6.30pm pre-screening drink
7.00pm film commences
***** David ****1/2 Margaret ABC’s ‘At the Movies’
Academy Award Winner Sean Penn – Best Actor
"Milk" - Never Blend In
The story of California’s first openly gay elected official, Harvey Milk, who was assassinated in 1978.
In 1977, Harvey Milk was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, becoming the first openly gay man to be voted into major public office in America. His victory was not just a victory for gay rights; he forged coalitions across the political spectrum. From senior citizens to union workers, Harvey Milk changed the very nature of what it means to be a fighter for human rights and became, before his untimely death in 1978, a hero for all Americans.
Academy Award winner Sean Penn stars as Harvey Milk under the direction of Academy Award nominee Gus Van Sant filmed on location in San Francisco from an original screenplay by Dustin Lance Black and produced by Academy Award winners Dan Jinks and Bruce Cohen.
The film charts the last eight years of Harvey Milk’s life.
Above synposis courtesy Film in Focus - to continue reading more go to their website
http://www.filminfocus.com/focusfeatures/film/milk/synopsis
Trailer and review http://www.abc.net.au/atthemovies/txt/s2425401.htm
More info on Film in Focus
http://www.filminfocus.com/focusfeatures/film/milk/?flashsection=videos
Rated M
Monday, August 10, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Heckle 'n Jeckle review of "Band's Visit"
Hello Film Buffs
Poor Jeckle was ill so it's down to Heckle to go it alone with thoughts about The Band's Visit. It took a little while for me to "get into" this film but once there I was hooked. It was a simple story about a situation which occurs all the time - two disparate groups of people accidentally thrown together. The relationship between some of the band members and their hosts, during their short time together brought some of their life choices to the fore with varying degrees of regret. However their self discovery left me feeling that all would be well for them. The film was both poignant and funny. The band members were rediculous, but dignified - very likeable. I loved the bleak, but beautiful landscape, contrasting with the blue uniforms. It was a 3 1/2 star rating for me.
Goodbye Lenin - seen by Heckle and Jeckle at the Nova - but we'll be there with bells on to see it again. Don't miss it!! Once again a sad but funny film. It's about a loving family protecting their dying mother from the truth about the fact that Lenin is no longer.
Poor Jeckle was ill so it's down to Heckle to go it alone with thoughts about The Band's Visit. It took a little while for me to "get into" this film but once there I was hooked. It was a simple story about a situation which occurs all the time - two disparate groups of people accidentally thrown together. The relationship between some of the band members and their hosts, during their short time together brought some of their life choices to the fore with varying degrees of regret. However their self discovery left me feeling that all would be well for them. The film was both poignant and funny. The band members were rediculous, but dignified - very likeable. I loved the bleak, but beautiful landscape, contrasting with the blue uniforms. It was a 3 1/2 star rating for me.
Goodbye Lenin - seen by Heckle and Jeckle at the Nova - but we'll be there with bells on to see it again. Don't miss it!! Once again a sad but funny film. It's about a loving family protecting their dying mother from the truth about the fact that Lenin is no longer.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Next screening "Good Bye Lenin!" Thursday 23 July 2009
"This Award-winning and audience-pleasing film - it stunned the box office in Germany - has impressive performances and a lovely premise."Margaret Pomeranz, The Movie Show
**** David Stratton, The Movie Show
"one of the most original and brilliant films this year." The Observer/BBC
"A heart-warming German blockbuster, Good Bye, Lenin!, dominated the European Film Awards, taking six top prizes at the 16th annual competition" Sydney Morning Herald
Trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJb4efZcFUM
Synopsis (courtesy Madman films)
The German Democratic Republic lives on -- in 79 square meters!
The year is 1989 and East and West Germany are still divided. Alex (Daniel Bruhl) and his sister Ariane (Maria Simon) live in East Germany with their single mother, Christiane (Katrin Sass) who is a staunch Socialist. When Alex's mother witnesses his arrest on a protest march, she suffers a heart attack and falls into a coma for eight months, just enough time for the Berlin wall to come tumbling down along with all of East Germany's ideals.When Chrisiane wakes up - things have changed. The doctors warn Alex that any shock could bring on a fatal heart attack, so Alex devises a plan to convince his mother that her beloved Communism has not been overthrown but is in fact triumphing over Capitalism. Alex sets out to recreate every detail of the old East inside the four walls of their tiny council flat. What begins as a little white lie, soon turns into a major deception with hilarious consequences.
Rated M
In German with English subtitles
Director: Wolfgang Becker
Cast: Daniel Brühl, Katrin Sas, Chulpan Khamatova, Chulpan Khamatova, Chulpan Khamatova
Trivia from IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0301357/trivia
Reminder - our AGM is just before the film at 5.30pm
**** David Stratton, The Movie Show
"one of the most original and brilliant films this year." The Observer/BBC
"A heart-warming German blockbuster, Good Bye, Lenin!, dominated the European Film Awards, taking six top prizes at the 16th annual competition" Sydney Morning Herald
Trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJb4efZcFUM
Synopsis (courtesy Madman films)
The German Democratic Republic lives on -- in 79 square meters!
