Move over Vault. Move over giant french fries that farewell you as you leave for the airport. Melbourne just got another confusing public artwork. But this one actually has a very useful function. Unveiled today in the Queen Victoria Gardens (opposite the NGV), MPavilion is Melbourne's newest cultural institution — a temporary purpose-built structure to house 118 free events over the next four months. Commissioned by philanthropist Naomi Milgrim and designed by architect Sean Godsell, MPavilion was built with the goal of facilitating important public discussions and art events in Melbourne. Though it launches this week as part of the 2014 Melbourne Festival, it will also have an important role to play in Melbourne Music Week, various events from ACMI, and many initiatives with local arts organisations. Splitting its regular programming into MTalks, MMusic and MMeets, the new space will be constantly packed full of talented people and exciting events. Each Tuesday night, designers, academics and curators will host stimulating panels. Sunday afternoons from October 19 will see the pavilion filled with free concerts. And on Wednesdays and weekends the space will be a clubhouse for different activities — from expert tea-drinking to a themed bike ride around the city. But it's not just the huge program of events that makes this project interesting; the structure itself is a bit of an enigma. "[It was] conceived s architecture that 'blooms like a flower'," said architect Sean Godsell. "The pavilion will 'open' each morning and 'close' at the end of the day in a number of different configurations ... It has a mysterious box-like quality at night." Inspired by the pavilions that pop up at London's Serpentine Gallery, MPavilion aims to push the boundaries of public architecture and place Melbourne on the cutting edge of modern design. And, though the great metal beast may appear odd plonked in the middle of city park, it looks relatively tame compared to some of its incredible predecessors. Nonetheless, we couldn't be happier about it. You can check it out for yourself from Tuesday, October 7 as it launches to the public, or wait until it's abuzz with Melbourne Festival goodness from October 11. All events are free of charge, but some may be ticketed due to capacity limitations. Even if the pavilion's full, we highly recommend eavesdropping while splaying out on the grass. Your picnic plans just got a whole lot more arty. Photos: Earl Carter.
The toastie has really come into its own in the last few years — it's increasingly becoming the star and namesake of countless pop-ups, permanent venues and even drive-throughs. What can we say? Ain't nothin' wrong with bread, cheese and meat. So we're happy to announce that The Bridge Hotel agrees with the toastie life too. So much so that they're launching their own toasted sandwich pop-up that'll serve fat stacks of toasties to satisfy your midday cheese cravings. From Monday, February 27, the Richmond pub will set up Toast'd. The menu will consist of four types of toasties: sticky chicken (with red onion and American cheese), pulled beef (with American cheese), three cheese (the cheese lineup includes parmesan, brie and mozzarella) and veggie patch (in-season veggie mix with goats' cheese). So hope you like cheese. Either way, they'll be served with a side of pickles to cut through the cheese if it's too much for you. The toasties will be available for ten bucks a pop between noon and 5pm, Monday to Friday from the pub's internal laneway.
Make a lavish meal go heaps further, as not-for-profit social enterprise Scarf presents its annual gala fundraising dinner, 'Do More Than Dine'. Transforming lives through hospitality, last year saw over 100 young people from asylum seeker, refugee and migrant backgrounds register for the organisation's training programs. However, with only enough funding to provide 40 traineeships, Scarf is looking to raise $125,000 from this year's showcase, which takes place on Thursday, May 1, at Square One Rialto. Scarf's long-term partners, The Mulberry Group, have helped unite an array of celebrated chefs and suppliers for an exclusive five-course feast. Drawing from her diverse heritage, Rosheen Kaul is overseeing the canapés, with creations like freshly shucked oysters with blood plum and smoked olive oil offering the perfect start to the evening. Then, Helly Raichura of Enter Via Laundry fame is leaning into her Keralan, Goan, Kashmiri and Mughlai expertise for the entrees. As for the mains, Kyle Nicol (Hazel) turns to Common Ground Project for a highly seasonal offering, while pastry chef Rosemary Andrews (Mietta) takes care of dessert. Then, this dining experience rounds out with a selection of cheeses from the lauded supplier, Calendar. Beyond the kitchen, pioneering food journalist Dani Valent and 2024 Scarf graduate Thelma Rutsate have taken on hosting duties, while former MasterChef Australia judge Matt Preston and auctioneer Gowan Stubbings present a 'Money Can't Buy' live auction. Items up for grabs include a one-of-a-kind chef knife, a guided private dining experience at Reed House, a 10-person Fermentation Masterclass with Caitlin Koether at Little Molli, a 12-month 'Olive Oil Club' membership from Mount Zero Olives, and loads more. Throughout the night, past Scarf graduates will deliver a food and beverage service, showcasing how the social enterprise has equipped them with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the industry. Plus, you'll hear stories from those now working in esteemed venues, from Mjølner to Pullman Melbourne Albert Park. "We're raising essential funds so we can keep increasing trainee numbers and ensuring those who join our programs are getting the best possible training, mentoring and paid work experience, so they can transition into ongoing jobs in the hospitality industry," says Scarf CEO and Co-Founder Hannah Brennan.
If you've been hanging out for the arrival of Fancy Free — the hotly anticipated new cocktail bar dreamt up by three Black Pearl alumni — you'll be glad to know the wait is almost over. Announced last May, the venture is now just weeks out from opening and owners Ryan Noreiks, Rob Libecans and Matthew Stirling have dropped some tasty new details that are sure to ramp up excitement levels in the lead-up to its launch. The big news is that this one's here for a good time, but not a long time, having secured a site for only a six-month stint. But what it lacks in longevity, Fancy Free certainly makes up for in substance, with a whole swag of exciting collaborations in the works. While most of the details are being kept under wraps for now, the bar's set to play host to a rotation of five different food concepts, kicking off with a pop-up by a well-known Sydney restaurant run by the owners' good mates. [caption id="attachment_639976" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Black Pearl[/caption] Fellow Sydneysiders P&V Wine and Liquor Merchants will be heading up the fittingly quirky vino selection for this debut month, with local brewery Stomping Ground supplying a showcase of its hero beers, alongside a rotation of specialty brews. More breweries and wineries are jumping on board for the following months. And while the Fancy Free boys will be working their signature magic on the cocktail list, you can also get excited for some special guest appearances and takeovers by some of their World's 50 Best Bars cohort. Black Pearl has consistently ranked in the top 50 at the prestigious awards and has taken out Best Bar in Australasia for the past two years. Fancy Free will open on Wednesday, February 13 at 381 Little Collins Street, Melbourne. Updated February 8.
UPDATE: APRIL 3, 2020 — The Chapel Street spot has launched Gnocchi on the Blocky: a drive-thru and delivery service for its gnocchi, of course, and selected menu items. From 4–9pm Tuesday–Saturday, you can get lamb ragu gnocchi ($25), pretzels with smoked cheddar ($8), peanut butter brownies ($16) and cocktails ($22) delivered to your door. Order via the website. The airy space at the end of Chapel Street — formerly home to a health food cafe — has crossed over to the dark side. Its once light and bright fit-out has been replaced by a dark and ambient decor combining recycled timbers, giant drapes of fabric hanging from the ceilings and a melange of antiques mounted on the walls. What was once Uncommon is now a restaurant and cocktail bar called Lover. The food at this Windsor restaurant bar doesn't have a specific cultural identity, but rather draws influences from around the globe. But it does have an overarching theme: nostalgia. The restaurant best evokes this through its food. Old classics you may have eaten as a child come out to play in modern forms. And this is done successfully by head chef Paul Turner — who hails from Cutler & Co. Let's start with the hot hot pork crackers ($8), a rendition of prawn crackers that use pork flavours instead of traditional prawn. They are paired with a herb cream and saltbush and make for a perfectly satisfying starter — meeting diners with a crackle initially then softly disintegrating seconds after. The prawn toast ($7) may take you back to the days of family yum cha, only at Lover it's paired with chorizo, echoing the Spanish pairing of seafood and sausage. If you eat cured meat and you're only going to get one starter, let it be the pretzel ($8). It may sound ridiculous that we're recommending you order a pretzel at a restaurant, we know. But it's a freshly baked pretzel stuffed with wagyu, pickles, cheddar and mustard — so, it's is a must. To break things up, there is also a series of salads and vegetable dishes on offer. Take it easy with a cos lettuce salad with fresh herbs and ranch dressing ($8) or live on the wilder side by ordering a grilled pumpkin dish topped with curried pepitas, burnt butter miso, and pear ($16). One dish that is a touch lacklustre is the kingfish crudo ($18). Though artistically presented, its cucumber, yuzu and charred avocado counterparts are not enough to make for a memorable dish. On the other end of the spectrum, there is the gnocchi ($26) — which is absurdly generous in flavour. Simply paired with three main ingredients, zucchini, basil and cheese, the pan-fried nubs of potato are a delight to delve into. If you head in on a Wednesday, you'll be able to sample a generous bowl of gnocchi (which changes weekly) and a glass of wine for a neat $25. When it comes to drinks, cocktails are the word at Lover — all prettily picturesque and met with generous flavour. Visitors will find a blueberry and sage sour made with infused gin ($18), as well as a coconut and elderflower margarita ($18). Lover also sports a collection of white, red and sparkling wines from across the globe to match its diverse food offerings, too.
Good news for literally anyone who's sought a pre-Cinema Nova negroni recently — Johnny's Green Room has officially flipped its 'Closed' sign to 'Open'. After shutting its doors in July for months of hibernation, the much-adored rooftop oasis has sprung back to life, bringing a taste of Roman summer energy to Carlton right in time for Melbourne rooftop season. Owners Jamie Valmorbida and Luca Sbardella have joined forces with architect Dion Hall (known for his work at Music Room, Supernormal, Pidapipo Laboratorio and Rare Hare) to give the place a snazzy makeover and increase the site's capacity. They've even thrown in a semi-retractable roof, because Melbourne weather. Celebrity chef and author Karen Martini, who has taken on the role of Culinary Director, has whipped up an Italian-inspired menu that's all about sharing — think 48-hour slow-fermented dough pizzas and stacks of cicchetti — which is great because food tastes better when it's pinched from someone else's plate. Expect a culinary journey from Carlton to the coasts of Italy, minus the jet lag. As for the drinks, cocktail guru Matthew Bax (formerly Bar Americano) is crafting the cocktail list as an ode to Italian outdoor drinking. Envision sophisticated yet cool sips with a side of people-watching — one of the oldest and greatest forms of entertainment. The wine program comes from sommelier George McCullough and features mostly Italian drops from both established and emerging winemakers. Vibes will be set from afar, thanks to Hope St Radio. The crew has collaborated with Johnny's Green Room to curate a year-round music program that'll feature Melbourne DJs and live music acts. You'll find Johnny's Green Room at 293 Lygon Street in Carlton, open from midday till late every day of the week. Head to the venue's website for more details. Images: Arianna Leggiero
Billboards are traditionally known for their advertising, but in a world first, Peruvians prove they can offer an alternative function: producing water out of thin air. The University of Engineering and Technology in Lima, the second largest capital city in the world set on a desert, has developed this incredible billboard, which could improve the health of hundreds of citizens. The contraption contains generators that capture the air's humidity, which due to the lack of rain in the region is usually at 98 percent. This is then treated through air and carbon filters, condensed into purified water, and stored in tanks to be accessed by taps at the base of the billboard. Because so many people in the area source their (often polluted) water from wells, this potable water is a real help to the millions of residents of the city. The billboard produces 9450L water over a period of three months, which is enough clean water to cover the consumption of hundreds of families each month. The multifunction billboard does also advertise for the University that developed it — but then, this innovative, life-saving creation does warrant the right to brag just a little bit. Take a look at this video to find out more about how the billboard works and the effects it's had on the people of Lima. Via PSFK.
