#sydney film festival 2020

[thelifeofchuckmovie]

“The Life of Chuck” is closing a distribution deal with Neon after winning Toronto Film Festival’s prestigious people’s choice award.

TIFF’s audience prize has historically been a reliable predictors of eventual Oscar success. It’s unclear if that’ll be the case this year, though “The Life of Chuck” has received largely positive reviews. The film will likely be released in summer of 2025 and will receive an awards push in the fall. Terms of the deal, which has not been finalized, weren’t immediately available. A spokesperson for Neon declined to comment.

Adapted from Stephen King’s 2020 novella, “The Life of Chuck” stars Tom Hiddleston and was directed by Mike Flanagan. Billed as a “life-affirming” story about an ordinary man named Charles Krantz, the film is split into three distinct chapters that unfurl in reverse chronological order and set against the backdrop of a world that appears to be slowly crumbling. Mark Hamill, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Karen Gillan, and Jacob Tremblay co-star in “The Life of Chuck,” which has been compared to King adaptations like “Shawshank Redemption” and “Stand By Me” rather than “It” or “Pet Sematary.”

In the film, the titular Chuck has an extended dance sequence. So Hiddleston, who plays the inhibited accountant whose life is shrouded in mystery, endured a six-week crash course to learn everything from jazz, swing, polka, samba and cha-cha to quickstep and moonwalk.

“I had to do all of these technical dances, none of which I have any training in,” Hiddleston told Variety at TIFF. “There are some that came more easily than others. I found I love dancing jazz and swing. Bossa nova is a technical thing that took my hips a minute to get my head around. Polka is like a 100-meter sprint. It feels like a gallop.”

WME Independent repped “The Life of Chuck.”

Elsewhere on the festival circuit, Neon landed rights to Sean Baker’s “Anora,” which won the Palme d’Or at Cannes, as well as Mohammad Rasoulof’s “The Seed of the Sacred Fig.” The studio’s recent titles include the breakout horror hit “Longlegs,” which has grossed $100 million globally to date; “Cuckoo,” a mysterious thriller starring Hunter Schafer and Dan Stevens; and “Immaculate,” a twisted religious tale led by Sydney Sweeney.

[moments-on-film]

Moments on Film: Carmen Berzatto and Connell Waldron - Character Analysis

For the past few weeks, I’ve been a lot quieter on this site, and my analysis of The Bear, and that’s because I have been deeply engrossed in finally watching Normal People. I realize the show came out in 2020, but for whatever reason, I missed it when it was first released. Knowing that Paul Mescal has multiple films on the current/upcoming film festival circuit, All of Us Strangers, and Foe, the first of which, already garnering stellar reviews, and the latter, based on a sci-fi book of the same name, which I read and enjoyed, I decided to watch this piece of work from his oeuvre so I can better assess his range.

To put it simply, I found Normal People very compelling, moving, and heartbreaking. The acting from the two main characters is stellar. One of the other things I noticed, are the seemingly endless connections to the main characters in The Bear—in particular, Connell Waldron and Carmen Berzatto. Although these characters are different and a world apart, one in Chicago, Illinois and one in Sligo, Ireland, watching this show was like viewing many of the same problems through another character’s eyes.

On the surface, there are so many obvious similarities, (like the fact that they both religiously wear a chain necklace, Connell’s silver, and Carmy’s gold), but underneath there are multiple traits, insecurities, weaknesses, strengths, and patterns of behavior that stood out so clearly to me that I felt compelled to start writing this piece. In my opinion, both The Bear and Normal People are coming of age stories, because both feature multiple protagonists who are on a journey to discover who they really are and what actually brings them purpose, peace, fulfilment and joy. In a prior piece, I analyzed why I believe Carmy Doesn’t Know Who He Is Yet, and while the reasons may be different, the same is true for Connell Waldron. Below are several examples I noticed of the shared similarities between Carmy and Connell.

Please note: If you watch The Bear, but not Normal People, or vice versa, and you want/plan to, heart this post and come back to it after viewing to avoid major spoilers. If this doesn’t bother you, please, read on, and thank you, but I wanted to give fair warning. 🧡

Communication

Both Carmy and Connell struggle with this desperately. In The Bear, Carmy has trouble putting words to feelings, but he has them, he feels very deeply. In Normal People, Connell struggles to identify what he is feeling. These issues cause both of them, and the people in their lives, so much pain and suffering. Carmy’s life of abuse and trauma has forced him to stifle how he feels about situations he’s in, placate and appease others, and silence himself. In 1x6, Carmy tells his sister Natalie, “most of the time, I feel sort of trapped, because I can’t describe how I’m feeling.” Connell, on the other hand, is so worried about what others will think of him and his choices that he denies his true feelings, to the point where he often can’t even identify them himself. In 1x2 Connell tells Marianne that he struggles to know what he feels, “I might look back on something and think how I felt at the time, but, when it’s happening I never have any idea.” There are so many moments in both stories where one or two sentences would save them and their loved ones a world of hurt, but neither one is capable in several key moments that really count.

Crippling Indecision

Both characters suffer from this. In S2 of The Bear, Carmy is trying to straddle building his dream restaurant, and being in a relationship that is pulling him from everything he needs to be doing to open it. In 2x8, Sydney tells Carmy, “I just think you need to decide...” I have read much into this line because, due to his past, there are so many questions in Carmy’s life that he’s never been allowed to/allowed himself to explore enough to answer. In Normal People, Connell starts out not even knowing what he wants to study in college. He only comes to a decision when Marianne tells him very clearly what makes the most sense, based on her observations, and she’s right. Both of them look to the women in their lives go help them make key decisions.

Talent for Their Craft—with Barriers

Carmen is a talented and award winning chef. Before he’s left The Beef in his brother’s will, he conquered the world of fine dining. He’s risen to the top of his profession. He was even awarded the James Beard Rising Star Chef award from his time as a chef at Fairest Creatures, in Malibu and retained 3 Michelin Stars as CDC of Eleven Madison Park in New York. However, in S2, he struggles with crafting the menu for the new iteration of The Beef, The Bear. He’s torn between incorporating nostalgic dishes from his past, and new forward moving dishes created in partnership with Sydney. Connell is a talented student and sports player when we first meet him, and he goes on to be a “star” student at Trinity College, in Dublin, recipient of a prestigious scholarship, and editor of the publication of the literary society. However, in his work, (at times), as in his life, both suffer from his lack of communication. He receives a letter in response to a short story he submits that says his work “lacked a clear voice and confidence.” This problem affects all areas of his life, not just his professional one. Both Carmy and Connell’s work suffers because of their personal issues which they have yet to work out.

Soulmates

The relationships between Carmen and Sydney and Connell and Marianne have many parallels. Both couples (yes, couples) trust and confide in each other exclusively. They are each other’s confidant, and safe place. This gets tested for each couple when they are not truly honest with themselves about what the other means to them and when they let outside forces mess with their cosmic connection. Carmy ends up going out with Claire, partly due to the outside pressure from his family. Connell has a beautiful budding relationship with Marianne in the beginning of the show, but capitulates to outside pressure from his group of friends to do what is expected of him and be with the popular, but mean, Rachel. When he does this, it illicited the exact same response from me as when Carmy ditched Sydney to help Claire run an errand. Both moments had me yelling at my TV, “what are you DOING?! How could you do this to her?!” The thing is, both sets of characters have such a magnetic pull on each other, that outside forces can only penetrate for so long. Their paths are deeply intertwined. Carmy essentially asks Sydney to join him in opening a restaurant, and Sydney says yes. Marianne effectively asks Connell to join her at Trinity College, and he says yes. Both decisions will advance their relationships, personally and professionally. I must note that I don’t believe either ask is selfish. Carmy sees Sydney has talents and skills that compliment if not exceed his, and he wants her to shine. Marianne sees Connell’s talent and passion for English and knows Trinity is the best school. Another beautiful parallel is the fact that they are so deeply connected they they can literally read each other’s minds. Carmy and Sydney regularly start and finish each other’s sentences. They think alike, they dress alike. Carmy selects a chef coat for Sydney that could have been designed by her. In Normal People, Connell actually tells Marianne, “you know sometimes I felt like I could read your mind…..but I don’t know…maybe that’s normal.” Marianne stares at him deeply and pauses before saying “it’s not.” And it isn’t. These two sets of characters have a connection that is unique, special, and written in the stars.

