A Taiwanese filmmaker might've made your favourite movie, although you may not realise that. Adored the original The Wedding Banquet? A fan of Brokeback Mountain? Loved Life of Pi? Still in awe at Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon's action scenes? Thank Ang Lee (Gemini Man) — but he's just one of many talented directors from Taiwan. To dive into the depths of the rest of Taiwan's filmmaking prowess, Australia became home to the Taiwan Film Festival in Australia back in 2018. After starting in Sydney, it now tours to five other cities — including Melbourne, where it's playing from Thursday, July 31–Sunday, August 6, 2025 at Village Cinemas Crown. This year's fest puts a particular focus on showcasing female perspectives. Daughter's Daughter kicks off the program, starring Sylvia Chang (Forget You Not) and screening fresh from its berth at Sydney Film Festival. Also highlights: The Chronicles of Libidoists, about chasing desires, plus romance Unexpected Courage. From there, get ready for a range of fellow titles that, outside of occasional berths at Australia's major fests, don't often make it to our shores. Yen and Ai-Lee hails from filmmaker Tom Lin (The Garden of Evening Mists), while Where the River Flows and Organ Child have crime thrills covered. Or, catch the 4K restoration of Hou Hsiao-Hsien's (The Assassin) Tony Leung (Fox Hunt)-led 1998 great Flowers of Shanghai.
Hankering for some of Melbourne's finest casual Japanese cuisine, but can't tear yourself away from the couch — or commit to heading out for a eat-in meal? The cutest Karate Kid-inspired eatery in town has the answer. In addition to its main Chapel Street digs and its bite-sized counterpart next door, aka Yukie's Snack Bar, Mr. Miyagi is opening up a takeaway offshoot in Prahran. Setting up on Chatham Street, Mr. Miyagi Takeaway Shop will serve up 12 dishes and 12 dishes only, with the streamlined menu perfect for those eager to grab and go. Both new and existing options are on offer, ranging from deconstructed salmon tacos and Korean fried cauliflower, to wagyu bolognaise bowls and duck spring rolls. There'll also be sushi fries (that'd be sushi rice shaped into fries), and the return of Mr. Miyagi's ever-popular doughnuts with salted caramel sauce. The store won't launch in bricks-and-mortar form until September; however those eager to get ordering now can do so via UberEATS, where the entire takeaway range is also available. Alas, Mr. Miyagi's famous cocktails won't be getting the take-home treatment, so heading along to the original joints is still in Melburnian's futures — not that regulars will be complaining. Find Mr. Miyagi Takeaway Shop at 24 Chatham Street, Prahran. For more information, head to the Mr. Miyagi website and Facebook page.
If water pipes make you think of creepy clowns, then the latest tiny apartment design mightn't be for you. In Hong Kong, architect James Law has come up with a compact housing solution made out of old concrete tubing. A proposed solution to the country's affordability issues, they're cheap to construct — and, thanks to their shape, easily stackable too. Don't worry, these pipe-based abodes will be located above ground, so you can wipe your IT fears out of your mind. Called Opod, the proposed system is made from piping up to 2.5 metres in diameter, features between nine and eleven squares of cosy living space capable of housing one or two people, and comes complete with a bench that converts into a bed, a mini fridge, microwave, bathroom with shower and open-shelf storage. Currently on display and open to the Hong Kong public until April 1, it's envisioned that the former stormwater drains could be used in narrow spaces, and even on top of existing buildings, using space that's otherwise going to waste. Or, if you wanted to move, they could also be relocated to other sites or cities. https://www.instagram.com/p/BdNP0t1g4EL/?taken-by=cybertecture The cosy, circular homes are the latest innovative design in what's proving a growing field, with sustainability, affordability, eschewing mass consumerism via downsizing and embracing mobile living all motivators. An Australian start-up lets you stay in a tiny house in the wilderness, while flat-packed tiny homes are also available locally. Tiny mobile homes and Muji flat-pack houses and pre-fab huts can also take care of your compact needs. And, in the short-term accommodation arena, you can stay in New York's first shipping container home, seek out a portable shipping container hotel or head to a tiny house campsite in the US. Via Reuters. Images: James Law Cybertecture.
Since opening last year, sleek Surry Hills star Nomad has made waves in Sydney's restaurant scene, boasting a sophisticated, local-focused menu and an even more notable wine list. Known for its dedication to serving exclusively Australian wine from smaller, boutique producers, wine lovers will now be able enjoy these hard-to-find wines at home with Nomad's Online Cellar Door. The service lists most of the 50-odd wines from the restaurant's main wine list and a selection from the reserve list, as well as other locally produced sparkling, rose and dessert wines. With the online range changing regularly, Nomad's Online Cellar Door is the perfect way to acquaint yourself with the impressive, if little-known, wines produced in our own backyard. In the spirit of the silly season, Concrete Playground is giving away three of Nomad's Celebration Bundles — a range of mixed half dozens sure to get your festivities into full swing. Go in the running to win a Christmas BBQ Bundle (valued at $210), or get lucky with the Cellar Reserve Selection ($489) — six of Nomad's best red wines, ready to quaff now or savour in another 20 years. For fans of sparkling, don't miss the chance to win the New Year's Celebration Selection ($199) for the ultimate NYE party, containing Prosecco, Courabyra and Arras NV. Thanks to Nomad Online Cellar Door, we're giving away three Celebration Bundles — one each week until the end of the year. Delivery within Australia is included in the prize. To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already), then email us with your name and address: Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au Brisbane: win.brisbane@concreteplayground.com.au
2022 hasn't been kind to anyone's bank balances, with inflation having a hefty impact on the cost of living all around the world, including in Australia. We know you know this, and so does your wallet. In Sydney in fact, the year's financial struggles have seen the Harbour City reclaim global recognition for being a mighty expensive place to call home, taking tenth place on The Economist Intelligence Unit's annual Worldwide Cost of Living survey. While Melbourne was dubbed Australia's most liveable city in the EIU's Global 2022 Liveability Index earlier in 2022, Sydney has nabbed a less sought-after mantle, after sitting in the same spot back in 2018. Again, it's an exxy time all-round in general, with the survey noting that prices worldwide, in the 172 major cities surveyed, have shot up 8.1 percent year on year on average (in local currencies). That's the biggest jump in the 20 years that the EIU has digital data for. The place on the planet that'll trouble your pennies the most? This year, there's two: New York and Singapore. The pair of cities tied for the top spot, with New York earning the unwanted honours for the first time ever, but Singapore taking the crown for the eighth time in a decade. The two places bump down 2021 leader Tel Aviv to third, with Hong Kong and Los Angeles then sharing fourth spot. The Swiss cities of Zurich and Geneva came in at six and seven respectively, while San Francisco sits at eighth, Paris at ninth and Copenhagen shares tenth place with Sydney. Yes, this means that Sydney is more expensive to live in at the moment than London and Tokyo — two cities that aren't considered cheap at all. In fact, Tokyo dropped down 24 spots to sit in 37th place. As per The Guardian, Sydney's rise from 14th in 2021 to tenth this year isn't the only upward movement among Australia's cities. Melbourne leapt from 16th to 15th, and Brisbane from 36th to 32nd. For further details about the 2022 Worldwide Cost of Living survey, head to The Economist Intelligence Unit's website.
Embedding sustainable practices in the hospitality industry is a quest many a bar, cafe, eatery and associated organisation has taken up, spanning bans on straws, an attempt to recycle takeaway coffee cups, rewards for carpooling customers and more. One Japanese watering hole has taken the concept and not only run with it, but built their entire establishment out of it. Yes, the Kamikatz Public House is made out of 100% recycled rubbish. From the windows and walls to the furniture found inside, everything in this pub, brewery and sundries store would probably be considered trash in any other town. You'll find the environmentally conscious structure in the town of Kamikatsu, which is committed to not only reducing their wastage, but eliminating it — attaining an 80% recycling rate, and sorting their waste into 34 categories, for starters. Of course, when you fashion a dwelling with in such an eco-friendly manner, you want everyone to know about it, which is why Kamikatz Public House features an eight-metre-high wall of windows, all sourced from abandoned homes. You'll also find discarded tiles used as flooring, a chandelier made out of bottles, and newspapers doubling as wallpaper. Other design elements, such as an elevated ceiling and double-layered window fittings, are designed to increase ventilation and insulation respectively. No wonder the building won World Architecture News' Sustainable Buildings Award for 2016. As well as a cute pub to put on your must-visit list if you're ever in the vicinity of Tokushima prefecture on Japan's Shikoku Island, it's also great motivation to think about more creative ways to recycle. Images: Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP. Via: Inhabitat.
Whether it's being part of a crowd rooting for a football team, an audience laughing in unison at a comedian's jokes, or maybe flashmobbing a train station, there's something special about communal experience. Pop Up Playground's Fresh Air Festival is all about bringing strangers together through fun, games, and complicity. A series of activities will take place around Federation Square this weekend, all based around the theme of interaction and improvisation. Some are as simple as a tent where an artwork that has been left for a lucky stranger — on the condition that they make something for the next person to come along and discover. Then there are enormous, communal games that might have you carrying out secret missions, putting out fires, or even escaping a curse. Fresh Air Fest is an anarchic, hilarious, and inclusive festival of pervasive games — you're guaranteed to leave with a new friend. Image via fedsquare.com
If you're thirty-plus (either chronologically, or in terms of your musical tastes) and finding triple j increasingly unsuitable to your aural palette, then you're probably going to love the ABC's latest move. Yesterday afternoon, the broadcaster announced that, as of 5pm, digital music channel Dig had come under triple j's management. Essentially, the plan is to revamp Dig as a 'triple j for over-thirties'. In other words, the program will be shaped by the types of artists that originally informed the triple j ethos. Think Tex Perkins, Eskimo Joe, Nick Cave and their musical progeny. About 75 percent of the playlist will be comprised of new music (triple j's is about 90 percent that way) and the other 25 percent will be made up of classics familiar to '70s and '80s babies. Each week, there'll be a minimum of four pre-recorded, guest-programmed segments. Anticipated curators include Billy Bragg, Sarah Blasko, Adalita, Missy Higgins, Bernard Fanning, Tex Perkins, David Bridie, Eskimo Joe, Clare Bowditch and Moby. During the next six months, Dig is asking listeners to let the station know exactly what they want to hear, and how they want it presented. The channel will be officially launched in its new format in April 2014. "Over the last few years, there have been many voices calling out for a station like this," commented Dig Music's content director Meagan Loader, "and the input of those voices during this initial stage is hugely valuable. We are so excited to be able to evolve with our listeners and create something truly unique." Dig Music is available online at www.digmusic.net.au, on mobile phones via the ABC Radio App, and through both digital radio and television.