After its inaugural take in 2017, Pitch Music & Arts Festival is coming back in 2019, this time with an even bigger lineup of electronic acts and visual art on display. The four-day event will again take over Mafeking — about three hours northwest of Melbourne — from Friday, March 8 to Monday, March 11. The BYO camping festival is brought to you by the team behind Beyond the Valley, who will set up a satellite community out in the bush and invite festival-goers to pitch a tent — with glamping setups on offer — then fully immerse themselves in the weekend's festivities. Those festivities primarily centre around the live music offering, with 45 acts already announced (up from 30 in 2017) and more to follow. The 2019 international lineup features UK techno trendsetter Daniel Avery, the State's emerging techno heavy hitter Avalon Emerson and live electronica by Germany's David August. Denmark's DJ Courtesy, UK dance king Denis Sulta and warehouse techno DJ Eclair Fifi also make the docket, alongside local Aussie acts like Toni Yotzi, Banoffee and 30/70 live. You can check out the full lineup here. On the arts side of things, you can expect CGI, spacial design and light installations from a host of Australian artists and creative companies, all of which are arranged to interact with the festival at large. Pitch Music & Arts Festival will run from March 8–11, 2019, in Mafeking, Victoria. You can register for pre-sale tickets here — they go on sale at midday on Tuesday, October 30.
Whatever you've been dreaming about getting for Christmas, here's one thing that you don't have to write a letter to Santa for: a festive action-comedy about a Christmas Eve heist where a certain red suit- and white beard-wearing fellow kicks ass and tries to save the day. Making Violent Night an extra present of a film when it hits cinemas in December (when else?) is the man getting jolly, too: Stranger Things favourite David Harbour. The actor behind Hopper will get ho-ho-hoing in the seasonal flick — and dispensing with mercenaries like he's a Father Christmas version of John Wick. Hawaiian shirts are out, clearly, replaced by the expected Santa getup. The same no-nonsense attitude remains, though, as seen in the movie's just-dropped first trailer. Harbour as the merriest figure there is rescuing Christmas when a kid calls for his help? That's the basic plot, but there is slightly more to it. Those aforementioned mercenaries break into a wealth family compound on the night before the big festive day, taking everyone hostage. But Santa also happens to be there — and uttering lines like "time for season's beatings" as he gets to work. Those John Wick comparisons are by design, with 87North, the producers of franchise plus Nobody, Atomic Blonde, Deadpool 2, Bullet Train and Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, behind the film. And yes, there's more than a little bit of Die Hard thrown in as well — just in a home rather than Nakatomi Plaza. Brooklyn Nine-Nine's Jake Peralta would approve. On-screen, Harbour is joined by John Wick's John Leguizamo, plus Cam Gigandet (Without Remorse), Alex Hassell (Cowboy Bebop), Alexis Louder (The Terminal List), Edi Patterson (The Righteous Gemstones) and Beverly D'Angelo (Shooter). And behind the lens, Norwegian director Tommy Wirkola (Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters, the Dead Snow franchise) is in the director's chair — and the script is penned by by Pat Casey and Josh Miller, after writing the terrible Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Check out the trailer below: Violent Night opens in cinemas Down Under on December 1.
Gone are the days when mobile phones didn't fit in anyone's pocket and Snake was the only game available; however the process of charging your trusty device hasn't changed much over the years. Cable ports might look a little different and smartphones have definitely gotten smaller, but juicing up your handset still takes the one thing we all don't have enough of: time. Well, it does at the moment — even if you have your own portable charger always sitting at the bottom of your bag, and even if you've scoped out every free charging station and spare powerpoint around town. Enter an Australian researcher who wants to make this timely chore not only quicker but instantaneous, all through the use of quantum batteries. In fact, the University of Adelaide's Dr James Quach is planning to build the world's first quantum battery, which will harness the unique properties of quantum mechanics. He's just been appointed the institution's newest Ramsay Fellow — a scheme that aims to keep local bright minds working to advance scientific research — and will now spend the next four years trying to create quantum batteries to replace the ones in everyday electronic devices. If you're wondering how it all works — and how your phone, Kindle, computer or other gadget will go from one to 100-percent charge faster than you can click your fingers — it's based on a feature of quantum mechanics called entanglement, which sees two objects sharing their individual properties. Accordingly, the more batteries that are placed together, the more powerful their charging capacity. "If one quantum battery takes one hour to charge, then two would take 30 minutes, three would take 20 minutes, and so on," Dr Quach explains. "If you had ten thousand batteries, they would all charge in less than a second." While the concept has been discussed in papers since 2013, the academic plans to "take the theory from the blackboard to the lab." More than that, the ultimate goal is to build larger quantum batteries for use beyond simply making sure your iPhone keeps buzzing. "The long-term aim is to scale up, to build bigger batteries which will support renewable energy technologies by making it possible for continuous energy supply no matter the weather conditions – rain, hail or shine," says Dr Quach.
UPDATE: JULY 1, 2020 — Due to worldwide cinema closures and other concerns around COVID-19, Tenet will no longer release on its initially scheduled date of Thursday, July 17, 2020. Instead, it will now release on Thursday, August 13. This article has been updated to reflect that change. 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. Every ten years, Christopher Nolan sends audiences on a wild journey. The Batman Begins, The Prestige and Interstellar filmmaker makes movies more often than that, but a decade seems to be how long it takes to indulge his weird and wonderful side. In 2000, that led to Memento, the film that helped bring the writer/director to broader attention. In 2010, Inception and its dreams within dreams were the end result. Now, in 2020, Nolan is trifling with time and tasking BlacKkKlansman's John David Washington with trying to stop World War III, all in the trippy Tenet. Indeed, when an initial trailer for the film dropped last year, it instantly gave off big Inception vibes. Combining temporal trickery, logic-defying stunts, Michael Caine and an ominous, droning score will do that. The fact that the trailer didn't reveal much in the way of narrative detail also helped more than a little. Now, a new sneak peek has just hit after first premiering via the video game Fortnite — and it provides a bit more information. This being a Nolan flick, Tenet is certain to save its biggest surprises until it releases in cinemas; however, the new trailer does confirm that communicating with the future and reversing the flow of time are both on the agenda. Yes, that paints a very intriguing picture, with the new footage combining fresh clips with a few sights already seen in original trailer. Washington plays a spy, partnered with Robert Pattinson, who is trying to stave off something worse than a nuclear holocaust. To do so, he "journeys through a twilight world of international espionage on a mission that will unfold in something beyond real time", according to the film's official synopsis. That means inversion — not time travel, as he makes plain in the new footage. Tenet also features Australian actor Elizabeth Debicki (Widows), Harry Potter's Clémence Poésy, Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Avengers: Age of Ultron), Himesh Patel (Yesterday), Martin Donovan (Ant-Man) and Kenneth Branagh — with the latter also starring in Nolan's last film, the World War II epic Dunkirk. And as for when you're likely to see the filmmaker's 11th feature, it's currently now slated for a mid-August release — a change from its initial mid-July release, which was listed in the text beneath the new trailer on YouTube. It's interesting to note that the trailer itself doesn't include a release date, however. The film has been heralded as the big blockbuster that'll help reopen cinemas after their COVID-19 shutdown, but whether that'll happen is yet to be seen — and will depend upon the status not just of cinemas Down Under but around the world, and especially whether theatres have opened en masse in the US (including in major markets such as New York and Los Angeles). Check out the latest Tenet trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3pk_TBkihU Tenet is slated to release in Australian cinemas on August 13, 2020. We'll update you if that changes again. Top images: Copyright: © 2020 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved. Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
Biding your time until the next seasons of Stranger Things and Orange Is the New Black start, or just looking for a fun new procrastination technique? Netflix's new online video game helps you do both — and outrun the Demogorgon, avoid prison cafeteria trays, send Pablo Escobar speeding through the Colombian jungle or Marco Polo dashing along a Chinese street. Four of the streaming service's popular original shows have been turned into levels in the free side-scrolling game Netflix Infinite Runner, and yes, the title is a great indication of what players will be doing. They each involve pressing the spacebar to send a running Mike Wheeler, Piper Chapman and company jumping over obstacles like Hawkins National Laboratory works and collecting items such as chickens. That's really all there is to it, but we all know that the simplest things can be the most addictive. Basically, don't underestimate how much time you're likely to spend playing them (and yes, we're talking from experience). Plus, in keeping with the low-res vibe, you'll also hear a version of each program's theme while you play. https://twitter.com/NetflixAsia/status/817263342838370311 Via The Verge.
Founded in Helsinki in 1951, Marimekko has since become one of the world's most beloved design houses. Alongside many likeminded businesses, the brand's Melbourne outlet is located on Chapel Street, where you can explore a bold collection of timeless textiles, clothing, accessories and homewares. Sprawling across 200 square metres of space, Marimekko is a stylish maze of bright items that have been designed specifically to give your home a comfortable atmosphere. If you need another incentive to take a peek, most of Marimekko's range is sustainably produced from ethically sourced materials. Images: Parker Blain.
As the apple belt of Australia, Goulburn Valley may have a place in your heart for providing all that thirst-quenching apple juicy goodness, but it's about to be known for something else too. Mitchelton Winery, one of the region's prettiest winery destinations, is launching a $16 million luxury boutique hotel so now you can indulge in that second glass and stay overnight. The hotel is nestled in a crook of the Goulburn River and surrounded acres of fertile grape land. Against a lush background, the Mitchelton Hotel and Spa is a striking slice of minimalist heaven for people who like quality, not gaudy, luxury. As well as 58 rooms on offer, they also have a 20-metre infinity pool and spa. The hotel was designed by the good folk at Hecker Guthrie and they've gone hard on the natural textures — expect a lot of divine linen and exposed timber — and tied it all together with a dark, muted colour palette. With an in-room selection of the vineyard's finest drops, you may never want to leave your suite but you definitely should, to take a stroll through the stunning grounds. The experience doesn't stop there though, you can also indulge in the decadent in-house restaurant and cellar, and a chocolate café serving up couverture chocolates and cakes. The hotel is taking bookings for summer now so if you're all about wine, minimalist luxe and imported chocolate, well, hop to it. Mitchelton Winery will open on Friday, December 1 at 470 Mitchellstown Road, Nagambie. For more info or to book, visit mitchelton.com.au.
If you liked choosing your way through Black Mirror: Bandersnatch — or telling Bear Grylls what to do in interactive series You vs. Wild — then Netflix has more where that came from. Come Tuesday, May 12, you'll be able to decide what happens to everyone's favourite kidnapping victim turned wide-eyed New Yorker in a one-off Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt special. While the Tina Fey co-created, 18-time Emmy-nominated comedy finished up its regular run with 2019's batch of episodes, which closed out the show's fourth season, it's coming back this month to put viewers in control. Netflix has actually been in the interactive game for a couple of years thanks to its children's shows like Puss in Boots, Buddy Thunderstruck and Stretch Armstrong; however this'll mark the streamer's first interactive comedy. Always wanted to curb Kimmy's (Ellie Kemper) ample enthusiasm? Keen to steer ex-socialite Jacqueline White (Jane Krakowski) towards a few sensible decisions? Think that landlord Lillian (Carol Kane) could be more eccentric and misanthropic? Just love everything that aspiring actor and singer Titus Andromedon (Tituss Burgess) does? Then this is for you, obviously. If you're fond of Jon Hamm's Reverend Richard Wayne Gary Wayne, too, you're also in luck — this interactive episode is called Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend, after all. A whole heap of other famous faces co-star as well, including Daniel Radcliffe, Amy Sedaris, Fred Armisen, Chris Parnell, Jack McBrayer and Johnny Knoxville. Story-wise, as the just-dropped trailer shows, Kimmy is preparing to marry Radcliffe's Frederick in three days. Then she finds an old library book in her beloved childhood backpack, which sets her on a collision course with the Reverend — who just might have another bunker hidden away. Viewers can expect a wedding, a journey across three US states, explosions, an evil plan and potentially starting a war against robots. Along the way, you'll help Kimmy decide if she should make out with Frederick, and choose whether Titus should wait 4000 minutes for an Uber instead of walking — and they're just the two decision points shown in the trailer. Announcing the special last year, Tina Fey explained that "fans will be able to make choices on behalf of our characters, taking different story paths with, of course, different jokes," in a Netflix statement. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZWmRUxOj9g Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend will hit Netflix on Tuesday, May 12. Top images: Netflix.
