QUICK SELECT
FIRE OF CONSCIENCE
(Fo Lung) Dir: Dante Lam, Hong Kong, 2010, 115 min, digital, (classification tba)
Cops Man Fong and Inspector Ji are professional opposites: the street-wise loner and the suited careerist professional. Despite this, Ji begins to be the one man in the police department hierarchy Man Fong feels he can trust. That’s until the department has to deal with a frightening terrorist threat and Man Fong begins to find out more about Ji’s private demons. Since his late-2000s hits Sniper and Beast Stalker, Dante Lam has emerged as the most likely successor to John Woo. From the get-go, and Fire of Conscience’s stunning, Watchman-like, ‘frozen moment’ opening, Lam confirms he’s that – and maybe Hong Kong cinema’s Michael Mann as well.
BINGO, BRIDESMAIDS & BRACES
Dir: Gillian Armstrong, Aust., 1988, 90 mins, video, (M)
In a series of flashbacks to the first two documentaries, the now 26 year-old trio look back on their lives so far, and the paths where their choices have taken them: what would they have done differently, how their relationships have changed, and the similarity and difference of their attitudes compared to their rebellious teenage years. Their mothers also weigh in, with a closer observation of how time and experience have affected their respective daughters.
PLEIN SOLEIL
Dir: René Clément, France/Italy, 1960, 112 mins, 35mm, (PG)
Delon’s breakthrough role was also the very first outing for Patricia Highsmith’s archetypical 20th century psychopath, Tom Ripley, subsequently interpreted by John Malkovich, Dennis Hopper and Matt Damon. Veteran director René Clément has more loyalty to Ripley’s Game than director Anthony Minghella’s 1999 interpretation (the mood magnified by photographer Henri Decaë’s sundrenched Riviera settings). Delon’s Ripley is still the most convincing, simply because there was just a little of Ripley in Delon’s '... cold gaze ... (a) razor that could slice Jude Law and Matt Damon' (David Thomson). Presented with the support of The Embassy of France and CulturesFrance.
THE SAMURAI
(Le Samouraï) Dir: Jean-Pierre Melville, Fr. / Italy, 1967, 95 mins., 35mm, (PG)
Alain Delon is the ice-cold protagonist Jeff Costello, in both his and director Jean-Pierre Melville’s most famous film, and one of the most influential works of crime cinema. Kurosawa-like in its themes, but richly noir in its visuals and references, Melville and photographer Henri Decaë constrain Delon’s character as much with a restricted palette of image, sound and suburban Parisian setting, as with his personal code of ethics. The Samurai’s take on the existential lone assassin still casts a long shadow over the work of Scorsese, Jarmusch, Quentin Tarantino and Johnnie To.
SPLENDOR IN THE GRASS
Dir: Elia Kazan, USA, 1960, 124 mins, 35mm, (M)
Warren Beatty’s first Hollywood role was created by dramatist William Inge with Beatty in mind, so electrifyingly erotic was his presence even before the cameras had exposed a foot of him on film. It’s the perfect film to start the 1960s: teenage sexuality pressing up against the social veneers of Prohibition-era, Protestant, Kansas, USA. Although Beatty is the object of desire, and director Elia Kazan may have been thinking that this was the new East of Eden, the most intense performance is probably Natalie Wood’s: Oscar-nominated as a young girl torn-up by inner sexual urges and outward demur marriageability.
VENGEANCE
(Fuk sau) Dir: Johnnie To, HK / France, 2008, 108 mins, (MA15+)
The family of a French expat living in Hong Kong is brutally murdered. Her father, the enigmatic Costello, flies in from Paris seeking justice. But this is not his turf and he needs to seek out locals willing to do the job for a ‘Ghost Man’. Written for Alain Delon but eventually cast with French pop music icon Johnny Hallyday, the pleasures in this homage / ‘sequel’ to The Samurai are both in the how one auteur (Hong Kong cinema maestro Johnnie To) expresses his adoration for another (Jean-Pierre Melville), and in watching To’s regular company of on-screen wise guys (Simon Lam, Anthony Wong Chau-Sang, Suet Lam) slightly varying their usual theme.
