OCTOBER 2021 21-31 - Brisbane International Film Festival
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21–31 OCTOBER 2021
INTRODUCING THE
BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL
FILM FESTIVAL 2021
On behalf of our board and management, I am delighted
to welcome you to the 2021 Brisbane International Film
Festival (BIFF).
Film Fantastic Ltd through its partnership with Screen
Queensland will proudly deliver BIFF for at least the next three years,
with 2021 being the first year of this exciting new venture.
We have a bold vision for growth that combines world-class
programming, unforgettable events and connection to industry.
I am proud to say that the eleven days between 21 – 31 October
will deliver just that.
BIFF 2021 will showcase an extraordinary program with an
unprecedented number of award-winners and World, Australian or
Queensland premieres. Within this, is a wonderfully diverse range
The Drover’s Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson
of films and shorts which have been carefully curated into one of our
thirteen key program themes.
Congratulations I want to thank our talented BIFF team who have worked tirelessly
in the background to pull this festival together and deliver the
best experience possible for our audiences. Also to our amazing
volunteers, we cannot thank you enough for your time and
to all the Australian titles assistance in helping us bring BIFF to life.
Lastly I urge you to explore and push your own film journey further
selected for BIFF by experiencing new genres and filmmaking styles on offer. We
can’t wait to share BIFF 2021 with you – enjoy!
JOSH MARTIN
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
FILM FANTASTIC LTD
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MESSAGE FROM THE
PREMIER OF QUEENSLAND
Welcome to the 27th annual Brisbane International Film Festival
(BIFF 2021) – Queensland’s largest celebration of local and
international cinema.
Across 11 days this October, BIFF will present a packed program of
genre-traversing features, captivating documentaries, unforgettable
short films and inspiring special events.
I’m delighted that this year’s program puts female filmmakers in
focus, starting with the Opening Night film, The Drover’s Wife: The
Legend of Molly Johnson – a bold reimagining of the classic Henry
Lawson tale and the directorial debut of celebrated Queensland
First Nations talent, Leah Purcell.
Under the new operating body Film Fantastic Ltd, BIFF 2021 will
once again attract eager film audiences to our state capital and
provide a unique platform for local screen creatives to meet,
network and showcase their work.
The Queensland Government is proud to support Brisbane
International Film Festival through Founding and Principal sponsor
Screen Queensland and Tourism and Events Queensland.
We recognise the enormous role the screen industry has played in
Queensland’s economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
In 2020-21, Queensland secured 41 local, interstate and
international screen productions, providing thousands of local jobs
and injecting hundreds of millions of dollars into our economy.
This financial year we’ve invested a further $71 million in our
screen industry to secure a pipeline of domestic and international
productions, incentivise local post-production work and create
screen opportunities in North Queensland.
From the script to the set to the festival screen, we are fostering a
sustainable and thriving screen culture in Queensland. I commend
Brisbane International Film Festival for their contribution, connecting
local filmmakers and providing enriching experiences for
Queensland audiences.
Thank you for supporting BIFF 2021 and I hope you enjoy this
year’s program.
ANNASTACIA PALASZCZUK MP
PREMIER OF QUEENSLAND
MINISTER FOR TRADE
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PLAN YOUR VISIT
GET SOCIAL PRICES COVID SAFE INFORMATION
Facebook @bneintlfilmfest Regular film sessions are $18* for adults and $15* BIFF is committed to providing you with a COVID Safe Event and
Instagram @bneintlfilmfest for concession. are taking steps to prioritise the health and safety of all. To keep
#biff2021 #bneintfilmfest #screenqld BIFF COVID Safe, we need your help.
#thisisqueensland #brisbane Special events have individual pricing. Check
specific film and event pages online for special We encourage you to familiarise yourself with BIFF’s COVID
TICKETS pricing and registration requirements. Safe Policy on our website before booking and attending any
Tickets for all film sessions and events are available BIFF event. Please follow the instructions of event staff and the
Prices include GST but not the Booking and COVID Safe Policy.
via biff.com.au and at Festival Cinemas on the day Transactional fees that may apply.
of screenings (box office times will vary, please Contact Tracing
check website for details): MULTI-PASS OFFER All attendees are required to provide contact information. This
New Farm Cinemas BUY 5 TICKETS, GET 1 FREE* may be when booking online or through QR codes on the day.
Reading Cinema Newmarket This information is strictly confidential and will only be used for the
Dendy Coorparoo Buy 5 tickets to any regular film screening and
purposes of contact tracing in line with Government requirements.
Palace James Street get 1 FREE. Buy now and redeem for films at a
Australian Cinémathèque, GOMA later date. On the day:
Elizabeth Picture Theatre • We ask attendees to not attend Festival screenings or events
RATINGS
if you or a member of your household are feeling unwell or
BIFF screenings are unclassified Festival experience any symptoms including cough, fever, sore throat,
Exemption 18+, 15+ or All Ages, except where fatigue or shortness of breath, or have been in close contact
otherwise indicated. Please check our website for with a confirmed case of COVID-19.
updated classification information. • If you are feeling unwell or experience any symptoms including
READING CINEMA
NEWMARKET ACCOMMODATION cough, fever, sore throat, fatigue or shortness of breath, and are
unable to attend your ticketed event, please contact BIFF at
Want to escape a little longer? Make a night of it info@biff.com.au as soon as possible.
at BIFF’s official hotel partner Hotel X Brisbane.
Exclusive to BIFF guests, mention BIFF when At the event
PALACE
JAMES booking for a great rate. • If you become unwell during the event, please notify BIFF or
STREET
venue staff as soon as possible.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY • It is everyone’s responsibility to provide a safe environment and
HOTEL X
The Brisbane International Film Festival we ask that you maintain 1.5m distancing wherever possible.
ELIZABETH acknowledges the Aboriginal peoples and • Please familiarise yourself with the Queensland Government’s
PICTURE
THEATRE Torres Strait Islander peoples as the owners of this requirements around mask wearing before attending BIFF events.
NEW FARM country and recognise their connection to land,
CINEMAS
sea and community. We pay our respects to them, Please visit our partner venues’ website for more specific COVID
their cultures, and to their elders, past, present details for each event.
AUSTRALIAN
CINÉMATHÈQUE
GOMA
and emerging.
*Terms and conditions apply. See our website for details. Prices and
details are correct at time of printing. Any changes will be updated
on our website www.biff.com.au . Multi-Pass is not transferable and
DENDY
COORPAROO is valid for one entry per session. All sessions must be pre-booked.
Passes are not valid for special events (Galas, Industry Days,
Opening & Closing Night).