After an unseasonably warm winter, anyone who has been outside this month will have noticed the trend continuing, with Sydney's weather seeming to forget that spring comes before summer. Indeed, fresh from experiencing one of the hottest winter days on record, the city has just hit the same milestone when it comes to September evenings. Earlier this week, Weatherzone predicted that the temperature would reach sweltering heights this weekend, and they weren't wrong. Overnight, the mercury didn't dip below 26 degrees, ready for a high of 33 degrees today. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that when the temperature did make it to 25.7 minimum this morning, it still eclipsed the September record by 3.7 degrees. And, the records keep coming. The September high for the entire state was broken yesterday according to the ABC, with temperatures topping out at 40.5 degrees in Wilcannia in western New South Wales. With White Cliffs and Bourke, the town became the first in the state to venture over 40 degrees during September. Just over the border, Mildura hit the highest temperature ever recorded in Victoria during September, making it to 37.7 degrees. https://twitter.com/weatherzone/status/911539706302676993 Things are expected to cool down on Monday, for those in need of a reprieve — aka everyone. For now, total fire bans are in place across large parts of the state. And if you're feeling some anxiety about global warming, and what the rest of the year holds in store, that's completely understandable. We've said it before and we'll say it again: best grab a fan now; it's going to get quite the workout. By Sarah Ward. Via ABC / Sydney Morning Herald.
It goes without saying, Melbourne's characteristically buzzing cultural ecosystem has thrived this year, with the city's most innovative, forward-thinking residents taking bold risks in their field. More inventive, forward-thinking and experimental than ever, Melbourne's newest bars have been upping the city's already renowned libation reputation, with countless interpretations of the age-old wine bar. At Concrete Playground we encourage exploration and showcase innovation in our city every day, so we thought it fitting to reward those most talented whippersnappers pushing Melbourne to be a better, braver city. And so, these six new bars, opened in 2016, have been nominated for Best New Bar in Concrete Playground's Best of 2016 Awards. Vote for your favourite.
If your resolutions for 2023 involve being your best self in the kitchen, this year keeps bringing folks Australia's way who can definitely help. First, Israeli chef Yotam Ottolenghi made his way around the country on a speaking tour. In May, Britain's Marco Pierre White is doing the same. And, also the same month, the one and only Nigella Lawson will enjoy her latest visit Down Under. Dubbed An Evening with Nigella Lawson, this tour will see the television and cookbook favourite chat through her culinary secrets — and food in general, her life and career, and more. If you're the kind of person who starts plotting your next meal before you've even finished the last, or loves eating more than anything else, Lawson's visit will help get right to the guts of your food obsession. And, the Melbourne event at Hamer Hall from 7.30pm on Friday, May 19 will also feature a Q&A component so that you can ask Lawson whatever you've always wanted to yourself. Even when she isn't answering audience questions, Lawson will have plenty to cover — she has a hefty pile of cookbooks to her name, starting with 1998's How to Eat: Pleasures and Principles of Good Food and including 2020's Nigella's Cook, Eat, Repeat. When she hasn't been filling our bookshelves with recipes, she's been whipping through them on TV, too, on everything from Nigella Bites, Nigella Feasts, Nigella Kitchen and Nigellissima through to Simply Nigella and Nigella: At My Table. And, she's been popping up on Top Chef, MasterChef Australia and My Kitchen Rules as well.
When JK Rowling dropped those last terrible three words on us at the close of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, all was not well. It would never be well without Harry, Ron, Hermione and co. in our lives. But great things are bubbling in the wizarding world, with Supreme Mugwump Rowling announcing the release of an eighth Harry Potter book. If we look Petrified, it's because HOLY SHIT. According to Pottermore, Rowling's own kickass content website, 2016 will see a special rehearsal edition of the script book of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts I & II — Rowling's first play on London's West End that picks up 19 years after Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and that abominably cheery epilogue on Platform 9 3/4. Print and digital editions of the book will publish right after the play's world premiere in winter 2016. You'll be able to read the version of the script from the Cursed Child's preview performances (a Definitive Collector's Edition will come later). JUST. LOOK. AT. IT. What's in store for Harry and the gang? The Cursed Child is set 19 years after the end of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Harry is now a Ministry of Magic employee, and the play focuses on his youngest son Albus Severus Potter — the heart pangs. The official synopsis of the play (and now official eighth book) was released by co-writers J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany on October 23, 2015: "It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children. While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places." It's been 20 years since the UK publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Twenty. Re-read it, go see Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them when the film comes out and sit on your sorting hats until the EIGHTH HARRY POTTER BOOK arrives. Oh god, I need a butterbeer. Via Pottermore.
In great news for your bank account and your wanderlust alike, Australia will soon be home to a new low-cost airline, with Bonza slated to fly 27 routes between 17 destinations around the country when it takes to the skies. In great news for your tastebuds, and for local producers as well, the carrier is also set to throw Aussie foods and brews some love when it does start soaring through the heavens. Although exactly when Bonza will commence its flights is yet to be revealed, those trips will come with a completely homegrown in-flight menu. The airline has announced that its entire culinary lineup will hero Australian items — all 40-plus products — including many made by Aussie small businesses. Travellers can look forward to tucking into banana bread waffles and a snag in a bag, plus fava beans by Happy Snack Company, Mildura Chocolate Company's giant chocolate freckles and bikkies by Aussie Biscuits. The Handmade Food Co, Silver Tongue Foods and Mama Kaz will also be keeping passengers' appetites sated, including via sandwiches, crackers and muffins. Plus, folks after vegan and vegetarian options can expect vegan sandwiches, brownies, Chappy's Snacks chips and AmazeBalls Popped Cheese from Ashgrove Cheese. Drinks-wise, there'll be a focus on Aussie craft beer, including tipples by Your Mates Brewing Co, Ballistic Beer Co and Spinifex Brewing Company. Fancy a brew without the booze? Heaps Normal Quiet XPA will also be on the menu. Back to the hard stuff, Sirromet Wines is taking care of the vino — red, white, rosé and sparkling all included — while Sunshine & Sons is gin, vodka and rum duty. And if you're looking for a coffee instead, Groundskeeper Willie's cold-drop coffee in a can will onboard. For soft drinks, Saxby's cola, lemonade and sugar-free ginger beer will be on offer. In addition to supporting local, many of Bonza's chosen food and beverage suppliers boast significant social and environmental efforts. Ballistic donates to helping injured turtles in the Whitsundays, a portion of Spinifex's profits go to veterans' mental health, Mildura Chocolate Company invests its profits into training and employment opportunities for people with disability or disadvantage, and Aussie Biscuits is a social enterprise that employs people with disability, for instance. Whatever looks set to satisfy your hunger, it won't come to you via a catering trolley. Instead, Bonza's cabin staff will be assigned seat rows to look after on each flight. So, you'll order and pay via the app, then have whatever you've selected brought to your seat. And, you can make multiple purchases throughout your trip rather than having to wait for the trolley to get to you — which is great news if you're sitting in the last row. When it hits the air, the airline will service locations such as Bundaberg, Cairns, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, the Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Townsville and the Whitsundays in Queensland; Albury, Coffs Harbour, Newcastle and Port Macquarie in New South Wales; and Melbourne, Avalon and Mildura in Victoria — with a big focus on regional destinations. Launching with the backing of US private investment firm 777 Partners, which also has a hand in Canada's Flair Airlines and the Southeast Asian-based Value Alliance, Bonza will also base its headquarters on the Sunshine Coast, too. And yes, a number of its food and drink suppliers hail from the region. Bonza doesn't yet have a launch date — we'll update you when one is announced. For more information, head to the airline's website. And for its full list of routes, you'll need to download the airline's app for Android and iOS.
Game of Thrones might be coming to an end, but HBO isn't done with secrets, scheming, lies, bickering, battles and betrayal just yet. After all things Westeros wraps up later this month, the network is returning to Monterey, California — with Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Laura Dern, Shailene Woodley, Zoë Kravitz and Meryl Streep. Put any one of those actors on screen and viewers will follow. Stick them all in the same TV program, and it's set to become one of the biggest shows of the year. Yes, Big Little Lies is back for a second season, and it's added three-time Oscar winner Streep to its latest dose of murky mysteries, tested friendships and life-altering events. And more lies, obviously. If you missed the huge Emmy and Golden Globe-winning first series back in 2017, it follows a group of women whose children all go to the same school. Oh, and who all got caught up in a murder tale, naturally. Based on the book by Australian author Liane Moriarty, it originally aired as a one-season once-off, but its enormous popularity (and a hefty swag of awards) has helped bring the drama back for another series. While an initial teaser dropped in April, HBO has just released the first proper look at the new season. Unsurprisingly, the drama has been ratcheted up a few levels, with the arrival of Streep's new character hardly helping matters. Witherspoon, Kidman, Dern, Woodley and Kravitz were all among the cast the initial time around, but Streep joins the fold as Mary Louise, the visiting mother-in-law to Kidman's Celeste. And, like everyone else, she doesn't quite expect she'll hear the truth when she starts asking questions about the previous season's developments. Also hopping on board is director Andrea Arnold, of Fish Tank, Wuthering Heights and American Honey fame, who is helming all seven episodes in the season season. She takes over from C.R.A.Z.Y., Dallas Buyers Club and Wild filmmaker Jean-Marc Vallée, who did the same for the first season. Check out the new full trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCWevZV945M Big Little Lies airs on Foxtel Showcase weekly from Monday, June 10. Image: Jennifer Clasen/HBO.
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.
Remember March 2020, when lockdowns first hit, panic-buying toilet paper became a thing and everyone watched the same true-crime docoseries? It now seems like an eternity ago, but our memories do still stretch back that far. We'll all always equate the beginning of the pandemic with Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness, after all, and do the same when it comes to last year in general and Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin-related news. Netflix isn't done with all you cool cats and kittens just just yet, however. When Tiger King became a huge hit, another season of the docuseries itself was floated — and now the streamer has confirmed that Tiger King 2 will surface before 2021 is over. Exactly what it'll focus on hasn't yet been revealed, but an incarcerated Exotic pops up in the brief snippets seen in the platform's new trailer for its upcoming true-crime slate. Also featured: Baskin, obviously. Last year, when news of more Tiger King first did the rounds, it was expected that the filmmakers behind the popular doco would actually turn their attention to a different big cat-related tale: the 2003 mauling attack at a Siegfried and Roy show. That might still come to fruition; however, for now, all you cool cats and kittens are heading back to familiar territory. And yes, other projects leapt on the Joe Exotic bandwagon over the past 18 months, endeavouring to capitalise upon the worldwide obsession with him, Baskin and the duo's strange intertwined story. So, in the near future, you'll also be watching a dramatised series with Kate McKinnon as Baskin that's been shooting in Australia this year. Sadly, another drama with Nicolas Cage as Exotic that was announced last year has since been scrapped. Back to Netflix, the platform also has four other big true-crime titles in the works. In January 2022, three-part series The Puppet Master: Hunting the Ultimate Conman will hit the service, with the filmmakers behind The Imposter telling a tale that dates back to 2005 but still has new developments today. Then, in February 2022, get ready for The Tinder Swindler, a film that's clearly about another conman — one who posed as a billionaire playboy on Tinder — and the women who decided to bring him down. Also arriving next year sometime is movie Trust No One: The Hunt for the Crypto King, about investors trying to get to the truth behind cryptocurrency multimillionaire Gerry Cotten's suspicious death, and also attempting to find the missing $250 million they think he stole. And then there's Bad Vegan, a series that sees celebrity restaurateur Sarma Melngailis get scammed out of millions after a man convinces her that he can grow her food empire and make her beloved pit bull immortal. Yes, really. Check out the teaser trailer for Netflix's true-crime slate below: Tiger King 2 will hit Netflix sometime before 2021 ends — we'll update you when an exact date is announced. For further information about the streaming platform's upcoming true-crime slate, head to the Netflix website.
