Restaurant Barrio Chino in Kings Cross will undergo an American invasion today, as cult fast-food chain In-N-Out Burger will host a pop-up store for the day from 12-4pm. Barrio Chino announced via their Twitter Page that the famous burgers would be appearing, ensuring followers that this is not a hoax. Get down there for a America's freshest and most delicious take on fast food. It's about time that Australians experience fries with melted cheese. Barrio Chino is located at 28-30 Bayswater Rd, Kings Cross. Run! Update: Barrio Chino have announced via Twitter that all burgers have been 'allocated'.
There are few areas on earth that Google Street View can't venture — and now one place in space as well. In the latest addition to their popular Google Maps feature, the technology giant has added the International Space Station to its list of destinations. Clearly charting the planet humanity walks on just wasn't enough. Launched on the 48th anniversary of the first manned moon landing, the virtual leap for mankind lets users explore all 15 of the ISS's interconnected modules, which orbit the planet more than 400 kilometres above the surface. From peering through the observational node to entering the airlock, pretending that you're living out your science-fiction dreams — and experiencing what it's like to literally look down on the rest of us, too — is now as easy as moving your cursor and clicking your mouse. Obviously, you can't send Google's Street View car fleet into space, so the company worked with NASA bases and ISS astronauts to capture imagery from the inside the structure. DSLR cameras and equipment already on board were used to collect pictures in gravity-free conditions. The resulting snaps of the habitable artificial satellite were then sent back down to earth, stitched together and turned into panoramic shots. If that sounds a little tricky, that's because it was. As European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Pesquet explains in a blog post for Google, "there are a lot of obstacles up there, and we had limited time to capture the imagery, so we had to be confident that our approach would work." Still, for anyone who has ever wanted to take a trip into space — but found costs, logistics, training and a whole long list of other factors getting in their way — it was worth it. Explore the International Space Station on Google Maps. Via The Verge. Image: Google Maps.
The Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge aren't the only iconic structures getting the Vivid Sydney bedazzling treatment when the festival returns this May. Also set for a makeover is the legendary Luna Park face, as Samsung joins in the fun with an epic light and sound experience dubbed The Night. Reimagined. Running throughout Vivid Sydney, from Friday, May 25, until June 16, the immersive installation will pop-up on the Sydney Opera House Forecourt. The impressive two-storey, 90-metre labyrinth, with two kilometres of LED lighting, will be split into two pathways — and two very different journeys. Take the first path and you'll become the new face of Luna Park. You'll be able to create an augmented reality selfie using the AR Emoji function on Samsung's new Galaxy S9 and S9+ phone, which will then be projected via live feed onto the Luna Park entrance. There'll also be a viewing platform, where you can watch your animated face from across the Harbour. You'll need to get in early, though, as there are limited spots for the AR projection and, naturally, high demand is expected. On the first path, you'll also experience slow motion at its best in the Super Slow-Mo booth. Here, you can capture mesmerising shots of yourself frolicking among a bunch of chrome-plated balls. Or, you can take the second path, and you'll be taken on an immersive audio light and soundscape experience, transporting you through the night and beyond. Samsung's The Night. Reimagined. will pop-up on the Sydney Opera House Forecourt from May 25–June 16. To learn more, head to the website.
Live life long enough and anything can happen. Enjoy an undead existence for hundreds of years and that feeling only multiplies, or so the wealth of movies and TV shows that've let vampires stalk through their frames frequently remind viewers. A sharehouse-set mockumentary focused on bloodsucking roommates who've seen more than a few centuries between them, What We Do in the Shadows embraces that idea like little else, though — as a Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi-starring movie, aka one of the funniest New Zealand comedies of this century, and then as a hilarious American TV spinoff. The premise has always been ridiculously straightforward, and always reliably entertaining. That dates back to Clement and Waititi's short film days, which is where this franchise began as 2005's What We Do in the Shadows: Interviews with Some Vampires — and continues right through to the TV iteration's now-airing fourth season, which screens in Australia via Binge and in New Zealand via Neon. A camera crew captures the lives of the fanged and not-at-all furious, squabbles about chores, a rising body count and avoiding sunlight all included. Their domesticity may involve sinking their teeth into necks, blood splatters aplenty, sleeping in coffins and shapeshifting into bats, but it also covers arguing about paying bills, keeping the house clean and dealing with the neighbours. For fans of the film, the stakes were high with this leap to television. What We Do in the Shadows, the movie, had already given rise to a homegrown offshoot courtesy of Wellington Paranormal — the NZ TV show that trailed the movie's cops (Mike Minogue and Karen O'Leary) as they kept investigating the otherworldly — which first arrived in 2018. But the small-screen version of What We Do in the Shadows has a few crucial and important things going for it: another killer cast, this time inhabiting a ramshackle, gothic-style abode in Staten Island; the same glorious sense of silliness, including everything from blood sprinklers and undead labour disputes to getting a genie to magic up a giant penis in the latest season alone; an eagerness to gleefully skewer the entire vampire genre; and well and truly letting anything happen within its frames. Season four picks up after a climactic end to the show's prior batch of episodes, which only finished airing back in October 2021. Its bloodsucking roommates were all set for their own adventures, after Nandor (Kayvan Novak, Cruella) decided to explore his roots in his ancestral homeland in what's now Iran, and Nadja (Natasia Demetriou, Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga) took up a prestigious job in London with the Supreme Vampiric Council, who oversee the vampire world order. Her beloved Laszlo (Matt Berry, Toast of London and Toast of Tinseltown) stayed behind at the last minute to take care of the baby that burst its way out of energy vampire Colin Robinson's (Mark Proksch, The Office) body. To accompany Nadja, in his place he sent Nandor's familiar Guillermo (Harvey Guillen, Werewolves Within), who has also discovered throughout the first three seasons that he's a Van Helsing — yes, a vampire hunter. What We Do in the Shadows wouldn't be What We Do in the Shadows if its central quintet were scattered around the world, rather than bantering together, so homecomings are swiftly in order. A year has passed in the show, old grounds have been stomped, new jobs trialled and that infant is now a young boy — who, eerily, still looks like Colin. Nandor returns more determined than ever to find a wife, and thinks that one of his many from the Middle Ages could be the one again; bringing back a Djinn (Anoop Desai, Russian Doll) to grant his wishes helps. Nadja has big ambitions, too, but of the professional rather than personal kind. Taking over the local Vampiric Council again, she sets her sights on turning it into a vampire nightclub. Its custodian The Guide (Kristen Schaal, The Bob's Burgers Movie) is unsurprisingly far from thrilled. If vampire nightclubs and blood sprinklers sound familiar, that's because back in 1998, Blade got there first. That's the type of winking and parodying that What We Do in the Shadows loves — and keeps finding ways to turn into comedy gold. It'll always be difficult to beat the show's exceptional first-season episode that featured Wesley Snipes as a half-vampire version of himself, alongside everyone from Tilda Swinton to Paul Reubens referencing their own past undead film roles (Only Lovers Left Alive and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, respectively), but this series never stops trying. It's just as devoted to fleshing out the demonic world that exists beyond human eyes, with a new episode set at an anything-goes night market where the supernaturally inclined trade for everything they can a particular treasure. That nodding and nudging will never grow old, thanks to the stellar writing behind it, as well as the fantastic cast bringing it to the screen. Matt Berry should star in all comedies always (see also: the aforementioned Toast franchise, Year of the Rabbit, The IT Crowd, Snuff Box, The Mighty Boosh and Garth Marenghi's Darkplace), and his pronunciation, the way that Laszlo yells "bat!" when he turns into a bat and the character's general buffoonery will always be among What We Do in the Shadows' biggest weapons. Hearing him read In Cold Blood to the young Colin, as a bedtime story, is a scene for the ages alone. He's ably matched by always riotous Demetriou and the equally amusing Novak, who lean into their vamps' eccentricity-laced personalities with as much gusto. Nadja's unapologetic passion, pursuing whatever she wants whenever she wants, always feels fleshed out, as does Nandor's awkwardness despite a past as a bloodthirsty warrior. It was always going to take something special to match the big-screen What We Do in the Shadows. That's a task that its TV spinoff has always managed, however, and as enchantingly as the immediately catchy strains of theme song 'You're Dead' by Norma Tanega — a tune the two versions share. Nothing about this delight sucks, not for a second, and season four is as ace as ever. Check out the trailer for What We Do in the Shadows season four below: What We Do in the Shadows' fourth season streams in Australia via Binge and in New Zealand via Neon. Images: Russ Martin/FX.
Vertical gardening is one way to prevent the Blade Runner-ifying of our urban environments. But how about an invisible skyline, made up of anti-skyscrapers? South Korea is about to get a first taste of the concept, with construction set to start on 'Tower Infinity'. At 450 metres, it's definitely one of the ten tallest buildings in the world. What's attracting headlines, however, is the fact that you can't see it. (What?) By employing cameras, a special skin and optical technology, GDS Architects have designed the tower so that its pinnacle appears to vanish into the sky. Their concept won a 2008 international competition involving 146 entries from 46 nations, but they've only just been granted permission to begin construction. To be built in Seoul's Yongsan International Business District, near Incheon International Airport, Tower Infinity will, for the most part, fulfil recreational, rather than residential, purposes. There'll be eateries, a theatre, amusement park rides, observation decks (including one at 392 metres) and landscaped gardens. GDS Architects' principal, Charles Wee, argues that it's not merely an exercise in vanity. "Instead of symbolising prominence as another of the world's tallest and best towers, our solution aims to provide the world's first invisible tower, showcasing Korean technology while encouraging a more global narrative in the process," he said in World Architecture News. "We are elated that the many years of design, testing and coordination have led us to that all important step of beginning the building process. We look forward to providing Korea and the world with a completely new model for what it means to be an observation tower." [via Inhabitat]
In Stay of the Week, we explore some of the world's best and most unique accommodations — giving you a little inspiration for your next trip. In this instalment, we take you inside the Berry View Hotel. This utterly charming boutique hotel is brimming with winning mid-Century design detail and takes inspiration from 1950s drive-in motels and Palm Springs bungalows. Located in Berry on the south coast of New South Wales, it's the perfect spot for a smug weekend away — and right now when you book your stay here you'll get an exclusive rate and a bottle of wine to start your stay with a toast. Cheers to that. WHAT'S SO SPECIAL? This hotel has been lovingly designed with the principles and aesthetic of Mid-Century Modern design at every element. The impeccably tasteful, minimalist decor and fresh white and pumpkin exterior make this little pocket of Berry feel as thought it's time travelled to the swinging Sixties. THE ROOMS Calming, cool and curated are the vibe of the rooms, each of which has its own individual styling. The devil is in the design detail — a beautiful vase, bespoke light fitting or a velour single-seater sofa add personality to each of the bedrooms, which come in bedding configurations for couples on a romantic weekend away or a family-friendly setup with a queen bed and a bunk. The bathrooms feature full sized bathing products by O&M so there's zero need to bring your own. Each room also comes with Nespresso coffee machine and pods for your caffeine requirements before you venture out to enjoy the best of Berry's charming town centre which is a short stroll from the hotel. FOOD AND DRINK Rooms at the Berry View include all your critical amenities like a kettle and the aforementioned coffee machine, tea, coffee and milk. But when you're in Berry you need to get out and experience the local talent. The historic Berry Hotel has great regional pub energy. Milkwood Bakery does superb woodfired sourdough, great coffee and a banger apple tart for the dessert-inclined. And there's the famous Berry Donut Van is responsible for what might be a serious contender for best cinnamon donut in the country. For a more luxurious and lengthy lunch or dinner option, SOUTH on Albany and Queen Street Eatery are both great options combining impressive food with laidback vibes and stellar service. THE EXTRAS When you book here through CP Trips, the lovely crew at the Berry View Hotel will welcome you with a complimentary bottle of shiraz or prosecco to celebrate your good fortune. Feeling inspired to book a getaway? You can now book your next dream holiday through Concrete Playground Trips with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations all around the world.
