BRAN NUE DAE ……Being home never felt so good

The Port Fairy Film Society is looking forward to bringing south west movie goers the eagerly awaited Australian musical “Bran Nue Dae” this Friday at the Reardon Theatre.
Set on Australia’s west coast, Bran Nue Dae is a road movie, coming of age, comedy musical which celebrates the adventure of finding home.
Bran Nue Dae is described by critics as a hybrid of film genres; musical, comedy, road-trip & love story.
Bran Nue Dae was originally a 1990 musical set in Broome, Western Australia that tells stories and highlights issues relating to Indigenous Australians in a humorous way. It was a play written by Jimmy Chi, his band “Kuckles and Friends” and was the first Aboriginal musical.
The musical has been turned into a feature film directed by Rachel Perkins starring Ernie Dingo, Geoffrey Rush, Jessica Mauboy, Missy Higgins, Deborah Mailman, Magda Szubanski and Dan Sultan.
The story is set in the summer of 1965 and centres on Willie, a young man who is filled with the life of the idyllic old pearling port of Broome - fishing, hanging out with his mates and his girl. However, his mother returns him to the religious mission for further schooling. After being punished for an act of youthful rebellion, he runs away from the mission on a journey that ultimately leads him back home.
Bran Nue Dae director Rachael Perkins does a marvellous job of creating a film that captures the energy, fun, music and cheekiness of the original play. She is quoted as saying
“…hopefully the audience will appreciate it for being light, for it being entertaining, and for it being joyous and celebratory and a little bit silly, you know, and mad, because that's what we intended it to be.”

Bran Nue Dae can't be accused of failing to be a crowd pleaser, and word of mouth should help spread the film's accomplishments.

David Stratton from “At the Movies” in his 2009/10 summer movies review says “BRAN NUE DAY represents a really enjoyable visit to the movies this summer…..I’m giving it four stars”

BRAN NUE DAE will be shown at 7:30 at the Reardon Theatre Bank St. Port Fairy. It is rated PG and has some sexual references. For one night only, so be there early as previous monthly screenings have filled fast. Your patience is asked to sign up your memberships. Doors open 7:10pm.

THE BOYS ARE BACK on Friday 19 FEBRUARY

The Port Fairy Film Society brings “The Boys are Back” to its monthly February screening from Academy Award® nominee Scott Hicks (“Shine”). The screenplay by Allan Cubitt is based on the acclaimed 2001 memoir by Simon Carr, (The Boys Are Back), an unflinchingly funny and honest recounting of his journey from grieving husband to full-contact fatherhood in the aftermath of his profound loss.

Shot on location in the stunning countryside of South Australia, and inspired by this true story, THE BOYS ARE BACK is a deeply moving, wryly confessional tale of fatherhood, that intimately evokes both the fragility and wonders of family life.

It follows a witty, wisecracking, action-oriented sportswriter (CLIVE OWEN) who, in the wake of his wife’s tragic death, finds himself in a sudden, stultifying state of single parenthood.

Left with raising two boys, a curious six year-old (NICHOLAS MCANULTY) and a rebel teen (GEORGE MACKAY) from a previous marriage, in a household devoid of feminine influence, and with an unabashed lack of rules, life becomes exuberant, instinctual, reckless . . . and on the constant verge of disaster.

United by unspoken love, conflicted by fierce feelings and in search of a road forward, the three multi-generational boys of the household, father and sons alike, must each find their own way, however tenuous, to grow up.

Their story is not just about the transforming power of a family crisis -- but the unavoidable grace of everyday life and love that gets them through.

Jim Schembri of the Age describes “the Boys are Back” as “[a] beautifully etched, deeply moving drama about single fatherhood, the best film Adelaide director Scott Hicks has made since Shine -- and the peak of Clive Owen's acting career.”

The M rated film screens at 7:30pm on Friday February 19^th at the Reardon Theatre Bank St. Port Fairy. Great new 2010 memberships are on sale at the door, with screenings of Balibo, and Bran Nu Dae coming up in the next few months.