6 7
JOIN US FOR A RED CARPET EVENT TO CELEBRATE OPENING NIGHT
OF THE 2021 BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
THE DROVER’S WIFE
THE LEGEND OF CLOSING NIGHT
MOLLY JOHNSON MEMORIA
Thursday 21 October, Featuring superb performances, an evocative Sunday 31 October, Winner of the 2021 Grand Jury Prize at Cannes,
6:30pm for 7:00pm screening setting, and unforgettable characters; The Drover’s 7:00pm for 7:30pm screening Memoria is a glorious exploration of the power
Reading Cinema Newmarket Wife The Legend of Molly Johnson is the debut Elizabeth Picture Theatre of memory and the significance of relationships.
feature from Leah Purcell and influenced by the Memoria is the first English language feature from
Encore screening: iconic story by Henry Lawson. Leah Purcell shines Colombia, Thailand, France, 2021 celebrated and award-winning auteur Apichatpong
Friday 29 October, 2:00pm in the lead role and title character: Molly Johnson. Drama Weerasethakul, and stars Tilda Swinton.
New Farm Cinemas English, Spanish 18+ 136 mins
Molly Johnson’s husband is away droving sheep, Queensland Premiere Jessica (Swinton), a British botanist based in
Australia, 2021 leaving her alone to care for their four children Medellin, is already dislocated when the movie
Drama, First Nations in the remote Snowy Mountains. Despite being Director Apichatpong Weerasethakul begins, abruptly awoken by a deep, explosive
English MA15+ 109 mins heavily pregnant, Molly keeps various threats, Cast Tilda Swinton, Elkin Díaz, Jeanne thump that materialises out of nowhere. Jessica
Queensland Premiere from nature and other people, at bay. But when Balibar, Juan Pablo Urrego, Daniel Giménez travels to Bogotá to visit her sister (Agnes Brekke),
Yadaka, an Aboriginal man on the run from white Cacho, Agnes Brekke, Jerónimo Barón, whose husband puts her in touch with a sound
Director Leah Purcell Constanza Gutierrez
Cast Leah Purcell, Rob Collins, law enforcement, intrudes on the sanctuary she engineer named Hernán (Juan Pablo Urrego) to
Sam Reid, Jessica de Gouw has carved out, the brutal hardships and secrets categorise and explain the noise phenomena. This
that have followed them both throughout their quest has a certain reflexive quality as Jessica travels
lives must be confronted. further to understand the sound and its origin.
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AUSTRALIAN
HIGHLIGHTS
GALA SCREENING
FILM TITLE
STYLE
New Australian features with unique
insights into the Australian experience,
contemporary or historical.
Experience the diversity of Australian stories
and uniqueness of Australian experiences.
Be captivated by powerful dramas, entertained
by comedies, witness the emerging new wave
of independent filmmaking and delight in
restored classics.
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AUSTRALIAN HIGHLIGHTS | GALA
FRIENDS AND
STRANGERS
AUSTRALIAN HIGHLIGHTS | GALA
ALICK AND ALBERT Monday 25 October,
7:45 PM Reception for 8.20pm screening
Friends and Strangers explores displacement and
disconnection in contemporary Australia. Part
Friday 22 October, Even though they live worlds apart, Torres Strait absurdist comedy, part satire of colonial accidie,
Pre Screening Reception – New Farm Cinemas
7:00pm for 7:30pm Screening Indigenous artist and activist Alick Tipoti and His the film follows directionless twenty-somethings
Palace James Street Serene Highness (H.S.H.) Prince Albert II of Monaco Australia, 2021 Ray and Alice as they navigate a series of prosaic
Drink on arrival. have united to help protect the world’s oceans. Drama, Comedy but increasingly agonising situations.
Q&A with filmmakers will follow the screening. English MA 82 mins
This is a film about two communities on opposite The debut feature of James Vaughan, Friends and
Australian Premiere
Australia, 2021 sides of the planet, Monaco and Badu Island, Strangers shows the conversational influence of
Doc, Art, First Nations which are concerned by climate change and the Director James Vaughan Eric Rohmer, Whit Stillman and Hong Sang Soo,
English All Ages 90 mins many threats to the future of the oceans. Cast Fergus Wilson, Emma Diaz reframed to explore—with a light but clear-eyed
World Premiere touch— a culture afraid to think deeply about the
A unique and captivating documentary following
Director Douglas Watkin the friendship of acclaimed artist Alick Tipoti and past and unable to look forward with confidence
Cast Prince Albert II of Monaco, Alick Tipoti (H.S.H) Prince Albert II of Monaco, Alick and and ultimately snared by its own affluence
Albert offers a profound look at the power of art and moral cowardice in a meaningless and
to connect individuals, forge friendships and interminable present.
initiate change. Join us for a gala screening of Paris Funeral, 1972
at 6pm, before the pre-screening reception.
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AUSTRALIAN HIGHLIGHTS AUSTRALIAN HIGHLIGHTS
CHEF ANTONIO’S RIVER
RECIPES FOR Friday 22 October, 11:30am
REVOLUTION Dendy Coorparoo
Friday 29 October, 12:30pm
Friday 22 October, 2:00pm Reading Cinema Newmarket
Palace James Street
Sunday 31 October, 1:00pm Australia, 2021
Dendy Coorparoo Doc, Environment
English All Ages 75 mins
AUSTRALIAN HIGHLIGHTS | GALA Australia, 2021 Queensland Premiere
PARIS FUNERAL, 1972
Doc, Inclusion
English, Italian All Ages 99 mins Director Jennifer Peedom
Queensland Premiere
Director Jennifer Peedom follows her record-
Monday 25 October, This striking feature debut from Brisbane Director Trevor Graham breaking documentary Mountain with River,
6pm screening followed by reception filmmaker Adam Briggs follows the passage of in collaboration with the Australian Chamber
New Farm Cinemas Rosario, an itinerant and highly charismatic Italian Follow Chef Antonio and his restaurant in this Orchestra and narrated by Willem Dafoe.
in his 60s as he drifts through Australia before heart-warming and charming documentary, on
Australia, 2021 a mission to transform the lives of young people Throughout history, rivers have shaped
he returns to France and Italy, in the company of
Drama living with Down syndrome. our landscapes and our journeys; flowed
musicians Kate and Ella.
English, French, Italian 18+ 75 mins through our cultures and dreams. River takes
World Premiere Attentively shot on 16mm, the film’s cast is A beautifully composed slice of life documentary its audience on a journey through space and
composed of non-actors playing versions of featuring culinary delights, glorious scenery, time, spanning six continents and drawing on
Director Adam Briggs themselves as they reinterpret and fictionalise and genuine experiences of everyday life, extraordinary contemporary cinematography
Cast Rosario Zocco, Kate Dillon, Gabriella Cohen their own lives. From the film’s opening amidst the Chef Antonio’s Recipes for Revolution follows and satellite filming to show rivers on scales
homeless and displaced communities of Brisbane Antonio and protégés Mirko Piras, Jessica Berta and from perspectives never seen before.
and Melbourne to the fields of Europe, Paris and others as they share in laughter and love, Its union of image, music and sparse, poetic
Funeral, 1972 is defined by a desire to do justice drama and dreams, and the toil of top-notch script create a film that is both dream-like and
to people’s need for contact and communication, customer service. powerful, honouring the wildness of rivers but
exploring how each individual need interplays also recognising their vulnerability. River is a
with society. spectacular cinema experience.