Australian designer Marc Newson has placed his golden touch on everything from clothing to aircrafts, and now he has unleashed what may be his most awesome creation ever - the Riva Aquariva. Newson is renowned for his simple yet immediately recognisable work across a diverse range of spectrums. This time round, Newson collaborated with the very fancy-sounding Officina Italiana Design for a brilliant re-interpretation of the luxury speedboat. Although it made its initial appearance in 2010, the Riva Aquariva again pleased viewers at Arte-Fiera, an art fair in Bologna, Italy, earlier this year. Adding to the extravagance and opulence of these boats, only 22 were made and they sell for around $1.5 million. Featuring a traditional colourway with eye-catching turquoise accents, this vessel's distinct vibe will teleport you straight to the Port of Miami on a summer's day. Throw on a pastel button-up, some slim-cut khaki pants and bring your finest champagne before you climb on board. [via The Cool Hunter]
Every year is a big year for movies, but 2023 is set to be downright explosive, all thanks to one of the most-anticipated films of the year. That feature: Christopher Nolan's latest, and his first flick since Tenet. It just explores a little thing called the atomic bomb, focusing on J Robert Oppenheimer. "They won't fear it until they understand it. And they won't understand it until they've used it," says the titular figure in the just-dropped full Oppenheimer trailer. Played by Nolan regular Cillian Murphy (see also: The Dark Knight, Inception, The Dark Knight Rises and Dunkirk), the "father of the atomic bomb" narrates the new sneak peek with plenty of such telling comments. Here's another: "I don't know if we can be trusted with such a weapon, but we have no choice". Yes, Nolan is going back to the Second World War again, focusing on the eponymous American physicist, aka the man who helped develop the first nuclear weapons as part of the Manhattan Project. Also earning the director's attention: the fact that Oppenheimer needed to risk destroying the world to save it. Charting his life, his part in birthing the atomic bomb and how it changed the world — and the fallout — should make for gripping viewing, although viewers will need to wait until July 20, 2023 Down Under to find out. The new trailer follows a brief teaser in mid-2022, and provides a bigger glimpse of what's in store. Oppenheimer's story also includes heading up Los Alamos Laboratory — and observing the Trinity Test, the first successful atomic bomb detonation in New Mexico on July 16, 1945 — as this latest bit of footage shows. Nolan is always in serious mode, but this is a solemn affair even by the Memento, Interstellar and Dark Knight trilogy filmmaker's standards. And, it looks like a spectacle, in no small part thanks to being shot in IMAX 65mm and 65mm large-format film photography, including sections in IMAX black and white analogue photography for the first time ever. Based on Kai Bird and Martin J Sherwin's Pulitzer Prize-winning book American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the film boasts an all-star cast, including Emily Blunt as the physicist's wife, biologist and botanist Kitty (reteaming Blunt with Murphy after A Quiet Place Part II) — plus Matt Damon (The Last Duel) as General Leslie Groves Jr, director of the Manhattan Project; Robert Downey Jr (Dolittle) as Lewis Strauss, a founding commissioner of the US Atomic Energy Commission; and Florence Pugh (The Wonder) as psychiatrist Jean Tatlock. Also set to pop up: Josh Hartnett (Wrath of Man), Michael Angarano (Minx), Benny Safdie (Stars at Noon), Jack Quaid (The Boys), Rami Malek (No Time to Die) and Kenneth Branagh (Death on the Nile). Oh, and there's Dane DeHaan (The Staircase), Jason Clarke (Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty), Olivia Thirlby (Y: The Last Man), Alden Ehrenreich (Solo: A Star Wars Story) and Matthew Modine (Stranger Things) as well. Check out the full trailer for Oppenheimer below: Oppenheimer will release in cinemas Down Under on July 20, 2023. Images: © 2022 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
More fallen eyeballs and dragon's egg desserts to the table pronto, Gastro Park is revisiting its glorious, topical feast. To celebrate (and commiserate) the end of season four of Game of Thrones, head chef and owner of Gastro Park, Grant King, is offering Sydneysiders another chance to acquire their own firsthand experience of the Seven Kingdoms through a specially designed multi-course feast. Having already hosted two Game of Thrones-inspired feasts celebrating previous seasons, the Potts Point restaurant is renowned for its gastronomic playfulness in technique and plating — so you can expect more than a leg of boar and goblet of wine. Gastro Park's first-season equivalent featured 'fallen eyeballs and bleeding stag', 'a soup of crushed skills and raven's feet', and a dessert of 'dragon's egg and liquid gold'. A sneak peek of this year's GoT-inspired menu released on Gastro Park’s Facebook page revealed a mysterious, disturbingly intriguing lineup: While we’re not sure what’s involved in 'The Kill' or how bloody that 'Raw Flesh’ dish intends to be, all we can be certain of is that this feast ain’t for vegetarians. Last year's menu inspired by the Battle of the Blackwater was at capacity, and the previous year's King's Banquet sold out almost instantly and proved to be a raging success. If you'd do anything to get a taste of Westeros, Essos and Qarth or have always wanted to dine like a Lannister, nab your spot at Gastro Park before those limited spots go wanting. Gastro Park's Game of Thrones-inspired feast will take place on Tuesday, June 24. To book (and you should probably get on it right now) call (02) 8068 1017 or shoot an email to info@gastropark.com.au. Here's the images of the 2013 feast, just to get those taste buds going. And yep, the candles were edible. Course 1 (not pictured): Jerusalem artichoke and goats cheese fossils Course 2: Roast veal bone marrow with crostini and parsley salad Course 3: Whole baby fish, smoked roast almonds, barley crackers, wild weed and fresh milk curd Course 4: Fondue of cheese, roast grapes and crackers Course 5: Mulled figs and edible candles with flavours of hibiscus, bolero tea, plum and a letter from the raven Words by Shannon Connellan and Greta Mayr.
Architectural fusion with nature has been taken to a new level with Villa Vals. Constructed in 2009 by Bjarne Mastenbroek (of SeARCH) and Christian Muller (of Christian Muller Architects), the villa is designed to 'completely integrate into the landscape to avoid disturbing the unspoiled nature.' The building's underground location does not diminish visual access to the external world. A central patio and slanted facade provide scope for mountain views. Given that Villa Vals' address is above thermal springs, at a 1,250-kilometre height in the Swiss Alps, this means the kind of landscape that would have had Tolkien reaching for his pen: wildflowers, singing streams and secret valleys. Peter Zumthor's famous Therme Vals is just next door. A contemporary minimalist aesthetic informs the interior, expressed through airy, uncluttered perspectives and straight lines. Several Dutch designers, including Hella Jongerius, Demakersvan, Scholten & Baijings, Marcel Wanders, Claudy Jongstra, Royal Tichelaar Makkum and Vitra Nederland, have contributed furnishings and decorative objects. Despite this eclecticism of sources, the overall feel is coherent and tranquil. Villa Vals holds up to 10 people. A cool 3,850 Euros will buy a week's stay in the high season, and this drops to 2,100 during the low period. It is also possible to book for just 2 nights. Couples seeking one room only receive a 20% discount. An alpine village is just up the road and the area is brimming over with opportunities for hiking, cycling and skiing adventures. [via PSFK]
Based on James Patterson's world wide best selling novels, Alex Cross follows the action-packed journey of young detective/psychologist (Tyler Perry) as he meets his match in a serial killer (Matthew Fox) who is fascinated by pain and specialises in torturing his victims. In this psychological thriller Cross is pushed to his moral limits and when the mission gets personal, he is willing to protect his family at all costs. Alex Cross (previously played by veteran Morgan Freeman in Kiss The Girls & Along Came A Spider) embarks on a high-stakes mission to put an end to a vicious serial killer in this high-speed, suspenseful action thriller. Concrete Playground has 15 double passes to giveaway to see Alex Cross. To go in the running just subscribe to Concrete Playground (if you haven't already) then email hello@concreteplayground.com.au
On the scale of personal injustices, there are few more contemptible or infuriating misdeeds than taking credit for another person’s work. In the artistic world it’s considered a violation of such repugnance that it’s said to offend one’s very ‘moral rights’, being both ’the right of Attribution’ (the right to be recognised as the creator of an original work) and ’the right against False Attribution’ (the right to prevent someone else from saying your work is theirs). Big Eyes, the latest film by director Tim Burton, is a true story based on one of the most egregious example of that violation in living history. Beginning in the late 1950s, it chronicles the decade-long deception perpetrated by the artist Walter Keane (Christoph Waltz) and his iconic ‘big eyes’ paintings. The key word there is ‘deception’, because in reality they weren’t his paintings at all; they were painted by his wife, Margaret (Amy Adams). With millions of dollars made from sales and celebrities the world over seeking their own originals, Big Eyes is a fascinating study in sexual politics and the exponential toxicity of deceit, particularly in an age when the status of a divorced single-mother was tantamount to both social and professional exile. In the leads, Adams and Waltz are both perfectly cast. Adams brings a wonderful sensitivity to the role, capturing the irrepressible passion of an artist and the burgeoning guilt of a woman who chose financial security over artistic integrity. Opposite her, Waltz is pure charisma: a salesman with a cheshire cat grin and an undeniable talent for marketing. The man could sell sand to a desert, then convince himself he invented the sand. ‘Delusional Disorder’ is the medical term for his condition, and its destructive powers are neatly showcased here. This is by far one of Burton’s most understated films, eschewing most of his traditional quirkiness and cartoonish aesthetic in favour of a picture most reminiscent of Ed Wood. Even the score, provided almost inevitably by Danny Elfman, opts for the subtle touch with hardly a whole-tone scale to be heard. That’s not to say there isn’t fantastic design at play, with the set, costuming and even colour choices wonderfully recreating '50s and '60s kitsch. It’s all very pretty, but just like its subject matter, Big Eyes is something of a masquerade: a fetching and uncomplicated visual that belies a much darker truth.
Every concert-goer has had that sinking feeling. That gut-wrenching moment when you realise that the artist you forked out the big bucks to see isn't going to play your favourite song at their concert. It's about mid-set, they are starting to wind down through their songbook of classic hits and and you realise — with that awful mix of regret and sheer pissed-off-ness — that the little-known dirge from their underrated third album you love so much just ain't going to make the cut. That's set to change at this year's SXSW, however. Doritos is sponsoring a giant vending machine stage that will host an interactive concert where audience members and fans from around the world can choose rap superstar LL Cool J's encore number. All they need to do is tweet in their favourite song using the hashtag #BoldStage. The six-storey vending machine includes an LCD screen collating, calculating and encouraging your tweets (through the incredible Mass Relevance software, which can process up to 400,000 tweets a minute), allowing you to help control the performances of such hip hop royalty as Public Enemy, Ice Cube and Doug E. Fresh. But organisers are taking the concept of an "interactive" concert one step further. Not only can you help select the songs but fans also control what photos appear on the LCD screen; when smoke, lasers, confetti, beach balls and other special effects are used; and even choose the concert's opening act. Prior to the concert, three of hip hop's rising stars — Devin Miles, Snow Tha Product and Aussie Seth Sentry — will battle it out for the chance to perform one song at the opening the concert, with the song that receives the most #BoldStage votes getting the gig. The iconic SXSW features a whole host of conferences, events, panels and products showcasing and celebrating the way new technologies are shaping the arts and the way we interact with world around us. The BoldStage also made an appearance last year's festival. The interactive element was less low-tech then, though you could search the town for giant quarters with which to purchase the giant bags of (giant) chips in the vending machine. Via Mashable.