Wasting Time with the Wrong People

Both Carmy and Connell go through trying to force relationships with other people that are just not right for them. Marianne does this too. We have not seen this yet from Sydney, but we may, as the show (hopefully) goes on. Carmy, for a variety of reasons, tries to be in a relationship with Claire. Early on, Connell succumbs to pressure to be linked with Rachel, who he doesn’t even like. Later in the show, he is in a placid and passionless relationship with Helen Brophy. Both Claire and Helen are or will be Doctors. Claire is in her last few months of residency, and Helen is at Trinity studying medicine. Neither woman is right for Carmy or Connell, which pulls them from their respective soulmates.

People Pleasing and Trouble Saying No

Carmy’s abusive upbringing has made him a people pleaser to some extent. He has had the completely arduous task of literally being in charge of managing his mother’s emotions and mood swings, as well as his brother’s. He doesn’t want to rock the boat or make people upset. This makes him say yes to people and situations he may not actually agree with and is another reason why he has trouble expressing his feelings and what he wants. This is a reason why he drops his work and Sydney to please Claire when she asks for a favor. Connell, from what we know, has a loving mother, but he is an only child and has no father, and seeks outside validation from friends. He’s very aware that his relationships are conditional and he very much goes along to get along, much to his detriment. An early example of this is when Rob asks to copy his French homework and he hands over all of his hard work without question. In the background of this scene, you can hear another character ask someone else for theirs and they give an unshakeable, “no.” Carmen and Connell struggle with boundaries that would protect them because they don’t want to risk making people upset.

Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Gif source: @birthdaysentiment

Both suffer from this. Actually both shows do an excellent job at uplifting the struggles of mental health, particularly for young men. Among other things, Carmen has undiagnosed PTSD from his trauma that manifests in sleep walking nightmares and severe panic attacks. When panic overtakes him, he literally is gripped in its clutches, and can barely breathe or move. The first time we witness him having a panic attack, it’s because he gets a phone call from someone asking for his brother who doesn’t know he has died by suicide. He gets so shaken, it impacts him physically and he has to physically remove himself from the restaurant. Connell has his first panic attack the moment he experiences just how conditional his friendships truly are. In 1x3, after he finally defends Marianne, his secret girlfriend who he loves, but is unpopular, to his friends, helps take care of her and takes her home, he shows up at school the next day and is relentlessly teased. Experiencing the way his friends will just turn on him on a dime causes him so much anxiety, he has to run to the bathroom and has a panic attack in the stalls. Connell also struggles with depression after his friend, later in the show, dies by suicide. He has a panic attack, so bad, he can’t even leave the house. Unlike Carmy (so far), Connell eventually gets treatment, and we see him start to even out emotionally. It must be said that during the final panic attack we witness Carmy endure, it is the thought of Sydney that pulls him through. Connell has treatment, but he also has the support of Marianne during his most major time of need. Both turn to these women in their lives for their strength in moments of great distress.

Al-Anon / Counseling Share Session

Gif source: @birthdaysentiment

Season 1 of The Bear culminates for Carmy emotionally when he reaches a breaking point, and in an effort to get help, makes a decision to not only attend an Al-Anon meeting, but get up and share many details about his background and his brother and it becomes crystal clear how deeply his absence has and continues to impact his life. Jeremy Allen White acts this 7 minute uncut scene with his whole heart, making us feel for him in every moment. He is spilling his guts, while restraining his deep, deep trauma, sadness and pain. His eyes brim with tears the whole time, tears he has still yet to shed. In one of the final episodes of Normal People, at the recommendation of his roommate, Connell goes to a free counseling session, sits in a chair, and starts for the first time ever to truly speak his mind, including how the suicide of his friend has impacted him, what Marianne means to him, and how he hates his current station in life but feels like there’s nothing for him to go back to in his hometown. Paul Mescal, like Jeremy Allen White completely carries this scene with the power of his acting in an extreme closeup. Unlike Carmy, Connell breaks down, and his emotions gush out in free flowing sobs. Both actors make the correct decision to barely make eye contact. Sharing this much is new for them and makes them uncomfortable, so for the most part, they keep their eye-line down, but despite this, the vulnerability is palpable we can really and truly see, hear and feel all of their pain.

Coming to Terms With What They Want

Gif source: @birthdaysentiment

I think the ultimate goal of both characters, Carmen and Connell, is to decide what they want, free themselves from the expectations, opinions, thoughts, or suggestions from others, and go get it. As I said, both Normal People and The Bear are coming of age stories. Both stories highlight the transformative power of love and the confidence to make choices for yourself with that knowledge that there will be someone there to love you no matter what. For Connell, it has been such a journey for him to come to terms with the fact that writing is his true calling. In the end of the show, he has the incredible opportunity to go to New York and take his place in a prestigious MFA program. At first, he is so scared to leave. Marianne is his rock and he loves her. He’s scared to leave and be alone in a strange city without support, without her. He asks her to come with him, but she knows this is a journey he needs to go on alone and she wants to stay in Ireland and live the life she’s living. She encourages him to go, and reassures him they will be ok. In The Bear, Carmy is not at this place yet. As I mentioned earlier, I have written about how at the present, Carmy doesn’t really know who is is or what he wants. However, we as an audience can see that his gentle spirit is attracted to art, drawing, and creativity. This has been beaten out of him, but I believe art is his true calling, he’s just never been allowed to pursue it. If we get more seasons of The Bear, I hope we will see Carmy have a similar breakthrough in reigniting and going after his dreams and letting go of what no longer serves him or brings him joy. I truly believe that he and Sydney will be a part of each other’s lives no matter what. In the kitchen or outside of it, in Ireland, or away, Carmen and Sydney and Connell and Marianne are connected in ways that time and space can’t break.

There are many, many other parallels to be made in both stories (which I may continue to write about). Connell and Marianne’s stories have come to an end, as Normal People was one season, and based on a book. We know where his journey takes him, but we can only speculate where else he may go, and if he and Marianne find their way back to each other. Carmy, on the other hand, is a character on a show that hopefully will have several more seasons, so his future is unclear. I just hope he can get the help he needs to heal and the strength and support to discover who he is and what brings him joy. I hope he, like Connell, mends and maintains his relationship with Sydney no matter where life takes him, especially if it leads him out of the kitchen.

Both The Bear and Normal People are at times, beautiful, tender, heartbreaking, poignant, and hopeful. They shine a brave light on what it means to be open, vulnerable, complex, flawed, trying, failing, succeeding, and most of all, human. Both series also show so beautifully how we need community and each other to raise us up, lift us out of our darker places and reach and keep reaching for light in our lives to be our truest and best selves. As Marianne tells Connell in the final episode as both she and Connell cry, “we have done so much good for one another.” I see this in Carmen, in Sydney, in Connell, in Marianne, and in so many other characters on both shows. And in this life, at the end of the day, isn’t that the most important gift? And we each have it—the ability to change someone’s life for the better.

©️moments-on-film 2023

[qnewsau]

Elliot Page's trans drama film to make Aussie premiere

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/elliot-pages-trans-drama-film-to-make-aussie-premiere/

Elliot Page's trans drama film to make Aussie premiere

Actor Elliot Page’s first film as a trans man, queer homecoming drama Close to You, is making its Australian premiere in Sydney next week.

Close to You is screening as part of the 2024 Queer Screen Film Fest in Sydney, which starts on August 28.

In the film, Sam (Elliot Page) returns home to visit his suburban family for the first time since his transition, to a mixed reception. En route, Sam also runs into high school crush Katherine and feelings from their unresolved past begin to bubble to the surface.

The film’s screenplay featured no dialogue, which was improvised by the actors. This meant some very long takes, Elliot recalled, including one that lasted almost an hour.

“[We filmed] all of these things that might not end up in the movie, but in some ways it is there. Because the stuff we would have done together that you don’t see is underneath that next moment you’re seeing, which is what ends up in the film,” Elliot explained to NBC News.

The actor said the film has “intense and emotional” moments but was also “cathartic and healing” for him to make.

“But for me, it was mostly actually just such a joy to create in this way,” Elliot said.

“The moments that were challenging and emotional were also cathartic and healing in many ways. It was really one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.”

Elliot Page came out as trans in 2020

Elliot Page came out as a trans man in late 2020, and he opened up about his journey to that point in memoir Pageboy last year. The actor said he couldn’t have done Close to You before taking that step.

“To work in this way, to be on a set and to be completely open and present and comfortable and have a solid foundation to exist in a place, to be able to improvise, to be able to disappear, to be able to really feel like you’re existing as the character in those spaces, it just actually wouldn’t have been possible before,” he told NBC News.

