Melbourne's revered croissant experts at Lune are at it again, this time with an exclusive cruffin (that's a cross between a muffin and a croissant for you uncultured beasts). For two days only on the Saturday and Sunday of January 20-21, head into any Lune location in Melbourne or Brisbane to grab yourself "The Magic", a cruffin created in partnership with Visit Victoria to pay tribute to Melbourne's iconic coffee scene. To create The Magic, the flaky, buttery pastry is injected with a rich, aromatic Square One coffee cream. It's then adorned with a delicate dusting of Mörk chocolate, a swirl of coffee and vanilla buttercream, and a sprinkle of toasted cocoa nibs. Lune is no stranger to crafting the perfect pastry, so you'll want to get in quick if you're keen on tasting one for yourself. All Lune locations are open from 8am–3pm, but these gems might be snapped up well before closing, so it's a race against time and other pastry fiends if you want to nab one (or a half dozen). Remember, early bird gets the magic cruffin. Good luck! Lune has locations in Melbourne (Armadale, Fitzroy, Melbourne CBD) and Brisbane (Brisbane CBD, South Brisbane). All Lune stores are open 8am–3pm.
One of the Mornington Peninsula's most celebrated wineries is making its much-anticipated comeback, just in time for summer. After a venue fire in May forced Pt Leo Estate to close its two main eateries, Laura and Pt Leo Restaurant, the pair are finally gearing up to welcome customers once again. And they'll even be dishing up some brand-new menus, under the helm of Culinary Director Josep Espuga. Relaunching Wednesday, December 7, contemporary bistro Pt Leo Restaurant will continue to champion local suppliers via a modern menu built around the kitchen's wood-fired oven and grill. And as before, the panoramas over the property's 130-hectare sculpture park and beyond to Westernport Bay promise a blissful backdrop for your feed. [caption id="attachment_881120" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pt Leo Restaurant[/caption] Also taking advantage of those enviable views is fine diner Laura, which is gearing up to reopen on Friday, December 16. Guests can look forward to a new seasonal degustation offering, heroing top-notch dairy, seafood and other local produce, alongside fine ingredients from further afield. Plus, an award-winning wine lineup by Head Sommelier Amy Oliver, delivering a generous mix of classic pours and left-field or new-wave varieties. Walk-in-friendly casual sibling The Wine Terrace will also be reopening this month, taking the reins from the winery's temporary dining pop-up Pt. Leo Pavilion. And the famed four-star cellar door continues to operate for wine tastings; weekend 'snackettes'; and Saturday evenings dedicated to champagne, caviar and cocktails. [caption id="attachment_881112" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Laura[/caption] [caption id="attachment_881118" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pt Leo Restaurant[/caption] Find Pt Leo Restaurant (from December 7) and Laura (from December 17) at Pt Leo Estate, 3649 Frankston-Flinders Road, Merricks. Images: Chris McConville
Aussie hip hop is just one of those things you can't feel indifferent about. Sure, everyone bopped along to the Hilltop Hoods in high school but after that, tastes divided. You either live and breathe Horrorshow, Drapht and Illy, or you smash your car radio with a closed fist whenever Triple J insists on playing them. Much like caviar, the genre is an acquired taste — just because I don't like it doesn't mean it's bad. On January 26 — Australia Day — filmmakers, producers, MCs and community activists will descend upon Studio 1 at ACMI to take a good look at the music genre and its culture. While, of course, having roots in American hip hop, it's hard to deny the evolution of the music in Australia. Our homegrown outfits set themselves apart with an idiosyncratic twang, and always have unique stories to tell. With a particular focus on film and video content, this panel at ACMI will include both performances, screening and discussions with MCs, directors and producers. Tickets to this event are free, but for more information on panellists or ticketing see here. This event runs concurrently to ACMI's Spectacle: The Music Video Exhibition which runs until February 23.
Don't worry if you missed out on the ballot to Golden Plains, all the A-list acts you were dying to see will also be doing the rounds at Melbourne Zoo's Twilights Series. Over six weeks of summer you can bliss out to the sounds of local classics like Sarah Blasko, Dan Sultan, Bernard Fanning as well as international artists like Conor Oberst, Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks, and the motherflippin' Village People. Making the perfect summer picnic destination, Melbourne Zoo will be pumping every Friday and Saturday evening from January 30 - March 7. Though tickets may seem steep at $70, that price not only guarantees you an amazing show but full admission to the zoo itself. All profits also go towards the fight to save the near-extinct Eastern Barred Bandicoot. Of course, you're welcome to bring along your own picnic basket with loads of food, but you'll have to leave that bottle of wine at home. The event is fully licensed, but there's no BYO — an important measure to keep rubbish and glass away from the poor little animals. In terms of the music, you'll be happy no matter what genre you like to get down to. The lineup has you thoroughly covered in the realms of indie, folk, rock, bollywood and cult '70s disco (because why not). If there's one thing to be upset by, it's the fact that we won't be seeing Belle and Sebastian like the folks at Sydney's Taronga Zoo. But, you have to admit, the once in a lifetime chance to groove out to 'YMCA' amidst some elephants and giraffes more than makes up for it. MELBOURNE ZOO TWILIGHTS 2015 PROGRAM: Friday January 30 - James Reyne and Jack Carty Saturday January 31 - Bernard Fanning and Little May Friday February 6 - Sarah Blasko and Luluc Saturday February 7 - Paul Kelly's Merri Soul Sessions with Clairy Browne, Kira Puru, Vika, Linda Bull and Hiatus Kaiyote Friday February 13 - Dan Sultan and Benny Walker Saturday February 14 - Boys In The Band Friday February 20 -The Budos Band and The Bombay Royale Saturday February 21 - Spiderbait and Jen Cloher Friday February 27 - Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks and Twerps Saturday February 28 - Conor Oberst and The Felice Brothers Friday March 6 - Village People and DJ Andee Frost Saturday March 7 - The Cat Empire and Dorsal Fins Tickets are on sale via the Melbourne Zoo website.
It's the longest-running American musical in Broadway and West End history. It's the longest-running production now currently playing Broadway, too. It's been seen by over 34-million people worldwide in 38 countries, and played more than 33,500 performances in 525-plus cities. And, it's won six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards and a Grammy. The show: Chicago. It has also locked in a return date with Australia, including splashing a healthy dose of 1920s razzle dazzle in Melbourne from Saturday, March 23, 2024 in the musical's big Aussie comeback. Come on babes, why don't we paint the town? With all that jazz, the the record-breaking smash will shimmy back onto Her Majesty's Theatre stage to put on one helluva show. Get ready to see Zoë Ventoura (Home and Away) as Velma Kelly and Lucy Maunder (Mary Poppins) as Roxie Hart, plus Aussie theatre star Anthony Warlow (The Phantom of the Opera, The Wizard of Oz, Annie, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street) as Billy Flynn. [caption id="attachment_714916" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jeremy Daniel[/caption] Also featuring: Peter Rowsthorn (Kath & Kim) as Roxie's husband Amos, Asabi Goodman (Hairspray) as prison warden Mama Morton and S. Valeri as crime reporter Mary Sunshine. Inspiring 2002's Renée Zellweger (Judy)- and Catherine Zeta Jones (Wednesday)-starring Academy Award-winning film of the same name, Chicago tells the tale of housewife and nightclub dancer Roxie Hart. In the decadent 1920s, she twirls through a whirlwind of murdered lovers, jail time, fierce rivalries and tabloid sensationalism — all set to a toe-tapping soundtrack. Based on a 1926 play by Maurine Dallas Watkins, the production showcases music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb and choreography by Tony Award-winner Ann Reinking. [caption id="attachment_714915" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Paul Kolnik[/caption] Top image: Jeff Busby.
Move aside turmeric, matcha and beetroot — the next controversial coffee trend to look out for involves an unassuming little veggie called broccoli. Yep, the green stuff could soon star on coffee menus across the country, thanks to an innovative broccoli powder created by teams at Hort Innovation and the CSIRO. The product is crafted from those imperfect-looking vegetables that would otherwise be binned, and is designed to help everyday Aussies infuse more nutrients into their diets. Packed full of fibre, protein and phytochemicals, the 100 percent broccoli powder also sounds like a pretty nifty way to sneak some greens onto your kids plates. As well as being used as a key ingredient for a range of packaged snacks unveiled during last year's National Science Week, the powder also looks set to elbow its way onto the Australian coffee scene. It was recently trialled at Mornington's Commonfolk — a sustainability focused coffee roaster and cafe that's aiming towards a zero-waste existence — though, with mixed response from customers. Image credit: CSIRO
Melburnians might be known for their love of wearing black, but even so you can expect to see plenty of colour on the city streets this winter, thanks to the latest edition of the Melbourne Art Trams project. The installation will see six of the city's working trams transformed into giant, moving artworks, each cloaked in an original design by a First Peoples artist. The new Art Trams are set to roll out across the public transport network over the next month as part of city-wide arts festival Rising, presented in collaboration with Creative Victoria, PTV and Yarra Trams. Embracing the theme 'Unapologetically Blak', this year's lineup was curated by visual artist — and 2021 Art Trams alum — Jarra Karalinar Steel (Boonwurrung/Wemba Wemba). [caption id="attachment_855096" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tiriki Onus and Jarra Karalinar Steel. Captured by James Morgan[/caption] First up, you'll spy a historic design by the late artist and activist Lin Onus (Yorta Yorta), which launches this year's program by hitting the network today, May 24. The piece revives Lin's original artwork from the Art Tram he created in 1991, brought back to life for 2022 with the help of his son, artist and performer Tiriki Onus. Hugely influential in the emerging era of our First Nations arts scene, Lin's work is known for its depictions of balanced opposites. Other artists showcasing their designs as part of the roving exhibition include Louise Moore (Wamba), Patricia Mckean (Gundijtmara/Kirrae Wurrong), Dr Paola Balla (Wemba-Wemba/Gundijtmara), Tegan Murdock (Burapa) and Darcy McConnell, who also creates under the name of Enoki (Yorta Yorta/Dja Dja Wurrung). Gliding along Melbourne's tram tracks for the next 12 months, the designs include celebrations of blak love in the context of cultural identity, works inspired by ancestral traditions, and tributes to Elders and the spirit of family connection. If you find yourself aboard one of the Art Trams, you'll be able to learn more about the artist and their work by scanning a QR code within the vehicle. The Melbourne Art Trams 2022 will be cruising the public transport network until May 2023. For more details, see the Rising website. Images: 'Reproduction of Tram No. 829' (1991) by Lin Onus (Yorta Yorta). Captured by James Morgan.