Most pet owners could look at their gorgeous ball of fluff all day, every day. Most animal lovers could do the same thing with any type of creature. If you're especially fond of gazing at cute puppies and delightful dogs, you'll soon have a new place to go — no, not your local dog park or pooch-friendly drinking session, but New York's Museum of the Dog. While a museum dedicated to dachshunds opened in Passau in Germany last year, NYC's newcomer will showcase all types of canines. Run by the American Kennel Club, it'll be specifically filled with doggo-centric art. Basically, if you think that paintings of pups are the ultimate creative ideal, then prepare to feast your eyes on more than just dogs playing poker. Statues of dogs, odes to famous movie pooches, a 'find your match' feature that uses facial recognition to pair you with the best breed for you, a 'meet the breeds' touchscreen exhibit that'll tell you everything you need to know about every kind of pupper — they're all part of the museum as well. It'll also include a community wall, where locals can show off their favourite four-legged friends. And, as it'll be located at the same site as the AKC's headquarters, the Museum of the Dog will also have access to the organisation's library, archives and collection. [caption id="attachment_704503" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Museum of the Dog[/caption] When the Museum of the Dog opens on February 8, it'll actually mark a homecoming, with the facility starting in New York in the 80s before moving to St Louis for the past three decades. The celebration of man's best friend will also offer rotating exhibitions exploring the art of making art about canines across the ages, plus 'guest dog of the week' sessions where visitors can meet, greet and learn about different varieties of pooch. If you're headed to New York next month, the American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog will open its doors on February 8. Visit the museum website and Facebook page for further details.
You're immersed in a virtual environment — and sporting the appropriate headgear, of course — when someone tries to get in touch with you back in the real world. What do you do? It's a #firstworldproblem hardly anyone has actually experienced yet, despite affordable VR headsets starting to hit the market; however Facebook has a solution. The social media giant does own Oculus, after all, so it was only a matter of time before they found a way to integrate one with the other. At the Oculus Connect 3 conference this week, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg donned a pair of tech-savvy goggles, entered an augmented reality realm and took a Facebook Messenger video call from his wife, Priscilla Chan. The chat popped up on a device worn on his avatar's wrist, then opened in a window in his field of vision, meaning that he could both talk and keep going about his virtual business. Zuckerberg also unveiled a few more VR bits and pieces, including the ability to take a virtual selfie and share it on Facebook (hey, we already said this kind of thing was only a matter of time). Then there's what's being called "VR emoji", which are exactly what they sound like — if you gesture in an angry or happy way, your avatar's face will change to display your emotional state. Plus, you can also take 360-degree photos of actual, real-world scenes and overlay them with VR avatars of friends who are elsewhere so that you can all hang out, play cards or board games, have a sword fight or watch TV. We mightn't all be donning headsets right this moment, but developments like this show that virtual reality isn't going anywhere. In fact, with Sony's Playstation VR released this month, the field is really just beginning to roll out, so expect plenty more news where this came from. Via Tech Crunch. Image: Oculus.
Whether you're backpacking around the world, road-tripping across the country or just heading on a one-day jaunt somewhere close by, packing light and taking your favourite things with you rarely go hand in hand. Sometimes, though, everyone wants to combine a new adventure with a slice of comfort. That's where the Nomadic Life kit comes in. Recognising that we're all on the go all the time these days, product design brand Gerardo Osio has put together a collection of handy items that can be easily transported — and will instantly improve your travelling experience. Inside a portable wooden box, you'll find everything from a mat and a cushion for on-the-go relaxation to a copper tableware set. For an instant dose of added peacefulness, there's also a vase, candle and incense holder. The project also aims to link in with Buddhist and Shinto philosophies about compact living by highlighting simplicity and practicability. With that in mind, all of the objects within the kit are hand-crafted from natural materials such as copper, wood, leather, straw, cotton and stone, and made in collaboration with six different Japanese traditional craft workshops.
Some flicks fade with time. Others are imprinted into our culture permanently out of pure cinematic brilliance. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is one of those, a low-budget cult movie which has sustained a life well beyond its 1975 premiere. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the movie, it tells the twisted tale of a newly engaged couple, Brad Majors (Barry Bostwick) and Janet Weiss (Susan Sarandon), as they stumble inside a creepy castle on a rainy night. Unbeknownst to them at the time is that they will be greeted, spending a night of debauchery and transsexual freakishness with a group of bizarre partygoers clad in lingerie, leather and fishnet stockings. The folks at Bondi Openair Cinema are giving one lucky Concrete Playground subscriber the chance to win a 'star class experience' for six people at their screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show this coming Thursday, March 1. You will receive a glass of sparking wine on arrival, a mini tub of Ben & Jerry's each and the opportunity to Time Warp all night in your Star Class deck chairs, situated in prime seating location of course. To go in the running to win tickets for you and five friends, just make sure you are subscribed to Concrete Playground then email hello@concreteplayground.com.au by 5pm on Wednesday, February 29. https://youtube.com/watch?v=bc80tFJpTuo
The Silent History is one of the first applications to expand the unchartered boundaries of e-book storytelling. It's not merely a digitised book, but a serialised novel split across hundreds of short stories released daily. It starts in the present and stretches into a future where a generation of children are hit by a baffling epidemic: the inability to speak or process language. Instead of words, these "silents" hear pure sound and nobody knows why. What is the predicament of a people with no ability to communicate or comprehend, cut adrift from their families and their society? In the tradition of the best dystopian science fiction, the guts of The Silent History is in society's reactions rather than the story's catalyst: some respond with fear and propose dumping the silents on an apartheid island, parents try in vain to get through to their impenetrable children, doctors are more concerned with how to categorise the kids then actually figuring out what to do with them and how to help them. The story is split into 1500-word first person narratives from these parents, doctors, teachers, siblings and citizens, some of whom reappear as the story continues to unfold. There are also site-specific "field reports" that expand on the central narrative in a non-linear fashion and can only be accessed when the reader travels to the physical location where the report is set. There are three such field reports in Sydney across Tempe and Marrickville, and more to be released soon (anyone can contribute one). Sitting on a bench in Wicks Park in Marrickville, reading a field report by The Lifted Brow's Sam Cooney, I madly looked around for a caramel door described in the text. There it was! As if the writer had put the doorway there himself! Of course, I knew he hadn't, but it was perfect - the exact kind of dark magic that all good writers and artists and musicians perform when their work seems to lift up walls behind walls behind walls and reveal something new and unexpected with great clarity. This is what digital literature can do and be! It's a revelation - experiential and immersive and immediate. Sometimes Sydney's Inner West seems to stretch on forever, all grey terraces and identical intersections and howling flightpaths. The Silent History field reports take ordinary, everyday patches of suburbs and turns them into places, connecting them with something bigger. The exact nature of that bigger something isn't quite clear yet. It's easy to describe The Silent History's plot and its innovative format, but its actual themes are more elusive. I can really only say what it makes me think about: the nature of language, the inability of almost everyone (mute or not) to communicate what they want and need, the necessity and difficulty of intimacy and vulnerability, the loneliness of childhood, the mysteries of deja vu and dreams and things felt instinctively rather than experienced consciously. These themes recur like birthmarks throughout the short stories, sometimes faint and sometimes darker. In this way, The Silent History, with its fragmentary narrative, is reminiscent of the works of Louise Hearman and Bill Henson, the lyrics of Talking Headsand Radiohead, and other artists more interested in questions than answers. Do not waste another minute - download this app/book/enigma and start exploring the stories and field reports now. Volume 2 of The Silent History is available now for iPads and iPhones at the iTunes Store for $1.99 per volume.
The European fashion invasion of Sydney is nearly complete. First Gap was installed in the Sydney Westfield in 2011, then Zara graced our shores shortly after. The newest kids on the block are the Japanese fashion store Uniqlo and home of all things you didn't think you needed, H&M, in 2014. Come Thursday, October 16, they will all be housed in one shopping centre, The Macquarie Centre in North Ryde. Yes, North Ryde. To celebrate they are hosting a weekend of all things fashion — including free runway shows, shopping deals and styling sessions. Get into Sydney's first non-pop-up Uniqlo for Harajuku DJs and Japanese drummers, and then be one of the first 1,500 shoppers at H&M to receive a free gift bag. No longer will we have to trek it to Melbourne to get our hands on that sweet, sweet H&M goodness. No more do we have to conceal our envy as our recently returned chums show off their new overseas high street purchases. No more resentfully trawling through European fashion sites for clothes that don't even ship to Australia. The full timetable of events for Macquarie Centre's opening weekend can be found on its website.
When 2018 comes to a close, the National Gallery of Australia will be home to both a permanent Yayoi Kusama infinity room and a short-term showcase of pre-Raphaelite masterpieces from London's Tate Britain — but 2019 looks set to be even bigger for the Canberra venue. The gallery has revealed its full program for next year and it's filled with huge names from the art world, with exhibitions showcasing the work of Monet, Matisse and Picasso coming to the nation's capital. Hitting the NGA between June and August, Monet: Impression Sunrise, will be focused around the artwork that gives the exhibition its title. Painted back in 1872, Impression, Soleil levant is credited as the source of the term 'impressionism' and rarely travels outside of the Musée Marmottan Monet in Paris. In fact, it has never visited the southern hemisphere before. In collaboration with the French institution, the NGA will display other world-famous paintings by the artist — as well as works by other impressionist talents inspired by Monet, such as JMW Turner. From December 2019 to April 2020, the NGA will then play host to to Matisse / Picasso, which will give art fans to see iconic creations by two major artists in the same space. Drawing pieces from more than 40 collections around the world, the exhibition will highlight the great rivalry between the two figures, and how they responded to each other in their work. The NGA's fondness for Picasso shouldn't come as a surprise — the gallery is already home to a rare set of 100 of the artist's pieces, called The Vollard Suite, which has been touring the country with stops in both Brisbane and Victoria. Among its other highlights for 2019, the NGA will also become home to a new four-metre high wax 'candle' sculpture by Swiss artist Urs Fischer from March, and will unveil a major new work of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art in October. Monet: Impression Sunrise will display at the National Gallery of Australia between June 7 and August 18, 2019, while Matisse / Picasso will display between December 13, 2019 and April 13, 2020. For further details, visit the NGA website. Image: Claude Monet. Impression, Soleil Levant. 1872. Paris, Musée Marmottan Monet.
In the future we'll surely be able to buy things off the internet (or Google Glass, or whatever) and they'll materialise in our teleportation box as soon as the transaction is approved. But until then we still have to deal with the traversing of physical space (such a drag), which unfortunately takes time, money and human resources. But delivery companies have done pretty well with coming up with new ways of getting us our stuff so far — just last week 7-Eleven delivered their first Slurpee by drone, and Japanese postal service Yamato Transport have just announced that they'll start driverless delivery as of next year. Yamato have partnered with Tokyo-based tech company DeNA to develop and launch the delivery by self-driving car service. In what might be the only name that a Japanese tech delivery service could possibly be called, it's been dubbed the RoboNeko Yamato, which translates to "robo cat". RoboNeko has been described as an "on-demand delivery service" because customers will place an order in way that's similar to requesting an Uber. It's of course designed to be used as an e-commerce platform, but customers can also use the app to request a car to deliver bulky things like luggage or a bulk IKEA haul. Customers will be able to track the car, and when it arrives, they'll simply unload their delivery and the car will drive off into the sunset. The service will be trialled for one year, starting March 2017. During that time drivers will accompany some cars to make sure nothing goes wrong, but they hope for the service to be fully autonomous by the end of the trial. Self-driving cars are something that are being tested extensively for human transport — Uber has started testing them, as has US ridesharing service Lyft and Washington D.C. has an adorable self-driving bus — but this is the first time they'll be used for delivery purposes. Via PSFK.
