Port Fairy Film Society

An end and a Beginning

2011-12-08T16:21:00.001-08:00

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1778620953/

The Port Fairy Film Society ends its highly successful andvaried 2011 season with a screening of the 2010 comedy – drama “Beginners”.Written and directed by Mike Mills this tells the story of Oliver (EwanMcGregor), a man reflecting on the life and death of his father (Christopher(Sound of Music) Plummer) while trying to forge a new relationship with a womandealing with father issues of her own.

Beginners premiered at the 2010 Toronto film festival whereit received favourable reviews.

The film is structured as a series of interconnectingflashbacks but characterised by the strong performances of the lead maleactors. As the title suggests the film has the theme of new starts, ofreshaping the self, of embarking on new adventures and life changingexperiences.

What a great way to end the year and begin the new one!!

Those of us old enough to remember the romp through the Austrianalps in Sound of Music will be impressed that old age has not affectedChristopher Plummer who gives a sound performance as a man addressingcontemporary “father and son” issues.

“Beginners” has moved audiences and is an immensely moving,funny and involving film. Plummer brings a rare wit, compassion and grace tohis role ably supported by Ewan McGregor.

This memorable film screens this Friday 7.30 at Port Fairy’sReardon Theatre. Not to be missed.

And speaking of beginnings this summer brings a host ofexciting films to Port Fairy. Moyne Shire in conjunction with the Port FairyFilm society brings a range of films that should not be missed. Commencing withan outdoor screening of Rio (Village Green December 28) the program includesRed Dog, Kung Fu Pandas, The Guard, Jane Eyre and many more. For programdetails see the Moyanana Festival program or posters around town.

This Friday 2011 Palme d'Or winner The Tree of Life

2011-11-14T13:30:00.001-08:00

The Tree of Life trailer

Terrence Malick’s exploration of the meaning in The Treeof Life is personalized in 1950’s Texas in the relationships of the O’Brien family, butgrounded in Malick’s meditative visualization of the impermanence of life, forwhich he won the 2012 Palme d’Or .

Jack (Hunter McCraken), the eldest son and his two brothers, experience the ways of the world with itsstrictures from his authoritarian father (Brad Pitt) while encouraged to discover its joys by their loving religious mother (JessicaChastain). "There are two ways through life - the way of nature and the way ofgrace," says the voice of Jack's mother in the opening moments. The boys are drawn both ways.

With the death of a son, there is remorse and grief, the perspective of a bereaved Christianmother. Through their internal monologue we are privy to the thoughts: Why does misfortune befall the good? If there’s a higher power, who are we to it? In the opening sequence, Malick cites Job.

As an adult, the eldest son Jack( Sean Penn), an architect, still looks forpermanence in the modern world. Dreamsand memory collide in Jack's spiritual, emotional and intellectual journey ashe seeks to reconcile with the past, to reclaim his relationship with hisfather and to properly mourn the loss of his brother.

Malick (The Thin Red Line, Days of Heaven, Badlands) hasboldly visualized his ambient universal themes, using Donald Trumball (2001: A Space Odyssey) forthe beautifully evocative special effects photography, Alexandre Desplat'ssoaring music and Emmanuel Lubezki's glorious cinematography.

For his boldness, Malick haspolarized his audience. For many, the narrative is too labyrinthine, disconnectedfrom the visualizations, that in turn are considered pretentiousand unnecessary.

For Margaret Pomeranz, ABC, “thisis a most audacious, wonderful film. While it lacks a conventional narrativestructure, it has a poetic vision….I was incredibly moved by this beautifullymade film, I was also challenged by it. It doesn't get much better than that. Icannot wait to see it again.” Margaret gaveit five stars, David three stars. Leigh Paatsch, Herald Sun: Fivestars.

Peter Bradshaw, Guardian: “TerrenceMalick's film is an unashamedly epic reflection on love and loss. .. this is visionary cinema on an unashamedly huge scale: cinema that's thinking big. Malick makes anawful lot of other film-makers look timid and negligible by comparison.” Five stars.

A. O. Scott, NY Times: “moviegoers eager forrapture can find consolation — to say nothing of awe, amazement and grist forendless argument — in “The Tree of Life,” Terrence Malick’s new film, which contemplates human existencefrom the standpoint of eternity. ..