“I kind of sensed that from the moment we started doing it, which I’d say made the process even just like extra exhilarating and exciting for me, just the sensation of waking up every day and being so stoked to go to set.

“I didn’t have that level of comfort and solid foundation and ability to be present before, and I don’t think it would have been possible or enjoyable for me before.”

Queer Screen Film Fest is from the organisers of the Mardi Gras Film Festival. The second iteration of the now-annual festival starts on August 28, with in-person screenings in Sydney and on-demand streaming.

For more details and tickets go to queerscreen.org.au.

For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

[buffyfan145]

Congrats to Morfydd Clark as she’s getting the Rising Star Award as Canneseries, the TV festival Cannes does that’s similar to their film festival, for her role as Galadriel in “Rings of Power”!!! :D She was named with other actors that are getting awards including Sarah Michelle Gellar for the Icon award, as well as all the TV shows that will be featured or premiering there. The festival runs April 14th-19th with the awards being given out the final day. They’ve only been doing this award since 2020 and the other 3 actresses who’ve won were Daisy Edgar-Jones, Pheobe Dynevor, and Sydney Sweeney.

[getjoys]

Morgan Davies - The All-Round Actor

If you are a fan of Australian cinema, you have probably heard of Morgan Davies. He is one of the most versatile and diverse actors in the industry, with roles ranging from drama to comedy, and from action to horror. He is also a transgender man who has faced many challenges and prejudices to pursue his passion for acting.

In this article, we will tell you more about Morgan Davies, his journey as a transgender actor and director, his diverse and versatile filmography, and his future plans and aspirations. You will also get to know more about his personal life, his hobbies, and his inspirations. Morgan is a rising star of Australian cinema and transgender representation, and we are excited to share his story with you.

Birth and Early Years

Born in Sydney, Australia on November 27, 2001, Morgan is presently 21 years old and falls under the zodiac sign of Sagittarius. Raised by his single mother, Elaine Davies, in the suburb of Rozelle, his father’s identity remains unknown. As far as available information suggests, he does not have any siblings. He discovered his passion for acting at the age of seven and his mother supported him to pursue his dream. He graduated from high school, but there are no details available about his further education.

Beginning of Career

Morgan Davies began his career as a child actor in 2008 when he was only seven years old. He auditioned for a role in the Australian film Green Fire Envy, which was his first movie. Nevertheless, he experienced a significant turning point in his career in 2010 when he took on the role of Simone in the French-Australian film “The Tree.” The movie was selected as the closing film for the prestigious Cannes Film Festival and was met with a standing ovation. Davies was nominated for two AACTA awards for his performance in The Tree. He also appeared in The Hunter, another Australian film, in 2011, playing Sass Armstrong. Davies has since acted in various films and TV shows, such as Storm Boy, The End, and One Piece. He is also a director and a transgender advocate.

Morgan Davies: A Transgender Actor and Advocate

Morgan, raised in Sydney by his single mother Elaine, was assigned female at birth with the name Morgana Davies. However, at 13 years old, he bravely came out as transgender to his close family and friends, receiving their unwavering support. Though he initially struggled to openly express his gender identity, in 2020, Morgan publicly came out as a transgender man, adopting the name Morgan Davies.

Since then, he has become a passionate advocate for transgender rights, openly discussing his experiences with depression and stage fright as a teenager. Additionally, Morgan utilizes his platform to raise awareness and gather funds for various LGBTQ+ causes and organizations. Morgan is a role model and an inspiration for many transgender people and allies who admire his courage and talent.

Morgan Davies: A Director with a Vision

Morgan Davies is not only a talented actor, but also a director with a vision. He has been involved in directing several short films, such as The Boyfriend Game, Beautiful They, and BUSSY. He has also expressed his interest in directing feature films in the future.  As a director, Morgan aims to tell stories that are authentic, diverse, and meaningful. He wants to explore different genres and themes, such as horror, comedy, romance, and social issues. He also wants to collaborate with other artists and filmmakers, especially those from the LGBTQ+ community. Morgan Davies is a director with a vision, and we can’t wait to see what he will create next.

Relationship

Morgan is widely recognized for his dedication to protecting his..... Read More

Source: Getjoys

[ewh111]

2022 Annual List of Favorite Film & TV Experiences

Happy new year!  

2022 brought back some semblance of normalcy. Highlights include: virtual Sundance Film Festival seeing 16 films in 4 days in January, my first in-person Super Bowl and seeing the LA Rams win in February, return after three year absence of my special fundraiser dinners that I cook (back-to-back nights of a 16 course dinner focused on Shanghai & Sichuan cuisine) in April, attending my 35th college reunion in May, helping to celebrate the life of dear friend and colleague Ted Walch at the end of summer, and in November, going on my first global travel since the pandemic on a work trip (postponed from March 2020) that took me to Sydney, Singapore, Jakarta, Tokyo, and Kyoto. And on the family front, we continued our weekly Sunday family Zooms which began at the outset of the pandemic, still going strong at 146 weeks and counting.

Hope you have had a safe and healthy holiday season and all the best for a fabulous 2023!

Cheers, Ed

And greetings from my girls Freddy and Maxie, aged 10 and 9 respectively.

Now on to this year's compilation of my favorite film and other streaming experiences. I’m still limiting my visits to the movie theater with off-peak visits, so my most of my film intake is still via streaming. Please let me know your thoughts!

Best of the Year

Everything Everywhere All At Once

One of the trippiest film experiences ever! My first question after my initial viewing was "What drugs were the Daniels (as the directors are collectively known) on when they wrote this film? And what kind of pitch did they make to get it made? One of the most original, absurdly outlandish, and description-defying films in recent memory. What seemingly starts as a Chinese immigrant family drama centered around harried traditional mother (Michelle Yeoh), rebellious lesbian daughter, and sweet, endearing father (Ke Huy Quan of Goonies and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom) quickly turns into a bonkers, multiverse journey to save the world. Along the way, laundromat owner Yeoh’s embattled audit brings her face-to-face with a delightfully droll Jamie Lee Curtis as meticulous IRS bureaucrat with hilarious interludes involving googly eyes, hot dog fingers, dildoes, butt plugs, and everything bagels. For those of you thoroughly confused, EEAAO does boil down to a story of redemption and reconciliation between mother and daughter and finding joy and meaning in the things that matter in our hectic, fractured daily lives…told in an absurdly funny and crazy way and gets even better after multiple viewings. Trailer: https://youtu.be/wxN1T1uxQ2g

Black Comedies Set on Islands…With Donkeys

Triangle of Sadness

This Cannes Palm d’Or winner intrigued me with its trailer which evoked a luxury yacht-based White Lotus-esque send up of the wealthy, but this dark dramedy threw a completely unexpected curveball, desert-island third-act that stuck with me long after I left the theater. There’s very sharp writing and performances—the verbal jousting over a dinner check, Woody Harrelson’s hilarious Marxist captain trading drunken barbs with a manure-selling Russian capitalist guest, and the ship’s Filipina toilet manager portrayed by a commanding Dolly De Leon who is largely responsible for the memorable third act. The film continues to grow on me with repeated viewing. FYI, this film is not safe for the emetophobic, as there is an overlong scene with projectile vomiting, the likes of which have not been seen since Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life. Oh, and be warned that there is also a donkey-beating. Trailer: https://youtu.be/VDvfFIZQIuQ

The Banshees of Inisherin

Great to see the In Bruges duo of Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson back together, this time as best friends whose friendship is abruptly cut short by one party which results in ever-increasing, devastating consequences in this bleak but humorous and deeply affecting black comedy from writer-director Martin McDonough. Oh, and Jenny the donkey deserved better. Trailer: https://youtu.be/uRu3zLOJN2c

N.B. It seems to be quite the year for donkeys. I am excited but have yet to see EO, Poland’s Academy Award entry, about the adventures of a donkey named EO.