The year is 1989 and East and West Germany are still divided. Alex (Daniel Bruhl) and his sister Ariane (Maria Simon) live in East Germany with their single mother, Christiane (Katrin Sass) who is a staunch Socialist. When Alex's mother witnesses his arrest on a protest march, she suffers a heart attack and falls into a coma for eight months, just enough time for the Berlin wall to come tumbling down along with all of East Germany's ideals.When Chrisiane wakes up - things have changed. The doctors warn Alex that any shock could bring on a fatal heart attack, so Alex devises a plan to convince his mother that her beloved Communism has not been overthrown but is in fact triumphing over Capitalism. Alex sets out to recreate every detail of the old East inside the four walls of their tiny council flat. What begins as a little white lie, soon turns into a major deception with hilarious consequences.
Rated M
In German with English subtitles
Director: Wolfgang Becker
Cast: Daniel Brühl, Katrin Sas, Chulpan Khamatova, Chulpan Khamatova, Chulpan Khamatova
Trivia from IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0301357/trivia
Reminder - our AGM is just before the film at 5.30pm
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Next screening “Bikur Ha-Tizmoret (The Band’s Visit)” from Israel
Thursday 25th June 2009
6.30pm pre-screening drink
7.00pm film commences
*****1/2 David **** Margaret
"I'm giving it four and a half. I love this film" David Stratton
A Egyptian police band arrives in Israel to perform at the Arab Arts Cultural Centre, only to find themselves in the wrong town...
The eight members of the Alexandria Ceremonial Police Band, led by Toofik, (SASSON GABAI), arrive at an airport in Israel and find no-one is there to meet them.They are here to play at the Arab Culture Centre in a provincial town, but the town they arrive at, by bus, is the wrong one – a dot in the desert where culture of any kind is non-existent. However there IS Dina, (RONIT ELKABETZ), who runs a local café.Dina invites Toofik and Khaled, (SALEH BAKRI), who is a bit of a ladies’ man, to stay at her place; the others find friendly locals who accommodate them. (courtesy ABC 'At the Movie's review)
Rated M
Written (in Arabic, English and Hebrew, with English subtitles) and directed by Eran Kolirin;
Filmed at Yeruham, Negev Desert, Israel
Trailer and ABC's At The Movies review http://www.abc.net.au/atthemovies/txt/s2265615.htm
Director’s interview
http://www.abc.net.au/atthemovies/txt/s2265627.htm
6.30pm pre-screening drink
7.00pm film commences
*****1/2 David **** Margaret
"I'm giving it four and a half. I love this film" David Stratton
A Egyptian police band arrives in Israel to perform at the Arab Arts Cultural Centre, only to find themselves in the wrong town...
The eight members of the Alexandria Ceremonial Police Band, led by Toofik, (SASSON GABAI), arrive at an airport in Israel and find no-one is there to meet them.They are here to play at the Arab Culture Centre in a provincial town, but the town they arrive at, by bus, is the wrong one – a dot in the desert where culture of any kind is non-existent. However there IS Dina, (RONIT ELKABETZ), who runs a local café.Dina invites Toofik and Khaled, (SALEH BAKRI), who is a bit of a ladies’ man, to stay at her place; the others find friendly locals who accommodate them. (courtesy ABC 'At the Movie's review)
Rated M
Written (in Arabic, English and Hebrew, with English subtitles) and directed by Eran Kolirin;
Filmed at Yeruham, Negev Desert, Israel
Trailer and ABC's At The Movies review http://www.abc.net.au/atthemovies/txt/s2265615.htm
Director’s interview
http://www.abc.net.au/atthemovies/txt/s2265627.htm
Monday, March 23, 2009
“Sukkar Banat (Caramel)” Thursday 14th May 2009
**** David ***1/2 Margaret
Thursday 14th May
6.30pm pre-screening drink
7.00pm film commences
“Caramel” has an optimism born not of dreamy romanticism but of resilience and a degree of hard-headedness. Life for these women is not easy or especially fair, and each of them faces moments of humiliation, loneliness and potential heartbreak. But in the best melodramatic tradition, their toughness, good humor and loyalty see them through. Those qualities, and Ms. Labaki’s evident affection for the battered panache of her native city, make “Caramel” hard to resist. A O Scott, New York Times
Synopsis
A Beirut beauty salon is the setting for the ups and downs of romantic life for a group of Lebanese women in CARAMEL. Layale is the owner of the salon who is unsatisfactorily involved with a married man. Her salon colleagues Nisrine and Rima are sympathetic and supportive, while local policeman Youssef is secretly besotted by her.Nisrine has problems of her own, she’s about to get married and is worried that her husband will find out she’s not a v_rg_n and Rima is ambivalent about her own s__uality. Meanwhile salon clients Jamale and Rose are concerned about aging and lost opportunities.