Anthony Femia's Maker & Monger might be a dairy-filled treasure trove, but the Prahran Market store is about to up its vegan game. The acclaimed cheesemonger has teamed up with Melbourne's plant-based maestro Shannon Martinez to deliver two new vegan jaffles, hitting the menu on Friday, January 24. An animal product-free alternative to Maker & Monger's oozy, cheesy toasties, the vegan jaffles will be up for grabs until the end summer, with punters invited to vote for their favourite via Instagram over the coming weeks. The winning creation is set to become a permanent fixture on the menu. [caption id="attachment_757540" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Sarah Pannell[/caption] You can sink your teeth into the Little Carmine ($15) — a hefty concoction of vegan bolognese, mushrooms and house-made cashew mozzarella, finished with garlic, oregano and vegan butter — or, for something more fiery, the Mapo Magic ($15): a punchy combination of vegan cheddar and parmesan, and sichuan pepper mapo tofu. And, if you want to stock up on some of that vegan cheese for home, a selection of Martinez's preservative-free plant-based products will also be gracing the Maker & Monger retail counter from here on out. Maker & Monger is open 7.30am–4pm Tuesday, 7.30am–4.30pm Thursday–Saturday and 9am–3pm Sunday. Images: Sarah Pannell
Give your festive season a Frenchy twist at Alliance Francaise de Melbourne's annual French Christmas Market, which is set to take over the organisation's St Kilda mansion on December 15 and 16. It's assembled a lineup to tempt Francophiles, gift hunters and market fiends alike, showcasing a vibrant array of French homewares, jewellery, artisan goods, food, wine and even secondhand books. There'll be lots of activities for kids, plus ample adult fun with demos, workshops and lots of French food and drink. If it all leaves you feeling extra inspired, you can even get a taste of Alliance Francaise's language lessons at one of the weekend's free trial classes. Entry to the market is free all weekend as well, with the fun running from 10am to 5pm on both days. Image: Alliance Francaise.
There hasn't been much that's great about the past couple of years, but a big shift in the film festival scene is worth celebrating. Every cinephile would like to spend all their time watching movies — and, not only seeing them on their favourite big screens, but hitting up every film fest possible. Alas, sometimes non-cinema reality gets in the way. Thankfully, after hopping online during the pandemic, plenty of film festivals are keeping their digital programs — so if you can't go in-person because you're busy, unwell, live in another part of the country of whatever other reason applies, you can still join in the fun. In 2022, Sydney Underground Film Festival is one such event, with its virtual festival running from Monday, September 12–Sunday, September 25. Sydneysiders can attend the physical fest on the weekend prior first, and everyone can stream along for the virtual fest's two-week run. For those watching at home, SUFF's online program includes queer Canadian drama Compulsus, horror/sci-fi film LandLocked, and an impressive range of documentaries — such as F@k This Job, about Russian TV channel Dozhd and its founder Natasha Sindeeva; Girl Gang, which follows a 14-year-old London influencer; the self-explanatory Nightclubbing: The Birth of Punk Rock in NYC; Mike Mignola: Drawing Monsters, about the Hellboy creator; and Circus of the Scars, about sideshow performers. And, SUFF's dedication to the most out-there shorts the fest can compile will also hit screens via the virtual lineup.
Not content with mastering what he believes to be the perfect burger recipe, Ralph Rashid — owner of Beatbox Kitchen and Taco Truck — turned his attention to sweets with the opening of All Day Donuts. Although it's not open 24-hours, it has extended its hours to seven days a week, selling doughies from the morning until sold out. There are five flavours a day — including lime brûlée and strawberry cheesecake — but our recommendation is the jaffa. Need something savoury to follow these bad boys up? The space also houses Juanita Peaches for post- or pre- doughnut fried chicken.
Among the English language's best phrases, 'all you can eat' ranks up there with the best of them. It'd sound great in any language, of course, and you might hear it in German over the weekend of Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30 — aka 'so viel du essen kannst'. Specifically, you might hear either version at Munich Brauhaus and The Bavarian, which are all offering an appropriate stuff-your-face deal. For a two-hour sitting, you can tuck into as many schnitzels as you can stomach. Served on a platter, there are three varieties on offer: the uber schnitzel, which is decked out with rocket, semi-dried tomato and parmesan; the jager schnitzel, topped with wild mushroom ragu; and the good ol' parmigiana, which obviously comes with melted mozzarella, tomato sauce and ham. Talk about good schnit. The special costs $39 per person, also includes unlimited mashed potato and potato salad — yep, both hot and cold spuds — and is available for bookings of at least two people. You do need to book, however, so gather the gang, get planning, and make a date with the Munich Brauhaus in South Wharf or the Bavarians at Highpoint or Westfield Knox.
Slip into the shadows and embrace the dark side, when Melbourne Museum launches its new immersive digital exhibition, Tyama: A Deeper Sense of Knowing. Taking its name from the Keerray Woorroong language verb 'to know', it's a captivating glimpse into First Peoples practices of embodied learning, storytelling and connection to nature. Launching Friday, July 22, the exhibition invites you to explore Victoria's vibrant nocturnal world via large-scale projections, soundscapes, striking imagery and a collection of artefacts. Interactive technology is fused with powerful storytelling to capture and unpack ideas around our connection to the natural world. Created in conjunction with Keerray Woorroong citizens Yoolongteeyt Dr Vicki Couzens and Yaraan Bundle, Tyama aims to immerse and transport you as you wander through its spaces, activating swirling dreamtime lightscapes, flitting amongst blooming nocturnal flowers and using sound to 'see' like a bat. You'll switch perspectives with flora and fauna, and gain new insight into our extraordinary world. Images: Eugene Hyland
Housed inside a former 1930s warehouse, Nest Homewares is a bustling setting for those who like their blankets soft and their home smelling fragrant all year round. As one of the more popular boutiques along Coventry Street, Nest presents a huge range of home decor products, such as alpaca blankets, stonewashed French linen and finely made candles, plus a comfortable mix of clothing that's ideal for wearing around the house on a lazy weekend. Nest Homewares also stocks the full lineup of Aesop products for the home and skin, so head in-store to grab something that smells and feels great.
The Yarra Valley is known and loved for its cooler-climate wines, celebrated vineyards and attractive sites that lure many visitors to the area. But off the beaten wine trail, northeast of the Yarra and away from the crowds, you'll find the 'Little Italy' of Australian wine production: King Valley. It's the epicentre of Italian farming and grape growing in Australia, and the resulting wine varieties, along with the surrounding Italian heritage, make the region a top spot to visit. Sangiovese and prosecco are the key players here, thanks to the strong Italian influence. With all this Italian epicurean culture around, it's incredibly easy to find a delicious meal to pair with these local wines. One winery you should call into is the famed Brown Brothers and its fine dining restaurant Patricia's Table. Making wine since 1889, the family-run Brown Brothers Winery produces everything from King Valley staples like prosecco and pinot grigio to light and fruity moscatos, a big, bold shiraz and a hearty durif. Based on the philosophy that nobody should leave empty handed, it's all about experimentation, innovation and a dedication to making wines for all tastes. Each year Brown Brothers harvests over 18,000 tonnes of grapes to make 100-plus different wines, with about 20 trial wines currently in the works, too.
Enjoy a movie through a warm golden haze, at the latest edition of Whisky at the Cinema. Presented by Whisky & Ailment Whisky Bar in partnership with Palace Kino, this intoxicating event pairs a recent big screen release with a selection of different whiskies. On tap for their latest outing: crowd-pleasing comedy St. Vincent, starring the legendary Bill Murray – who conveniently enough spends most of the movie doused in alcohol himself. The $60 ticket earns you entry into the movie plus four different 30mL whiskies — one on arrival and three over the course of the film. Whisky & Ailment’s owner Julian White will be on hand ahead of time, explaining each sample’s connection to the movie. You’ll also be treated to a complimentary small popcorn, because let’s face it: four pegs of spirits on an empty stomach probably isn’t a great idea. For more information, visit the Whisky & Ailment website.
From rooftops in Hawthorn to convents in Abbotsford and the sun-kissed shores of St Kilda Beach, Melbourne is a city obsessed with outdoor cinemas. It's little wonder, then, that the organisers of this year's Chinese New Year festivities wanted to get in on the action. Popping up for one night only in Chinatown Square, Chinese cinema lovers will be able to sink into a beanbag and enjoy an evening of specially curated Asian short films. The screen flickers to life at dusk, which should translate to about 8.30pm. BYO popcorn...although dumplings would probably be more appropriate.
Get ready to embrace the icy weather at Madame Brussels Lane, which will once again transform itself into a bustling European-style night market across four Fridays in July. Inspired by the picturesque Christmas markets of places like Germany, Austria and the UK, it's set to feature an array of local food vendors, serving wintry Euro-accented goodies to warm your insides and satisfy your sweet tooth. Kicking off from 5pm on July 7, 14, 21 and 28, the crowd-favourite event will see you indulging in the best kind of comfort food — German-style sausages courtesy of Bavarian Bangers, pretzels and artisanal pastries from Mellow Beanshot and Poked's loaded hot dogs. There'll be deep fried camambert from Frencheese, Pierogi Pierogi's traditional Polish dumplings, freshly torched crème brûlée from Crème Bru Lee, and both sweet and savoury crepes by Les Crepes de Marion. The cheese experts at That's Amore will even be on board serving spaghetti straight out of a 40-kilogram wheel of Grana Padano, or head to Elena's paella for some authentic Spanish. In between decadent bites, you'll be sinking your teeth into a German-leaning program of live entertainment, ranging from the German Trio Band and European Band, to stilt performers and roaming German entertainers. Throw in a few mugs of piping hot mulled wine, spiked hot chocolates and a Dutch-style mulled warm gin from Little Lon Distilling, and you've found yourself a solid way to wrap up a frosty working week.
Reservoir's Future Mountain has had a lot to celebrate this past year — it was recently named Champion Independent Brewpub of Australia and Champion Victorian Brewery at the 2021 Independent Beer Awards, and is now gearing up for its third birthday. And, while 2021's lockdowns squashed most party planning, the brewery is now making up for lost time — it's throwing a bumper day of festivities this Saturday, March 26. Head along from 12pm to kick off the celebrations by sampling an assortment of brand new special-release birthday beers. A few cheeky 'jeroboam' bottles — three-litre double magnums, that is — will also be doing the rounds, pouring signature beers on the house. There'll be giveaways and prizes on offer throughout the day, and regular brewery tours offering a glimpse into Future Mountain's inner workings. Once you've worked up an appetite, you'll be able to refuel with some of Roadhouse Barbecue's US-style smokehouse fare. And as for the party entertainment, expect a lively fusion of jazz and blues courtesy of local trio Jumbalumba. Entry is free, though you can book your table online to secure a spot.
