Widescreen - Friday 25 July08

Festival kicks off tonight!

…with a distinctly Aussie-flavoured bang! The Ozploitation doco to end all Ozploitation docos Not Quite Hollywood is our Opening Night film, and also one of this year's MIFF Premiere Fund films. But there are plenty of other filmic treats on offer tonight, including:

• MIFF favourite Jia Zhang-ke’s recent documentary exploration of the Chinese fashion industry, Useless (7.00pm, Greater Union)
• Winner of Berlinale’s Teddy Award, Olaf de Fleur Johannesson’s transsexual Cinderella-story, The Amazing Truth About Queen Raquela (7.00pm, Greater Union)
• Diao Yinan’s haunting multiple award-winner, Night Train (9.00pm, Forum Theatre)
• Brian De Palma’s controversial latest film about the war in Iraq and the nature of the media, Redacted (9.15pm, Greater Union)

Opening Night at the Coopers Festival Lounge

To really get into the festive vibe, be sure to drop into our revamped Coopers Festival Lounge – after it opens at 6.30pm – for a drink and to chill out to the sounds of:

7.00pm Emily Williams – Cello, vocals and electronics combine to create haunting and transcendant music
8.00pm DJ Le Coq – Nothing but vinyl good times
11.00pm The Shuffle Club – A hot melenge of jazz, swing, blues and boogie
12.00am DJ Hey Convict – 70s prog rock, AOR and a shipload of other music to dance to

Festival Lounge

Weekend Feature Highlights

The Festival's opening weekend is jam-packed with film goodness. Higlights include:

Saturday

• The satirical comedy 12:08 East of Bucharest, which kicks off our Romanian Wave spotlight (Sat 3.00pm @ Greater Union)
• John Sayles’ latest film Honeydripper, and exuberant take on the birth of rock 'n' roll in the US Deep South (Sat 5.00pm @ Forum)
• The documentary Terror’s Advocate, a fascinating look at controversial French defense lawyer Jacques Vergès (Sat 9.15pm @ Greater Union)
• Pete Seeger: The Power of Song, a profile of the life and work of the legendary folk singer and activist (Sat 3.00pm @ ACMI)
• Russian film Cargo 200, a visceral ride through the chaos and vice of pre-Perestroika USSR (Sat 7.15pm @ RMIT Capitol Theatre)

Sunday

• Australian/Pakistani coproduction Son of a Lion, screening with cast and crew in attendance (Sun 7.00pm @ RMIT Capitol Theatre)
• Kim Longinotto’s moving documentary Hold Me Tight, Let Me Go, a study of the lives of boys sent to a 'last chance' boarding school (Sun 7.00pm Greater Union)
• Edward Yang’s influential first film That Day, On the Beach (Sun 9.15pm @ Forum Theatre)
• The Romanian Un Certain Regard award winner California Dreamin’ (Endless), a black comedy about a train-load of US soldiers stuck in a backwater Romanian town (Sun 9.15pm @ RMIT Capitol Theatre)

Shorts this Sunday

Don’t miss these short-fiction programs from the most exciting new filmmaking talent from across Australia and New Zealand, along with some international offerings.

Accelerator Program One (Sun 1pm @ Capitol)

Program One includes the beautiful Ahmad’s Garden, from local Director Aaron Wilson, as well as Haze, a Singaporean spring awakening directed by Anthony Chen, a guest of the Festival.

Accelerator Program Two (Sun 3pm @ Captitol)

Program Two features Jerrycan, the Australian Premiere of the Cannes Jury Prize winner directed by local filmmaker Julius Avery, and an Irish short film New Boy, directed by Festival guest Steph Green.

Focus on Ozploitation

2pm – 3.30pm @ ACMI, admission free

Gain insight into the mayhem of Aussie filmmaking in the 70s and 80s with Focus on Ozploitation, a free panel event featuring key players of the Ozploitation era, including Brian Trenchard-Smith (director of Turkey Shoot and Dead End Drive-In), Antony I. Ginnane (producer of Turkey Shoot), David Hannay (director of Stone), Everett de Roche (screenwriter of Long Weekend, Razorback and Roadgames) and moderated by Mark Hartley (director of Not Quite Hollywood).