Pretentious Rich People Getting Their Comeuppance…On An Island

The Menu

As a fan of food, I really enjoyed this comically dark film with Ralph Fiennes playing to perfection the mad genius chef of the Hawthorn, a fictional restaurant on a remote Pacific Northwest island. With a fine ensemble cast directed by Mark Mylod (Succession) and with helping hands from the creator of Chef’s Table as well as the Michelin-starred chef Dominque Crenn, an exclusive $1,250 a head night at the Hawthorn turns into a twisted horror/satire of elevated food experiences and those who partake. Trailer: https://youtu.be/C_uTkUGcHv4

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

If you liked Knives Out, you'll thoroughly enjoy Glass Onion, which gleefully brings back Daniel Craig as dandy Southern super-sleuth Benoit Blanc, this time for a murder mystery party on an island presided over by tech billionaire played by Edward Norton with his friendly band of disruptors including Janelle Monae, Leslie Odom Jr, Dave Bautista, Kathryn Hahn, and Kate Hudson. Trailer: https://youtu.be/gj5ibYSz8C0

Films About Musical Royalty

Tár

While I thought this might go down the road of a #metoo or #cancelculture themed movie, this is actually a towering, slow-burn character study with an intense and sensational Cate Blanchett as the fictional Lydia Tár, the EGOT-winning, brilliant and demanding world-class conductor of the Berlin Symphony whose trail of manipulation, abusive behavior, and hubris eventually catches up with her and the resulting finale is…well, I’ll just leave that for you to watch and react. All the accolades for her tremendous performance are well deserved. Trailer: https://youtu.be/Na6gA1RehsU

Elvis

A sensational Austin Butler brings the King back to life on the big screen. Butler truly embodies Elvis in his heartfelt performance. Baz Luhrmann’s film is not so much traditional biopic as it is a musical that captures the spectacle and cultural phenomenon of Elvis, bringing America out of the innocence of the 1950s, as seen through the eyes of Elvis’s notorious manager Col. Tom Parker (Tom Hanks)—and Luhrmann does it in the grand, dazzling style that only he can do. Perhaps a bit garish and bombastic for some, as an unabashed Luhrmann fan, I loved it. Trailer: https://youtu.be/wBDLRvjHVOY

Action Epics Based on Real Life Rebels

RRR

Wow. I was not expecting to be totally enthralled by S.S. Rajamouli’s Tollywood (Telugu language) film. Hands down, RRR (which stands for Rise Roar Revolt) will be the most glorious, hyperbolic, action-bromance-musical political epic spectacle you'll see all year. The laws of physics-defying action scenes are reminiscent of the operatic violence and stylized fight scenes of 300 and John Woo films. Taking place in 1920s British colonial India, the story centers on two men (loosely based on real life rebels), one a tribal warrior and the other an Indian policeman working for the British forces, who become friends, then enemies, and then eventually friends again and team up as Indian revolutionaries against the British Empire in action sequences that are just bonkers. And to top it all off, there are the exuberant Indians vs. Brits dance-off scene and the joyful credits dance number celebrating Indian freedom fighters (check out the extra links below). Don't miss it. Trailer: https://youtu.be/NgBoMJy386M

Naatu Naatu Dance Sequence: https://youtu.be/OsU0CGZoV8E

Solay Credits Sequence: https://youtu.be/2cyzCReoNgU

The Woman King

Based on the true story of a fierce all-woman warrior unit in the West African kingdom of Dahomey in the 19th century, Viola Davis’s powerful performance and Gina Prince-Bythewood’s confident directing elevates this to a full-blown epic with warmth and inspiration. Trailer: https://youtu.be/3RDaPV_rJ1Y

Nope, Not Your Typical Horror Films

Nope

Yup. Jordan Peele has done it again, this time with a UFO pic that raises questions about our society’s fascination with spectacle, as well as obsession in the pursuit of the perfect shot. With stunning visuals (much of the film was shot on IMAX to create a totally immersive feel) and tingly suspense, Peele has created a film whose meaning you can debate all day—Erasure of Black and marginalized people from history? Dangers of taming nature or exploiting trauma for profit? But at the end of the day, Peele has created yet another impressive and indelible piece of work. Trailer: https://youtu.be/In8fuzj3gck

Bones and All

A film about cannibalism? Yup. I was intrigued with where the appeal in this would be. But seen as a metaphor for queerness and addiction, Luca Guadagnino has actually created a tasteful (pun intended) and surprisingly tender romantic cannibal road pic—a flesh-eating Bonnie and Clyde-like trek across Reagan-era middle America. Guadagnino superbly depicts outcasts living on the edge of society, searching for identity and place. Not for the faint of heart, as it does not shy from the gruesomeness of their addiction. Strong performances from Taylor Russell, Timothée Chalamet, and Mark Rylance with memorable cameos by Chloë Sevigny and an almost unrecognizable Michael Stuhlbarg. Trailer: https://youtu.be/0Nu7Z9AxGNg

More Global Cinema

Decision To Leave

An engrossing, enigmatic slow-burn noir detective mystery with heavy dose of seductive romance and obsessive longing and tinges of Hitchcock’s Vertigo. Winner of the 2022 Cannes Best Director award, Park Chan-wook steps aside from the violence and sex of his earlier films and masterfully pulls you into this intricate web of intrigue, and just when you think you've figured out the tricky complications between the obsessive married insomniac detective and the wife of an apparent suicide victim he’s investigating, Park takes you in a different direction and ultimately to its devastating end. Trailer: https://youtu.be/9aMHyTqvIvU

All Quiet on the Western Front

An impressive and truly stunning German adaptation of the famous German novel about the horrors of war as idealistic and naive boys get swept up in nationalistic fervor only to find the stark realities of being on the front lines of the Great War. A memorable performance by Felix Kammerer in his screen debut as lead character Paul Bäumer, as he experiences the unending hells of war in intimate and personal ways. WWI’s trench warfare with flamethrowers, hand-to-hand combat, and surging tanks is terrifyingly and vividly experienced by Bäumer and indelibly depicted. This epic rivals Sam Mendes's 1917 in its beautifully shot, immersive portrayal of the bleak and brutal wretchedness of pointless war and perhaps the best war film since Saving Private Ryan. Trailer: https://youtu.be/hf8EYbVxtCY

Bullet Train

Ok, this is not an international film, but it does takes place on a Japanese bullet train. High-octane, fun thrill ride of a comedic crime film with code-named hired guns like Ladybug, Tangerine, and Lemon, each with quirky traits, all crossing paths on a Shinkansen in pursuit of a silver briefcase. The smart-alecky, joyful, and fun cast is led by Brad Pitt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Bad Bunny, and Sandra Bullock. Enjoy the ride. Trailer: https://youtu.be/0IOsk2Vlc4o

AND OTHER ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCES

Top Gun: Maverick, The Fabelmans, Cha Cha Real Smooth; Good Luck to You, Leo Grande; The Batman, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, The Exiles, Downfall: the Case Against Boeing, Wildcat, My Policeman, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (Nicolas Cage playing himself), Navalny, Turning Red, Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio

IN THE QUEUE

Empire of Light, Women Talking, Till, The Whale, Avatar: The Way of Water. Bardo, She Said, Emancipation

FAVORITE STREAMING EXPERIENCES

Heartstopper—LOVE LOVE LOVE this sweet, charming, and adorable story of first love between two British school boys based on the bestselling YA graphic novels. For those who need a total antidote to Euphoria, this is it. Trailer: https://youtu.be/FrK4xPy4ahg

Young Royals—Take Heartstopper, add a large dose of The Crown, and plunk it down in an elite Swedish boarding school and you get this gripping drama involving a teen prince and his love interest from the other side of the tracks. Teen drama that feels real and natural. Trailer: https://youtu.be/rHmw87EpGIM

The Bear—Superbly intense and stress-inducing drama that I couldn’t stop watching, revolving around a young fine dining chef (Jeremy Allen White) who returns home to run his late brother’s Chicago hot beef sandwich eatery and oversee its colorful cast of employees that comprise a dysfunctional “family.” And if, like me, you’ve worked in a restaurant, The Bear is fully capable of giving you PTSD, especially the one-take episode 7. Trailer: https://youtu.be/y-cqqAJIXhs

The White Lotus—Season 2 in Sicily surpasses the first and brings back Jennifer Coolidge!! Trailer: https://youtu.be/Baflc_0XVfY

1899—From the folks who brought you Dark—this time trippy things happen on a cruise ship at the end of the 19th century.  Trailer: https://youtu.be/ulOOON_KYHs

Slow Horses—If you like Gary Oldman, you’ll love this spy drama where he runs an outfit of MI5 castoffs. Trailer: https://youtu.be/O9ZJChzPn0U

The Old Man—Another spy vs. spy drama, this time it’s in America with the CIA, pitting Jeff Bridges vs. John Lithgow. Trailer: https://youtu.be/xDu1Q9r6HDo

The Righteous Gemstones—I’m not sure how I missed this when it first came out, but this hysterical series is the mega-church version of Succession led by patriarch Eli Gemstone played by John Goodman and two sons played by Danny McBride and Adam Devine. It’s an absurd hoot. Trailer: https://youtu.be/t383UpoLV5k

Abbott Elementary—Top notch mockumentary style workplace sitcom that gets teachers and schools with a great cast. Trailer: https://youtu.be/cO-_7oi-61Y

Euphoria—Not for faint of heart. I thought season one was fine, but season two went to a whole different level. Zendaya is amazing. Some of the most realistic and gritty portrayal of addiction and its ripple effects. Trailer: https://youtu.be/0BG3c1ika48

House of the Dragon—For the GOT crowd. Love the dragons! Trailer: https://youtu.be/DotnJ7tTA34

[steampoweredshow]

Humans are fascinating. We have this incredible capacity for creativity, resilience, and invention, and have been keen to dabble in technologies that improve our lives since we first started using tools. So, where is technology going to lead us in terms of what makes us human?