If you've ever dreamt of a Sydney made of chocolate, you're in some serious luck. Founded by Sydney pastry chef and scientist Tahra Camidge, Sydney Chocolate is a new local company making chocolate bars out of Sydney suburbs — and they're pretty spot on. Seeking to accurately reflect the personality and distinct crisscross of patterns that make up Sydney's varied suburbs, Camidge's flavours are guaranteed to make you smirk. Bondi Beach? Milk chocolate, salted caramel and organic quinoa ('Don't in-salt the hipsters'). Vaucluse? Golden lumps of crunchy honeycomb smothered in couverture with a dash of sea salt ('Are you a gold digger?'). Marrickville? Milk couverture filled with dark ganache made from microbrewed ale, sprinkled with black sesame nougatine ('Are you a gin mill cowboy?'). Sydney Chocolate know their product is quite the perfect Christmas present, so they're doing a pop-up at Bondi Junction Westfield for the silly season. They'll be giving away samples and setting up Christmas gift packs, and they'll be there seven days a week until December 20. Check out our feature interview with Sydney Chocolate over here. Each bar will only set you back $10.90, available here.
First, the bad news: as announced at the end of February by creator and showrunner Jesse Armstrong in an interview with The New Yorker, HBO's award-winning version of Family Feud — aka Succession — is coming to an end. Now, the good news: in the show's just-dropped full trailer for season four, the squabbles are as sharp as ever, the insults are flying thick and fast, and no one among the Roy family can trust each other. So, it's fiery business as usual for the series' farewell lap. Arriving on Monday, March 27 in Australia and New Zealand — airing week to week — Succession's fourth season will be its last, and will see business titan Logan Roy (Brian Cox, Remember Me) leave his children Shiv (Sarah Snook, Pieces of a Woman), Kendall (Jeremy Strong, Armageddon Time), Connor (Alan Ruck, The Dropout) and Roman (Kieran Culkin, No Sudden Move) with everything, nothing or something in-between. Getting to that conclusion is going to be one helluva ride, as every season of Succession always is. The latest sneak peek includes everything from double-crossing to angry confrontations, plus Shiv's husband Tom Wambsgans (Matthew Macfadyen, Operation Mincemeat) and Roy-family cousin Greg (Nicholas Braun, Zola) trying to stay relevant — and gossiping to each other, as they always do. It's Greg who utters the trailer's best line, in fact: "it's like if Santa Claus was a hitman," he says of Logan. The more things change for the Roys, the more that volatile underlying dynamic stays the same. No one is happy, the future of the company is in chaos and everyone wants the top job. In season four, that involves Logan's children teaming up with the family's foes, loyal in-house legal counsel Gerri (J Smith-Cameron, Fleishman Is in Trouble) threatening lawsuits, Logan starting rounds of chanting in the office and Roman getting in the face of Lukas Matsson, the tech visionary played by Alexander Skarsgård (The Northman) who Logan wants to sell Waystar Royco to. This is the fourth glimpse at what's in store in Succession season four, following on from an initial sneak peek in a broader HBO trailer in mid-October last year, another in late 2022 when the show's autumn return was confirmed, and one in January that locked in the exact March comeback date. If you need a refresher from season three, Shiv, Kendall, Roman and Connor have banded together to form a rebel alliance against Logan over his move to offload the company — and therefore the jobs, power, and cultural and political influence they always thought they'd inherit — to Lukas. It was back in 2021 when HBO announced that Succession would return for a fourth run, after its Emmy-winning third season proved that exceptional — and popular. Viewers are clearly in for more power struggles and more savaging of the one percent, aka more of what Succession has always done best. This time, however, it's the last go-around, so truly anything can happen. "We're pirates," shouts Logan in the new trailer, after all. Check out the full trailer for Succession season four below: Succession season four starts streaming from Monday, March 27 Down Under, including via Foxtel, Binge and Foxtel On Demand in Australia and Neon in New Zealand. Check out our review of season three. Images: Claudette Barius/Macall B Polay, HBO.
The Scenic Skyway has been adding a dose of adrenaline to Blue Mountains weekenders since 1958. While Elvis Presley was enlisting in the army and Sir Edmund Hillary was hitting the South Pole, a bunch of ingenious engineers were laying cables 270 metres above one of Australia’s most spectacular gorges. You’ll be pleased to know that the cables and the car have been replaced since then. After serving for a good 46 years, the original Scenic Skyway was retired in 2004, to be succeeded by a schmick new vessel. Today’s high-tech cabin holds 72 people at once. And its floor is part-made of liquid crystal glass, allowing sublime views of the valley below — wherever you’re standing. Does that sound too freaky? No problem – you can opt for seating and a less-terrifying, opaque surface beneath your feet. Cable car tech might have come a long way since the ‘50s, but the mountain views have hardly changed. Thanks to the Scenic Skyway’s 360 degree views, you get to spend every minute of your 720-metre ride taking in incredible views of Katoomba Falls, the Three Sisters and Jamison Valley. Expect infinite wilderness and stunning rock formations in every direction. Once you’ve reached the other side of the gorge, you can make an immediate return. Or you can jump off at the Skyway’s east station (built in 2005) and continue your adventure, which starts with the easy, yet beautiful, Prince Henry Cliff Walk. As the name suggests, the trail follows the cliff closely, affording amazing vistas of Jamison Valley and leading you to Echo Point, where you get up-close views of the legendary Three Sisters. From there, you can follow the Giant Staircase, which winds its way downwards, passing alongside the Three Sisters before reaching the valley floor, to join the Federal Pass. A rainforest walk, soundtracked by bird song and passing by Katoomba Falls, takes you to the base of Scenic World. If you’re energetic, you can get back to your car by climbing the 1,000 Furber Steps. Or, you can grab a ride on the Scenic Railway, the steepest passenger railway in the world. Prepare for a hair-raising 52 degree incline.
In a world brimming with concrete jungles, it's time to escape the urban hustle and immerse yourself in the wonders of the wild. Together with Intrepid Travel, we've curated a list of unparalleled wildlife experiences, from heart-pounding encounters with orangutans to seeing gorillas, sea turtles and much more. All Intrepid Travel adventures are built with local communities, businesses and NGOs to support the conservation of wildlife and the people protecting the wild. So, you can rest assured knowing that the money you spend is reinvested into the protection of the wildlife you see and the communities you visit. Plus, every wildlife trip includes at least one local wildlife expert – either a local park ranger or Indigenous person with a special connection to the land. So, buckle up, fellow adventurers, and welcome to the wild side. See Rhinos at Dusk Did you know rhinos are most active at dusk? Black rhinos have made a huge comeback from their staggering low numbers of only 2500 to more than 6000 today, largely thanks to the massive conservation efforts across Africa. They are still registered as critically endangered, but there is hope. Their close cousins, the white rhinos, are near threatened. You can support their comeback from the brink of extinction by visiting the Khama Rhino Sanctuary on the edge of the Kalahari Desert — the only place left in Botswana where both black and white rhinos reside. Other wildlife that resides in this sanctuary include zebras, giraffes, leopards, ostriches and wildebeest, all of which can be seen grazing the many waterholes. Take a trip to the Okavango Delta region and visit the sanctuary and the Delta's lush waterways, where you can witness hippos and elephants going about their day. Swim with Sea Lions and Sea Turtles What wildlife experience could be better than island hopping through the Galapagos Islands? This archipelago is swarming with unique animals, from ancient giant tortoises and nesting blue-footed boobies to marine iguanas. La Lobería, located on the southwest coast of San Cristobal Island, is known for its white-sand beach and crystal-clear waters speckled with volcanic rocks that are sometimes teeming with sea lions. Don your snorkel set and swim with the locals; you might even spot a sea turtle or two. The wildlife doesn't just reside in the waters. As you take a break on land, you'll spot sea lions lounging around town. See the Big Five on Safari What's the Big Five, we hear you ask? The inhabitants of the expansive African bush: lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and African buffalo. Be immersed in the animal kingdom as you veer off the beaten track to seek out these local legends shelter under the flat-topped acacias in the epic setting of the Great Rift Valley and Lake Naivasha. Here, hippos spend their days floating among the floating islands of papyrus reeds. Monkey-Around with Orangutans Explore a mystical land of natural beauty and rare wildlife on an adventure to Sabah in Borneo. See where sea and green turtles lay their eggs; macaques, orangutans and proboscis monkeys hanging off branches; and, if you're lucky, pygmy elephants. The red-headed locals of the region are a huge draw. Orangutans are the largest arboreal mammal (tree-dwelling). They are highly intelligent, super strong, and, unfortunately, critically endangered. The world's first orangutan rehabilitation centre was set up in Sabah to support the red-headed giant. Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre opened in 1964 and now covers 43 square kilometres of the rainforest as well as a clinic, treatment ward and nurseries for orphaned orangutans. If you visit, you will see its protected orangutans in their wild habitat, as they can roam as they please. Seek Out Mountain Gorillas Follow local expert rangers through the steamy forests of Uganda to seek out and witness the rare and gentle mountain gorillas of the mountainous Bwindi National Park. These gentle giants have been pushed further and further up the mountains as their habitats are destroyed. But they are resilient, and their numbers have been bolstered over recent years thanks to conservation efforts. The silverback gorillas are calm creatures who spend their days eating, sleeping, grooming and playing. Visits to the gorillas are strictly controlled to minimise disturbance. For an unforgettable hour, watch the adult gorillas keep an eye on the scene and the smaller ones as they play or hang out in the trees. Get out, explore, dive into adventure and find your WOW with Intrepid Travel. Find out more on the website.