Some Pixar movies bring childhood obsessions to big screen, as seen in the Toy Story and Cars films. If you loved monsters as a kid, the Monsters, Inc flicks definitely also count. Other features made by the beloved animation studio explore exactly what it feels like to be a child — as seen in the wonderful Inside Out, of course, and now in the company's upcoming release Turning Red. Marking the first feature from writer/director Domee Shi, who won an Oscar for her delightful 2018 short Bao, Turning Red takes its moniker literally. Many Pixar flicks do (see also: Finding Nemo, Up, Brave and Onward, for instance). Here, 13-year-old Mei Lee (Rosalie Chiang, also making her movie debut) is an ordinary teen who gets embarrassed by her mum Ming (Sandra Oh, The Chair) fairly often, and can find adolescent life a bit overwhelming. So far, so relatable — but when she's overexcited by all of the above, Mei Lee also happens to turn into a fluffy red panda. If you're thinking about the Hulk but red, female, younger and more adorable, that's the kind of vibe that the trailer gives. Disney does own both Pixar and Marvel, so that isn't a big leap. Just how Mei Lee copes with those sudden transformations is exactly what the flick will cover, obviously — and while the film was originally destined for cinemas, viewers will now be able to see the end result via Disney+ instead. The Mouse House has just revealed that Turning Red will take the same route as the past two Pixar releases, Soul and Luca, and head straight to its streaming platform. So, you'll be sitting on your couch to grab another dose of heartwarming animated cuteness, with the film due to drop on Friday, March 11. Check out the trailer below: Turning Red will be available to stream via Disney+ on Friday, March 11. Top image: © 2022 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.
When it comes to succulent pieces of poultry, Australia boasts plenty, but you know what they say: you can't get too much of a good thing. Trying to help make that case is newcomer 4Fingers, the Singaporean fried chicken favourite that's just brought their crispy chook to our shores. Setting up their first two stores in Melbourne's Bourke Street and at Brisbane's new food precinct at Westfield Chermside (and another set to open on Albert Street in Brisbane soon), 4Fingers is all about farm-to-fork free-range chicken served up in their signature crispy style. It's hand-brushed and prepared to order in wingettes, drumettes and legs. Sure, that's what other greasy chook place offers, but why mess with a winning formula? If you're eager for something different, it's 4Fingers' extra bits and pieces that might motivate you to hop on in. Fancy a katsu sandwich with daily-fermented kimchi coleslaw, crispy chicken chops or chicken, garlic and button mushrooms on an artisanal charcoal bun? You do now. Wings and legs with rice, a selection of seafood and three types of salad are also on the menu. 4Fingers is now open at 189-191 Bourke Street, Melbourne and at Westside Chermside, corner Gympie and Hamilton Streets, Chermside in Brisbane. Another store is set to open at 108 Albert Street, Brisbane soon. For more information, keep an eye on their website and Facebook page. Updates: July 3, 2017.
For all the logicality of urban planners and architects, we often end up with some pretty weird conglomerations of concrete and steel around town. Once in a while, we all end up staring at a nonsensical urban nook while waiting at the traffic lights and thinking, 'why?'. Austrian choreographer Willi Dorner and his company take that reverie one step further with Bodies in Urban Spaces. They see an odd little city space and think: human Tetris. So how does it work? Dorner enlists a group of movement artists (whose skills are not solely focused on dance — he also hires climbers, martial artists and circus performers) and choreographs a performance that sees these 20 human bodies, clad in bright colour-blocked clothes, gracefully shove themselves into any sort of architectural gap they can find, hold their positions for several minutes and then effortlessly wriggle out of the tight spot and move on to the next. What it means for the passer-by is that your eyes fall on brightly colour-blocked human staying perfectly, magically still in an otherwise dead space. "Bodies in Urban Spaces is an invitation to let go, to take the time for a new look at the city, an opportunity to think so that we can form opinions about what makes a city a liveable space, and eventually make changes to achieve that goal," says Dorner. Bodies in Urban Spaces premiered in 2007 and has been co-produced by festivals and venues across Europe and the US ever since. It will be appearing in Sydney for Art & About on Friday, October 11, and Saturday, October 12, from 12.30-2pm. Check out more of their cheeky and surreal appearances around the world in the images below.
It gets us around the country, and the world, much faster than any other form of transport that's in widespread use; however, there's plenty about air travel that's far from fun. No one loves being crammed into the tiny amount of space that comes with each economy seat, for instance, or getting stuck having awkward mid-air conversations with strangers. Thanks to Qantas, skipping both of those frustrations is now possible. The Australian airline has just launched a new 'neighbour-free' option. It sounds like the Australian TV landscape now that a certain beloved soap opera is off the air, but it's actually an in-flight move to give you some extra room. The concept really is as self-explanatory as it sounds — aka you'll take to the air without someone sitting in the neighbouring chair. Before you go dreaming about how you'll use the added space on your next getaway, Qantas is still trialling its neighbour-free offering at present, so it isn't available on all routes or flights. The test is only running domestically, too — so cramped overseas trips still await. Unsurprisingly, you do need to pay for the added space, with prices varying depending on the route. The Australian Frequent Flyer forum advises that the cost starts at around $30 — on top of your existing fare, of course — for short flights. Here's how it works: if you're eligible to go neighbour-free, you'll get an email 48 hours before your departure, inviting you to take up the service. You're then able to make the request up to an hour before your flight, including when you reserve your seat — or by hopping into your online reservation if you've already picked where you want to sit. That's when you'll pay the neighbour-free fee, too, and receive confirmation via email. Obviously, the whole thing is subject to availability — and it also can't be cancelled after you've set it up. If Qantas has to seat someone in your extra spot, however, you'll automatically be refunded the neighbour-free cost. (The airline advises that that might happen "for operational, safety or security reasons, even after boarding the aircraft".) [caption id="attachment_823330" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Brent Winstone[/caption] Yes, you could always do this by booking two seats if you really wanted to avoid sitting next to anyone. This new option is much cheaper, though. There's no word yet as to if or when the ability to go neighbour-free might become a standard Qantas offering, or if it'll also be trialled or brought in for international trips. We can think of a few of flights where it'd be particularly handy: the 17-hour direct Perth–London route, and the planned non-stop legs from Australia's east coast to London and New York. For more information about Qantas' new neighbour-free option, head to the airline's website.
It's been just over six years since Sandra Foti opened the doors to her first Piccolina gelateria in the heart of Hawthorn, launching what would quickly become a cult-favourite local dessert brand. Now, with seven further openings under its belt, the Piccolina label has come full circle, with the launch of its latest outpost last week. Piccolina's spacious new flagship store has made its home 100 metres up Glenferrie Road from that (now closed) OG site and it marks the gelateria's grandest offering yet. Here, interiors by renowned design studio Hecker Guthrie and creative agency Projects of Imagination have breathed new life into the light-filled, heritage corner space. The look pays homage both to Piccolina's signature style and the building's historic details, with a cheery green facade, multi-coloured menu board and roomy communal table primed for gelato scoffing. The piece de resistance is a chocolate fountain pouring the signature Better Than Nutella sauce. You can try it drizzled onto your choice of scoop, or paired with whipped cream in a frappe. Set into the front counter, sleek silver tubs hold classic all-natural gelato flavours like honeycomb, pistachio and fior di latte, along with a rotation of specials and limited-edition releases. And at the back of the room, giant fridges showcase Piccolina's offering of handmade gelato cakes, both signature and custom-made. Find the new Piccolina Hawthorn at 731 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn. During winter, it's open 2–10pm weekdays and 12–10pm Saturday and Sunday, while the rest of the year it's open daily from 12pm–late. Images: Jana Longhurst
Here is a story to both perturb and titillate the sensitive art-lovers among us. Unbeknownst to the general populace, Fujifilm has been stealthily developing something major for seven years: a 3D printing technology that can reproduce artworks, such that they are virtually undetectable as being anything other than the real thing. Coined 'Reliefography', the process has so far flawlessly cloned five works by Vincent Van Gogh, mimicking everything from the distinctive brushstrokes of the troubled ear-severing genius, right down to the faded and torn handwritten labels on the back of the frame. While a true expert would most likely be able to spot the fake, it's still kind of chilling, right? What will be the final refuge of authenticity in this madly self-replicating 3D-printed world? The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, which worked with Fujifilm to create the process, appears to have absolutely no issues with it. Intending to use the profits to fund renovations and collection upkeep, it has already released limited-edition runs of 260 (up to three replicas can be produced per day), and many more are in the works. The current 'Relievos' that can be purchased are Van Gogh’s Almond Blossom (1890), Sunflowers (1889), The Harvest (1888), Wheatfield Under Thunderclouds (1890) and Boulevard de Clichy (1887). So how much will it set you back to own your own dazzling forgery? A mere $34K, a trifling amount compared to the price of a real Van Gogh. The technology could surely mean the world to galleries that can't afford to purchase an original masterpiece, and in particular to the blind — unlike an original, a forgery can be experienced through touch. The innovation could perhaps mean even more to anyone hoping to make a quick buck from selling illegal forgeries to suckers. Cue art heist shenanigans and Catherine Zeta-Jones undulating beneath security laser beams. Via Gizmodo.
