Spotlight on Ari Wegner (Film Pass)

In 2021, Australian Ari Wegner became the second woman ever to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Cinematography, for her work on Jane Campion’s widely acclaimed hit The Power of the Dog. 

One of Australia’s foremost cinematography exports, Wegner’s credits include Justin Kurzel’s True History of the Kelly Gang (2019); the Ethan Coen-directed Drive-Away Dolls (2024); and Eileen (2023), William Oldroyd’s latest feature, starring Anne Hathaway.

Born and raised in Melbourne, Wegner studied at the Victorian College of the Arts before breaking out with her first major feature as cinematographer on William Oldroyd’s Lady Macbeth (2016, pictured above). 

This spotlight series showcases Wegner’s early career in the lead-up to her historic Academy Award nomination, with screenings of Lady Macbeth; Stray (2018), from New Zealand director and screenwriter Dustin Feneley; Peter Strickland’s fantasy horror In Fabric (2018); and Janicza Bravo’s Sundance-nominated Zola (2020).

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Stray

THU 8 AUG | 6PM | Arc Cinema

Jack is on parole for attempted murder, and still recovering from the traumatic loss of his girlfriend. Grace has recently been released from a psychiatric facility and finds herself a long way from home. A complex and intimate relationship develops between the two troubled strangers when their paths cross at an isolated cabin in the mountains of New Zealand. Understated, mesmerising and framed by stunning cinematography, Stray is a poignant exploration of loss, healing and growth.

‘Remarkably shot, quietly powerful and totally uncompromising’ – The New Zealand Herald

Zola

THU 22 AUG | 6PM | Arc Cinema

Inspired by real-life, viral tweets from A’Ziah ‘Zola’ King and a subsequent Rolling Stone article, black comedy crime flick Zola follows stripper Zola King (Taylour Paige) on a wild trip to Florida with fellow performer Stefani (Riley Keough). Things get out of hand when a hustle for strip club profits quickly descends into a violent whirlwind of prostitution and extortion. Nominated for the Sundance Grand Jury Prize, Zola is a cautionary tale about the hazards of sex work in the digital age, and an exploration of online and offline personas.

‘…a raw and sometimes chilling and often darkly funny adventure’ – Chicago Sun-Times

Lady Macbeth

FRI 23 AUG | 6PM | Arc Cinema

Alone on a remote English farm, after her forced marriage to a disinterested man twice her age, Katherine (Florence Pugh) meets young worker Sebastian (Cosmo Jarvis) and is forced to confront her desires. Based on Nikolai Leskov’s novel Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk, this period drama offers a piercing look at the confines of gender roles and the potency of passion. Lady Macbeth crackles with seductive tension thanks to William Oldroyd’s direction, alongside outstanding performances and excellent production – including Ari Wegner’s stunning cinematography. 

‘Superbly acted and executed, this spare piece of storytelling marks an assertive feature debut for theatre and opera director William Oldroyd’ – Screen Daily

In Fabric

SAT 31 AUG | 6PM | Arc Cinema

When recent divorcee Sheila (Marianne Jean-Baptiste) purchases a beautiful new red dress, little does she know the bloody horrors that will ensue for all who encounter it. Subversively exploring desire and proclivities, In Fabric is a gripping and twisted thriller that slowly unfurls into the surreal. The film won numerous festival awards and received nine nominations at the 2019 British Independent Film Awards, including Ari Wegner for Best Cinematography.

‘A bizarre and imaginative thriller with a sexual and sociological twist’ – Austin Chronicle

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