When a film casts a universally adored actor as an unlucky-in-love character, it sends the world a message: that romance's joys and heartbreaks spare no one. When a movie tasks its protagonist with grappling with technology, it makes another statement: that the advancements meant to makes our lives easier can, and often do, have the exact opposite effect. Not just tried-and-tested, but commonplace, these cinematic choices have become cliches. The truisms they represent are already well-known and well-worn, too. And yet reminders don't go astray when they're not only clever and compelling, but baked into a catfishing thriller as twisty, perceptive and engaging as Who You Think I Am, which turns subverting expectations into its very mission. Nothing is what it seems in this French standout. As the picture's moniker makes plain, that includes its protagonist, as played by Juliette Binoche. Starring in a film that initially appears a kindred spirit to last year's rom-com Let the Sunshine In, the acclaimed talent again steps into the shoes of an unhappily single 50-something who's newly navigating the dating pool. Where Claire Denis' rom-com poignantly revelled in the ebbs and flows of being unattached later in life, filmmaker Safy Nebbou uses the scenario as a springboard to examine the contradictions of today's always-online, always-connected society. Finding a partner, whether for now or forever, may be as straightforward as swiping across a screen these days, but it's also burdened with complications and deceptions. There's a glimmer of defiance twinkling in Binoche's eyes when her character, university academic Claire, takes her love life in a drastic direction after her divorce. Adjusting to the new status quo, she still wants to be desired. So, if her ex can run off with someone much younger, then she can have flings with men half her age. When her latest squeeze starts fading out of her life, she also takes up cyberstalking. To discover why Ludo (Guillaume Gouix) has called time on their dalliance without any real explanation, Claire becomes Clara, a fresh-faced fashion intern aged just 24. Soon, the professor isn't just trawling through social media looking for answers about her latest breakup — under her new persona, she's cosying up to Ludo's friend and assistant Alex (François Civil). The ordinary act of clicking "like" on Facebook sparks a thread of direct messages, then texts, then hot-and-heavy phone calls, with Clara and Alex's online affair getting serious quickly. Adapted by Nebbou and co-screenwriter Julie Peyr from Camille Laurens' novel, Who You Think I Am isn't content to just inch towards the expected revelation one keystroke at a time. Nor is it happy to merely probe the unfair importance placed on appearances in the online dating realm, or the ageist tendency to erase women over a certain age. All of the above play a part in this icily, meticulously shot flick, but its insistence on never fitting neatly into any category extends to a narrative that keeps branching off in different directions. Framed by chats between Claire and her therapist (Nicole Garcia), as obsessed with duality as any Hitchcock classic, and also purposefully referencing the notoriously slippery and seductive Dangerous Liaisons, the end result is snaky thriller, a contemplative drama and even a thorny romance. Or, much like Claire, it's a movie with more than one identity. Continuing an exceptional recent run that also includes witty literary comedy Non-Fiction and the stellar, space-set High Life, it goes without saying that Binoche is the glue holding Who You Think I Am together. The film is impressively scripted, structured, shot and styled, and would retain these facets even with a different lead — however the right performer can always elevate a great picture to a higher level. While investing in the story's twists and turns is crucial, and something that Nebbou achieves with aplomb, believing in Claire is even more vital. Whether agonising over the right wording for her next message, itching for the phone that becomes her portal to another world, or confidently embracing not just her online charade, but the chance to rewrite her own tale, Binoche ensures that audiences are with her lonely, yearning character every step of the way. A catfishing movie that makes you empathise with the perpetrator? That's just one of the delights of this sharp, smart and savvily layered surprise package. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShwXIOszzIM
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, New South Wales did not close its borders to domestic travellers — until last week. On July 1, NSW banned Melburnians from one of the 36 (now 40) "hot zone" suburbs from travelling into the northern state. From 11.59pm on Tuesday, July 7, NSW is closing its border to all Victorians. It's the first time in 100 years the border between the two states has closed — the last time was in 1919 during the Spanish Flu. The move comes as Victoria's coronavirus cases continue to spike, with 127 new cases recorded in the past 24. This is the highest daily total for the state since the pandemic began (previously it was 111 on Saturday, March 28). Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews says that a permit system will be in place for those who have essential travel to NSW, including for those who live in border communities and need to cross the border for work or essential health services. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian is expected to announce more details about the permit later today, Monday, July 6. Premier Andrews says the decision to close the border was made after a phone call earlier today with Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Premier Berejiklian. "All of us agreed that the best thing to do was to close the border," Premier Andrews said. "That closure will be enforced on the NSW side, so as not to be a drain on resources that are very much focused on fighting the virus right now across our state". Victorians in the aforementioned 40 hotspots suburbs are now under strict stay-at-home orders until at least Wednesday, July 29, and the residents of nine public housing towers are in "hard lockdown" for five days from July 4. At the moment, Victorians from hotspots are required to quarantine for 14 days if they enter NSW — just like returned international travellers — and if they don't, could be slapped with an $11,000 fine and spend up to six months in jail. The same rules apply for NSW residents who visit Victorian hotspots, too — when you head back over the border, you'll need to quarantine and, if you don't, you'll risk the same fines or jail sentence. Whether or not these same rules, and punishments, will apply to all Victorians — and NSW residents who visit anywhere in Victoria — are expected to be announced later today by the NSW Government. You can find out more about the status of COVID-19 at the NSW Health and Victorian Department of Health and Human Services websites.
Fitzroy's resident all-hours R&B grime bar Laundry has long been the place to hear some dirty tunes and be one with the d-floor on a Saturday night, but come Tuesday, January 24 it'll play host to something a little more #cleanliving: hip hop yoga. Led by local yogi Drew Watson with accompanying beats from MIMI (of CRXZY SXXY CXXL), who will mine the back catalogues of just your average kings and queens of music — Kanye, Drake, Chance The Rapper, Beyoncè, Rihanna, et al. The soundtrack might be hectic but don't be afraid, the class will cater for yoga beginners as well as the more experienced. Even better than finding inner zen to Drake's 'Started At The Bottom' is the fact that all the proceeds will go to the Victorian Salvation Army. Tickets are limited, however, so snap 'em up quick smart.
With restaurant doors closed to dine-ins and weekend getaways on hold, lots of Victorian producers are living life on the back foot right now. But of course, there's always room in your life for some locally made or -grown goodies, pandemic or otherwise. And now, you can find countless ways to support our homegrown heroes from the comfort of your couch, with the Victorian Government's new Click for Vic campaign. This new website's all about celebrating Victorian businesses and encouraging users to continue shopping local via a curation of online stores. Scroll through to find a handy edit of local booze brands, coffee merchants, fashion retailers, makers and creatives, food producers and more. You can hone in on giftwares to find that special pressie, take a virtual shopping tour of your favourite weekend destination, or browse a selection of eateries offering takeaway and pick-up fare. [caption id="attachment_775941" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Maha on Providoor[/caption] Click for Vic's also partnered up with a handful of other specialised sites to help keep Melburnians connected to their local producers, all of which can be accessed here as well. The Regional Pantry's online store is stocked with a range of goodies from all Yarra Valley producers, while High Country At Home showcases products from across the High Country region, along with expert-led virtual experiences like gin appreciation sessions and cooking classes. Co-Lab Pantry is slinging ready-made meals and pantry staples from a lineup of much-loved Melbourne venues, and over at Providoor, you can order chef-prepared dishes from favourites like Supernormal and Bomba, designed to finish and devour at home. Plus, you'll find a sprawling selection of homewares, gifts, fresh produce, booze and more, to browse and buy online from the Victorian Country Market website. Set up like a virtual marketplace, this one's easy to shop by category or region, with a broad lineup of offerings promising hours of retail therapy. Shop a huge range of local wares by heading to the Click for Vic website. Top images: Co-Lab Pantry
New Christmas, new spate of fresh festive flicks to add to your seasonal viewing: that's now an annual trend in these streaming platform-saturated times. A creative spin on A Christmas Carol, but as a musical starring Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds, is one such newcomer vying for your eyeballs now that the merriest time of the year is upon us. And, dropping on Stan on Thursday, December 1, Australia's own Christmas Ransom is another. Everyone has their Christmas viewing rituals, whether you watch your way through every Home Alone movie each year (yes, even the recent one), pop on It's a Wonderful Life with the family after a big lunch or prefer saying yippee ki-yay to Die Hard. Until recently, however, it's likely that watching Aussie festive films wasn't high on your list, given this country of ours doesn't have all that much seasonal fare to its name. Back in 2020, streaming service Stan aimed to help change that with A Sunburnt Christmas, a festive caper about a criminal, some kids and end-of-year hijinks — aka Australia's answer to Home Alone and Bad Santa, in a way. In 2022, the platform is now adding Christmas Ransom to the list, starring Miranda Tapsell and Matt Okine. As first announced back in September — and as you can now see in the just-dropped trailer — Christmas Ransom stars Okine (The Other Guy) as every kid's second-favourite person during festive season: the owner of a toy store. Things aren't too merry for his character, however, when his shop is held up by thieves on Christmas Eve. And yes, as the name makes plain, he's held for ransom. These kinds of Christmas movies usually involve children, whether or not they turn them into Macaulay Culkin-level stars — so obviously a couple of kids get caught up in the heist. To save the day, they enlist the help of Tapsell (Top End Wedding), who plays a pregnant security officer. Stan notes that this new on-screen Christmas gift is inspired by Home Alone, Die Hard and Elf. If you've ever seen just one sesaonal flick for even just a few minutes, you will have spotted plenty that's predictable about the setup. Alongside Tapsell and Okine, Christmas Ransom stars Ed Oxenbould (Wildlife), Genevieve Lemon (The Tourist), Bridie McKim (Bump), Evan Stanhope (Thor: Love and Thunder), Tahlia Sturzaker (Ascendant) and Chai Hansen (The Newsreader) — and boasts Adele Vuko (Wham Bam Thank You Ma'am) in the director's chair. Add it to your festive viewing alongside this year's other new Aussie Christmas film, if it also surfaces in time: the upcoming movie based on Paul Christmas classic 'How to Make Gravy'. Otherwise, this newcomer will join the likes of A Sunburnt Christmas; Bush Christmas, both the 1947 and 1983 versions; the animated Around the World with Dot; and recent-ish horror movies Red Christmas and Better Watch Out — the latter also featuring Oxenbould. Check out the trailer for Christmas Ransom below: Christmas Ransom will be available to stream via Stan from Thursday, December 1.
In these cutthroat days of citizen journalism, a single tweet can obliterate a career. Just ask all these people. That which has been posted — and shared 20,000 times — cannot be unposted. And whether you were drunk, feeling sorry for yourself, on some kind of weird ego trip (Anthony Weiner = Carlos Danger?), really bad at conveying irony, genuinely misunderstood or just plain stupid when you penned the fatal line, excuses aren’t likely to get you out of hot water. Precedent suggests that neither your employer nor the angry mob is likely to be too easily persuaded. But if your most ill-thought-through posts are still buried deep in your feed, rather than across the front page of the Daily Mail, there’s hope. A new app by the name of Clear can burrow into your social media past, analyse your history and flag posts that seem inflammatory or offensive. Based on a mix of miraculous algorithms and Watson, a supercomputer created by IBM, the app works on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Clear’s creator is a man who’s name you might have seen in the headlines. Earlier this year, EthanCzahor was working on a campaign for Jeb Bush, former governor of Florida and possible 2015 presidentialcandidate, when a flurry of old tweets appeared out of thecyber-ether. One read, “Most people don’t know that Halloween is German for ‘night that girls with low self-esteem dress like sluts.’” And another, “When I burp in the gym I feel like it’s my way of saying, ‘sorry guys, but I’m not gay’.”Czahor lost his job within 48 hours of starting, which was a huge blow for a 31-year-old who’d spent his twenties pursuing a career in politics. From the get-go, Ethan maintained that the tweets were jokes, the meaning of which had become skewed. “I was telling jokes with my friends and they were completely tongue-in-cheek and completely harmless,” he told Time. “But years later after I had forgotten about them, they’d been pulled out of context and it looked terrible.” “You exist in a lot of places on the Internet,” he said. “And I just feel that you have the right to at least know what’s out there, and to take care of it.” Via Mashable and Time.