First Classic Tuesday Matinee -- Singing in the Rain

At 1.30pm on Tuesday 23 February, the Port Fairy Film Society brings its members the first of four Classic Hollywood Musicals, Gene Kelly’s acclaimed and loved “Singing in the Rain”.

“Singing in the Rain” is one of the brightest, happiest Hollywood musicals. Set in Hollywood in 1927, Don Lockwood(Gene Kelly) and Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen) are stars of the silent era about to make their first talkie movie , when Don becomes infatuated with Kathy Seldon (Debbie Reynolds).

The film has wit, humour, good acting, great dancing and songs, "You Were Meant for Me," "You Are My Lucky Star," Good Morning”,"The Broadway Melody," and of course “Singing in the Rain”.

In 1952, the NY Times reviewed its premiere: “Compounded generously of music, dance, color, spectacle and a riotous abundance of Gene Kelly, Jean Hagen and Donald O'Connor on the screen, all elements in this rainbow program are carefully contrived and guaranteed to lift the dolors of winter and put you in a buttercup mood.”

“Singing in the Rain” is widely acclaimed as one of the finest musicals Hollywood has made.

This is the first of the four Tuesday Matinee Classics that will screen at the Reardon Theatre on the Fourth Tuesday of the month February to May. The 1.30pm sessions have been scheduled to encourage members of the Senior Citizen’s Club and Day Centre to enjoy their lunch and a film on the one afternoon.

Film Society memberships are available at the door, but they can also be pre-purchased at a 50% by members of the PF Day Centre, PF Senior Citizens Club and Moyneyana House residents.

"Singing in the Rain" is rated G and runs for 103mins, but will run for longer as the Classic Matinees will have an interval.

2012 Film Program

2012 PFFS and *Community Fund Raiser* programs (Films at Reardon Theatre in Bank Street unless stated,  
 *non-Film Society screenings, separate ticketing applies)

Port Fairy Film Society Screenings at the Reardon Theatre:

·       Generally the 3^rd Friday of each month. PFFS memberships available at door from 7.15pm.   All  welcome

·       Four monthly Tuesday Matinee Classic Movies from the 30’s 40’s 50’s 60’s.    

At 1.30pm generally on the Fourth Tuesday of the Month, Feb-May & Aug- Nov. 

Admission by membership of  the Port Fairy Film Society.

Concession rates for members of the Port Fairy Senior Citizens Club, Moyneyana House Residents and the Port Fairy, Macarthur & Koroit Day Centres. All Welcome

2012

*Friday 8 June  1 & 7.30pm  THE ARTIST PG 100 mins Romantic comedy about Silent Films PFFSFR $15/$9    *Sunday 10 June 1.30pm HUGO 2D PG 127 mins Scorsese’s fantastic family adventure  PFC School 

Friday 15 June 7.30 pm  THE WOMEN ON THE SIXTH FLOOR (Fr) PG  102 mins.  It's Paris in 1962. Jean-Louis a wealthy stockbroker. (Fabrice Luchini) lives a staid existence with his socialite wife (Sandrine Kiberlain). When the maid leaves, into the residence comes Maria (Natalia Verbeke), a young, hardworking, Spanish, beauty.  Jean-Louis finds a new and enchanting world of music, mayhem, and the joie de vivre of the other Spanish servants on the sixth floor. Their simple and hardworking lives hide a love of Jean Louis responds. Phillipe le Guay’s light French comedy is a simple joy.  3.5 Stars

*Friday 6 July     CHOCOLAT M15+ 115 mins Romantic, sensual fantasy about chocolate  PFWinter W/E

Friday 20 July 7.30 pm      A SEPARATION (Iran) PG(older)  123 mins.  Ashjar Farhadi’s Oscar, Golden Bear, Cesar, GG…. winning human drama of a married couple are faced with a difficult decision - to improve the life of their child by moving to another country or to stay in Iran and look after a deteriorating parent who has Alzheimer's disease. “This exquisite film begins slowly but soon grabs you by the throat as it explores the fine line between truth, honesty, loyalty and justice.  The performances are all excellent. It’s a wonderful film.” Both Margaret & David, ABC  5 STARS!!  