Joanna Beveridge is a producer, writer, and director with a background in nuclear medicine. Join us as we speak about attitudes towards trust and failure between STEMM and the creative industries, representation and stealth politics in film and television, and finding a balance with AI tools and the creative process.

About Joanna Beveridge

Joanna Beveridge is a producer, writer, and director based in Western Sydney. She has a double degree in Nuclear Medicine and Digital Media, and has worked as a Creative Producer/Editor for companies such as Network Ten, NBCUniversal, Warner Bros. and ITV Studios.

In 2020, Jo was selected for Screen NSW’s Emerging Producer Placement and Screen Producers Australia ‘Ones to Watch’. She’s produced two Screen Australia funded romcom digital series -- NO ORDINARY LOVE and SHIPPERS. She created the award-winning web series SYDNEY SLEUTHERS. She produced the Screen NSW Screenability funded short film MAGNETIC, which premiered at Sydney Film Festival. And Jo wrote and directed the award-winning short film THE TAKEDOWN OF MELANIE SPROTTLE.

Website: https://www.joannabeveridge.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmbeveridge

Watch or listen on your favourite platform.

Show Notes

[00:01:24] Joanna's path to nuclear medicine coming from a STEMM family [00:02:52] The almost movie-plot level reason for pivoting (despite actually being good at nuclear medicine) [00:05:15] Finding her space and learning by doing [00:09:03] Trust in STEM vs the creative industries [00:11:21] The incongruity of entry-level positions that require experience with few opportunities for training [00:12:59] The career pipeline problem [00:15:11] The importance of and barriers to networking [00:16:48] The value of proofs of concept - someone has to be first [00:17:26] Bringing back the eight-hour day in the film industry [00:19:34] 'AI in the TV and movie creation value chain' [00:20:29] Segue: What is art? Why is art? [00:24:08] The history and popularity of Schitt's Creek [00:24:54] Stealth politics and audience psychology [00:27:57] The PR of science and STEM in the media [00:30:17] We love tropes (also, I said CSI when I meant NCIS) [00:31:52] The Scully Effect and how the media shows us that we have the capacity for change [00:34:56] What is the nature of the work we are asking AI to replace? [00:38:54] What is scut work and what contributes to making you better at your craft? [00:44:54] Moving the needle for representation and the power of narrative [00:48:55] Our favourite sci-fis [00:53:05] What advice would you give someone who'd like to do what you do, and what advice should they ignore?

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[carmenvicinanza]

Cate Blanchett

Cate Blanchett è tra le attrici più talentuose, ironiche e eleganti del cinema contemporaneo. 

Ha vinto due Premi Oscar sia come migliore attrice protagonista che come migliore attrice non protagonista: nel 2005 per la sua interpretazione di Katharine Hepburn in The Aviator di Martin Scorsese e nel 2014 per Blue Jasmine di Woody Allen.   

Il suo impegno nell’industria cinematografica è stato premiato con numerosi altri riconoscimenti, tra cui quattro Golden Globe, quattro BAFTA, tre Screen Actors Guild Awards, tre Critics Choice Awards, due Coppe Volpi e il BFI alla carriera.

È stata insignita del titolo di cavaliera dell’Ordre des arts et des lettres dal governo francese nel 2012 e di quello di compagna dell’Ordine dell’Australia per i servizi resi in ambito artistico, umanitario e a sostegno dell’ambiente.

Ha presieduto la giuria del Festival di Cannes nel 2018 e, due anni dopo, nel 2020, quella del Festival di Venezia.

È nata il 14 maggio 1969 a Melbourne, in Australia, da madre di origini inglesi e padre di origini francesi morto quando lei aveva dieci anni. La sua infanzia è stata segnata da questa perdita, la famiglia ha vissuto in ristrettezze economiche sviluppando in lei, come ha rivelato in un’intervista, una grande determinazione a voler riuscire in ciò che faceva.

Si è diplomata all’Accademia di Arte Drammatica di Sydney nel 1992 e iniziato subito a lavorare a teatro e in televisione. Il successo al cinema è arrivato nel 1998 con l’interpretazione di Elisabetta I d’Inghilterra in Elizabeth, candidata all’Oscar e premiata con un Golden Globe, ma è stato il ruolo di Galadriel ne Il signore degli anelli che l’ha consacrata un’attrice internazionale.

Negli anni è diventata una delle attrici più richieste e amate, collezionando premi e numerose nomination agli Oscar. Ha lavorato con tutti i più grandi registi del cinema internazionale in oltre cinquanta film.

Non ha mai abbandonato il teatro, ha firmato la regia di diversi fortunati spettacoli e di alcune serie televisive.

Impegnata in cause sociali e ambientaliste, ha più volte collaborato con l’Alto commissariato delle Nazioni Unite per i rifugiati (UNHCR), di cui è diventata ufficialmente ambasciatrice di buona volontà nel maggio 2016, al ritorno da una missione nel campo profughi in Giordania.

Cate Blanchett è un’attrice straordinaria e camaleontica, possiede grande ironia e riesce a divincolarsi magistralmente, in maniera altera ed elegante, in ogni sfida che accetta di affrontare

[greensparty]

Preview: 2024 Boston Underground Film Festival

The Boston Underground Film Festival returns to the Brattle Theatre (Cambridge, MA) from Wed. March 20 to Sun. March 24, 2024! The fest is now in it's 24th edition celebrating bizarre, weird and alt cinema!

Here at Green’s Party, I’ve been lucky enough to cover the festival since 2016 (the fest took off in 2020 and 2021, and I was unable to attend 2022, but I returned in 2023). Here are some of the highlights of this year’s BUFF:

Wed. March 20:

Opening Night film is the East Coast Premiere of Immaculate, which stars current It Girl Sydney Sweeney as a nun in a new covenant as nightmarish things start happening. The film opens nationwide on Friday from Neon, but BUFF fans get to see the East Coast Premiere! Then it's time for the North American Premiere of the new restoration of the 1990 Hong Kong action film Fatal Termination.

Thurs. March 21:

Day 2 kicks off with a Strange Kindness, which was filmed in Cape Cod and focuses on a small town shaken by a violent crime resulting in a house to house manhunt. This thriller is joined by the VT filmed short The Thaw. Then it's Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person (CANADA), a vampire coming-of-age film. Then it's Femme (U.K.), set in London's drag scene where a victim of a homophobic attack encounters the assailant months later in a gay sauna and slowly plots revenge.

Fri. March 22:

The day kicks off at 5PM with The Dunwich Horrors, a short program made up of all New England-based horror stories. Then it's the road movie Off Ramp about some Juggalos making their way through the South and a series of misadventures ensue. Sleep (KOREAN) is about an expectant couple in which the husband is developing a dangerous sleepwalking habit.

Sat. March 23:

One of my favorite portions of BUFF is the Sound + Vision music video program. This year there's 27 music videos including some from The Hives, The Chemical Brothers and more. One of the highlights of 2016 BUFF was Little Sister, directed by Zach Clark (who I interviewed at the fest). Now he's back with the alien road movie The Becomers. A deadly infestation of spiders in a French apartment building is the center of Infested (FRANCE) from Shudder.