There are very few films Ican think of that convey the changing interior weather of a child’s mind withsuch fidelity and sensitivity…

The sheer beauty of this film is almost overwhelming, but as with other works of religiously minded art,its aesthetic glories are tethered to a humble and exalted purpose, which is toshine the light of the sacred on secular reality.”

TheTree of Life is certainly avisionary, emotionally immersive film that must be seen on the big screen. It screensat 7.30pm this Friday 18 November, at the Reardon Theatre, Port Fairy for thePort Fairy Film Society. All Welcome.

Next Tuesday, 22nd November at 1.30pm at the Reardon Theatre,the PFFS screens a sing-a long ”Sound of Music” for the last Classic Matinee for2011. All welcome.

TARERER FILM FESTIVAL

2011-11-10T11:42:00.001-08:00

TARERER FILM FESTIVAL Tonight 7.30 at the Reardon Theatre, Port Fairy
Two great films from producer David Josey, curated by Wal Saunders with Archie Roache.

7.30 pmTOOMELAH

A specialpre-release screening(Une Certain Regard 2011 Cannes, SFF & MIFF)

IvanSen(Beneath Clouds)made the film by himself over many months living in theToomelah community, his mothers' place. A remarkable act of film making. Greatacting by young Daniel who is cheeky, beautiful, himself and Tanitia. (MA15+)106mins

Toomelah Trailer

9.20pm MADBASTARDS

Brendan Fletcher's story of TJ who returnshome to the Kimberleys, after time in prison, to reconnect with his son Bulletand his people, himself. The film isabout the transformative effect of the spirituality in contemporary aboriginalcommunities. The Film has great music from the Pirgrams. It was made through acollaborative project with the local community. "Mad bastards is Music,Hunting, Family.. "

(MA 15+) 95 mins

Mad Bastards Trailer

TFF Festival Pass $15 , Sessions $10

Big Four weeks on Port Fairy Film Society Calender …a great celebration of films and community in one small town!!

2011-10-20T17:12:00.000-07:00

Film lovers will have a treat for the next four plus weeksin Port

Fairy. It certainly is looking to be one of the busiesttimes for the

committee commencing with the Annual General Meeting in thepresence

of some of its 230 members just prior to the monthlyscreening this

Friday October 21st at 7:30pm.

This months film is titled “Of Gods and Men” a standout filmat last

years Cannes Festival and winner of the Grand Jury (Second)prize by

acclaimed director Xavier Beauvios. Inspired by real events,this

opens on the monastery perched in the mountains of Algeriawhere

eight French trappist monks live in harmony with their Muslim

brothers. They provide medical care and support to theircommunity.

When a crew of foreign workers is massacred by anIslamist

fundamentalist group, fear sweeps the region. The armyoffers

protection, and after difficult personal and collectivedecisions the

monks decide to remain, despite the impending danger andviolence

beyond the monastery. David Stratton of “At the Moviesfame,

described Of Gods and Men as “The best film screened atCannes”, and

as “outstanding” and, “a serene, contemplative work”. Hewent on to

give it four and half stars.

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi3877411353/

Following closebehind on Tuesday October 25th the Movie Classics

brings the great Marx brothers hilarious double ‘Duck Soup”and “A

Night at the Opera” screening from 1:30pm.

http://www.abc.net.au/atthemovies/txt/s3226791.htm

Friday October 28this the next date for the eagerly awaited Port

Fairy Short Film Showcase, where local film makers will getthe

opportunity to show their short films to an appreciativeaudience.

The showcase will also coincide with “Framed “ the Independent film

making forum, brought to Port Fairy via ABC Open, whereindependent

films and film making will be open for discussion and theaudience

will meet and hear film makers and those involved in theindustry.

This night is a free event and commences at 7pm.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=261011107264391

At 1.30pm on Sunday 30 October, the Port Fairy ConsolidatedSchool

have a dress up screening of the classic “Ghostbusters”.

Great fun for the whole family!

http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi984219929/

At 7.30pm on Friday November 11th, the Film

Society hosts the Tarerer Film Festival with two indigenousfilms

produced by David Jowsey. The Tarerer festival curator WalSaunders

has chosen pre-release “Toomelah” and “Mad Bastards” for a twofilm festival

around the theme of youth.They screen at the Reardon Theatre from 7:30pm.