Join us for a post-screening reception after the
film, followed by a gala screening of Friends
and Strangers.
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AUSTRALIAN HIGHLIGHTS AUSTRALIAN HIGHLIGHTS AUSTRALIAN HIGHLIGHTS AUSTRALIAN HIGHLIGHTS
LITTLE TORNADOES LONE WOLF LOVE IN BLOOM MEET THE WALLERS
Friday 22 October, 6:00pm Friday 22 October, 4:00pm Sunday 24 October, 10:30am Saturday 23 October, 1:30pm
Reading Cinema Newmarket Reading Cinema Newmarket Palace James Street Palace James Street
Saturday 30 October, 4:00pm Sunday 31 October, 12:00pm Q&A with filmmakers will follow the screening.
Palace James Street Palace James Street Australia, 2021
Drama, Romance Australia, 2021
Australia, 2021 Australia, 2021 English All Ages 87 mins Doc, Family
Drama Drama World Premiere English All Ages 93 mins
English, Italian 18+ 94 mins English MA15+ 100 mins Queensland Premiere
Queensland Premiere Queensland Premiere Director Rogue Rubin
Cast Susie Abromeit, Melina Vidler, Julian Haig, Director Jim Stevens
Director Aaron Wilson Director Jonathan Ogilvie Monette Lee, Steven Tandy, Joey Vieira, Jason Wilder
Cast Robert Menzies, Mark Leonard Winter, Cast Tilda Cobham-Hervey, Josh McConville, A unique documentary that follows artist Mark
Silvia Colloca Chris Bunton, Diana Glenn, Marlon Williams, A charming romantic comedy filmed in Brisbane Waller and his family over twenty years. Brisbane
Hugo Weaving, Stephen Curry, Lawrence Mooney and making its world premiere at BIFF 2021, Love based director Jim Stevens captures a very real
Little Tornadoes is the second instalment in a loose In Bloom stars Susie Abromeit (Jessica Jones) and and uncontrived view of an artist in this heart-
triptych of films about the after-effects of war from Lone Wolf premiered at the Rotterdam Julian Haig (Riverdale, Five Bedrooms) and an all- warming documentary.
director Aaron Wilson. Following the filmmaker’s International Film Festival in 2020. Thought- star local cast.
Canopy – a well-received arthouse war drama set provoking and visually adventurous, this modern- When Jim Stevens first set out to make a film about
in World War II – this film shifts its focus to three day thriller is inspired by Joseph Conrad’s famed Amelia (Abromeit) has the perfect life; a successful Mark Waller, he never intended for it to extend
decades later, finding the wreckage of wartime in turn of the century spy novel A Secret Agent. floristry in Chicago and a boyfriend who is about over 20 years of filming. In 2001, artist Mark
a 1970s Australian town. to propose. When her soon-to-be-married little Waller can barely provide for his young family.
Contemporary Melbourne. Through various sister and fiancé become marooned at a mountain His vivacious wife Nicole is disillusioned. Mark’s
Co-written by Christos Tsiolkas (The Slap, modes of surveillance, we observe an retreat days before their wedding in Primrose passions have become a wrecking ball to their
Barracuda), this drama explores the cultural overprotective young woman, Winnie (Tilda River Australia, Amelia and the Best Man, Grayson marriage. Over the next 20 years love, art and life
change of the ‘70s – immigration, protests Cobham-Hervey, I Am Woman), and her younger Tanner (Haig), are tasked with stepping in to save collide in this unique portrait of a family unit.
and urbanisation – from the perspective of its brother Stevie (Chris Bunton, Doctor, Doctor) the wedding. Amelia finds new meaning in the
damaged protagonist, Leo (Mark Leonard Winter). caught in a web of intrigue involving a bomb plot, town’s beautiful gardens, and love where she Meet The Wallers is an unexpected journey into the
Leo’s attempts to adapt to a new world in the inept anarchists, ambitious police and a corrupt least expected. ties of family, the importance of relationships, and
shadow of his own traumatic past encapsulates politician. The duplicity of Winnie’s boyfriend, the very real struggle to find a work/life balance.
the challenges of a country coming to terms with Conrad Verloc (Josh McConville, 1%) – political Join the filmmakers for a Q&A after the screening.
its own identity after the Vietnam War. activist and police informant – propels Winnie
down a deadly path.
“Little Tornadoes is a deeply personal film with a
strong emotional pull.” FilmInk
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AUSTRALIAN HIGHLIGHTS AUSTRALIAN HIGHLIGHTS
INTERNATIONAL
RADIANCE FLOATING LIFE
Presented by the National Film and Sound Archive Presented by the National Film and Sound Archive
Sunday 24 October, 2:20pm Saturday 30 October, 12:00pm
HIGHLIGHTS
Palace James Street New Farm Cinemas
Australia, 1998 Australia, 1996
Drama, First Nations Drama, Comedy
English M 83 mins Cantonese, English, German MA15+ 95 mins
Director Rachel Perkins Director Clara Law
Cast Deborah Mailman, Rachel Maza, Cast Annie Yip, Anthony Wong, Edwin Pang,
Trisha Morton-Thomas Annette Shun Wah, Cecilia Lee
More than two decades after its premiere in A quarter of a century ago, Hong Kong faced the
1998, Radiance remains a compelling drama. transfer of sovereignty from the United Kingdom
Launching the cinematic careers of director to China. At the same time, Clara Law released
Rachel Perkins (Bran Nue Day), Deborah Mailman Floating Life – the first Australian film to tackle the
(The Sapphires) and director of photography Asian migrant experience.
Warwick Thornton (Samson & Delilah), the film is
a landmark in Australian cinema, recognised by a In its new NFSA restoration, the conflicts at the
sumptuous restoration by NFSA. heart of the film between cultures, country and
family remain as relevant as ever. The story centres
An adaptation of a Louis Nowra play, the story on the Chan family, who find themselves riven
centres on three sisters. They return to their between the disparate desires of their children and
childhood home after their mother’s death only the cultural challenges of adapting to Australian life. Films that capture stories and experiences
to discover the volcanic secrets bubbling away from distinct, diverse places.
under the surface of their fragile family. By the end Earning nominations for both Law and her
of the day, fault lines open and those secrets erupt co-screenwriter (and husband) Eddie Fong at Award winners, audience favourites and
into a painful and cathartic reckoning. the 1996 Australian Film Institute Awards (now critical darlings. A selection of international
AACTA), Floating Life also features the talents of films from across the globe. Bold, beautiful,
“Skilfully touches on Indigenous questions cinematographer Dion Beebe. Beebe went on to and brave stories from unique places and
regarding displacement, heritage, land and win an Academy Award for Memoirs of a Geisha. exceptional storytellers.