SMOKES AND LOLLIES and FOURTEEN’S GOOD, EIGHTEEN’S BETTER
Total running time 70 mins, (unclassified15+)
Branded the 'Australian feminist 7 Up', Gillian Armstrong’s long-running documentary series started with Smokes and Lollies (1976, 23 mins, 16mm) and 14 year-olds Diana, Kerry and Josie giving their take on boys, sex, abortion, career and education and how their respective parents deal with their rebellious natures. Back for Fourteen’s Good, Eighteen’s Better (1980, 47 mins, 16mm), the three are now 18 years old and able to compare expectations against the reality now that they have reached apparent adulthood – little realising life has plenty more in store for them.
LOVE IN A PUFF
(Chi ming yu chun kiu) Dir: Pang Ho-cheung, HK, 2010, 35mm, (MA15+)
How else to set up a 21st century Asian Rom-com? Have its characters meet outside a downtown Hong Kong office block, as both are puffing on a quick, guilty smoke. Literally setting each other alight with smouldering sexual tension, they are the perfect Gen Y couple. Jimmy’s an ad man, Cherrie sells cosmetics. Both are fidgety and get withdrawal symptoms without a cigarette, and in their relationships. Pang’s film has been a box office hit in Hong Kong, playing to the very demographic it satirises: the hip but very self-aware. Canberra Premiere.
2010 ST. KILDA FILM FESTIVAL
Total running time 106 mins, (unclassified 15+)
PROGRAM ONE
All titles digital, (unclassified 15+)
The St Kilda Film Festival is produced and presented by the City of Port Phillip, with the support of Screen Australia, Film Australia and Movie Network Channels. Special Thanks to Paul Harris, Sophie Fernandes and Angela Helps.
SIDE BY SIDE
Dir: Nassiem Valamanesh, 2009, 10 mins
Rabbits hop. Fish fly. A house travels. A boy and a girl watch, side by side, together; yet alone. Shot in Melbourne on HD video and digital stills, Side By Side blends live action with animation to create an enthralling fictional world. 2010 St Kilda Film Festival winner for Best Achievement in Visual Effects
BAD TIMING
Dir: James Teh, 2008, 2 mins
With mere seconds before the bomb explodes CJ must decide between the blue wire and the red wire. Another comedy gem from Melbourne’s Angry Pinata team of director Teh and writer/performer/producers CJ Fortuna and Joe Villanti.
THE ACCIDENT
Dir: Abigail Hargrave, 2009, 6 mins
As Amelia drives her friends up the road to Mr. Buller, she recounts the story of a car accident that her family was involve in, on the same road, 20 years earlier.
LIZARD
Dir: John Skibinski, 2009, 3 mins
A Frilled Neck Lizard's simple attempts to get a meal escalate into a full blown dilemma and quest to stay alive. Inspiration by the filmmaker’s discussions with PIXAR animators.
TICKETS
Dir: Edward Bell, 2010, 8 mins
One courier vs the world. Matt's life is about delivering. But… life does not always deliver back. After a day he would rather forget, Matt finds a way to get one up on his world. It's the little wins that remind you that life is never as bad it seems.
MABUJI
Dir: Tyson Mowarin, 2009, 5 mins
The present and the past come together when a budding stockman on his first muster learns about his old grandfather, who remains close in spirit. A family story told the Aboriginal way, with a group of people chipping in a little at a time, until it all adds up.
LITTLE RIPPER
Dir: Craig Boord, 2009, 18 mins
Pigeon fanciers train their birds to fly home. It's a tough competition and highly competitive. No holidays, no backyard, full dedication, it's all about the birds. 2010 St Kilda Film Festival winner for Best Documentary.