Trailer
http://www.abc.net.au/atthemovies/txt/s2350018.htm
Thursday 14th May
6.30pm pre-screening drink
7.00pm film commences
“Caramel” has an optimism born not of dreamy romanticism but of resilience and a degree of hard-headedness. Life for these women is not easy or especially fair, and each of them faces moments of humiliation, loneliness and potential heartbreak. But in the best melodramatic tradition, their toughness, good humor and loyalty see them through. Those qualities, and Ms. Labaki’s evident affection for the battered panache of her native city, make “Caramel” hard to resist. A O Scott, New York Times
Synopsis
A Beirut beauty salon is the setting for the ups and downs of romantic life for a group of Lebanese women in CARAMEL. Layale is the owner of the salon who is unsatisfactorily involved with a married man. Her salon colleagues Nisrine and Rima are sympathetic and supportive, while local policeman Youssef is secretly besotted by her.Nisrine has problems of her own, she’s about to get married and is worried that her husband will find out she’s not a v_rg_n and Rima is ambivalent about her own s__uality. Meanwhile salon clients Jamale and Rose are concerned about aging and lost opportunities.
Trailer
http://www.abc.net.au/atthemovies/txt/s2350018.htm
Monday, March 2, 2009
Next screening "Lucky Miles" Thursday 19th March 2009
**** Margaret ***1/2 David
Rated MA
Thursday 19th March, 6pm pre-screening drink, 6.30pm film commences
Our first Australian movie the film society has screened. "Lucky Miles" opened the previous Adelaide Film Festival and was the winner of the Audience Award at the Sydney Film Festival. A bitter-sweet comedy was a daring approach by first time feature director, Michael James Rowland, to a phenomenon that many Australians take very seriously
SYNOPSIS:It's 1990 and an Indonesian fishing boat abandons a dozen Iraqi and Cambodian refugees on a remote Western Australian beach, promising them that a bus over the sandhills will soon come and take them to Perth. When the fishing boat sinks on its way home, the two people smugglers also end up in the empty outback. Most of the men are quickly caught, except for two of the asylum seekers and one of the fishermen. The three, Arun (Kenneth Moraleda), Youssif (Rodney Afif) and the fisherman Ramelan (Srisacd Sacdpraseuth), with nothing in common but their misfortune and determination, escape arrest and begin an epic journey through the deserted landscape. Laconically pursued by an army reservist unit, they bicker amongst themselves as they try to find a big town - like Broome or Perth - without the slightest idea of the distances involved.
Trailers
http://www.abc.net.au/atthemovies/txt/s1963611.htm
http://www.urbancinefile.com.au/home/view.asp?a=13304&s=Reviews
Member review “Heckle and Jeckle”
Rated MA
Thursday 19th March, 6pm pre-screening drink, 6.30pm film commences
Our first Australian movie the film society has screened. "Lucky Miles" opened the previous Adelaide Film Festival and was the winner of the Audience Award at the Sydney Film Festival. A bitter-sweet comedy was a daring approach by first time feature director, Michael James Rowland, to a phenomenon that many Australians take very seriously
SYNOPSIS:It's 1990 and an Indonesian fishing boat abandons a dozen Iraqi and Cambodian refugees on a remote Western Australian beach, promising them that a bus over the sandhills will soon come and take them to Perth. When the fishing boat sinks on its way home, the two people smugglers also end up in the empty outback. Most of the men are quickly caught, except for two of the asylum seekers and one of the fishermen. The three, Arun (Kenneth Moraleda), Youssif (Rodney Afif) and the fisherman Ramelan (Srisacd Sacdpraseuth), with nothing in common but their misfortune and determination, escape arrest and begin an epic journey through the deserted landscape. Laconically pursued by an army reservist unit, they bicker amongst themselves as they try to find a big town - like Broome or Perth - without the slightest idea of the distances involved.
Trailers
http://www.abc.net.au/atthemovies/txt/s1963611.htm
http://www.urbancinefile.com.au/home/view.asp?a=13304&s=Reviews
Member review “Heckle and Jeckle”
We’ll be holidaying for the next film, LUCKY MILES, but don’t miss this little gem of an Aussie film. We saw it at the Nova in Adelaide and loved it. Full of poignancy and black humour, it is based on the true story of a small group of naive asylum seekers who are left on a remote West Australian shore by some unscrupulous people smugglers, who have promised them that civilisation is “just over the hill”. Their long and arduous journey to civilisation is funny and heart wrenching. We loved the characters for their tenacity, courage and optimism. The acting is fantastic, the scenery is magnificent as only the Australian wilderness can be and the 10 second final scene is an absolute corker
!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Nom de plume review
Two of our members - with a non-de plume of Heckle and Jeckle - are kindly reviewing our films screened.
FOREVER VESPA wasn’t the most riveting of documentaries, but learning about the history of this Italian icon was great. Judging by the general age of our fellow viewers, we suspect there was quite a bit of nostalgia wafting through the theatre. It was a real wander down memory lane for us. In the 60s, several of our fellow student nurses rode Vespa Scooters. During the interval we well recalled the night that 12 of us, having consumed a considerable amount of Barossa Pearl, crammed into and onto our friend Heather’s little red Fiat Bambino and drove around the block at the Sir Lyell McEwin hospital. Very irresponsible!!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Next Screening 'Piccolo Italian Film Festival'
Thursday 19th February - film screens 6.30pm sharp - doors close 6.35pm
Our members will be treated to two films for their February film! Our "Piccolo Italian Film Festival" will screen two films from the International Italian Film Festival that toured worldwide, including all Australian capital cities and is now screening in New Zealand. The first film to be screened is "Forever Vespa "and one TBA.