belonging, without becoming an agenda movie or
sacrificing its universality.” – Variety “Floating Life represents some kind of turning
point in Australian cinema in that it establishes
… the creation of an Asian-Australian cinema.” –
Senses of Cinema
18 19INTERNATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS INTERNATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS INTERNATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS INTERNATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
AFTER LOVE ASCENSION BAD LUCK BANGING BERGMAN ISLAND
Friday 22 October, 2:00pm Friday 22 October, 3:30pm
OR LOONY PORN Sunday 24 October, 7:00pm
Reading Cinema Newmarket Dendy Coorparoo New Farm Cinemas
Saturday 30 October, 8:00pm
Saturday 30 October, 11:30am Sunday 31 October, 4:30pm Saturday 30 October, 1:45pm
New Farm Cinemas
Dendy Coorparoo Palace James Street Palace James Street
Romania, Luxembourg, Czech Republic,
UK, 2020 USA, 2021 France, Sweden, 2021
Croatia, 2021
Drama Doc, Consumerism Drama
Drama, Comedy
English, French, Arabic, Urdu M 89 mins 18+ 97 mins English 18+ 112 mins
German R 106 mins
Australian Premiere Australian Premiere Queensland Premiere
Queensland Premiere
Director Aleem Khan Director Jessica Kingdon Director Mia Hansen-Løve
Director Radu Jude
Cast Joanna Scanlan, Nathalie Richard, Cast Anders Danielsen Lie, Mia Wasikowska,
Cast Katia Pascariu, Claudia Ieremia,
Talid Ariss, Nasser Memarzia, Sudha Bhuchar, The notion of the ”Chinese dream” – the Tim Roth, Vicky Krieps
Olimpia Mălai
Nisha Chadha revitalisation of the nation – has become
inextricably linked with China’s supreme leader, A couple of American filmmakers, Chris
Winner of the Golden Bear for Best Film at
The debut feature from English-Pakistani Xi Jinping. Jessica Kingdon’s Ascension examines (Vicky Krieps) and Tony (Tim Roth) retreat to the
Berlinale 2021, Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn
filmmaker Aleem Khan is a tale of secrets and lies, this dream through three lenses: the working class mythical Fårö Island for the summer. In this wild,
is a contemporary black comedy about consent
a portrait of people caught between identities on the factory floor, the middle class consuming breathtaking landscape where Ingmar Bergman
and consumerism.
and cultures, highlighted by a superb central and the decadence of the oligarchy. lived and shot his most celebrated pieces, they
performance from Joanna Scanlan. Mary Hussain Emi, a schoolteacher, finds her reputation under hope to find inspiration for their upcoming films.
(Joanna Scanlan, Notes on A Scandal, The Thick Drawing on the tradition of experimental As days spent separately pass by, the fascination
threat after a personal sex tape is uploaded
of It) converted to Islam when she married and documentaries like Koyaanisqatsi, Kingdon for the island operates on Chris and souvenirs of
onto the internet. Forced to meet the parents
is now in her early 60s, living quietly with her eschews traditional talking heads and narration her first love resurface. Lines between reality and
demanding her dismissal, Emi refuses to
husband Ahmed. Following his unexpected for an intimate, impressionistic insight into China. fiction will then progressively blur and tear our
surrender. Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn is
death, she suddenly finds herself a widow. A Rather than offering up a didactic interpretation couple even more apart.
a film in three loosely connected parts: a walk
day after the burial, she discovers that he had a of the country and its contradictions, Ascension
in the city of Bucharest, then a playful essay on
secret life just twenty-one miles away from their allows you to draw your own conclusions about Acclaimed at Cannes, Bergman Island is noted
obscenities, all culminating, in the third part, in an
Dover home, across the Channel in Calais. The the rise and rise of the People’s Republic. director Mia Hansen-Løve’s latest finely wrought
incendiary comic confrontation.
shocking discovery compels her to go there to study of relationships and how they can only exist
“Ascension is a collection of breathtaking within a specific time and place. Vicky Krieps and
find out more. “This provocative and unapologetically profane
images and revelatory vignettes that position Tim Roth carefully trace their characters’ shifts
Buñuelian prank [is] one of the first examples
After Love is beautifully refined filmmaking China as a simultaneously alien and completely while Australia’s Mia Wasikowska centres the film’s
of a genuine auteur work to emerge in a world
revealing the possibility of human connection in universal cultural and industrial landscape.” – meta conceits around filmmaking and artistry.
upended by COVID-19...” – Variety
the most unlikely places. The Hollywood Reporter
20 21INTERNATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS INTERNATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
BLIND AMBITION COW
Saturday 23 October, 4:00pm Saturday 23 October, 4:30pm
Palace James Street Dendy Coorparoo
Friday 29 October, 10:45am Sunday 31 October, 10:30am
Dendy Coorparoo New Farm Cinemas
Friday 29 October, 4:30pm
Reading Cinema Newmarket UK, 2021
Doc
Australia, 2021 18+ 93mins
Doc Australian Premiere
English, Shona, French 15+ 96 mins
Queensland Premiere Director Andrea Arnold
Directors Robert Coe, Warwick Ross Premiering at Cannes 2021, Cow might seem like
a departure for renowned director Andrea Arnold.
A decade ago, Joseph, Marlvin, Pardon and Having cut her teeth on fiction –Fish Tank, American
Tinashe escaped Robert Mugabe’s Zimbabwe for Honey and, most recently, the second season of
the comparative safety of South Africa. There they Big Little Lies – this documentary represents her first
found solace in a bottle of wine … in a good way. foray into non-fiction filmmaking.
A quartet of Pentecostal Christians who’d sworn Cow, however, fits perfectly into Arnold’s carefully
Five Star Cinemas is a family picture theatre business that has been in off alcohol might seem like an unlikely bunch to curated filmography, mirroring those films’ “study
Brisbane for decades. The Sourris brothers, Stephen and Peter, are the become Africa’s most-celebrated sommeliers. of confined feminine identity and ruthlessly
passionate movie lovers behind the Five Star Cinema brand, the same But that’s the story at the heart of Blind Ambition, exploited sexuality” (Variety) and sharing their
men who grew up with the Yatala Drive-In, refurbished the derelict New an enthralling tale that follows the refugees’ naturalistic lyricism.
Farm Cinemas in 2013, The Elizabeth Picture Theatre in 2017, Red Hill journey through a chaos of Johannesburg to the
‘Olympics of wine tasting’ – the World Wine Blind A confronting depiction of the ins and outs
Cinemas in 2019 and proudly welcome the heritage Regal Twin Cinema of modern farm life, Cow is a sympathetic
in 2020. Dedicated to giving cinema fans a mix of retro style and state Tasting Championship in Burgundy, France.
and insightful vision that pulls no punches.
of the art sound and vision, while bringing the ‘experience’ back to a trip Uncork a robust red and settle in for an inspirational Arnold avoids didacticism, but her message
to the movies, they’re the third generation to work in the family business. true story, the recipient of of Tribeca Film Festival’s resonates nonetheless.
The growing Five Star chain brings back the ‘grand old days’ of cinema to audience award for best documentary.