The Melbourne International Film Festival has been showcasing the best that cinema has to offer for seven decades now, but it has never hosted a fest like its upcoming 2021 event. Given that every year's festival heralds a fresh lineup filled with new big-screen gems, that's always true in a fashion; however, this is the first time that MIFF is going both physical and digital in a significant way. MIFF's just-announced full 2021 program boasts plenty of must-see movies, including opening night's previously revealed Australian standout The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson; Adam Driver-starring musical Annette, which screens straight from opening this year's Cannes Film Festival; and a festival-record 40 world premieres in total. It also offers multiple ways for audiences to watch its selection, including folks who aren't or can't make the trip to Melbourne. Accordingly, between Thursday, August 5–Sunday, August 22, Melburnians can head to a range of local cinemas — and from Saturday, August 14–Sunday, August 22, cinephiles all around the country can watch from home, too. Neither group will be short on options, although the in-person lineup is considerably bigger than the program of flicks that'll be available to watch on the festival's new online viewing platform, MIFF Play. In total, this year's fest spans 283 titles, including 199 features, 84 shorts and 10 virtual reality experiences, with 62 of those also available to watch digitally. MIFF's 2021 closing night pick is one of the films that movie buffs can choose to view in either setting. Directed by and starring Natalie Morales (The Little Things), and completely filmed via Zoom in 2020, Language Lessons is a platonic rom-com about a Spanish teacher (Morales) and her new student (Mark Duplass, Bombshell). It's also one of the big-name titles on the full lineup this year, alongside Memoria, which features Tilda Swinton in Cemetery of Splendour filmmaker Apichatpong Weerasethakul's English-language debut; Bergman Island, the Tim Roth and Mia Wasikowska-starring latest title from Mia Hansen-Løve (Things to Come); No Sudden Move, Steven Soderbergh's crime flick with Don Cheadle, Benicio Del Toro and Jon Hamm; and Pig, which sees Nicolas Cage play a truffle hunter (yes, really). Also on the newly revealed complete bill: centrepiece gala selection Summer of Soul (...or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised), which is directed Questlove and looks back on the Harlem Cultural Festival of 1969; Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain, a documentary charting the late presenter and chef's life; and River, the latest musing on the planet we all call home by Sherpa director Jennifer Peedom. There's also Cow, which sees American Honey director Andrea Arnold explore the existence of a dairy cow; Street Gang: How We Hot to Sesame Street, about the beloved children's television staple; and Year of the Everlasting Storm, in which the aforementioned Weerasethakul is joined by six other filmmakers on an anthology about life under lockdown and the power of cinema. Festival attendees can similarly check out There Is No Evil, the searing 2020 Berlinale Golden Bear-winner which screens as part of a showcase of new Iranian cinemas; collaborative doco Those Left Waiting, which has been filmed by refugees around the world; music mockumentary The Nowhere Inn, starring Carrie Brownstein (Sleater-Kinney) and Annie Clark (St Vincent); In the Earth, the new film from Free Fire and High-Rise's Ben Wheatley, which steps into a world ravaged by a virus; and blistering thriller New Order, which delves into power and oppression in Mexico City. From the Australian contingent, Fist of Fury Noongar Daa dubs the Bruce Lee-starring Fist of Fury in an Aboriginal Australian language, and becomes the first feature to ever do so — while The Kids looks back on the seminal 90s film Kids, competitive swimming drama Streamline is based on Ian Thorpe's experiences, and Friends & Strangers is an Aussie slacker satire. On the must-see list, these newly revealed titles join the likes of Australian drama Nitram, about the lead up to the events in Port Arthur a quarter-century ago; Petit Mamam, the new film from Portrait of a Lady on Fire's Céline Sciamma; and tweet-to-screen comedy Zola — all of which were announced last month in the fest's first batch of titles. MIFF's physical venues for 2021 include Comedy Theatre, the Forum, RMIT Capitol Theatre, ACMI, Kino Cinemas, Hoyts Melbourne Central, Coburg Drive-In, The Astor, Palace Cinemas Pentridge, The Sun Theatre and Lido Cinemas — and, if you're wondering about the big move into digital as well, that follows 2020's online-only fest, which became MIFF's largest festival ever, audience-wise. The 2021 Melbourne International Film Festival runs from Thursday, August 5–Sunday, August 22 at a variety of venues around Melbourne. For further details, visit the MIFF website.
Thanks to the trans-Tasman travel bubble, Australians can finally visit New Zealand for a holiday again. The Federal Government has also floated the possibility of opening a similar arrangement with Singapore, perhaps by July, although nothing has been announced as yet. But if you were hoping to fly out of the country whenever you like and travel to wherever you like, Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan have bad news for you — because Australia's international border isn't likely to open this year, or until well into next year. The Trade Minister discussed international borders on Friday, May 7, and noted that, regarding opening back up, "the best guess would be in the middle to the second half of next year." He continued: "but as we've seen throughout this pandemic, things can change. So, the hope would be that we might be able to see a few more bubbles set up and would be able to see more travel being undertaken. But we're in a pandemic so, this is a best guess at this stage." Then, on Sunday, May 9, the Prime Minister also offered his thoughts on the subject — first in an interview with News Corp, and then in a follow-up post on his Facebook page. "I don't see an appetite for that at the moment," he said in the interview, also noting that "we have to be careful not to exchange that way of life for what everyone else has." On his social media post, he advised that "international borders will only open when it is safe to do so." The Prime Minister continued: "We still have a long way to go, and there are still many uncertainties ahead. Australians are living like in few countries around the world today. We will continue to do everything we can to work together prevent a third wave and roll out our vaccination programme. And, as always, we will continue to listen to the medical advice and make decisions in the best health and economic interests of all Australians." Also on Sunday, the Treasurer spoke with the ABC in the lead up to the budget, and echoed the sentiments of his colleagues. He said that the budget, which will be announced on Tuesday, May 11, has been crafted with a 2022 date for opening international borders in mind. "This is showing you how fluid the economic situation is with respect to the virus. But we have an assumption based on the borders opening. It's in 2022." Statements like these have been common over the past 14 months since the Australian Government implemented an indefinite ban on international travel, only allowing Aussies to leave the country in very limited circumstances. Last year's prediction that opening up to the rest of the world wouldn't happen in 2020 proved accurate — and, earlier this year, Australia's ex-Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy (now the Secretary of the Department of Health) said that we might not be going anywhere until 2022. Back in March, the Federal Government also extended the human biosecurity emergency period under the Biosecurity Act 2015, so that it now spans until June 17, 2021 — which'll mark 15 months since it was first put in place. It's the piece of legislation that keeps the international borders closed, and it has been extended several times. Based on the recent statements made by the Prime Minster, Trade Minister and Treasurer, it's likely to be extended again as well. With Australia's vaccination campaign underway, Qantas and Jetstar have begun selling tickets for overseas flights for trips scheduled from October, demonstrating hope that the country's international travel rules could ease by then. Of course, the fact that you can book a trip doesn't mean that you'll actually be able to take it — and, again, it's looking highly probably that anyone with tickets for an overseas trip before mid-2022 will be doing a bit of rebooking and rescheduling. 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.
He took home this year's best director Oscar thanks to his enchanting monster romance, and now he's in the spotlight at the Spanish Film Festival. That'd be The Shape of Water's Guillermo del Toro, with the fest celebrating his 2006 Academy Award-winner Pan's Labyrinth as its closing night selection. Of course, on its stop at Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, Palace Brighton Bay, Kino Cinemas and The Astor Theatre from April 19 to May 6, the country's long-running celebration of Spanish-language filmmaking has plenty of other delights amongst its 25-film program. Marking its 21st year in 2018, that includes opening night's The Tribe, a street-dancing musical comedy inspired by real-life Spain's Got Talent winners, plus No Filter, this year's Spanish box office smash about a woman who can't stop speaking her mind. Other high-profile highlights range from screenings of Pixar's gorgeous Coco — in case you missed it in cinemas late last year — to a who's who of Spanish talent in historical epic Gold; to Loving Pablo, which features Javier Bardem as Pablo Escobar and Penélope Cruz as the journalist who falls for him. Fans of both actors can also catch them in Jamón Jamón — which, released back in 1992, was actually Cruz's first film. It plays as part of a four-feature retrospective dedicated to filmmaker Bigas Luna, alongside his fellow hits Golden Balls and The Tit and The Moon. A documentary compiled from the late director's video diaries, Bigas x Bigas, will enjoy its Australian premiere to round out the program strand. Plus, in the kind of curation that every film festival could benefit from, the Spanish Film Festival will also showcase the work of emerging Spanish female directors. While Summer 1993 actually played at last year's fest as well, the charming delight is getting another spin, with Málaga Film Festival hit Julia Is, Spanish Civil War-focused The Bastard's Fig Tree and the Goya-nominated The Open Door also on the bill. In addition, Melburnians get an extra pick thanks to doco Singled [Out], which was partially shot in Australia by the Melbourne-based Mariona Guiu and Barcelona-based Ariadna Relea.
When the John Wick franchise first burst onto screens back in 2014, it taught the world an important lesson. Whether he's avenging his beloved puppy, repaying past debts or avoiding a contract on his life, there's little that the formidable assassin wouldn't do. So far across the original film, 2017's John Wick: Chapter 2 and 2019's John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum, the character played so commandingly by Keanu Reeves hasn't had to ride a roller coaster all day to either get revenge or escape his enemies. But, if he had to, we're certain he would. We doubt that idea will form part of the next two John Wick movies — because, yes, two more flicks have already been announced — but combining the determined hitman and a theme park ride is definitely going to be on the agenda next year. At Motiongate Dubai, patrons will soon be able to take a spin on the John Wick: Open Contract roller coaster. We assume that dogs won't be allowed on when it opens at a yet-to-be-revealed date early in 2021, but no one should tell the titular figure that. If you're keen to add the attraction to your must-visit list once international travel starts returning to normal, John Wick: Open Contract will run across a 310-metre track, and hit speeds of up to 64 kilometres per hour. You'll start by stepping inside The Continental, the hotel safe haven for assassins seen in the franchise. Then, you'll have two choices according to Variety: help John Wick or chase after him. Either way, you'll be zipping both forwards and backwards, and doing freestyle spins. If the roller coaster can mimic even a little of the film franchise's kinetic, balletic action scenes, everyone strapping themselves in will be in for quite the ride. In fact, it'll hopefully have you exclaiming a Keanu-style "whoa!" several times. Motiongate Dubai will also welcome Now You See Me: High Roller, which is based on the Now You See Me movies. And, both of its new rides will join existing attractions inspired by everything from Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and Hotel Transylvania to Ghostbusters, The Smurfs and The Hunger Games. If you need a reminder of just how frenetic the John Wick flicks are, check out the trailer for Parabellum below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BULB0aX4lA John Wick: Open Contract will open at Motiongate Dubai in early 2021. To keep an eye out for further details, visit the park's website.
This year's pandemic might have thrown some terrible things our way, but it's also gifted Australia with a few silver lining-style gems. And perhaps the most significant is Melbourne's new-found obsession — or, shall we say, thirst — for a certain Victorian Chief Health Officer. Yep, the state is crushing, hard, as locals flood social media with declarations of admiration for our health expert hero, Professor Brett Sutton. And now, you can also get a cushion, throw blanket or even socks adorned with his cherished mug. It's a face that's fast become a very familiar one, what with all the daily press conferences and updates ensuring plenty of Sutton air-time. There's even a photo of his 22-year-old self doing the rounds on the internet, complete with flowing locks and charming grin. https://twitter.com/VictorianCHO/status/1251316902598594560 But if all that's not enough, you can get an even more regular Sutton fix, with a new series of digitally printed designs from local artist Ashley Ellis. Available online via her Red Bubble store, you'll now find a whole range of products emblazoned with the CHO's face, from phone covers and mugs, through to journals and throw cushions. There's even a printed face mask, which we're sure would be Sutton's own pick of the bunch. If your COVID-19 heart lies elsewhere, Ellis has also created designs in honour of Victoria's Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos, and Premier Daniel Andrews decked out in his favourite North Face jacket. We're told that portraits of Andrews' trusty AUSLAN interpreters are on their way, too. Snap up some Brett Sutton-inspired goodies from Ashley Ellis's Red Bubble store and see more of her designs over on Instagram.