Normal life can wait, there's movies to watch: in Sydney each June, that's the mantra. 2024's Sydney Film Festival has been unveiling its packed lineup since early April, including a Midnight Oil documentary to open this year's fest, a Bondi Icebergs doco, Hellraiser with a new live score and a retrospective that pays tribute to Senegalese filmmaker Ousmane Sembène. Now arrives the full program, from Yorgos Lanthimos' Poor Things follow-up Kinds of Kindness playing straight from Cannes in SFF's official competition — and yes, it stars Emma Stone (The Curse) — through to the usual latest and greatest in Australian and world cinema. "Usual" is never quite the word for a major film fest like Sydney's winter showcase, of course. As SFF will demonstrate from Wednesday, June 5–Sunday, June 16, every year's festival looks and feels different because variety is at the heart of its choices. And with a couple of hundred flicks always on the bill — 197 films is 2024's tally, hailing from 69 countries, with 92 narrative features and 54 documentaries, and also 28 world premieres and 133 Australian premieres — Sydney Film Festival's titles can boast a heap of well-known talents and still never resemble past fests. As he has every year that he's been at the helm since 2012, Festival Director Nashen Moodley has stuffed the event's 71st iteration with everything from Hunter Schafer (Euphoria)-starring thriller Cuckoo and Sundance hit I Saw the TV Glow from We're All Going to the World's Fair's Jane Schoenbrun — which is about two teens grappling with their favourite television show getting cancelled — through to Indigenous Aussie horror via The Moogai, which makes the leap from SFF-winning short to feature vying for the new $35,000 First Nations Award. Or, there's also Dahomey, which won this year's Berlinale Golden Bear; The Bikeriders, starring Jodie Comer (Killing Eve), Austin Butler (Dune: Part Two), Tom Hardy (Venom: Let There Be Carnage) and Mike Faist (Challengers); and Grand Tour, as directed by 2015 Sydney Film Prize-winner Miguel Gomes (Arabian Nights). Kinds of Kindness, an anthology effort from Lanthimos, is joined in SFF's official competition by not only Grand Tour and opening night's Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line, but also by titles from India, Germany, Ireland, France, Argentina, Mexico, Italy and Vietnam. They include All We Imagine as Light, the first Indian film playing in Cannes' competition in three decades; three IRL Belfast rappers starring as themselves — and co-starring with Michael Fassbender (Next Goal Wins) — in comedy Kneecap; a tribute to Italian acting great Marcello Mastroianni; Sujo, the cartel drama that won 2024's Sundance Grand Jury Prize; and September Says, the directorial debut of actor Ariane Labed (which means that she's competing against her Alps and The Lobster director Lanthimos). The highlights keep coming across the rest of the program. Aussie boxing drama Kid Snow with Phoebe Tonkin (Boy Swallows Universe), the Kate Winslet (The Regime)- and Alexander Skarsgård (Mr & Mrs Smith)-led Lee about WWII reporter Lee Miller, Armand starring The Worst Person in the World's Renate Reinsve, Saoirse Ronan (Foe) as a recovering addict in page-to-screen adaptation The Outrun, Australian surfing culture documentary You Should Have Been Here Yesterday: they're all on the list. Or, get excited about Aubrey Plaza's (Scott Pilgrim Takes Off) new comedy My Old Ass, which Margot Robbie (Barbie) produced; The Convert, which features Guy Pearce (The Clearing) and is directed by Once Were Warriors' Lee Tamahori; and Japan's My Sunshine, which follows a boy who learns to figure skate solely to get his crush's attention. Problemista, directed by and starring Los Espookys' Julio Torres opposite Tilda Swinton (The Killer), is one of the standout indies on the bill. So is Stress Positions, as led by John Early (The Afterparty) and set in New York City during lockdown. Also boasting familiar faces, The Dead Don't Hurt is a feminist western helmed by and starring Viggo Mortensen (Crimes of the Future), and also featuring Vicky Krieps (Corsage) — and A Different Man features Sebastian Stan (Dumb Money), Ghostlight has Triangle of Sadness' Dolly De Leon, and Peter Sarsgaard (The Batman) and Jessica Chastain (George & Tammy) are in Memory. Sasquatch Sunset, directed by the Zellner brothers (Damsel), also sees Riley Keough (Daisy Jones & the Six) and Jesse Eisenberg (Fleishman Is in Trouble) in front of the camera, but playing a sasquatch family. From acclaimed filmmakers, Radu Jude follows up Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn with Do Not Expect Too Much From the End of the World, Lav Diaz (When the Waves Are Gone) is in police-procedural mode with Essential Truths of the Lake (which clocks in at almost four hours, which is short for the Filipino director), and About Dry Grasses is the newest drama from Winter Sleep and The Wild Pear Tree's Nuri Bilge Ceylan. Fancy two films from Korean action great Choi Dong-hoon (Assassination)? There's an Alienoid and Alienoid: The Return of the Future double. For feline fans, doco The Cats of Gokogu Shrine is about Japanese street cats. Still on documentaries, Untitled Blur Documentary goes to the British band's 2023 Wembley Stadium shows, Federer: Last Twelve Days hails from Asif Kapadia (Senna, Amy and Diego Maradona), Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story pays tribute to its namesake and Made in England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger steps through the titular pair's films with Martin Scorsese (Killers of the Flower Moon). The Bones digs into the fossil trade, while Occupied City marks the return of Steve McQueen's (Small Axe) work to SFF after he won the first-ever Sydney Film Prize with Hunger. Also, if you're keen for Skywalkers: A Love Story, catch it in IMAX — it's about a couple of daredevils climbing the planet's tallest structures. And in the Box Set box seat — aka the part of the fest that serves up a TV binge — is six episodes of mystery series Exposure, as led by Alice Englert (Bad Behaviour) and executive produced by Justin Kurzel (Snowtown, Nitram). Screening at The State Theatre, Event Cinemas George Street, Dendy Newtown, Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace Cremorne, Palace Central, Palace Norton Street, Ritz Cinemas Randwick, IMAX Sydney, the Art Gallery of NSW and the State Library of NSW, SFF's 2024 must-sees keep going — because if you've got enough holiday leave for it, dedicating the full 12 days to movies, movies and more movies is one of the ultimate cinephile experiences. "The 71st Sydney Film Festival unfurls a canvas of bold narratives and remarkable visions, mirroring the evolving dynamics of our world," said Moodley about the 2024 lineup. "This year, we are proud to present films that challenge, entertain, and provoke dialogue, from the sweeping landscapes of Australian dramas to the complex human stories from global cinema. The 2024 selection reinforces our commitment to fostering a diverse cinematic experience, spotlighting works that engage with pressing social issues, personal stories and transformative historical moments." "These films invite the audience to journey through myriad cultures and experiences, reflecting the rich complexity of the human condition." [caption id="attachment_954171" align="alignnone" width="1920"] David Dare Parker[/caption] Sydney Film Festival 2024 takes place from Wednesday, June 5–Sunday, June 16 at various cinemas and venues around Sydney. For more information — and for tickets from Wednesday, May 8, 2024 — head to the festival's website.
Brisbane's premier destination for all things art, the Gallery of Modern Art is showcasing the 30-year trajectory of a culture that knows a thing or two about unique fashion design. Now showing, Future Beauty: 30 Years of Japanese Fashion will chart the transformation of Japanese fashion design from the 1980s until today. We're talking the weird and the wonderful, from street wear to haute couture. These are the cutting-edge Japanese fashion designers who experimented with genres and influences to create a sartorial scene quite unlike any other. Thanks to Brisbane's Airtrain, we are offering one lucky entrant two free return flights to Brisbane from either Sydney or Melbourne. Included is return travel with Brisbane's Airtrain, the premier rail link connecting Brisbane Airport to the city; two nights of accommodation; and two guest passes to see the one-of-a-kind exhibition at GOMA. Airtrain is the fastest, most efficient and affordable way to get from Brisbane Airport to the heart of the Brisbane CBD, and it takes you there in 20 minutes flat. Hard to beat in terms of simplicity, comfort and punctuality, Airtrain runs every 15 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes during non-peak periods. To ensure bookings runs smoothly, Brisbane's Airtrain has introduced an iPhone app for travellers on the go offering easy access to mobile tickets when entering and exiting an Airtrain station. To sweeten what is already a pretty sweet deal, there is a 10 percent discount for all advance online bookings, as well as great web group fares offering substantial discounts for groups of two or more. Your accommodation for this trip is a one-bedroom apartment at sleek, four-star Mantra on Edward, located only 200 metres from Central Station, where you'll hop off the Airtrain in Brisbane's CBD. You will be on the doorstep of some of Brisbane's best cafes, restaurants and bars and a short walk from the Brisbane River at Eagle Street Pier as well as the shopping district Queen Street Mall. Or you can just stay in your hotel and enjoy the pool and sauna. Future Beauty: 30 years of Japanese Fashion will be running from November 1, 2014, until February 15, 2015 at the Gallery of Modern Art. Thanks to Brisbane's Airtrain, Mantra Hotels and GOMA, one winner will get to go on this holiday with a friend, enjoying: A double pass to the Future Beauty exhibition or Future Beauty Up Late at the Gallery of Modern Art Brisbane Return flights to Brisbane per person from either Melbourne or Sydney Two-nights' accommodation in a one- bedroom apartment at Mantra on Edward Return travel with Airtrain so you can fast-track your trip to and from the airport To be in the running, subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter (if you haven't already) then email us with your name and address. Entry to the competition constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions. Sydney: win.sydney@concreteplayground.com.au Melbourne: win.melbourne@concreteplayground.com.au Image: Broken Doll, performing at Future Beauty Up Late.
With the threat of increasing noise complaints hanging over Melbourne’s live music scene, campaigners, venue owners, musicians and councils have been taking action. In early September, the implementation of Agent of Change laws put the responsibility for soundproofing firmly on the shoulders of residential developers. And now, the City of Yarra is offering financial assistance to venues, to help them with acoustic-related works. All in all, the Council has plans to serve up $25,000 worth of funding under the banner ‘Live Music Venues Grants’. Each successful venue will receive an independent grant of $2,000 or a matching grant of $5,000. Of the 500 licensed premises in the City of Yarra, about 50 host live music regularly. “Of concern to all has been the increasing tension between residents living in dense housing close to major activity centres, and licensed venues disturbing the peace with loud music and noisy patron behaviour,” states the Council’s website. “There is also a growing appreciation of the Live Music Industry and the contributions it makes to the economy and to the cultural fabric of the community.” To be eligible for grants, venues must be situated in the City of Yarra and must adopt the Best Practice Guidelines for Live Music Venues, which were created by the Live Music Roundtable in collaboration with the Victorian Government. Applications are open now. Via Music Feeds.
So, you've binged on The Jinx and Making a Murderer, and now you need another outlet for your factual film and television fix. Announced back in February, the brand new Australian offshoot of Hot Docs promises to take care of your need to consume compelling real-life stories. Packing quite the punch in their first year, Hot Docs at Palace Cinemas will bring 24 films from 15 countries to Paddington's Palace Verona in June and July. If exploring the story of James Foley, the journalist murdered by ISIS in 2014, piques your interest, or if finding out how the humble VHS helped defeat Romanian communism takes your fancy, then the likes of Jim: The James Foley Story and Chuck Norris Versus Communism well and truly have you covered. Elsewhere on the lineup, League of Exotic Dancers pays tribute to burlesque, What Tomorrow Brings explores the fight to educate young girls in Afghanistan, and Raving Iran looks at a couple of DJs working the country's underground techno music scene. Plus, two Aussie-made films will receive their world premieres: Charlie Hill Smith's Motorkite Dreaming, which focuses on a microlight aircraft adventure, and Helen Kapalos' A Life Of Its Own, which delves into the topic of medical marijuana. If that doesn't get you excited, perhaps a bit of background info about the original Hot Docs will. Also known as the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival, it isn't just a small-scale event. Screening more than 200 films, it's actually North America's largest doco-focused showcase, and has been running for 23 years. Until now, it had limited its factual film smorgasbord to the nation in its name; however, with this Australian leg, that's no longer be the case. Hosted by Palace Cinemas and curated by Aussie artistic director Richard Moore, the local run really is everything documentary fans have dreamed of (as long as they dream about spending a week or so holed up in a cinema, that is).
Italian wines and Roman-inspired dishes from a former Shell House chef have arrived at the former Macleay Street home of Monopole in the form of Enoteca Ponti. This 79-seat wine bar and restaurant opened its doors last month, coming to Potts Point from the team behind beloved Sydney French spot Bistro Rex. Chef Aldo Farroni has moved over from the CBD's new multi-storey mega venue to helm a kitchen focused on producing fresh takes on Roman-style classics with seasonal produce. Not many menus in Sydney stay the same these days, and Enoteca Ponti is no different, adjusting to what's freshest and most in-season at any one time. The inaugural menu features expected players like a tomato and pecorino rigatoni, burrata with basil oil, veal tartare and appellation oysters, but there are plenty of unexpected twists throughout the menu. Kick your meal off with lasagne spring rolls accompanied by a fermented chilli aioli, or tuna noodles intensified by a wasabi emulsion. Make your way down the menu and you'll find beetroot risotto made with yoghurt, dill and capers; ox tongue with salsa verde; and roasted spatchcock paired with caramelised witlof. For meat-lovers, the crowning jewel of the menu is a 600-gram Westholme t-bone steak with an MBS between six and seven. "My food, my vision for Enoteca Ponti, is to bring the Italian cuisine of my heritage and evolve it to suit a modern, global context," Aldo said. "I want Enoteca Ponti to mirror the authentic Italian dining experience – sharing great food and wine at the table with friends." As for both the drinks selection and the romantic fit-out, Enoteca Ponti pays homage to 1950s wine bars of Rome with geometric tiles reminiscent of Italian architect Gio Ponti, and an extensive list of European wines. While there's plenty on for fans of classic wine — a Venetian pinot grigio or a Tuscan red, for example — the wine list doesn't shy away from new-age mould-breaking winemakers. There's a 2018 Venetian Il Castagnucoli orange wine available by the glass and a pét-nat out of Geelong among the selection of Italian and French sparking wines. Enoteco Ponti is located at 71A Macleay Street, Potts Point. It's open 5pm–late Monday–Thursday and midday–late Friday–Sunday.