Toomelah http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSYkIEy7pEY

http://www.davidjowseyfilms.com/work/toomelah.aspx

MadBastardshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFggTphkkfI

Framed at Port Fairy: Independent Filmmaking Forum

2011-10-06T08:42:00.000-07:00

Presented by Open Channel in collaboration with ABC Open
Supported by Film Victoria

To coincide with the Port Fairy Film Society's Short Film Showcase, Open Channel
presents Framed at Port Fairy: Independent Filmmaking Forum.

Friday October 28, 7.00pm - Reardon Theatre - Bank Street, Port Fairy FREE

A night of independent short films and discussion, with films by local filmmakers and ABC Open contributors plus a panel discussion and feedback session with documentary writer/director William Head (Night Fare, We Are Illuminated) film/TV producer Angela Lee (Hard Rubbish, With Tim Ferguson) and ABC Open Producer Colleen Hughson in conversation with Open Channel's Alex Castro.
The night offers fantastic networking opportunities for local filmmakers and opportunities to ask the panellists questions about creating and marketing their own films.

If you would like to submit a film for the Short Film Showcase you can down load a submission form here.
http://freepdfhosting.com/f1e4eed456.pdf

Presenters: William Head, Angela Lee, Colleen Hughson

Portland-raised William Head graduated from the Victorian College of the Arts in 2009 where his graduate film, Night Fare received a number of awards and was selected for the prestigious Australian International Documentary Conference in 2010. His most recent film, We Are Illuminated received production support through the Screen Australia/Open Channel Raw Nerve program and has been selected for festivals in Russia, Mexico and the inaugural Antenna Documentary Film Festival in Sydney. In 2011 he co-founded the monthly non-fiction screening program and online Mubi channel, 'Don't You Have Docs?'. He was selected for the Film Victoria supported Crossover program which brought together teams of filmmakers and computer developers, and this has led to his involvement in an international co-production project with Renegade Films (Rockwiz, Wilfred), BBC Scotland and RTE.

Angela Lee undertook an Open Channel short course in Production and Production Management in 2009 before taking on the role of Line Producer for the Raw Nerve program overseeing four overlapping short film productions. In 2010 she was a script assessor for the Short & Sharp Pitching Competition, Producer of Raw Nerve short film Hard Rubbish, which was selected in the top 10% of TropFest entries from an international pool of more than 700. In that same year she was the Producer of the hit television show With Tim Ferguson, which aired on C31 to a weekly audience of more than 40,000. She has recently completed production on a new Raw Nerve film Phone Call, written and directed by Daniel and Jared Draperis, starring Lewis Fitz-Gerald (Crownies, The Flying Doctors, Breaker Morant) and Mark Leonard Winter (Winners & Losers, Balibo, Blame).

ABC Open Producer Colleen Hughson was born and bred in Warrnambool. A documentary maker, she has extensive experience in filmmaking and digital storytelling both as a practitioner and as a co-coordinator and facilitator for community groups and schools. Some of her award winning work includes All The Ladies, a documentary on women in Hip Hop, Chicks with Decks Skateboard Documentary and A.K.A.Girl Skater, covering the first all-girl/women skateboarding tour.

Framed at Port Fairy is part of Open Channel's Framed: Screen Industry Seminar Series. Framed is supported by Film Victoria.

ABC OPEN South West Victoria OPEN CHANNEL

Oranges and Sunshine

2011-10-06T07:44:00.000-07:00

http://www.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK//video/screenplay/vi1971296793/

As a Fundraiser for the Relay For Life, the Warrnambool Buddhists group screens Oranges and Sunshine at the Reardon Theatre Port Fairy at 1.30 and 7.30pm Friday 7 October. Rated M 104 mins Admission $12

Oranges and Sunshine tells the story of Margaret Humphreys (Emily Watson), a social worker from Nottingham, who uncovered one of the most significant social scandals of recent times; the mass deportation of130,000 children from the United Kingdom to Australia and Canada, 7000 to Australia from 1940 to 1967. Single-handedly and against overwhelming odds, Margaret reunited thousands of families and drew worldwide attention to an extraordinary miscarriage of justice. Children as young as four had been told that their parents were dead.

When Harold Haig was 10 years old, a man in a suit came to visit. "He said to me, 'Would you like to go to this wonderful place called Australia where the sun shines all day every day and you pick oranges off the trees, live in a little white cottage by the sea and ride a horse to school?'" remembers Haig, who is 73 but looks younger, with Pete Postlethwaite cheekbones and flowing white hair. "While I was letting this sink in, he added, 'Well, you know you're an orphan, your parents are dead, you've got no family, you might as well go.'" Haig was one of the children from British care homes .