There are plenty of ways to see out one year and welcome in the next. There are plenty of music festivals that offer that experience, too. But Woodford Folk Festival truly is an event like no other. When it sets up shop in southeast Queensland, it turns a patch of the Moreton Bay region into a thriving and heaving arts, music and culture village — and it's finally back to do it all again to farewell 2022 and greet 2023. Back in May, the festival announced that it would indeed return this year, hosting its first fest since 2019. And, it revealed its dates: Tuesday, December 27, 2022–Sunday, January 1, 2023. Now, it has also just locked in who'll be in the bill. It's an enormous lineup, as it always is — but it starts with Boy and Bear, Jaguar Jonze, Dani Im, John Butler and Electric Fields. Also on the program: The Black Seeds, The Black Sorrows, Gabriella Cohen, Spinifex Gum and Urthboy. Given that there's always around 2000 artists putting on 1600-plus shows across the festival's 25 stages, in venues that range from a 25,000-seat amphitheatre to chilled-out hangout spots, the list truly does go on. Whoever piques your interest, or even if you're just keen on a Woodford experience — for the first time, tenth or more — prepare to catch a heap of bands, wander between arts performances and get a little muddy, all around 90 minutes north of Brisbane. The festival will once again take over its Woodfordia parklands base, which now boasts a lake. And, as always, the fest's lineup spans everything from music, art, circus and cabaret to yoga, dance and comedy, plus spoken word, comedy, workshops, bars, cafes and restaurants. Tickets are already on sale, whether you'll be slumbering at one of the fest's multiple campgrounds or just heading along for the day. Whichever fits, you'll have company — more than 120,000 people attended and participated each year in pre-pandemic times. Find highlights from the 2022–23 lineup below, and check out the full list of acts and activities on the Woodford website. WOODFORD 2022–23 LINEUP HIGHLIGHTS: Alysha Brilla Andrew Small Anna Smyrk Ashley Watkins Band of Frequencies The Black Seeds The Black Sorrows Boy & Bear Catherine Britt Coterie Dami Im Dya Singh Electric Fields Electrik Lemonade Emma Donovan & The Putbacks Emily Lubitz Eric Bogle Fred Smith Gabriella Cohen Grace Petrie with Ben Moss Greg Sheehan Hello Tut Tut Hollow Coves Hot Potato Band Inn Echo Jacob Jolliff Band Jaguar Jonze The Jellyman's Daughter John Butler Keyim Ba Lior & Domini Liz Stringer Mama Kin Spender Marlon x Rulla Mia Wray The Monks of Tibet The Moving Stills Neil Murray Parvyn The Paul McKenna Band Rachel Bailman Rich Davies & The Low Road Sorong Samarai The Spooky Men's Chorale Spinifex Gum The Steele Syndicate Super Massive Tenzin Choegyal William Barton Urthboy Yirrmal The 2022–23 Woodford Folk Festival will run from Tuesday, December 27, 2022–Sunday, January 1, 2023 at Woodfordia on the Sunshine Coast. For more information, head to woodfordfolkfestival.com Images: Woodford Folk Festival via Flickr.
Call it wild, weird and wonderful. Call it surreal and sublime, too. Whichever terms you want to sling Dark Mofo's way, there's no other event quite like it on Tasmania's cultural calendar — or Australia's. 2024 felt the winter arts festival's absence, after it sat out the year to regroup for the future ahead. Get excited about 2025, however, because Dark Mofo has confirmed that it'll be returning in June. "Dark Mofo is back. For our 11th chapter, once more we'll bathe the city in red and deliver two weeks of inspiring art, music and ritual," said Dark Mofo Artistic Director Chris Twite, announcing the event's 2025 dates, and advising that limited pre-release tickets for Night Mass, which fills downtown Hobart with art and music, will be on offer from 10am on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. "Night Mass is a beast, and this year it will evolve once more — worming its way through the city with new spaces, performances and experiences to dance, explore or crawl your way through," Twite continued. Not only Night Mass is returning, but so is the full Dark Mofo setup, largely taking place across Thursday, June 5–Sunday, June 15, 2025. The one exception: the Nude Solstice Swim, one of the festival events that still went ahead in 2024. Next year, it'll get everyone taking a dip on Saturday, June 21. Winter Feast, which also took place in 2024, will be back in 2025 as well — as will the Ogoh-Ogoh, plus a yet-to-be-announced (but sure to be jam-packed) art and music program that'll be revealed next year. If you spent a few days in 2023 attending a Twin Peaks-inspired ball and seeing a giant teddy bear with laser eyes — watching a stunning new take on Dante's classic examination of hell, purgatory and paradise, too — then you went to Dark Mofo's most-recent full run. Organised by Tasmania's Museum of Old and New Art, the winter arts festival fills Hobart with all manner of surprises every year, other than its gap year in 2024. When the break was announced, it was done to ensure that event could "move forward in a viable manner", said Twite at the time. "The fallow year will enable us to secure the future of Dark Mofo and its return at full force in 2025" was the promise, and it's being lived up to. The year off came after a hit 2023 run that saw Dark Mofo smash it with attendances and at the box office — notching up record figures, in fact. Despite the event's success, the crew behind it have been working towards "a more sustainable model for a full return in 2025, and set the foundation for the next ten years", taking rising costs and other changing elements into consideration. Dark Mofo returns from Thursday, June 5–Sunday, June 15, 2025 and for the Nude Solstice Swim on Saturday, June 21. Head to the festival's website for further details. Winter feast images: Jesse Hunniford, 2023, courtesy of Dark Mofo 2023. Nude Solstice Swim images: Rémi Chauvin, 2023, courtesy of Dark Mofo 2023.
On Sunday, October 29, Prahran Market will host the Say Cheese Festival. For uninitiated (or those who haven't attended before), it's essentially an entire day of eating cheese (and buying even more to eat later), featuring free cheese tastings, cheesy dish demonstrations and stalls from cheese providores. Throughout the day, chefs will take over the kitchen to demonstrate cooking techniques using cheese, including cheese and beverage pairing, knafeh from Atlas Dining and mozzarella stretching. If you're not too full from all of that, the traders are also offering food to take home or eat there. Some of the highlights include Noisette's croque monsieur, mixed-cheese ravioli, and an ice cream 'cheese board' from Glacé's Christy Tania. There will also be many, many cheese plates.
For one night only, on Friday, March 28, celebrity chef Luke Mangan will bring his signature modern bistro style to Bistro Bisou. He and executive chef Jacopo Degli Esposti have teamed up to put together a menu of French-inspired deliciousness. From 7pm, they'll serve up five dishes. Begin with salmon fumé with crème fraîche, duck egg and crisp toast, followed by scallop carpaccio with confit potato and truffle verjus, before lingering over duck leg confit alongside maple bacon, peas and mint sauce. The main is a beef fillet lathered in pepper sauce, and joined by pomme purée and green beans. Come dessert, you'll be treated to a silky vanilla crème brûlée, topped with caramel and biscotti. All in all, the extravaganza will set you back $195. Mangan got his training wheels in French fare under esteemed chef Michel Roux at the Michelin-starred Waterside Inn in London. These days, he keeps up his knowledge and skills with annual visits to France.
They've made bespoke cocktails catered to each drinker's DNA, hosted anatomical whisky tastings where spirits were sipped from actual people, and served a beating pig's heart as a starter. Yes, it's safe to say that Sam Bompas and Harry Parr know how to liven up a meal. Calling the duo food artists might be a bit of an understatement, however, particularly given that they're not just experimenting with what we consume in a creative, unexpected and delicious way. At the heart of everything from their edible fireworks to their molten lava barbecue to their 200-course dinner party sits an interrogation of our eating and drinking habits, including the one thing carnivorous folks easily overlook: the food chain. Indeed, London diners heading along Bompas & Parr's next event won't be able to forget where their lunch came from. In the kitchen at Sea Containers restaurant, they'll see just what path their meal takes to their plate, and play quite the considerable part in it. At Kill It, Eat It, attendees will devour a crustacean-heavy feast — after, as the name gives away, they kill the crabs destined for their stomach. We'll give you a moment to think about this next-level eating experience because it's quite the confronting concept. Of course, it's supposed to be. It's one thing to know but not really engage with the idea that you're munching on something that was once alive. It's another to have an active hand in it. The 16 people per session that are willing to face their food in the most visceral and primal way possible, as well as their role in eating living creatures, will journey through a number of steps: looking closely at crabs and the role they play in the ocean, learning about the ways they're sourced and caught, and discovering the the 'biologically most efficient and humane method' of ending their lives. They'll then receive their own live crustacean, prepare it, kill it in a RSPCA-approved manner, cook it and de-shell it. Afterwards, participant's crab will be dressed by the restaurant's chefs and served as part of the group meal alongside sea-inspired cocktails. An expert in fisheries and seafood cultivation will be on hand during the event, and attendees will receive a guide to help them replicate the process at home. Chatting with Concrete Playground in advance of their 2015 Wild at Heart event at Dark Mofo — which involved roadkill jerky, drinks served from actual skull cups, roasting just-hunted wild deer and the aforementioned blood-gushing pig's heart — Bompas explained that "when you start feeding people, you become quite aware of just how thin that line of civility is that divides us from the animal kingdom." It's clearly something that, with his culinary partner-in-crime Parr, he's still exploring. Bompas & Parr's crustacean-focused classes will take place on April 23 and 30, and they're just the first toe into the water of a planned Kill It, Eat It series. We'll let your mind ponder just what might come next. As Parr explains, the workshops are designed to provoke the ultimate question at the heart of every carnivorous diet: "if you want to eat animals, shouldn't you be prepared to kill them yourself?"
The last time that Vince Gilligan created a series around an actor that he'd already worked with, television gained one of the best shows of the 21st century, one of its finest-ever tragedies and a spinoff on par with its inspiration: the Breaking Bad-connected Better Call Saul. Next up on his resume comes another project based around a star that he's already made exceptional TV with, and that should be just as keenly anticipated, with Pluribus led by Rhea Seehorn (Win or Lose). As Kim Wexler in Better Call Saul, Seehorn was nominated for two well-deserved Emmys, but missed out to Ozark's Julia Garner in 2022 and The White Lotus' Jennifer Coolidge in 2023. Here's hoping that she earns accolades for her next effort with Gilligan. This time, the duo reunite for an Apple TV+ sci-fi drama, which has just dropped its first teaser trailer and announced its premiere date. [caption id="attachment_864124" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Better Call Saul, Greg Lewis/AMC/Sony Pictures Television[/caption] From Friday, November 7, you can watch what occurs when Seehorn plays the planet's most-miserable person, who needs to save the world from happiness. That's all of the plot details that have been revealed so far. The first-look clip doesn't expand on the narrative, but does feature a woman licking doughnuts and placing them back in a box for others to help themselves to. If you're keen for anything that The X-Files alum Gilligan whips up — especially with the stellar Seehorn involved — then you'll be pleased to know that the nine-episode first season of Pluribus isn't all that's on the way. Already, the show has been renewed for a second season. [caption id="attachment_757257" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Better Call Saul[/caption] On-screen, Seehorn is joined by Karolina Wydra (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Carlos-Manuel Vesga (The Luckiest Man in America), Miriam Shor (Magic Hour) and Samba Schutte (Parallel). Behind the scenes, Gilligan has fellow Better Call Saul veterans Gordon Smith, Alison Tatlock and Diane Mercer for company among the series' executive producers, as well as Allyce Ozarski (I Love That for You) and Jeff Frost. Also, if you're wondering right now if Gilligan isn't all that fond of pastries given the role of a particular chain in Better Call Saul, that's understandable. Check out the date announcement video for Pluribus below: Pluribus starts streaming via Apple TV+ on Friday, November 7, 2025.
