The World Is a Vampire: A Bloody Shiraz Gin & Film Festival

Overview

As far as classic combos go, pairing a trip to the movies with some popcorn or a choc top is right up there. But you can do better. There's nothing wrong with that combination — it's a cinema-going staple for a reason — but if you're going to be watching vampire flicks, you really want to be accompanying them with Bloody Shiraz gin cocktails instead.

That's what's on the bill at Sydney's boutique Golden Age Cinema, which is once again teaming up with Four Pillars Gin for a mini booze and film festival. Each Wednesday night in August, the intimate 56-seat Surry Hills spot is hosting double bills about bloodsuckers — and pouring concoctions made with Four Pillars' coveted Bloody Shiraz gin.

It's a lineup worth sinking your teeth into, too, spanning tales of the undead both new and old. It also has a fantastic title, should you feel like getting an excellent 90s Smashing Pumpkins track stuck in your head.

On the bill at The World Is a Vampire: A Bloody Shiraz Gin & Film Festival: What We Do in the Shadows and Bram Stoker's Dracula on Wednesday, August 3, to kick off the program with both comedic and amusing vamp movies; and then Interview with the Vampire and Queen of the Damned on Wednesday, August 10, both of which stem from Anne Rice's pages.

On Wednesday, August 17, The Hunger and Vampire's Kiss will flicker across the screen — aka the David Bowie and Nicolas Cage-starring double of 80s gems that demands to be seen.

Then, on Wednesday, August 24, it's time for the big end of town thanks to From Dusk Till Dawn and Blade. And, wrapping things up on Wednesday, August 31 are recent favourites A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night and Only Lovers Left Alive.

These vampire delights will all get a beverage to match, made with that Bloody Shiraz gin, of course. The first screenings each night kick off at different times between 6pm and 6.30pm, with the second movies starting at 8.30pm each evening — but we suggest you get there a little earlier for the drinks.

Tickets are $23 for each film.

Cassandra Hannagan