each year, usually at the end of the year, the broader fest showcases genre and cult movies — but it also pops up before then to host Monster Fest Weekender. In 2023, the latter took place in winter. In 2024, it's bringing the scares, plus a focus on slasher films, in autumn. If you like frightening flicks, then you'll want to make a date with Melbourne's Cinema Nova from Friday, April 26–Sunday, April 28. Across three days, just one type of horror film will be on offer — and yes, of course the lineup includes Nightmare on Elm Street and Friday the 13th titles, as well as a Sleepaway Camp marathon. Wes Craven's Freddy Krueger franchise is represented with both the OG A Nightmare on Elm Street and also 1994's New Nightmare, each of which are marking anniversaries — 40 and 30 years, respectively. Prefer movies about Jason Voorhees instead? Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter is also on the bill, and also celebrating its 40th anniversary. Other pictures that'll get the projectors whirring at Monster Fest Weekender: Slasher Edition span Deranged, which commemorates its 50th anniversary with the first-ever showing of its complete and uncut version in Australian cinemas — and I, Madman, which has also never been seen in Aussie picture palaces. And if you can handle the Sleepaway Camp Slash-athon, it features the first, second and third films.
Whether you saw it coming or not, National Cheeseburger Day is happening on Wednesday, September 18. And you can't let that occasion pass you by without scoffing down at least one classic, cheesy burg, right? Luckily, the burger flipping legends at Merrywell Burger Bar are getting right into the spirit, teaming up with cheese producer That's Amore for a timely cheeseburger giveaway. Be one of the first 100 punters to roll into the Crown Melbourne venue from noon on September 18, and you'll land yourself a customised 'Chooseburger'. To take that meat and bun combo to the next level, you'll get to select your own hero cheese, choosing up to three variations from a lineup of That's Amore's finest. Indulge the fancies of your inner traditionalist with some melty smoked mozzarella, or shake things up with the likes of a truffle-infused cheese, a taleggio-style lavato or even the soft-rind caciotta with a hit of chilli. Even if you miss out on one of the freebies, you can still nab your own Chooseburger, but for this one day only. Burgers are priced at $14, matched with chips and a soft drink for $16.
Just as the flickering light of a projector illuminates a darkened cinema, so too have filmmakers from around the globe sought out tales of courage, resilience and survival amidst one of the darkest points in human history. Organised by the Jewish International Film Festival (not to be confused with the Israeli Film Festival) the Holocaust Film Series will present the Australian premieres of 22 recent feature films, documentaries and shorts, from countries including France, Germany, Poland, America and Israel. In doing so, the series aims to examine the relationship between the past and the present, as well as the ongoing role of cinema in historical representations of the Holocaust. Noteworthy titles on the program include The Lady in Number 6, about the world’s oldest concert pianist and Holocaust survivor, and Bureau 06, about the investigators who prepared the case for the Jewish people in the trial of Adolf Eichmann. The former is nominated for an Oscar for Best Short Film, while the latter recently competed for Best Documentary at Israel’s prestigious Ophir Awards. The Holocaust Film Series screens in Sydney and Melbourne starting in late March. For more information, see the JIFF website.
Parenting can be difficult at the best of times — so imagine what it was like in the tenth century. Viking Mama! is the new narrative comedy from Brisbane-based performer Jenny Wynter, and follows a Viking named Jenny (naturally) as she attempts to plan a birthday party for her three-year-old son, played by a head of lettuce (of course). Complete with a Greek chorus of Valkyries and a bearded lady on keyboard, Wynter's show explores the perils of parenthood, and shapes up as one of the most intriguingly odd options on the Melbourne Cabaret Festival program.
