I, along with many of my fellow Gen-Yers, am at a unique crossroads when it comes to the creation of deliberately grainy photography. I am just slightly too young to have had the childhood pleasure of making pinhole cameras (damn you disposable cameras, damn you), yet I am just old enough to watch on with dismay as every teenager with a smart phone claims the faux artistry afforded to them by Instagram. Designer Kelly Angood's new project the Pop-Up Pinhole Camera is not only a nostalgic throwback to the good ol' days of the DIY camera that Instagrammers can only emulate but still a source of basic wonder as pictures emerge from little more than a cardboard box. While making your own pinhole camera was often nothing short of a total nightmare, Angood has come up with a way of recapturing that old-timey, do-it-yourself feel but without the stress and strain of countless failed attempts: IKEA-style flat-pack kits. Yes, it's just like one of those build-your-own desk sets, except at the end you are left with a beautiful camera, named the Videre (definitely not a Hasselblad), that can take amazingly high-quality pinhole photographs. Best of all, Angood has already managed to raise over 20,000 pounds online to fund the project, and as such has promised her legions of fans that their very own pop-up pinhole camera should arrive on their doorstep by November. But don't let this stop you from donating: Head to her website if you fancy making a donation or picking up your own camera for photographic playtimes more surprising than anything on the end of an app.
At some point in the 1800s, a group of convicts escaped Port Arthur. For nearly one hundred years, they survived in a wild, remote part of Tasmania, completely isolated from the island's growing European presence, until, in 1939, they were found. This isn't just the basis of Louis Nowra's The Golden Age. It's a true story. Drawing on a blend of history and folklore, Nowra imagines the culture — and dialect — that this group might have developed. His play depicts their attempted re-entrance into European society, plagued not only by their decades in exile, but also the physical debilitation of old age. The Golden Age first hit Australian stages in Melbourne in 1985, then premiered in Sydney the following year, under Neil Armfield's direction. This time, it's the STC's resident director Kip Williams (Suddenly, Last Summer) who'll be taking charge, alongside a cast starring Sarah Peirse (Switzerland), Ursula Yovich (Love and Information) and Brandon McClelland (The Present).
Face it. There's nothing, nothing more heartbreaking than going out for a casual walkie with your beloved dog, grabbing a cheeky gelato cup at the beach and not being able to share it with your pooch. Much whimper. Such fail. Too long, too long have pups been shunned from ice creameries simply because the pockets in their dog hoodies rarely hold money and dairy products make them incredibly ill. Enough! No longer will this integral gelato market and prime branding opportunity be ignored. Gelatissimo are stepping up and doing what should have been done years ago (because trending topics). They're releasing a range of doggie gelato that can be enjoyed by both pets and owners alike — please avoid sharing though. Please. Importantly, the gelato is gluten free and flavoured peanut nougat (which is a dogwide favourite ice cream flavour, apparently) and gentle on puppy tums. From March 26, you can grab a scoop from 18 Gelatissimo stores (including Balmain, Bondi Beach, Central Park, Coogee, Cronulla, Newtown, Watsons Bay, Wagga, Manuka, Lane Cove, Lygon Street, Coolangatta, Mackay, Mooloolaba, Noosa, Toowoomba, Norwood and Surfers Paradise). Alright we so know it's a bit much and most of us don't have a weekly budget for dog iced treats, but think of it more as a treat for yourself that you can share with your pupper (if they whimper at you enough). Image: Mochi and Miranda @justanotherdogblog.
What would Thor do if he built a badass carvery and whiskey bar today? That's the exact question master barman Sven Almenning asked himself as he opens his latest boozy business venture, Mjølner. Owner and director of The Speakeasy Group — which operates Eau De Vie and The Roosevelt as well as Boilermaker Housee in Melbourne — Almenning is no stranger to fancy digs. Still, it's safe to say that Mjølner is his most audacious project yet. Opening tonight — 'Thorsday', March 30 — in an old tobacco factory on Cleveland Street, Mjølner takes its name from the thunder god's mighty hammer, with Almenning describing the venue as "contemporary Viking luxe". "Imagine that The Avengers are real," Almenning said when we spoke to him last year. "One of the Avengers is Thor, the Norse God, and he's the protector of human kind. So he fights down on earth, but he misses home. So he builds this bar, to recreate the feasts and merriment of Valhalla. And that, my friend, is what we are doing." As for the drinks list, think whiskey — they'll have around 600. "My business partner and I have been wanting to do a heavily whiskey-focused bar in Sydney after we opened Boilermaker down in Melbourne [in 2015]," says Almenning. But as great as that much whiskey sounds, what we're really excited about is the food. "We're running with a carvery, which will kind of happen in your face in the restaurant," he says. "So you'll be able to sit there and we'll have the chefs out with big-ass knives cutting up big bits of meat. It's going to get bloody." The rotating menu will feature one red meat, one white meat, one fish and one vego dish, as well the whole animal, like a whole suckling pig (if you're lucky). When you order, you'll be presented with a leather-bound selection of hunting knives to choose to eat your dinner with. This is just one of the quirks of the venue — you can also drink your beer out of one of the communal horns that sit on the table or purchase a piece of meat and store it in one of their meat lockers for return visits. The 300-square-metre venue, which is part of a new development, will be open from 5pm Tuesday through Saturday and then from midday on Sundays. "Closing at midnight unfortunately, because it's Sydney," says Almenning ruefully. "I'd love a 3am license." Mjølner will open at 267 Cleveland Street, Redfern from 5pm on Thursday, March 30. For more info and to book a table, visit mjolner.com. Images and video: Steven Woodburn.
Growing up in a tiny town on NZ's North Island, the Popstrangers made "the music [they] wanted to make, without thinking too much about who was going to hear it." Fortunately, their psych pop reached the ears of the decision makers at Carpark Records and last month saw the US release of their debut LP, Antipodes. Popstrangers are not the only Antipodean musicians making waves on the international scene right now. With new EP Over Easy set to drop on April 19, Bearhug is soon to jet to Austin to play the SXSW Festival. Even though they continue to describe themselves as "pathetic as ever", the good people at Spunk Records have certainly found something in the group's airy indie pop that's worthy of global promotion. Meanwhile, Cooperative Music is anything but bored by Bored Nothing's emotive compositions and lo-fi production, and will release the group's new EP internationally in April. Before they hit the big time, catch all three acts, all on one night, when they share a triple headline bill at Goodgod on March 7. https://youtube.com/watch?v=UQs6rGE_1cc
Thanks to Keith Courtney, Australians have already enjoyed a walk through a huge house of mirrors in the past few years. And, also with his help, moseying through an eerie and endless labyrinth of doors became a reality, too. The Melbourne installation artist isn't done setting up massive mazes just yet, however — and his latest, which is designed to resemble a huge human-sized kaleidoscope, is finally coming to Sydney in 2023. Called Kaleidoscope, fittingly, this installation isn't small. It's a 700-square-metre expanse of glass, steel, mirrors and moving prisms that features a labyrinth of corridors decked out in a revolving showcase of lights and colours. Originally debuting in Melbourne in 2022, then hitting Brisbane and Geelong among six Australian stops so far, it'll start shimmering and luring Harbour City residents at Powerhouse Ultimo for just over a month between Saturday, July 29–Sunday, September 10. Like both House of Mirrors and 1000 Doors, Kaleidoscope has been crafted to be immersive as possible. Expect to have your senses disoriented while you're strolling through, including both motion and gravity. Expect to see plenty of shifting illusions among the ever-changing array of light and colour as well, and to be drawn in by the installation's soundscape in the process. "No two people will have the same experience in Kaleidoscope. This is a multi-sensory and physical experience where the visitor is completely submerged in sound and light — a vortex of serenity," explains Courtney. "Their experience is entirely personal, and I think that's what I'm most proud of with this artwork. It makes my heart sing knowing that each person can walk through and create their own feeling of magic." In bringing the massive piece to life, the artist has teamed up with visual artist Ash Keating, composer Tamil Rogeon and artist Samantha Slicer, plus a team of highly skilled technicians. "I'm humbled that Sydney will finally experience this incredibly ambitious work, truly befitting of such a majestic city," continued Courtney. "Sydney is a place of captivating light and reflection, bouncing across the water, the sandstone, the skyscrapers. Kaleidoscope is my expression of a shimmering, ephemeral sensory experience, and I think it will resonate strongly with Sydneysiders and their environment." Find Kaleidoscope at Powerhouse Ultimo from Saturday, July 29–Sunday, September 10 — open from 2–9pm from Wednesday–Sundays — with tickets on sale now.
UPDATE 20 May, 2021: Concrete Playground has received confirmation beloved Hunter Street restaurant Malay Chinese Takeaway will be impacted by the new Metro West train station. No further details are available at this time. The iconic Sydney venue Frankie's Pizza is set to be acquired by the NSW Government to make way for the new Hunter Street train station. Last week, the NSW Government announced two new train stations as part of the new Metro West train line: Hunter Street and Pyrmont Station. In the announcement, NSW Minister for Transport Andrew Constance stated that 13 commercial buildings would be acquired as part of the construction, one of which is Frankie's Pizza. In a statement from Frankie's, the Hunter Street venue confirmed that the building would be demolished to make way for the new Metro train line. While the future of Frankie's is uncertain, the bar has confirmed it will remain open until at least mid-2022 and is planning to make the most of its final year in their original digs. The beloved bar is promising bigger and better live music bills throughout the next year, as the local music community is expected to rally around the venue. It's also expanding its happy hour to offer $1 slices of its fan-favourite pizza from 4pm–6pm, Monday–Sunday. Fortunately, its not all doom and gloom for Frankie's fans — the venue may be reborn in a new location. Minister Constance confirmed the beloved venue would be provided with support to find a new home. "Frankie's is an important part of Sydney's live music scene and we will make sure it is properly supported during this challenging time. Sydney Metro is assigning Frankie's a dedicated acquisition manager to guide them through this process and to help find another location," Minister Constance said. With live entertainment every night of the week, visits from rock 'n' roll legends like Dave Grohl and Debbie Harry and one of Sydney's best pizza slices, the bar has had a huge impact on Sydney's live music scene. Across its tenure at Hunter Street, Frankie's has played host to musicians of all sizes — from local rock bands cutting their teeth, to international acts looking for an authentic Sydney venue to visit while touring the country. Unfortunately, Frankie's may not be the only Sydney fan favourite affected by the new metro line. The fate of Malay Chinese Takeaway's Hunter Street location, which shares the building with Frankie's Pizza, is still unknown. Transport for NSW has confirmed that 312 George Street, the current address of Middle Eastern eatery Jimmy's Falafel, would also be acquired during the construction of the station. Jimmy's opened in July 2020 as Sydney's COVID-19 restrictions begun to ease around dining as part of Merivale's plans for a CBD Ivy precinct. Concrete Playground reached out to Merivale for comment, however, did not hear back at the time of writing. [caption id="attachment_775859" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] The news of the acquisition comes just as Merivale announced a new George Street venue named Jimmy's Underground. Described as a late-night disco bar, Jimmy's Underground is set to open next month, with more details to come in the coming weeks. Hunter Street Station will be located less than 500 metres from pre-existing CBD train stations at Wynyard and Martin Place. When asked why the existing stations couldn't be connected to the new Metro West line, instead of building Hunter Street Station, Minister Constance said: "There is so much infrastructure underground in Sydney, because of this government, we had to find a site which worked." If you want to head down to Frankie's before it closes, you can catch the Frankie's World Famous House Band perform every Monday, participate in TNT Trivia on Tuesdays, or head along to any number of gigs or events throughout the week. Hunter Street Station is set to be complete by 2030. Top image: Katje Ford.