Sun. March 24:

In the afternoon there's With Love and a Major Organ (CANADA) set in an alternate world where hearts are made of objects and suppressing emotions, a woman literally gives a suitor her heart and it sets this drama in motion. Omen (BELGIUM) was actually Belgium's submission for Best International Feature to the Academy Awards this past year. It's about a Congolese expat who prepares to return home to present his pregnant girlfriend to his family. Then the Closing Night film is Boy Kills World (GERMANY / SOUTH AFRICA / USA), which boasts the most star power with Bill Skarsgard, Famke Jannsen (who I worked with on Monument Ave), Sharlto Copley and was produced by Sam Raimi. It's about a man who was orphaned as a child and deaf, but he becomes a killing machine and adapts the voice of his favorite video game. The trailer has some very Matrix-like action to it!

For tickets and info on 2024 BUFF

Stay tuned to Green’s Party for my coverage of this year’s fest!

[paragraphsofpillowcases]

Die letzten Menschen nehmen über eine Distanz von 2.000 Millionen terrestrischen Jahren Kontakt mit den ersten Menschen – mit uns – auf. Tilda Swinton als Stimme des Kollektivs aus der Zukunft erzählt die Geschichte der letzten Menschen, ihrer Fähigkeiten und Möglichkeiten, ihrer Andersartigkeit im Vergleich zu "uns". Doch nun steht das Ende der Menschheit unmittelbar bevor, und die letzten Menschen bieten den ersten Menschen nicht nur ihre Hilfe an, sondern bitten sie auch um deren Hilfe.

Die faszinierenden Schwarz-Weiß-Bilder des Kameramanns Sturla Brandth Grøvlen wurden in Ex-Jugoslawien gedreht. Es sind ausschließlich Aufnahmen der futuristischen Kriegsmonumente aus der Tito-Zeit, Brutalismus in Beton. Doch in großer Landschaft, aus ungewöhnlichen Perspektiven und in Details gefilmt, sehen sie tatsächlich aus wie "nicht von dieser Welt".

Jóhannsson wurde mit seinen Filmkompositionen für "Die Entdeckung der Unendlichkeit" und Denis Villeneuves "Prisoners", "Sicario" und "Arrival" international bekannt und mehrfach für den Golden Globe und Oscar nominiert.

„Last and First Men“ ist sein einziger langer Film. Jóhann Jóhannsson starb plötzlich und unerwartet im Jahr 2018 mit nur 48 Jahren. Sieben Jahre hatte er bereits immer wieder an dem Projekt gearbeitet, sein hochkarätiges Team führte die Arbeit zu Ende. Nach gefeierten Vorführungen mit Live-Orchester im Opernhaus Sydney und in London wurde diese ganz besondere filmkünstlerische Arbeit 2020 zur Festival-Premiere nach Berlin eingeladen und in der Sektion "Berlinale Special" gezeigt.

[indigokashmir]

Entertaining Shows and Movies for Creative Breaks

Great TV Shows and Movies to Enjoy When You're Not Busy Being Creative Yourself Here's a selection of European, Australian, and American shows and movies that are well worth your time.

The following recommendations from Indigo Kashmir are provided in no particular order of preference. Ever felt that sinking feeling when you invest your time in a show or movie only to regret it once it ends? Fear not, as the following list includes enjoyable and entertaining shows. Some are thought-provoking and inspirational. We hope you find them enjoyable.

Vienna Blood (2019 - ): Max Liebermann, a student of Sigmund Freud, collaborates with Detective Rheinhardt to investigate a series of disturbing murders set against the backdrop of the grand cafes and opera houses of 1900s Vienna.

This show offers a delightful blend of history and a touch of Sherlock Holmes, all set in the charming city of Vienna. It features intriguing characters and incorporates elements of forensic science and psychoanalysis. If you're a fan of shows like Sherlock, this one is definitely worth a try. It's not overly violent or gory, and the fantastic interiors and vintage fashion add to its appeal. Keep an eye out for the upcoming season 4.

Lykkeland 'State of Happiness' (2018-2022): On the night before Christmas in 1969, the gas flare at the Ocean Viking is ignited. Phillips has discovered the largest subsea oil basin in history, and everything is on the brink of change.

This beautifully shot and highly engaging show explores the transformative impact of Norway's oil discovery on the country and the small coastal town of Stavanger. Before watching, we had never considered what Norway was like before its oil era or how the country established a State Company to manage the newfound wealth for the benefit of all citizens. It's a truly fascinating story, and we absolutely loved it. We've only had the chance to watch season one. Even if you're typically drawn to Scandinavian murder mysteries, you'll likely find this show highly enjoyable. And if you do enjoy suspenseful dramas, we think you'll be entertained as well.

Dash and Lily (2020): In this whirlwind holiday romance, cynical Dash and optimistic Lily exchange dares, dreams, and desires in a notebook they pass back and forth at various locations throughout New York City.

This is a heartwarming, charming, and uplifting rom-com set against the backdrop of the Christmas season. It's a delightful, old-fashioned feel-good series that will leave a smile on your face and infuse you with the holiday spirit. This universal story about finding someone you like is simply lovely. While Netflix has cancelled it after one season, it's still absolutely worth watching. It's an original series that captures the festive essence beautifully, and we thoroughly enjoyed it.

Tick, tick...Boom! (2021): This film is based on the autobiographical musical by playwright Jonathan Larson. It tells the story of an aspiring composer in New York City who grapples with doubts about his career choice while navigating the complexities of love and friendship.

While it is a musical, it's a unique one where characters don't sing their dialogue. The film is beautifully written, acted, and shot, delivering an exceptional cinematic experience. Andrew Garfield's versatility and talent shine through, and the entire cast is incredibly talented. We adored every aspect of this film. It's not only creatively inspiring but also deeply moving. We highly recommend it for anyone seeking inspiration and a memorable cinematic journey.

800 Words (2015 - 2018): George Turner, a popular columnist for a top-selling Sydney newspaper, writes a weekly column of precisely 800 words. However, after his wife's passing, he impulsively buys a new home in the fictional New Zealand seaside town of Weld, a place filled with childhood memories. When he breaks the news to his two teenage children, Shay and Arlo, the vibrant and curious locals of Weld ensure that Turner's fresh start doesn't go as planned.

Warning: This show will likely awaken your desire to leave everything behind and move to New Zealand. We can't recommend it enough! It's an absolutely heartwarming, feel-good series that provides a lovely escape from the everyday stresses. You might even find yourself searching for a holiday to New Zealand to discover your very own little Weld.

The show's wit shines through, with a delightful array of interesting, funny, and endearing characters. What's particularly commendable is how it addresses various important issues in a sweet manner, including grief, matters of the heart, bullying, finding one's place in the world, friendships, and cyberbullying. Australia and New Zealand boast exceptional writers, actors, and directors, and the entire cast in this show is simply perfect. Watch it, and you won't be disappointed.

Hacks (2021 - ): In this series, a dark mentorship develops between Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas comic, and an entitled, outcast 25-year-old comedy writer.

It's an original, witty, and humorous show that's nothing short of fantastic, guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. The cast, especially Jean Smart, is outstanding. We wholeheartedly recommend it. However, it's worth noting that we found the second season to be not quite as good as the first.

Manhattan (2014 - 2015): In Los Alamos, New Mexico, a group of American scientists are trying to build the globe's first atomic bomb in the midst of WWII, while their kin are trying to survive the secrecy of the project.

While the show takes some creative liberties for dramatic effect and may not be 100% historically accurate, it remains a fantastic series. With excellent acting, writing, and production, it offers a thought-provoking experience. We highly recommend it, especially if you're a fan of historical dramas, World War II narratives, or simply appreciate well-crafted shows.

We have a deep appreciation for excellent and original writing, beautifully produced shows, and thought-provoking stories. Stay tuned for more recommendations in the future. If you've watched any of these shows or have recommendations of your own, why not get in touch with us? We're always on the lookout for new and captivating shows to explore.

[foursemiotics]

"Parasite" é um filme sul-coreano dirigido por Bong Joon-ho. O elenco é constituído por: Song Kang-ho ; Sun-kyun Lee ; Cho Yeo-jeong; Woo-shik Choi; Park So-dam; Chang Hyae Jin; Jung Ji-So; Jeong-Eun Lee, entre muitos outros.  Teve a sua estreia em 2019 e recebeu ótimas críticas pelo modo como a narrativa da história foi desenvolvida. O filme terá sido não só um sucesso crítico, mas também alcançou sucesso comercial global, tornando-se assim um dos filmes sul-coreanos de maior bilheteira de todos os tempos. Ganhou diversos prémios, entre eles:  Festival de Cannes (2019) Premio- Palma de Ouro (Melhor Filme) - Bong Joon-ho; Festival de Cinema de Sydney (2019) -Prêmio de melhor filme; Academia de Artes e Ciências Cinematográficas (Oscar 2020) venceu o premio de: melhor Filme; melhor Diretor - Bong Joon-ho; melhor Roteiro Original - Bong Joon-ho e Han Jin-won; melhor Filme Internacional; Prêmios BAFTA (2020); melhor Roteiro Original - Bong Joon-ho e Han Jin-won; melhor Filme Estrangeiro. Sindicato dos Diretores da América (DGA Awards 2020): melhor Diretor - Bong Joon-ho; sindicato dos Atores (Screen Actors Guild Awards 2); melhor Elenco em um Filme; Globo de Ouro (2020): Melhor Filme em Língua Estrangeira; Critics' Choice Movie Awards (2020): melhor Filme Estrangeiro; melhor Elenco.