When it comes to watching movies in the great outdoors, Melburnians have plenty of options to choose from. Yet, few outdoor cinemas boast a program as eclectic as the Gasworks Backyard Cinema. Popping up at the Gasworks Arts Park every Friday evening between now and the middle of March, this is your chance to enjoy a few lesser-known titles while relaxing under the stars. The season begins on Friday, January 15 with All the Time in the World, a doco about the importance of getting back to nature, presented in partnership with Port Phillip EcoCentre. The following week will feature a screening of the original Hairspray presented by the Melbourne Queer Film Festival, who'll also be back on February 5 with John Water's Cry Baby starring a baby-faced Johnny Depp. Other highlights include recent Australian health documentary That Sugar Film, acclaimed indie comedy Guidance and the Melbourne premiere of the locally-made Indigenous dance film Spear. There'll also be a number of food vendors on site, ensuring you've got something to snack on during the film. For the full Backyard Cinema program, go here.
In an attempt to reduce the spread of COVID-19 across Australia, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced an indefinite ban on non-essential organised gatherings of more than 500 people from Monday, March 16. The decision was made this afternoon at a meeting of Council of Australian Governments, which is made up of the PM and state and territory First Ministers, on the recommendation of Australia's Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy. Schools, universities, public transport and airports will not be impacted by the ban, but the government is recommending Australians reconsider all non-essential overseas travel, regardless of their age, health or destination. Large sporting games, concerts and food festivals will all be impacted by the ban and it's possible venues with a capacity of over 500 people will, despite not falling under the banner of 'organised events', also decide to close. We'll let you know if and when these are announced. While the ban does not come into place until Monday, many large-scale events across the country have taken precautionary measures and already cancelled or postponed, including Melbourne's Meatstock, Parramasala in Sydney's west and Brisbane's Paniyiri Greek Festival. Australia's ban follows a similar one introduced in New York yesterday, as well as the closure of large swathes of cinemas in China, Iran, South Korea, Japan, Italy and France, and theme parks in Shanghai, Hong Kong and Tokyo. We've also seen the cancellation of Texan music and film festival South by Southwest and postponement of Coachella. More locally, Tasmania's Dark Mofo and the Grand Prix in Melbourne have both been cancelled. The World Health Organisation (WHO) announced early this week that COVID-19 is a pandemic. As at 11am on Friday, March 13, Australia has 156 cases confirmed cases of COVID-19. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
The restaurant bar is a curious beast. In recent times, it's gone from being something of an afterthought — at best, a prelude to the main event — to a considered part of the experience in many a restaurant. At its best, a restaurant bar is a destination in its own right. To shine the light on these spots, we've lined up some of the best restaurant bars in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane for when you want to elevate your next night on the town. Round up your crew, get the booze flowing and your night is set.
Venture down the Mornington Peninsula this weekend and immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of First Nations culture, filled with music, arts, markets and more. Community festival Womin Djeka Balnarring Ngargee returns for its sixth instalment on Saturday, March 25, taking over Emu Plains Reserve. The festivities will kick off from 11am with a Welcome to Country, before launching into a big day of live entertainment. Heading the lineup is Isaiah Firebrace — one of the world's highest streamed First Nations artists — with performances from John Wayne Parsons, Jalgany, Carissa Nyalu, Robert K Champion and more also set to grace the stage. You'll catch Willum Warrain's large-scale puppets with their storytelling performance, Yana Daadigan — Travel of the Spirit Animals, and see impressive moves from acts like the Murrundaya Yepenga Dance Troupe and Indigenous Outreach Project. [caption id="attachment_894154" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Jalgany[/caption] Meanwhile, a pop-up market will showcase an array of goodies from First Nations makers and producers, ranging from artwork and fashion, to ceramics and bush foods. There'll also be a hefty program of workshops if you fancy learning skills like painting with ochre, Yidaki-style meditation, traditional weaving and more. A stack of local organisations will be hosting demonstrations centred on sharing how we can best care for Country, and there'll be an assortment of food trucks and pop-ups to keep you fuelled throughout the festival. You can register for your free ticket online.
For the first time in history, Sydney Film Festival's Official Competition and the Cannes Film Festival's Palme d'Or have been won by the same film: Bong Joon-ho's Parasite. The final feature to screen as part of this year's SFF competition — and the recipient of rapturous audience applause after its first session in the State Theatre — the twisty family thriller took out 2019's $60,000 prize. Visiting Sydney for the second time in three years, after presenting Okja as the festival's closing night film back in 2017, Bong was on hand to receive the award. "This festival is really amazing, especially the audience… really special and extraordinary," the South Korean filmmaker said in his response to the accolade. "This is the most meaningful prize for me — in this beautiful city and beautiful theatre, and one of the most beautiful audiences in the world." A dark, devious, devastatingly smart and deceptively hilarious movie about two South Korean families — one struggling to get by, the other living in the lap of luxury — Parasite couldn't be a more deserving winner. From its slippery narrative that plays with several genres, to its exceptional performances from a cast led by Bong regular Song Kang-ho (The Host, Snowpiercer), to its scathing statement on class and its exquisite and astute production design, this tense, urgent and constantly surprising piece of cinema is one of the best films of the year so far. Also, as Bong told the Sydney audience, it was inspired by the time the director spotted a smudge on his pants. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEUXfv87Wpk Selected by a jury consisting of Australian producer John Maynard (Jirga), Australian director Ana Kokkinos (Head On), Brazilian actor and filmmaker Wagner Moura (Marighella), New Zealand director Gaylene Preston (My Year with Helen), and Indian artist and filmmaker Ritu Sarin (The Sweet Requiem), Parasite emerged victorious in a hotly contested field — competing against Berlinale Golden Bear winner Synonyms, Oscar nominee Never Look Away, Pedro Almodovar's sumptuous Pain and Glory, the Tilda Swinton-starring The Souvenir, gentle New Zealand drama Bellbird and the Australian duo of Judy & Punch and Hearts and Bones, among others. It joins an impressive list of previous SFF prizewinners, including The Heiresses (2018), On Body and Soul (2017), Aquarius (2016), Arabian Nights (2015), Two Days, One Night (2014), Only God Forgives (2013), Alps (2012), A Separation (2011), Heartbeats (2010), Bronson (2009) and Hunger (2008). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtLKQ09ikBg Also receiving a gong at SFF's closing night was She Who Must Be Loved, a documentary about pioneering Indigenous figure Alfreda Glynn, which took out the Documentary Australia Foundation Award for Australian Documentary (a $10,000 prize). It's slated to hit NITV on Sunday, July 14 at 8.30pm. Short film All These Creatures also nabbed the Dendy Live Action Short Award and the Rouben Mamoulian Award for Best Director, while fellow shorts Sohrab and Rustum and Ties That Bind picked up the Yoram Gross Animation Award and the Event Cinemas Australian Short Screenplay Award, respectively. The 2019 Sydney Film Festival ran from June 5–16. If you missed Parasite at the festival, you'll be able to catch it at Australian cinemas from Thursday, June 27.
Thanks to Guy Sebastian, Dami Im, Isaiah, Jessica Mauboy, Montaigne, Sheldon Riley, Voyager and Electric Fields, Australia is no stranger to heading to Eurovision. In November 2024, the iconic song contest is coming to us instead. For the first time ever since beginning in 1956, Eurovision is touring, with an Aussie show now locked in for Melbourne before spring is out. London, Paris, Stockholm, Madrid, Warsaw and Amsterdam are also on the itinerary before and after Eurovision on Tour's Down Under gigs, but its visit to Australia is different. This is the only country receiving multiple concerts, spreading Europop across the nation's east coast — in Sydney and Brisbane as well. The concept dates back to 2019, but the pandemic initially got in the way. After that, it took two years of negotiating to lock in the setup. Now that Eurovision on Tour is officially happening, it'll play The Palais in Melbourne on Friday, November 15 with 18 performers. On the lineup: Australia's own Im and Silia Kapsis, with the latter competing for Cyprus this year. Attendees can also look forward to 1991 winner Carola from Sweden, 2013 winner Emmelie de Forest from Denmark, and everyone from the UK's Nicki French, Portugal's Suzy and Malta's Destiny to Efendi from Azerbaijan, Ovi & Ilinca Bacila from Romania, and both Rosa López and Soraya from Spain — plus Italian African pop star Senhit. Eurovision on Tour Australian Lineup 2024 Senhit (San Marino) Dami Im (Australia) Carola (Sweden) Destiny (Malta) Efendi (Azerbaijan) Emmelie de Forest (Denmark) Esther Hart (Netherlands) Jalisse (Italy) Linda Martin (Ireland) Nicki French (United Kingdom) Ovi & Ilinca Bacila (Romania) Rosa López (Spain) Silia Kapsis (Cyprus) Soraya (Spain) Sunstroke Project (Moldova) Suzy (Portugal) The Roop (Lithuania) Theo Evan (Cyprus)
As Persian New Year (Nowruz) is overlapping with this year's Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, the team at Free to Feed has decided to throw a huge food- and tunes-filled party. On the night of Wednesday, March 20, Free to Feed's Fitzroy North site will be transformed by Iranian immigrants and refugees as they cook up a traditional three-course dinner and play a heap of live music. The crew hasn't released a menu, but we can expect the dishes to come with saffron rice and ruby red barberries that symbolise the love, light and hope that the New Year brings. And while the $102 ticket doesn't include drinks, a bar will be on-site for those wanting to buy some bevs. Beyond this, the special Nowruz event will be somewhat of a cultural exchange, where guests will hear stories, jam to Persian music and learn more about the culturally significant New Year traditions of the Persian people. Tickets to the party will not only get you a great midweek night out, but the profits will help Free to Feed support people seeking asylum, new migrants and refugees with training and meaningful employment. It's so wonderful to see a Melbourne Food & Wine Festival event really support the community. Images: Sam Biddle