Bondi Beach conjures images of burning hot sand and bikini-clad bodies seeking solace from the sweltering Sydney heat. One does not exactly picture a festival dedicated to winter. Bondi Winter Magic Festival is that festival. Ice-skating is on offer, yes, but there are also other exciting community events going on, ranging from busking competitions to open-air art galleries. Art on the Streets invites local artists to be part of a curated open-air gallery. You can participate, watch art being made and purchase any artwork that tickles your fancy. Chalk up the Streets encourages the community to decorate Bondi's footpaths until their hearts content. Bondi Winter Magic kicks off on June 27. Festivities will be running all day, and into the night. And when you are done with all that winter appreciation, you have an array of Bondi cuisine at your doorstep, for some well-earned grub.
Masters of Vietnamese cuisine and market regulars Bar Pho are extending the love (in the form of pho) to Surry Hills location The Foundry with a pop-up canteen. The brainchild of Tina Do, Bar Pho emphasises authentic street-style Vietnamese food with an Australian twist. The canteen is offering authentic Vietnamese dishes, alongside locally crafted beer by the kegful, courtesy of Young Henry's. The menu is varied, including barbecue sesame pork skewers, lemongrass pork chops, Vietnamese omelettes and the dish that started it all — the humble pho. There's also a Vietnamese-inspired cocktail stall, courtesy of Trolley'd. Cruise through the chilly winter evenings with some warm pho and some Vietnamese style booze in this cosy Surry Hills location. Your hours of pho fun are: Friday and Saturday evenings 4pm – 8pm Sundays 12pm – 8pm
When each year comes to an end, celebrating ace movies and TV shows from the past 12 months has become a tradition, especially if you worship screens big and small. Another ritual: looking forward to a new calendar filled with standout things to watch. Based on Disney+'s just dropped trailer for the year ahead, for example, Mouse House fans have plenty to get excited about. Chief among them is the second season of Loki, following on from its first back in 2021.When that initial run of episodes came to an end, the credits for its final instalment included a stamp that said "Loki will return in season two" — and that follow-up will hit sometime in 2023. The God of Mischief — well, Tom Hiddleston (The Essex Serpent) — narrates the brief Disney+ 2023 trailer, which includes multiple glimpses at his Marvel Cinematic Universe alter-ego. Viewers not only looking forward to Loki's return, but also eager to see Owen Wilson (Marry Me) back as Mobius M Mobius, can catch a look at both. Banter results, naturally, and clone trickery. Loki's second season will hit in another busy year for the MCU, which is also set to include the Nick Fury-focused Secret Invasion; Hawkeye spinoff Echo; Ironheart, which Black Panther: Wakanda Forever helped set up; and maybe even WandaVision spinoff Agatha: Coven of Chaos — all on streaming. In cinemas, the sprawling comic book-inspired realm will also welcome Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and The Marvels. Exactly what Loki's season two plot will follow is yet to be revealed, just like when it'll arrive; however, it isn't the only Disney+ series highlighted in the 2023 glimpse. Also included: that aforementioned Secret Invasion, the third season of The Mandalorian, fellow Star Wars series Ahsoka, Pixar's Win or Lose and Up-related Dug Days: Carl's Date, and the live-action Peter Pan & Wendy. If you're a fan of all, some or any of the Mouse House's big brands, prepare to spend plenty of time on your couch in 2023. Check out Disney+'s 2023 trailer below: The first season of Loki is available to stream via Disney+ now. Exactly when in 2023 the second season will arrive is yet to be announced — we'll update you with more details when they come to hand. To keep an eye on Disney+ catalogue, head to the streaming service's website. Top image: ©Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved.
Do you like Italian food? Then let us introduce you to the happiest place on earth. Your stomach has probably been craving pasta, pizza and gelato since news of Eataly World first started circulating — and those rumbles are only going to get louder now that the world's first Italian food theme park has opened. Located in Bologna, Italy, and calling itself an agro-food park, the site takse patrons on a trip from the field to the fork. That involves six interactive experiences, more than 40 places to eat, over 100 stalls and shops, and a dedicated parmesan cheese bar. In fact, over nearly 20 acres, Eataly World features restaurants, kitchens, grocery stores, classrooms, farms, laboratories and more, showcasing everything from livestock, dairy products and the cereals that become pasta, to preserves, Italian desserts and the best in both boozy and non-alcoholic beverages. As well as boasting free entry — aka making a good thing even better — Eataly World offers ticketed daily classes on pizza, pasta, gelato sorbet, truffles, wine, olive oil and more as part of its schedule, ensuring visitors don't just wander through this Italian food-focused realm, but can pick up a few new skills as well. To get around the massive area, bikes are also available. Eating, drinking and cycling in Italy: it sounds like a culinary holiday dream. The park is the latest venture from Oscar Farinetti, the founder of Italian food and grocery chain Eataly, which has locations in New York, Boston and Dubai. And while it has taken some time to come to fruition — it was first announced a few years back, and then set for a 2015 opening that didn't happen — it looks like it has been worth the wait. Speaking to Eater last year, Eataly vice-president and Eataly World CEO Tiziana Primori said the park would mix entertainment with education. "We call it from the farm to the fork because you can see all the steps of the chain, from the animals to the raw materials and workshops and restaurants." The hope is that the park will attract as many as 10 million visitors each year, providing a boost to Bologna tourism in the process. The city already boasts a number of gastronomic attractions, including a medieval marketplace and the world's only gelato university. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ou5uPuVBub4 Via Eater. Images: Eataly World By Tom Clift and Sarah Ward.
The weekend is so close we can taste it. But nothing puts a dampener on a camping getaway quite like forgetting the airbed pump. So, whether you're a seasoned pro or you're a total newbie to the outdoors, spend less time planning and more time making memories this weekend with our guide on what to pack for a nature-soaked trip with your friends. With no shortage of incredible Aussie destinations at your fingertips, all you need are the essentials: some sustenance, the location of your closest The Bottle-O store, and a few comforts of home. We've got you covered for all of the above. [caption id="attachment_892912" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Tsvibrav via iStock[/caption] THE ESSENTIALS It goes without saying that you're going to require a tent, an air mattress, a sleeping bag, an esky, a picnic rug, a good-quality torch with spare batteries, a portable stove, some warm clothes and your fully stocked first aid kit. We know you know all this but we've listed them anyway because it helps to be reminded, just in case. In the camp kitchen department, stay organised by including one of each of the following items per person: a plate, a bowl, cutlery, a thermal mug, a plastic tumbler for their beverage of choice, and an insulated water bottle. Most utensils can be bought in handy plastic sets that fit together in a bag. If you're partial to tinnies, you'll thank yourself (and us) for remembering to pack stubby coolers but if you're a bottled brew kind of person, taking a Swiss Army knife (or any portable bottle opener) is crucial if they aren't twist-tops. Having a can opener, utensils for cooking, a sharp knife, a chopping board, bin bags, tea towels, and a saucepan will also come in handy. Depending on where you're staying, amenities for personal hygiene can vary; if you're at a campground with public showers then lucky for you. Even better if they're heated. Otherwise, for an easy rinse-off at the end of the day, you could utilise a portable solar shower bag to keep yourself clean. Just remember to put the bag out early enough in the day to have the sun heat the water or else it might be a quicker (and cooler) refresh than you'd hoped for. As far as other wash commodities go, pack a laundry bag, towels, and any personal items you might need. This is one weekend where you'd be advised to cull the ten-step skincare routine down to just three products. Don't worry, it's only for a few days. And if you don't fancy getting bitten or burnt, be sure to pack your hat, reef-friendly sunscreen, mosquito net, and odourless bug spray, because 'Straya! [caption id="attachment_892909" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Daria Nipot via iStock[/caption] THE SUSTENANCE They say it's not the destination that matters but the journey, so it's imperative to find your nearest The Bottle-O store en route. Stop in to stock up on the good value booze and the bags of ice every camping trip wouldn't be complete without. Before you set off on the final leg of your roadie, crank up the aircon to keep that booze chilled. Chances are you're going to deserve a cold one after the arduous task of pitching the tent with your mate who swore they'd camped before but evidently hasn't. Trust us. Now camp-friendly food is where many tend to get stuck. Most foods you know and love exist in camping-compatible forms. If you can't go without a bowl of cereal, stock up on variety packets of your favourites with milk poppers to pair. For the rest of the day, we have some suggestions that will last you even a long weekend. Get a hearty breakfast or lunch in with bacon or sausages (campfire-cooked or with campsite grills) but use them early — esky ice won't last forever. If there's no ice in sight, dehydrated meal packets are actually quite tasty, don't need to be kept cold and only need boiling water to cook. If you'd rather keep it DIY, don't sleep on tinned or non-perishable food to construct a meal worthy of any campsite king or queen. And since the weekend calls for sweets, self-saucing puddings with a serving of custard make for a banging camp dessert after being immersed in a boiling pot of water. [caption id="attachment_892910" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Disobeyart via iStock[/caption] THE EXTRAS Ask any camping fanatic what their must-haves are and they're guaranteed to list at least one thing that's more of an extra than an essential but as long as you don't pack the car right to the brim, you'll be right. For the active relaxers, a frisbee and a ball are always winners and Finska is a great game for the whole group to partake in. For the passive relaxers, you can't go past a good book. If you're wondering: yes, beach reads are the perfect literary genre for camping holidays, too. Taylor Jenkins Reid, eat your heart out. It's also worth bringing a portable speaker to keep the vibes high (without disturbing your campground neighbours, of course) a packet of marshmallows to roast on the fire (provided fires are allowed), and a deck of cards to play a respectable game or two of rummy. For good value booze for the weekend head to your local The Bottle-O store by using the store finder on the website. Header image: Disobey Art.
Thanks to the Biennale, Sydney is about to get a brand new public art work. It's Agatha Gothe-Snape's Here, an Echo — aka the latest piece from the newly minted Archibald Prize-winning subject — and the Biennale has commissioned it for the City Art Collection. If you made it to the 20th Biennale, which explored the theme "The future is already here – it's just not evenly distributed", you might have encountered the piece before. Gothe-Snape worked on it with choreographer Brooke Stamp, with the two walking through the city — along a specific route from Speaker's Corner in The Domain to Wemyss Lane, Surry Hills — 60 times. Along the way, they looked for stories and engaged in conversations. Their ideas and research were then transformed into a series of performances and artworks. For its permanent incarnation from August 10, Here, an Echo will be concentrated in one area, manifesting as a series of 14 phrases sprawled across Wemyss Lane. All can be linked to specific origins, yet remain open to interpretation. "Here, an Echo will cast a new light on this inner-city location, using language to question our relationships to one another, to art, and to the contexts and histories in which all these are situated," Stephanie Rosenthal, the Biennale's artistic director, told The Sydney Morning Herald.