Trailer do filme

[brokentreeonline]

Tangles and Knots from Renée Marie Petropoulos on Vimeo.

Short Drama | Australia | 2018 | 16 Min |

A unique, intimate bond between mother and daughter becomes threatened when the mother helps her teenage daughter throw a party to impress new, more popular friends.

'Tangles and Knots' is this week's Staff Pick Premiere. Read more about it on the Vimeo Blog: vimeo.com/blog/post/tangles-and-knots-renee-marie-petropoulos/

‘Tangles and Knots’ was produced on the land of the Gadigal peoples of the Eora nation.

We acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of the lands on which we work and pay our respects to Indigenous Elders past, present and emerging. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.

Festivals: 68th Berlinale: Generation 14Plus Competition 2018 SXSW: Narrative Shorts Competition 2018 Sydney Film Festival 2018 Palm Springs International Shortfest 2018 Melbourne International Film Festival 2018 Athens International Film Festival 2018 Pluk De Nacht Open Air Film Festival 2018 Adelaide Film Festival 2018 41st Denver Film Festival 2018 17th Cinemaforum International Film Festival 2018 London Short Film Festival 2019 Flickerfest 2019 Reelgood Film Festival 2019 New Filmmakers Los Angeles 2019 Brooklyn Film Festival 2019 St Kilda Film Festival 2019 Athens Short Film Festival 2019 CinefestOz Film Festival 2019 Hollyshorts Film Festival 2019

Awards and Nominations: Winner of Best International Short Film at the New Filmmakers Los Angeles 2020 Awards Winner of Best Female Director Award at Hollyshorts Film Festival 2019 Winner of Canon Award for Best Direction in an Australian Short Film | Flickerfest 2019 Winner of Best International Student Filmmaker Award at the Denver Film Festival 2018 Nominated for Best Achievement in Screenplay at the St Kilda Film Festival 2019 Nominated for the 2019 ADG award for Best Direction in a Student Short Film Nominated for AACTA 2018 Best Short Fiction Film Award Special Mention - Event Cinemas Australian Short Screenplay Award | Sydney Film Festival 2018 Winner of Best National Short Film | Greek Australian Short Film Festival 2018 Selected for ‘Student Selects’ & ‘Faculty Selects’ as part of the Columbia University Film Festival 2017 Received the ‘Audience Choice Award’ for Program E, Columbia University Film Festival 2017

Credits: Starring: Leeanna Walsman & Odessa Young Supporting Cast: Mitzi Ruhlmann, Toby Wallace, Govinda Röser-Finch, Bryn Chapman Parish Written and Directed by Renée Marie Petropoulos Produced by Janet Brown & Yingna Lu Co-Produced by Kristin Frost Associate Producer - Melina Maraki Executive Producer - Alexandra Petropoulos Director of Photography - Zoë White, ACS Production Designer - Diva Abrahamian Casting by - Stevie Ray, CGA Costume Designer - Lucia Arias-Martinez Hair & Makeup - Candice Hickson Editors - Renée Marie Petropoulos & Chelsea Taylor Sound Designer - Eli Cohn Colour by - Kath Raisch Production Manager - Yingna Lu 1st Assistant Director - Stefanie Foerster Stunt Coordinator - Tony Lynch

A Jars Productions & Paper Moose Production

[qnewsau]

Pet Shop Boys planning first Australian tour in years

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/pet-shop-boys-plan-first-australian-tour-in-a-decade/

Pet Shop Boys planning first Australian tour in years

British music icons the Pet Shop Boys have shared that they’re planning an Australia tour – hopefully – for next year.

Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe went on The Project to talk about new album Nonetheless, their 15th studio album, out today.

Neil said, “We’re planning to do a tour in Australia. I think maybe next year.”

But he quickly added, ‘What I should say is we’re in discussion about coming to Australia next year.”

The Pet Shop Boys have been touring their Dreamworld: The Greatest Hits Live tour around Europe.

The concert was also filmed and released in cinemas globally – including Australia – earlier in the year.

Neil and Chris haven’t performed in Australia since 2014. They performed a pair of shows at Carriageworks during that year’s Vivid Sydney event.

Their last full-scale tour was in 1994. The boys returned for a festival in 2007 and a Sydney New Year’s Eve show in 2011.

The @petshopboys may be international superstars, but they still have time for Aussie TV, and they tell us why they love Ja’Mie from Summer Heights High. pic.twitter.com/JZsWY4bLxh

— The Project (@theprojecttv) April 25, 2024

Pet Shop Boys on Troye Sivan and All of Us Strangers

Elsewhere in the interview, the Pet Shop Boys also gave a big shoutout to Aussie singer-songwriter Troye Sivan.

“I really like his album [Something To Give Each Other],” Neil told The Project.

“Last year, it was the pop album I listened to most.”

The boys also gave their thoughts on two high-profile projects that have used their music recently.

Andrew Haigh’s tearjerking All of Us Strangers and Emerald Fennell’s wild Saltburn both use Pet Shop Boys songs in pivotal scenes.

“There’s a sort of tradition with us – which these two films aren’t in, happily – where a director will want to use It’s A Sin to establish you’re in a gay club in America in the late 80s. It’s a bit corny, that, and reductive maybe.

“In Saltburn, they sing Rent and it’s part of the plot.

“In All Of Us Strangers, [Andrew Scott’s character] is with his family. It’s Christmas 1987 and Always On My Mind is number one and we’re even on the television in the scene.

“It’s an incredible moment of togetherness for them, and it’s a great use of the two songs in both films.”

Neil also said All of Us Strangers director Andrew Haigh would direct their next music video.

“The visuals on that are going to be incredible,” he said.

Pet Shop Boys’ new album Nonetheless

Pet Shop Boys’ new album Nonetheless follows their 2020 album, Hotspot. The new record is the boys’ first after returning to their ‘80s-era label Parlophone.

“We wanted this album to be a celebration of the unique and diverse emotions that make us human,” Neil and Chris explain.

“From the more dance-orientated tracks to the raw poignancy of the introspective ballads, with their beautiful string arrangements, each track tells a story and contributes to the overall narrative of the album.”

“It was great to work with James Ford, who we think has brought new elements to our music.

“James has dared to make us a bit more minimal at times and the final result is a record we’re very proud of.”

For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

[classicalmusicdaily]