UPDATE, January 18, 2021: The Truth is available to stream via Stan, Binge, Foxtel Now, Google Play and YouTube Movies. What does an acclaimed Japanese filmmaker do after spending his career exploring complicated family dynamics in his homeland, then winning the Cannes Film Festival's top prize for his last effort? If he's Hirokazu Kore-eda, he goes to France. Boiling The Truth down to 'Kore-eda in Paris' is simplistic, and yet it fits perfectly — and that's by no means a bad thing. Neither is dubbing this layered film Kore-eda ode's to French cinema. While the writer/director calls on many of the familiar trademarks that've made his Japanese-language features such hits, he sets them in France, filters them through French cinematic sensibilities, and deploys them in French and English. His first non-Japanese movie mightn't initially seem like the natural successor to Shoplifters, but it actually suits that role nicely. The intricate, intimate family interplay that Kore-eda has spent his filmography studying is universal, after all. When beloved acting veteran Fabienne Dangeville (Catherine Deneuve) welcomes her daughter Lumir (Juliette Binoche), son-in-law Hank (Ethan Hawke) and granddaughter Charlotte (Clémentine Grenier) for a rare visit to her sprawling home, there's much to unpack — for this loving but bickering brood, and for audiences. The family reunion is in celebration of Fabienne's just-published memoir, which Lumir hasn't been given a copy of before she arrives, but has firm views on once she reads it. "I can't find any truth in here!" she comments angrily. "I'm an actress — I won't tell the unvarnished truth," is Fabienne's haughty justification. As well as throwing around the titular term liberally, The Truth follows the pair's attempts to sift through a lifetime of baggage, with the book's many embellishments revealing just how differently they each view Lumir's childhood. Also an actor, Hank watches on, hampered by his inability to speak French. Meanwhile, Charlotte obsesses over grandmother's giant pet turtle, who has the same name as her grandfather. But the fallout from Fabienne's memoir just keeps coming. Her long-term personal assistant, Luc (Alain Libolt), quits because he isn't even mentioned in the book, throwing the household into disarray. That leaves Lumir, a screenwriter, to step in, accompanying her mother as she shoots her latest big-screen role. It's in a sci-fi film called Memories of My Mother, where Fabienne's character grapples with an absent mum — all as Fabienne herself gets envious about her applauded young co-star (Manon Clavel). Not only crafting a film about a strained mother-daughter relationship, but also featuring a film within the film about the same topic, Kore-eda threatens to steer The Truth into obvious territory. But he's always been talented at exposing the complexity lingering beneath seemingly straightforward scenarios — and, perhaps more importantly, twisting such situations into revelatory and insightful family portraits that bubble with honesty. So, he does just that. Specifically, he keeps finding new ways to interrogate the film's eponymous concept, and its relationship to Fabienne and Lumir's life. The Truth ponders the playful fibs told to children, the rose-coloured glasses applied to the past, the gaps that even the most vivid memories can have, and the overt choices made to shape one's own narrative. It also tasks Lumir with scripting dialogue for both her mother and daughter that they can each pass off as their own genuine emotions. There's such depth to the movie's contemplation of its chosen subject that, if you didn't already know, you'd never guess that Kore-eda doesn't speak French himself. The film certainly looks the part, set in well-appointed surroundings, favouring a subtle colour scheme and never overly making a visual fuss. Performance-wise, though, it helps that he's working with two of France's greatest living actors — and that Deneuve couldn't be better cast. Seeing the 76-year-old play a celebrated star who chain smokes, spits out strong opinions, and cares little for her predecessors, peers or successors is a clear case of art imitating life. It's also glorious to watch. Yes, Kore-eda has found yet another way to trifle with the truth, but his film's biggest accomplishment just might be its heft as a character study of Deneuve's irrepressible Fabienne. Binoche more than holds her own in the movie's second substantial role, continuing a stellar spate of very recent performances (in Let the Sunshine In, Non-Fiction, High Life and Who You Think I Am). While Hawke makes a smaller impression, there's no dead weight here. Seeing him weather Fabienne's barbs about Hank's career — because she doesn't consider acting in a streaming series to really be acting — is a classic Kore-eda move, with the director an expert at spying the ripples caused by throwaway comments. That's part of his observational, attuned approach. Cataloguing how family members interact and react in both ordinary and heightened circumstances, he captures the texture and reality of life, including in this characteristically warm, witty, emotionally perceptive addition to his resume. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQVotRZUxg4
Heartland Records has been a North Melbourne local since 1992. Previously located on Peel Street, its current space on Victoria Street is larger. There's the full spectrum of genres on offer, with new releases as well as back catalogue titles. The shop's owner Paul Cook prides himself on their friendly service and passion for vinyl. One loyal visitor is reported as saying, "I started off as a customer, and ended up working here to feed my vinyl habit." Could be you! Either way, a visit to Heartland is sure to turn up some new music discoveries and inspire your listening. Images: Parker Blain.
In November last year, Sydney hospitality giant Merivale confirmed the Lorne Hotel would play host to a fifth outpost of the hospitality group's much-loved Italian eatery Totti's. Now, we have a confirmed opening date for pasta lovers in Victoria. Victoria's first Totti's venue will throw open its doors this Saturday, March 11, with bookings opening later this week on Wednesday, March 8. Launching as the group's first Victorian opening — and the first-ever outside of New South Wales — the restaurant will be helmed by Merivale Executive Chef (and Totti's creator) Mike Eggert, along with Lorne Hotel Executive Chef and Surf Coast local Matt Germanchis. It'll take over the Ground Floor space formerly home to MoVida Lorne, where Germanchis was most recently on the pans. The venue's set to plate up a faithful interpretation of the Italian fare that's earned Totti's its cult status up north, though with a few twists and new creations courtesy of the local chef. Familiar favourites will be in strong supply, from the puffy wood-fired bread to the fresh pasta; while the hotel's location will guide the menu's expansive seafood offering, showing off plenty of locally sourced ocean-fresh inclusions. Similarly, the drinks list is set to zero in on Victorian winemakers and producers, across a broad-ranging lineup of drops for all tastes. As for the vibe, it'll also embrace the restaurant's coastal setting, the space just as well suited to long weekend lunches, as to thirsty walk-ins strolling fresh off the beach. And you can expect foreshore views from every seat in the house. Totti's has proved a winning concept in Sydney since the opening of its OG Bondi outpost. The stable has expanded to include venues in Rozelle, the Sydney CBD and, as of August, Allianz Stadium, where Merivale has taken over the entire food and drink offering. The expansion into Victoria was initially announced back in May of 2021, with the news it had purchased the historic Lorne Hotel to play host to Victoria's first Totti's. Totti's Lorne will open its doors on Saturday, March 11 at midday at 176 Mountjoy Pde, Great Ocean Rd, Lorne. Bookings will open via the Totti's Lorne website at 9am, Wednesday March 8. Images: Ashley Ludkin
The first of its kind in the country, the Islamic Museum of Australia is a hub of Islamic art and heritage. It showcases a diverse range of works by Muslim artists including architecture, paintings, textiles, ceramics and calligraphy across five permanent gallery spaces and a rotating calendar of events and special exhibitions. Beginning life as a not-for-profit in 2010, the impressive institution provides cross-cultural experiences by highlighting the creative and cultural heritage of Muslims in Australia and overseas. The museum also hosts guided tours as well as professional development and cultural awareness workshops for all ages.
Best known for its dedicated exhibition space, Craft Victoria is a little treasure trove of art and design right in the heart of the CBD. While its gallery space is always full of nifty creations and happenings, the gift store next door is equally as compelling. Most items in store are produced by local artists including ceramics, homewares, jewellery and textiles. With everything offered at a surprisingly fair price, Craft is the perfect place to go if you're ever in need of a creative kickstart (or a really great gift).
UPDATE, January 25, 2022 — Top End Wedding is available to stream via Netflix, Google Play, YouTube Movies, iTunes and Amazon Video. If Top End Wedding turns Miranda Tapsell into a huge movie star, then the Australian romantic comedy will have done its job. A shining light on local screens since first appearing in The Sapphires in 2012, she's not only the lead in this likeable film, but a co-writer with Joshua Tyler — and she's glowing across both roles. In fact, Tapsell is one of the key elements keeping the amiable movie bubbling, even when it favours well-worn rom-com cliches and tropes. Earlier this year, she was fierce and frank with Nakkiah Lui in their one-episode takeover of Get Krack!n. Now, she's a delight as an overworked Adelaide lawyer who's not only heading home to Darwin to get hitched, but trying to find her runaway mother before the ceremony. It's a familiar setup, in general terms: nuptials beckon, and so does both personal and professional chaos. Lauren (Tapsell) has been at her demanding boss' (Kerry Fox) beck and call for years, striving to secure a promotion. Then her boyfriend Ned (Gwilym Lee) asks for her hand in marriage on the same day that her work wish comes true. Complicating factors include Ned's newly unemployed status, although he doesn't tell Lauren, and the fact that she's only been given ten days to throw the wedding and return to the grind. Landing in the Northern Territory only adds to the couple's woes, especially with Lauren's mum Daffy (Ursula Yovich) gone AWOL, and her dad Trevor (Huw Higginson) spending his time bawling and listening to love ballads in a cupboard. Although there's no shortage of pals (Shari Sebbens, Elaine Crombie and Dalara Williams) on hand to help with the lightning-fast preparations, Lauren won't tie the knot without her mother present. Tracking Daffy down is a task that's easier said than done, sending Top End Wedding's lovebirds on a tour of the NT. While Australian cinema is guilty of using the country's landscape as an additional character to the point of overkill, director Wayne Blair (The Sapphires) and cinematographer Eric Murray Lui (TV's Rosehaven and Black Comedy) make vibrant use of their locations — indeed, their film is as much of a love letter to the region as it is to its leading lady. Of course, one influences the other. Tapsell is a local, and whether wandering through Kakadu National Park or journeying over to the Tiwi Islands, the movie always feels authentic. Crucially, Top End Wedding also overflows with warmth, which assists the film's template-like narrative considerably. It's glaringly easy to see where the story is heading, and more than a few developments strain the bounds of logic. But two details stand out amongst the hen's night shenanigans, anarchic road trips, convenient miscommunications and multiple layers of family mess. Firstly, there's a difference between lazily adhering to genre conventions and deploying them affectionately, with Tapsell and Tyler's script largely falling into the second category. Secondly, the power and tenderness that emanates from the movie's Tiwi Islands-set third act can't be underestimated. A big-screen sight that's even more rare than an Indigenous Aussie rom-com, the film gives the area a huge hug — embracing and including the local community, highlighting the importance of place to Australia's first peoples and culture, and showcasing this underseen part of the country. The feel-good vibe extends to the movie's performances, with Blair's cast all bouncing along. Like the other rom-com reaching cinemas this week, Long Shot, Top End Wedding also owes a debt to the chemistry between its main couple. When contrivance creeps in (such as detouring for a romantic break when it's already been established that everyone is racing against the clock), Tapsell and Lee surge through. Lee has been having just as a great a year as Tapsell, thanks to his bewigged role as Brian May in multiple Oscar-winner Bohemian Rhapsody, and the two actors make an engaging pair. In Top End Wedding, they help charisma, energy and a fond atmosphere mostly overcome familiarity. When the film finds its broad, joyous sweet spot, especially in its back half, it works a charm. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoDBvGF9pPU