In a season two episode of the iconic Flight of the Conchords, Jemaine asks his comedic comrade Bret, "What expression is on your face?" To which a deadpan Bret answers, "Um. Guilty expression. What expression is on your face?" Now Two Little Boys sees Bret McKenzie as Nige: mullet-haired, potty-mouthed and totally guilt-ridden upon accidentally killing a backpacker while cruising the bleak streets of Invercargill. Those used to the pokerfaced prankster on FotC take note: this is a blacker, bitterer Bret — plagued with demons and incessantly panicky — but, like toasted sandwiches and beer, it works. Two Little Boys is a deliciously dark screwball comedy about "what it means to really be dead" and, in turn, what it means to be alive. Nige has had a falling out with his best friend since childhood, Deano (Hamish Blake), with whom he'd shared beers, boner jokes, and a bedroom since adolescence. Nige, on sensing there might be more to life than mischief and piss-ups, moved in with his new mate Gav (Maaka Pohatu), who is fond of poetry, pot, and piety. It all goes pakaru when Nige hits the Norwegian tourist in the wee hours one night and finds himself with a hot meat pie in his lap and a corpse on his hands. He turns to the jilted Deano, whose manic-eyed monstrousness quickly becomes apparent when he steps in to help his beloved buddy get out of trouble. The bromance-gone-bad elements are all, devilishly, in place: the well-adjusted new mate, the angry ex-girlfriend, the strewn-about reminders of their goodtime past. Blake is brilliant as the obscene Deano, bringing a crazy-eyed sanguinariness to Deano's unwavering loyalty. Set against the magnificence of New Zealand's South Island, the duo's road-trip to discreetly dump the deceased in the Catlins is as disturbing as it is cartoonishly comical. Blake and McKenzie are a dangerously funny pair; their Anzac-like brethren is a fine motif of our two southerly countries' camaraderie. Expect lots of trackpants, swear words, and toasted sandwiches. Folks from the South Island might recognise a face or two, with 100 extras chosen from around the area. Enjoy the immature giggle you get out of telling the cinema teller you would like to see 'two little boys' — this is a flick about the joy of juvenility and the occasional freakishness of undying fidelity.
That gin obsession of yours is about to be put to even better use, with Melbourne set to score a new boozy celebration dedicated to your favourite tipple. The inaugural Tapped In G&T Festival descends on Patient Wolf Distilling Co's Southbank HQ across Saturday, April 17 and Sunday, April 18, serving up a special program of gin-centric libations, tunes, food and general good times. The event is happening to celebrate the launch of Victoria's first Long Rays tonic and soda fountain — an innovative, sustainability-focused tap system which has landed at Patient Wolf. Decked out in rose gold, it's set to save an estimated 6200 glass bottles from waste each year. Festival attendees will be among the first locals to see (and taste) the system in action, as they sample gin spritz creations featuring flavours like yuzu and wattle pollen, and pear with rhubarb and lemon verbena. There'll be plenty of classics from the Long Rays and Patient Wolf portfolios also featured on the day's drinks menu, and guests are invited to unleash their creativity at the DIY garnish station. Plus, in-between sipping those gins and doing your bit for the environment, you'll be able to tuck into tasty food truck eats — and unwind to sounds from the resident DJ.
If you fancy getting a jump on this year's Oktoberfest celebrations, The Bavarian certainly has you sorted. The group is expanding its stable of German-inspired bier halls, opening the doors to its latest venue at Highpoint Shopping Centre this weekend. And to celebrate, they're handing out a whopping 500 free hotdogs, from 5pm on Friday, August 31. The hot dogs are made using the Bavarian's signature frankfurter — wood-smoked pork and beef — topped with sauerkraut, tomato sauce and crisp shallots. Given the eatery is just as famous for its sausage offering as it is for its schnitzels and crispy pork knuckles, that's quite the deal. The giveaway is a little taster of the new venue's full Oktoberfest program, which runs from September 22 to 27. Throughout the week, there'll be five limited-edition Oktoberfest beers heading the tap list, Bavarian-style food menus and a swag of food challenges to ease the blow of not living up the real deal over in Munich. And the German-style fun continues long after the final Oktoberfest keg is tapped — Bavarian Highpoint will be dishing up authentic eats and icy cold steins, all year round.