Say hello to my little friend, Australia. Academy Award winning Director Oliver Stone, the maestro behind such influential films as Scarface, Midnight Express, Platoon, Wall Street, Natural Born Killers, JFK, Nixon, and The Doors, is coming to Australia, appearing exclusively at Vivid Sydney. The highly respected director will join the Vivid Ideas Game-Changer talks series (already featuring street art icon Shepard Fairey), and join the Semi Permanent lineup while he's at it. Not one to veer away from controversial subjects, Stone will be joining equally no-bullshit Australian legend Margaret Pomeranz AM on stage at City Recital Hall on Sunday, May 28 for a rare, behind-the-scenes insight into Stone's career and his polarising films. "Interviewing Oliver Stone?" says Pomeranz. "One of the most significant filmmakers of the past 40 years to trawl through our political and cultural history! It's intimidating, exciting and absolutely unmissable. If I weren't on the stage with him I would be in the audience." Stone will also be speaking 'in conversation' at Semi Permanent at Carriageworks on Friday, May 26 — you'll need a full-day festival pass for that. "Semi Permanent is excited to welcome iconic filmmaker and storyteller Oliver Stone to our extraordinary line up for 2017 in Sydney," said Semi Permanent founder and director Murray Bell said. "The Academy Award winning writer and director is one of the most prolific of our time, making films that profoundly capture pivotal moments in our recent history – a lifetime spent creating entertaining and provocative works." Semi Permanent's 2017 event will take over Carriageworks from Thursday, May 25 to Saturday, May 27 and features a cast of players so influential in the modern design game that while this event's in motion, the world will become a very desolate and tacky place. Speakers include Museum of Contemporary Art Australia director Elizabeth Ann Macgregor, Katherine Keating publisher VICE Impact, Nike design director Meirion Pritchard and Nike EMEA brand director Gary Horton, Jacqueline Bourke from Getty Images, animation studio Moth Collective, Design Studio's Paul Stafford, Frog Design and Australian designers David Caon, Henry Wilson and architect Kelvin Ho. In the meantime, we'll be playing Smokey Robinson all day: Oliver Stone will appear at Semi Permanent at Carriageworks on Friday, May 26 and The Vivid Ideas Game-Changer talk will be held on Sunday, May 28 at City Recital Hall. Tickets are on sale now at vividsydney.com and semipermanent.com. Image: Getty Images.
There's not a souvlaki in sight at this Oakleigh eatery, which is a pretty rare occurrence — the area is generally dry of non-Greek eating options. Instead, Cote Terra is a beautiful café, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the southeastern suburb's Eaton Mall. The establishment serves breakfast all day, with dishes coming in the form of chia and quinoa pudding with stewed apples ($12), and the hearty twice-cooked French toast with peanut butter mousse ($17). Not savoury enough? Then maybe the roasted button mushrooms with goats' curd, radish, dukkah and poached eggs on sourdough will satisfy you ($16). If you make it in time for lunch, you'll discover things such as a soft-shell crab burger with chips ($17) among other sandwiches and salads. And before you ask, serving sizes are generous here, so don't even think about having a bite beforehand — you'll regret it. As for coffee, the cafe serves pour overs of Proud Mary beans and also does a filter coffee using the AeroPress. If you've exceeded your caffeine count for the day, alternatives include Prana Chai, Dutch cocoa, juices and milkshakes. The cafe is also (surprisingly) licensed, serving beers and wines from both Europe and Australia. With a pared back fit-out — including cosy banquettes and warm lighting — and a relaxed vibe, Cote Terra lets the food speak for itself. On a beautiful day, you may want to relocate to the courtyard out back. It's also a stone's throw away from Oakleigh station, making it a prime option for a pre-commute meal or takeaway coffee. One thing to note before visiting though — the kitchen closes one hour before closing each day. So make sure you leave enough time to order. You don't want to be stuck with sub-par souvlaki.
A day out from December 25, the experts are forecasting some hot weather. And it looks like you'd better be prepared to embrace the sweats, with Australia's weather set to gift us with some very balmy Christmas Day temperatures across the board. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Melbourne will be turning on some pretty primo beach weather, with mostly sunny skies and a top of 26 degrees, shooting it past the monthly average of 24.2. With today set to hit 34 degrees, the temp will only get to a low of 17 — so you're probably going to want to make sure those Christmas beers are cold and a swimmable body of water isn't too far away. Sydney is slated to enjoy a similar situation, facing a maximum of 29 degrees, a whole stack of sunshine and lows of just 18 degrees. However, if you're going to be out west, you'll have to withstand a heatwave — Penrith will reach a top of 35 degrees Happily enough, it seems the city will have got the current sogginess out of its system, with a solid week of showers and storms drying up in time for Christmas Eve. As in Melbourne, Sydney's looking at a mere five percent chance of rain for December 25 — if that's not perfect barbecue weather, we don't know what is. Further north, Brisbane's Christmas Day forecast is surprisingly similar, despite the slew of sweaty mid-30s the city's copped in the lead-up. If you're up there for the big day, you can expect to unwrap those presents to a balmy top of 29 degrees — pretty much bang on the Queensland capital's December maximum average. Across the country, Perth punters are in for steamier festivities, with Christmas Day maxing out at 35 degrees and dipping to just 20. It's a little warmer than the city's December averages, but shouldn't come as too much of a shock to locals — December 25 runs off the back of five relentless days of mid-to-high 30s, scorching sunshine and pretty much zero rain. Best find yourself some air-con for the big day. Adelaide-bound folk are in for the same max of 35 degrees, following a string of mid-20s in the lead-up. Canberra's maxing out at a sunny, slightly breezy 33 degrees, while Darwin folk can prepare themselves for a dramatic combination of 34-degree maximums, a medium chance of showers and possible thunderstorms. If you're after a cool Christmas, it seems you'll have to venture down to good ol' Tassie to find it — Hobart's dishing up a partly cloudy day, with a manageable maximum of just 22 degrees. Updated: December 24, 2018.
It's almost time to take 2021 to the trash pile where it belongs but first thing's first: festive fun with the ones you love. Or, more specifically, the art of spoiling friends and family with presents. Whether you're a gifting goof or believe that gifts are truly your love language, we've found a few ways you can nail the gift-giving game this holiday season and, while you're at it, support your favourite local hospitality heroes. Thanks to our partners at new fintech business Slyp, you can even show some extra support simply by paying your bill — how good. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SLYP TIPS To celebrate the festive season, Slyp is providing extra holiday cheer to our beloved hospitality industry by slinging $20 tips to participating hospo venues at no extra cost to the customer till December 31. There are over 80 venues that have signed up for Slyp Tips including Watson's Bay Boutique Hotel, Hotel Ravisis and Tequila Mockingbird. In order to unlock a few extra bucks for your favourite hospo heroes, you'll need to be a NAB customer. Simply activate Smart Receipts in your NAB app, use your NAB card to pay at a participating venue, view the receipt in the app and voila, the $20 tip will be unlocked and shared among the venue's staff. The best part? There's no minimum spend to unlock the tip and take advantage of this festive offer. MAKE MERCH YOUR SUMMER LOOK Nothing says 'I'm a fan' like repping a piece of band merch. It's also a top-tier way to support a hospitality business you rate. Reckon Betty's Burgers have the best buns in the biz? Deck out your pooch in its limited edition dog merch. Consider yourself the number one fan of hot chook and chippies? Time to let everyone know via a Chargrill Charlie's tote. Or, if you to love your local cafe so much it hurts, score its custom t-shirt so you can say it with your chest. Like this one, from Ruby Lonesome in Sydney. [caption id="attachment_706983" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Industry Beans' famed cold brew coffee[/caption] SIGN UP TO A COFFEE SUBSCRIPTION Waking up to an empty coffee bean canister is truly devastating. And, after a year of letdowns, we're pretty keen to minimise disappointments like that in the new year. To avoid such situations and support your local bean roaster, you can sign up to a coffee subscription so you have the beans delivered to your door exactly when you need them. Industry Beans has a self-managed, pay-as-you-go subscription available which is ideal for first-timers wanting to try the service out. There's no fixed term to sign up and you get an automatic 10% off your orders once you subscribe. Cool beans. BUY YOUR MATE (OR DATE) A GIFT VOUCHER If you're a regular CP reader there's a good chance you love to dine out as much as we do. And we think there's no better dining experience than taking your favourite person to their favourite venue. Got a mate who is obsessed with Capitano's blistered pizzas? Purchase them a voucher to give the gift of delicious this year. Does your partner have their finger on the pulse of what's new in the hospitality scene? Impress them with a voucher to the newly opened MuMu in Sydney's CBD. SHOW A NEWBIE SOME LOVE It can be tempting to plan your summer celebrations at your go-to restaurants and bars but spare a thought for the new venues trying to make their mark when locking in your dining destinations this festive season. Instead of booking all your catch ups at the same small bar near your work, say hello to a fresh face on the hospitality scene this summer. Head to Cabana Bar in the Sydney CBD to activate your holiday mode and sip on spicy margaritas or try moorish Mauritian flavours at Manze in North Melbourne. Slyp Tips is applicable at participating venues until 11.59pm AEST on Friday, December 31. For the tip to be unlocked, you'll need to view the Smart Receipt prior to 11.59pm AEST on Wednesday, January 5. For more information and to find your nearest participating venue, visit the website.
Two of our favourite things — good food and fantastic film — are coming together at Caulfield Racecourse again for 2018. Gourmet Cinema will return for the third time on Thursday, March 1 to pair menus from some of Melbourne's top restaurants with a critically acclaimed film. So bring your picnic blankets, but leave the baskets at home. Six of Melbourne's top-notch restaurants will feature throughout the festival — four food stalls will operate at each session, with one restaurant showcasing a menu matched to the movie on the screen. Luke Hammond from Hotel Jesus will pair a Mexican menu with a viewing of Chef (even though the film features Cuban sandwiches), and you'll have one of Shannon Bennett's Benny burgers in your hand as you watch Top Gun. Other vendors in 2018's highly anticipated culinary lineup will include Jimmy Grants, Uncle, Hellenic Republic and Mamasita. Gourmet Cinema will run for eight nights, from Thursday to Sunday, for two consecutive weeks. Gates open at 6pm with the film set to commence around 8.15pm. Tickets are $22.50 for adults, or you can shell out $35.50 for a reserved deck chair and blanket hire.
With the holidays just coming to an end, we're all now emerging from prime binge-watching season. So, if you feel like you've glued your eyes to every possible TV show and movie there is recently, that's completely understandable — but the great thing about streaming is that there's always something else popping up, demanding your attention and helping you maintain that comfy groove in your sofa. Returning series releasing their latest seasons, brand new shows that haven't been on your radar, recent favourites that you mightn't have seen, retro classics that are always worth a revisit, flicks that'll keep you talking — they're some of the fresh additions to the streaming world recently, and they're all ready to add to your 2021 watch list. If you're wondering where to start, we've teamed up with streaming platform Binge to pick five must-sees that'll help you start the year with some top-notch viewing. You can view them all on the Australian service, including via a 14-day free trial for new customers.