Screening night will be a little different - screening "Forever Vespa" at 6.30pm sharp, then intermission with complimentary glass of wine, nibbles and second screening. NB: Doors close 6.35pm.
Forever Vespa
The Vespa: an Italian symbol of a fresh start at the end of World War II; a picture of optimism and of growing wealth; an emblem of the family; and the witness of many love stories. Exactly 62 years after its arrival on the scene, the Vespa is still a cult object worldwide for young and old, a vehicle capable of changing its look while keeping its own familiar design. The Vespa, a mere scooter, has remained in vogue for no less than six decades. Its story runs parallel with the history of Italy and Europe from the end of the war until present day, step by step with the social and cultural changes that have taken place in the last 60 years.
The story is narrated with the help of firsthand testimonials, exclusive interviews with those who first launched the Vespa on the market, designers of various models over the years, those who have analysed the Vespa phenomenon, as well as charming interviews with collectors and fans of Vespas worldwide. (Synopsis courtesy New Zealand Italian Film Festival 2008)
Our members will be treated to two films for their February film! Our "Piccolo Italian Film Festival" will screen two films from the International Italian Film Festival that toured worldwide, including all Australian capital cities and is now screening in New Zealand. The first film to be screened is "Forever Vespa "and one TBA.
Screening night will be a little different - screening "Forever Vespa" at 6.30pm sharp, then intermission with complimentary glass of wine, nibbles and second screening. NB: Doors close 6.35pm.
Forever Vespa
The Vespa: an Italian symbol of a fresh start at the end of World War II; a picture of optimism and of growing wealth; an emblem of the family; and the witness of many love stories. Exactly 62 years after its arrival on the scene, the Vespa is still a cult object worldwide for young and old, a vehicle capable of changing its look while keeping its own familiar design. The Vespa, a mere scooter, has remained in vogue for no less than six decades. Its story runs parallel with the history of Italy and Europe from the end of the war until present day, step by step with the social and cultural changes that have taken place in the last 60 years.
The story is narrated with the help of firsthand testimonials, exclusive interviews with those who first launched the Vespa on the market, designers of various models over the years, those who have analysed the Vespa phenomenon, as well as charming interviews with collectors and fans of Vespas worldwide. (Synopsis courtesy New Zealand Italian Film Festival 2008)
Friday, January 9, 2009
Voting now open for The Secret of the Grain
Well, that one made for some lively discussion over dinner and a few reds. What did you think? One of our member's went home to couscous tonight!
Go to the right of this page and have a vote and let us know what you thought.
Next movie 19th February - more details shortly. See you all then!
Go to the right of this page and have a vote and let us know what you thought.
Next movie 19th February - more details shortly. See you all then!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Next Screening '‘la graine et le mulet (The Secret of the Grain)’
Our next screening is "‘la graine et le mulet (The Secret of the Grain)" Thursday 8th January 2009, 6pm for 6.30pm start.
Rated M. French with English subtitles. Director: Abdellatif Kechiche.
This will be a good film to go out afterwards for a drink, something to eat and a chat, as the reviews are disparate and the conclusion ambiguous – which will only add to the liveliness of our discussions! See you next year ...
**** Margaret Pomeranz ABC's 'At the Movies'. David Stratton didn't agree ...
7.5/10 International Movie Database - 1,075 votes
**** Phillipa Hawker, The Age
Rated M. French with English subtitles. Director: Abdellatif Kechiche.
This will be a good film to go out afterwards for a drink, something to eat and a chat, as the reviews are disparate and the conclusion ambiguous – which will only add to the liveliness of our discussions! See you next year ...
**** Margaret Pomeranz ABC's 'At the Movies'. David Stratton didn't agree ...
7.5/10 International Movie Database - 1,075 votes
**** Phillipa Hawker, The Age
Watch the Trailer and view Awards and watch Margaret Pomeranz talk with director, Abdellatif Kechiche
“This rewarding yet heartbreaking film explores a story of family and
individuality.”
“The conclusion … is ambiguous, but its emotional impact
is direct and painful.”
Winner Venice Film Festival 2007 Special Jury Award
Winner 2007 Cesar Awards (French Academy) Best Picture
Winner 2007 Cesar Awards (French Academy) Best Picture
"French director Adbellatif Kechiche’s film about the lives
of a North African Arab family in France is distinguished by Habib Boufares’s /deeply affecting performance as a retrenched dock worker seeking a new life in business. " *** by Evan Williams, The Weekend Australian
"At the port of Sète Mr. Slimani, a tired sixty year old, drags himself towards a shipyard job which has become more and more difficult to
cope with as the years go by. He is a divorced father who forces himself to stay close to his family despite the scissions and tensions which are easily sparked off and which financial difficulties make even more intense. He is going through a delicate period in his life and recently, everything seems to make him feel useless; a failure. He wants to escape from it all and set up his own restaurant. However it appears to be an unreachable dream given his meagre, irregular salary which is not anywhere near enough to supply what he needs to realise his ambition. But he can still dream and talk about it with his family in particular. A family which gradually recompacts around this project which comes to symbolise the means to a better life. Thanks to their ingeniousness and hard work this dream soon becomes a reality... Or almost...: Written by Venice Film Festival
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Next Screening 'Lust Caution'
Our next screening is "Lust, Caution" Thursday 27th November, 6pm
Director: Ang Lee
Main Cast: Tony Leung Chiu Wai Wei Tang Joan Chen
Rated R for high level sex scenes and some violence.