What's better than a fluffy, saucy bao? Well, learning that there's a dedicated National Bao Day, for a start. And then, finding out that one of Melbourne's favourite bao destinations is giving away a stack of its star creations for free to mark the occasion. The annual food celebration apparently falls on Thursday, August 22, and street food eatery Goldie Asian Canteen + Brews is getting into the spirit with some good old fashioned freebies. Be one of the first 600 punters through the door between noon and 2pm that day and you'll score yourself one free bao. Choices include menu favourites like the crispy chicken bao stuffed with Sriracha kewpie, coriander, pickled carrot and daikon — and a braised pork belly beauty matched with pickled mustard greens. And, since it's pretty much impossible to stop at just one, the restaurant's offering further bao discounts on the day – instead of the usual $15 for two bao, you'll be able to snap them up for just $4 a pop. Images: Kate Shanasy
Imagine if you could feast on the tasty flavours that have made Belles Hot Chicken so renowned, without having to feel a pinch of regret about the harming of a bird. Well, that day has come. On Sunday, December 10, for one magnificent animal-friendly day, Shannon Martinez of vegan institution Smith & Daughters will be taking over Belles' Fitzroy joint. She'll be drawing on the tips, tricks and recipes of Belles' head chef Morgan McGlone, but applying them to 100 percent plant-based dishes. The menu is yet to be revealed, but, going by her previous vegan creations, we can't wait to see what Martinez comes up with. Meanwhile, in the drinks hot seat will be James Erskine, who has selected some top drops from Jauma Wines, a boutique winery based in McLaren Vale, South Australia. It's not possible to book a table or a ticket. If you want to make sure you don't miss out, then your best bet is to turn up early.
UPDATE, December 2, 2020: Disobedience is available to stream via Netflix, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Prime Video. There's a moment in every Sebastian Lelio film that cuts to the core of the writer-director's protagonists; that lets audiences peer into their hearts and souls. As seen in Gloria and A Fantastic Woman, it's usually a contemplative pause amidst a hectic frenzy — one heightened not only by the filmmaker's empathetic gaze, but by the stellar talent he's always pointing his lens towards. In Disobedience, this moment comes early. Photographer Ronit Krushka (Rachel Weisz) segues from busy days taking pictures to frantic nights finding comfort in bars, clearly masking her true feelings behind a carefully controlled facade. And so she sits for mere seconds, catching her breath, her eyes darting around as she looks towards the camera, and her hands ripping at her shirt with frustration and yearning. If Ronit is inwardly restless just going about her regular New York routine, then she's almost jumping out of her skin when she's called back to North London upon the death of her rabbi father. The Orthodox Jewish community she once belonged to is barely cordial, with the traditional greeting "may you have a long life" cutting like a weapon. But childhood friends Dovid (Alessandro Nivola) and Esti (Rachel McAdams), now married and still devout, welcome Ronit into their home, black sheep though she may be. Grief about her dad and guilt over their estrangement aren't the primary source of Ronit's distress, however. Nor is the rebellious, defiant reputation she's instantly given upon her homecoming. Rather, it's the torrid relationship that Ronit shared with Esti when they were teenagers — and the rekindled feelings sparked by her return. Adapted by Lelio and co-writer Rebecca Lenkiewicz (Ida) from Naomi Alderman's 2006 novel of the same name, Disobedience isn't a film about romance with religious tension layered on top, or one about religion with romance thrown in. Matters of affection and matters of theology are both involved, but characterising this complex, nuanced and soulful movie as one or the other does it a disservice. This is a story that recognises the many competing factors that shape a person's identity and choices, as well as the ongoing tussle between being true to oneself and meeting the expectations of others. Accordingly, desire, duty and faith intertwine in a picture that charts the influence each has had upon each member of its central love triangle. And make no mistake: while the film follows its two female protagonists as they try to follow their hearts amidst oppressive circumstances, Disobedience is a love triangle as much as it's a lesbian love story. The sensitivity Lelio brings to the forbidden romance is also applied to Dovid, a rabbi-in-training who embodies the fundamentalist principles blocking Ronit and Esti's bliss, yet proves just as torn about what's right. A lesser film would paint him as the villain, but that's the kind of easy depiction Disobedience shies away from at every turn. Although the movie delves into a cloistered world that's set in its ways and unwilling to change, nothing about its characters, their emotions or their struggles is anywhere near as straightforward or clear cut. There's a reason that Lelio favours shades of grey, visually, after all. Weisz, McAdams and Nivola are similarly multifaceted — so much so that, in the ultimate compliment to each actor, their respective characters feel as though they could walk right off the screen. The blend of steeliness and vulnerability Weisz brings to the bulk of her work courses through Ronit's veins, with the star also one of the movie's producers. Nivola plays Dovid as decent but conflicted, weathering every narrative beat with quiet poignancy. But it's McAdams who is in rarely-seen form. Earlier this year, she stole the show while showcasing her comedic chops in the vastly dissimilar Game Night. Now, she dons a kosher wig to lay bare the devastating pain of a woman torn between her head and her heart. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnCLTbLKfv4