Friday nights in Carlton are getting just that little bit stranger, thanks to an array of upcoming cult films on tap at Cinema Nova. Moving to the last week of every month, the latest edition of the Cultastrophe program offers not one, not two, but three stubs for the price of one, with the films growing increasingly twisted as the night goes on. The rebooted line-up begins in September with a tribute to the scripts of Tarantino. Written before QT began work on Reservoir Dogs, both Tony Scott's True Romance and Oliver Stone's Natural Born Killers feature Tarantino's signature pop culture-infused dialogue. Fittingly enough, the final film on the bill is Sony Chiba's The Street Fighter, which is heavily referenced in True Romance. Critters, Deadly Friend and In The Mouth of Madness should make for appropriately monstrous viewing on Halloween, while December will feature a trio of Christmas-themed films in Gremlins, Gremlins 2 and Twilight Zone: The Movie. The November slot will be run in partnership with Monsterfest, and has so far been kept under wraps. Our guess? Something bloody.
Fact: you don’t have to wait until the sun goes down to have a damn good time at Melbourne Music Week. From 12-5pm on the first Saturday of the festival, enjoy roller skating and a live set from The Public Opinion Six, who will be joined by the Foreign Brothers Core-Tet for an awesome live jam session. In the MMW flagship outdoor area, Melbourne DJ and radio host MzRizk will be throwing a block party NYC would be proud of. The whole event will consist of a lot of dancing, eating, chilling and embracing hip hop culture to the fullest, with an all-female line-up of DJs including JNETT, Mamacita Bonnita and Miss Goldie. So get your skates on.
Only idiots pre-judge films. Trailers are increasingly so misleading that the only true test of a movie is when the lights dim and the titles roll. And yes, idiots pre-judged this film. From the moment it was announced, so-called fanboys declared the female-led Ghostbusters a piece of feminist propaganda – helpfully allowing us to identify precisely who to unfollow on social media. The next level of premature opposition came from those who watched the trailers and deduced that this was to be the unfunniest film of all time. OF. ALL. TIME. If there was to be any merit given to the Ghostbusters pre-haters, it came in the form of the scepticism over reboots in general. The original Ghostbusters was made in 1984, yet there's little beyond the giant hair of Harold Ramis and Sigourney Weaver to make it feel dated – a factor that contributes heavily to its re-watchability. Again, though, the same could be said for Tim Burton's Batman (1989), which only sixteen years later would be spectacularly reimagined by Christopher Nolan in Batman Begins. The key word, of course, is 'reboot', which – unlike remakes – have licence to edit the story, characters and setting of the original for a whole new audience. Paul Feig's Ghostbusters is unreservedly a reboot. Indeed, it bears so little resemblance to the first film that comparisons are, by and large, pointless. Beyond the theme song, name and general busting of ghosts, this is a new film for a new generation, led by four comedic heavyweights in their absolute prime. Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones are a powerhouse ensemble, embodying four distinctly new and wonderfully defined characters. Wiig's uptight academic with a zero-point flirtation game bounces perfectly off McCarthy's acerbic renegade scientist, while McKinnon's genius inventor is so absurdly odd that only Jones's streetwise Patty could keep the balance in check. They're a courageous and capable collection of heroes supported by an amusing turn from Chris Hemsworth as the team's air-head secretary. The only time gender is ever even touched upon is in a nod to those internet fanboys, with Wiig reading aloud a YouTube comment that declares "ain't no bitches gonna hunt no ghosts". To suggest that this film's shortcomings have anything to do with its leads being women is so plainly dim as to not even warrant comment. After all, let's remember that just five years ago Feig, Wiig and McCarthy delivered the funniest film of the year in Bridesmaids. No, where Ghostbusters unfortunately falls short is in its story – and it's here that comparisons to the original are unavoidable. The original Ghostbusters was a deceptively complex story masquerading as a simple one, with multiple vignettes that not just cleverly, but critically, came together at the film's climactic crisis point. EPA intervention, an overloaded containment unit, bureaucratic interference and the seemingly-irrelevant lives of several apartment dwelling strangers all suddenly merged with both the Ghostbusters' own story and the ever-growing menace from the opening scene in a spectacular (and genuinely spooky) explosion of paranormal activity. By contrast, Feig's Ghostbusters is a disappointingly simple film striving ever so hard to seem more complex. Everything that happens on the supernatural front is the result of a single, poorly-defined human villain whose motivations for bringing about the apocalypse are nothing more than that he was bullied as a child. Compare that with Dan Aykroyd and Ernie Hudson in the original film as they considered, with genuine trepidation, the possibility that Judgment Day was truly upon them. Their fear became ours, and that combination of bona fide supernatural horror with outstanding humour was what made it one of the most successful and enduring comedies of all time. That's what's so noticeably absent in this reboot: the laughs aren't nearly as frequent as you'd expect, and the scary stuff simply isn't. Yes, there are some spectacularly funny moments, with Jones's debut outing as a Ghostbuster during a metal concert being the standout. Still, for a cast of this calibre, you're right to expect more. As for the ghosts, they scarcely feature until the effects-laden finale, one that's over as quickly as it begins. All in all, this is not a film that's going to destroy your childhood like so many clairvoyant haters suggested. Sadly, it's not quite a home-run either. The film's greatest strength, by far, is its cast. The four leads compliment each other magnificently and there's no scene-stealing; each has her moment in the spotlight, yet knows when to let the others shine. The post-credits scene, too, offers a tantalising hint at what the sequel might concern itself with. Here's hoping it happens sooner rather than later. Feig's Ghostbusters is not a particularly memorable film, but it's an excellent step in the right direction and an exciting glimpse of what might come next. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3ugHP-yZXw
Indecisive eaters of Australia, rejoice: you no longer have to pick between two go-to snack foods. Feel like a doughnut, but also feel like a muffin as well? Not quite hungry enough to tuck into both? Spending too long deciding which to eat? Behold your new culinary saviour — the duffin. The concept is right there in the name, with this mashup combining a doughnut and a muffin. And, none other than Krispy Kreme is making them — so if you already covet the chain's treats, here's something else to try. Do these kinds of food hybrids actually make picking something to eat easier — or do they make it harder because you've now got a third option to choose from? Good question. Either way, they rely upon the novelty factor, and the idea that combining two tasty dishes has to result in something special. If you're eager to give Krispy Kreme's duffins a whirl across your tastebuds, they've hit shelves from Tuesday, July 5 in three flavours. So, you do actually have a few more choices after all — picking between apple and cinnamon, blueberry and white chocolate, and double choc. The first option features toasted oats and a spiced apple filling, while the second includes real blueberries on top and a blueberry filling inside. As for the third, it gets its chocolate fix via choc chip pieces and a chocolate custard filling. To get snacking, you'll find the duffin trio at Krispy Kreme and 7-Eleven stores across Australia for $4 each. Krispy Kreme's duffins are available from Tuesday, July 5 at Krispy Kreme and 7-Eleven stores across Australia.
Bendigo is a city that loves its craft. You can see that in its busy pottery centre or its tram completely covered in yarn. But most of all, you can see it in the profusion of craft breweries here, collectively making some of the best cold ones in the country. To celebrate this thriving indie beer scene, Bendigo on the Hop returns to the city on Saturday, August 25. The annual winter festival transforms Bendigo's historic town centre into the site of one epic craft beer crawl. The event organisers, local non-profit Bendigo Beer, describe it as a "festival for beer drinkers with an open mind". It works like this: you buy your ticket and select your starting venue. This is where you pick up your tasting tokens and souvenir glass on the day. After that, it's a choose-your-own-adventure as you make your way to whichever pub, bar, beer garden or pop-up kiosk calls you most. This year's event has grown from last year, now featuring 44 beers from 22 truly independent breweries across 10 venues — including sophisticated restaurant Rocks on Rosalind, leafy Handle Bar and heritage boozer The Rifle Brigade Hotel. Turn over your tasting tokens as you go, and be adventurous — that tzatziki beer might turn out to be your tastebuds' true love. Trains travel every hour from Melbourne to Bendigo, making this an easy day trip. If you've got the time to spare, though, take the opportunity to stay the night, enjoy a lazy Sunday and spend some time at Bendigo's four breweries. To plan your time in Bendigo and the surrounding countryside, visit the Wander Victoria website.