**** from Margaret Pomeranz and ****1/2 stars from David Stratton (ABC's At the Movies)
Provocative, thrilling and passionate, Lust, Caution is the daring new film from acclaimed Academy Award®-winning director Ang Lee (Brokeback Mountain; Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon).
Set against the backdrop of a transforming country, a young woman finds herself swept up in a radical plot to assassinate a ruthless and secretive intelligence agent. As she immerses herself in her role as a cosmopolitan seductress, she becomes entangled in a dangerous game that will ultimately determine her fate.
Director: Ang Lee
Main Cast: Tony Leung Chiu Wai Wei Tang Joan Chen
Rated R for high level sex scenes and some violence.
**** from Margaret Pomeranz and ****1/2 stars from David Stratton (ABC's At the Movies)
Provocative, thrilling and passionate, Lust, Caution is the daring new film from acclaimed Academy Award®-winning director Ang Lee (Brokeback Mountain; Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon).
Set against the backdrop of a transforming country, a young woman finds herself swept up in a radical plot to assassinate a ruthless and secretive intelligence agent. As she immerses herself in her role as a cosmopolitan seductress, she becomes entangled in a dangerous game that will ultimately determine her fate.
Excerpt from Margaret Pomeranz's review '.....LUST, CAUTION is set during the Japanese occupation of China during World War II when a young student, TANG WEI, becomes embroiled in patriotic politics.Her mission is to seduce a prominent collaborator Mr Yee, (TONY LEUNG CHIU-WAI) to set him up for ssassination.This languorous, beautiful film defies Asian convention with its explicit sex scenes. But they are the point of the film, an ode to passion and sensuality.'
Awards for Lust, Caution
*** Winner best film Golden Lion Venice 2007
*** Nominee best foreign film Golden Globe 2008
*** London film estival 2007
*** Toronto Film Festival 2007
*** BAFTA 2008
More quotes from Margaret Pomeranz, ABC's 'At The Movies'
"The performances are astounding"
"Every frame of this film is a work of art"
"This is a most sensual, satisfying, moving film"
Visit ABC's At The Movies for trailer and review
http://www.abc.net.au/atthemovies/txt/s2099620.htm
Village Roadshow site:
http://www.villagecinemas.com.au/Movies/Lust-Caution.htm
Official website:
http://www.bvi.com.tw/movies/lust_caution/main.html
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Annie Leibovitz - Life Through A Lens
Screens Thursday 16th October 2008, doors open 6pm at Wehl Street Theatre, Mount Gambier.
Barbara Leibovitz's star-studded documentary illuminates the personal and professional life of renowned photographer, Annie Leibovitz.
Tracing her career trajectory from Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair and beyond, Life Through a Lens delves into the loss of her partner, Susan Sontag, the joys of parenting and her battle with drug addiction. But throughout it is Leibovitz's artistic practice that truly takes centre stage.
“An insightful look into how an artist ultimately confronts life and loss through a lens.”
Phil Gallo, Variety
"You don't have to sort of enhance reality. There is nothing stranger than truth."
Annie Leibovitz
“The most engaging aspects of this film are those that deliver the subject herself, holding forth at length about her life and work, which she does with affecting eloquence.”
Wall St Journal
She laughs off her over-the-top set-ups--like painting the Blues Brothers blue. But there's something else about her images that captures the imagination, and this gift was there back in her earliest photos, snapped when she was an army brat in the Philippines during the Vietnam War, through her hedonistic touring days with the Rolling Stones (of course followed by a stint in rehab) to her shots of today's political leaders. This is an open, thoughtful and frank documentary, and besides its revealing sketch of Leibovitz it also says something important about pop culture and the commercialisation of art. Especially as the photographer is now almost as famous as the people she photographs.
This stunning documentary features Mikhail Baryshnikov, Tina Brown, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Mick Jagger, Bette Midler, Demi Moore, Yoko Ono, Keith Richards, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Patti Smith, Gloria Steinem, Jann Wenner and Anna Wintour.
Barbara Leibovitz's star-studded documentary illuminates the personal and professional life of renowned photographer, Annie Leibovitz.
Tracing her career trajectory from Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair and beyond, Life Through a Lens delves into the loss of her partner, Susan Sontag, the joys of parenting and her battle with drug addiction. But throughout it is Leibovitz's artistic practice that truly takes centre stage.
“An insightful look into how an artist ultimately confronts life and loss through a lens.”
Phil Gallo, Variety
"You don't have to sort of enhance reality. There is nothing stranger than truth."
Annie Leibovitz
“The most engaging aspects of this film are those that deliver the subject herself, holding forth at length about her life and work, which she does with affecting eloquence.”