Brisbane. We look forward to your next visit. Viewer discretion is advised, some scenes
“This is by far one of the more outstanding may be disturbing.
If you’re interested in work functions, private screenings, publicity, documentaries Tribeca 2021 has to offer.” –
marketing or event enquiries, contact us at Five Star Cinemas today. BlackFilm
www.fivestarcinemas.com.au
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DRIVE MY CAR EL PLANETA HIVE LAST NIGHT IN SOHO
Saturday 23 October, 12:30pm Friday 22 October, 6:00pm Sunday 24 October, 12:30pm Thursday 28 October, 8:15pm
New Farm Cinemas Dendy Coorparoo Palace James Street New Farm Cinemas
Friday 29 October, 3:00pm Sunday 31 October, 4:00pm Saturday 30 October, 2:00pm Friday 29 October, 8:30pm
Dendy Coorparoo New Farm Cinemas Reading Cinema Newmarket Palace James Street
Japan, 2021 USA, 2021 Kosovo, 2021 UK, 2021
Drama Comedy Drama Drama, Thriller
Japanese 18+ 179 mins Spanish 18+ 70 mins Albanian M 84 mins English 18+ 116 mins
Queensland Premiere Queensland Premiere Queensland Premiere Queensland Premiere
Director Ryûsuke Hamaguchi Director Amalia Ulman Director Blerta Basholli Director Edgar Wright
Cast Hidetoshi Nishijima, Tōko Miura, Masaki Cast Ale Ulman, Amalia Ulman, Nacho Cast Yllka Gashi, Çun Lajçi, Aurita Agushi, Cast Anya Taylor-Joy, Thomasin McKenzie,
Okada, Reika Kirishima Vigalondo, Genoveva Garcia Castanon, Kumrije Hoxha, Adriana Matoshi, Molike Matt Smith
Saoirse Bertram Maxhuni, Blerta Ismaili, Kaona Sylejmani
Actor and director Yusuke Kafuku (Hidetoshi Direct from Venice, Edgar Wright’s highly
Nishijima) has spent the two years since the El Planeta is a dark comedy exploring Hive is the debut feature from Blerta Basholli, a anticipated new feature stars Anya Taylor-Joy (The
sudden death of his wife (Reika Kirishima) contemporary poverty, female desire, and the Kosovo-born filmmaker whose short films have Queen’s Gambit), Matt Smith (The Crown) and
unmoored by grief. After being offered to direct always complicated filial relationships of mothers travelled the film festival circuit since 2008. rising star Thomasin McKenzie (Jo Jo Rabbit).
a play, he finds himself in Hiroshima. Through and daughters.
conversations with his chauffeur, Misaki (Toko Based on a true story, the film follows Fahrije (Yllka An aspiring fashion designer mysteriously enters
Miura), he begins to tackle his wife’s death and After her father’s death, Leo (played by director Gashi), who finds herself in dire financial straits. In the 1960s, where she encounters a dazzling
the mysteries she left behind. and artist Amalia Ulman) leaves her life as a fashion the absence of her husband – who disappeared wannabe singer. However, the glamour is not all it
student in London and returns to her hometown during the war in Kosovo – she starts her own appears to be, and the dreams of the past start to
Winner of the Best Screenplay and the FIPRESCI of Gijón, Spain, where her mother is on the verge agricultural business to support her family, crack and splinter into something far darker.
Prize at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, Drive My of eviction. The two survive by selling personal but soon finds herself butting up against the
Car pulls into Brisbane with abundant arthouse items online and running up tabs based on prejudices of her patriarchal society. Last Night In Soho marks Wright’s first film to
horsepower. Director Ryusuke Hamaguchi has extensive lies. Their impending misfortune does focus on two female leads and with co-writer
established himself as one of Japan’s premier not stop the pair from dressing up in their best fur Hive is an ode to resilience, ambition and Krysty Wilson-Cairns (Oscar nominee for 1917),
contemporary artists with films like Happy Hour coats, heading to the mall to sample makeup, and optimism, a story that’s heart-rending and Wright has crafted a dazzling and dizzying
and Asako I & II, and Drive My Car continues his buying cute shoes (as long as they are returnable). empowering all at once. It’s also, perhaps more psychological thriller.
hot streak. importantly, a rare insight into Kosovo culture
Grifting their way to a stylish lifestyle beyond their and history.
“A film about the link between confession, creativity means, their familial bond over common tragedy
and sexuality and the unending mystery of other strengthens as evident doom nears. “The film is stirring, infuriating, and ultimately
people’s lives and secrets.” – The Guardian hopeful.” – Vox
24 25INTERNATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS INTERNATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS INTERNATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS INTERNATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
LINGUI: THE SACRED FLEE SWAN SONG THE CARD COUNTER
BONDS Monday 25 October, 7:00pm Saturday 23 October, 11:00am Saturday 23 October, 8:20pm
New Farm Cinemas Reading Cinema Newmarket Palace James Street
Friday 22 October, 1:30pm
Saturday 30 October, 4:00pm Sunday 24 October, 6:00pm Friday 29 October, 6:30pm
Dendy Coorparoo
Reading Cinema Newmarket Dendy Coorparoo New Farm Cinemas
Saturday 30 October, 11:30am
Friday 29 October, 4:30pm
Palace James Street Denmark, 2021 USA, UK, 2021
New Farm Cinemas
Animation,Doco Drama, Thriller
Chad, France, Belguim, 2021
Danish, English, Dar, Russian, Swedish USA, 2021 English 18+ 110 mins
Drama
18+ 88 mins Drama Queensland Premiere
French, Chadian Arabic 18+ 87 mins
Australian Premiere English 18+ 105 mins
Queensland Premiere Director Paul Schrader
Queensland Premiere
Director Jonas Poher Rasmussen Cast Oscar Isaac, Tiffany Haddish
Director Mahamat-Saleh Haroun
Director Todd Stephens
Cast Achouackh Abakar, Rihane Khalil Alio
In 1989, the withdrawal of the USSR from Cast Udo Kier, Jennifer Coolidge, Linda Evans Redemption is the long game in Paul Schrader’s The
Afghanistan sparked chaos in the country and a Card Counter. William Tell (Oscar Isaac, Star Wars,
Chadian director Mahamat-Saleh Haroun presents a
flood of refugees seeking to escape persecution; A totally charming and bittersweet comedy Dune, Inside Llewelyn Jones) is a gambler and former
simple, beautiful film about convention and tradition
a terrible event with unmistakable echoes in the starring Udo Kier in a career defining role as the serviceman who sets out to reform a young man
in Lingui: The Sacred Bonds, a film dedicated to
present day. magnificent hairdresser on a mission. Swan Song seeking revenge on a mutual enemy from their past.
depicting the dilemma of a 15-year-old girl seeking
is a favourite with critics and festival audiences Tell just wants to play cards. His spartan existence on
an abortion in an Islamic African country where the Flee isn’t a tale of Afghanistan, but of an Afghani: since debuting at SXSW. the casino trail is shattered when he is approached
practice is both taboo and illegal. Amin, an academic preparing to marry his long- by Cirk, a vulnerable and angry young man seeking
term boyfriend. Amin isn’t his real name – but Swan Song follows retired hairdresser and local help to execute his plan for revenge on a military
On the outskirts of N’djamena in Chad, Amina
this hybrid documentary is a real story of his bar performer icon Mister Pat Pitsenbarger (Kier) colonel. Tell sees a chance at redemption through
lives alone with her only 15-year-old daughter
tumultuous escape from his homeland retold who has given up on life from the confines of his relationship with Cirk, but keeping Cirk on the
Maria. Her already fragile world collapses the
primarily using animation. his small-town Sandusky, Ohio nursing home. straight-and-narrow proves impossible, dragging
day she discovers that her daughter is pregnant.