Crisp harbour air, just-pressed books and freshly ground coffee to carry you through — that's what we go back to the Sydney Writers' Festival for year after year. One of the world's most popular and respected writers' festivals, it presents us with a fine autumnal week of talks, panels, readings, workshops, performances and a boozy hub to end the night in. Artistic director Jemma Birrell doesn't appear to be trying to reinvent the wheel or tweet the wheel or performance art the wheel; the 2014 Sydney Writers' Festival is geared towards solid programming that mixes interesting minds. "Over 400 writers will bring their insight and knowledge, their creativity and contemplation, to help us see life from a different perspective," she says of the festival. Here are our top ten writer combos you'll find at the festival. Vince Gilligan Here's your chance to thank a major enabler of your binge TV habit. The man responsible for bringing you 3720 hours of glee, revulsion, frustration and satisfaction — Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan — is coming to Australia. He'll be making one exclusive appearance at the Sydney Town Hall as part of the SWF (an early part; he's here May 1 while the rest of the festival kicks off May 19). The discussion will zero in on Gilligan's creative process and presumably provide a platform for all your Better Call Saul-related questions. The first event has sold out, but you can still get tickets to the second event, on at 9.30pm, which has Benjamin Law asking the questions. May 1, 7pm and 9.30pm at Sydney Town Hall. Tickets $35/28. Humour and Debauchery with a few manners in between We'd watch Annabel Crabb interview a throw pillow, but here she is interviewing three of the festival's most interesting guests: Irvine Welsh, Gary Shteyngart and Sandi Toksvig. Just imagine the scintillating repartee when sparkling ABC journo meets Super Sad True Love Story writer Shteyngart, who you might know from his work on the back of hundreds of books (he's a famous blurbist), and comedian and broadcaster Toksvig, who's a QI regular and therefore accustomed to bantering with Stephen Fry. Though Crabb might need all her wiles to wrangle rite-of-passage writer Welsh (Trainspotting), who famously spent his 1998 SWF session drinking beer, insulting his host and reading his own book (not out loud; in his head). While you're there: Flit by the Hickson Road Wharf beforehand and you could see the free Curiosity Lecture Series On Living Well or the What's Normal Anyway? panel. Friday, May 23, 8.30pm, at the Sydney Town Hall. Tickets $25/20. People of Letters Michaela McGuire and Marieke Hardy's Women of Letters has been steadily taking over the adorable Sunday afternoon literary readings scene, to the point where it's had recent instalments in the US and the UK. Nostalgia meets healthy oversharing at the event, which sees guests read letters they've written in response to a theme — this time, it's 'A letter to my other half'. Reading at the SWF's People of Letters (slight name change to accommodate the menfolk) is Scott Spark, Ella Scott Lynch, Liam Pieper, Cate Blake, Eddie Sharp, Kristin Williamson, Benjamin Law and Australian playwright David Williamson. While you're there: Check out New Worlds: Digital Storytelling on the same stage at 3pm or the ever inspiring Michael Kirby present the free lecture On What Would Gandhi Do. Saturday, May 24, 4.30pm at Pier 2/3 Club Stage. Free. Literary Friendships: Ben and Michelle Law Not only have Benjamin and Michelle Law survived the ‘shit Asian mothers say’ they’ve also survived their sibship. But only just. As part of the festival’s ‘Literary Friendships’ series, they’ll be revealing how they co-wrote a bestselling book without killing each other. Michelle is an AWGIE award-winning screenwriter who’s worked on the TV adaptation of The Family Law, Flashforward and Slide, and is currently putting together a documentary on suicide for the ABC. Benjamin is the author of books Gaysia and The Family Law and a regular contributor to The Monthly, Qweekend, Good Weekend and frankie. While you're there: See Irvine Welsh discuss his new book, The Sex Lives of Siamese Twins in the Sydney Theatre beforehand. Afterwards, there's nothing for it but closure and a stiff drink. Sunday, May 25, 3pm at Pier 2/3 The Loft. Free, no bookings. Inua Ellams' Black T-Shirt Collection Spoken word poetry always pops its head up at Sydney Writers' Festivals, and this year's star proponent is Nigerian-born, London-based Inua Ellams, who takes the form to the next level. His Black T-Shirt Collection is a deep and developed one-man play in which he tells the story of two brothers — Matthew and Muhammed — who start a graphic tee business in Nigeria, only to find their fortunes swayed by homophobia and global capitalism. Exeunt magazine called Ellams' performance "captivating", with "just enough variation in his physical acting to give credible form to a cast of characters from a middle-aged Egyptian carpet-seller to a mourning Nigerian mother". While you're there: The other SWF events are nowhere near Bondi. So how about stopping by Do Orazio Pizza and Porchetta instead and sating your appetite instead? Wednesday and Thursday, May 21-22, 8pm at the Bondi Pavilion. The Madonna-Whore and Other Fictions A recent post on Tara Moss’s Facebook page reads: “Stranger to my daughter: ‘You are very pretty’. Response: ‘I’m very brave, too’.” On the heels of publishing her non-fiction debut, The Fictional Woman, Moss will get together with Nakkiah Lui, Emma Donoghue and Kate Ceberano for a panel discussion unravelling the common fictions applied to women — from gold-digger to dumb blonde to mother. Versatile journo and Fairfax columnist Tracey Spicer will be doing the compering. While you're there: Hear about The Real Sydney and see An Iranian Talking to an Israeli (true title). Friday, May 23, 3pm at Pier 2/3 Main Stage. Tickets $25/$20. Eleanor Catton: The Luminaries One big international name this year is that other confounding New Zealand prodigy, 2013 Booker Prize winner for The Luminaries Eleanor Catton. Last year, the 28-year-old became the youngest ever author to win the Man Booker Prize with her extraordinary second novel. She’ll be discussing 19th-century gold mining, astrology and the collective unconscious with arts mover and shaker Steven Gale, who has directed in theatres and taught at universities all over the UK and in the US. While you're there: At the Hickson Road Wharf, spend time with the foreign correspondents of Eyewitness the former foreign minister, Bob Carr. Thursday, May 22, 6.30pm at City Recital Hall Angel Place. Tickets $32/$26. Image: Robert Catto. Festival Club Now a fixture of the festival, the Chaser-run Festival Club is where things get relaxed and sweary at the end of the day. (Not so relaxed, however, that you can necessarily saunter in at any hour; line up a bit before 7pm like a good Sydneysider.) Each night from Thursday to Saturday features an instalment of The Chaser's Empty Vessel, with big festival guests like Reza Aslan, Jeremy Scahill, Colin McDowell and Eimear McBride dropping by for casual, sometimes boozy, 'off-the-record' chats. Bookending the Vessel are catch cackle-worthy storytelling endeavours such as Story Club, Erotic Fan Fiction, Mixtape Memoirs and Spoken Four. While you're there: Anything goes with a night at the Festival Club. Thursday to Saturday, 22-24 May, 7pm at Pier 2/3 Club Stage. $15 on the door. No pre-bookings. Exceptional Television If past years have seen a focus on digital writing and journalism, the topic du jour looks to be television, and the extremely high quality of TV writing that is probably luring you away from books, films and reading this article. Should the aspiring writers of 2014 be aiming for the long-form, narratively rich landscape of TV? Delve into the strengths and challenges of the medium with local heroes Peter Duncan (Rake) and Steven McGregor (Redfern NOW) plus American writer A.M. Homes — who as well as being a 2013 Women’s Prize for Fiction winner has written and produced for The L Word. tvtonight.com.au editor David Knox chairs. Show your love for TV by getting off the couch for this one. While you're there: Visit Louis Nowra's Kings Cross or explore further afield with Jacques Roubaud: Writer, Mathematician and Oulipean. Thursday, May 22, 4.30pm at Pier 2/3 Club Stage. Tickets $20/40. Coffee and Papers with Jeremy Scahill and Antony Loewenstein It’s probably a good idea to take a really strong coffee to this early morning chat. After all, Antony Loewenstein’s latest book is titled Profits of Doom: How Vulture Capitalism is Swallowing The World, while Jeremy Scahill has just published Dirty Wars: The World is a Battlefield. It doesn’t sound like there’ll be any mucking around. Ferocious, outspoken devotees to the great tradition of no-holds barred investigative journalism, Loewenstein and Scahill will be discussing the media’s changing nature with Sydney Morning Herald state editor Sherrill Nixon. While you're there: From here, enjoy all that Friday has to offer. We like the look of Curiosity Lecture Series session On Epicurus, a look at how well the foodies of today are following the lessons of classic Epicureanism. Friday, May 23, 9am at The Bar at the End of the Wharf. Free, no bookings. The Sydney Writers' Festival is on May 19-25. For the full program and to book tickets, visit the festival website. By the Concrete Playground team.
Choosing to forge a career as an absurdist comedian isn't the easiest decision to make. It's arguably the toughest type of comedy as you never quite know what to expect from yourself or the audience, and so it requires a big case of cahones. When it does come together though, it's majestic to behold and that is just what happens when Aunty Donna take the stage. You've likely already caught this Aussie trio on your screens without even realising it — they've been all over ABC's iView and their YouTube channel has had a casual 5.5 million views to date. If you've somehow missed them then go ahead and check out a couple of sketches quickly before coming back and reading the rest of this preview. We recommend starting with 'Trendy Cafe' and 'The Man Who Can't Roll Up His Sleeves' for a few giggles. Now that you've got a taste of these self-described "bunch of fucc bois who like to party", you can see why heading down to Giant Dwarf for an hour of their award-winning show is a no brainer. They've previously sold out at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival so grab your tickets now.
Before the pandemic, compiling a travel bucket list was limited only to your imagination. Now, after years of international border closures, and also the shutting down of overseas travel into and out of many countries, it's also guided by COVID-19 rules, requirements, restrictions and entry procedures. But if you've been keen to add Bali to your itinerary, the Indonesian island has good news: it's now open to double-vaccinated Australian and New Zealand tourist without quarantine. Back in February, Bali started welcoming back select tourists — including folks from Down Under — but with a shortened isolation period, requiring arrivals to quarantine for five days once they hit the island. Now, since Monday, March 7, that rule has been scrapped. There's still mandatory testing, as well as a few other procedures to abide by, but you no longer have to factor in a lengthy stint confined to your hotel before your getaway genuinely kicks into gear. Firstly, the new rules only apply to travellers who have had at least two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine — and, in the 48 hours before you get to Bali, you also need to get a PCR test (and, obviously, it needs to return a negative result). Then, thanks to Bali's newly implemented Visa on Arrival program, you'll fill out the paperwork and pay the fee (around AU$50) when you hop off the plane, and also take another PCR test. You will need to isolate until you get a negative result from that one, but that's clearly better than spending five days in quarantine. Upon arrival, you'll also need to show proof of a paid hotel booking for four days/three nights, as well as health insurance that covers COVID-19 up to at least US$25,000. And, you'll have to download the Bali COVID app as well. Then, three days after you get there, you're required to take another PCR test as well — but there's no isolation requirement attached. Countries covered under Bali's Visa on Arrival program since Monday, March 7 include Australia, New Zealand, USA, UK, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Qatar, Japan, South Korea, Canada, Italy, Turkey and UEA, with the scheme expanding to 42 nations on Monday, March 21. Indonesia has also just dropped its quarantine requirement nationwide, effective from the same date. That yearning you now feel? It's the need to pull out your dusty suitcase, get packing and book yourself a beachy Bali holiday. For more information about the requirements for travelling to Bali, head to the Indonesian Government's website.