UPDATE: September 24, 2020: The Dead Don't Die is available to stream via Amazon Prime Video, Binge, Foxtel Now, Google Play and YouTube Movies. What's left to say about zombies? We've had the genre-defining (Night of the Living Dead), the satirical (Dawn of the Dead), the comedic (Shaun of the Dead) and the fast (28 Days Later), plus the slow and romantic (Warm Bodies), the televised (The Walking Dead), and the animated and child-friendly (ParaNorman). We've even had undead Nazis (Dead Snow). In cinema alone, there's been 500-plus zombie films since Victor Halperin's White Zombie way back in 1932, so it's fair to say that genre's brains and heart have been sucked dry. It's almost as if, were the dead actually to rise in 2019, we'd be borderline blasé about it — which brings us to The Dead Don't Die. Written and directed by Jim Jarmusch, it's a predictably deadpan (ahem) take on zombie films from the opening scene to the last — a story so laconic that it consistently flirts with tedium (but only really lapses into that territory in its final stages). It also boasts a phenomenal cast of Jarmusch regulars, including Bill Murray, Adam Driver, Tilda Swinton, Chloe Sevigny and Steve Buscemi. Joined by Danny Glover, Rosie Perez, Iggy Pop, Sara Driver, RZA, Selena Gomez and Tom Waits, they almost all play larger-than-life characters within the sleepy nowhere town of Centreville. Jarmusch has always given his characters both time and room to breathe, and The Dead Don't Die provides perhaps the best example. The slow, breezy and downright folksy interactions of his townspeople are a patient delight, often with pauses so long between replies it's like the entire cast of Fargo took sedatives. Be it Glover's kindly hardware store owner, Buscemi's racist farmer or Caleb Landry Jones's film-obsessed petrol attendant, they're a quirky yet homogenous community of oddballs and outsiders, around whom the story takes its time to form. The standouts are Murray and Driver as Cliff and Ronnie — two-thirds of Centreville's police force and the intermittent Greek chorus of the film. Driver puts in one of his best performances to date, at once shrewd enough to identify zombies as the likely culprits behind some recent killings, while still oblivious to most human sensitivities around him. Murray is in endearing grandfather-esque territory, even if he's not as funny as usual. Together, they hold the threadbare conceit in place when few others could've (polar fracking has knocked the earth off its axis, so... zombies). Where the film falters, however, is in its self-referential tone. Periodically shattering the fourth wall, Cliff and Ronnie reference The Dead Don't Die's theme song, screenplay and director without any clear reason as to why. The first time is amusing enough, with Murray wondering why the tune on the radio sounds so familiar (answer: it just played during the film's titles), but from that point onwards, the device offers little more than a distraction. The movie's deadpan approach also suffers because of its one clear exception — Chloe Sevigny's Mindy, the third cop in the trio. Oscillating between fear, horror and confusion, her reaction to the zombie uprising is far more appropriate, but cast against Murray and Driver's apathy, it feels hysterical and out of place. Then there's Tilda Swinton's character. We won't spoil it, but her arc is so bonkers, it's a wonder that it was allowed to occur at all. Overall, this is a tough one to reconcile. The comedy is great, as are the performances, but the story is obtuse at best — and only weakens the longer it goes on. As a genre piece, it's definitely a Jarmusch-directed zombie film, but it isn't distinctive enough in any one respect to stand out from the other hundreds of undead offerings. Mellow for some, underwhelming for others, The Dead Don't Die will split audiences like its ghouls split spleens. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brxU_Qi1eOM
Once a year, Melbourne zine-making and DIY-everything aficionado, Sticky Institute put on a magical, magical event: Festival of The Photocopier. Running for three days from February 6, this annual zine festival hosts over 100 stalls to peruse, live music, and a series of launches and talks. Whether you've been curious about this dynamic and welcoming sub-culture for years, or have been getting paper cuts ever since your collage-poetry days in primary school, this is the perfect time to immerse yourself in all things zine. If you haven't seen it before, Sticky is well worth a trip. Tucked under Flinders Street Station in the Degraves Subway, this small zine shop stocks the best hand-made small run magazines from both Australia and New Zealand. But, Festival of the Photocopier is their Woodstock. During the festival, the State Library will run a tour of their highly secretive and exceptionally cool zine collection. There's an opening party at Old Bar featuring The Cult .45s, Boatbuilder and The Girl Fridas. And, if that's not enough, zine academic — yep, they exist — Dr Anna Poletti, will give a guided tour of the fair at the Melbourne Town Hall for some off-the-scale insider knowledge. Check out more about the launch party here and read the full festival program on the Sticky Blog.