Sold Out and Selling Fast

The Festival has only just started, but some sessions are already filling up fast! If you're considering any of the following sessions, you'd best book quickly to avoid disappointment:

The Wave (Friday 25 July 1.00pm @ ACMI) – SELLING FAST
Don't Touch the Axe (Friday 25 July 9.00pm @ Greater Union) – SELLING FAST
The Bank Job (Saturday 26 July 7.15pm @ Greater Union) – SELLING FAST
Red Like the Sky (Wednesday 30 July 1.00pm @ ACMI) – SELLING FAST
Asterix at the Olympic Games (Friday 1 August 1.00pm @ ACMI) – SELLING FAST
MIFF Footy Shorts (Thursday 31 July 7.00pm @ ACMI) – SELLING FAST

Unforutunately the following sessions have already sold out – take note and book early!

Katyn (Monday 28 July 7.00pm @ Greater Union) – SOLD OUT
Shall We Kiss (Tuesday 29 July at 7.00pm @ Greater Union) – SOLD OUT
Red Like The Sky (Thursday 31 July at 1.00pm @ ACMI) – SOLD OUT
Jar City (Friday 1 August at 7.15pm @ Greater Union) – SOLD OUT
Gomorrah (Sunday 3 August at 9.15pm @ Greater Union) – SOLD OUT

FILMMAKERS AT MIFF

MIFF this year presents a cornucopia of filmmaking guests, both local and international, to give you greater insight into the method and the madness of movie making.

Saturday

Screenwriter Everett de Roche and executive producer Richard Brennan present their 1978 ozploitation classic Long Weekend (Sat 5.00pm @ ACMI).

Also at ACMI that evening, directors Kirsty de Garis and Tim Jolley will be present for the world premiere of their documentary Celebrity: Dominick Dunne (Sat 7.15pm @ACMI)

Across the road, don’t miss the feature debut by French director/actor/writer/music fanatic Serge Bozon, La France (Sat 9.15pm @ Forum) plus his after-screening DJ set with 60s garage/rock purveyors Gimme Shelter. Get your dancing shoes on!

Filmmaker George Romero and guest festival curator Giulia d’Agnolo Vallan will be in town to present the Australian premiere of Romero’s latest horror-flick, Diary of the Dead (Sat 9.15pm @ RMIT Capitol Theatre) – with zombie welcome – as well as the Sunday screening of Dawn of the Dead (Sun 9.15pm @ Greater Union).

UK filmmaker Olly Blackburn will present a special late-night screening of his film Donkey Punch (Sat 11.00pm Greater Union).

Sunday

Chinese producer Li Xudong will introduce his film (directed by Cai Shangjun) The Red Awn (Sun 3.00pm @ Greater Union 5), winner of the FIPRESCI Award at Pusan.

Director Brian Trenchard-Smith and producer Antony I. Ginnane are flying down to introduce their notorious ozploitation film Turkey Shoot (Sun 3.00pm @ ACMI).

Director/producer Rhian Skirving and producer Lizzette Atkins will present the world premiere of their highly-anticipated documentary on Melbourne comedian Tim Minchin, Rock n Roll Nerd (Sun 5.00pm @ RMIT Capitol Theatre).

Young New York filmmaker Tina Romero (daughter of George A. Romero) will introduce her short film Rainbowarrior, which screens before A Jihad for Love (Sun 5.00pm @ Greater Union)

COOPERS FESTIVAL LOUNGE Events

Take a break from the films and make your way to the Coopers Festival Lounge, located in the Forum Theatre. Relax and enjoy the atmosphere and tunes, or put on your dancing shoes!

Saturday (Lounge opens at 6.00pm)

7.30pm Houlette – Dark, sultry 60s-inspired folk
9.00pm Guy Blackman and Sly Hats – Eccentric balladry meets whispery Calypso-tinged folk-pop
11.30pm Serge Bozon – The French filmmaker (La France, Mods) gets his DJ on, playing mod, northern soul and 60s pop

Sunday (Lounge opens at 6.30pm)

7.00pm In Conversation With George A. Romero – TICKETED EVENT – An insight into the mind behind Night of the Living Dead
9.00pm DJ David Thrussell – The creator of Snog, Black Lung and Soma plays psychedelic country and Italian film soundtracks

Calling All Zombies!!!

Come along to the Capitol Theatre at 8.30pm on Saturday 26 July in your best zombie outfit to see the AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE of George Romero's latest film, Diary of the Dead. As life imitates art, George A. Romero and his filmmaker daughter Tina Romero will be hunted by a multitude of Zombies who will be gathering to witness Romero's latest film! Further Information.

Then on Sunday, see George A. Romero in the informal setting of the Coopers Festival Lounge, where he will talk with guest festival curator Giulia D'Agnolo Vallan about his life and work.

In Conversation With George A. Romero
Sunday 27 July, 7.00pm at the Coopers Festival Lounge
Single tickets $20 ($16.50 for MIFF members)
Festival Passports and Mini Passes can be used normally

Not a MIFF Member? Join Now!