When Baz Luhrmann makes a new film, the world takes notice — including the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts and its annual awards. No stranger to heaping the filmmaker's movies with accolades, with every single one of his past flicks from Strictly Ballroom through to The Great Gatsby scoring nominations (and those two specific titles winning Best Film), AACTA has continued the trend by showering the director's latest in 2022 nods. Topping the just-announced nominations for this year's AACTA Awards — which were previously called the AFI Awards, before changing their name — Elvis picked up a whopping 15 nods, the most of any film. The accolades recognise the best and brightest in Australian cinema and television each year, with Mystery Road: Origin also scoring the same amount of noms in the TV categories. In their respective formats, Elvis and Mystery Road: Origin have plenty of company. The former is competing against Here Out West, Sissy, The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson, The Stranger and Three Thousand Years of Longing for 2022's Best Film, for instance — and the latter is up against Bump, Heartbreak High, Love Me, The Tourist and Wolf Like Me for the year's best television drama. The winners of those categories, and AACTA's full list of fields, will be announced in early December on two dates: Monday, December 5 and Wednesday, December 7. Also highlights among the film nominees: 13 nominations apiece for The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson and Three Thousand Years of Longing, Austin Butler getting an unsurprising Best Actor nomination for playing the King of Rock 'n' Roll, Nude Tuesday scoring a heap of love, acting nods for the powerful Blaze and a whole heap of recognition for The Stranger, including for writer/director Thomas M Wright. And, among the TV cohort, Mystery Road: Origin also picked up five noms in the four acting fields for TV dramas, spanning Mark Coles Smith, Tuuli Narkle, Daniel Henshall, Steve Bisley and Hayley McElhinney; Love Me and The Twelve nabbed ten nominations each across all categories; and Heartbreak High's James Majoos received the show's sole acting nod. Across both film and TV, a heap of international names graced the acting nominations, too, a common AACTAs trend. On 2022's list: Idris Elba and Tilda Swinton for Three Thousand Years of Longing, both the aforementioned Butler and Tom Hanks for Elvis, Sean Harris for The Stranger, Jackie van Beek and Jemaine Clement for Nude Tuesday, Joanna Lumley for Falling for Figaro and Jamie Dornan for The Tourist. Here's a selection of this year's major AACTA nominations, ahead of the awards' ceremonies on Monday, December 5 and Wednesday, December 7 — and you can check out the full list on AACTA's website: AACTA NOMINEES 2022: FILM AWARDS: BEST FILM Elvis Here Out West Sissy The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson The Stranger Three Thousand Years of Longing BEST INDIE FILM A Stitch In Time Akoni Darklands Lonesome Pieces Smoke Between Trees BEST DIRECTION Baz Luhrmann, Elvis Hannah Barlow and Kane Senes, Sissy Leah Purcell, The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson Thomas M Wright, The Stranger George Miller, Three Thousand Years of Longing BEST LEAD ACTOR Austin Butler, Elvis Rob Collins, The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson Joel Edgerton, The Stranger Idris Elba, Three Thousand Years of Longing Damon Herriman, Nude Tuesday BEST LEAD ACTRESS Aisha Dee, Sissy Leah Purcell, The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson Julia Savage, Blaze Tilda Swinton, Three Thousand Years of Longing Jackie van Beek, Nude Tuesday BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR Simon Baker, Blaze Jemaine Clement, Nude Tuesday Malachi Dower-Roberts, The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson Tom Hanks, Elvis Sean Harris, The Stranger BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS Jada Alberts, The Stranger Jessica De Gouw, The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson Olivia DeJonge, Elvis Joanna Lumley, Falling For Figaro Yael Stone, Blaze BEST SCREENPLAY Baz Luhrmann, Sam Bromell, Craig Pearce and Jeremy Doner, Elvis Jackie van Beek, Nude Tuesday Leah Purcell, The Drover's Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson Thomas M Wright, The Stranger George Miller and Augusta Gore, Three Thousand Years of Longing BEST DOCUMENTARY Ablaze Clean Everybody's Oma Franklin Ithaka River TELEVISION AWARDS: BEST DRAMA SERIES Bump Heartbreak High Love Me Mystery Road: Origin The Tourist Wolf Like Me BEST TELEFEATURE OR MINISERIES Barons Savage River The Twelve True Colours Underbelly: Vanishing Act BEST COMEDY PROGRAM Aftertaste Five Bedrooms Hard Quiz Shaun Micallef's Mad as Hell Spicks and Specks Summer Love BEST LEAD ACTOR IN A TELEVISION DRAMA Mark Coles Smith, Mystery Road: Origin Jamie Dornan, The Tourist James Majoos, Heartbreak High Sam Neill, The Twelve Hugo Weaving, Love Me BEST LEAD ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION DRAMA Isla Fisher, Wolf Like Me Claudia Karvan, Bump Kate Mulvany, The Twelve Tuuli Narkle, Mystery Road: Origin Bojana Novakovic, Love Me BEST COMEDY PERFORMER Wayne Blair, Aftertaste Patrick Brammall, Summer Love Harriet Dyer, Summer Love Tom Gleeson, Hard Quiz Charlie Pickering, The Weekly with Charlie Pickering Doris Younane, Five Bedrooms BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A TELEVISION DRAMA Hayley McElhinney, Mystery Road: Origin Jacqueline McKenzie, Savage River Heather Mitchell, Love Me Brooke Satchwell, The Twelve Magda Szubanski, After the Verdict BEST GUEST OR SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION DRAMA Steve Bisley, Mystery Road: Origin Brendan Cowell, The Twelve Daniel Henshall, Mystery Road: Origin Damon Herriman, The Tourist Thomas Weatherall, Heartbreak High
UPDATE, APRIL 4: Due to concerns around the coronavirus, Candyman will no longer release on its initially scheduled date of Thursday, June 11, 2020, with the film now hitting cinemas on September 24, 2020. To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in Australia and how to protect yourself, head to the Australian Government Department of Health's website. For nearly three decades, horror movie lovers have fallen into two categories: those who've dared to say the word 'candyman' five times while staring into a mirror, and those who haven't. That's the kind of impact this spooky supernatural franchise has had over the years, with the film about a fictional urban legend almost becoming an urban legend itself. To the joy of slumber party-throwing teens everywhere, the 1992 original sparked follow-ups in 1995 and 1999 — and, thanks to a new 21-years-later third sequel, that's no longer the end of the story. Given that everything old just keeps coming back again, and that 90s nostalgia is the gift that keeps on giving, another Candyman flick was always going to happen eventually. If you're still a little wary — despite its cult status, the initial movie is hardly a masterpiece, and Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh and Candyman: Day of the Dead won the series absolutely zero new fans — Candyman circa 2020 has a few tricks up its sleeves. Firstly, it's produced and co-written by Jordan Peele, who adds another frightfest to his resume alongside Get Out and Us. Secondly, it's directed by Nia DaCosta, whose Tessa Thompson-starring 2018 film Little Woods deserved more attention. And last but by no means least, it features the OG Candyman, Tony Todd, among its cast. As the just-dropped first trailer shows, the new flick focuses on an artist called Anthony McCoy (Aquaman and Watchmen's Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), who decides to start exploring the Candyman legend through his art. His girlfriend Brianna (If Beale Street Could Talk's Teyonah Parris) thinks the story is just that, but, as bad luck would have it, the bee-covered figure starts wreaking havoc again. That's what happens when folks say his name while looking at their own reflection, after all. For Candyman aficionados, Anthony's own name should ring a bell — he's the son of one of the first film's main characters, which might explain just why he's so obsessed with the eponymous ghoul. That said, while he might think he knows what he's getting himself into, the movie's first sneak peek leaves no doubt that Candyman still knows how to unsettle and unnerve. Check out the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlwzuZ9kOQU After being delayed from its original release date of June 11, 2020, Candyman will now open in Australian cinemas on September 24, 2020.
Often when a musician or band announces a world tour, they start with dates in America and Europe, but leave fans Down Under waiting for local details to drop down the track. That isn't the case with Tyler, The Creator's new Chromakopia tour. Mark your diaries: as well as revealing US gigs, plus shows in a heap of European city, the hip-hop and fashion trailblazer has locked in a new trip to Australia and New Zealand. Tyler, The Creator last headed this way on a headline tour in 2022, and played Splendour in the Grass as well, and will now return in August and September 2025 on a five-city, seven-show visit that celebrates a new album also called Chromakopia. That record drops on Monday, October 28, 2024, and has unveiled its first single 'Noid' complete with a music video starring The Bear's Ayo Edebiri. [caption id="attachment_976993" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Raph_PH via Flickr[/caption] The tour details for your calendar: Auckland's Spark Arena is the first Down Under stop on Monday, August 18. After that, Tyler, The Creator is hitting up Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne for two shows across Friday, August 22–Saturday, August 23; Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney for another two gigs on Tuesday, August 26–Wednesday, August 27; Brisbane Entertainment Centre for one evening on Saturday, August 30; and RAC Arena in Perth on Thursday, September 4. On all local dates, the genre-bending rapper will have Lil Yachty and Paris Texas in support. The Chromakopia tour follows Tyler, The Creator's 2024 Coachella headlining set, on a bill that also included Lana Del Rey, Doja Cat, No Doubt and plenty more. Before 2022 — which marked Tyler's first set of headline shows down under in over eight years — the last time that the star graced Australian shores was for a series of festival appearances over New Years 2020–21, hitting up the likes of Beyond the Valley and Field Day. [caption id="attachment_823369" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Demxx via Flickr[/caption] Tyler, The Creator Chromakopia World Tour 2025 Monday, August 18 — Spark Arena, Auckland Friday, August 22–Saturday, August 23 — Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Tuesday, August 26–Wednesday, August 27 ‚ Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Saturday, August 30 — Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane Thursday, September 4 — RAC Arena, Perth [caption id="attachment_823366" align="alignnone" width="2556"] Luis 'Panch' Perez[/caption] Tyler, The Creator is touring Australia and New Zealand in August and September 2025. Ticket presales start at 10am local time in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, and 12pm local time in Auckland, on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 — with general sales from 10am local time on Friday, November 1, 2024. Head to the tour website for more details. Top image: Raph_PH via Flickr.
If you've ever gone searching for a particular product, discovered that it doesn't exist and thought 'I should just make my own', well, you already know how Lust Liquor originated. The two best mates behind it went through that experience, then set about making a low-calorie, no-sugar range of premixed beverages. For folks keen for a guilt-free tipple as well as a hassle-free one — no blending or shaking required here — Lust Liquor's range features three different types of drinks. Fancy a lime and soda, but alcoholic? Lemon, lime and bitters with vodka? A blend of raspberry and vodka? You'll find all three on the company's lineup. You can nab Lust Liquor's products via its online store, with free shipping available for orders over $100.
The festive season is upon us. While a lot of good things accompany that truth — parties, presents and a well-deserved break from work — it also has the potential to fill you with dread. It could be that most of your favourite people are too far away to celebrate with. Perhaps nobody in your crew is willing to volunteer playing host. Or maybe you just really, really hate washing up. For those of you that want a bit of a break from being Santa's little helpers, Oceans at Coogee Beach is hosting an adults-only Christmas barbecue to solve your woes. From midday, you can celebrate the big day on the Ocean Terrace soaking up the stellar sea views. Get ready to feast on an assortment of hot and cold menu items that embody Christmas Down Under. There'll be a grazing table of cured meats, cheeses and fresh seafood, plus the barbie will be fired up for barbecued king prawns, vegetable skewers, smoked brisket and a whole roasted suckling pig. To wash it all down, there's a three-hour drinks package including a creamy espresso martini on arrival, tap beer, wine and mocktails. And with Coogee Beach right on your doorstep, you can also fit in a spot of cricket. How's that for a Christmas feast? Bad Santa's Backyard Barbecue and Spit will run from 12–3pm on Christmas Day. Spots are limited, so get in quick and book here.
The Grounds doesn't do things in half measures. Whether it's an elaborate Disney-themed takeover of its Alexandria home or its next-level events space at South Eveleigh, the Sydney institution isn't afraid to go big. And that's exactly what it's doing with its Easter celebrations. They're bringing back the giant Easter egg crack — and when they say 'giant' they mean it. Taking over The Grounds of Alexandria on Easter Sunday is the annual Easter Egg Cracking Eggstravaganza, a next-level chocolate party centred around a massive Max & Boon chocolate egg that is smashed open and divvied out among the crowd. It's truly a sight to be seen and a fun, family-friendly way to get into the spirit of things. Tickets are $27 and grant you access to the egg cracking, plus a range of activities for kids and adults alike, including free face painting, live music, roving entertainment and an obligatory appearance from the Easter bunny. The egg crack kicks off at 5pm. Once you've gorged your way through a heap of chocolate, you can balance out your Sunday diet by taking a seat in The Grounds' expansive barbecue area or garden bar for a hearty Easter Sunday dinner. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Grounds (@thegrounds)
For 12 trend-setting hours, Vogue American Express Fashion's Night Out will take over Sydney CBD with a New York City-style block party. Swing by on Thursday, September 5 for giveaways, catwalks, launches, special offers, canapés and wine. It all kicks off with an official launch party at 4.30pm — and you can shop from 10am till stores close at 10pm. The program is pretty epic, involving nearly every brand — small and large — in Australia. So, we've picked out ten events you really can't miss, from sipping champagne in a beautiful Strand Arcade store to tasting free chocolate samples and gaining invaluable fashion tips from stylists. When you need a pick-me-up between the shopping madness, make sure you visit the David Jones American Express Lounge where you'll get to mingle with the most influential people in Sydney's fashion circles and snack on canapes. Don't leave it till after work, as Sydney's shopping marathon officially kicks off at lunchtime. CATCH CXLOE AND 'VOGUE' EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ON STAGE Get to Pitt Street Mall at midday for the official kick-off. Vogue editor-in-chief Edwina McCann will be leading the launch moment alongside Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore. In between speeches, listen out for live music: making appearances will be two local singer-songwriters, Thandi Phoenix, whose 2019 single 'Say It' has been getting lots of love, and Cxloe, who gigs between Australian and the US. The party is free, and, once it's done, you'll be smack bang in the middle of the action — ready for champagne, canapés and fashion-inspired adventures. BE REWARDED FOR SHOPPING More than $70,000 in goodies will be up for grabs at Spin-To-Win, which you'll find in Pitt Street Mall throughout Vogue American Express Fashion's Night Out. Among the prize pool are gifts from some of Australia's biggest names in fashion, including Alice McCall, Witchery, Haigh's, Saba, Zara, American Express, Country Road and Vogue VIP. Keen to enter? All you have to do is register your details over here, spend $100 or more during the day (you'll need to take your receipts to the wheel), cross your fingers and give it a spin. SIP CHAMPAGNE WHILE YOU SHOP Local jewellery brand Dinosaur Designs will celebrate Vogue American Express Fashion's Night Out with the launch of its new collection at its Strand Arcade store. You're invited to join in the fun, with a complimentary glass of champagne and, if you spend $200 or more, a $50 gift voucher. Creative directors Louise Olsen and Stephen Ormandy have been designing their bold, unique jewellery and homewares for more than 30 years. There are now ten Dinosaur Design Stores across the world — in Australia, London and New York City. TAKE A BREAK WITH A TIPPLE AT AN EXCLUSIVE POP-UP BAR When you want to escape the crowds, disappear into the David Jones Card Member Lounge. You'll find this luxe hideaway on level two of DJ's Westfield store, from 5–9pm. Spend as long as you like indulging in a free glass of champagne, canapés and a quick spray of fragrance from the perfume bar. The only catch is you need an American Express Card to enter. Not in your wallet? Don't panic. We're here to get you through the door, with or without plastic — all you have to do is head over here. SAMPLE SOME FREE CHOCOLATE Of all the chocolate makers in Australia, Haigh's is the oldest. Having opened in Adelaide in 1915, the family business has spent more than 100 years transforming cocoa beans into perfectly creamy treats. And, during Vogue American Express Fashion's Night Out, you can sample the results of its hard work for free. Simply drop by the Queen Victoria Building store for a sweet break. Plus, spend $50 or more and you'll take home 200 complimentary grams of milk or dark chocolate speckles (worth $10.95). TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EXCLUSIVE STYLING TUTORIALS In need of a new look? Take yourself to Scanlan Theodore's Westfield store — on the corner of Pitt and Market Streets — for a transformation at the hands of the head stylist, who'll be offering exclusive style tutorials. When that's done, spend some time perusing the label's latest designs, while snacking on complimentary refreshments. Scanlan Theodore, which was born in Melbourne in 1987, has since been responsible for dressing French Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Gemma Ward and Kylie Minogue, among other luminaries. PICK UP A PERSONALISED LUGGAGE TAG Jetting off somewhere? Head into Fossil's QVB store anytime during the celebration for free embossing. You get to choose between shimmering foil — available in silver and gold — and a classic stamp, with blind emboss. On top of that, Fossil will give you a free luggage tag. To lay your hands on these goodies, all you have to do is sign up to the database. You're not obliged to spend any cash. That said, Fossil's impressive collection of bags, watches and jewellery, inspired by vintage and classic design, could well have you lusting. REFUEL FOR SHOPPING ROUND TWO At some point in your sampling, styling and shopping extravaganza, you're going to need a feed. If that need involves a hankering for wine, pop into Assamm Thai Eating House, which you'll find in the QVB. Spend $30 or more and present your American Express Card, and you'll be rewarded with a glass of red or white. By the way, we recommend the satay chicken skewers served with nahm jim jaew smoked chilli dipping sauce, followed by ramen with wontons, crab meat and barbecue pork. Sydney's Vogue American Express Fashion's Night Out takes place on Thursday, September 5. Don't miss out on the VIP treatment, register your attendance for the VIP Lounge here. And to find out more about the exclusive benefits of being a David Jones American Express Cardholder, head over here.