Something delightful has been happening in cinemas in some parts of the country. After numerous periods spent empty during the pandemic, with projectors silent, theatres bare and the smell of popcorn fading, picture palaces in many Australian regions are back in business — including both big chains and smaller independent sites in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. During COVID-19 lockdowns, no one was short on things to watch, of course. In fact, you probably feel like you've streamed every movie ever made, including new releases, Studio Ghibli's animated fare and Nicolas Cage-starring flicks. But, even if you've spent all your time of late glued to your small screen, we're betting you just can't wait to sit in a darkened room and soak up the splendour of the bigger version. Thankfully, plenty of new films are hitting cinemas so that you can do just that — and we've rounded up, watched and reviewed everything on offer this week. GOOD LUCK TO YOU, LEO GRANDE People have orgasms every day, but for decades spent closing her eyes and thinking of England in a sexually perfunctory marriage, Good Luck to You, Leo Grande's lead character wasn't among them. Forget la petite mort, the French term for climaxing; Nancy Stokes' (Emma Thompson, Cruella) big wrestling match with mortality, the one we all undertake, has long been devoid of erotic pleasure. Moments that feel like a little death? Unheard of. That's where this wonderfully candid, intimate, generous and joyous sex comedy starts, although not literally. Flashbacks to Nancy enduring getting it over with beneath her now-deceased spouse, missionary style, aren't Australian filmmaker Sophie Hyde (Animals) or British comedian-turned-screenwriter Katy Brand's (Glued) concern. Instead, their film begins with the religious education teacher waiting in a hotel room, about to take the biggest gamble of her life: meeting the eponymous sex worker (Daryl McCormack, Peaky Blinders). For anyone well-versed in Thompson's prolific on-screen history, and of Brand's work before the camera as well, Good Luck to You, Leo Grande inspires an easy wish: if only Nancy had a different job. Back in 2010, the pair co-starred in Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang, a title that'd also fit their latest collaboration if its protagonist cared for kids rather than taught them. Jokes aside, the instantly charming Leo is used to hearing that sentiment about his own professional choices. Indeed, Nancy expresses it during their pre- and post-coital discussions, enquiring about the events that might've led him to his career. "Maybe you're an orphan!" she says. "Perhaps you grew up in care, and you've got very low self-esteem," she offers. "You could have been trafficked against your will — you can't tell just by looking at somebody!" she continues. There are plenty of "if only" thoughts and feelings pulsating through Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, a film where its namesake's tongue couldn't be more important — yes, in that way, and also because talk is as crucial as sex here. If only Nancy hadn't spent half of her existence in a pleasure-free marriage. If only a lifetime of being middle class and socially conservative, and of internalising Britain's stereotypical 'keep calm and carry on' mentality, hadn't left her adrift from her desires. If only being a woman in her mid-50s wasn't seen as a libidinous void by society at large, a mindset that's as much a part of Nancy as the wrinkles and ageing body parts she can barely look at in the mirror. If only prioritising her sensual needs wasn't virtually taboo, too, especially in her mind — even after, two years since being widowed, she's booked an expensive rendezvous with Leo. Good Luck to You, Leo Grande unpacks those if onlys — not the Nanny McPhee one, obviously, but the idea that Nancy's life is immovably stuck in the same rut it has always been. As played by Thompson at the height of her acting powers, at her absolute splintery, finicky yet vulnerable best even with Last Christmas, Years and Years, Late Night and The Children Act on her recent resume, she's nervous, anxious, uncertain and always on the cusp of cancelling, including once Leo strolls into the room, beams his easy magnetism her way and starts talking about what she wants like it's the most natural thing in the world. Slipping into the sheets and knowing what excites you is the most natural thing in the world, of course, but not to Nancy. As her four appointments with Leo progress, she comes up with a lineup of carnal acts she'd like to experience — and she may as well be reading from her grocery list. But getting her to shed her inhibitions is as much his focus as shedding her clothes, and the twentysomething won't let Nancy keep getting in the way of herself. Read our full review. CRIMES OF THE FUTURE It takes a brave filmmaker to see cancer and climate change, and think of art, evolution and eroticism in a possible future. It takes a bold director to have a character proclaim that "surgery is the new sex", too. David Cronenberg has always been that kind of visionary, even before doing all of the above in his sublime latest release — and having the Scanners, Videodrome and The Fly helmer back on his body-horror bent for the first time in more than two decades is exactly the wild and weird dream that cinephiles want it to be. The Canadian auteur makes his first movie at all since 2014's Maps to the Stars, in fact, and this tale of pleasure and pain is as Cronenbergian as anything can be. He borrows Crimes of the Future's title from his second-ever feature dating back 50-plus years, brings all of his corporeal fascinations to the fore, and moulds a viscerally and cerebrally mesmerising film that it feels like he's always been working towards. Long live the new flesh, again. Long live the old Cronenberg as well. In this portrait of a potential time to come, the human body has undergone two significant changes. Three, perhaps, as glimpsed in a disquieting opening where an eight-year-old called Brecken (debutant Sotiris Siozos) snacks on a plastic bin, and is then murdered by his mother Djuna (Lihi Kornowski, Ballistic). That incident isn't unimportant, but Crimes of the Future has other departures from today's status quo to carve into — and they're equally absorbing. Physical agony has disappeared, creating a trade in "desktop surgery" as performance art. Also, a condition dubbed Accelerated Evolution Syndrome causes some folks, such as artist Saul Tenser (Viggo Mortensen, Thirteen Lives), to grow abnormal organs. These tumours are removed and tattooed in avant-garde shows by his doctor/lover Caprice (Léa Seydoux, No Time to Die), then catalogued by the National Organ Register's Wippit (Don McKellar, reteaming with Cronenberg after eXistenZ) and Timlin (Kristen Stewart, Spencer). When Crimes of the Future stages one of Saul and Caprice's gigs, it drips not with blood but spectacle and seduction. Indeed, it's no wonder that a curious Timlin utters that catchy observation about medical slicing and intimate arousal shortly afterwards. Alluring, eerie, grotesque and enthralling — and the epitome of the feature's sparse yet entrancing look and mood in the process — it's a powerhouse of a scene, with a self-autopsy pod at its centre. Saul lies still, Caprice uses an eXistenZ-esque fleshy video-game controller to get the contraption cutting, and an enraptured audience hang on every incision. Saul and Caprice do, too, although their visibly aroused reactions have nothing on their time later in the suite alone. (Cronenberg does love eschewing traditional ideas about what titillates; see also: his 1996 film Crash, about characters excited by car crashes. It's a clear precursor to this, and the movie that purred so that 2021 Palme d'Or winner Titane, by filmmaker Julia Ducournau, could rev.) Crimes of the Future's scalpel-equipped coffin is just one of Saul and Caprice's Lifeform Ware gadgets; if eXistenZ, Naked Lunch and Dead Ringers procreated, these are the devices the three flicks would spawn. HR Giger could've conjured them up as well, and thinking of the biomechanical artist's contribution to Alien, which saw him share an Oscar for visual effects, is as natural as feeling spellbound and perturbed by Cronenberg's movie in unison. This is a grimy world where a bed covered with skin and tentacles floats in Saul's home, calibrated to cater to his "designer cancer"-riddled body's needs as it slumbers — and where a chair that looks like a skeleton reassembled as furniture contorts Saul as he's eating, something he is having increasing trouble with otherwise. In other words, it's a world where the old flesh isn't doing what it always has, new flesh is sprouting in a changing and devastated reality, and technology fills in the gaps as it is always designed to. Read our full review. BOSCH & ROCKIT Remember the name Rasmus King. Based on 2022's slate of Australian films and television shows, that shouldn't be hard. The Byron Bay-born newcomer hadn't graced a screen, large or small, before this year — and now he has no fewer than four projects pushing him into the spotlight before 2023 arrives. Most, including surfing TV drama Barons, capitalise upon the fact that he's a pro on the waves IRL. Two, 6 Festivals and the upcoming sci-fi featurette What If The Future Never Happened?, get his long blonde locks whipping through the Australian music scene. The latter is based on Daniel Johns' teenage years, actually, and has King playing that pivotal part. If he's half as impressive in the role as he is in father-son drama Bosch & Rockit, Silverchair fans will have plenty to look to forward to. When writer/director Tyler Atkins opens his debut feature, it's in the late 90s, along Australia's east coast, and with King as eager surfer Rockit — son to weed farmer Bosch (Luke Hemsworth, Westworld). Sometimes, the titular pair hit the surf together, which sees Rockit's eyes light up; however, Bosch is usually happy tending to his illicit business, making questionable decisions, and coping with splitting from his son's mother Elizabeth (Leeanna Walsman, Eden) with the help of other women. Then a couple of unfortunate twists of fate upend Rockit's existence, all stemming from his father. Begrudgingly, Bosch is pushed into stepping outside his drug-growing comfort zone by an old friend-turned-cop (Michael Sheasby, The Nightingale) and his corrupt partner (Martin Sacks, Buckley's Chance). When a bushfire sweeps through the region shortly afterwards, he's forced to go on the run to stay alive. Bosch & Rockit approaches Bosch's absconding from Rockit's perspective, adopting the line that the former gives his boy: that they're going to Byron for an extended holiday. Atkins doesn't feed the same idea to its audience, but ensures that viewers understand why a bright-eyed teenager would take his dad at his word — not just because he doesn't know what Bosch does for a living, which he doesn't; or he's naïve, which he is; but also because he's eager to hang onto his biggest dream. There's sorrow in King's spirited performance, with Rockit more affected by his parents' split, bullying at school and the isolation that comes with finding solace in the sea, usually alone, than Bosch has the shrewdness to spot. There's earnestness as well, because what struggling kid who's desperate for the kind of love that genuine attention signifies, as Rockit visibly is, won't blindly believe whatever fantasy their dad or mum sells them for as long as possible? King does a magnetic job of conveying Rockit's inner turmoil, and expressing his uncertainty, too. There's an effortlessness to his portrayal, whether Rockit is lapping up Bosch's presence like a plant swaying towards the sunlight, listlessly left to his own devices when his dad decides he'd rather chase Byron local Deb (Isabel Lucas, That's Not Me), or finding a kindred spirit in Ash (Savannah La Rain, Surviving Summer), another restless and yearning teen vacationing under less-than-ideal circumstances and feeling like she's alone in the world. Avoiding formulaic plotting isn't Bosch & Rockit's strong suit, however, as the film makes plain at every turn. That's evident in both of its namesakes' trajectories, for starters — with Bosch a small-time crim falling afoul of the wrong people, with help from bad luck, then trying to start anew; and Rockit an innocent kid stuck with subpar parents, forced to grow up faster than he should, but hanging onto whatever he can. Read our full review. If you're wondering what else is currently screening in Australian cinemas — or has been lately — check out our rundown of new films released in Australia on May 5, May 12, May 19 and May 26; June 2, June 9, June 16, June 23 and June 30; and July 7, July 14, July 21 and July 28, and August 4 and August 11. You can also read our full reviews of a heap of recent movies, such as Petite Maman, The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Firestarter, Operation Mincemeat, To Chiara, This Much I Know to Be True, The Innocents, Top Gun: Maverick, The Bob's Burgers Movie, Ablaze, Hatching, Mothering Sunday, Jurassic World Dominion, A Hero, Benediction, Lightyear, Men, Elvis, Lost Illusions, Nude Tuesday, Ali & Ava, Thor: Love and Thunder, Compartment No. 6, Sundown, The Gray Man, The Phantom of the Open, The Black Phone, Where the Crawdads Sing, Official Competition, The Forgiven, Full Time, Murder Party, Bullet Train, Nope, The Princess and 6 Festivals.