Put down your So Fresh CD. Crack open your teenage piggy bank. Keep practicing your Usher slide glide. It's time to bust out your R&B love — not only at mammoth shows around the country, but at jam-packed after party. A full-blown R&B frenzy is set to sweep the nation this November thanks to RnB Fridays, which will descend on stadiums in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide between November 9 and 17 (not all on Fridays, mind you). The event has managed to pull a pretty serious lineup of international music legends straight from the 90s and early 2000s. And, because you can't get too much of a good thing, plenty of them will be keeping the fun going after the main show. The official RnB Fridays after parties won't boast tour headliner Usher; however it's not short on names otherwise. Lil Jon, Estelle, Fatman Scoop and Ginuwine will all do double duty, as will DJ Spinderella and Pepa from Salt-N-Pepa, plus DJ Kay Gee and Vin Rock from Naughty By Nature. Joining them in Sydney and Melbourne is singer and rapper Trey Songz, while YO! MAFIA and Aussie R&B DJ Horizon will also be hitting the decks. You'll need a separate ticket for the after parties, which are held in separate venues — with tickets costing $49.90 for Melbourne's shindig on Level 3 of the Crown Casino on Saturday, November 10, the same amount at The Tivoli in Brisbane on Friday, November 16 and $96.30 to hit up The Marquee at The Star Sydney on Saturday, November 17. RnB Fridays Live at will hit Melbourne's Marvel Stadium on November 10, Brisbane Showgrounds on November 16 and Spotless Stadium in Sydney on November 17 — with the after parties taking place on the same dates at Level 3 of the Crown Casino, The Tivoli and The Marquee at The Star Sydney. Tickets for the after parties are now on sale. Image: Mushroom Creative House.
In a wonderful flashback for stoners and film fanatics, Matthew McConaughey has reclaimed his trademark role as Wooderson from the cult film Dazed and Confused. In the music video for Butch Walker and the Black Widows' Synthesizers, McConaughey returns to the trademark Bob Marley shirt and pink pants that kickstarted his career and made the film one of the all-time greats. Walker is a huge fan of the film and summarised McConaughey's role beautifully when he stated that "when it comes to classic characters, Matthew McConaughey's Wooderson took the cake… and the high school girls with him." In the film clip, McConaughey's slow-motion strut and deep gaze are further evidence that he will forever be a definitive, if infinitely cheesy, ladies man. https://youtube.com/watch?v=94b3gMZGorc
What a difference two years can make. For all the reasons we all know and have lived through, that's been the theme during since March 2020. Jump back to January that year and no one would've even dreamed that Australia's international borders would close for almost two years, for instance — or that getting swabbed for a respiratory virus would become a requirement for entering the country. The nation reopened its international borders to double-vaccinated travellers back in February 2022, so that's one step back to normality. Come Sunday, April 17, the COVID-19 testing requirement will be scrapped, too. At a press conference today, Friday, March 25, Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt announced that the Commonwealth Government would no longer be renewing its biosecurity emergency determination — aka the legal implement that allows a number of our recent pandemic rules and restrictions to be put in place — which means that pre-departure testing for international travellers will cease. "The country is ready to move on from the emergency declaration made two years and one month ago. I will not be renewing the biosecurity emergency determination," said Hunt. "That's on strong advice from Professor Kelly [Professor Paul Kelly, Australia's Chief Medical Officer] and our other medical advisers; the unanimous advice that was given to me and discussed with the national security committee of cabinet," he advised. So, whether you're jetting off on an overseas getaway — perhaps to a spot like Bali that no longer has quarantine requirements for holidaying Aussies — or you've got friends and family who've been putting off visiting, it's all about to get easier. At the very least, it won't involved getting swabbed before you hop on a flight Down Under. Also, the prohibition on cruise lines operating out of Australia will lift as well — if that's the kind of trip you've been dreaming of. That said, testing requirements for other countries are obviously still up to them. As a result, wherever you're heading to — if international vacations now look much more enticing — may still have its own testing requirements. Proof of double-vaccination will still be required to enter Australia, and masks will remain mandatory on domestic and international flights. Australia will drop its pre-departure testing requirement for entering the country from overseas on Sunday, April 17. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website.
Everyone loves a good ol' fashioned housewarming. And after two wildly successful Melbourne events in 2011 and 2012, The Design Files has again opened its ridiculously well-designed doors to the general public — this time in Sydney. To be held in a beautiful residential property, The Design Files Open House will be an interactive and engaging retail experience — a stylised Australian home where everything is for sale. On offer is a massive range of linen, artwork, books, lighting, furniture and kitchenware. Just see it in the home environment, then buy it for your own. The pop-up event will be active for four days only in Sydney's Surry Hills. The initiative — led by The Design Files Blog creator, Lucy Feagins — is a unique concept, which encapsulates the imagination and style of thousands of design enthusiasts, supported by the immense readership of the popular website. The Design Files Open House will be open to the public from Thursday, December 5, through to Sunday, December 8 from 10am to 5pm. Find it at 5 Bennett Place, Surry Hills.
It has been more than 60 years since Godzilla first rampaged through the streets of Tokyo, with the city enduring nearly 30 repeat visits in the decades since — across the giant monster's many on-screen excursions, that is. Until the end of January, he's not the only pop culture commodity striking the Japanese capital. Space Invaders, the game, is descending upon the city in the best possible way: in giant form, 52 stories above the ground, on the windows of the Tokyo City View observatory. As part of the Roppongi Hills spot's current interactive games exhibit, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the popular arcade title, visitors can participate in a ten-person sky-high game while looking out over the city. Called Space Invaders Gigamax, it really does follow through on all of those elements. The game is projected onto the observatory's seven-metre by 15-metre window surface, which means those pesky attackers look like they're raining down on the buildings below. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd5NGpXHmJc/?taken-by=tokyocityview One of the best spots in Tokyo to gaze out over its sprawling sights — and see its glistening lights — Tokyo City View is no stranger to adding pop culture fun to its scenic views, having hosted a Studio Ghibli exhibition that included an illuminated airship from Laputa: Castle in the Sky, as well as as a Gamera-focused showcase that served up burgers shaped like the famous kaiju and Godzilla competitor. Space Invaders Gigamax is accompanied by Bahamut Disco featuring Space Invaders, where participants shoot down invaders attacking to a beat, and NOBORINVADERS, which involves climbing up a wall to whack the attackers. For more information, visit the Tokyo City View website.
Every year, Japan comes to Australia — or, as far as movies are concerned, it does the next best thing. Since starting with three free film screenings back in 1997, the Japanese Film Festival has kept bringing the nation's many cinematic delights down under. Of course, they're going to do so again for their 20th birthday. Travelling around the country with a hefty lineup of movies so new, many are coming straight from the Tokyo International Film Festival this month, JFF embraces the vast array of big screen treats Japan's filmmakers have to offer. Sometimes, that means a poignant drama about a family banding together as a typhoon bears down. Sometimes, live-action adaptations of popular manga series are part of the equation. In fact, the 2016 lineup has both — and so does our list of the five must-see movies in the program. AFTER THE STORM Get the tissues out, Hirokazu Koreeda's new film is here. As previous efforts such as I Wish and Like Father, Like Son have proven, his dramas are tear-jerkers in the best kind of way, unpacking the ties that bind (or sometimes break) families, and understanding that the notions of love, loss, loyalty, sacrifice and struggling he depicts are absolutely universal. After the Storm promises all of the above as a separated husband and wife are thrown together during a typhoon. And yes, the filmmaker proves gifted at directing kids once again. Quite simply, he's in his own classic territory. CREEPY Everyone thinks of themselves as a good neighbour, however given the number of horror and thriller flicks that pop up on the subject, perhaps that's not quite accurate. There's something about exploring the very relatable scenario of trouble with the folks next door that keeps fascinating filmmakers and audiences alike, with Creepy the latest effort on the topic. Here, a just-quit detective moves to a new area after a traumatic incident, only to face a different kind of tension. As well as demonstrating society's collective obsession with neighbours, the film also plays with another staple: sometimes the quietest things can be the most unnerving. THE MAGNIFICENT NINE Not to one-up a certain iconic western that was only literally just remade with Denzel Washington and Chris Pratt, but a magnificent posse of nine folks is better than one with two fewer. Don't worry, there's not really already another take on the tale that actually first started with Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa. Instead, The Magnificent Nine goes comedic in feudal samurai times as a group of merchants hatch a secret plan to outwit their lord's harsh tax regime, as based on historical accounts. KAMPAI! FOR THE LOVE OF SAKE Sit down for a meal in almost any restaurant in Japan, and you'll find sake on the menu. The traditional rice wine is the nation's favourite alcoholic beverage, and Kampai! For the Love of Sake attempts to explain why. No, the documentary doesn't just throw a title card saying "Hey, it's just really, really tasty," onto the screen and then roll the credits. Rather, it takes the personal approach by focusing on three specific people and their link to the drink. It's guaranteed to make you want to sip the stuff while you're watching. TERRAFORMARS You've gotta love Takashi Miike, who ranks as possibly the most prolific and eclectic of contemporary Japanese filmmakers. First, consider a few of his most recent directorial credits: a violent, unhinged yakuza vampire flick, a drama about a doctor volunteering to help child soldiers, a high school-set, game-playing horror/thriller, and an adaptation of a manga about cockroaches evolving on Mars later this century. It's the latter that's his latest, and like almost everything Miike makes, it's probably destined for cult status. Talk about not making the same thing twice, even when you've got 100 directorial credits on your resume across less than three decades. The Japanese Film Festival tours the country, screening at Brisbane's Event Cinemas Myer Centre from October 26 to 30, Sydney's Event Cinemas George Street Sydney and Art Gallery of New South Wales from November 17 to 27, and Melbourne's Australian Centre for the Moving Image and Hoyts Melbourne Central from November 24 to December4. For more information, visit the festival website.