Hidden is definitely not your average sculpture walk. Why? It's set in Rookwood Cemetery. A lot of us may think that cemeteries are spooky, but the whole point of Hidden is to prove us wrong. You're invited to explore the cemetery, and with over 40 artworks scattered among the gardens and graves, you may find yourself pleasantly surprised. Each artist has interpreted the concept of history, culture, remembrance and love differently, and it shows in the wide range of pieces on display. From a caravan Museum of Childhood Memory to a wooden mountain sculpture, there's something to captivate everyone. There's also a Hidden tour that is led by a curator who will give you interesting facts about some of the works on display. This sculpture walk turns the country's largest and diverse cemetery into an art gallery that doesn't fit into the box. Hidden is open from sunrise to sunset.
Wandering around Manly on a Sunday is a cute idea but everyone knows that going on foot is just something bikeless losers do. If you don't already possess a set of wheels, Manly Bike Tours have you covered with a wide range of bikes for hire including cruisers, road bikes, kids' bikes and tandems. There are a number of tracks suitable for all skill levels — including the scenic 'Sydney Harbour National Park Explorer', the more strenuous 'Mountain Bike Manly Dam' and the stunning 'Bike the Beach' ride. You'll be equipped with a map, and then you're free to ride along at your own pace. Also, because you're not part of a larger guided tour, you can stop any time for snacks or a break, or to just take in the view for as long as you like.
For 19 days next January, a giant inflatable labyrinth will take over Darling Harbour's Tumbalong Park— and Sydneysiders can wander through it for free. Featuring towering domes and lengthy corridors, the hefty pop-up comes courtesy of Nottingham's Architects of Air, who are bringing their multi-coloured Dodecalis Luminarium to town for Sydney Festival. Heading our way after a recent visit to Melbourne, as well as an upcoming stop at Mona Foma, it's understandably one of the huge arts event's big highlights. Unveiling its full lineup for 2020, Sydney Festival boasts plenty more standout shows, performances, installations and gigs on its bill, too. When you're not getting lost in a maze on purpose, you'll be spoiled for choice between Wednesday, January 8 and Sunday, January 26 — especially if you love inventive theatre, memorable music, eye-catching dance and top local and international talent. Falling into the first category are two of the fest's must-sees: live stage versions of Joan Didion's The White Album and John Cassavetes' Opening Night. One takes the celebrated essayist's powerful 1979 piece of the same name and turns its views on 1960s-era American counter-culture into an experimental performance, complete with audience participation every evening. The other not only stars French acting superstar Isabelle Adjani, but tasks her with starring in a recreation of one of the great movies of the 1970s. For those keen on treating their ears to Sydney Festival's program, you'll be able to hear masked cowboy Orville Peck croon his soulful country tunes, catch Berlin-based US musician Holly Herndon as she performs live with an AI baby, take actual babies to Regurgitator's kid-friendly show, and both watch and listen to a French opera-ballet. Or, maybe you'd like to lose yourself to dance thanks to Stephanie Lake's Colossus, which'll see 50 bodies move as one in quite the symmetrical performance. Also showcasing fancy footwork, large-scale Canadian work Frontera combines dance with an impressive light component. [caption id="attachment_747761" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Colossus by Mark Gambino[/caption] Putting a firm focus on Indigenous Australian stories, creators and artists, the festival's Blak Out program is particularly strong — featuring everything from Opera Australia's new production of Bran Nue Dae to Archie Roach bringing his life story to the stage and a massive tribute performance to Gurrumul Yunupingu with Yolngu dancers, songmen and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. In its world premiere season, Black Ties sees Maori and Aboriginal Australian cultures join forces for a wedding, with the production marking a collaboration between two First Nations theatre companies. And, in the art realm, Kudjala/Gangalu artist Daniel Boyd explores the infinite nature of time via an otherworldly and colourful video installation, while a large-scale piece at Barangaroo Reserve will fly 250 flags to examine Australians' different views on this country of ours. Elsewhere, Sydney Festival favourites Strut & Fret return with their latest show, which is called Life – The Show; long-demolished dance hall The Rivoli gets an immersive dance tribute; and the outside of Carriageworks will be engulfed in a kaleidoscopic array of colour and light. The UK's Bryony Kimmings will perform her acclaimed musical I'm a Phoenix, Bitch, a Parisian hip hop dance crew will join forces with their Sydney counterparts for a rhythmic display, and festival-goers can eat a candle-lit dinner with mentalist Scott Silven. Plus, as part of family-oriented circus piece Air Play, there'll also be a giant snow globe. Over at the Sydney Opera House, West End hit Six the musical will reimagine the story of Henry VIII's six wives, pulling inspiration from today's pop queens: Ariana Grande, Beyoncé, Adele and Rihanna. And, as always, opera lovers can head along to a free outdoor performance in The Domain, while classical music fans can hear the SSO unleash their best at a free gig in Parramatta Park. Love watching ferries zoom to Shark Island and back? You can do just that, too, because Ferrython is back as well. Sydney Festival 2020 runs from January 8–26 at venues across the city. For further details and to buy tickets, visit the Sydney Festival website. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Thursday, October 31. Top image: Dodecalis Luminarium by Architects of Air, image by Alan Parkinson; Air Play by Florence Montmare.
After what has felt like an endless, unrefreshed eternity, the boycott of Carlton United Breweries and their products can finally come to an end. It was announced by the Australian Unions on Twitter this morning that the workers at the heart of the bitter feud had "won all their demands" and would be heading back to work for the brewery. A statement released by the Australian Council of Trade Unions this morning confirms that the 55 workers who were effectively sacked from the Abbotsford brewery would be returning to their jobs under "fair and decent union terms and conditions, which provide job security to the workers". BREAKING: #CUB55 just WON all their demands and will RETURN TO WORK! No matter how strong a multinational corp, we can fight them. And win. pic.twitter.com/PtRYs9cI3h — Australian Unions (@unionsaustralia) December 7, 2016 The whole debacle kicked off in June, when 55 maintenance workers were told that their contracts would be handed over to a new company, and that this new contract would include a pay cut that the workers, and the unions behind them, deemed unfair. This led to worker strikes in both Sydney and Melbourne, a national boycott by many members of the public on Carlton United products, and even attracted the ire of respected political commentators, The Simpsons Against the Liberals. Although Carlton United Breweries have publicly denied any allegations of wrongdoing, it appears that the brewing giant behind some of Australia's most treasured beers and beer ads has caved to the pressure applied by the workers, the unions and the general public. Lauded by secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, Dave Oliver, as a win for the 'little guy', he's clear about leaving the past in the past — although called on the Federal Government to introduce changes to labour hire and subcontracting laws. "We hope that the unqualified success of this campaign is a clear indication to all employers that sham contracting and abuse of the labour hire system will not be tolerated," he said in a statement. "We are glad to finally be able to end the boycott on CUB products, which are once again proudly union made at Abbottsford." So, now that the system has actually worked, we can let bygones be bygones and enjoy the first guilt-free Reschs in six months.
If you're anything like us, you don't really feel like sipping on a tannic shiraz or a full-bodied cabernet sauvignon when the mercury hits above 26. And, if we're being totally honest with ourselves, we've really given the standard rosé (frosé, rosé icy poles, rosé spritz, rosé Christmas ornaments, rosé bath bombs…) a good run for its money. So, we think, maybe, it's time to branch out. This is where the orange wines, the skin-contacts, the pét-nats and the naturals step in. If you haven't had one yet, you've heard your friends talk about them. And they're perfect summer drinking — light, textured and exciting. To help you make some educated oenological decisions these holidays, we asked funky-wine aficionado Joel Amos, co-founder of DRNKS — an online wine store specialising in sustainable, organic and biodynamic wine — to give us a rundown of the top ten interesting drops to drink during the scorching summer months. To buy these wines, head to DRNKS (they're offering same-day delivery from now until Christmas in the Sydney metro), check the wineries' websites or ask your favourite local bottle-o. KIDS OF THE BLACK HOLE, OCHOTA BARRELS, ADELAIDE HILLS Ochota Barrels began as a conversation during a Mexican surf trip, now it's a name synonymous with natural wine. If you're a stranger to funky wines, this is a good place to jump in. This drop is a light skin-contact riesling, so it has a touch of orange colour but tastes fresh and zippy. For the uninitiated, skin-contact refers to white wines that are fermented with the grape skins left on for longer, which gives the wine an orange colour (usually the skins are removed before fermentation when making white wine). Amos says this wine is, "kind of like perfect perfection being made perfectly". So, perfect? SKINS, FROM SUNDAY, ORANGE "Orange wine from orange," says Amos. "It's always exciting to see interesting wines out of NSW." You'll notice that a lot of wines on this list are from SA, but NSW has been producing some interesting wines recently, too. This one is a skin-contact pinot gris — it's light, but textured, and way too easy to drink. It's also more rose-coloured than orange, but don't be tricked by its tint, we still recommend drinking it chilled. Then, taking it outdoors to a beach, park, forest or garden. RIESLING 2017, OISEAU ET RENARD, CLARE VALLEY Bird and Fox (the English translation of its name) made a similar skin-contact riesling in 2016 that was widely popular. This is the 2017 version and it doesn't disappoint. It's fresh and pretty, while still have a noticeable texture. It's also fermented in an amphora — a terracotta jar used often in Roman times — instead of barrels or stainless steel tanks. Amos says that it's, "pretty special stuff". We think you should order a bottle before it sells out. GEWURZTRAMINER, YETTI AND THE KOKONUT, BAROSSA VALLEY This wine label possibly has the best name in the business (yes, big call). It has also produced a might fine array of wines during its two years in production. A typically European grape, this gewürztraminer was grown in SA then fermented on skins. Now, you can find it in a host of restaurants and bottle shops around Australia. Amos says it's "fruit juice that can get you drunk", so we're going to recommend you drink with caution. RAINBOW JUICE, GENTLE FOLK, ADELAIDE HILLS Do you want to drink rainbow juice? We want to drink rainbow juice. We think the more rainbows in 2017 and beyond, the better. Gentle Folk is another big name in the funky-wine business, and another name that sells out quickly — so don't hesitate when buying your rainbow juice. It's made from 23 different red and white grape varieties, from around Basket and Forest Range, that spent some time fermenting in oak. Once again, Amos would like you to not be fooled by its colour — "serve it ice cold". PINOT BLANC, LUCY MARGAUX, ADELAIDE HILLS Last year's Lucy Margaux wines were pretty wild — highly textural and oft described as pond scum (which is not necessarily a bad thing with natural wine). This year they're slightly more pared back, light, fresh and really well priced. This pinot blanc is made organically (as are all the LM wines) and slightly dry and carbonated. We suggest pairing with a secluded beach. PINK, SI, MARGARET RIVER OK. We lied. We included a rosé. But it's not a typical rosé. It's a minimal-intervention cabernet sauvignon (with a touch of malbec) grown and fermented in Western Australia. Amos says, "this is really light and pretty — who knew you could have a not gross cabernet rosé?." Si knew. Now you know. And Santa won't cross you off his Christmas list if you turn it into frosé. PASH RASH, BORACHIO, ADELAIDE HILLS Luckily, this pash rash has nothing in common with the one you experienced during high school. It's a blend of pinot gris and sauvignon blanc and it's tart and easy to drink. The winemakers, Mark Warner and Alicia Basa — who can usually be found stomping grapes at another natural winery, Jauma — call it "boozy pub squash". GOOD TIMES, LATTA VINO, WESTERN VICTORIA Rounding out the lineup with a bang (literally), is this 1.5-litre bottle of pétillant-naturel. A pétillant-naturel, or pét-nat, is a sparkling wine made using the traditional méthode ancestrale — it's not a quick process to describe, but there's a full rundown here if you're interested. This juicy bottle is made using pinot gris and we highly recommend you ring in the new year with a bottle or two.