But when Pat gets word that a former client’s Tell back into the darkness of his past.
The teenager does not want this pregnancy. In a One of the best reviewed films out of this year’s dying wish was for him to style her final hairdo,
country where abortion is not only condemned Sundance Film Festival, Flee offers poignant he sets out on an epic journey across Sandusky From writer (Taxi Driver) and director (First
by religion, but also by law, Amina finds herself insight into Amin’s journey. Not only his tragic to confront the ghosts of his past – and collect Reformed) Paul Schrader comes another
facing a battle that seems lost in advance. trip from Afghanistan – through Russia and the beauty supplies necessary for the job. Swan examination of God’s lonely men, alienated from
Estonia – to Denmark, but also through his own Song is both heart-warming and heart-breaking society by their beliefs and their past. Received
A profoundly moving film about a mother and
psyche as he comes to term with his sexuality and in equal measure. with wild acclaim at this year’s Venice Film
daughter navigating life.
psychological scars. Festival, The Card Counter is an atmospheric
Viewer discretion is advised, some scenes study of an individual looking for purpose.
may be disturbing.
26 27INTERNATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS INTERNATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
THE TSUGUA DIARIES THE WORST PERSON
Tuesday 26 October, 8:00pm
IN THE WORLD
New Farm Cinemas
Sunday 24 October, 2 :30pm
Saturday 30 October, 4:00pm
Reading Cinema Newmarket
Dendy Coorparoo
Wednesday 27 October, 6:30pm
Portugal, 2021 New Farm Cinemas
Drama Sunday 31 October, 2:00pm
Portuguese, Romanian 18+ 102 mins Palace James Street
Australian Premiere
Norway, 2021
Directors Miguel Gomes, Maureen Fazendeiro Drama
Cast Crista Alfaiate, Carloto Cotta, João Nunes Norwegian 18+ 122 mins
Monteiro Australian Premiere
Both a comedy about making a film under Director Joachim Trier
COVID, and probably the only good film about Cast Renate Reinsve, Anders Danielsen Lie,
the pandemic and the sense of time dilation Herbert Nordrum, Hans Olav Brenner, Helene
under lockdown. The film is organised like Bjørneby, Vidar Sandem, Maria Grazia de Meo
nestling matryoska or babushka dolls – trapping
the butterflies in a butterfly house, trapping the Julie is turning thirty and her life is an existential
actors in another house – and around that lies the mess. Several of her talents have gone to waste and
film’s fourth wall and us, all waiting to escape our her older boyfriend, Aksel – a successful graphic
enclosure. novelist – is pushing for them to settle down.
One night, she gatecrashes a party and meets
Acclaimed at Cannes, Portuguese master Miguel
the young and charming Eivind. Before long, she
Gomes (Tabu, Arabian Nights) and Maureen
has broken up with Aksel and thrown herself into
Fazendeiro’s The Tsugua Diaries follows the
yet another new relationship, hoping for a new
logic of our pandemic, setting up an intricate set
perspective on her life. But she will come to realise
of ever-changing rules and obligations before
that some life choices are already behind her.
finding the tricks of life within.
An instant classic and the final film in Joachim
“Miguel Gomes and Maureen Fazendeiro deliver
Trier’s loose ‘Oslo’ trilogy, which studies the
STAY WITH ME
the oddest, most playful product of lockdown
self-deceptions of Oslo’s struggling youthful
cinema.” – Screen Daily
bourgeois class.
29INTERNATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS INTERNATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
CONNECTIONS
UNDINE YUNI
Saturday 23 October, 6:00pm Sunday 24 October, 7:00pm
Reading Cinema Newmarket Palace James Street
Sunday 24 October, 2:30pm Friday 29 October, 12:00pm
New Farm Cinemas Palace James Street
Germany, 2020 Indonesia, 2021
Drama Drama
German M 89 mins Indonesian 15+ 95 mins
Australian Premiere Australian Premiere
Director Christian Petzold Director Kamila Andini
Cast Paula Beer, Franz Rogowski, Maryam Zaree, Cast Arawinda Kirana, Asmara Abigail, Sekar
Jacob Matschenz, Anne Ratte-Polle, Rafael Sari, Marissa Anita, Dimas Aditya, Kevin Ardillova,
Stachowiak,José Barros, Julia Franz-Richter Rukman Rosadi, Neneng Wulandari, Boah Sartika,
Nazla Thoyib, Anne Yasmine, Made Aurellia
Christian Petzold (Phoenix, Transit) boldly Direct from premiering at Toronto, Yuni is the third
reimagines the ancient myth of Undine – a female feature film from Kamila Andini, a compelling,
water spirit who can love a human but must kill beautiful coming of age story about gender
him if he’s unfaithful – in this suspenseful tale equality and social change.
of romance and betrayal in modern day Berlin.
Undine (Paula Beer) works as a historian lecturing Yuni is a teenage girl — smart with big dreams
on Berlin’s urban development, an apt gesture of attending university. When two men she
from director Petzold as Undine continues his barely knows ask to marry her, she rejects their
exploration of Germany’s past and its relationship proposals, sparking gossip about a myth that a A focus on relationships – family,
with the present. woman who rejects three proposals will never community, romantic, unexpected.
marry. The pressure is building when a third man In these seemingly disconnected and fractured
But when the man she loves leaves her, the myth asks for her hand, and Yuni must choose between
catches up with her. Undine has to kill the man times, a collection of titles focused on revealing
the myth of a final chance at marriage, or her the beauty of meaningful relationships, the
who betrays her and return to the water. Will dream of future happiness.
Undine defy fate when she meets a diver (Franz delight of romantic encounters and the
Rogowski, probably Germany’s best actor) who possibilities of unexpected encounters.
offers her a new chance of love and escape from
her curse?