If Sad Affleck didn't already exist, Live By Night might've made the meme happen anyway. The actor rarely appears particularly engaged in the prohibition-era gangster flick — and given that he's not just the star, but the writer-director too, that's a little bit of a problem. Sure, the plot throws up plenty of reasons for his sorrowful expression, and yes, brooding over what it means to be a man living a life of crime requires an absence of smiles. Still, Affleck largely just looks lost and glum rather than convincingly conflicted or troubled. To make matters even more trying for audiences, he also can't seem to tear the camera away from his own face. Live By Night isn't the first time Affleck has directed himself, with The Town and Oscar-winner Argo both listed on his resume. Thanks to the former, it's not the first time he has pondered masculinity and violence, or the difficulties of trying to do the right thing by the wrong means. Staying in well-worn territory, his latest flick is also his second adaptation of a novel by Dennis Lehane, with the author penning the book that Affleck's excellent helming debut, Gone Baby Gone, was based on. They say that familiarity breeds contempt, but what it really inspires here is a movie that matches his on-screen look: poised and polished, but bland from top to bottom. When the film first introduces Affleck's character, World War I veteran Joe Coughlin, it's with an anti-authoritarian attitude; "I left a soldier, I came home an outlaw" his voiceover bluntly offers. Discovering just how far down that path the Boston crook will go is one of the aims of the game, along with probing the darker side of the American dream. At first, Coughlin just wants little more than to break the rules and bed a hotshot mobster's mistress (Sienna Miller). But when his romantic bliss ends, he switches to revenge and bootlegging booze in Tampa. An alliance with the local Cuban population, including his new girlfriend Graciela (Zoe Saldana), earns the ire of the Ku Klux Klan, while trying to build a casino draws opposition from a wannabe actress turned born-again preacher (Elle Fanning). There's no shortage of plot driving Live By Night as it meanders through its 129-minute running time. As forces of good and evil clash in a variety of ways, Coughlin wears a number of hats (literally and figuratively), firmly establishing that a well-meaning gangster's existence is painted in shades of grey. Of course, if you've seen The Godfather, Goodfellas or any other American effort in the genre, you've already toyed with these themes more than once. Other than following in their footsteps, there's not much more this movie has to offer. That's not to say that the project is entirely without merit. Though he keeps frowning in front of the camera, Affleck finds some much-needed directorial spark in the film's late shootouts — so much so that you'll wish that he'd done so much earlier. Set in the 1920s, Live By Night also looks the sumptuous part, but sadly that attention to detail doesn't extend to the supporting characters. The less said not only about Saldana's thankless, throwaway role, but Chris Messina's exaggerated performance as a supposedly comic offsider, the better. Although even then, they still seem less miserable than Affleck.
So it turns out there is such a thing as a free lunch. In the lead up to their larger event at Werribee Park in January, the folk behind So Frenchy So Chic are hosting a pop-up picnic in Treasury Gardens, and the victuals are on them. Be one of the first 150 people to turn up at 10am on Wednesday, December 10 and you’ll find yourself dining on a gourmet mini-hamper gratuit. Whipped up by fine food company Simmone Logue, each lunch will be made up of a traditional baguette, packed with poached chicken, toasted walnuts, mayonnaise, roasted tomato and watercress, with dessert in the form of a summery apple frangipane tart. To keep your thirst quenched, Melbourne-based beverage creators Capi will be supplying you with their clean, natural, carbonated refreshments. Of course, it wouldn't be a So Frenchy So Chic affair without music. SFSC's 2015 double album, released on November 28, will be soundtracking the picnic, with its compilation of tunes from the world's best emerging and established French-speaking musicians. It's a multifarious mix of alt-folk, country, rock, hip hop and electro-pop. So Frenchy So Chic proper will be happening on Sunday, January 11, at Werribee Park. Headliners include La Femme, Frànçois and the Atlas Mountains, Emilie Simon and The Dø. Find the So Frenchy So Chic pop-up picnic at Treasure Gardens (near Parliament and Spring Street) this Wednesday, December 10. Get. There. Early.