 *TBC Friday 27 July ST. KILDA SHORT FILM FESTIVAL 16 of  best films from Australia & O/S MA $10

Friday 17 Aug 7.30 pm  WISH YOU WERE HERE (Aust) MA  93 mins.  Four friends lose themselves in a carefree Cambodian holiday. Only three come back. Dave and Alice return home to their young family desperate for answers about Jeremy's mysterious disappearance. When Alice's sister Steph returns not long after, a nasty secret is revealed about the night her boyfriend went missing. But it is only the first of many. “This is a fine-looking film, beautifully shot and edited with terrific performances” MP 4 Stars “ I think this is a top rate Australia film” DS 4.5 Stars ATM ABC

Tuesday 28 August 1.30pm CAREFREE  (1938) 83mins PG Musical Comedy, music by Irving Berlin w Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers      Dr. Tony Flagg's friend, Steven, has problems in the relationship with his fiancée, Amanda, so he persuades her to visit Dr. Flagg. After some minor misunderstandings, she falls in love with Dr. Flagg. When he tries to use hypnosis to strengthen her feelings for Steven, things get complicated.    

*Friday 3Aug 1 &7.30pm MY WEEK WITH MARILYN M 99 mins True story young man’s week in London w Marilyn Munroe PFFSFR $15/$9    

Beautiful Kate screens 29th January 2010

Film buffs can take pleasure in another year of fascinating and diverse films brought to you by the Port Fairy Film Society. The year kicks off next Friday with Beautiful Kate, a film by first time feature director Rachael Ward.

Beautiful Kate is a 2009 Australian film starring Rachel Griffiths, Bryan Brown, Sophie Lowe and Ben Mendelsohn. Director Rachel Ward adapted the script from a 1982 novel of the same name by Newton Thornburg.

Told in parallel narratives of past and present, Beautiful Kate is the story a writer, Ned Kendall, is asked to return to the family home by his sister Sally, to say goodbye to his father who is dying. The family home is in a very remote and isolated area. While back home, Ned starts having memories of his beautiful twin sister and himself when they were children. These memories awaken long-buried secrets from the family's past.

The score of the film was developed and recorded by Australian musician Tex Perkins and co ‘Dark Horses’ member Murray Paterson.

From all accounts Beautiful Kate is a well-crafted drama with a strong emotional narrative. The narrative touches on taboo subjects that may leave some viewers uncomfortable but does so without sensationalism.

Actor Kate Ward best known for role portraying Meggie Cleary in the television mini-series The Thorn Birds has been an experienced director of short films for many years now but this is her first feature. Film Critics have been thoroughly impressed, Andrew L. Urban from Urban Cinefile, saying “Rachel Ward doesn't put a foot wrong in her debut as writer/director”. Kate said she worked on the script unpaid for 3 years; clearly her hard work on this film has paid off.

Set in the Australian outback, Beautiful Kate has been celebrated for its beautiful cinematography shot by first time feature DoP Andrew Commis.

Beautiful Kate’s is to be commended for its stunning performances from its cast. Ben Mendelsohn has been applauded for his strong performance as 40 year-old Ned Kendall and it has been said that Brian Brown’s performance in this film has been one of his best.

Brian Brown is also the co-producer of Beautiful Kate and married to director Kate Ward.

“I was just completely bowled over by the emotions in this film. It's a very strongly emotional film, with wonderful performances.” (David Stratton At the Movies (ABC))

With a rating of 94% positive at Rotten Tomatoes, Beautiful Kate was very well received critically.

Beautiful Kate screens next Friday 29th January at 7.30pm at Reardon Theatre in Bank Street Port Fairy. 2010 Memberships available at the door with free tea and coffee provided.

Looking for Eric 7.30pm 11 December 2009

Port Fairy Film Society wraps up its 2009 program this Friday with Ken Loach’s joyous, good natured, if painful romantic comedy Looking for Eric, about a Manchester postman and football fan Eric, his first wife Lily, his mentor Eric Cantona and his family.