If you're anything like us, you probably use pay day to book yourself a long-overdue dentist appointment, pay your rent and buy groceries that aren't on Manager's Special — y'know, the necessary stuff. But sometimes — especially if you've just got a bonus, pay rise or your tax back — you want to treat yourself to something nice rather than practical. We're talking holidays, massages and even just nights at the cinema with friends. But don't move too fast. You've still got to make your money last until the morning of pay day when you need to scrape together a few coins for a coffee. That's why we've teamed up with Westpac to find five ways to treat yourself when that slice of financial pie comes rollin' in hot to your bank account. Not only are they all awesome experiences — but, if you're a Westpac customer, you can nab them all at sweet discount on the Westpac Rewards Hub. And, best of all, none of them include gloves and drills rummaging around in your mouth. You're worth it. BOOK YOURSELF AN OFF-GRID CABIN RedBalloon has been around for a while, but it's still one of the best go-tos for finding experience-based gifts (a gift to yourself is still a gift) that you probably wouldn't have thought of yourself. If you've been hankering for a mini getaway for a while now and think it's time to fly the coop, tune in: RedBalloon have some whopper deals. Spend a romantic night in a French cottage in the Mornington Peninsula with a partner, or head to Tilba on the south coast of NSW to an eco pod for an experience a little more off the grid. The best bit? If you book through the Westpac Rewards Hub, you get a further discount when you spend $175 or more. BUY THOSE OVERSEAS FLIGHTS It's still a little cold and summer is still a whole month away, so you're more justified than ever for impulse-booking overseas flights. How about escaping to the Philippines or Portugal? They're both on our 2019 travel bucket list. If you're still unsure, take a scroll through Expedia's last-minute options or its destinations of the week. You'll also get 10 percent off if you book through the Westpac Rewards Hub. Then you just need to book in that annual leave. SCHEDULE IN A WEEKEND MASSAGE Is your happy place smack-bang face down on a table being kneaded by someone with strong-yet-soft hands while some sleep-inducing music plays and the smell of rosewater subtly wafts around you? Then you, my friend, need to book in a massage. Think of it as a way of neutralising your body after a long week at work. Try Endota Spa — its massages range from soothing relaxation and remedial through to the two-hour couples experience, while its extensive array of facials cater to all types and include Endota's Dermalogica, Glycolic, HydroPeptide and Hydro-microdermabrasion treatments. It's sure to turn you into a greasy (in a good way) ball of bliss. Top tip: buy a gift card from the Westpac Rewards Hub to save yourself a few dollars. TREAT YOURSELF TO A NIGHT AT THE MOVIES Perhaps one of the greatest personal (and relatively affordable) pastimes is heading to the movies for an evening, whether it's seeing the latest blockbuster or checking out something obscure and Latvian. It's also the only place that popcorn for dinner is fine. You can't put a price on treating yourself to a night out but, if you don't want that price to blow out, grab some discounted movie tickets via the Westpac Rewards Hub so you can spring for the extra large popcorn. [caption id="attachment_673026" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Trent van der Jagt[/caption] BUY THOSE ITEMS IN YOUR ICONIC CART Pay day is treat day, so there's no reason it can't be buy-that-dry-clean-only-suede-onesie-you've-had-in-your-Iconic-cart-for-two-months day, too. Grab yourself some new threads to say well done on making it through another week at work without crying at your desk or spilling soy sauce on your shirt again. Or, buy yourself some new clothes because you've spilt soy sauce on all your shirts — any reason works. With free delivery and returns, and over 20,000 products, we barely even need to mention that you'll also cop ten percent off a full-price purchase through the Westpac Rewards Hub. Enjoy this splurge and plan for the next one. Open your own Westpac Choice account here.
Many of us who grew up in Sydney were lucky enough to spend our summers down on the south coast. We'd head down for a camping holiday or weekend escape and no trip was complete without a stop in at Pilgrims for its super-tasty burgers and nourishing dishes. Now, Sydneysiders don't have to travel quite as far to get their fix, because the beloved coastal cafe has just opened in Bronte. First set up in Milton in 1980, Pilgrims is now a five-branch mini-chain. There's of course the OG cafe and the most recent Bronte one, plus a Pilgrims in Huskisson, Corrimal and Cronulla. The opening of the second Sydney location marks Pilgrims's 40th birthday. The reason Pilgrims does so well is that it takes simple vegetarian staples and makes them tastier than you thought possible and hands them to you in generous serves. For breakfast, you can choose from from acai bowls, avo on Iggy's sourdough toast, haloumi stacks and smoothies. Then, for lunch, its famed veggie burgers — think chilli jam and haloumi, curried lentil patties and mixed grain patties — are a must. On Fridays and Saturdays from 5–9pm, you'll find the menu changes a little, with a Mexican feast on offer. Burritos, tacos, nachos and bowls all come stuffed and topped with the likes of beans, spiced potato, cheese and generous dollops of guac. Cocktails, wine and beers are on offer, too. Whether you pick up your food or dine in, you'll be able to catch a glimpse at the bright, airy interior, designed by local architect firm Lane & Grove. Featuring white-washed walls, wicker chairs, light timber benches and lots of greenery, the space echoes the coastal Sydney location, as well as paying homage to the south coast. Pilgrims is located at 127 Macpherson Street, Bronte and is open from 7am–3pm daily and 5–9pm on Friday and Saturday. Updated June 16, 2020.
Kicking off the year at MOP Projects is Splitting Sides, a vibrant new exhibition focused on cultural disparities. Curators Andrew Christie and Brigitte Gerges will bring together a group of emerging artists in order to tease out the multifaceted nature of Australian identity. Dominic Byrne, a self-described "disembodied performer", will explore different representations of the self in comical ways. Drawing on her Chinese heritage, Frankie Chow's work confronts the fierceness of racial abuse. Her performance project will use laughter as a method of overcoming aggression against minorities. Martin James is concerned with the nature of time within the act of migrating. Using Australia's landscape as a visual language, he'll reflect on the time taken to flee, to search for a new home, to wait indefinitely and to eventually resettle. Handi Saleh's work springs from Islamic calligraphy, fleshing out its formal qualities into sculptural representations. And finally, Andrea Srisurapon delves into the hybrid cultural identity of her own family. While at MOP Projects, you can also catch House of Mnemonic, a suite of paintings from Camilla Cassidy. Her practice is focused on exploring a set of binary oppositions: material and immaterial, spectral and concrete, past and present.
Back in 2000 and 2003, the world probably didn't need a couple of films based on Charlie's Angels, with Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu taking on the hit 1976–81 television series. Almost two decades later, the world doesn't really need a third Charlie's Angels movie about a private detective agency, its formidable ladies and their globe-trotting hijinks, either. But the franchise is back anyway — with a few new faces. Also called Charlie's Angels, the latest flick both revisits the franchise's familiar scenario with a fresh cast, and reportedly continues on from both the TV show and the the first two films. Star-wise, it features Kristen Stewart, Aladdin standout Naomi Scott and British up-and-comer Ella Balinska. Elsewhere, Elizabeth Banks sits in the director's chair, co-wrote the script and plays Bosley. Well, one of them — Patrick Stewart and Djimon Hounsou both pop up as Bosley, too. Like her Twilight co-star Robert Pattinson, Stewart has made some savvy film choices since farewelling the vampire romance saga, including Clouds of Sils Maria, Certain Women and Personal Shopper — and while this upbeat action flick about kick-ass ladies saving the world clearly shares little else in common with her recent dramatic roles, here's hoping it continues her good run. She certainly seems to be having plenty of fun in the two Charlie's Angels trailers so far, with the latest combining ample espionage antics with a shout-out to day drinking. Music fans can also look forward to the new movie's soundtrack, with Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus and Lana Del Rey all collaborating on the song 'Don't Call Me Angel' — and Grande featuring on four other tracks. The film's big collaborative tune is a bit of a throwback of its own, given that 2000's Charlie's Angels also featured a killer hit, aka Destiny's Child's 'Independent Women'. Catch the latest glimpse of the new Charlie's Angels in the trailer below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VTg3YWqHuQ&feature=youtu.be Charlie's Angels releases in Australian cinemas on November 14, 2019.
After introducing its cookie pies to the world earlier this year — and serving up an OTT red velvet version, a gooey choc-hazelnut-filled one and a peanut butter and jelly variety as well — Gelato Messina is bringing the decadent dessert back yet again. This time, though, it's quite the Frankenstein's monster of a dessert. If you like fairy bread, cookie pies and Messina's gelato, prepare to get excited. Hang on, a cookie pie? Yes, it's a pie, but a pie made of cookie dough. And it serves two-to-six people — or just you. You bake it yourself, too, so you get to enjoy that oh-so-amazing smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through your kitchen. Now that you're onboard with the overall cookie pie concept, the fairy bread version really is exactly what it sounds like. That crunchy, crumbly cookie dough is filled with vanilla custard, then topped with more 100s and 1000s than you've probably seen since your childhood birthday parties. On its own, the indulgent pie will cost $20. But to sweeten the deal, the cult ice creamery has created a few bundle options, should you want some of its famed gelato atop it (vanilla is recommended for this particular pie). You can add on a 500-millilitre tub for $28, a one-litre tub for $36 or a 1.5-litre tub for $39. If you're keen to get yourself a piece of the pie, they're available to preorder from Monday, July 27 — with pick up between Friday, July 31 and Sunday, August 2 from your chosen Messina store. Once you've got the pie safely home, you just need to whack it in the oven for 25–30 minutes at 165 degrees and voila. You can preorder a Messina fairy bread cookie pie from Monday, July 27, to pick up from all NSW, Vic and Queensland Gelato Messina stores (except The Star). Melburnians are currently instructed to only visit their local cafe or shop, with Messina's Melbourne stores located in Fitzroy, Richmond, Windsor and, as a pop-up, in Brunswick East.
For a lot of us, 2020 so far has involved a whole heap less travel than we'd usually like. With devastating bushfires raging across the country, many had to forego our annual summer trips and stay at home. Then, COVID-19 hit Australia, resulting in nationwide restrictions on travel. Recently, the Australian Government announced its three-step roadmap out of COVID-19 lockdown, with talks of interstate and possibly trans-Tasman travel happening before the end of July. Finally, we can start dreaming of our next trip away. And to help inspire your post-iso plans, Tourism Australia is hosting an online program of virtual travel experiences and entertainment. Best of all, it's completely free. Dubbed Live from Aus, the program will run from Saturday, May 16 to Sunday, May 17 via its YouTube channel and Facebook page. It'll feature everything from Phillip Island's penguins to underwater reef tours at the Great Barrier Reef, music by First Nations artists with Uluru as its backdrop, Mona's Spectra light show, an Australian wine tour with Adelaide Hills' Unico Zelo, a cheesemaking session with Jo Barrett and Matt Stone, sunrise yoga at Byron Bay and cooking the ultimate Aussie brunch with Darren Robertson, Mark LeBrooy and Andy Allen from Three Blue Ducks (if you want to cook along, you can check out the recipes here). All up, expect a taste for Australia's natural beauty, food, music, wildlife and culture. Other highlights include a disco party with The Wiggles, an exploration of Indigenous Australian ingredients with famed chef and MasterChef Australia judge Jock Zonfrillo, tours of Australia's greatest golf greens, pub trivia, a coffee making tutorial with Ona Coffee, a tour of Kangaroo Island, a night at the Opera House and Dreamtime stories with Darren 'Capes' Capewell. You can check out the full program and times here. Live from Aus will kick off at 7am AEST on Saturday, May 16 till Sunday, May 17. You can tune in for free via Facebook or its website. Images: Uluru Sunset Session with First Nations music curated by Sounds Australia, Underwater Reef Tour at the Great Barrier Reef, Penguin Parade Bedtime Stories from Phillip Island and Kangaroo Island Tour with Craig Wickham — all courtesy of Tourism Australia.