30 31CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS
BLUE BAYOU COMPARTMENT NO. 6 FALLING PETITE MAMAN
Saturday 23 October, 6:00pm Friday 22 October, 11:45am Sunday 24 October, 1:30pm Friday 22 October, 6:30pm
Palace James Street New Farm Cinemas Dendy Coorparoo New Farm Cinemas
Friday 29 October, 8:30pm Saturday 30 October, 6:30pm Thursday 28 October, 6:00pm Friday 29 October, 1:00pm
New Farm Cinemas Palace James Street New Farm Cinemas Dendy Coorparoo
Saturday 30 October, 11:30am
USA, Canada, 2021 Finland, 2021 Canada, 2020 Reading Cinema Newmarket
Drama Drama Drama
English 18+ 119 mins Finnish, Russian 15+ 107 mins English, Spanish 18+ 112 mins France, 2021
Queensland Premiere Australian Premiere Queensland Premiere Drama
French PG 72 mins
Director Justin Chon Director Juho Kuosmanen Director Viggo Mortensen Australian Premiere
Cast Justin Chon, Alicia Vikander, Mark O’Brien Cast Seidi Haarla, Yuri Borisov Cast Viggo Mortensen, Lance Henriksen,
Sverrir Gudnason, Laura Linney Director Céline Sciamma
Writer-director Justin Chon and Alicia Vikander A poignant, quirky love story that shared Cast Joséphine Sanz, Gabrielle Sanz, Nina
(The Danish Girl, Ex Machina) star in this heart-felt, the prestigious Grand Prix at Cannes 2021. When 80-year-old independent farmer Willis Meurisse, Stéphane Varupenne, Margot Abascal
contemporary immigration drama. Compartment No. 6, like all great train movies, is (Lance Henriksen, Alien, The Quick and The Dead)
full of humour and romance, and complete with travels to Los Angeles for an indefinite stay with Céline Sciamma (Portrait of a Lady on Fire)
Antonio LeBlanc (director-writer-actor Chon) is surprises. son John (Viggo Mortensen, The Road, Captain presents a charming film about friendship, family,
a Korean immigrant who came to the U.S. at the Fantastic) and his family, two very different worlds and love. This is a modern-day fairy tale and a
age of three and was adopted by a family from Compartment No. 6 has been compared to collide. Mentally declining, Willis’ abrasiveness favourite with critics around the world.
Louisiana. Antonio’s wife, Kathy (Vikander) is Richard Linklater’s Before Sunrise. The second is both caustic and funny, bringing old wounds
expecting a second daughter, while struggling feature directed by Juho Kuosmanen, the film from the past and years of mutual mistrust to Nelly has just lost her grandmother and is
to provide for their first child, Jessie, who has is based on the novel by Rosa Liksom and the the surface. helping her parents clean out her mother’s
been raised knowing Antonio as her father after story of a Finnish woman who escapes a love childhood home. She explores the house and the
her birth father, Ace (Mark O’Brien) left the family affair in Moscow and connects with a Russian Viggo Mortensen’s debut feature is a poignant surrounding woods when one day she meets a
long ago. Life seems perfect until an unexpected miner she meets in a small train compartment on family drama casting an authentic eye on girl her same age building a treehouse. The girls
dispute lands Antonio in jail with his citizenship the way to the Arctic port of Murmansk. They’re dementia and the effects of the condition on quickly become friends and talk about the future
in question. divided by class, nationality, and language. This family and relationships. and the past as casually as they would talk about
is a charming, captivating film that follows two anything else, and they soon discover they have
strangers who form an unexpected bond. something in common.
“An offbeat trainbound love story that transports French auteur Céline Sciamma’s latest film is a
you across Russia and back in time” – Variety gorgeous and captivating intergenerational drama.
32 33CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS
GREAT FREEDOM IN FRONT OF JOCKEY JUNIPER
Friday 22 October, 4:00pm
YOUR FACE Saturday 23 October, 10:45am Saturday 23 October, 2:30pm
New Farm Cinemas Dendy Coorparoo Dendy Coorparoo
Tuesday 26 October, 6:15pm
Saturday 30 October, 6:00pm Sunday 31 October, 2:00pm Saturday 30 October, 11:00am
New Farm Cinemas
Reading Cinema Newmarket Reading Cinema Newmarket New Farm Cinemas
South Korea, 2021
Germany,2021 USA, 2021 NZ, 2021
Drama
Drama, Romance, Images of war Drama Drama
Korean 18+ 85 mins
German 18+ 116 mins English 15+ 94 mins English M 94 mins
Australian Premiere
Australian Premiere Australian Premiere Queensland Premiere
Director Hong Sang-Soo
Director Sebastian Meise Director Clint Bentley Director Matthew Saville
Cast Hyeyoung Lee, Cho Yun-hee, Kwon Hae-hyo
Cast Franz Rogowski, Georg Friedrich, Cast Clifton Collins Jr., Logan Cormier, Vincent Cast Charlotte Rampling, Marton Csokas,
Anton von Lucke, Thomas Prenn Korean auteur Hong Sang Soo’s In Front of Your Francia, Molly Parker George Ferrier, Edith Poor
Face premiered at Cannes 2021 and was the
In post-war Germany Hans is imprisoned filmmaker’s 11th entry in the prestigious festival. Writer-director Clint Bentley delivers a powerful Charlotte Rampling (45 Years) stars in this dark
again and again for being homosexual. Due Hong, known for a minimalist style and a focus homage to horseracing and the realities of the comedy about family, relationships, and morality.
to Paragraph 175 his desire for freedom is on everyday life, has crafted an exceptional film riders in this intimate drama focused on a near to Juniper is the debut feature from Matthew Saville
systematically destroyed. The one steady about the simplest of things. retiring jockey aiming for one final championship, and weaves its narrative around a self-destructive
relationship in his life becomes his long time cell when a rookie rider arrives claiming to be his son. 17-year-old, who upon returning home from
Sangok, a middle-aged, smartly dressed
mate, Viktor, a convicted murderer. What starts as boarding school discovers his UK-based
sometimes actress, returns to Seoul to visit her An aging jockey (Clifton Collins Jr.) hopes to
revulsion grows into something called love. grandmother has moved in.
sister, having spent an extended period of time in win one last title for his longtime trainer (Molly
Franz Rogowski – Germany’s Joaquin Phoenix the US. The city’s rapid development feels slightly Parker), who has acquired what appears to be a Sam (George Ferrier) returns home from boarding
– grounds Great Freedom in typically stunning foreign to her. championship horse. But the years – and injuries school to find his wheelchair-bound English
performance, capturing Hans’ strength, charisma – have taken a toll on his body, throwing into grandmother, Ruth (Rampling), has moved in. Ruth
The film takes place during a day and a half, shot
and vulnerability over the story’s three decades: question his ability to continue his lifelong passion. is an ex-war photographer with a lust for life and a
in a few extended takes, mainly in bars and cafes.
from his transfer from a Nazi concentration camp to And the arrival of a young rookie rider (Moises love of the bottle. Sam soon finds himself profoundly
Starring a cast of actors who have all appeared in
a ‘liberal’ jail, his occasional release to the ending Arias), who claims to be his son and whom he confronted by her alcoholic wit and chutzpah.
previous Hong films: Lee Hyeyoung (No Blood
of the law. Winner of the Jury prize at Cannes’ takes under his wing, further complicates the path Their first meeting is awkward; their second violent.