After more than two weeks without any new COVID-19 cases, and the final active case now recovered, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced that New Zealand will transition to the lowest possible alert level from midnight Monday, 8 June. All current rules and social distancing restrictions will essentially be lifted. The move means that gatherings of any size are allowed to take place, restaurants and bars can operate as usual without seating limitations, and large public spaces including retail outlets and cinemas won't be required to count heads. Alert Level 1 also sees everyone being able to return without restriction to work, school, sports and domestic travel. Stringent border controls remain for those entering New Zealand, including health screening and testing for all arrivals, and mandatory 14-day managed quarantine or isolation. Which, sadly for Australians, means the trans-Tasman travel isn't quite on the cards — yet. First floated back in back in late-April, the 'travel bubble' was flagged as a potential in step three of Australia's COVID-recovery road map, which could come into place as early as July. Last week, though, when asked about opening NZ to Australian tourists, Ardern said told 7 News reporters: "We're on a great track. Australia is still dealing with cases, so just a little bit more progress is required...It's fair to say we are all eager, but we're eager to do it safely." Australia currently has 455 active cases out of a total 7260. While travel to NZ may still be off the cards for now, the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee — which advises the government on decisions during health emergencies, such as pandemics — is meeting today to discuss "stage three and beyond" of the road map, so it's possible we could find out about other eased restrictions relatively soon. For more information about the status of COVID-19 in Australia, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
When The Fast and the Furious took Point Break's premise and swapped surfing for street racing, it seemed like one of those easy Hollywood knockoffs that would speed into cinemas and then race right out of viewers' memories. Eighteen years, seven sequels, plenty of Coronas and a whole lot of talk about family later, we all now know that wasn't the case. It's the high-octane franchise that just keeps tearing up tyres and tearing across silver screen, and it has yet another new addition. The first Fast and Furious spinoff, Hobbs & Shaw reunites two of the series' newer players: Dwayne Johnson's Luke Hobbs, the government agent who has been a F&F staple since 2011's Fast Five, and Jason Statham's Deckard Shaw, the villain from Furious 7 who starts buddying around the gang in 2017's The Fate of the Furious. Directed by John Wick and Atomic Blonde's David Leitch, it's basically an excuse to put the two action heroes in the same movie again, watch as they bicker and banter like a muscular odd couple, and throw in the usual world-saving, car-racing antics. It also sounds like box office catnip. Because two of today's biggest stars isn't enough for this initial foray outside of the main F&F stable, Hobbs & Shaw also features Idris Elba as the flick's villain — plus Helen Mirren reprising her role as Shaw's mother, and The Crown's Vanessa Kirby joining the fold as his sister. Johnson reportedly wanted Hobbs to have some family, too; however bringing Aquaman's Jason Momoa on board didn't work out due to scheduling conflicts. Fans of Vin Diesel and the original gang, don't worry. Ninth and tenth F&F films are due in 2020 and 2021 respectively, so Dominic Toretto and company will be back to live their lives a quarter mile at a time once more. Also on the agenda is a female-focused spinoff focused on the ladies of the franchise, because this series remains furious about stretching out its run for as long as possible. Watch the trailer for Hobbs & Shaw below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Lxu75r3-kI Hobbs & Shaw opens in Australian cinemas on August 1.
Bar entrepreneur Matt Bax (of Bar Americano and the currently hibernating Bar Exuberante) is out to brew the perfect cuppa, as part of a new Japanese-inspired tea experience at Supernormal in Flinders Lane. An idea more than 15 years in the making, Samu is described by Bax as a "contemporary tea meditation...a place where people will have an opportunity to taste real matcha in a unique space". Available as part of the restaurant's regular lunch and dinner service, Samu will see guests seated in a custom-built teahouse complete a with wooden seating bar where they'll enjoy ceremonial-grade matcha and wagayashi-style sweets. "Samu is a one-of-a-kind experience; one I am looking forward to sharing with my guests," said Bax. Running for two weeks only from July 18-29, the service is available for groups of up to five people and costs $9 per tea (and accompanying sweet treat). Expect it to be, like all Bax creations, more than a little weird and wonderful.