John Wilson is highly sought after on a global scale. He frequently performs in the UK with most orchestras, including the City of Birmingham Symphony, BBC Scottish Symphony, London Symphony, and London Philharmonic orchestras, both during their normal seasons and at festivals like Aldeburgh, Glyndebourne, and the BBC Proms. He frequently performed with the John Wilson Orchestra for many years, both domestically and internationally. Wilson has conducted many of the best orchestras in Europe, including the Royal Concertgebouw, Budapest Festival, Swedish Radio Symphony, Oslo Philharmonic, Bavarian Radio Symphony, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic, and DSO Berlin, as well as the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Wilson has also conducted orchestras outside of Europe, including the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. John Wilson Wilson conducted Puccini's Madama Butterfly at the Glyndebourne Festival Opera during their autumn tour in 2016. Since then, he has conducted Gershwin's Porgy and Bess at the English National Opera and Massenet's Cendrillon at the Glyndebourne Summer Festival. Wilson and the John Wilson Orchestra performed extensively around the UK and overseas for many years. He restarted the Sinfonia of London in 2018. The Guardian praised their eagerly awaited BBC Proms debut in 2021 as "really remarkable," and they are now in high demand around the UK; this season, they will return to the BBC Proms, Birmingham Symphony Hall, and London's Barbican Center, among other locations. Wilson has a sizable and diverse discography, and his recordings with the Sinfonia of London have won numerous accolades and exceptional praise. For example, the recordings of the Korngold Symphony in F sharp (2020), Respighi Roman Trilogy (2021), and Dutilleux Le Loup (2022) have each won the BBC Music Magazine Award in the orchestral category for three consecutive years. The Times named the Respighi recording one of the three "really remarkable versions of this trilogy" of all time, together with those by Toscanini (1949) and Muti. The Observer called the Respighi album "Massive, bold and vividly played." Wilson, a Gateshead native, studied composing and conducting at the Royal College of Music, where he was elevated to Fellow status in 2011. John Wilson received the prestigious ISM Distinguished Musician Award in March 2019 for his contributions to music, and the Royal Academy of Music appointed him to the position of Henry Wood Chair of Conducting in 2021. British orchestral conductor John Wilson founded the John Wilson Orchestra in 1994. It is a jazz large band that plays with a symphony orchestra. It performs Rodgers and Hammerstein compositions as well as MGM musicals' original arrangements. Since 2009, the orchestra has participated in The Proms summer event each year. The John Wilson Orchestra has received praise for demonstrating how film musicals can also feature "genuine period performance”. Prior to the 2010 Proms season, John Wilson spoke with Rebecca Franks for the BBC Music Magazine and described how the orchestra's particular composition represents this goal: The orchestra has a solid 15 years together, and its personnel is exceptionally specialized. It is based on the traditional American contract movie orchestras. And that essentially consists of a rhythm section, four trumpets, four trombones, five double-saxes, and a rhythm section, all of whom are highly specialised in this manner, together with a brass, rhythm, and saxophone section from a dance band. A woodwind and French horn section are added on top of that. But I believe that finding the appropriate string players is crucial. A very high octane, high gloss, soloist type of musician is required. Not down, but up, is the string sound mixed. You perform at your peak. It takes a lot of practise to get the in-your-face, costly kind of string sound. The best players are required, but our nation is blessed with excellent orchestral musicians. Wilson is most

known for his Proms performances with a Hollywood theme, which have been a mainstay of the event for well over a decade. So it surprised some when, in February, he stepped in at the last minute to conduct the London Symphony Orchestra's world premieres of Rachmaninov's Second Symphony and a trumpet concerto by Mark-Anthony Turnage. Wilson clearly possesses more than just a deep understanding of the Great American Songbook. In 2002, Wilson began performing with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, primarily specialising in light music. "I've always done it and I've never apologised for it, but over the years they've slowly given me more freedom, and I've worked with them on everything from Eric Coates to Dutilleux. I appreciate that they didn't categorise me. At the Proms, he will lead the orchestra in conducting Vaughan Williams and Holst's Planets, another piece from the traditional repertoire that he promises to give new life to. I always perform The Planets in a unique way as a party piece. A performance is never more than a momentary reflection of your attitude toward a work on any given day. He credits his unusual upbringing—a working-class boy from Gateshead who fell in love with music (and Hollywood musicals in particular), taught himself to play the piano with the assistance of a musical mother, completed an A-level in music at Newcastle College, and created his first orchestra at the age of 16—for the diversity of his repertoire. Wilson continued on and joined the Royal College of Music as a "reluctant and not very good percussion player," but later switched to composition and conducting. I had a few professors who made sure I had the time and support to succeed. As a result, I went from being on the verge of being expelled at the end of my first year to winning the Tagore Gold Medal, the college's top honour for students. Just being left to do what I want. In 1994, while he was only 22 years old, he founded his own orchestra under that name. He claims, "It just happened by accident." "When I was still a student, I was playing the piano at the Grosvenor House hotel. I had tea in the afternoon with a violinist and attended jazz trio concerts in the evening. So I ended up with two groups of friends—classical musicians from the Royal College of Music and jazz musicians from the Guildhall and the Academy—and it was the marriage of those two sets of passions that inspired us to play this symphonic music with a jazz influence. We started getting offers for gigs and residencies as it transitioned from being something we did purely for fun.

[abcnewspr]

NEW ABC NEWS STUDIOS DOCU-SERIES ‘NEVER LET HIM GO’ UNEARTHS A HAUNTING TALE OF ANTI-GAY VIOLENCE AND ONE BROTHER’S DECADES-LONG QUEST FOR JUSTICE

Four-Part True-Crime Series Features Real-Time, Crime-Solving Breakthrough, First-Ever Interview With Killer’s Ex-Wife and Key Investigators, Plus Never-Before-Seen Surveillance Footage and Case Evidence

‘Never Let Him Go’ Begins Streaming on Wednesday, Sept. 6, Only on Hulu

When authorities found Scott Johnson’s body at the rocky base of a cliff in Australia in 1988, they declared his death a suicide. The gay American mathematician’s tragic demise and the murky circumstances surrounding it set his older brother Steve Johnson’s decades-long pursuit for answers in motion. “Never Let Him Go,” a new docu-seriesfrom ABC News Studios, paints an intimate portrait of Scott’s life and untimely death through never-before-seen evidence from the investigation, personal home videos and rare archival footage from 1980s’ Sydney. As Steve’s probe gained international attention, it sparked a public reckoning in Australia, shedding new light on a pattern of violence against the LGBTQ+ community.

While the series was in production, the filmmakers captured a breakthrough in real-time: 35 years after Scott’s death, his killer confessed and was sentenced in June of this year in the New South Wales Supreme Court. The series features an interview with Helen White, the confessed killer’s ex-wife, who breaks her silence for the first time after tipping off the police. The docu-series also features exclusive in-depth interviews with Steve and his family and first-ever interviews with key law enforcement officials who worked on the case. Over four episodes, “Never Let Him Go” traces the intense journey to cracking Scott’s case. With dozens of similar unsolved cases involving gay men in Australia, Steve has been left to decide if his search for justice was complete — or if it had just begun. “Never Let Him Go” begins streaming on Wednesday, Sept. 6, only on Hulu.

“Never Let Him Go” is produced by Show of Force and Blackfella Films for ABC News Studios. Jeff Dupre and Maro Chermayeff are executive producers, and Saralena Weinfield is series producer for Show of Force. Darren Dale and Jacob Hickey are executive producers for Blackfella Films. “Never Let Him Go” is directed by Jeff Dupre and Jacob Hickey. David Sloan is senior executive producer, and Beth Hoppe is executive producer for ABC News Studios. ABC News Studios is led by Mike Kelley, and Reena Mehta is the SVP of Streaming and Digital Content.

About ABC News Studios

ABC News Studios, inspired by ABC News’ trusted reporting, is a premium news and documentary original production house and commissioning partner of series and specials. ABC News Studios champions untold and authentic stories driving the cultural zeitgeist spanning true-crime, investigations, pop culture and news-adjacent stories. ABC News Studios’ original titles include critically acclaimed documentaries “Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields,” “The Lady Bird Diaries,” and “Aftershock” docu-series, including “Killing County,” “Wild Crime,” “Mormon No More,” “The Randall Scandal: Love, Loathing, and Vanderpump,” “Jelly Roll: Save Me” and “Betrayal: The Perfect Husband.”

About Show of Force

Founded in 2006 by Jeff Dupre and Maro Chermayeff, Show of Force is known for creating award-winning feature documentaries and television series. Their 2022 HBO series “Hostages” was recently nominated for three Emmy Awards, for Outstanding Historical Documentary, Writing and Research. Prior work includes “Atlanta’s Missing and Murdered,” which won the 2020 IDA Award for Best Multi-part Documentary; the Emmy and Grammy-nominated series “Soundbreaking,” created in partnership with Beatles producer Sir George Martin; “Marina Abramović: The Artist is Present,” which garnered a Peabody Award, an Emmy Award and the Audience Award at the 2012 Berlin Film Festival; and “Kehinde Wiley: An Economy of Grace,” which won the 2014 SXSW Jury Prize and was shortlisted for an Academy Award nomination.

About Blackfella Films

For over twenty years leading Australian production company Blackfella Films has created distinctive Australian content for global audiences. International awards include the BANFF International Rockie Award for Best Docu-series, MIPCOM Diversify TV’s Excellence Award for Representation of Race and Ethnicity (Scripted) and multiple New York Festivals Television & Film Gold Awards. Productions have sold to Netflix, Sundance TV/AMC, Acorn and the BBC. Unscripted credits include the changemaking “The Australian Wars” (aka “First Wars”) and “Deep Water: The Real Story” which exposed a gay hate crime epidemic. Scripted content includes “Total Control,” which premiered at TIFF, and the groundbreaking “Redfern Now.”

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