A few years back, prior to starting Concrete Playground, I worked at a creative agency in New York. The oversized SoHo loft it was housed in was an exciting place to find yourself working each day, and things got fun when I was transferred to work on the Converse account. One of the first big projects I was a part of in 2007-08 was a campaign called '3 Artists, 1 Song', created to celebrate the brand's centenary around the world. Pharrell Williams worked with his band, N.E.R.D, as well as The Strokes' Julian Casablancas and Santogold, on a brief to make a song as a group of artists. 'My Drive Thru' was the result. More than four years on and the project is still going strong. LCD Soundsystem frontman James Murphy was the person whose involvement was most coveted (on our end at least) on the original project, and now he has teamed up with Gorillaz and Andre 3000 from Outkast to create 'DoYaThing'. It's a good track, and it's free. You can get the download here. https://youtube.com/watch?v=yNeF30RverQ
Call it the circle of cinema. Call it the movie that was always bound to happen once technology was rolled out to bring The Lion King franchise back to the screen with photorealistic visuals, too. After remaking its 90s animated hit with imagery that helps its animals to appear as if they've walked out of a documentary — well, almost — with 2019's The Lion King, Mufasa: The Lion King is hitting cinemas in 2024 to tell the story before the saga's beloved story. If you just can't wait to spend more time in the lifelike iteration of The Lion King's world, here comes a film about the lion that's king of the Pride Lands before Simba gets the job. As both the initial teaser trailer and just-dropped full sneak peek show, Mufasa: The Lion King is again styled to look like reality, not animation. It also shares Donald Glover (Mr & Mrs Smith), Beyoncé, Seth Rogen (Dumb Money), Billy Eichner (Bros) and John Kani (Murder Mystery 2) with its predecessor, reprising their roles as Simba, Nala, Pumbaa, Timon and Rafiki. As the feature's moniker makes plain, however, Mufasa: The Lion King isn't focusing on any of those characters' tales. Mufasa, aka Simba's father, sits at the centre of a picture directed by Moonlight Oscar-winner Barry Jenkins. The movie is presented as a story told by Rafiki, Timon and Pumbaa to Kiara, the daughter of Simba and Nala, who is voiced by Blue Ivy Carter. So goes a narrative about an orphaned cub who is taken in by a lion with royal blood, then set on a path that leads to the events of The Lion King. Among the voice cast, Aaron Pierre (Foe) does the honours as Mufasa. Kelvin Harrison Jr is Taka (Chevalier), the lion prince who takes Mufasa in like a brother. Tiffany Boone (Hunters), Mads Mikkelsen (The Promised Land), Thandiwe Newton (Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget), Lennie James (Genius), Anika Noni Rose (Pantheon), Keith David (Rick and Morty), Kagiso Lediga (The Umbrella Men) and Preston Nyman (A Small Light) also lend their vocals to the flick. As well as Jenkins, Mufasa: The Lion King boasts another huge off-screen name, with Hamilton great Lin-Manuel Miranda writing the movie's tunes. "Elton John. Tim Rice. Hans Zimmer. Lebo M. Mark Mancina. Beyoncé, Labrinth, Ilya Salmanzadeh. Beau Black, Ford Riley, the incredible music team on The Lion Guard, and so many musical contributors over the years. The Lion King has an incredible musical legacy with music from some of the greatest songwriters around, and I'm humbled and proud to be a part of it," said Miranda. "It's been a joy working alongside Barry Jenkins to bring Mufasa's story to life, and we can't wait for audiences to experience this film in theatres." Check out the full trailer for Mufasa: The Lion King below: Mufasa: The Lion King releases in cinemas Down Under on Thursday, December 19, 2024. Images: courtesy of Disney. © 2024 Disney Enterprises Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The past two years have delivered plenty of trends that no one loves, including supermarket shortages and traipsing around town trying to get tested for COVID-19. But here's one that's made our lives easier during the pandemic: the fast-tracking of big-name movies to streaming. Seeing a film on the silver screen hasn't been a straightforward experience over this chaotic time, and more and more flicks are quickly making the jump from cinemas to digital — including reaching the latter when they're still showing at the former. The latest is Dune, which looks downright glorious projected on the largest screen you can find, and definitely benefits from the kind of surround-sound setup you'll only get to listen to in a theatre, but is now also available to watch at home if that'll brighten up your January. One of our best films of 2021, the instant sci-fi classic is available to buy and rent via video on demand from Thursday, January 13, including from digital movie services such as Google Play, YouTube Movies and Amazon Video. Accordingly, if you've already sat down on your couch to watch Timothée Chalamet in Don't Look Up this summer, you can now back it up with another of his recent flicks. Or, there's your next double feature sorted. [caption id="attachment_774009" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Photo credit: Chiabella James. Copyright: © 2020 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.[/caption] A spice-war space opera about feuding houses on far-flung planets, Dune has long been a pop-culture building block. Before Frank Herbert's 1965 novel was adapted into a wrongly reviled David Lynch-directed film — a gloriously 80s epic led by Kyle MacLachlan and laced with surreal touches — it unmistakably inspired Star Wars, and also cast a shadow over Hayao Miyazaki's Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. Game of Thrones has since taken cues from it. The Riddick franchise owes it a debt, too. The list goes on and, thanks to the new version bringing its sandy deserts to life, will only keep growing. As he did with Blade Runner 2049, writer/director Denis Villeneuve has once again grasped something already enormously influential, peered at it with astute eyes and built it anew — and created an instant sci-fi classic. This time, Villeneuve isn't asking viewers to ponder whether androids dream of electric sheep, but if humanity can ever overcome one of our worst urges and all that it brings. And, in his version of Dune, he's doing so with an exceptional cast that spans Chalamet (The French Dispatch), Oscar Isaac (The Card Counter), Rebecca Ferguson (Reminiscence), Jason Momoa (Aquaman), Josh Brolin (Avengers: Endgame), Javier Bardem (Everybody Knows), Zendaya (Spider-Man: No Way Home) and more. Dune tells of birthrights, prophesied messiahs, secret sisterhood sects that underpin the galaxy and phallic-looking giant sandworms, and of the primal lust for power that's as old as time — and, in Herbert's story, echoes well into the future's future. Its unpacking of dominance and command piles on colonial oppression, authoritarianism, greed, ecological calamity and religious fervour, like it is building a sandcastle out of power's nastiest ramifications. And, amid that weightiness — plus those spectacularly shot visuals and Hans Zimmer's throbbing score — it's also a tale of a moody teen with mind-control abilities struggling with what's expected versus what's right. Check out the trailer for Dune below: Dune is currently screening in Australian cinemas, and is also available to stream online via video on demand from Thursday, January 13 — including from Google Play, YouTube Movies and Amazon Video. Read our full review.
When BrewDog created its own craft brew for dogs back in 2018, it was one of those moments that really just had to happen. If you're going to give your brewery a canine-centric name, you're going to have to come good on it at some point. So, by whipping up an IPA solely for woofers, the Scottish beer brand did just that. Again, it was inevitable — BrewDog was started by a couple of friends and a dog, after all. That's not all that the company has in store for pupper-loving craft brew fans and their four-legged best friends, though. Now, during a period when every pet owner has been enjoying more quality time with their furry companions — and really needing the company, let's be honest — BrewDog is launching new Dogkeeper packages. In fact, it's doing more than that. It's also giving 50 of the Dogkeeper packages away for free, too. The brewery is calling the giveaway a 'scheme'; however, it's really just a chance to win one of the packs. You just need to upload a photo of you and your doggo to Instagram by Wednesday, September 2, tag in #BrewDogKeeper and @brewdogau, and explain why your cute pooch has been oh-so helpful during this chaotic year. That last part shouldn't be difficult at all. On offer — and also available to buy via BrewDog's freshly minted Australian online store from Monday, August 31 — is the full selection of the company's Aussie-brewed beers. Each Dogkeeper package is $25 and includes the brand's Punk IPA, Hazy Jane New England IPA, Elvis Juice grapefruit-infused IPA and West Coast-style pale ale, which are all for humans, as well as the Subwoofer IPA that's especially for your canine. As Brisbanites all know — and beer aficionados across the rest of Australia have been envious about as well — BrewDog set up its first Aussie brewery in Brisbane in 2019. That's where it's making its brews locally and, via its new online store, will be sending them around the country. Delivery costs $15, no matter the size of your order or your location. BrewDog's Dogkeeper packs will be available to purchase for $25 via the Aussie online store from Monday, August 31. To go in the running to win one of 50 free packs, upload a photo of you and your dog to Instagram by Wednesday, September 2, tag #BrewDogKeeper and @brewdogau, and explain why your pooch has been especially helpful in 2020.
Supermarkets, big name brands and well-known food chains the world over are making moves to ditch the plastic and opt for a more eco-friendly existence. And now the British Parliament is jumping on board as well, announcing it's set out to become the world's first plastic-free parliament. The authorities have revealed plans to trial a 'latte levy' of 25 pence on any takeaway coffee cups, and then to then introduce a total ban on all plastic water bottles. Parliament authorities will kick off the ban next month, and, eventually, it plans to scrap disposable coffee cups completely, purchasing only compostable alternatives. From coffee cups and straws to plastic bags and water bottles - Parliament has announced measures to drastically reduce single-use plastics in @HouseofCommons & @UKHouseofLords. Find out more at: https://t.co/GVasOezu43 pic.twitter.com/kbwZAJKjvz — UK Parliament (@UKParliament) May 15, 2018 It's thought the move could slash the parliament's annual waste by more than 125,000 single-use plastic bottles and countless coffee cups. Plus, shops on the estate will also phase out single-use plastic bags as well as condiment sachets in a effort to "drastically reduce its consumption of single-use plastics by 2019". "We all have a responsibility in this, so it's time to really start to think about the steps everyone can take to reduce their plastic use," The House of Lords' Lord Laming told The Independent. "I hope that the measures parliament will implement over the next 12 months will inspire other organisations and people to make changes in their everyday lives." This moves comes after UK Prime Minister Theresa May announced a 25-year plan to phase out single-use plastics across Britain earlier this year. So far, most states (including Queensland and Victoria) and major Australian supermarkets have committed to ditched plastic bags, and Hobart even plans to ban all plastic containers, but the Federal Government has shot down the likelihood of a national ban. Let's hope this news also inspires some changes in our own parliament.
The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on Australia's arts industry, with institutions forced to close their doors, events cancelled and thousands of workers out of jobs. To help the industry through the crisis, the Victorian Government has today handed its key institutions a multimillion-dollar lifeline. Announced today as part of a $150 million package going to the state's sport, tourism and creative industries, $32 million of funding will be going to Geelong Arts Centre, Museums Victoria, National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne and Melbourne Recital Centre. Forced to close their doors back in mid-March, these institutions were "hit hardest and earliest" in the pandemic according to Minister for Mental Health, Equality and Creative Industries Martin Foley. At the announcement of the funding this morning, Wednesday, April 13, Foley said, "the creative industry sector alone is worth some $31 billion and employs some 260,000 Victorians right across our state." The Government, while not speaking to it directly, is hoping this funding will help its institutions avoid the same fate as Sydney's Carriageworks, which entered voluntary administration earlier this month. Foley said it hopes the funding will help the arts centres to keep "going and solvent" during this crisis period. "We want to make sure that we continue to have the most visited gallery in the country, one of the top 20 in the world," Foley said. [caption id="attachment_706568" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NGV International[/caption] As well as the $32 million for arts institutions, the Victorian Government has promised $6 million to its live music industry workers. "Over 70,000 live music gigs were undertaken in Victoria in the past year, and we want to make sure that we're in a position, when the COVID crisis passes ... that we're supporting those live music creatives in a whole series of ways," Foley said. He also referenced Australian website I Lost My Gig, which has been tracking the number of cancelled gigs and events during the crisis, as well as the financial impact of those cancellations. According to the site, COVID-19 has led to $340 million of lost income for live music industry workers, at last count. Some of this funding will also go to the previously announced Sustaining Creative Workers initiative, which provides funding of up to $5000 for individuals and $10,000 for collectives in the creative industries. Applications are open until June 1, 2020 or until the funding pool is exhausted. Top image: NGV Triennial 2018, Flickr via Romain Pontida.