TOMORROW
Dir: Simon Portus, 2008, 15 mins
Kirsten is a young teenager from a small country town. Laura is a businesswoman on her way to Brisbane. When their journeys coincide, Kirsten and Laura make a connection that runs deeper than their differences. One of the most acclaimed Australian short films of 2010, winning the 2010 St Kilda Film Festival’s Best Film and Best Director prizes, plus the Best Actor award for Laura Davies.
TOMORROW (GPS)
Dir: Abe Forsythe, 2010, 1 min
How closely have you listened to your GPS navigator? A new comedy short from the veteran comedian and short filmmaker features Emma Lung.
LESSONS FROM THE NIGHT
Director Adrian Francis, 2008, 9 mins
As dusk approaches and workers stream out of the city, Maia, a Bulgarian immigrant is about to begin her day. She reflects on life, work and toilet bowls as she goes about her night cleaning round through silent empty spaces. A Raw Nerve documentary that premiered at Sundance and went on to screen at Edinburgh, Los Angeles, Seattle and Karlovy Vary international film festivals.
CALYPSO
Director Jack Parry, 2009, 9 mins
The story of an old man's escape from cold miserable prolonged and lonely suffering. Until one night George has a visitor! Set in a fictional future rendition of St Kilda and produced in collaboration with Sarah Watt (Look Both Ways).
THE WATER WAS DARK AND IT WENT FOREVER DOWN
Director Khrob Edmonds/Miranda Edmonds, 2009, 11 mins
During a holiday at the beach a young girl tries to escape the drowning influence of her alcoholic mother. She swims to an island inhabited only by birds, it is there she realises that only the strong survive. Based on a short story by Tim Winton.
SERGEANT RUTLEDGE
Dir: John Ford, USA, 1960, 112 mins, 35mm, (PG)
Maestro director John Ford moved into his seventh decade of filmmaking uneasy about his cinema legacy and his own contribution to the Western myth. Many of his last films became about correcting past injustices and assumptions. Dominating the film’s official top-of-the-bill actors (such as Jeffrey Hunter), the stoic and impressive Woody Strode is the eponymous lead in this claustrophobic courtroom drama about an African-American cavalry NCO, accused of raping the daughter of his commanding officer. From the collection of the NFSA.
CABIN IN THE SKY
Dir: Vincente Minnelli, USA, 1943, 98 mins, 35mm, (G)
We celebrate the never fully-realised movie career of jazz diva and African-American civil rights activist Lena Horne. As well as Horne’s best known (and only Hollywood leading) role – Vincente Minnelli’s very first, 1943, musical Cabin in the Sky – we draw on her show-stopping cameo musical numbers. Films such as Meet Me in Las Vegas, Till the Clouds Roll By and of course Stormy Weather were the roles Horne was most often slipped into, as Hollywood tried to know what to do with a leading lady whose presence was radiant but unacceptable to many in its audiences. Presented with the support of the Embassy of the United States.
MR. KLEIN
Dir: Joseph Losey, France, 1976, 123 mins, 35mm, (M)
Robert Klein is a wartime Parisian art dealer trading politely off the misery of the Jewish community. Then copies of a Jewish newspaper begin to appear in his mail box, addressed in his name. Business rivals circle. Associates, lovers (like Michel Lonsdale and Jeanne Moreau), and the Vichy police have their doubts. Mr. Klein needs to find his enigmatic double and rid himself of a taint that’s bad for business. Joseph Losey’s first French film was perfect for Delon (who co-produced): atmospheric, enigmatic and a profound meditation on the cool amorality central to Delon’s persona on film and in life. Presented with the support of The Embassy of France and CulturesFrance.
2010 ST. KILDA FILM FESTIVAL
Total running time 100 mins, (unclassified 15+)
PROGRAM TWO
All titles digital, (unclassified 15+)
The St Kilda Film Festival is produced and presented by the City of Port Phillip, with the support of Screen Australia, Film Australia and Movie Network Channels. Special Thanks to Paul Harris, Sophie Fernandes and Angela Helps.