Can you feel a tingling in your toes as your feet start to defrost? That's the feeling of winter slipping away (or maybe you've been sitting cross-legged for too long) and with its demise comes the return of Australia's beloved Moonlight Cinema. Ahhh balmy nights on the grass, we have missed you. Heralding the coming of the warmer months, Moonlight Cinema is a summertime tradition that is thankfully making a comeback despite everything that 2020 has thrown our way — hitting up screens in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth. Nosh-wise, Moonlight Cinema will again let you BYO movie snacks and drinks (no alcohol in Brisbane, though), but the unorganised can also enjoy a plethora of snacks from food trucks — perfect, messy treats made for reclining on bean beds. The overall season runs from November through to April, although it varies city by city. After announcing vague dates last month, Moonlight has now revealed exactly when it's hitting each part of Australia — and expect to hear about what it'll be showing on Thursday, November 12. And, unsurprisingly, this year's Moonlight will be a socially distanced affair. That includes seating and queuing, plus there'll be hand-sanitiser stations, increased cleaning measures and contactless payment — with online bookings recommended. MOONLIGHT CINEMA 2020–21 DATES Sydney: Thursday, November 26–Sunday, April 4 (Centennial Park) Brisbane: Friday, November 27–Sunday, February 21 (Roma Street Parkland) Adelaide: Friday, December 11–Sunday, February 14 (Botanic Park) Perth: Thursday, December 3–Sunday, April 4 (Kings Park and Botanic Garden) Melbourne: Thursday, January 7–Sunday, April 25 (Royal Botanic Gardens) Moonlight Cinema kicks off in November 2020, running through until April 2021. For more information, visit the cinema's website — and we'll update you with program details when they're announced later this month.
Game of Thrones fans might be waiting at least another year before the hit HBO show returns for its eighth and final season, but here's something that should help fill the void: an actual GoT-themed hotel, made almost entirely from ice and snow. Lapland Hotels SnowVillage is an annual pop-up hotel that opens in Kittilä, Finland each December, crafted by professional ice sculptors using around 20 million kilos of snow and 350,000 kilos of natural ice. Covering about 20,000 square metres, it's impressive at the best of times, though as Condé Nast Traveler reports, the owners have this year teamed up with HBO Nordic to give the hotel an extra memorable twist. A wintery homage to Game of Thrones, SnowVillage's latest iteration features its own 'Hall of Faces', a dragon-shaped ice slide, an Ice Mountain-guarded Ice Throne and ten impressive hotel suites with their own unique sculptures carved into the walls. In stark contrast to our current Aussie summer temperatures, the hotel's interiors only reach about minus-five degrees celsius, though you'll get a cosy sleeping bag to help see you comfortably through the night. Of course, if you're not quite sold on the idea of such a chilly sleepover, SnowVillage also has plenty to tempt day-trippers. You can chow down on a feed of local delicacies (reindeer included) in the ice restaurant, warm up with some themed drinks at onsite drinking spot Ice Bar, take in some scenery on a husky safari, or unleash some creativity of your own at one of the ice sculpture workshops. If you're heading to Finland in the next few months, entry to the SnowVillage costs €15 ($23 AUD), with rooms starting at €165 ($253 AUD). It's open daily until April 8, 2018. Via Condé Nast Traveler.
Urban dwellers are usually more accustomed to seeing copious amounts of neutral tones around our cities than bright splashes of colour. It's argued that colour makes people feel happier, so wouldn't it be nice if our city looked like one big rainbow, or perhaps an array of different shades of blue or pink? Many charming little towns throughout the world have put this idea into practice, painting their buildings in bold and bright colours. The bursts of colour add an artistic ambiance to older buildings and bring a source of life to cities during the colder months, and become popular tourist destinations in the summer. Here is a collection of the best examples of places around the globe where colour reigns supreme. La Boca, Argentina Jodhpur, India Bo-Kaap, South Africa Guanajuato, Mexico San Francisco, USA Willemstad, Netherlands Antilles St John's, Canada Riomaggiore, Italy Wroclaw, Poland Salvador, Brazil Jaipur, India [via Environmental Graffiti]
A long weekend spent scoffing cheese and vino sounds like a very good long weekend indeed. And that's exactly what you're in for when Grazeland hosts its Cheese & Wine Festival from Friday, June 10–Sunday, June 12. The Spotswood food precinct has invited its vendors to whip up a stack of cheesy new offerings especially for the food festival, to be served alongside its usual dizzying array of global eats and drinks. There'll be a separate dedicated Cheese and Wine zone, too. Look forward to sating your fiercest cheese cravings with bites like creamy gnocchi cooked in a cheese wheel, savoury crepes, gozleme, loaded fries topped with lashings of truffle cheese, and ricotta-stuffed cannoli. Someone's even doing dishes of caciocavallo cheese that's been melted over coals and then slathered over garlic bread. What's more, you'll be able to pair your dairy-driven feast with a special curation of wine that's set to include plenty of award-winners; from the Grant Burge Meshach shiraz, to the Arras Grand Vintage cool climate sparkling out of Tassie. [caption id="attachment_845962" align="alignnone" width="1920"] I in the Sky Productions[/caption] Top Image: Grazeland vendor Frencheese.
This coming August, your daughter probably isn't getting married. In fact, you mightn't even have a daughter at all. But if you'd like to spend the month saying "you come into my house on the day my daughter is to be married" while holidaying in the very mansion featured in The Godfather, that's now a genuine possibility. Movie lovers have Airbnb to thank for this opportunity, with the accommodation service adding the chance to follow in the footsteps of the most iconic gangster movie ever made to its list of pop culture-themed one-off experiences. Just this year alone, it has listed the Bluey house, the Moulin Rouge! and the Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine for stays. If you wanted to solely plan your getaways around living life like you're in your favourite movie or television show, Airbnb has definitely here to help lately. The platform's current impressive home away from home arrives to celebrate The Godfather's 50th anniversary, and will have one lucky person and up to four of their pals whiling away an entire month in the Staten Island mansion in New York that's seen in Frances Ford Coppola's masterpiece. The film features the outside of the house, but you'll get to scope out the inside as well — all 6248 square feet of it, which was built in 1930. When you're not channelling your inner Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan or Diane Keaton, you'll have plenty to do — there's a big saltwater pool, a pub in the basement, a game room and a gym. In fact, you'll have the run of the five-bedroom, seven-bathroom abode, other than the basement closets and the attic. You do need to be keen for a lengthy trip, with just one reservation available for 30 nights from August 1–31. And, like all of Airbnb's similar offerings in the past, you're responsible for getting yourself there and back — so if you do get lucky and score the booking, travel isn't included in the price. For those making the jaunt from Down Under, that turns this stint of The Godfather worship into a more expensive option. That said, the mansion itself will cost you just US$50 per night. And, if your bank balance is up to it, a stay here will get you away from Australia and New Zealand's frosty climes and into a Staten Island summer. If you're still keen, you can apply to book at 3am AEST on Thursday, July 28 via the Airbnb website. Another caveat: this is a family home when it's not welcoming in Airbnb guests, and it's located in a quiet neighbourhood, so stays are strictly limited to you and the four folks you take with you — with no outside guests allowed. If the timing doesn't work for you, it's likely only a matter of time until Airbnb finds another pop culture-themed getaway that'll tempt your wanderlust. Here are two places on our wishlist: Buffy's house from Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Twin Peaks' Black Lodge. For more information about the The Godfather mansion listing on Airbnb, or to apply to book at 3am AEST on Thursday, July 28, head to the Airbnb website. FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don't influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground's editorial policy. Images: Marc McAndrews.
When Disney announced that it was jumping on the streaming bandwagon via its very own platform, it unsurprisingly announced a number of new Marvel series specifically made for the small screen. None are yet to arrive on Disney+ so far, following the service's launch late in 2019 — but that hasn't stopped the Mouse House adding another high-profile show to its upcoming roster. Later this year, WandaVision — focusing on Avengers Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany) — will drop. At some point in the future, viewers will also be able to watch The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, about Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan) and Sam Wilson/Falcon (Anthony Mackie), while Loki, starring Tom Hiddleston, was always slated for 2021. Also in the works are Hawkeye, Ms Marvel, Moon Knight and She-Hulk. And, as Variety reports, now joining them at a yet-to-be-revealed date is a show about Nick Fury. Yes, that means that Samuel L Jackson looks set to score his own Marvel series. At this stage, details are scarce — other than the fact that Jackson will star, and Kyle Bradstreet (Mr Robot) will write and executive produce. But if you've been craving more time with Fury, who usually only pops up as a supporting player, this'll be the news you've been waiting for. Fury, and therefore Jackson, did appear in two episodes of the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. TV show in 2013 and 2014, so this won't be the character's first small-screen outing. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Fury has popped up in 11 of its 23 films to-date, after first showing up in 2008's Iron Man. He has since featured in everything from Thor and Captain America: The First Avenger to multiple Avengers films, as well as 2019's Captain Marvel and Spider-Man: Far From Home. If you need a refresher about one of the character's recent big-screen appearances, check out the Captain Marvel trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1BCujX3pw8 Via Variety. Top image: Marvel's The Avengers. Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson). Photo: Zade Rosenthal. © 2011 MVLFFLLC. TM & © 2011 Marvel. All Rights Reserved.