Prince Charmings and glass slippers aren't all that easy to come by — but who needs 'em, right? Right now, you can experience your own Cinderella moment with a visit to the Westin's Lobby Lounge. From Friday, May 20–Sunday, July 17, the hotel is serving up another of its themed high teas, this time inspired by Rodgers and Hammerstein's Broadway musical Cinderella, to coincide with the show's run at the Regent Theatre. The Enchanted High Tea is every bit as whimsical as it sounds, featuring a selection of dainty sweet and savoury treats pretty enough to star on stage themselves. Expect bites like bolognese and pea arancini; ham and brie finger sandwiches with pear and fig chutney; two kinds of scone; and even candied pumpkin and brownie cake pops made in the image of Cinderella's iconic carriage. You've got a choice of four different drinks packages, ranging from bottomless coffee to free-flowing Chandon sparkling. And if you want to really kick into fairytale mode, there's the new menu of Cinderella-inspired 'Magical Cocktails', including the gin and rose Fairy Godmother blend, and the Glass Slipper, crafted with Malibu, blue curacao, vodka and coconut. The Enchanted High Tea is served daily from 11am–4pm.
In an emotional sense, things aren't really looking up in Australia at the moment. 2020's horror show has continued into 2021, thanks to new outbreaks and lockdowns, because the chaos of the pandemic hasn't passed just yet. But, for one night, it's worth literally looking up with your eyes and your noggin — because a conjunction of Venus and Mars is about to happen way above our heads. Peer skywards tonight, on Tuesday, July 13, and you'll see the two planets in close proximity. How close? According to NASA, they'll appear a mere finger's width apart. They won't actually physically be that close, of course, but they'll sure look like it. If you're not familiar with the term 'conjunction' within the field of astronomy, it refers to two objects or spacecraft sharing the same right ascension or ecliptic longitude — so they're at the same angular distance in one way or another. Specifically, it's used to describe the moment that two objects are at their closest apparent point together in the sky. You might remember the term from last year, because Jupiter and Saturn went through the same thing in December. https://twitter.com/NASAAmes/status/1414660845557125120 For this conjunction, you'll want to find a spot where you can peer in a northwestern direction. That's where you need to look — but if you're wondering when you should take a peek outside this evening, The Conversation advises looking up between 6.30–7.30pm. You'll be able to see Venus before then, from dusk, but Mars will only be visible once it gets dark. In Australia, you'll spy Mars slightly above its neighbour, and to the left. Venus isn't hard to spot; it has been called "the evening star", after all. To get a glimpse of the red planet, you'll need to peer a little harder, as it is nowhere near as bright. To get the best view, you'll want an unobstructed vantage of the sky — and, to look even closer, to use binoculars or a telescope. If you do choose some optical help, you'll be able to see both Venus and Mars in the same field of view. 2021 has already delivered a few sky shows, via pink, blood and strawberry moons, so this is just the latest astronomical gift this year. But, at a time that hasn't been big on good news, it's definitely worth looking up for. The Venus and Mars conjunction will be visible in the evening of Tuesday, July 13. For further details, head to the NASA website.
If your wardrobe or house is in need of some fresh threads or homewares, you'll find a taste of the latest and greatest in First Nations design, handily located all in the one spot at this pop-up. The First Nations Fashion and Design (FNF+D) pop-up store has made its debut at Melbourne Central, with an extended three-week appearance as part of Melbourne Fashion Week. Now running until Sunday, April 4, the pop-up showcases a curation of wares from more than 30 of Australia's most celebrated First Nations artists and designers, the space filled with exclusive pieces you won't be able to get your mitts on anywhere else. Among the covetable lineup, you'll find kicks from the much-hyped Cungelella Art x Twoobs collaboration, bags from the just-dropped FFF x Ikuntji Range, a selection of Grace Lillian Lee's one-off woven statement pieces, AARLI Fashion's limited-edition kimonos, ethical children's wear by Amber Days, colourful Keema Co accessories and stacks more. Plus, those on the hunt for new homewares should head to the pop-up's Yarning Circle, featuring works from the likes of Emro Designs and Tiwi Island artist Clair Helen. [caption id="attachment_803071" align="alignnone" width="1920"] New designs by Keema Co.[/caption] MFF First Nations Fashion + Design Pop-Up is open daily from 10am–7pm.
It's happening again: if a particular hit murder-mystery comedy is going to keep living up to its title, there's set to be another murder in the building. Viewers are currently watching what happens when someone is killed in New York's fictional Arconia complex for the fourth time, thanks to Only Murders in the Building season four — and a fifth round is now on the way as well. Everyone is already well-aware of the show's setup, too. Each season, a new murder takes place in the apartment tower that its main sleuthing trio call home. It was true in 2021's season one, 2022's season two and 2023's season three, as well as in the now-streaming season four. When season five will arrive hasn't been revealed, but the series has been dropping new episodes annually so far. Variety reports that there'll be ten episodes in the fifth season — so, ten more chances to see Selena Gomez (The Dead Don't Die), Steve Martin (It's Complicated) and Martin Short (Schmigadoon!) as neighbours and podcasters Mabel Mora, Charles-Haden Savage and Oliver Putnam. There's no word yet on guest stars, with Only Murders in the Building fond of enlisting plenty of other famous faces. Sometimes they play themselves, as Sting (The Book of Solutions) and Amy Schumer (IF) have. Sometimes the show gets Meryl Streep (Don't Look Up), Paul Rudd (Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire), Tina Fey (Mean Girls) and more into character. At present, in a season that's also taken them to Hollywood, Mabel, Charles and Oliver are looking into the death of Sazz Pataki (Jane Lynch, Velma), Charles' stunt double. They're also grappling with the fact that a Tinseltown studio wants to turn their podcast into a film. Cue Molly Shannon (The Other Two), Eugene Levy (Schitt's Creek), Eva Longoria (Tell It Like a Woman) and Zach Galifianakis (The Beanie Bubble) all popping up, with season four's new cast members also including Melissa McCarthy (Unfrosted), Kumail Nanjiani (Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire) and Richard Kind (Girls5eva). Alongside Short, Gomez and Martin, plus Lynch, fellow long-running Only Murders in the Building regulars Michael Cyril Creighton (American Fiction) and Da'Vine Joy Randolph (a newly minted Oscar-winner for The Holdovers) are also a part of season four. As always, knowing that there'll be another death in the Arconia doesn't mean knowing what's to come in season five — other than Mabel, Charles and Oliver getting sleuthing, with a heap of fellow big-name talent both helping and hindering their investigations. There's obviously no trailer yet for season five, but check out the full trailer for Only Murders in the Building season four below: Only Murders in the Building streams Down Under via Star on Disney+, with season four streaming now. Season five does not yet have a release date. Read our reviews of season one, season two and season three. Via Variety.
Boutique music agency Novel, which has brought us the likes of Pitch Music & Arts and Let Them Eat Cake, has a clear knack for scouting out impressive event spaces. Having last year launched its sprawling new venue B3, down in the Marvel Stadium underground car park, the team has this week lifted the lid on its next offering — a supersized, two-level music destination that'll be known as Thornbury Social Club. To say the new northside site is large would be a bit of an understatement. Used for much of its past life as a sporting complex, the hefty venue spreads across two levels and multiple rooms, boasting a lofty warehouse arena, along with quirky added extras including an old ballroom and a series of former squash courts. As a bonus, an existing late liquor licence and the site's industrial surrounds mean party times will be able to kick on right through until 5am. Under Novel's plans, the venue will be given new life as a temple of techno, complete with state-of-the-art sound tech. It's already had a baptism of sorts, playing host to a Smalltown outing earlier this month, and Novel's already started planning the next huge events to come. Dates have been locked in for September and December — we're told to expect some big-name dance acts and immersive experiences, putting those spacious new digs to good use. Find Novel's Thornbury Social Club at 2-8 Inman Street, Thornbury. We'll keep you updated with events. Images: Novel and Duncographic.
Australia's music festival scene hasn't had a great run in 2024, with everything from Splendour in the Grass and Groovin the Moo to Harvest Rock and Spilt Milk cancelling — but two end-of-year staples are returning to celebrate 2024 turning into 2025 with live tunes. Victoria's Beyond The Valley and New South Wales' Lost Paradise also have something else in common: plenty of the same acts on their respective lineups. Beyond The Valley dropped its roster for this year first, and now it's Lost Paradise's turn a day later, with Fisher, Tinashe, Royel Otis among the big names doing double duty. Accordingly, if you're looking to travel to a regional spot for a huge music fest on and around New Year's Eve, you have choices. [caption id="attachment_965689" align="alignnone" width="1917"] Jess Bowen[/caption] After initially locking in its Saturday, December 28, 2024–Wednesday, January 1, 2025 dates back in July, Lost Paradise has unveiled a lineup filled with must-see names, all headed to the Glenworth Valley on the New South Wales Central Coast an hour out of Sydney. Flight Facilities doing their Decades mix is another massive highlight. So are Marlon Hoffstadt, Sammy Virji, SG Lewis, Confidence Man, DJ Boring and Kita Alexander, across a multi-day fest that features live music and DJ sets spanning both international and Australian talents, and regularly sells out — 2023's fest did. Tunes are just one part of the Lost Paradise experience. Art, culture, wellness, and food and drink also get a look in, with the 2024 event also spanning Dr Karl getting chatting, yoga and healing arts, craft sessions, workshops and more. So, you can not only farewell one year and see in the next with a party, but by relaxing, feasting and learning something. Making 2024's Lost Paradise extra special: the fact that this year marks ten years for the fest, which has become a go-to way to wrap up one year and embrace the next since 2014 — including if you're keen to camp for its duration. Just as in 2023, this year's Lost Paradise is also opting to steer away from a traditional first-, second- and third-release ticket strategy. Instead, ticket prices gently increase in accordance with demand, while maintaining fair market pricing. It's also committing to sustainability by using almost 100-percent recyclable materials in its decor and staging — and art — while implementing recycling across the site, waste sorting and a pledge for attendees that requires ticketholders to acknowledge their own environmental responsibility. Lost Paradise 2024 Lineup: Arcadia: Fisher Tinashe Royel Otis Caribou Flight Facilities (Decades set) AJ Tracey Confidence Man Teenage Dads The Rions Glass Beams Pretty Girl (live) Neil Frances Flowdan & Neffa-T Lola Young Telenova Kita Alexander Rum Jungle Nick Ward Don West Radio Free Alice Total Tommy Djanaba Casual Fan Surely Shirley Civic Video Micra Krystal Rivvers Micah Jey Green Hand Band Triple J Unearthed winner Lost Disco & Paradise Club: Marlon Hoffstadt Sammy Virji Denis Sulta KI/KI DJ BORING Sg Lewis Tinlicker (DJ set) Interplanetary Criminal Girls Don't Sync Oden & Fatzo (live) Malugi CC:Disco! Sally C Fish56octagon Chloé Caillet Jennifer Cardini Moxie Little Fritter Sarah Story Dameeeela James Pepper Caleb Jackson Elijah Something Who Is Arcadia B2b Half Cut Lost Soundsystem Conspiracy Crew Entity Uncle Ru Disco Dora Chloe Harry Hooper Mash Gabriella Spritz Sasha Milani B2b Fuchsia Sim Select Tokyo Sexwale Dayzzi B2b Daug Cozi Oscill8 Oliiv + more to be announced Shambhala Fields: Dr Karl Aretha Brown You Wouldn't (with Will Gibbs and Pat Clifton) Cooper Chapman Plastic Free Mermaid Emmanuel Asante Rache Moore Gwyn Williams Damon Gameau First Nations Culture with Uncle Phil + more to be announced [caption id="attachment_965685" align="alignnone" width="1917"] Jordan K Munns[/caption] [caption id="attachment_965687" align="alignnone" width="1917"] Byravyna[/caption] [caption id="attachment_965688" align="alignnone" width="1917"] Byravyna[/caption] Lost Paradise returns to Glenworth Valley, New South Wales from Saturday, December 28, 2024–Wednesday, January 1, 2025. To sign up for presale tickets, head to the festival's website — with presales starting on Tuesday, August 27 and general sales on Wednesday, August 28. Images: Jess Bowen, Jordan K Munns, Byravyna and Amar Gera.