It's been almost twenty years since the aliens of Independence Day came down and made a global nuisance of themselves. Fair to say a lot's happened since then, mostly to do with iPhones and TV shows about 'real housewives'. But in the world of Roland Emmerich's movie, things have advanced even further. We're talking flying cars, moon bases and even above ground monorails! Hybrid alien/earth technology has led to giant leaps forward in almost every facet of life, not to mention ushering in an unprecedented era of global peace. But then, wouldn't you know it, the aliens return, and – surprise surprise – they are pissed. Independence Day: Resurgence reunites pretty much the entire cast of the original film save for Will Smith – who has been unceremoniously killed off – while also introducing some newer, younger and more marketable faces in the form of Liam Hemsworth, Maika Monroe, Jessie Usher and Chinese superstar Angelababy. Then it does EXACTLY THE SAME THING AS LAST TIME. First, aliens invade and park a giant ship where there was clearly a no parking sign, ruining several perfectly lovely cities like London and Hong Kong in the process. Next, Earth launches a counter-attack with an impressive aerial armada, only to be completely scuttled and sent packing with our tails between our legs. Then the aliens reveal their true purpose (literally to do again what they came to do last time, exactly the same way), before Bill Pullman gets into a fighter plane and brings down the invaders with not a second to spare because – and we can't stress this point enough – 'that's what worked last time'. The result is an altogether dull blockbuster, assuming that's not an oxymoron. There's zero chemistry between any two members of the cast, while the battle scenes feel disappointingly familiar. It's also one of those frustrating films where giant plot holes are constantly pulling you out of the story, as you find yourself wanting to yell questions at the screen. These may include: "Why are we still baffled by the alien shields if we knew they had them twenty years ago?" or: "Why are we surprised by the speed of the alien ships when they've not changed since the last time?" and of course: "Why do we have countdowns on our earth-defending weapons, when all they do is give the aliens more time to blow them up?" Big, dumb and fun is an established genre in Hollywood these days, and one that's not entirely without its merits. Silly blockbusters are great for whiling away a rainy afternoon or getting you to the end of a long-haul flight. But when the 'dumb' is so overbearing that it drowns out the 'fun', and the 'big' being made 'bigger' represents the only substantive change, then you're left with a massively expensive yet spectacularly hollow sequel that quite simply fails to entertain. Rest in peace, Will Smith's character. Yours is the only one whose memory hasn't been soiled. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbduDRH2m2M
When Disney isn't turning its beloved movie franchises into new theme park zones, as it's currently doing with both Star Wars and Marvel, the enormous entertainment company has been known to take the opposite approach. Plenty of its rides and attractions have inspired films, such as the entire Pirates of the Caribbean series, as well as Tomorrowland, The Haunted Mansion, The Country Bears and Mission to Mars. Now — and after a pandemic-inspired year-long delay — Jungle Cruise is the latest to join the fold. As the Mouse House did with Pirates, it has enlisted some serious star power, with Emily Blunt (A Quiet Place Part II) and Dwayne Johnson (Jumanji: The Next Level) taking the watery journey in the first movie based on Disney's popular river boat ride. She plays an explorer and scientist on a mission, while he captains the vessel she hires to transport her along the Amazon River. From there, as seen in both the original trailer back in 2019 — yes, that long ago — and the just-dropped new trailer, it seems that typical action-adventure hijinks ensue. The film's two sneak peeks so far set up a vibe that's part The Mummy, part Indiana Jones, part every other flick about someone scrambling through vast landscapes searching for something precious — in this case, a tree in the Amazon that possesses unparalleled healing powers. And that's not the only way that the flick will be following in other footsteps. Adjusting to the times, Disney has started releasing its big titles in cinemas and on its Disney+ streaming platform simultaneously, with Jungle Cruise set to follow Raya and the Last Dragon, Cruella and the upcoming Black Widow in giving viewers the option of either hitting up the silver screen or settling in to watch it at home. When Jungle Cruise both floats into cinemas and heads online this July — the latter via Disney+'s Premier Access, which involves an extra pay-per-view fee — it'll also feature Edgar Ramirez (The Undoing), Jack Whitehall (Good Omens), Jesse Plemons (Judas and the Black Messiah) and Paul Giamatti (Billions). Behind the camera, Jaume Collet-Serra is in the director's chair, marking a change of pace after the Liam Neeson-starring Unknown, Non-Stop, Run All Night and The Commuter (and Blake Lively shark flick The Shallows, too). Script-wise, the film is penned by Bad Santa writers (and Crazy, Stupid, Love filmmakers) Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, as well as Logan, Alien: Covenant, Blade Runner 2049 and Murder on the Orient Express' Michael Green. Check out the trailer latest below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SphvQORjXjQ After being delayed from its original release date of July 23, 2020, Jungle Cruise will now open in Australian cinemas on July 29, 2021 — and be available to stream via Disney+ with Premier Access from Friday, July 30. Top image: © 2020 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
In the grand tradition of doing whimsical things to raise awareness about conservation and sustainability, New York City is set to be transformed next year as a part of The Water Tank Project. Carefully selected rooftop water tanks across New York will be wrapped in temporary artworks which all address the subject of water, as part of a public awareness campaign being organised by Word Above The Street. Working under the assumption that there's no art quite so powerful and affecting as public art, The Water Tank Project aims to raise awareness about the importance of water conservation. You may recall before the country started flooding that most of Australia was in drought for some time, remembered by most city folk for the dreary water restrictions put in place. And we had to do that because water, one of the things people take most for granted, can so easily and disastrously run out. The issue of simply finding water safe enough to drink is a global problem, with just 1% of the world's fresh water adequate for human consumption. Those who can't witness in person the changing New York city skyline will be able to keep tabs on the project through apps and web-based media. However, after the project's stint in New York, Word Above The Street plans to move the project to cities like Mumbai, Rio de Janeiro, Mexico City...and Sydney. In the meantime, supporters can donate to the project online. [Via Cool Hunting]
Digitise your notes and hold them forever without losing the art of touching ink to paper. The line between the digital and non-digital world becomes ever thinner and more transparent with the influx of nifty new technologies like Moleskine's Smart Notebook. This notebook changes the world of handwritten notes as it allows you to photograph them, upload them onto note-taking program Evernote, and view them on a smartphone, tablet or computer. The notebook is for sketches or brainstorms which require old-school pen and paper, but can still conveniently be stored digitally. The Smart Notebook makes your notes, sketches, lists etc. incredibly "accessible, searchable, and shareable." After you've uploaded your notes onto Evernote, you can store them easily, look through them on screen, and easily share them with friends, family or work colleagues. Moleskine's notebook also comes with stickers or tags, so that you can group relevant notes together and make it much easier to sift through and search for various notes or drawings. On the Evernote app, it is easy to search for tags or keywords to easily find past notes. It also does helpful things, like automatically straightening images according to the lines of the notebook. Each Moleskine Smart Notebook comes with a three month Evernote subscription, so you can could theoretically make use of their service by simply buying a new book every three months.
Consider yourself a budding sleuth? Here are three questions for you to solve. What's the world's longest-running play? Who wrote it? Where's it heading this year? The answers: The Mousetrap, the one and only Agatha Christie, and Australia — Sydney to be exact. Initially premiering in London's West End in 1952, it's been treading the boards in the UK ever since, only pausing during to pandemic venue closures. When theatres reopened in Britain, so did the show. Indeed, when it makes its way to Sydney's Theatre Royal from October, with the exact premiere date yet to be revealed, The Mousetrap will do so 70 years to the month that it first debuted. Unsurprisingly, that hefty run means that the show has enjoyed the longest stint for any West End production, and for any play anywhere in the world. So far, there's been more than 28,500 London performances. To answer the obvious question, yes, it's a whodunnit. The murder-mystery starts with news of a killing in London — and with seven people snowed in at a guest house in the country. They're strangers, which is classic Christie. When a police sergeant arrives on skis, they're told that the murderer is among them (which, again, is vintage Christie). They all have wild pasts, too, and all those details are spilled as they're interrogated, and also try to work out who among them is the killer. Those guests at Monkswell Manor include a pair of newlyweds who run the house, a spinster, an architect who is handy in the kitchen, a retired Army major, a man who says his car has overturned in a drift, and a jurist. Naturally, there's another death as they'e all puzzling it over — and a twist conclusion, which audiences have been requested not to reveal after leaving the theatre for seven decades now. Again, it's all Christie all over, which'll be evident if you've seen the recent film versions of Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile — or the original cinema adaptations, or read the books, or devoured anything else that Christie ever wrote. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Mousetrap Australia (@themousetrapau) The Mousetrap originated as a short radio play, which was written as a birthday present for Queen Mary. It aired in 1947 under the name Three Blind Mice, after which Christie rewrote it as a short story, then adapted it again for the stage as The Mousetrap. And no, there isn't a movie of it — because Christie stipulated that it can't leap to the screen until at least six months after the West End production closes. Clearly, that hasn't happened yet. In Australia, the play will hit the stage with Robyn Nevin directing and John Frost for Crossroads Live Australia producing. Whether it'll head to other cities as well hasn't yet been revealed — but cross your fingers. Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap will play Sydney's Theatre Royal from October, with tickets on-sale from Monday, June 27. For further details or to sign up for the wait list, head to the play's website. Top image: Matt Crockett.
The strengths and weaknesses of Legend can be summed up via two of its key scenes. The first comes about halfway through the film, when infamous London gangster Reggie Kray (played by Tom Hardy) does a flawless impersonation of his twin brother Ron. The thing is, Ron is also played by Tom Hardy in one of those Social Network Winklevae situations. It's just that Hardy's performance is so strong and each character is so defined, you genuinely think of the Krays as two entirely distinct humans played by two very different actors. It's a powerhouse performance showcasing Hardy's imposing abilities, both physically and dramatically. The second scene comes a little earlier. The Krays are lured to a neutral pub under the auspices of negotiating a truce with their gangland rivals, only to discover themselves surrounded and grossly outnumbered. Where most would cower, the Krays respond with a mix of nonchalance and outrage: Reggie pulls himself a beer while Ron storms out, complaining of a half-arsed gunfight without any guns. Seconds later, of course, he returns unseen and together with his brother lays waste to the entire group of thugs. The problem with this second scene (and, in turn, much of the film), is that it’s terrifically entertaining. The music, dialogue, performance and direction all play it light and whimsical — even flippant — despite its confronting savagery (the Krays employ a brutal combination of hammers and brass knuckles). Under certain circumstances, the juxtaposition of violence and comedy in film is defensible, even appropriate, so long as the genre fits (think Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, or Pulp Fiction). Here, though, it’s wildly misplaced. Yes, it successfully conveys the Krays’ character and composure, but this isn’t fiction. The Krays brutalised and murdered their way to the top in real life, and the duty of a biopic is to tell a story as it was, not to glorify it as some might have wanted it to be. And that, in short, is Legend: a film defined by its spectacular performances and misfiring direction. Alongside Hardy, the supporting cast of Emily Browning, David Thewlis and Christopher Eccleston does a decent job despite the middling script, but the overall feeling is one of dullness and disappointment.
Add the Mardi Gras Film Festival to the list of cinema events that have been making a big leap over the past year — and making cinephiles around the country very happy in the process. In 2021, the Sydney-based fest is forging ahead as a physical event to mark its 28th year. But, whether you're a Sydneysider who is unable to head along to everything you'd like to see or you're a fan of LGBTIQ+ movies located elsewhere in Australia, you'll also be able to enjoy MGFF online as well. Different flicks will play in cinemas and online, with the festival running between Thursday, February 18–Thursday, March 4. In person, socially distanced screenings are slated for Event Cinemas George Street and Hurstville, Ritz Cinemas in Randwick, the Hayden Orpheum in Cremorne and Moonlight Cinema, and will span more than 60 sessions — with the entire program including 94 features, documentaries, shorts and episodes from 30 different countries. On the bill: opening night's Dating Amber, which'll see the fest launch at Moonlight Cinema for the first time; closing night's Rūrangi, which was made by members of New Zealand's queer, Māori, and gender-diverse communities; and the Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci-starring Supernova, a moving drama about a couple facing considerable health woes and big decisions. Other highlights include British feature Make Up, which is set in a Cornwall caravan park; German standout No Hard Feelings; a showcase of films by Israeli director Eytan Fox; the Vanessa Kirby-starring The World to Come; and the latest film from the inimitable Bruce LaBruce, with Saint-Narcisse following a man who discovers that he has a secret twin. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mxx76RnyVIo
Continuing their love affair with all things German, Adidas' latest limited-edition sneaker pays tribute to a part of Berlin life every local and tourist is familiar with. After making beer-proof shoes for Oktoberfest, the next cab off the rank is a pair of trainers inspired by the city's subway system — or next train out of the station, if you prefer. The newest release in the brand's Originals series, the BVG x adidas EQT Support 93 / Berlin footwear have been created in conjunction with Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG), Berlin's public transport network. Available until sold out from January 16 from the Adidas flagship store and retailer Overkill, the shoes take their fabric from the subway's seat pattern, while also styling their shoelaces after its bright yellow external appearance. It's all in celebration of the BVG's 90th birthday. Donning kicks that match one of Berlin's iconic features is one thing. Walking around in shoes that also double as your train fare for a year — now that's even better. All 500 pairs include a season ticket made of fabric and attached to the tongue. And yes, you really can use it to hop onboard, with anyone wearing the sneakers entitled to free BVG use until December 31, 2018. Sure, anyone lucky enough to nab themselves a pair will pay €180 (approximately AU$280), but that's not bad for new shoes and a year's worth of travel. Via i-D. Image: Overkill.