Darlinghurst's Forbes and Burton is under fire after the cafe's owner denied a Brazilian-born Australian man a barista job, telling him his customers wouldn't want their "coffee made by black people," according to the Daily Mail. Yep, WHAT. Although Nilson Dos Santos is an Australian citizen and has worked as a barista in Australia for nine years, the owner (who would only give the Daily Mail his name as 'Steven'), told the 39-year-old he "only wanted locals" for the job. A recent migrant from Shanghai, Steven is taking some furious heat for his hypocritical and outrageously racist actions. "There are a lot of white customers at the cafe and I think the clients here want local people, not African people," Steven said after this weekend's events. "We need to offer good service at this cafe and I think the coffee culture is more about white people." He keeps going. "I prefer the barista to be local, not from Italy or other countries ... In some people's opinions African people can’t make good coffee." Dos Santos saw the ad on Gumtree and rang Steven on Saturday, telling the owner he was from Brazil on the phone. When Dos Santos arrived at the cafe the next day for his interview, Steven pulled an incredibly racist (and geographically ignorant) switch. "When I came to the cafe for the interview today, he looked at me and looked surprised. He didn’t like what he saw," Dos Santos said. "We sat down and he said, 'But you’re black?' I said yes and he told me, 'But my customers are white. I don’t think they’d like to have their coffee made by black people. That’s not part of the coffee culture. You’re African.' I said to him, 'I’m sorry.' But he said I was not able to do the job because I am black." Dos Santos kept a cool head for someone who's just been point-blank discriminated against. "I thought to myself, what do I do? I wanted to punch him but I thought that if I reacted badly, that wouldn’t be the right thing either. But I thought that if I just left and closed the door, he’ll do that over and over again to everybody else that comes. So I felt I had to do something, to show him that he needs to learn his lessons and that's not the way to treat people." According to DM, Dos Santos stood up and addressed the Darlinghurst cafe, informing customers why he'd missed out on the job and asked if they'd have any problem having a coffee made by a black man. In a moment of pure high-fivery, many customers ditched the cafe in a walk-out, a bunch hit up Facebook and a staff member quit right then and there. Forbes and Burton are truly taking a hit on Facebook, with reams of angry posters shaking fists at owner Steven and calling for a boycott (although some are being outright racist in return about Steven's Chinese heritage, not cool): "I have never experienced anything like that in Australia," Dos Santos said. "I love it here, I am free here, that’s why I chose to stay. I’ve always felt welcomed and accepted. For me, it was never a problem that I am black until today." According to the Daily Mail, Steven needs to run Forbes and Burton for two years to nab his Australian visa. Good luck with that. Via Daily Mail.
As COVID-19 continues to spread around the globe, travel is in no one's immediate plans — and the airline industry is responding accordingly. In Australia, that means a huge drop in the number of available flights, both overseas and within Australia, with Qantas announcing that it's grounding aircraft and slashing services for the foreseeable future. In a statement, the 100-year-old Aussie airline revealed that it will cut flights from the end of March until the end of May, at least. International flights will be cut by around 90 percent, while domestic flights will fall by approximately 60 percent. Both moves come in response to Australia's current containment and quarantine measures, including the requirement that all international arrivals into the country must self-isolate for 14 days — and, unsurprisingly, the steeply dropping demand for air travel both internationally and domestically. In total, around 150 aircraft will be taken out of service across both the Qantas and Jetstar brands. At present, the company will also stick to its previously announced reductions from late May to mid-September — with capacity cut by 25 percent by using smaller aircraft and reducing the frequency of flights — although that could obviously drop further depending on how the coronavirus situation develops in the next two months. While Qantas hasn't revealed exactly which routes will be affected by the huge 90-percent cut, it's sensible to assume that all of them will. Big changes already announced and operational include postponing the launch of the new Brisbane–Chicago route, sending all Sydney flights to London via Perth rather than Singapore (which, yes, means experiencing that whopping 17-hour non-stop trip from Perth–London), and completely suspending all flights from Sydney–Shanghai and Melbourne–Bangkok. Given the extent of COVID-19's impact, all other airlines are obviously in a comparable situation. While Virgin Australia hasn't updated its plans since March 13, it too has begun reducing services — by six percent overall, including by eight percent internationally. Worldwide, the scenario is the same. Air New Zealand is reducing its capacity by 85 percent overall, and its trips across the Tasman to Australia by 80 percent. Airlines in America, Britain, Europe, Asia and, well, basically everywhere are taking similar measures — as is to be expected as countries everywhere begin to close their borders. For more information about Qantas and Jetstar's reductions, visit the company's website. For further details about Virgin Australia's plans, visit its website. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
It's no secret that women in the music industry have a tough time, and sometimes it feels like all we talk about is rampant sexism, female underrepresentation and, well, men. But not today. Nope, today is International Women's Day and you'd be damned to take that away from us. And to help out with the whole amplifying women's voices thing, triple j is dedicating an entire day to the ladies. But this isn't some kind of Richard Mercer Love Songs and Dedications situation. Rather, triple j will bring Girls to the Front and hand over all the programming and content to Australia's biggest boss ladies of music. All day. Can you think of anything more angelic? Running the day will be the radio station's female presenters. You'll have Linda Marigliano on Breakfast, followed by Zan Rowe on Mornings, Gemma Pike at Lunch, Veronica will be joined by Gen Fricker on Drive, and KLP will do her thing on Good Nights. Plus, there'll be a special edition of The Racket hosted by High Tension's Karina Utomo. The music will also be an all-lady affair, with Tkay Maidza, Alpine, Sampa The Great, Tired Lion, Sarah Blasko, Lauren from Chvrches, Little Simz and more sharing their favourite and most inspiring female artists and music. The magic will be carried out on the airwaves over at triple j Unearthed and Double J as well. On Unearthed, garage punk legendary ladies LAZERTITS will play some of their local female faves, while over on Double J Myf Warhurst will speak with Natalie Prass and Ibeyi before music journalist Jessica Hopper programs two epic hours of female music-makers. So turn off Spotify this arvo and listen to some kickass local lady talent — and remind yourself that the music industry isn't just run by dudes. You can get involved by using the #GirlsToTheFront hastag.
If you're bored of holidays spent idling by a pool, sunbaking on a beach and ambling in a park, step up your holidays with these next-level adventures. With Intrepid Travel, we have selected six adventures that will take you to the planet's most extreme corners, from Antarctica's pristine icy beauty to the Himalayas' rugged peaks. Whether you seek the roar of cascading water or the silent majesty of remote landscapes, prepare to be immersed in experiences that redefine the meaning of epic. Antarctica There's nowhere on the planet quite like the extreme icy desert that is the unspoiled Antarctic wilderness. Spy penguins, whales and seals (oh my), snowshoe to the best viewpoints and learn from the talented expedition team. Start your adventure at the world's southernmost city, Ushuaia, Argentina, before boarding a vessel to the ends of the earth. Cross the infamous and unpredictable Drake Passage — it can be calm as a lake or rough and turbulent. Experience the temperature falling as you reach the Antarctic Peninsula. Daily excursions will take you to Anvers Island, Deception Island and the South Shetland Islands. Explore the icy wilderness, with backdrops of towering icebergs, impressive glaciers, imposing snow-capped peaks, and waters dotted with ice flats. Mt Everest If bushwalking and hiking are your usual weekend activities, take your excursions up a notch (or 50) with a trek to the highest peak on our planet. Tick the mighty Mt Everest off your bucket list with an expedition to Base Camp. This trip of a lifetime to Mt Everest Base Camp will take you past unfathomably high peaks, stunning alpine lakes, icy glacial plains, unforgettable vistas and to the limits of your strength. Hiking the mighty Himalayas is no walk in the park. This trip includes 12 days of hiking for up to eight hours a day, reaching altitudes of over 5000 metres. Are you up for the challenge? Iceland What's more extreme than a hike to the highest mountain? How about an island created by volcanic eruptions? Iceland is a geographical marvel — but there's more to this island than ice (and Björk). This Nordic island nation is defined by its dramatic landscape of actively rumbling volcanos, scenic fjords, natural hot springs, gushing geysers, massive glaciers and gigantic waterfalls. Iceland is frequented by volcano-loving tourists who love to take a dip in the famous Blue Lagoon, gasp at the giant Skogafoss and Detifoss waterfalls and spy the aurora borealis as they circumvent this North Atlantic island. Madagascar Madagascar isn't just a lush jungle island overloaded with cartoon characters who like to move it, move it. This lush island nation has white sand beaches, steamy, humid jungles and numerous lemur species. Connect with nature as you travel down bumpy roads bordered by baobab trees and explore the national parks, reserves and lush rainforests. This adventure isn't for those who love to watch wildlife from the comforts of sleek bedsheets and spa baths. This is for wildlife lovers who want to get up close and personal with local animals in the rainforest. Scotland Embarking to the Orkney Islands promises a captivating adventure through untamed landscapes and rugged beauty. Located off the tip of Scotland in the North Sea, these islands boast an otherworldly charm, where ancient history collides with the raw forces of nature. The Orkneys are a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a sanctuary for diverse bird species, seals, and other marine life. As you traverse the untamed terrain, be prepared to witness dramatic sandstone cliffs, windswept beaches and ancient Neolithic sites, all contributing to the untamed allure of the archipelago. From the mysterious standing stones of the Ring of Brodgar to the ancient village of Skara Brae, the Orkneys tell a story of a wild, resilient landscape shaped by natural forces and its inhabitants' resilient spirit. Central Asia Kyrgyzstan's rugged mountainous terrain, including the formidable Tian Shan range, beckons adrenaline seekers with challenging trekking opportunities and high-altitude landscapes. Uzbekistan captivates with its ancient mosaic-tiled ancient cities and arid deserts. Explore both on the trip to these contrasting landscapes, encountering nomadic traditions in Kyrgyz yurt camps and exploring Uzbekistan's historic cities like Samarkand and Bukhara. Witness where the past meets the present, offering an unforgettable journey for those seeking a blend of adventure and history. Get out, explore, dive into adventure and find your WOW with Intrepid Travel. Find out more on the website.
UPDATE: JUNE 28, 2018 — A second Melbourne show has been added on Tuesday, August 14. Tickets are on sale now. When Bob Dylan last toured Australia, it was billed as a 'once in a lifetime' experience. And, for all those who went, it was. It's just that now fans will be get the opportunity to have another such experience, because the legendary tambourine man will return to Australia for a national tour this August. This tour will be less exhaustive than his 2014 effort, with Dylan set to do seven shows — one in each of the usual capital city stops (Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide), as well as one-offs in Newcastle and Wollongong. He will draw on his incredible 60-year career — which spans 36 studio albums and countless hits — for the shows, so you better start praying to the music gods that your favourite makes it onto the setlist. Dylan may be 76 years old, but he has certainly showed no signs of slowing down as he approaches 80. In 2016 he was awareded the Nobel Peace Prize for Literature and, just this year, he oddly released his own whisky. But still, it could be the last chance you get to see this living legend perform live. His last tour sold out, so you better have your fingers ready when tickets go on sale next week. BOB DYLAN 2018 TOUR DATES Wednesday, August 8 — Perth Arena, Perth Saturday, August 11 — Botanic Park, Adelaide Monday, August 13 and Tuesday, August 14 — Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne Saturday, August 18 — ICC Sydney, Sydney Monday, August 20 — WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong Wednesday, August 22 — Entertainment Centre, Newcastle Friday, August 24 — Entertainment Centre, Brisbane Bob Dylan will tour Australia in August 2018. Tickets are on sale now here.