UPDATE, SATURDAY, MAY 23: Snowpiercer, the series, will hit Netflix Down Under from Monday, May 25. The below article has been updated to reflect this. On a futuristic earth that's been rendered a frozen wasteland, a constantly hurtling train plays host to the world's only remaining people. Humanity's attempts to combat climate change caused their dire predicament, leaving the speeding locomotive as their only solution — and instead of banding together, the residents of the Snowpiercer have transported society's class structure into the carriages of their new home. That's the story that drives Bong Joon-ho's 2013 film Snowpiercer, which marked the acclaimed South Korean writer/director's first English-language film, and one of the movies that brought him to broader fame before Netflix's Okja and 2019's Cannes Palme d'Or-winning and Oscar-winning Parasite. As well as boasting a smart, immersive and all-too-timely concept — and unpacking its underlying idea in a thoroughly thrilling and involving manner — the flick was a star-studded affair. Among the jam-packed cast: Chris Evans, Tilda Swinton, Jamie Bell, Octavia Spencer, John Hurt, Ed Harris and Bong's frequent collaborator Song Kang-ho. Given how great its premise is, it's hardly surprising that Snowpiercer has now been turned into a US TV series. First announced back in 2016, it'll finally speed across screens in May 2020 — including Down Under, where it'll drop new episodes weekly from Monday, May 25. While Snowpiercer, the series, doesn't feature any of the film's high-profile lineup, it does include a few big names of its own, such as Oscar-winner Jennifer Connelly and Tony-winner Daveed Diggs. Alongside Frances Ha's Mickey Sumner, Slender Man's Annalise Basso and The Americans' Alison Wright, they inhabit Snowpiercer's new world order. The planet outside the titular train may be a dystopia with a temperature of -119 degrees celsius, but everyone from the wealthy to the poor have been put in their place inside. Of course, that's until matters such as class warfare, social injustice and the politics of trying to survive start to fester almost seven years into the circling vehicle looping journey. Parasite is being turned into an American TV series, too, by HBO; however, that's a little further off — especially with film and TV production currently out of action during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the interim, revisiting the world of one of Bong's other excellent films will help fill the gap. And, if you need to watch or rewatch the original flick itself, Snowpiercer, the movie, is currently streaming on both Netflix and Stan. Watch the Snowpiercer series trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lFMpmwn_hQ Snowpiercer, the series, will hit Netflix Down Under from Monday, May 25, with new episodes airing weekly. An exact start date hasn't been revealed yet — we'll update you with further details when they come to hand. Images: Netflix.
If you and your partner have a little (or a lot) of pent-up energy, and you're looking for a different outlet to help ease it, here's an option: Melbourne's axe-throwing joints Maniax is hosting Valentine's date-night sessions from Friday, February 11–Friday, February 18. The Elizabeth Street and Abbotsford venues are doing two-hour public sessions that'll cost you and your other half $110 in total to hurl hatchets — and will let you do something different to mark the occasion. Also, that price also includes a beer, wine or canned spirit each afterwards to celebrate. For the uninitiated, Maniax gives you the chance to very safely throw a hunk of sharpened steel attached to a flimsy handle, and compete with your partner and/or friends to see who has the most Viking blood coursing through them. Chuck those axes, sink a bullseye, and then calm down after all the hatchet-lobbing excitement with a drink with your significant other.
Master sommelier Madeline Triffon describes Pinot Noir as 'sex in a glass', while winemaker Randy Ullom calls it 'the ultimate nirvana'. One of the most challenging grapes in the world of vinification, it's also one of the most surprising and rewarding. No wonder Bottle Shop Concepts — the good folk who brought Game of Rhones our way in June — are coming back to town with Pinot Palooza, an epic travelling wine festival celebrating all things Pinot Noir. For just one day, wine connoisseurs in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane will have the chance to sample more than 150 drops, direct from the Southern Hemisphere’s best producers. Think Ata Rangi, Yabby Lake, Bay of Fires, Rippon, Kooyong, Mount Difficulty — and that’s just the first few leaves on the vine. Whether you’re a newbie who wants to start with something light and inviting, or a Pinot pro ready for the biggest, most complex mouthful on the menu, there’ll be an abundance of selections at either end — and plenty along the spectrum, too. You’ll even be able to vote for your favourite and go in the draw to win some wine-driven prizes. If, at any point, you need to take a pause in your tasting adventures, you’ll be able to pop into the Alfa Romeo Lounge. There’ll be cosy places to sit and mull over your chosen Pinot, loads of food and the epic Burgundy Bar – a kind of Pinot Noir mecca where you’ll be able to sample bottles worth $150+ at affordable, by-the-glass prices. Expert sommeliers will also be on hand to help you make selections. What's more, those keen to fuel their brains (and not only their tastebuds), can indulge in a 'Back Stage Pass'. It's a chance to partake in a master class with some of Australia's smartest wine educators and learn all about what's happening in Burgundy, France — Pinot Noir’s spiritual home. Pinot Palooza will hit Melbourne on Saturday, October 4 at St Kilda Town Hall, Sydney on Monday, October 6 at Carriageworks and Brisbane on Sunday, October 12 at Light Space. Tickets are $60, which includes tastings, a take-home Riedel 'Heart to Heart' Pinot Noir glass and the latest issue of Wine Companion magazine. You can buy tickets right here.
Earlier this week, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) continued its court battle versus Apple; the controversy has been waging since the March release of Apple's latest iPad. Despite product advertising that markets the new iPad as equipped with "Wi-Fi + 4G", it has proven incompatible with Australia's 4G network. As such, the ACCC has asserted that Apple is currently engaging in false marketing and should change the title of the iPad (formally known as the iPad/4G) when it is sold locally. According to the SMH, Apple and the ACCC met on April 16 in Sydney at a mediation session which resulted in "no resolution". The pair were set to meet later that day in Melbourne for a directions hearing to determine the course of action going forward. As of right now, Apple has agreed to refund Australian customers who bought the new iPad under the illusion that they could utilise its 4G network. The company has also posted signage is stores where the device is sold to warn customers of its lack of 4G. The ACCC, however, is still pushing for an official device name change. This case could prove monumental to Apple, the technology company giant which has established a remarkably reputable name for itself. Not only will a court case loss force Apple to admit the shortcomings of one of its most-prized products, but it may set a precedent for how Apple markets is products in different parts of the globe. Already, in the UK, the advertising standards group ASA has begun exploring similar consumer complaints regarding the iPad's 4G capabilities. https://youtube.com/watch?v=BqbRxoF-Oc4
The year is 2113, you are about to embark on a walking tour that dissects the consumerism, ignorance and individualism of 2013. Well, sort of. It's not really 2113, but this comedic tour of our fair city (as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival) pokes fun at the rampant idiocy of contemporary living and the possible implications of living in an age of overconsumption and intolerance. The tour (led by Xavier the Penguin) takes in all the interesting artefacts of our time, including 'cars', 'mobile phones', 'beef', 'pop music', 'sport', 'the stock market', 'advertising' and 'reality television' and examines the pop culture obsession that threatens to dumb down our future. The tours depart the Lithuanian Club in North Melbourne daily (except Mondays) from 20 September to 5 October at 6.30pm, with an additional 2pm show on Saturdays and Sundays. The mixture of comedy, activism, archaeology and strolling is a rare one that prompted Artshub to call 2013 - When We Were Idiots"interactive theatre at its energetic best". Thanks to Graceful Productions, we have three double passes to 2013 - When We Were Idiots on 20-22 September to give away. To be in the running, subscribe to Concrete Playground (if you haven't already) then email us with your name, postal address and preferred dates at hello@concreteplayground.com.au.
A simple and surprisingly affecting love story set against the stunning summery glow of rural New South Wales, Love Is Now is the feature film debut of writer-director Jim Lounsbury. The story concerns Dean (Eamon Farren) and Audrey (Claire van der Boom), two young photographers who embark upon a romantic holiday cycling along the NSW harvest trail. Lounsbury's screenplay suffers from a lot of the familiar shortcomings of first-time film outings, including patches of dodgy dialogue and a distinct lack of self-awareness. Nevertheless, the film is made worthwhile thanks to its sympathetic characters and some gorgeous cinematography, not to mention an absolute gut-punch of an ending. The weakest section of Love Is Now is definitely the first half-hour. The prospect of yet another indie film romance about an artistically sensitive guy and the free-spirited girl who changes his life isn't exactly electrifying, especially when it never manages to convince you that she'd want to get with him in the first place. Even by that low standard, Dean and Audrey's meet-cute is seriously unconvincing, although credit to the actors for doing what they can with the stilted getting-to-know-you banter. Van de Boom, in particular, is fantastic in the film, recalling the screen presence of a young Rachel Griffiths. And while it's a little hard to believe that Audrey would fall head-over-heels with Dean, Lounsbury's screenplay does an excellent job capturing the feelings that accompany such a sudden and unexpected romance. The spontaneity. The excitement. And, of course, the jealousy. Once you accept them as a couple, Dean and Audrey begin to grow on you, to the point that, when things start to turn sour, it's easy to find yourself caught up in the melodrama. The climax of the film sheds a whole new light on their relationship, and your visceral emotional reaction more than makes up for the fact that, narratively, it's sort of a ridiculous cliché. Love Is Now also earns big points in the technical department. The quintessentially Australian landscape is captured beautifully by cinematographer Anthony Jennings using digital SLR cameras – Nikon helped foot part of the film's bill, and as a showcase of what their products can do, it appears to be money well spent. Shots of long roads and eucalyptus trees at sunset aren't exactly a new direction for local cinema, but still, you can't deny it looks good.