Sometimes the weeks just fly by (is it almost April already?). But sometimes the work week can be a real slog. So, having a way to celebrate hitting the halfway mark is just what you need. And we've found just the thing. Woolloomooloo's longstanding waterside destination Otto Ristorante is teaming up with Tanqueray for a one-off fine dining experience celebrating all things botanical. The dinner will take place in the luxe Italian restaurant on Wednesday, March 27 from 6.30pm. Guests can enjoy four courses, each paired with a specially crafted gin cocktail. The degustation menu has been designed by Otto's bar manager Lukas Hardy and head chef Richard Ptacnik. Gin, and many other ingredients, will be used liberally in both the eats and the libations in order to provide a seamless culinary experience. You can expect to sip the likes of grapefruit-infused Tanqueray No. 10, the four-botanical London Dry Gin, the zesty Flor de Sevilla and the lime-based Rangpur. To start, there's a canapé of gnocco fritto (deep-fried Italian bread) served with salumi and a green olive sgroppino — an Italian-style cocktail featuring Flor de Sevilla Tanqueray, prosecco, green olive sorbet and charcoal salt. Next up, expect gin-cured salmon with caperberries and green olives served with a wet martini made with London Dry Gin, dry vermouth, fino sherry, orange bitters and more caperberries. For the main, you'll dig into herbed salt-crusted kingfish with two salads, paired with the Herbaceous Gimlet: olive oil-washed Tanqueray No. 10 with edible flowers, verjus (unripe grape juice), herbs and botanicals. And dessert is a passionfruit curd served with gin jelly and topped with coconut and gin ice cream. Finish off your meal with a specialty Tom Collins, which combines toasted coconut-washed Tanqueray Rangpur, lime leaf, passionfruit and sparkling coconut water. This lavish dinner will cost $175 all up, and bookings are essential. To book, head here. Image: Kitti Gould.
If there's ever going to be any more Indiana Jones movies following this year's Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, bringing Ke Huy Quan back as Short Round should be the number-one mission. For now, Disney — which is behind the Indy flicks — is enlisting the Everything Everywhere All At Once Oscar-winner in another of its big franchises. And, it's plunging him into more multiverse madness. When Loki finally returns for it second season this spring, Quan will join the cast as OB, who works for the Time Variance Authority. In the just-dropped full trailer for the show's long-awaited comeback, he isn't surprised when the Marvel Cinematic Universe's God of Mischief is glitching. In fact, he's on hand to help. Continuing Loki's small-screen exploits two years since the show that bears the Tom Hiddleston (The Essex Serpent)-played character's name first debuted in 2021 — when it was just the third MCU series to hit Disney+ after WandaVision and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier — this second season grapples with the aftermath of that initial batch of episodes. Cue a fight for the TVA, alongside Mobius M Mobius (Owen Wilson, Marry Me), Hunter B-15 (Wunmi Mosaku, Black Mirror) and more. Also set to pop up: Sylvie (Sophia Di Martino, The Electrical Life of Louis Wain), Judge Renslayer (Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Summerland) and Miss Minutes (Tara Strong, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3). As also seen in the trailer, Jonathon Majors (Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania) makes an appearance. Calendars out: after Secret Invasion aired in June and July, Loki will start streaming via Disney+ from. Friday, October 6, making good on the "Loki will return in season two" promise. Also joining the MCU's TV ranks this year is newcomer Echo, a Hawkeye spinoff, which will arrive on Wednesday, November 29 — and enjoy a first for the MCU on streaming. Disney+ usually drops a few episodes at once for each show, then unfurls the rest weekly afterwards; however, this series about Maya Lopez (Alaqua Cox) will arrive all at once on the same day. Check out the trailer for Loki season two below: Loki season two will premiere on Disney+ on Friday, October 6. Top image: © Marvel Studios 2021. All Rights Reserved.
Don't miss Sydney's latest artist-led show. Curators Orson Heidrich and Jarryd Lynagh bring together works of their own and by Anna Pogossova, Siena White, Mark Booth and Patrick Cremin to explore the edges and intersections of different artistic mediums: expanded photography, painting, and sculpture. It's on at Down / Under space, a multi-arts space in the basement underneath Freda's that's run by artists, curators and filmmakers. All of the artists are contributing to a contemporary aesthetic that can be difficult to find — especially all in one place. The curators have focused on bringing together works that focus on "a succinct and powerful use of materials to create an experience of occupied space and object presence". All of the artists create work that's not just about producing an image — they're about capturing a mood. The exhibition, like Lilac City Studio's Recreation II show by Kyra Henley, is another example of the trend towards artist-run initiatives and artist-led programming in Australia and internationally. It's sure to spark conversations about not only the works and the artists themselves, but also the creativity that goes into finding space for making and showing art in high-pressure environments like Sydney. Signal opens on Wednesday, December 19 at 6pm at DownUnder space, in the basement under Freda's. If you miss the opening you can also visit the show nightly from 6-9pm until Saturday, December 22.
Ahhh, the 1980s. It may have been a decade of shame for the fashion industry, but for today's TV and film producers it's a limitless goldmine of nostalgia. Red Oaks, The Americans, Deutschland 83, the 'San Junipero' episode of Black Mirror and, of course, Stranger Things, have all benefited from the public's deep-seeded yearning for the MTV-era. And that's to say nothing of the countless '80s properties that have been rebooted, reimagined or received unexpected sequels. King among the works mining '80s nostalgia is Ernest Cline's 2011 sci-fi novel Ready Player One, now adapted for the big screen by director Steven Spielberg. And it is, to put it bluntly, a nerd's wet dream writ large. Set in a densely overpopulated and largely dystopian future, the story sees the world's impoverished masses spending the majority of their time jacked into a VR universe known as The Oasis. But despite being billed as a digital paradise in which anyone can be whomever they want, the reality (both real and virtual) is far narrower. A competition drives every individual within the Oasis, promising both unimaginable riches and control of the program itself. One such desperate contestant is teenager Wade Watts (Tye Sheridan), who escapes his daily grind in the slums by assuming a virtual identity and racing his vintage DeLorean against his fellow gunters (short for "Easter egg hunters"). Together with his friends (none of whom he has ever actually met in real life), Wade works to secure victory over the thousands of professional gunters hired by IOI, a shady corporation whose malevolent CEO Nolan Sorrento (Ben Mendelsohn) wants to assume control of the Oasis and monetise its every available pixel. Given that Ready Player One is positively overflowing with pop-culture references, Spielberg should be applauded for inserting so few of his own. There's the DeLorean, of course (Spielberg produced Back To The Future), and the iconic musical cues to accompany it. But by and large his movies take a back seat to other fan favourites like Alien, The Breakfast Club and – in the film's most outstanding sequence – Stanley Kubrick's The Shining. The movie is also heavy on the video game references, from Atari originals through to Overwatch. At its best, Ready Player One uses these tips of the hat to advance its story in wildly creative ways. For the most part, however, the never-ending winks are little more than pavlovian treats. As a result, scenes often feel like cinematic fast-food: delicious at the time but lacking in substance and quickly forgotten. Spielberg has, for most of his career, been a master of crafting movies that appeal to all ages. And yet even though the majority of the references in Ready Player One are aimed at those born between 1970 and 1990, it's hard to see the film speaking to many viewers above the age of 25. While the CGI is impressive, the action is far too frenetic. The dialogue, meanwhile, is painfully hammy (the gamer jargon, in particular, feels like Spielberg was given all the parts to an IKEA wardrobe without any instructions on how to put it together). At least Sheridan and his co-stars do a solid job, and Mendelsohn is nothing if not committed to his performance – albeit in service of a role that oscillates haphazardly between a serious villain and a pantomime one. It's hard not to see a great many current or imminent real-life scenarios akin to the world of The Oasis. Which is why it's such a pity that, instead of exploring the dangers of a plugged-in existence, Ready Player One opts to keep things light, ultimately saying little more than doesn't this all look cool? And sure, Spielberg's approach makes for an entertaining blockbuster. But we can't help but wonder about the movie that might have been. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSp1dM2Vj48
At the beginning of this year I had the great pleasure of working in the city. To most of you that might be a little strange to hear since you probably beat the dark path most 8am timeslots of the year. Yet being a part of the independent arts scene we are generally shafted to the outer suburbs, never venturing much past the cheaper rents and eats of periphery Sydney. However, the horizon appears to be shifting with the City of Sydney inviting itself to the party and slowly but surely helping to create a creative CBD worthy of our southern sister but also, truly our own. The Paper Mill, an artist-run gallery/workshop/library especially committed to works on paper, will be swinging open its doors in downtown suit country very, very soon. But before that happens the guys and girls at The Paper Mill are kindly letting us all in for the Das Superpaper The Critical Issue launch and a sneak peak at their space in Angel Place. The crew at Das Superpaper — if you haven’t heard — are only the busiest volunteers on the planet. With thirteen issues of art-based writing behind them this free publication has already added the Das Cinema feather to their cap and will now introduce Das 500, another online venture featuring bite-sized (500 words or less) critical reviews of exhibitions around Australia. So who could say no to a cheeky bevvie after work on Thursday to double whammy on Australian independent arts in the city?
Last year, Scotland's BrewDog created the world's first craft beer hotel and launched the world's first craft beer airline, letting beer lovers drink more of its cold ones in more places. Basically, the boozy flight is an ideal way to get to the brand's Ohio holiday spot, however it's not a regular service. But after the first return trip took to the skies earlier in 2019, two more flights have been announced. Aptly named BrewDog Airlines by the beer fiends— and yes, it's all about downing craft brews at 30,000 feet — the repeat trip will take eager drinkers from London to the company's Columbus facility and back. Want to mosey the other way? A second flight will also soar through the heavens while serving its passengers plenty of brews, leaving the US to head to Scotland for some beer- and whisky-sipping. If you're keen to make either journey, the London-to-Ohio leg departs Britain on Thursday, October 31, making the return leg on Tuesday, November 5, while the Ohio-to-Edinburgh trip leaves Columbus on the same departure date and heads back on the same return date as well. As was the case with the airline's maiden voyage, you'll also need to be one of BrewDog's Equity Punks, which is what it calls its shareholders — and pay between £1350–1450 per person (or £2550–2750 for two people sharing a room). Starting to pack now? Happy to make your own way to either start point? Then here's what else is in store. Boarding a Boeing 767, passengers will enjoy a spot of beer tasting, tuck into a BrewDog-inspired menu that's paired with matching beers, watch the brewery's BrewDog Network — its own streaming platform — and receive a branded eye mask and blanket. More brews will be served during the flight, obviously. And, once the plane lands, you're in for a tour of either BrewDog's Columbus or Ellon facilities, as well as relevant boozy trips in Ohio and Scotland. To ensure the flight goes smoothly — or boozily, really — BrewDog has also created its own beer that tastes better at a flying altitude. If you hop on board its airline, you'll get to enjoy more than a few sips. Cathay Pacific also did something similar back in 2017, launching a bottled beer that was made to taste as great in the air as it does on the ground. With BrewDog also opening an Australian base in Brisbane in 2019 — albeit without a hotel — here's hoping it brings this idea with it. Image: BrewDog.
Following the closure of its original location in October of 2023, SOUL Dining has finally reopened in a new site with its familiar elegant charm. You'll now find the brainchild of Daero Lee and Illa Kim serving up its sophisticated Korean eats on Carrington Street in the heart of the CBD. Previously residing in Surry Hills, the original eatery opened in 2018 to serve modern Korean cuisine, fostering plenty of adoring fans while opening a series of sibling restaurants in Bar SOUL and SOUL Deli. Now residing in a brand-new location right by Wynyard Station, SOUL Dining has returned with an abundance of tasty dishes for you to try. "We are thrilled to embark on this exciting new chapter at Wynyard and continue our mission of showcasing the best of Korean cuisine in a contemporary setting," said Executive Chef and Owner Daero Lee. The Carrington Street outpost dons its familiar dark ambience, maintaining its signature blue and charcoal theme splashed across its interiors, paired with velvet seating and gold accents. Whether you're in for an intimate date night or a classy night out, SOUL Dining's newest outpost provides the perfect setting. SOUL Dining's menu still features its original ethos, starring traditional Korean flavours and dishes through the team's unique lens. There's plenty to dig into on the menu, from Korean staples to desserts inspired by nostalgic sweets reminiscent of Lee and Kim's childhood. Returning menu highlights include the kingfish in kimchi water, while there are new items to discover on the refreshed menu like the scallop bori-bap — a common Korean rice dish with vegetables and soybean paste. The drinks selection has also undergone a revamp, with Head Sommelier Liz Dodd bringing experience from Altitude Restaurant at the Shangri-La Hotel to create an exciting new wine list. Plus, the cocktails menu still features the much-loved Melona and Sesame Sour. You'll find SOUL Dining's newly reopened eatery at 50 Carrington Street, Sydney — open for lunch and dinner Monday–Saturday. Head to the restaurant's website to make a booking or for more info.