The crew at Beyond Cinema have a knack for turning bedtime stories and big-screen flicks into immersive, larger-than-life adventures. Just look at last year's Great Gatsby-inspired party in a mansion, or the more recent Harry Potter-themed potions classes. Well now, it's the much-loved tale of Alice in Wonderland that gets the Beyond Cinema treatment, by way of an all-new immersive pop-up experience inspired by the nonsensical Mad Hatter. Descending on secret Melbourne and Brisbane locations in February next year, The Alice Bar invites punters to dive through the looking glass and into a fantasy world. Expect things to get curiouser and curiouser across your 90-minute visit, whether you're creating your own liquid concoctions under the guidance of The Mad Hatter, settling in for an indulgent tea party, or getting raucous with the likes of the March Hare and the Cheshire Cat. [caption id="attachment_740466" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Wizard's Cauldron[/caption] As always, Beyond Cinema is keeping most of the details scarce until closer to the date, though they're already old hands at bringing Alice In Wonderland to life. The team's earlier Mad Hatter's Tea Party events have proved a hit over the past couple of years. Beyond Cinema's The Alice Bar event will take place at a yet-to-be-revealed Melbourne and Brisbane location in February, 2020. You can sign up for more details here.
The sights, the sounds and — most importantly — the flavours of a Bangkok street kitchen are on their way to Melbourne. Set to open on Crown Riverwalk on January 16, Long Chim Melbourne will be chef David Thompson's third Thai restaurant in Australia, following the super successful Long Chim Perth and new 2016 addition Long Chim Sydney. It's not often that Melbourne trails behind Perth in the world of fine dining. Still, we figure better late than never. Prepare for Thai fare just like you'd find in the streets and markets of Bangkok, including charred rice noodles with beef, basil and Sriracha sauce, plus prawn laksa, chive cakes, green papaya salads, grilled pork and banana roti. The a la carte menu also boasts curries, soups, salads and stir-fries aplenty, including a mashed prawn curry and sour orange curry of ling fish. Dessert fiends can look forward to both durian and Thai coffee ice cream. Thirsty? Long Chim — which means 'come and try' — will also serve up craft beer and wine along with a selection of Asian-inspired cocktails. The rum-based Bangkok Painkiller and gin-based 555, both created by Long Chim's head of beverages James Connolly, are highlights among the 11 boozy, five alcohol-free range, alongside the Or Tor Kor Mule (a combination of ginger beer, vodka infused with kaffir lime zest and Thai bitters), the Tropic Thunder (pineapple, passionfruit, burnt orange and rum), and the Muay Thai Mai Tai (ginger, almond, coconut and tequila). Mouthwatering, authentic morsels; unique, refreshing beverages — that's what you'd expect from one of the biggest names in modern Thai cooking. Thompson's Bangkok eatery Nahm recently ranked one of the 50 Best Restaurants in the World, while his London restaurant was the first Thai venue to be awarded a Michelin star. Long Chim Melbourne will open for dinner only at Crown Riverwalk from January 16. Visit their website for further information. By Tom Clift and Sarah Ward.
On the Rocks is a 3D art exhibition bringing together photography, design, music, food and drinks within a virtual rendering of a home. The exhibition has been designed to bring together artists and creatives from Concrete Playground photographer Kate Shanasy's area who might have lost a source of income or exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic. Each piece of the exhibition has been designed around the theme of 'on the rocks', a fitting reflection on the turbulent year many of us have had. Some of the artworks include photography of natural rock sites from around the world, unique flower and plant arrangements, and coloured glassware, with music from Liam Alexander of Colour nightclub soundtracking your virtual walkthrough. Food has been supplied by Mia Coady-Plumb, head chef at Oh, Loretta and drinks by Campari, however, they are virtual so for the full experience, you may have to supply your own. Thankfully, Coady-Plumb has provided recipes, so it's easy to whip up exactly what you see. The exhibition is free to attend, which you can do so directly on Kate Shanasy's website, where you can also buy prints of her artwork or book her as a wedding photographer. On the Rocks will run online until Friday, December 18. Images: Kate Shanasy
Earth Hour is a symbolic action. Although there is carbon saved by turning things off, the point is the unmissable demonstration that a huge chunk of the world's population caring about the same thing at the same time. If we can manage this for Earth Hour, why not for grander environmental things? The Hour started in Sydney in 2007, and has become an international event in the years since. There are Earth Hour events in Kenya, India and Ireland these days, but you don't need to travel so far afield to find a way to join in this time around. At its simplest, all you need to do is stay home and turn off the lights. But if you'd like to have a more social darkened moment, you can head to a candlelit restaurant or one of a raft of other lights-off events. Image of Earth Hour Switch Off 2010 by Sewell / WWF.