Wall St Journal
She laughs off her over-the-top set-ups--like painting the Blues Brothers blue. But there's something else about her images that captures the imagination, and this gift was there back in her earliest photos, snapped when she was an army brat in the Philippines during the Vietnam War, through her hedonistic touring days with the Rolling Stones (of course followed by a stint in rehab) to her shots of today's political leaders. This is an open, thoughtful and frank documentary, and besides its revealing sketch of Leibovitz it also says something important about pop culture and the commercialisation of art. Especially as the photographer is now almost as famous as the people she photographs.
This stunning documentary features Mikhail Baryshnikov, Tina Brown, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Whoopi Goldberg, Mick Jagger, Bette Midler, Demi Moore, Yoko Ono, Keith Richards, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Patti Smith, Gloria Steinem, Jann Wenner and Anna Wintour.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Quote from the Chairman, Federation Victorian Film Societies
We are very proud to have received this comment
Bryan Putt,
Chairman of Board
FVFS, August 2008
"Contrary to current cinema practice, this dynamic new Film Society understands the importance of a well-presented, quality movie, shown in the welcoming company of like-minded, intelligent lovers of film.”
Bryan Putt,
Chairman of Board
FVFS, August 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
A member of FVFS
We have been accepted as a member of the Federation of Victorian Film Societies (FVFS) http://www.fvfs.org.au/
Film societies are not-for-profits operating around the world. FVFS is a member of the Australian Council of Film Societies http://www.acofs.org.au/ which is a member of the International Federation of Film Societies http://www.filmklubb.no/IFFS.php - a world wide umbrella group to support film societies.
Worldwide, film societies thrive on members - so tell those in our world of Reel @ Wehl film society to grow our membership base and continue bringing quality films to our community.
Film societies are not-for-profits operating around the world. FVFS is a member of the Australian Council of Film Societies http://www.acofs.org.au/ which is a member of the International Federation of Film Societies http://www.filmklubb.no/IFFS.php - a world wide umbrella group to support film societies.
Worldwide, film societies thrive on members - so tell those in our world of Reel @ Wehl film society to grow our membership base and continue bringing quality films to our community.
above article published in The Border Watch 19/8/2008
Sunday, August 3, 2008
The Edge of Heaven (Yasamin Kiyisinda)
****½Margaret ****½ David, from ABC’s ‘At the Movies’
‘… truly is a major achievement…’ Margaret Pomeranz
‘….It's terrific…’ David Stratton
‘… truly is a major achievement…’ Margaret Pomeranz
‘….It's terrific…’ David Stratton
Thursday 4th September
6pm pre-screening drinks and nibbles 6.30pm screening
Wehl Street Theatre, Mount Gambier
Winner of The Ecumenical Jury Prize at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival, The Edge of Heaven is Fatih Akin's fifth feature. Recently nominated as the German entry for Best Foreign Film Academy Awards 2008.This film sure to engage and enthrall audiences
.
"Anyone who enjoyed Babel will... enjoy The Edge of Heaven." Cinematical, Cannes
.
"Anyone who enjoyed Babel will... enjoy The Edge of Heaven." Cinematical, Cannes
"...gorgeously shot, and full of rich performances." Cinematical, Cannes
Nejat seems disapproving about his widower father Ali's choice of prostitute Yeter for a live-in girlfriend. But he grows fond of her when he discovers she sends money home to Turkey for her daughter's university studies. Yeter's sudden death distances father and son. Nejat travels to Istanbul to search for Yeter's daughter Ayten. Political activist Ayten has fled the Turkish police and is already in Germany. She is befriended by a young woman, Lotte, who invites rebellious Ayten to stay in her home, a gesture not particularly pleasing to her conservative mother Susanne. When Ayten is arrested and her asylum plea is denied, she is deported and imprisoned in Turkey. Lotte travels to Turkey, where she gets caught up in the seemingly hopeless situation of freeing Ayten. (Synposis courtesy Sharmill Films)
View Trailer: http://www.sharmillfilms.com.au/previews/edgetrail.htm
Sunday, July 27, 2008
We are now an official Film Society
Reels@Wehl has become an official Film Society. We will be affiliating with the Victorian Federation of Film Societies (FVFS) who have David Stratton from ABC’s 'At the Movies' as their Patron. See below for membership fees, films we will be screening and the objectives and rules of a the Film Society.
10 films $70
5 films $40
3 films $27
Concession
10 films $50
5 films $30
3 films $21
Films we aim to screen
We aim to screen a variety of film genres, those not normally availabe at commercial cinema, including Australian arthouse, foreign films, classics, documentaries, animation.
The films we are able to access will be dependent upon availability from distributors. If you have suggestions please let us know and we will endeavour to source the film but cannot make guarantees.