Here's one of Sydney Film Festival's many annual delights: for Australian cinema obsessives who can't make it to Cannes, which is most, it's a cure for movie FOMO. Plenty of the titles that wow audiences in France each year head Down Under the next month. For 2025, here's a few, all playing between Wednesday, June 4–Sunday, June 15: Josh O'Connor (Challengers) and Alana Haim (Licorice Pizza) in heist-thriller mode in filmmaker Kelly Reichardt's (Showing Up) 70s-set The Mastermind; It Was Just an Accident, the latest feature from acclaimed Iranian director Jafar Panahi (No Bears), who is also the subject of one of SFF's 2025 retrospectives; and Dangerous Animals, hailing from Australian helmer Sean Byrne (The Loved Ones, The Devil's Candy) and telling a tale of a shark-obsessed serial killer on the Gold Coast. Musing on its eponymous author as only filmmaker Raoul Peck (I Am Not Your Negro) can, Orwell: 2+2=5 is also taking the Cannes-to-Sydney route. So is coming-of-age story Enzo from BPM (Beats Per Minute)'s Robin Campillo; Mirrors No 3, which sees German director Christian Petzold reteam with his Transit, Undine and Afire star Paula Beer; Nigeria's My Father's Shadow, the first-ever movie from the country to be selected to play on the Croisette; The Secret Agent, led by Wagner Moura (Dope Thief) for filmmaker Kleber Mendonça Filho (a Sydney Film Festival Prize-winner for Aquarius); and Vie Privée with Jodie Foster (True Detective: Night Country). Some of these titles are vying for this year's SFF prize, in the competition's 17th year — where opening night's Together, a new body-horror by Australian filmmaker Michael Shanks (The Wizards of Aus) starring Alison Brie (Apples Never Fall) and Dave Franco (Love Lies Bleeding) is also in contention. Will DJ Ahmet, a Sundance-winner after collecting its World Cinema — Dramatic Audience Award, emerge victorious? Or will that honour go to 2025 Berlinale Grand Jury Prize-winner The Blue Trail? They're also in the running. What features Tom Hiddleston's (Loki) newest performance, with The Life of Chuck directed by The Fall of the House of Usher's Mike Flanagan and based on a Stephen King novella? What also boasts Jacob Elordi (Oh, Canada), Daisy Edgar-Jones (Twisters) and Will Poulter (Warfare) in queer romance On Swift Horses, plus Richard Linklater's (Hit Man) Blue Moon with Ethan Hawke (Leave the World Behind), Margaret Qualley (The Substance) and Andrew Scott (Ripley) — alongside Carey Mulligan (Spaceman) in music-fuelled comedy The Ballad of Wallis Island, the Dylan O'Brien (Saturday Night)-led Twinless and Pike River with Melanie Lynskey (Yellowjackets) getting its world premiere? This year's Sydney Film Festival. Which event is adding to its screening venues in 2025 in a spectacular way by showing films at Sydney Opera House, too? And which fest has 201 movies from 70 countries on its lineup, with 17 world premieres, six international premieres and 137 Australian premieres among them? The answer is still the same. Other 2025 highlights include Berlin's Golden Bear-winner Dreams (Sex Love); Aussie effort Death of an Undertaker, the directorial debut of actor Christian Byers (Bump), who uses an IRL Leichhardt funeral parlour as his setting; Dreams, with Jessica Chastain (Mothers' Instinct) reuniting with her Memory helmer Michel Franco; satire Kontinental '25, from Do Not Expect Too Much From the End of the World and Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn's Radu Jude; and What Does That Nature Say to You, the latest from South Korea's prolific Hong Sang-soo (In Our Day). Or, there's the near-future Tokyo-set Happyend, the Luca Guadagnino (Queer)-produced Nineteen, Tibetan-language anthology State of Statelessness (the first ever, in fact), Naomi Watts (Feud) and Bill Murray (Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire) in page-to-screen dramedy The Friend, Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar collaborator Kahlil Joseph's BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions, and Vicky Krieps (The Dead Don't Hurt) and Dacre Montgomery (Stranger Things) tackling grief and possession in Went Up the Hill. Among the standouts on the festival's documentary slate, Jennifer Peedom (River) turns her focus to the quest to make the world's deepest cave dive by Thai cave rescue hero Dr Richard Harris in Deeper, 20 Days in Mariupol's Mstyslav Chernov works bodycam footage from the Ukrainian frontline into 2000 Metres to Andriivka and All I Had Was Nothingness features unused material from iconic Holocaust documentary Shoah 40 years on. Plus, Floodland is focused on Lismore, Journey Home, David Gulpilil charts the iconic actor's journey to be laid to rest, Prime Minister shines a spotlight on Jacinda Ardern and trying to open a Tokyo restaurant is at the heart of Tokito: The 540-Day Journey of a Culinary Maverick. Fans of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, take note: it's up for discussion in Chain Reactions from Alexandre O Philippe (Lynch/Oz). If you miss the video-store era, Alex Ross Perry (Her Smell) understands, and has made Videoheaven about it — a film essay solely comprised from movie and TV clips. A New Leaf, The Heartbreak Kid, Mikey and Nicky and Ishtar director Elaine May earns SFF's second 2025 retrospective, while the fest's lineup of restored classics includes the Aussie likes of Muriel's Wedding, Somersault and Mullet, plus Angel's Egg from Ghost in the Shell director Mamoru Oshii. For viewers of all ages, the live-action How to Train Your Dragon is also on the program. Barry Keoghan's (Bird) new Irish thriller Bring Them Down; the Australian premiere of homegrown animation Lesbian Space Princess; music documentaries One to One: John & Yoko and Marlon Williams: Ngā Ao e Rua — Two Worlds; Tilda Swinton (The Room Next Door)- and Michael Shannon (The Bikeriders)-starring post-apocalyptic musical The End; intimacy coordinators getting the doco treatment; Ellis Park, about Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds collaborator, Dirty Three founder and frequent film-score composer Warren Ellis: they're on the lineup, too. So is the one-film movie marathon that is 14-hour picture Exergue — on documenta 14, which is set inside the 2017 edition of the documenta art exhibition in Germany and Greece.
It's been 13 years since Danny Rogers and Jerome Borazio decided to fill a Melbourne alleyway with tunes in 2005. Thankfully, Laneway Festival has just confirmed it will be heading back to its collection of unconventional venues for another year, revealing it's 2018 dates and first two headliners. Returning to Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Fremantle, Auckland and Singapore next January and February, Laneway will raise a plastic cup to the middle of summer with what looks to be one heck of a lineup. Following on from sweltering sets from AB Original, Chet Faker, Tame Impala and Glass Animals last year, the festival has just announced two of 2018's headliners: California's inimitable Anderson .Paak with his live band The Free Nationals, and Canada's Mac DeMarco, who swayed, pashed and crowdsurfed through his slacker-rock set with about 20 of his buds (and his mum) at Laneway 2015. The full lineup is expected to be announced soon with a Via pre-sale happening this week and the rest of the tickets going on sale on September 18. But here's the dates so you can save the one in your city LANEWAY FESTIVAL 2018 DATES Singapore — Saturday, January 27 Auckland — Monday, January 29 Adelaide — Friday, February 2 Melbourne — Saturday, February 3 Sydney — Sunday, February 4 Brisbane — Saturday, February 10 Fremantle — Sunday, February 11 Image: Andy Fraser.
The Grampians is one of Victoria's go-to outdoor destinations featuring sandstone mountains, vibrant native wildlife and towering waterfalls. Visitors have a huge variety of adventure activities to choose from, and going on a trip with Absolute Outdoors ensures you benefit from knowledgeable local guides. The company offers everything from guided hikes and canoe sessions to rock climbing and abseiling. So, there's something for everyone who has an interest in the great outdoors. If you're interested in canoeing, the three-hour guided paddle will see you cruise around the picturesque waterways of the area while spotting wildlife and learning about the area from your guide. More into the thrills of great heights? You can abseil anywhere between eight and 30 metres, or you can rock climb up to 25 meters if you'd rather clamber up the cliff. [caption id="attachment_740523" align="alignnone" width="1386"] Julian Kingma via Visit Victoria[/caption] Image: Visit Victoria
With a season of long, balmy evenings stretching out before us, there are ample opportunities for dusk bike rides. And if you want a bike ride with a dreamy destination at the end, head to Abbotsford after work. The grounds come alive in the evening, with floral fragrances warming the air and groups of friends lounging on the grass, it can look just like a Renoir painting. And when the hunger kicks in, head over to Kappaya. Packed into a tiny space in the Convent Annexe, the menu of Japanese soul food, organic coffee and homemade sweets is the perfect way to end a Convent evening. We recommend the tempura chicken for an indulgent treat.
If you've spent the past year with your nose buried in a book, that's about to pay off beyond the everyday joys and thrills of reading. Sydney Writers' Festival returns for 2023 with another hefty catalogue of thought-provoking events — 226 of them, with almost 300 writers and thinkers involved. Every writers' festival converges around an annual theme, with Sydney's focusing on 'Stories for the Future' for its 2023 iteration from Monday, May 22–Sunday, May 28 at various venues around the city — and also beamed digitally. Today's most current Booker Prize-winner, plus three from past years as well, top the lineup: Shehan Karunatilaka, who won in 2022 for The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida; The Luminaries' Eleanor Catton; The Narrow Road to The Deep North's Richard Flanagan and Girl Woman Other's Bernardine Evaristo. Still on highly applauded attendees, two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist Colson Whitehead — for The Underground Railroad, which was then adapted into a TV series, and for The Nickel Boys — also leads the bill, arriving between Harlem Shuffle's 2021 publication and sequel Crook Manifesto's arrival this July. Among the international names at the Sydney Writers' Festival, the above headliners have ample company. When Trinidad-born UK musician Anthony Joseph isn't talking poetry — he is 2022's TS Eliot Prize for Poetry winner — London restauranteur Asma Khan from Darjeeling Express, and also seen on Chef's Table, will chat about comfort food; Daniel Lavery from Slate, who penned the Dear Prudence column from 2016–21, will run through his best advice; and Vietnamese author Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai will introduce her new novel Dust Child. On the local front, get ready for two iconic pairings: former Prime Minister Julia Gillard being interviewed by Indira Naidoo, plus Jurassic Park favourite Sam Neill discussing work, life and writing with his Sweet Country, Dean Spanley, Dirty Deeds and Palm Beach co-star Bryan Brown. Also on the must-attend list: Grace Tame chatting about The Ninth Life of a Diamond Miner: A Memoir, Heartbreak High's Chloé Hayden doing the same with Different, Not Less: A neurodivergent's guide to embracing your true self and finding your happily ever after, and Stan Grant on The Queen Is Dead. Also, on Monday, May 15 before the main festival, Tim Winton will discuss writing the ABC TV documentary Love Letter to Ningaloo. And, if your main relationship with the printed word is through recipe books, the 2023 festival is going all in on the topic for one day at Carriageworks Farmers Market. Stephanie Alexander and Maggie Beer will talk with Adam Liaw, while fixing the food system and family recipes will also nab chats by culinary talent. Capping off the bill will be foodie gala The Dinner That Changed My Life, with everyone from Nat's What I Reckon and Jennifer Wong to Alice Zaslavsky and Colombo Social's Shaun Christie-David involved. As always, free events are a big part of the program as well, with more than 80 on this year. And, also in the same category, the spread of venues is hefty — including Carriageworks, Town Hall, and 25 suburban venues and libraries across Sydney. [caption id="attachment_893385" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Grace Tame by Kishka Jensen[/caption] Images: Prudence Upton.