"What Margaret did for me and for thousands of child migrants is to give us back our lives, give us back our identity, and shine a light in where there was just darkness." Where would he be without Humphreys? "I have my doubts about whether I'd be here alive," he says. "You should ask, where would all of us be?"

“Jim Loach's debut is a powerful, deeply moving, understated account of a major social injustice that went unreported for many years and only this past year received an official apology from the two governments involved, those of Great Britain and Australia”(2009). Phillip French, The Guardian

“But the film, like Humphreys herself, is not an attempt at recrimination; it shows how a single individual can bring about enormous change and make a difference, where perhaps organisations, Governments, political parties and other groupings are impotent.”

“Oranges and Sunshine is a triumph of storytelling on screen and puts us through the emotional wringer - as it should.” Louise Keller, Urban Cinefile

“There are beautiful performances here from every member of the cast, and it's much to Loach's credit that he handles this potentially sensational material with such restraint. Above all, many scenes are incredibly moving.”, David Stratton: At the Movies, ABC Margaret and David: 4 Stars

This Fridays screening is Babies……

2011-09-15T05:44:00.000-07:00

Four countries, four babies from birth to first steps..…amesmerizing look at the world of babies.

ThisFriday night the Port Fairy Film Society is looking forward to bringing thedelightful and extraordinary documentary “Babies”. It captures on film theearliest stages of the journey of humanity that are at “once unique anduniversal to us all.” The children are, in order of the screening Ponijao, wholives in Namibia, themBayarjargal, who resides with his family in Mongolia,near Bayanchandmani; Mari who lives in Tokyo andHattie from San Francisco, California.

TheFrench film maker Thomas Blames has chosen four very contrasting parts of theworld to capture the universal truths of a common existence where from the timeof birth, we observe babies experience the beginning of their journey into the world , their families,their environment and theirculture. This is all presented in anobservational style, without narration and only the occasional squeals andsounds of the babies as they interact with their surroundings, siblings,parents and animals. The film is captivating and mesmerizing in its simplicityand a joy to watch. Movie goers should find this an enjoyable and engaging wayto pass the time in a warm and welcoming theatre on a Friday night.

Margaretfrom “At the Movies” gives “Babies” 4 **** “Babies” is Rated PG and screens at7:30pm on Friday September 16^th at the Reardon Theatre. All Welcome.

View the trailer http://www.madman.com.au/videos/view/2450

Tuesday Classics: The Tuesday classics continues its current season with its second film onTuesday September 27^th with the Classic “Paint your Wagon” from 1:30pm at the Reardon Theatre. All welcome.

View the Trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0idoJnBAvk

Call out for films for Port Fairy's Short Film Showcase

2011-08-19T01:06:00.000-07:00

Do you want to see your film on the big screen?

Port Fairy Film Society and ABC Open invite you to submit your short films for our short film showcase screening on Friday 28 October.

Please send in your films for selection:
· Films under 15 minutes

· We welcome films of any genre, old & new: documentaries, dramas, animations, experimental.

· All ages welcome.

· Closing date for submissions: EXTENDED to 12 October.

DOWNLOAD A submission form http://freepdfhosting.com/4f1dbe77f3.pdf

Our CHEEZY PROMOTION: http://vimeo.com/27891573

Top short films from 2011 St Kilda Film Festival to delight audiences

2011-08-11T21:00:00.000-07:00

Prizewinning films and outstanding favourites from this years St Kilda Film Festival’s Top 100 Shorts will soon be enjoyed at 7.30pm Wednesday 17 August at Port Fairy’s Reardon Theatre as part of its national tour .

The St Kilda Film Festival tour will ensure that film buffs around the state will have the opportunity to view this year’s exceptional entrants from Australia’s largest short film competition.

Festival Director Paul Harris says of the Tour “The awesome shorts chosen for our national showcase offer audiences the opportunity to view some of the most innovative, cutting edge, inspiring and just plain entertaining work from Australia’s current crop of emerging filmmakers, who are literally taking the world by storm.”

Straight from taking the Festival’s top honour for Best Short Film and the richest cash prize in Australian short film is The Kiss, directed by Ashlee Page and produced by Sonya Humphrey. The film follows the story of two teenage girls, fuelled by alcohol and hormones, whose fun night out takes a dangerous turn when they become trapped in a water tank. Ashlee Page also picked up the Best Director award for the film.