Close that Netflix-riddled laptop, kick back that unwashed doona and bundle up in All The Knits, there's plenty of happenings worth leaving the house for this weekend. From chocolate sculptures to offensively talented 18-year-old crooners, we've given you a little rundown of the five best things to get out and about for. So incredbly worth it, Orange is the New Black's not going anywhere. Common Sense Art exhibitions are usually a highly visual experience. Everything is white and sterile, and if you touch anything a large middle-aged man is always nearby to tap you on the shoulder and give you a foreboding paternal gaze. But not all exhibitions are created equal these days, and the exciting folk at 1000 £ Bend don't want anything to do with the white cube. Fittingly, their latest one-day exhibition is bound to deliver a sensory overload of sights, smells, sounds and chocolate sculptures. From 1pm-6pm on June 20, this sense of play will be translated through the mediums of sculpture, film, painting, music and gelato. Yes, that's right — gelato. When: Friday, 20 June - 5:30pm Where: 1000 £ Bend , 361 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne How much: FREE It Cannot Be Stopped: Chunky Move Since 1995 Chunky Move has consistently been at the cutting edge of contemporary dance in Australia. It Cannot Be Stopped is a chance to see some of the country’s most exciting emerging choreographers in action, appearing as part of the company’s Next Move program. It’s the first time the program’s showcased the work of three choreographers, and Chunky Move couldn’t have found a more diverse trio. Ben Hancock was most recently seen in action in Neil Armfield’s Ring Cycle, the NGV’s Melbourne Now and Tassie's MONA FOMA, while Atlanta Eke’s work is grounded in political performance art. They’re joined by Paea Leach, whose practice centres firmly on dance. It Cannot Be Stopped will be performed from June 20-29. Book your tickets here. When: Friday, 20 June - Sunday, 29 June Where: Chunky Move Studios , 111 Sturt St, Melbourne How much: $20 - $30 Jesse Davidson Adelaide songsmith Jesse Davidson has been called prodigious and a wunderkind — and those Jeff Buckley comparisons just won't shake. This June and July, Davidson's taking his minimalist acoustics and dreamy vocals on tour, his first solo effort. The tour is set to draw a considerable loyal following who'll want seriously in-grill "I saw Jesse Davidson before anyone" bragging rights. Since being a runner-up in triple j's 2012 Unearthed High competition, the 18 year old has been signed for a Warner development deal, toured with Mac DeMarco and Ball Park Music, co-headlined with Eves, been signed to booking agency Select Music, finished school and released his debut EP Ocean — making you feel really great about having a good few years on him and feeling terribly unaccomplished in comparison. When: Saturday, 21 June - 8:30pm Where: Shebeen , 36 Manchester Lane Melbourne How much: $13 Melbourne International Animation Festival Hosted at ACMI in Federation Square, the latest edition of the 11-day festival shines a light on the world of independent animation. Feature-length efforts by Chris Sullivan and the Melbourne-born Elliot Cowan are the result of years of personal labour, and are sure to offer a very different aesthetic to the glossy productions of Hollywood. The bulk of the festival consists of short films, all of which are separated into streams. The spine of the program is the International Competition, split over seven sessions throughout the duration of the festival. There's also a showcase of South America, the Best of Next student competition, the mind-bending Late Night Bizarre, along with many, many more. For more information on the MIAF program, visit their website. When: Thursday, 19 June - Sunday, 29 June Where: ACMI , Federation Square, Melbourne How much: $7.50 - $120 West Elm and Etsy Pop-up West Elm are teaming up with Etsy this weekend to bring you an afternoon of crafty goodness from your favourite online designers. From 1pm to 6pm on June 21, you'll be able to track down and purchase unique items made by local artisans. Better yet, there's no need for postage fees or waiting periods. Etsy has curated a stellar line-up of 16 sellers, offering everything from nifty jewellery and funky stationary through to re-purposed timber homewares and hand-poured soy candles. There will be a broad range of handmade products oozing with style and personality. Plus, you'll get to chat to your local innovators over treats and tunes. When: Saturday, 21 June - 1:00pm Where: West Elm , 464 Chapel Street, South Yarra How much: FREE Photo credit: Kimberly Chau Lee. Frank There’s no one quite like Frank, the person, and there’s nothing quite like Frank, the film. The former, as played by Michael Fassbender while wearing a papier mache mask, is a soul seemingly eccentric but really just looking for the essence of creation and contentment. The latter is quirky by design but beautifully bittersweet by execution, revelling in all life’s failures and flaws. Frank leads an experimental rock band with the fittingly unpronounceable name of The Soronprfbs, and that’s exactly where Jon (Domhnall Gleeson) finds him. As the reconfigured group ventures from the Irish wilderness to the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas in search of musical fulfilment, the solace they find comes from internal, not external, forces. Read our full Frank review over here. When: Thursday, 19 June - Wednesday, 30 July Where: Various cinemas in Melbourne How much: $15 - $25 Northeast Party House Northeast Party House will be dominating The Corner with two shows over the weekend to launch their highly anticipated debut album. Any Given Weekend features dance floor fillers such as 'Youth Allowance' and 'Fake Friends', which are sure to stir a rambunctious crowd. Latest single off the album, 'The Haunted', is a great example of the strong songwriting chops and poppy hooks you can expect from the stellar debut record as a whole. Forming in 2010, these six Melbourne lads began by playing at warehouse parties, and their reputation for delivering high-energy live performances has stayed strong. Northeast Party House’s alternative dance rock is chaotic but never sloppy, and always wildly fun. When: Saturday, 21 June - Sunday, 22 June Where: The Corner , 57 Swan St Richmond Melbourne, VIC Australia How much: $18 Melbourne's Western Suburbs For a long time the western suburbs have been left off the grid. Cultural maps showing the best dining spots in Melbourne usually stop at North Melbourne, as if there weren't anything beyond Racecourse Road. And while these areas — think Kensington, Footscray, Yarraville, Flemington — have been traditionally frequented by those who actually live there, the western suburbs are slowly falling into the hands of our old friend and foe: gentrification. The suburbs left of the centre have been bubbling with brand new ventures lately, so we've put together the best of the west. No excuses for neglecting this side of town — Kensington is only two stops out of the city, after all. Check out our lineup of the best of the west over here. Words by the Concrete Playground team.
An unassuming Brunswick silo has become a towering new mural showing New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern embracing a Muslim woman. But the large-scale artwork has also rustled up plenty of controversy, with backlash over the depiction of a foreign leader, rather than a local. The original photo of an emotional, hijab-clad Ms Ardern was taken as she comforted members of Christchurch's Muslim community, following the March 15 terror attacks on two of the city's mosques. Captured by New Zealand-based photographer Hagen Hopkins, it's since become an iconic image, reproduced in various large-scale iterations across the world. Locally, a GoFundMe page drummed up $11,000 — in a single day — to fly renowned street artist Loretta Lizzio to Melbourne, so she could capture the image in paint, on the side of the 25-metre-tall Tinning Street silo. Any extra money has gone to supporting the attack victims' families, through the Christchurch Shooting Victims' Fund. Having lived and worked in Melbourne previously, Lizzio is a renowned artist and muralist whose work has appeared everywhere from Vancouver and New York, to London. She donated nine days of her time to creating the project, which was completed last Sunday. While the silo is privately owned and the project had full the support of its owner, it still managed to cop a bit of backlash. Some locals aren't on board with the idea of using the large-scale work to reference an attack that happened overseas, instead of something more locally focused. One Change.Org petition had 14,696 signees calling for the mural to be stopped, citing its so-called irrelevance to the Melbourne community. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxeo-irAmLN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link On her latest Instagram post for the mural, the artist shared her own views on the matter, in response to one of the critics. "Appreciate the feedback, though this has everything to do with Aus, as anywhere in the world," she writes. "Hate crimes are a global issue... This particular project is about love and acceptance of all that call Aus home no matter your background." Loretta Lizzio's mural of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is located at 20-24 Tinning Street, Brunswick.
Whether you think that David Brent was awful, awkward or a bit of both, Britain doesn't have a monopoly on cringeworthy bosses. Accordingly, after the original UK version of The Office proved a huge hit two decades ago, more versions of the workplace comedy were always going to follow around the world. The American series became even more popular, and everywhere from Canada, France and Germany to Israel, India and Poland have similarly given the idea a go. Next stop: Down Under, thanks to the just-announced The Office Australia. This'll be the 13th international take on the show, and it's coming to Prime Video sometime in 2024. Yes, the fact that it has Australia in the title is already a bit clumsy. Clearly, the Aussie spinoff gets the brief. Move over Brent, and also Michael Scott — it's now Hannah Howard's turn to become the manager no one wants but everyone has worked for. Played by actor and comedian Felicity Ward (Wakefield), she'll oversee a packaging company called Flinley Craddick. And, when she receives news that head office is shutting down her branch — with everyone working from home instead — she's determined to keep her team together. Obviously, that won't go smoothly, or there'd be no sitcom antics to be had in The Office Australia. Joining Ward is a hefty cast spanning Edith Poor (The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power), Steen Raskopoulos (The Duchess), Shari Sebbens (Preppers), Josh Thomson (Young Rock), Jonny Brugh (What We Do in the Shadows), Pallavi Sharda (The Twelve), Susan Ling Young (Barons), Raj Labade (Back of the Net), Lucy Schmit and Firass Dirani (House Husbands). The Office Australia's eight-episode first season will shoot in Sydney from June, then stream globally next year, with an exact launch date yet to be revealed. Whenever it arrives, surely a stapler is going in some jelly again. This'll mark the first woman-led version of the franchise, with The Office Australia also featuring an impressive roster of female talent off-camera, including lead setup director and executive producer Jackie van Beek (The Breaker Upperers), plus head writer and executive producer Julie De Fina (Aftertaste). There's no trailer yet for The Office Australia, but you can check out clips from the UK and US versions below: The Office Australia will stream via Prime Video sometime in 2024 — we'll update you with an exact launch date when one is announced.
If sitting in darkened rooms watching movies on the big screen is your favourite way to fill your spare time, the past couple of years have been trickier than usual, with cinemas closing temporarily and film festivals moving online due to the pandemic. But here's one wonderful silver lining to emerge from the recent chaos: not one but two Sydney Film Festivals in a mere eight months. 2021's fest went ahead in November, after being postponed from June and August. Now, 2022's event is fast approaching, with the event slotting back into its usual midyear timeslot. Following the bumps of the last couple of years, this upcoming festival — SFF's whopping 69th iteration — is set to return to business as usual. That means catching 200-plus movies on silver screens all around Sydney between Wednesday, June 8–Sunday, June 19 (including at the glorious State Theatre, of course). Overseen by Festival Director Nashen Moodley for the 11th time, this year's SFF unveiled its first 22 movies back in April, and has announced a few other details since — such as a retrospective focusing on the documentaries of American filmmaker Frederick Wiseman, plus Pacific First Nations anthology We Are Still Here in the coveted opening night slot. But that was only a taste of the just-dropped entire lineup, which is hefty and impressive as always, and spans 101 features, 53 documentaries and a whole heap of short films from 64-plus countries. (And 27 world premieres as well.) Highlights include the entire Official Competition lineup, aka the movies vying for SFF's big cash prize for films that are "audacious, cutting-edge and courageous". That's where you'll find this year's Berlinale Golden Bear-winner Alcarràs, a family drama from Spain; Blaze, a blend of live-action, puppetry and animation directed by acclaimed Aussie artist Del Kathryn Barton; and supernatural witch flick You Won't Be Alone, which stars Noomi Rapace (Lamb). And, it's home to a number of titles arriving straight from playing Cannes, too — such as Godland from Icelandic filmmaker Hlynur Pálmason (A White, White Day); Close, a teen-focused drama by Girl filmaker Lukas Dhont; and All the People I'll Never Be, about a French woman's quest to discover her Korean roots. Other big-name inclusions across the rest of the program span New Zealand comedy Nude Tuesday, which'll enjoy its world premiere at SFF; Australia's own Seriously Red, a SXSW hit about a Dolly Parton impersonator; One Fine Morning, from acclaimed French filmmaker Mia Hansen-Løve (Bergman Island); the Dakota Johnson (The Lost Daughter)-starring rom-com Cha Cha Real Smooth, which earned plenty of fans at Sundance; and Good Luck To You, Leo Grande, where Emma Thompson (Cruella) plays an older women who hires a sex worker — with 52 Tuesdays and Animals filmmaker Sophie Hyde behind the lens. Or, there's queer comedy Fire Island, about a group of friends on a wild summer holiday; Aubrey Plaza (Best Sellers)-led heist film Emily the Criminal; Cannes 2021 Jury Prize-winner Ahed's Knee, the latest from Synonyms' director Nadav Lapid; time-travel romp Incredible But True, as directed by Rubber and Deerskin's Quentin Dupieux; and One Year, One Night, which features Portrait of a Lady on Fire's Noémie Merlant. Also on the must-watch list: Norwegian action movie The Burning Sea; Finnish thriller The Man Who Didn't Want to See Titanic (which, yes, focuses on a film buff); Hommage, a South Korean mystery starring Parasite's Lee Jeong-eun; Japanese folklore-glam-rock-musical-anime epic Inuh-Oh; and Millie Lies Low, a NZ caper about impostor syndrome. Plus, from the documentary slate, there's Sundance Audience Award-winner Navalny, about the Russian opposition leader poisoned with a nerve agent; Lynch/Oz, which takes a yellow brick road through David Lynch's filmography; Dreaming Walls: Inside the Chelsea Hotel, a step inside New York's iconic Chelsea Hotel; and stranger-than-fiction effort My Old School, where Alan Cumming (Schmigadoon!) lip-synchs to audio recordings of Scottish con-artist Brandon Lee. SFF's full lineup also covers the usual returning favourites among its strands — so its ten-film focus on female directors from Europe is back, as is its selection of movies about music, its weird and wonderful horror and genre flicks, a range of family-friendly fare, a celebration of filmmaking talent with disability, and twelve titles from First Nations creatives. The latter includes all six episodes of Mystery Road: Origins, the new prequel series that focuses on Indigenous police officer Jay Swan, which is one of the fest's massive local highlights. Another: a big-screen showing of the newly restored 4K version of Baz Luhrmann's Strictly Ballroom, arriving just before his new movie Elvis reaches cinemas. The program still goes on, so if you're keen on seeing Park Chan-wook's Oldboy on the big screen again, or the nine Aussie docos competing for the annual Documentary Australia Award, you're in luck. Whatever's now on your must-see roster, you'd best soak in all the sunshine you can during May — because you'll be spending most of June in a cinema. The 2022 Sydney Film Festival will run between Wednesday, June 8–Sunday, June 19 at the State Theatre, Event Cinemas George Street, Dendy Newtown, Palace Central, Palace Norton Street, Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace Cremorne, Ritz Cinemas Randwick, Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre and Art Gallery of NSW. To check out the event's full program, or to buy tickets (from 9am on Wednesday, May 11 for flexipass holders and 12pm for single tickets), head to the festival's website.