No Tears), Cho Yunhee (Introduction) and Kwon
Un Certain Regard, director Sebastian Meise has to fulfilling his dream. Things get worse when Sam finds himself stranded
Haehyo (The Woman Who Ran), In Front of Your
returned with one of the key films of 2021. alone with her and her nurse Sarah for the school
Face is charming and sure to delight fans of this
holidays. Both strong-willed characters, a battle of
veteran filmmaker.
supremacy ensues, enabling Sam to embrace life
again and for Ruth to face her mortality.
34 35CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS
GRIT, POWER,
WHAT DO WE SEE WHEEL OF FORTUNE
WHEN WE LOOK AT AND FANTASY
THE SKY?
POLITICS
Saturday 23 October, 10:15am
New Farm Cinemas
Saturday 23 October, 6:30 pm
Friday 29 October, 7:15pm
Dendy Coorparoo
Dendy Coorparoo
Saturday 30 October, 1:00pm
New Farm Cinemas Japan, 2021
Drama, Romance
Georgia, 2021
Japanese 15+ 121 mins
Drama
Queensland Premiere
Georgian 15+ 150 mins
Queensland Premiere Director Ryûsuke Hamaguchi
Cast Kotone Furukawa, Kiyohiko Shibukawa,
Director Aleksandre Koberidze
Katsuki Mori, Fusako Urabe, Aoba Kawai,
Cast Ani Karseladze, Giorgi Bochorishvili, Vakhtang
Ayumu Nakajima, Hyunri, Shouma kai
Panchulidze, Giorgi Ambroladze, Irina Chelidze
This loosely-connected trilogy of short
It’s love at first sight when Lisa and Giorgi meet by
stories bridges romance, revenge and an
chance on a street in the Georgian city of Kutaisi.
unexpected reunion.
Love strikes them so suddenly, they even forget
to ask each other’s names. Before continuing on Director Ryusuke Hamaguchi demonstrates his
their way, they agree to meet the next day. Little keen sensitivity to the contradictions of human
do they know that an evil eye casts its spell on interiority across these stories. In the first chapter,
them. Will they manage to meet again? And if a young woman discovers that her friend is falling Socio-political, hard hitting,
they do, will they know who they are? Life goes for her ex-boyfriend. Chapter two portrays a powerful and timely titles that
on as usual in their hometown, street dogs stray, disgruntled student’s attempt to exact vengeance prompt robust conversation.
the soccer world cup begins and a film crew on its on an award-winning professor, while the third Grit, Power, Politics brings together incredible
quest to find true love might be what they need. story centres on a school reunion. documentaries and shines a spotlight on some
Writer and director Aleksandre Koberidze has hit a In the tradition of good short fiction, each of Wheel of the significant issues of recent times, whilst
wonderful note in his second film What Do We See of Fortune and Fantasy’s mumblecore-inspired also taking a glance at moments in history and
When We Look at the Sky? with the title perfectly stories has a twist in their tail. More significantly, a look forward to the possibilities of the future.
capturing the film’s sense of place and realism mixed they’re united by an affecting sense of regret, of the
with a wide-eyed sense of magic and possibility. truth contained under layers of deception.
36 37GRIT, POWER, POLITICS GRIT, POWER, POLITICS GRIT, POWER, POLITICS GRIT, POWER, POLITICS
ABLAZE ARAAKITA: RISE UP! HIGH TIDE STRONG FEMALE
Saturday 23 October, 12:30pm Saturday 23 October, 10:00am
DON’T HIDE LEAD
New Farm Cinemas New Farm Cinemas
Saturday 23 October, 4:15pm Sunday 24 October, 4:30pm
Saturday 30 October, 1:30pm Friday 29 October, 2:30pm
Reading Cinema Newmarket Palace James Street
Dendy Coorparoo Reading Cinema Newmarket
Saturday 30 October, 2:00pm
New Farm Cinemas Australia, 2021
Australia, 2021
Australia, 2021 Doc, Women in Leadership, Politics
Doc, Politics
Doc, First Nations New Zealand, 2021 English All Ages 78 mins
English MA15+ 75 mins
English 18+ 82 mins Doc, Environment, Climate Change
Queensland Premiere Director Tosca Looby
English All Ages 83 mins
Directors Alec Morgan, Tiriki Onus Director Larissa Behrendt Australian Premiere
Cast Dean Widders One in three Australian women experience
Ablaze begins with a pair of discoveries. As Tiriki Directors Niva Kay, Emily McDowell, Nia Phipps, discrimination or harassment in the workplace.
Onus stumbles across aged photographs of his Phil Stebbing Australia’s first and only female prime minister,
We’re the biggest of the Pacific nations, we’ve got Cast Lillian Balfour, Helena Mayer, Sophie Handford,
grandfather, activist and entrepreneur William Bill Julia Gillard, was one of them.
the oldest culture out of all those Pacific nations – Luke Wijohn, Aigagalefili Fepulea’i Tapua’i
Onus, Alec Morgan learns of a film that may have we should be the main ones doing something to Strong Female Lead is a film about Australia’s
been directed by the same man. The two unite to show respect to our traditional people.
In the race for existence, striking teenagers struggle with the notion of women in power.
try to answer an intriguing question: was ‘Bill’ the
discover that activism, authority, and awareness Using only archival footage from Julia Gillard’s
first Aboriginal film director? That’s the pursuit driving Dean Widders in
make for a steep learning curve. High Tide Don’t three-year term in office, this film is an honest
Araatika: Rise Up! A First Nations Australian
The documentary that results, co-directed by Hide is a powerful message about acting local to portrait of the nation’s response when a woman
and prominent NRL player, Dean strives for an
Morgan and Onus, is a powerful portrayal of drive change. took the top job.
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander equivalent
Australia’s history of First Nations activism and art of the haka, collaborating with fellow Indigenous
Determined to provoke real action, New Zealand People celebrated the long-awaited election of a
alike. Ablaze effectively uses archival footage – players and the Bangarra Dance Theatre crew to
teenagers nationwide join the global School female prime minister, but Gillard’s honeymoon
and animation in its absence – to shed light on our create a formidable and memorable routine.
Strike 4 Climate. But planning a movement period was particularly short lived. Gender based
nation’s history and one great man in particular.
and building momentum are the easy parts as attacks from the media, parliamentary colleagues
Featuring prominent rugby league players (male
“An important artefact shown here with affection they face political indifference, their own white and the public were shocking in their violence
and female) alongside the likes of Adam Goodes
and obvious passion.” – ScreenHub privilege, and the ongoing struggle to be heard, and veracity.
and Stan Grant, examines the uneasy tension
between the racist bedrock of white Australian as the tides continue to rise. Strong Female Lead leaves us with no doubt that
culture and our enduring obsession with sport. Australia’s parliament is a boy’s club and if women
are ever to lead on equal footing with men, it’s
time for refurbishment.
38 39You can also read