It's been five years since Robert Rodriguez turned in Sin City: A Dame To Kill For, and a full decade since James Cameron directed Avatar. Now, though, they've teamed up to create Alita: Battle Angel, a $200+ million sci-fi blockbuster based on Yukito Kishiro's iconic 90s cyberpunk manga of the same name. Set-up wise, it's a very familiar tale. We're deep into the future (2563, to be exact), and the world continues to reel from The Fall, aka the war to end all wars. Earth's remaining cities are massively overcrowded slums resembling the favelas of modern-day Sao Paulo, whilst high above them floats Zalem — the luxurious haven for the super wealthy and elite. In that sense, Alita is alota like 2013's Elysium and the recent Netflix series Altered Carbon, although for a refreshing change the inhabitants of the lower city aren't presented as weary, ravenous scum fighting one another for every last consumable. There's even a blue sky, regular sunlight, fresh fruit and delicious chocolate. Sure, there are the usual scavengers and rogues of various forms, but for the most part the community is exactly that — a harmonious, multicultural confederacy of peoples just trying to eek out a new life for themselves in the post-Fall world. The hero, too, enters the story with a very familiar backstory. Alita, a damaged cyborg rescued from the trash piles of Zalem, has no memory of her past. When push comes to literal shove, however, she discovers she's possessed of extraordinary martial arts abilities and highly lethal tendencies. In other words, Jason Bourne with robot limbs. Very quickly, Alita's childlike naivety gives way to a revenge-fuelled blood lust as she seeks out those who would do her (and her loved ones) harm. Gradually, too, the memories of her previous life (and mission) begin to resurface, setting her upon a seemingly-inevitable path towards Nova, the mysterious entity pulling all the strings from high above in Zalem. Portrayed by a digitally-enhanced Rosa Salazar, Alita is literally a wide-eyed wonder to behold. The special effects wizadry of Cameron's team has rendered her believable enough to not be distracting, yet different enough to do justice to the story's sci-fi legacy. Indeed, the majority of the film's characters carry some form of technological enhancement, ranging from simple mechanical arms to fully-fledged mech suits, most notably those 'worn' by the cyborg assassin Grewishka (a terrific Jackie Earle Haley). The myriad enhancements are gleefully displayed by Rodriguez during several scenes of motorball, a violent and frenetic sport that feels like the bastard offspring of NASCAR, Quidditch and roller derby. Basically, picture Mario Kart, but instead of spinning your opponent out with a banana, you rip their face off with a chainsaw. In supporting roles, Christoph Waltz delivers the best and most nuanced performance as Ido, the kindly surgeon who discovers, repairs and cares for Alita. Less convincing are Jennifer Connelly as Chiren, Ido's ex-wife, and Mahershala Ali as Vector, the kingpin of motorball. Keean Johnson, who'd comfortably double for a young Colin Farrell, plays the part of Alita's would-be love interest Hugo, however their dialogue (and indeed almost all of the film's dialogue) feels punishingly awkward and unnatural. Only Ido and Alita achieve a believably tender relationship, helped by the fact that they also have the film's only fleshed out backstories. Lack of originality notwithstanding, Alita: Battle Angel still delivers an engaging experience thanks to Rodriguez's nimble and full-throttle direction. The film's fight scenes are its strongest asset, with Alita's balletic combat offering the perfect counterpoint to her opponents' brute force. She's a terrific heroine to get behind — surefooted in her abilities, noble in her intentions and charming in her wisecracking. Whilst a sequel hasn't been confirmed, the film's ending all but demands one, and with a little more work on the scripting front, it could easily deliver a white-knuckled gangbuster of a sci-fi franchise. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7pYhpJaJW8
Everyone loves Gelato Messina's creative ice cream concoctions; however, believe it or not, there is a way to make their chilled sweet treats even better. You know how dessert takes oh-so-divine when it caps off an amazing meal? Yep, that's how to amplify your Messina experience. At the fourth instalment of their Messina Eats pop-up series, Burn City Smokers are in the spotlight. Following in the footsteps of Huxtaburger and Mr Claws, Wonderbao and Hoy Pinoy, they're serving up eight-hour smoked beef short rib, brisket burgers and smokey beans until they run out. PS40 will be taking care of the bar, while you know who will be serving up your final course courtesy of a mouth-watering pumpkin pie and choc soft serve combo. That's what happens when Messina meets meat. The word you're looking for is yum. Messina Eats runs from noon until sold out on October 7 and 8 in the carpark at Messina's Rosebery HQ.
Melbourne's restaurant scene is vast and varied. But what do the Meatball and Wine Bar, Circa The Prince, Little Hunter, The Estelle, Izakaya Den and Jacques Reymond have in common? Their plates, that's what. Behind this homewares evolution is Glenn Tebble Homewares, from Unique Pottery, who create tableware and tailor-made designs for restaurants and chefs. Made from stoneware, each piece is designed and created right here in Melbourne and embraces the unique, ever-changing nature of the food scene. Through his time working with chefs and restaurateurs, Glenn Tebble, the man behind Glenn Tebble Homewares, came to find that people were looking for items that just didn't exist yet. And so, their bespoke range was born. Together with chefs, Glenn designs and creates products on a need-by-need basis. Collaborating with some of Melbourne's best restaurants, Glenn tells us how some of these ideas came to fruition. Scott Picket and Ryan Flaherty – The Estelle "Long-time customers and all-round good blokes from The Estelle Scott Pickett and Ryan Flaherty have always been a good source of inspiration. With their history in Michelin star restaurants overseas, the boys were often coming to us with ideas, and not just from the design side of things. The boys suggested what we now call the splatter range. "We developed a new colour option by using two kinds of glazes, whether it was a two toned colour or an abstract kind of finish. It opened a gateway for a whole new line of products — some of the glazes also present a textured look and feel." Meatball and Wine Bar "The team at Meatball And Wine Bar were on the hunt for a specific bowl for their balls. As I had worked with their management team previously, they approached me. We designed what is currently our most popular bowl. It was made it to the specifications, and managed to streamline it with our existing larger bowl, creating a new range. As you can see, the gents at Meatballs are very happy with the result." Simon Denton – Izakaya Den "Some time back now, I approached Simon Denton, from Izakaya Den. Simon loved our range and went on to purchase a large quantity for his underground gem. Simon also liked our large sushi plate, but he also wanted one a little smaller. Again, I got the design team onto it and it was in his restaurant within six weeks. We must have made an impression, as when Denton launched his revamp of the old Verge site, now Numa Numa, he came to us for his bespoke noodle bowls." Paul Wilson – Melbourne Pub Group "Paul Wilson came to me with a plastic shaped taco holder that they had been using — just as the taco scene went crazy in Melbourne. He wanted something similar but a lot sexier! We made two versions, one that could hold two tacos and another that could hold four. The end result surpassed his expectations. We have since seen more chefs use their creative flair — with Guy Grossi using it as a panini holder and, thinking outside the square, other ideas have been for mini hotdogs, souvlakis and as a vessel for a cheese display." Tony Twitchett – Taxi Dining Room "Tony Twitchett from Taxi Dining Room in Melbourne loved our range, but at the time we had nothing that suited his needs. He required a large rippled square platter for his signature duck dish and their amazing sashimi. So, we put a conservative spin on his idea and we came up with one of the very few square plates that we have in our range.”
A Brush With Fame is a fundraiser that gives us 'normies' the chance to own a one-of-a-kind work of art made by some of our favourite bands and musicians. After years of hosting some of the world's best musical artists, Sydney's FBi Radio is releasing a collection of artworks created specially for them by everyone from Yeasayer to Iggy Pop, Vampire Weekend to Boy and Bear. As these acts passed through the hallowed halls of Sydney's favourite indie radio station, they were asked to stick fabric markers to plain white canvas, and let those creative juices flow. The visual ramblings were then collected, and will soon be on sale for the public to own. In addition to the possibility of owning a piece by a favourite musician, works by visual artists like Archibald finalist Abdul Abdullah and street artist Beastman are up for grabs. There's also a canvas doodled on by acerbic wit-smith, Marieke Hardy, and one by the brains behind Mambo, Reg Mombassa. The sale goes down on November 22 via the wonder of eBay, with bids starting at $50. All the funds go towards running the not-for-profit public radio station. Head to the FBi site to see a list of all the artists, pictures of their many varied visual offerings, and all the other necessary details.
The best spot in Australia for a picnic is hotly contested. Melbourne has some good ones. So do Sydney and Brisbane. Mount Buffalo, a picturesque mountain surrounded by green valleys roughly a four-hour drive from Melbourne, is now coming for the title — as long as you're not afraid of heights. The Bright Adventure Company is offering secluded picnics for thrill-seekers suspended off the cliff face of Mount Buffalo, on a platform 300 meters off the ground. For $449, you'll get a set up on the suspended ledge suitable for two people, a delicious picnic hamper and all the safety equipment and training required. Then you can relax with your partner or picnic buddy as you take in the views of the Mount Buffalo National Park. All you need to bring is warm clothes, sturdy shoes, a water bottle and a total lack of fear of heights. The experience goes for three hours with sunrise, lunch and dinner packages all available. If you have a group of four you can organise a set of two edges side-by-side so you can share the experience with your besties. Book a cliff picnic through the Bright Adventure Company. Before heading interstate, check the relevant state's COVID-19 guidelines.
It is 1988, and 15 years since president Salvador Allende committed suicide as Pinochet's military jets bore down upon the Chilean presidential palace. Under international pressure, Pinochet has agreed to determine his future by referendum. A 'yes' vote will see the continuation of the torture and 'disappearances' that have characterised his reign (today, over 1000 Chileans remain missing). A 'no' vote will mean the restoration of democracy. For four weeks, each side of the campaign has a daily 15-minute television segment with which to win over voters. Enter advertising creative Rene Saavedra (Gabriel Garcia Bernal). A composite character pieced together by director Pablo Larrain and scriptwriter Pedro Peirano, he has been raised outside of Chile by his exiled father and is expert at conjuring up slick commercials designed to sell Western-style products. It takes some convincing for socialist politician Urrutia (Luis Gnecco) to shake Rene out of his apolitical apathy and get him on board the no campaign, but once he does so, the action begins in earnest. No derives its dramatic tension from two sources: the intersection of advertising propaganda and political rhetoric, and the difficulty of reconciliating the private life with the public. The no campaigners believe that their aim is best achieved through graphic reminders of Pinochet’s brutalities, so Rene must convince them of his strategy: to present post-dictatorship freedom as one would a shiny commodity — symbolised by a rainbow logo, communicated by the slogan 'Happiness Is Coming', and accompanied by a jubilant jingle. Simultaneously, he must navigate his emotions over the departure of his wife, a hardcore activist who sees her husband as lacking courage and conviction. Bernal approaches Rene's character with an enigmatic composure, conveying his conflicting traits through subtleties — standing stock still amidst an erupting crowd upon announcement of the referendum results, or tearing up in silence as he walks away from his wife's door. Larrain's exploration of the power of advertising is not without its ironies. On one hand, we celebrate Rene's backing of justice; on the other, the success of his commercial-style simplification of a complex political situation is disturbing. Larrain touches on this uneasy contradiction through staccato stabs of humour, masterfully interwoven with darker moments. It is worth noting that a recent New York Times article revealed that the film has attracted criticism in Chile for downplaying the significance of the grassroots movement to the no campaign. Seeking an aesthetic reflective of the period, Larrain recorded No with a 1983 U-matic video camera. Flares and flashes are included deliberately. Archival material blends seamlessly with contemporary footage. Some may find this approach a little self-conscious, and it's certainly not pretty, but the intention is to transport viewers back in time. The third feature in Larrain's filmic study of Chile, No is a triumph, historically and dramatically. Sure, its verisimilitude may be questionable, but its study of at least one aspect of the referendum that toppled Pinochet is compelling.
For the entire glorious, autumnal month of April, the inner west's ravenous hordes will be just a hop, skip and a jump away from Josh Arthurs' extraordinary burgers. Yep, Burgers by Josh is taking over the kitchen at the Annandale Hotel for a whole four weeks. The event is a logical follow-up to the pub's two February Bush Burger pop-ups, which both sold out. Needless to say, the menu will be loaded with Josh's well-known creations, from the Fat Tony — a wagyu patty piled with provolone cheese, pickled Spanish onion and rocket — to the Infamous Primo, a wagyu pattie with American cheddar, house-made pickles, Thousand Island dressing, iceberg lettuce, beer battered onion rings and crispy American bacon, topped with a jalapeño popper. And, because it's a takeover, there'll be some extra additions in the form of weekend brunches. Expect breakfast burgers, peanut butter jelly toasties and more. Meanwhile, the hotel is developing a drinks menu designed to complement Josh's offerings. So gear up for all the big, fizzy, American flavours, from boozed milkshakes to spiked spiders. But if you're looking for some fruit at a burger pop-up at a pub, rest assured there'll be freshly squeezed juices too.