Eric (Steve Evets) is depressed. On returning home after a car accident, his second wife leaves him with her two out of control teenage sons. When he takes his granddaughter to see Lily (Stephanie Bishop), she won’t speak to him, but he realises he still loves her, twenty years after leaving her. At the same time his family goes seriously astray.

While his friends seek to help him, Eric Cantona, the brilliant but flawed soccer star, becomes his confidant. Cantona’s philosophizing is a joke at the core of the film. Little Eric learns that he has to think positive and take risks to have a chance in life.

"If they are faster than you, don't try and outrun them," Big Eric says, getting into his aphoristic stride. "If they are taller, don't outjump them. If they are stronger on the left, you go right. But not always. Remember, to surprise them, you've got to surprise yourself first."

Cantona tells the postman you must always trust your team-mates, something he grows to appreciate through the film. We get a deeply enjoyable montage of Cantona goals, but when a saucer-eyed Eric asks the great man what was his best moment, Cantona replies that it was not a goal, but a pass: an inspired assist to Ryan Giggs. From this, Cantona's pupil begins to learn the selfless values of friendship and community, and finds the road back to happiness.

"When Big Eric plays the trumpet, he's all fingers and thumbs," Paul Laverty says. "I suppose what I wanted to show is him struggling through life like everybody else. It's implicit in the relationship between the two Erics - they're just two flawed human beings in this adventure of life."

Ken Loach skilfully directs Paul Laverty’s script with strong acting performances by Evets, Cantona, Bishop and John Henshaw, as Eric’s mate Meatballs. Loach leavened his pure social realist approach with timely positive humour for an enjoyable film.

“A life affirming film whose gritty exterior hides an undercoat of silky humour and an unexpected soft heart, Looking for Eric marries harsh reality with a sprinkling of fantasy in the down to earth way at which Ken Loach excels.” Louise Keller, Urban Cinefile. “Four Stars” Margaret Pomeranz, ABC.

Damien's dad loved it and thought it a great balance of humour, joy and Loach.

Looking for Eric screens this Friday 11th December at 7.30pm at Reardon Theatre in Bank Street. Memberships available at the door. We will have some wine, cheese and nibbles with free tea and coffee after the film to celebrate the year.

Best wishes to Christmas and a Happy 2010, look forward to seeing you next year at our Summer Movies and beside our Film Society urn.

Elegy - Friday November 20th, 7.30pm

Film buffs can continue to enjoy Friday nights at the Port Fairy cinema this week with 'Elegy', a Phillip Roth adaptation starring Ben Kingsley and Penelope Cruz.

David Kepesh (Kingsley) is a middle-aged academic whose charisma and inability to commit to women are chief among his traits. When he falls passionately in love with a Cuban student Consuela Castillo (Cruz) he becomes lost in a new emotional landscape. "My whole life was dedicated to independence", he muses.

David's friend George (Dennis Hopper) and longtime liaison Carolyn (Patricia Clarkson) are both anchors to his past and supports in his present. "You've got to stop worrying about growing old," says George. "Worry about growing up."

As David becomes increasingly obsessive and confused in his love for the equally independent Consuela, the path to true happiness seems rockier than ever.

Director Isabel Coixet (My Life Without Me) focuses on the emotional arc of David's character and makes use of the strong ensemble cast, which also includes Deborah Harry and Peter Sarsgaard.

With a rating of 74% positive at Rotten Tomatoes, Elegy was generally well received critically.

"Director Isabel Coixet has adeptly woven this intelligent tale of ageing, beauty, love and loss," wrote Jenni Dawes of Filmink.

"Intelligently translates Roth's meditation on lust and mortality without soft-pedaling its narrator's brutally honest, unabashedly sexist views," said Leslie Felperin of Variety.

Elegy screens this Friday 20th November at 7.30pm at Reardon Theatre in Bank Street. Memberships available at the door with free tea and coffee provided.