The films we have screend include:
The Edge of Heaven (Yasamin Kiyisinda - Auf der anderen Seite) - Rated M
Turkey/German 2007 Directed and written by Fatih Akin 4.5 stars Margaret and David, ABC’s ‘At the Movies’
Winner of the Best Screenplay award at Cannes Festival 2007, Fatih Akin’s THE EDGE OF HEAVEN is a beautifully structured, emotionally draining drama which moves back and forth from Germany to Turkey in a seamless story of interlocking lives. (Review courtesy ‘At the Movies’)
Life Through a Lens: Annie Leibowitz – rated M
USA 2006, Director Barbara Leibovitz
This film traces the artistic self-realization of Annie Leibovitz, from childhood through the death of her beloved friend, Susan Sontag, and includes snippets of Leibovitz's last visual memories of Sontag. The film traces the arc of her photographic life, her aspirations to artistry, and the trajectory of her career through phases that included the tumultuous sixties in Berkeley, CA., touring with the Rolling Stones, a mentorship by Hunter S. Thompson, and, later, capturing the last candid moments of John Lennon's life with Yoko Ono. The archival material presented here is invaluable for framing an understanding of this immeasurably influential visual artist. (courtesy IMBD)
Objectives and Rules
Objectives: Reels at Wehl Film Society’s objectives for the community of the Limestone Coast, South Australia are:
1 To encourage interest in the film as an art and as a medium of information and education by means of the exhibition of films of all kinds.
2 To promote the study and appreciation of film by means of lectures, discussions, exhibitions and publications.
Rules
1. Membership
1.1 Reels at Wehl is a membership based film society. You can join as a member prior to the screening. Membership fees are contained on the promotional flyer and the membership form.
1.2 Reels at Wehl is structured as a membership based film society because we are a not-for-profit organisation relying on the assistance of the Australian Film Commission to be able to screen films on the understanding that we do not run a commercial operation. It also enables access to films that are restricted to film societies and educational institutions only. We need your generous support to continue operating to be able to screen films that would not generally be screened in a commercial venue.
Can I purchase a single ticket?
Sorry, no, as this is a film society the purchase of a single ticket is deemed a commercial screening and therefore is not allowed due to the copyright licencing laws.
2 Membership forms
2.1 As a film society we need to keep a record of your details as part of your membership registration. We abide by Australia’s privacy legislation and do not sell your details to third parties. It is a requirement of being a film society that we have a record of members to prove we are operating as a bona fide film society.
2.2 Being a not-for-profit means we do not have excess funds for advertising. With your details we can be in touch quickly with the latest screenings and news and special member offers.
2.3 We also require that you date and sign your membership application form to indicate that you abide by the conditions of membership. If you don’t complete the application in full, we cannot admit you as a member.
2.4 Membership passes are limited to one person.
2.5 Occasionally we will have screenings where we may invite members to bring along a guest for free.
3.1 All Reels at Wehl memberships are only valid for the number of consecutive films for which they are purchased (ie, if you purchase 10 films in September 2008 that entitles you to 10 consecutive films and cannot be used over ensuing years).
4 Selection of films to screen
4.1 A committee of volunteers selects the films to screen. We want to hear from you on suggestions of films to screen and depending on expense and availability from distributors we will try our hardest to obtain the films but we can make no guarantees.
We will continue screening every 6 weeks at Wehl Street Theatre on Thursdays (day dependent upon availability of theatre)
2008-2009 Full Membership10 films $70
5 films $40
3 films $27
Concession
10 films $50
5 films $30
3 films $21
Member Benefits
* Quality films
* 2 free guest passes per year
* One free glass of wine pre-screening
* Email newsletter
* Friendly atmosphere to discuss film
* Part of a world-wide organisation of film societies
* Knowledge that you help keep independent cinema alive
Films we aim to screen
We aim to screen a variety of film genres, those not normally availabe at commercial cinema, including Australian arthouse, foreign films, classics, documentaries, animation.
The films we are able to access will be dependent upon availability from distributors. If you have suggestions please let us know and we will endeavour to source the film but cannot make guarantees.
The films we have screend include:
The Edge of Heaven (Yasamin Kiyisinda - Auf der anderen Seite) - Rated M
Turkey/German 2007 Directed and written by Fatih Akin 4.5 stars Margaret and David, ABC’s ‘At the Movies’
Winner of the Best Screenplay award at Cannes Festival 2007, Fatih Akin’s THE EDGE OF HEAVEN is a beautifully structured, emotionally draining drama which moves back and forth from Germany to Turkey in a seamless story of interlocking lives. (Review courtesy ‘At the Movies’)
Life Through a Lens: Annie Leibowitz – rated M
USA 2006, Director Barbara Leibovitz
This film traces the artistic self-realization of Annie Leibovitz, from childhood through the death of her beloved friend, Susan Sontag, and includes snippets of Leibovitz's last visual memories of Sontag. The film traces the arc of her photographic life, her aspirations to artistry, and the trajectory of her career through phases that included the tumultuous sixties in Berkeley, CA., touring with the Rolling Stones, a mentorship by Hunter S. Thompson, and, later, capturing the last candid moments of John Lennon's life with Yoko Ono. The archival material presented here is invaluable for framing an understanding of this immeasurably influential visual artist. (courtesy IMBD)
Objectives and Rules
Objectives: Reels at Wehl Film Society’s objectives for the community of the Limestone Coast, South Australia are:
1 To encourage interest in the film as an art and as a medium of information and education by means of the exhibition of films of all kinds.