Melbourne's NGV International is celebrating the unique designs and lasting legacy of fashion icon Christian Dior, in a world premiere exhibition launching this Sunday, August 27. Running until November 7, The House of Dior: Seventy Years of Haute Couture will be one of three major surveys of Dior's groundbreaking work, alongside exhibitions in Paris and New York. The Melbourne show will include more than 140 show-stopping garments, stretching the length and breadth of the label's extraordinary history. "Highlights of the NGV's House of Dior exhibition will include one of the few surviving examples of Christian Dior's New Look collection, which revitalised women's fashion in the post-war era," said gallery director Tony Ellwood last year. "And of course it wouldn't be a Dior exhibition without their sculptural tailoring, their signature ball gowns and their glamorous evening dresses which have become synonymous with the fashion house." "Audiences will discover the nuances of Dior's fashion design, and observe the ways in which these have evolved through the decades. The exhibition will also celebrate the milestones of Dior's six successive designers," he added. A key element of the exhibition will be an exploration of Dior's historic 1948 spring fashion parade at David Jones in Sydney, considered to be the first complete Dior collection to be shown outside of Paris. The exhibition will also tie in with the gallery's first ever Gala Ball on Sunday. If you're heading to Melbourne in the next few months, add this to your must-do list. Images: Installation view of House of Dior: Seventy Years of Haute Couture at the National Gallery of Victoria. Shot by Sean Fennessy.
Is Bond still up to it? After 50 years, six leading men, and 23 films, Skyfall is as much a story of an ageing spy fighting for his relevance as it is a chance for the franchise to do the same for its critics. The film opens on Bond (Daniel Craig) beaten, challenged, and cynical, a spent agent dismissed by his colleagues as a misogynist and denounced by his own government as an expensive and embarrassing anachronism. Even his adversary (Javier Bardem) scoffs, "England ... MI6 ... so old-fashioned," but as Bond shrewdly quips, "youth is not a guarantee of innovation." This clash of ideologies, pitting modernisation against tradition, underscores almost every dimension of the clever script by veteran writers Neal Purvis and Robert Wade, who elegantly have their leading man speak for both himself and the franchise. Bond's rehab, his rejuvenation, and his ultimate demonstration of worth all matter as much to the story and character as they do to the audience in the real world, and — yes — you'd better believe he's still up to it. With its emphasis on Bond's strained relationship with 'M' (Judi Dench), Skyfall is a very British Bond, and also a very personal one. Both characters find themselves at crossroads, plagued by past decisions and questioning the very nature of their profession in which, so often, fellow agents (and even friends) are sacrificed in the name of Queen and Country. It's a small story told on a grand scale and refreshingly favours old-school spycraft over the traditional gadgets, doomsday devices, and cartoonish plans of world domination that defined many of the earlier films. Not that it completely eschews the Bond stables, however. There are still the fast cars, beautiful women, and vodka martinis; they're just presented in a more traditional way. Bond's suits have a '60s cut, his gun is the old Walther PPK, and even the music has more of a John Barry flavour to it, with Thomas Newman (American Beauty) gleefully unleashing his brass section and liberally quoting Bond's iconic theme throughout the score. It all gels perfectly, neatly reinforcing the 'old dog/new tricks' motif epitomised by M's small desk statue of a Churchillian bulldog draped in the Union Jack. In Skyfall, director Sam Mendes has delivered a classic Bond for the 21st century: modern in all the ways we need him to be; traditional in the ways we love him to be. After 50 years, the world definitely still needs its 007, and, courtesy of the closing credits, you can rest assured — James Bond will return. https://youtube.com/watch?v=StJLvbPIvTw
Inspiration to Ghandi, and art scholar, John Ruskin was famously said to have been shocked on his wedding night by how his different his wife's real body was from those of the marble statues he studied. While this story may exaggerate its detail, it's true that the divide between artistic ideal and real bodies is often a big one. For critic Kenneth Clarke, the idealisation of nudity was what made it art. But in the words of Greg Wise: "Real life is wrinkles and smells." If you get to Sydney University early for A Night in the Quad, you'll be able to make up your own mind. Down one side of the picturesque main quadrangle is the Nicholson Museum, which for the duration of the Sydney Festival is running Exposed: Photography & the Classical Nude. Exposed fuses together one hundred images of ancient and modern views of nudes, statues and classical methods of filthy art — exploring the connections and differences of images of the body in classical sculpture, to the work of less ancient photographers like Max Dupain and Henry Fox Talbot. And while the exhibition is neither puritan nor prurient, there should be enough in it to give you ideas of your own. Note: pages linked to in this piece contain artistic nudity and may be slightly NSFW. Image of Marc Quinn's Alison Lapper statue by dorothya.
Horror isn't just for one month of the year. Celebrating Halloween for 31 days is all well and good — and fun and eerie — but there's no bad time to embrace the most terrifying genre there is. That includes at the cinema, because getting your frights from flicks is firmly an all-year-round affair. Sydney's A Night of Horror International Film Festival understands this. Because no film fest can run all day every day 365 days a year, this one pops up for a dedicated stint annually, but it isn't beholden to an October timeslot. So, in 2023, it's bringing ten features and 31 shorts to Dendy Newtown to lead into the scariest month of them all, kicking off on Thursday, September 28 and running till Sunday, October 1. Get ready for horror movies, then more horror movies, and then even more horror movies across four big days. Some of ANOH's features are homegrown scarefests, others arrive from the other side of the world and a few come to Sydney with the stamp of approval from fellow horror film festivals elsewhere. For instance, Puzzle Box hails from the Harbour City's own Jack Dignan, and marks the director's second effort on the lineup in as many years; The Moor goes all folk-horror, but UK-style; and Saving Grace nabbed awards at this year's Washington DC International Cinema Festival and Liverpool Indie Awards. Or, catch the witchy Mother Superior from Austria, which wowed 2022's Brooklyn Horror Film Festival — then get some thrills with What You Wish For, which tells a morality tale (with the name to match, clearly) starring Nick Stahl (Fear the Walking Dead). Prefer a Lithuanian slasher (aka Pensive)? A debut that takes its cues from giallo (DID I?)? A dose of horror-comedy (The Coffee Table)? Aussie-made, small-town musings on grief (Violett)? They're all on the lineup, too, from a full bill that hops to the US, New Zealand, Spain, Brazil, Switzerland, France, Denmark and India as well.
The end of winter means warming temperatures, blooming flowers and summer inching closer. In 2023, it also means looking up. To close out August, a super blue moon will take to the sky — or a blue supermoon, if you prefer. Both terms fit, because the Earth's only natural satellite will serve up both a supermoon and a blue moon. The date to point your eyes to the heavens: Thursday, August 31. Stare upwards with your own two eyes and you'll see a noteworthy sight — but it'll actually be at its peak that morning. Heading outdoors at 11.35 AEST is recommended; however, if you train your peepers towards the sky the evening before or afterwards, you'll still be in for a glowing show. While super full moons aren't particularly rare — several usually happen each year — blue moons only happen every few years. Wondering why else you should check this one out? We've run through the details below. [caption id="attachment_769713" align="alignnone" width="1920"] NASA/Joel Kowsky[/caption] WHAT IS IT? If you're more familiar with The Mighty Boosh's take on the moon than actual lunar terms, here's what you need to know. As we all learned back in November 2016, a supermoon is a new moon or full moon that occurs when the moon reaches the closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, making it particularly bright. Again, they're not all that uncommon — and because the supermoon on Thursday, August 31 is a full moon (and not a new moon), it's called a super full moon. A blue moon refers to the second full moon occurring in a calendar month. Despite the name, it isn't blue in colour. Also, despite the saying, they happen more often than you might think, but still only ever few years. The next monthly blue moon after this is set to occur at the end of May in 2026. Normally, the August moon is also a sturgeon moon, too — and while that's the case in 2023 as always, that moon has already been and gone. That's what happens when there's two months in a month, with this year's sturgeon moon happening on Wednesday, August 2. The name, doesn't refer to its shape or any other physical characteristics, but to the time of year. In the northern hemisphere, August is around the time that sturgeon fish start to show up in big numbers in North America's lakes. Of course, that doesn't apply in the southern hemisphere, but the name still sticks. WHEN CAN I SEE IT? As mentioned above, the super blue moon will officially be at its peak at 11.35am AEST on Thursday, August 31, Down Under — but thankfully it will be visible from Wednesday night Australia and New Zealand time. The moon does usually appear full for a few days each month, so you should find the night sky looking a little brighter this week anyway. That 11.35am AEST time applies in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, with folks in Perth needing to look at 9.35am local time and people in Adelaide at 11.05am local time. In New Zealand, get peering at 1.35pm NZST. WHERE CAN I SEE IT? You can take a gander from your backyard or balcony, but the standard advice regarding looking at glowing sights in the sky always applies — so city-dwellers will want to get as far away from light pollution as possible to get the absolute best view. Fancy checking it out online? The Virtual Telescope Project is set to stream the view from Rome at 1.30pm AEST on Thursday, August 31, too. For more information about the super blue moon on Thursday, August 31, head to timeanddate.com.
Not be outdone by their neighbours, whose own festival du film celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, the latest line-up at the Audi Festival of German Films is guaranteed to give the French a run for their money. Presented by the Goethe-Institut in conjunction with Palace Cinemas, the 2014 festival boasts a selection of more than 50 German language films, as well as parties, lectures, special screenings and Q&As. Just a few of the highlights include Marc Rothemund's The Girl with Nine Wigs, about a young woman struggling with a cancer diagnosis; Constanze Knoche's simmering family drama, Visitors, about the strained relationship between a father and his three adult children; and Jan-Ole Gerster's black and white, day-in-the-life dramedy Oh Boy, which scooped up the top prize at the 2013 German Film Awards. This year's program also has something of a historical focus, with 2014 marking an important centennial. As part of the Goethe-Institut's year long commemoration of the millions of lives lost during World War One, artist Justus Neumann will present a lecture on Karl Kraus's satirical play The Last Days of Mankind, followed by a screening of the acclaimed naval drama Odyssey of Heroes. A more joyous milestone is the quarter century that has passed since the fall of the Berlin Wall. The festival's evening-long celebration will include two documentaries, separated by a live multimedia performance piece by Berlin cabaret band The Beez. For the full Audi Festival of German Films program, see the festival website. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Xlyt_IRWM30
Melburnian and Sydneysiding bartenders take their craft truly seriously. Twisting limes, straining shakers and floating on spoons in their sleep, these lovers of a good muddle are a proud, dedicated hoard. But which city owns the mad skills: the salty sea dogs of Sydney or the metropolitan marauders from Melbourne? The convolutedly titled but cleverly programmed World Class World Cocktail Week has had enough of shouting over the fence. In a momentous stately exchange, Sydney and Melbourne will front up their finest three bartenders from two celebrated cocktail bars and swap venues for two evenings of pure exhibitionist swagger. Melbourne’s Black Pearl will take over Sydney bar The Rook on Tuesday, May 13, to sprinkle a little Victorian savvy on the lobster-loving CBD bar. On Saturday, June 17, The Rook will return the visit, with bartenders Cristiano Beretta, Jason Williams and Rollo Anderson venturing south to claim the Black Pearl as their own. Both carefully crafted teams will be whipping up their own concoctions from the stores of each venue, undoubtedly provoking some smuggery at where certain bits and pieces are kept behind the bar. Throwing down every last twist and roll, the grudge match forms part of the neat libation-loving event program of WCWCW. Carnivores will be able to pair their love of meat and liquor at the Newtown Hotel for ‘Meat Meets Whiskey’ (May 6 – May 13), where you can consume Bulleit Bourbon via bone luge, as well as many other meat-inflected concoctions. Vegetarians should probably avoid like the plague. Sydney's Hinky Dinks and Melbourne's Belle's Diner will both be tempting their fair share of nostalgics with 'Pimp Your Shake'. That entails Zacapa rum-spiked milkshakes paired with heady American desserts — the Plenty a Platano is served with warm banana doughnuts and the Peanut Buttered Rum Shake with a slice of pecan pie ($22 each). There's also a nationwide #garnishoff happening on Instagram, and your dinky orange slice ain't going to cut it. To brush up on your cocktail terminology and know what you’re looking for in an Old Fashioned, have a tipple with the bartenders in your city here and here. The end of Prohibition has never tasted so good. World Class World Cocktail Week runs a series of Australia-wide events from May 6-13, curated by celebrated Sydney foodie Ms Darlinghurst. Check out the website for more information.