2010 SOUNDKILDA MUSIC VIDEO AWARD
ALL INDIA RADIO: “LUCKY”
Dir: Darcy Prendergast, 2009
Painstakingly animated with glowsticks, Lucky is a dystopian/ utopian story of reclaiming the night... Winner of the 2010 SOUNDKilda Best Animated Music Video award.
WAGONS: “GOODTOWN”
Dir: Lucy Dyson, 2009
Goodtown is about moving somewhere and the grass always being greener, a psyched out treechange; like a seachange, but gone wrong. The first single off Wagons' 2009 critically acclaimed album The Rise and Fall of Goodtown (Spunk Records). Winner of the 2010 SOUNDKilda Best Independent Music Video award.
THE MESS HALL: “BELL”
Director Justin Kurzel, 2009
A day in the life of the eleven year-old preaching phenomenon, Minister Terry Durham, also known as 'The Little Man Of God'. Director Justin Kurzel is brother of The Mess Hall's singer/guitarist Jed and has directed all the band's previous videos. Winner of the 2010 SOUNDKildaVideocraft Best Music Video award.
INK
Dir: Justine Wallace, 2009, 11 mins
A lost toy, a stolen childhood and a girl spray-painting the streets, in search of both. 2010 St Kilda Film Festival winner in the Best Animation, Best Achievement in Screenplay and Best Achievement in Sound Post Production categories
PRIMO BACIO
Dir: Sez (Sarah Vassilas), 2009, 6 mins
An elderly couple share their first kiss with us, but not before they let us in on the way kissing has changed over the years. Documentary winner of the 2010 St Kilda Film Festival’s 2010 Most Positive Image of Age prize.
APRICOT
Dir: Ben Briand, 2009, 11 mins.
A mysterious man with missing memories asks very personal questions to a beautiful woman. Cannes Young Director Award-winner Ben Briand's Apricot features Ewen Leslie (Jewboy) and Laura Gordon (Em4Jay).
HELMUT'S HOUSE
Dir: Jess Dickenson, 2009, 7 mins
During a 50,000 km road tour of Australia the filmmaker encountered 89 year old Helmut. Living alone and remote for nearly 40 years in a hand-built house on the bed of one of the largest rivers in the country, he was wearing only a loin cloth when she arrived. A unique encounter with a remarkable human being, an original character leading a truly unconventional lifestyle in the wilderness.
THE WAKE
Dir: Gemma Lee, 2009 7 mins
Jonathan, a well-meaning but hopeless misfit, makes an unexpected arrival at the funeral of his best friend's father. Angus Sampson features in the 2010 St Kilda Film Festival SBS Television Award-winner.
THE GREATEST MOMENT IN THE HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSE... EVER!
Dir: Jonathon Dower, 2008, 3 mins.
A young girl with a kooky imagination explains the events that have led up to the greatest moment in the history of the universe: her birth.
CELESTIAL AVENUE
Dir: Colin Cairnes, 2009, 20 mins
Kath has been looking for love in the wrong place. Then she finds herself in Chinatown... The irrepressible Angus Sampson is cast alongside Catherine Moore in the 2010 St Kilda Film Festival’s Craft Award-winner.
ANYTHING YOU CAN DO
Dir: Emma Buckley, 2009, 7 mins
Two boys face off. The competition is fierce. Faces are pulled, grapes are thrown and burps unleashed. But will victory be sweet? Produced as part of YDAS Shorts, a cultural development initiative that aims to redress the representation of young people with disability on film.
DON’T THANK ME, THANK AA: THE DAVE MUSTAINE STORY
Director Mia Timpano, 2009, 13 mins.
The last journalist who spoke to Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine was publicly threatened with hospitalisation. Frankie senior writer Mia Timpano sits down with Mustaine for the follow-up...