2 To promote the study and appreciation of film by means of lectures, discussions, exhibitions and publications.
Rules
1. Membership
1.1 Reels at Wehl is a membership based film society. You can join as a member prior to the screening. Membership fees are contained on the promotional flyer and the membership form.
1.2 Reels at Wehl is structured as a membership based film society because we are a not-for-profit organisation relying on the assistance of the Australian Film Commission to be able to screen films on the understanding that we do not run a commercial operation. It also enables access to films that are restricted to film societies and educational institutions only. We need your generous support to continue operating to be able to screen films that would not generally be screened in a commercial venue.
Can I purchase a single ticket?
Sorry, no, as this is a film society the purchase of a single ticket is deemed a commercial screening and therefore is not allowed due to the copyright licencing laws.
2 Membership forms
2.1 As a film society we need to keep a record of your details as part of your membership registration. We abide by Australia’s privacy legislation and do not sell your details to third parties. It is a requirement of being a film society that we have a record of members to prove we are operating as a bona fide film society.
2.2 Being a not-for-profit means we do not have excess funds for advertising. With your details we can be in touch quickly with the latest screenings and news and special member offers.
2.3 We also require that you date and sign your membership application form to indicate that you abide by the conditions of membership. If you don’t complete the application in full, we cannot admit you as a member.
2.4 Membership passes are limited to one person.
2.5 Occasionally we will have screenings where we may invite members to bring along a guest for free.
3.1 All Reels at Wehl memberships are only valid for the number of consecutive films for which they are purchased (ie, if you purchase 10 films in September 2008 that entitles you to 10 consecutive films and cannot be used over ensuing years).
4 Selection of films to screen
4.1 A committee of volunteers selects the films to screen. We want to hear from you on suggestions of films to screen and depending on expense and availability from distributors we will try our hardest to obtain the films but we can make no guarantees.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Next screening 'The Italian' 5 stars from Margaret 4 from David, ABC's At the Movies
A film that states that the heart speaks louder than the intellect, the story of The Italian revolves around six year old Vanya. Living comfortably as an adopted child with an Italian family, Vanya's quest for more leads him on a journey to find his real mother. (Sharmill Films Australia)
It’s a pretty tall order to ask a six-year-old to suddenly take on responsibility for his own life. The questions facing Vanya are really tough: does he want to live a comfortable life as an adopted child of a loving family in Italy? After all, for an abandoned Russian child like Vanya it really doesn’t sound like a bad option.
The orphan has recently become a figure with a powerful resonance in post-Soviet filmmaking. This film is set in a privatised institution run by a profit-oriented proprietor and effectively administered by a gang of juvenile inmates. Things are looking up for six-year-old Vanya, though. He is about to be adopted (or purchased might be a better way of putting it) by a benevolent Italian couple. However, Vanya is a child as dogged and resourceful as he is inconvenient when his imagination is fired by the prospect of finding his mother. Andrei Kravchuk’s film is a delight for the ears with its densely layered soundtrack conjuring up an off-centre world in which you can never feel truly at ease or at home. (Adelaide Film Festival 2007).
Director : Andrei Kravchuk, Russia, 2006
Full review by Maraget and Dave, ABC's At the Movies
Official Russian Entry-2006 Academy Awards, Best Foreign Language Film
Recipe from our last event
Herbed Cream Cheese
The secret is fresh herbs and I added about a third more than the recipe. This can be served on cucumber rounds or pumpernickel bread.
125 g packet cream cheese
1 tablespoon sour cream
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
1/4 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
2 green shallots, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 long green cucumber
fresh oregano sprigs, extra
few bits red pepper for garnish
Blend everything together (except for oregano sprigs). Slice cucumber, top with mixture then extra oregano and pieces of red pepper. Cover, refrigerate 2 hours.
The secret is fresh herbs and I added about a third more than the recipe. This can be served on cucumber rounds or pumpernickel bread.
125 g packet cream cheese
1 tablespoon sour cream
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
1/4 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
2 green shallots, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 long green cucumber
fresh oregano sprigs, extra
few bits red pepper for garnish
Blend everything together (except for oregano sprigs). Slice cucumber, top with mixture then extra oregano and pieces of red pepper. Cover, refrigerate 2 hours.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Recipe for Glögg - new DVD projector
Wehl Street Theatre now has a new DVD projector and the quality is excellent!
Glögg is traditional Swedish mulled wine and is very delicious for autumn and the ensuing winter months.
Glögg, Mulled Wine
5 whole white cardamom pods, cracked
2 whole cloves
1 1-inch piece of cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon dried orange peel
2 Tablespoons brown sugar
1/3 cup Madiera wine or 1 cup good-quality red wine such as (we've deleted their recommendation to add a good drop from our esteemed regions here in the South East)
Put all of the ingredients in a stainless steel pan and slowly heat but do not boil. Strain and drink immediately or forݠ tronger flavor, let spices steep for several hours or overnight;strain and gently reheat.
Copyright © 1997 Judith Pierce Rosenberg All Rights Reserved. http://www.swedishkitchen.com/glogg.html
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