Looking to step up your regular trivia game? In the mood for some ghostly fun? Over in Richmond, The National Hotel is giving the humble pub quiz a fun — and sinister — twist with a Halloween instalment of its murder mystery-themed trivia nights. Taking place from 7.30pm on Thursday, October 31, the session will feature four quiz rounds, with punters answering questions and collecting clues along the way to help solve the final whodunit puzzle. Topics will cover everything from pop culture to general knowledge, so you'd best start brushing up on some facts. There's a swag of prizes up for grabs — from jugs of beer to a huge $150 bar tab for the night's champion team. Spooky-themed cocktails will also be on the menu and, given the date, there'll be be prize for the best costume, too. Entry's free and you can even bring along your pup. Round up a team of between four and eight players and book your spot by emailing functions@thenationalhotel.com.au.
There's a moral dilemma involved in writing about a great new place. On one hand, people deserve to know about it — but on the other, this might make it harder to get a seat. Graham Hill and Georgina Russell have turned the former Storm in a Teacup space into an intimate wine bar, and in doing so, have created a little portal between Collingwood and Paris; stepping off Smith Street and into Smithward is like escaping somewhere down Rue de Buci or maybe Rue Mouffetard. Inspired by a memory of a bar the couple loved in London, the space revels in its pared back, mismatched style and 17 seats. Choose between imbibing in the duskiness down the back, at a small marble table along the side wall or channel your inner Parisian and perch on the window ledge stools and watch the world go by. Two details stand out in the decor of Smithward: the blue tile-lined counter and the two large 'portraits' of Edgar and Wilbur, the budgerigars, who also appear on the coasters and wine glasses. Sensing a theme here? Ask Graham about it and he might just roll up his sleeve and show you his budgerigar tattoo, gifted because his wife has a fear of birds and this is as close as he'll get to the real thing. The succinct menu features charcuterie sliced to order and a cheese selection put together by Harper and Blohm and served with crusty house sourdough baguette, which is made by Graham every afternoon with the sourdough starter he created back in April. Think aperitif rather than dinner. Although, if you were to graze your way through the selection of three cheeses and three meats, try the Anchoa Atocha, a combo of salted crisps with white anchovies, or immerse yourself in the cheesiest of all cheesy delights: the raclette. Melted to order and deftly scraped straight from the wheel to then blanket boiled potatoes and little spear-like cornichons, eating raclette is a little like eating a fondue in reverse. As for the wine part of the wine bar, it's slim but quality pickings: three whites, three reds, a rosé and a sparkling. There is one beer on tap, with seasonal varieties from local brewer Wolf of the Willows taking centre stage. For those evenings that require a little more fortifying, there's a Negroni and a Victorian martini, which features Maidenii vermouth and locally produced Four Pillars gin. So, for a little bit of Frenchiness in heartland Collingwood, get along to Smithward. Just don't tell everyone about it. Please.
Premium dining is not just for the inner city, and this is proven by the former Nobu and Saké chefs in the kitchen at Katóri in Box Hill. The Japanese yakiniku restaurant combines traditional methods, seasonal Australian ingredients and the creativity and skill of the chefs to sophisticated success. High quality wagyu beef, seafood from local fishmongers, and seasonal veggies are cooked on a charcoal barbecue grill — in the kitchen or by you at your own personal grill, built into the tables — and served alongside a selection of signature dishes, sushi, sashimi and salads. Desserts are creative and delicate, fusing Eastern and Western flavours, to be enjoyed with cocktails championing Japanese whisky, as well as wine, sake and tea. The dining room itself is dark, luxurious and welcoming, a pretty great example of casual fine dining.
Virginia Woolf once said that "a woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction". Though the former is notoriously hard to come by these days, The Stella Prize is seeking to remedy the situation. Now in its second year, this new literary institution offers $50,000 to the best work from a female author over the course of the past year. Head down to The Wheeler Centre this Thursday, May 1, to see the girl power in full swing. Established as a remedy to the huge gender disparities in the industry, The Stella Prize seeks to draw attention to the great work being done by ladies across the country. Ironically, since its inaugural prize last year, most major literary awards have been dominated by women; the Miles Franklin even had its first all-female shortlist. In the wake of this, this year's prize will spur a discussion: is the gender gap closing? This year's nominees are Anna Krien (Night Games), Hannah Kent (Burial Rites), Fiona McFarlane (The Night Guest), Kristina Olsson (Boy, Lost), Alexis Wright (The Swan Book), and Claire Wright (The Forgotten Rebels of Eureka). First prize will be announced in Sydney on April 30; this event will be a discussion with the winner, 2013 winner Carrie Tiffany, and co-founder Aviva Tuffield. Book your seats here.
There comes a point in everyone's life when they realise Ikea just ain't cutting it anymore. Luckily Melburnians have Muji to turn to. With their two Australian stores situated at Emporium and Chadstone, Muji are a slick quality Japanese alternative to the cheap flat packs and super-breakable wine glasses of the ever-present Swedish megastore. Stocking a curated selection of furniture, homewares and even clothing, Muji is all about simplicity, efficiency and minimalism. It'll set you back a bit more coin than similar styles of stores but the quality really speaks for itself. Muji is also located at Chadstone Shopping Centre, 1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone.
Last year, in bitter news for the Sydney restaurant scene, three-hat fine diner Sepia (recipient of a crazy amount of awards) announced it would be closing down at some point in the next two years. Now, co-founders Martin Benn and Vicki Wild (the head chef and front of house, respectively) have given the restaurant closure a date: December 31, 2017. Yep, at the end of the year, the restaurant — which has been open for eight years and is widely acknowledged as one of the best restaurants in Sydney, and the country — will take its leave. But that doesn't mean its owners will. While giving punters a closing date, Benn and Wild have also announced their post-Sepia project: they'll make the move to Melbourne to open a new venue in collaboration with restaurateur Chris Lucasin 2018. Yowsa. The partnership is great news for Melbourne, who is already anticipating a new Chris Lucas opening later this year. Lucas is the Lucas from hospitality group The Lucas Group, the brain behind Chin Chin, Baby, Kong, et al. The trio haven't given any hints as to what the restaurant will be like, but — considering they have decades of experience between them — it's gonna be a guaranteed good time for all our taste buds. The restaurant's Sydney departure also sadly signals the retirement of George Costi, a founding partner of Sepia and renowned seafood wholesaler, who will not renew the Sussex Street lease. But all good things must come to an end — and we give props to Sepia for pulling the plug in its prime and leaving behind a beautiful corpse. The team have promised finale of epic proportions though, so start saving your pocket money if you want to make a reservation before the year is out. We can't wait to see what comes next. Image: Lucas Allen.
UPDATE: JULY 24, 2020 — Keki has now launched its free home-delivery service to select postcodes, as well as regular delivery through Doordash, Easi and Panda Tucked between the grey high-rises of Queen Street, you'll find Keki Milkbar: a small, considered cafe that's a cosy escape from (the usual) hustle and bustle of the CBD. If you don't see Keki — although, it's hard to miss its moss green exterior — you'll certainly smell it. The space emanates a delicate sweetness not unlike the bakeries and cake shops you'd find in train stations around Japan. But it was Korea where Keki owner Hangyul 'Han' Oh first thought up the cafe. "It was in Ikseon-dong, Seoul, where I first played with the idea of opening up a cafe," Oh tells Concrete Playground. "My business partner Wookjin 'Jin' Jang and I saw a soufflé pancake cafe while travelling around this popular area in Korea, and he had a recipe up his sleeve." Together with Oh's third business partner Jacob Jeon, the well-versed hospitality trio united back in Melbourne and launched Keki. Instead of finding their own space, though — a difficult feat during a pandemic — they started serving takeaway pancakes at CBD cafe Workshop Bros after dark. To make the gravity-defying pancakes — a dish originating in Japan, but now adored all over the globe — the team whips egg whites into pancake mix to create pillowy, airy batter. They're less sweet than traditional pancakes, too, which leaves room for sugar-filled toppings. [caption id="attachment_775896" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Parker Blain[/caption] "The most important thing is the presentation," says Oh. "Our menu has six flavours and we have tried to make them as good looking as possible. We garnish delicately so every customer see just how jiggly and fluffy the pancake is." Oh's favourite flavours are strawberry and tiramisu, but other offerings include matcha and red bean, honey-macadamia (made with local honeycomb) and sticky salted caramel — a popular flavour among regulars. The drinks menu at Keki is almost as impressive as the pancakes. You can choose from orange and lemon, strawberry or mandarin sodas, which are made with fresh fruit syrup and fermented for eight hours. They can be served hot, like a tea, too. If you're looking for a milk-based drink, try a matcha, strawberry or chocolate latte (served hot or cold) made using a special Keki recipe. "We didn't want an artificial flavour taste, so we decided to hand make them for a more fresh and delicate flavour," says Oh. "We gather our ingredients from the market." [caption id="attachment_775893" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Parker Blain[/caption] With Melbourne's second round of restrictions throwing a (second) spanner in the works, Oh and his team are launching their own online ordering system and delivery service. "We will continue to do takeaway and delivery through Doordash, Easi and Panda; however, we will be opening an ordering system to deliver to lockdown suburbs the apps do not reach." This new soufflé-to-door service will be announced via Keki Milkbar's social channels shortly. Find Keki Milkbar at 190 Queen Street, Melbourne. It's currently closed, but is planning to reopen on Monday, July 20 with takeaway and delivery. Images: Parker Blain