Samsara provides a great counterpoint to the usual summer blockbusters at cinemas. For those who are overfed on the sugar and fat of blockbusters, prepare to cleanse your mind and heart with another kind of richness. This latest film by director Ron Fricke and producer Mark Magidson (previously partnered in 1992's Baraka) is a non-verbal meditation on our planet and the billions who share it with us, and while only 99 minutes long, Samsara stares you in the eye for longer than most find comfortable. Casually moonlighting as the name of an exotic scent or clothing range, samsara is Sanskrit for "the ever-turning wheel of life", and it is this motif that led Fricke and Magidson through a five-year shoot in twenty-five countries on five continents. Samsara is the wheel of life, death and rebirth, but it is also the grinding wheels of commercial labour, of fickle trends, and of the literal vehicles that the production crew commandeered in their often gruelling efforts to obtain 70mm footage for a few seconds of screen time. This herculean dedication to cinematography has certainly returned great wonders. Samsara flows from one luscious image to the next, carried by intuitive editing rather than plot, and is supported by an original score. Concrete Playground has five in-season double passes to give away to Samsara. To be in the running, make sure you're subscribed to our newsletter and then email hello@concreteplayground.com.au with your name and address. You can read our full review of the film here. https://youtube.com/watch?v=qp967YAAdNk
In these tumultuous modern times — these times of Pottermore, Fantastic Beasts spinoffs and The Cursed Child — it's comforting to be able to take it back to basics. Basics, here, meaning the score of the first two Harry Potter films played live by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. That's right — just like its counterparts in Sydney and Brisbane, the MSO are taking us back to 2001 and 2002 when the first two of the eight Harry Potter films came out. It made us cringe (the acting — so bad but so good), marvel at how not hot Neville Longbottom was (boy, would we learn) and — most importantly — float away on a magical adventure thanks to the incredible score by John Williams. In four sessions taking place in November 2017, you'll be able relive the magic of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets all over again when the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre screens the films scored by a real, live orchestra. Maybe they'll release live owls! Maybe not because that would be chaos. Maybe they'll release live rats? Actually, absolutely not — we all know rats are secretly fat old criminals hiding from magical law enforcement and waiting for the Dark Lord to rise again (lookin' at you, Pettigrew). As you might imagine, tickets are set to sell like pumpkin pasties; in Sydney the first concert was more popular than butterbeer, they even added extra sessions. So, you'd best get in quick or spend eternity griping about it like some Moaning Myrtle-type character. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone Thursday, November 16, 7.30pm Saturday, November 18, 1pm Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Friday, November 17, 7.30pm Saturday, November 18, 7.30pm
Fans of The Handmaid's Tale have had to wait longer than expected for its fourth season, with the dystopian series' next batch of episodes among the many things that were postponed due to the pandemic. But, this coming week, that delay will come to an end — and yes, the word you're looking for is 'finally'. The new season will kick off Down Under on Thursday, April 29, airing weekly on SBS and streaming episodes via SBS On Demand in Australia and Neon in New Zealand. Based on the three trailers so far — a first teaser last year, a second glimpse early in 2021 and a third back in March — you can expect your anxiety levels to ramp up several notches while you're watching. Of course, viewing The Handmaid's Tale has never been a stress-free experience. Given its storyline, that was always going to be absolutely impossible. As seen in the sneak peeks so far, season four will see June (Elisabeth Moss, The Invisible Man) still battling against Gilead after season three's cliffhanger ending. In fact, after everything that the oppressive regime has done to her and her loved ones — and the ways in which it has changed life for women in general — she's firmly out for justice and revenge. That'll involve taking new risks, but that's what a rebel leader has to do, even if it threatens the relationships that she holds dear. So, that's what you'll be seeing play out on-screen when the new season hits. Fans will be watching where the show's narrative heads for some time to come, too, with a fifth season of The Handmaid's Tale green-lit before the fourth even airs. Toppling a totalitarian society that's taken over the former United States, tearing down its oppression of women under the guise of 'traditional values', and fighting for freedom and equality doesn't happen quickly, after all. Neither does exploring the tale initially started in Margaret Atwood's 1985 book via an award-winning TV series. Check out the latest season four trailer below: The fourth season of The Handmaid's Tale will hit start airing in Australia and New Zealand on Thursday, April 29 — on SBS TV, and to stream via SBS On Demand and Neon, with new episodes arriving weekly.
Whether tearing up football fields across during his 372-game stint for the Sydney Swans, or standing up against prejudice both in the AFL and in Australian in general, Adam Goodes' name has been splashed across the headlines plenty of times over the past two decades. That's not going to change in 2019, but for a different reason — the dual Brownlow medallist and 2014 Australian of the Year is the subject of two documentaries, with each exploring his story on and off the field, including the racism he endured over his 17-season playing career. The first film, The Final Quarter, just launched at the Sydney Film Festival, premiering to a packed house on Friday, June 7 and receiving a standing ovation from the lively audience afterwards. Directed by Ian Darling, and solely compiled from archival material — in a technique reminiscent of another great sports doco in recent years, Senna — it's a powerful and impassioned chronicle of the treatment Goodes received from crowds and commentators alike. Unsurprisingly, it's also both moving in displaying the AFL champ's dignified response to such horrors, and infuriating in its thorough examination of his ordeal. As the name suggests, The Final Quarter focuses on the last stages of Goodes' time in the AFL — when he was verbally attacked by spectators and high-profile media figures, relentlessly booed at games, put under immense scrutiny for celebrating his Indigenous heritage, accused of staging for free kicks and ultimately chose not to play for a period due to the toll he was under. As Darling astutely realised, the footage says it all. The documentary intertwines media clips from Goodes' games, general AFL coverage, news stories, press conferences and interviews from the era to paint a heartbreaking picture of the ex-Swans captain's experiences. As essential for the broader public as it is for football fans, the film is set for both a cinema and television release later this year, Just hours before the premiere — but nearly four years after Goodes retired at the end of the 2015 season, notably — the AFL and its 18 clubs released a long-overdue statement that apologised "unreservedly for our failures" in not standing up for him during his career. The second Goodes-focused doco, The Australian Dream, will surface in August. It's written by acclaimed journalist Stan Grant, and will open the Melbourne International Film Festival before hitting theatres around the country. Check out the trailer for The Final Quarter below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9C8JaJxoYU The Final Quarter will release in Australian cinemas later this year. We'll update you with a release date when one is announced.
Oversized slices of American-style pizza. Whole 12-inch rounds available to-go. Popcorn-topped bourbon cocktails. A neat selection of natural wine. Preston's new late-night bar Takeaway Pizza has all its food and drink-bases covered. The bar-cum-pizza joint, located in a refurbished embroidery warehouse, is one of the restaurants featured in our New in Town series, where we uncover the newest and most anticipated restaurant openings around Melbourne in partnership with Zantac. To celebrate the launch of the new inner north hotspot, we threw a pizza party to end all pizza parties. It featured savoury meat doughnuts, cheese pizza and a whole heap of NYC-inspired cocktails to pair with each snack. It got rowdy. Here are the photos. Keen to check out more newbies? Have a sift through the newest crop of Melbourne openings. To find out more about Zantac, visit the website. Zantac relieves heartburn. Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist consult your health professional.
Art is a matter of life and death in the star-studded Velvet Buzzsaw, which might just earn the title of 2019's most out-there film so far. The movie marks the reunion of Nightcrawler writer/director Dan Gilroy and actors Jake Gyllenhaal and Rene Russo — and if you've seen that 2014 standout, you'll know that you're in for a wild ride. Both an unhinged horror effort and a satire of the art world, the film is set to premiere at this year's Sundance Film Festival, but general audiences won't have to wait long at all to see the flick for themselves. It'll hit Netflix worldwide on Friday, February 1, while Sundance is still running. While Nightcrawler took aim at tabloid news media and charted its deadly consequences, Velvet Buzzsaw has another realm in its sights. With Gyllenhaal playing an art critic, Russo an agent, and everyone from Toni Collette to John Malkovich to Stranger Things' Natalia Dyer among the cast, the film charts a spate of sinister happenings that are linked to a batch eye-catching paintings. The art collection in question is only found after an unknown elderly artist passes away, and comes with strict instructions to destroy the work; however, when that warning is ignored, everyone who profits from the pieces starts to suffer. Check out the trailer below, and add the movie to your streaming queue for your next fright-filled date with your couch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdAR-lK43YU Velvet Buzzsaw will be available on Netflix from Friday, February 1.
Have you ditched single-use plastic bags? Said no to straws? Bought a handy keep cup? If so, you're probably aware of the war on waste the country is currently raging against single-use items. The Economist has taken a hard look at pollution — specifically, ocean pollution — and is calling on Australians to rethink this war on plastic, with a new travelling art installation. Titled Don't bin plastics, yet, the exhibition will roam around Melbourne from September 18–21. The installation takes the form of three fish, made from recycled ocean plastics and each weighing 24 kilograms — equal to the weight of plastic that is dumped into the ocean every tenth-of-a-second. If trends continue, there will be more plastic than fish in the world's waters by 2050. Visitors will be encouraged to chat about the plastics debate — including the pros and cons of single-use plastics and the potential negative impacts of their alternatives — while enjoying a free coffee. The coffee will be, fittingly, served in edible cups by Cupffee, which are made from natural grain. To learn more about the campaign and the issues surrounding plastic pollution, head over here. FULL MELBOURNE SCHEDULE September 18 at the State Library, 8am–7pm September 19 at the Southern Cross Pedestrian Bridge, 8am–7pm September 20 at Collins Place, 8am-6pm September 21 at Galleria Shopping Plaza, 8am–7pm