The best way to see the 2008 Festival is to become a MIFF member. Generous ticket discounts, priority queuing and access to all Festival venues (conditions apply), and a 10% discount on Festival merchandise and Festival Lounge food and drinks are just some of the fabulous benefits that come with being a MIFF Member.

JOIN NOW to become a MIFF member.

MIFF Merchandise

Keep away the winter chills when you're racing between sessions with a hoody, scarf, or long or short-sleeved T-shirt from the MIFF merchandise range, produced in conjunction with Melbourne street wear designers Vicious Threads.

MIFF merchandise is available online and from the merchandise stand located at the Coopers Festival Lounge in the Forum theatre.

Charity Screening

MIFF’s Charity Partner, the Melbourne Citymission, have an annual Homeless Campaign to raise money for the 23,000 Victorians who are homeless each night.

MIFF, with the help of the Rooftop Cinema & Rialto Films, are doing their bit to raise some money and awareness, with a special outdoor Festival screening of the Rialto Film, ‘YOUNG @ HEART’ at the Rooftop Cinema. Come snuggle up under a blanket, under the stars! Enjoy a treat from the Rooftop BBQ, mulled wine or a hot chocolate and let that warm fuzzy feeling of doing something good keep the winter chills away!

Ticket & blanket hire proceeds will go straight to the Melbourne Citymission's 2008 Homelessness Campaign.

Wednesday 30 July

Doors will open at 6pm, Film at 7pm

Rooftop Cinema, Level 6, 252 Swanston Street

Film ticket $20, Film & Blanket Hire $25

As this is a Charity event Festival passes & Member prices do NOT apply.

LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE!

ThreeThousanD

ThreeThousand is an online city guide for those who know that the best things in life can be hard to find. Updated daily with posts on local music, independent fashion, art and publishing (plus film reviews, bars, laundromats and roller derbies), it’s for insiders who appreciate event reminders and the odd opinion about albums, pants, coffee and/or a good time thrown in. Highlights and exclusives are emailed every Wednesday. Find ThreeThousand's dedicated MIFF issue here http://www.threethousand.com.au/issues/1001/. For reviews and giveaways throughout the festival, sign up here http://www.threethousand.com.au, and await the ‘ping’ in your inbox.

Readings

Readings has been Melbourne's pre-eminent independent bookstore since 1969. From its beginnings in Carlton, Readings has expanded in size and scope and offers a vast array of books, music, and dvds in Carlton, Hawthorn, Malvern, Port Melbourne and St Kilda.

Readings offers its customers an outstanding range of products and are proud of our ability to track down hard to get titles.

Readings takes an active role in the cultural life of Melbourne and offers an extensive program of literary and musical events throughout the year. Readings is the Official Bookseller for the 2008 Melbourne Writers' Festival.

Subscribe to our FREE monthly newsletter via www.readings.com.au for a list of upcoming events and new releases.

Carlton 309 Lygon St Carlton 3053 Tel 03 9347 6633
Hawthorn 701 Glenferrie Rd Hawthorn 3122 Tel 03 9819 1917
Malvern 185 Glenferrie Rd Malvern 3144 Tel 03 9509 1952
Port Melbourne 253 Bay St Port Melbourne 3207 Tel 03 9681 9255
And now St Kilda 112 Acland St St Kilda 3182 Tel 03 9525 3852

Order online www.readings.com.au

Chinatown 20% off

MIFF is working in conjunction with the Chinatown Precinct to provide a great offer for everyone attending the festival this year. From 1 July to 17 August, upon presentation of the Chinatown 20% discount Voucher, patrons who spend $30 or more at participating businesses can receive 20% off. So, before or after a film, grab a bite to eat at a Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Malaysian, Thai or European-Italian restaurant OR get a discount on Hair, Fashion, Gifts and Groceries. All within walking distance from the Festival venues. Terms and conditions apply.

Click HERE for further information and to print off your 20% discount voucher

FURTHER INFORMATION ON WINTER IN CHINATOWN

Widescreen Giveaway

Special opening weekend offer, 10 double passes to giveaway to one of our Night Shift films, Donkey Punch featuring a special guest intro & Q&A with filmmaker Olly Blackburn.

For your chance to win one of 10 double passes to Donkey Punch, email your name and mailing address to griffen@melbournefilmfestival.com.au. The first 10 people to reply will win! Please include "Donkey Punch" in the subject line. Winners will be notified by email and tickets will be available for collection at the MIFF Box Office at the Forum from 2pm Saturday 26 July.

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