This year’s tour program also features a showcase of Australian talent: Nash Edgerton presents his new short Bear written by him and David Michod (Animal Kingdom), while Nadine Garner makes directorial debut with festival favourite Afterglow. This moving film follows the story of a young woman in post World War II Australia as she meets her forbidden love to tell him she has not terminated her pregnancy.

Jack Thompson, Gary Sweet and Sigrid Thornton appear together for the first time in The Telegram Man, a tale set in World War 11 where the once popular telegram man becomes a figure of fear and repulsion as he delivers the onslaught of bad news.

These films, along with other festival winners and crowd favourites will screen in two sessions at each destination- tour dates and the full list of touring films is attached below.

The St Kilda Film Festival is proudly produced and presented by the City of Port Philip . For more information, visit http://www.stkildafilmfestival.com.au/2011/

"Potiche" - very French and very funny.

2011-07-14T05:22:00.000-07:00

This months offering at the Port Fairy Film Society should tempt film lovers out into the cold and into the warmed up Reardon Theatre, for this very French and very funny film, complete with famous French stars and silly, farcical situations in a retro 70's setting. Based on a very successful hit comic play, Catherine Denueve plays Suzanne, the "Potiche" or submissive, housebound, trophy wife of a successful but tyrannical businessman Robert (Fabrice Luchini).

Robert is taken hostage by irate workers who go on strike at his umbrella factory and Suzanne steps in and takes charge of the factory and the situation, proving herself to be more than competent and capable. Things of course get complicated, and so the battle of the sexes and the classes ensues with comic consequences. With further great performances from Gerard Depardieu, playing a former union leader and Suzannes ex-lover ("a lovelorn political beast") and an ensemble cast of comic actors the film unfolds to be a hugely enjoyable and entertaining satire.

Critics have said of "Potiche"

"For pure pleasure of cinema, there's nothing better out there at the moment."

and

"This frothy, farcical film from Francois Ozon dotes on its star and Deneuve delivers. She's fabulous and funny. The song and dance routine she does with Depardieu is alone worth the price of a ticket." Margaret ABC

"Potiche" will be screened on Friday July 15th at 7:30pm at the Reardon Theatre Bank St. Port Fairy. It is Rated M and its running time is 110 Minutes. New and existing members always welcome. Free tea and Coffee and sweets for sale.

In A Better World

2011-06-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

This film will keep you talking long after it’s over, which is often the mark of a very good film..

This Friday 17 June, the Port Fairy Film Society brings a beautifully crafted and thought provoking drama from Danish Director Susanne Biers who brought us such fine movies as "After the Wedding" and "Brothers".

Winner of the Golden Globe in 2010 and in 2011 the Academy Award for Best Foreign Film, "In A Better World" approaches violence and justice from a variety of angles, and at separate stages of their evolution. It focuses on the domestic story of a new friendship between two boys and the consequences of bullying, violence and revenge, but is set against a broader conflictual back drop which links to the refugee camps of Africa, where the father of one of the boys works and where violence exists on an everyday basis.

The film asks moral questions and presents challenges through exploring the themes of how adults teach their children to handle conflict, to control their own potential violent urges, and how to provide a peaceful response in a violent world.

Margaret from "At the Movies" describes "In a Better World" in this way;

"It's a beautiful, sad, ultimately compassionate film about the origins of iolence, wherever it rears its head, and the implications of dealing with it."

She then goes on to rate it at 4 out of 5 stars.

Viewers will hopefully find "In a Better World" a poignant and provocative film about masculinity, parent's responsibility and the dangers of violence in everyday life.

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1945869593/

"In a Better World" is rated MA15+, and is a Danish film with subtitles. It screens at 7:30pm on Friday June 17th at the Reardon Theatre. All members current and new are welcome. Memberships are on sale from 7:10pm. See you round the Urn.

* 7.30PM Friday 1 July SIDEWAYS

As part of its July romantic Winter Weekend program, the PF WWE screens Sideways.

A Miles, a dedicated wine buff and unpublished novelist, takes his old friend Jack, who is about to get married, on a week long bachelor's trip to Californian wine country, where they meet Maya and Stephanie and learn about the true nature of pinot noir. Their different notions of love and lust take them on an amusing but complicated and painful journey.

.ABC Margaret: 4.5 Stars David: 5 Stars (USA) MA (127 mins) Tickets at the door.

http://www.abc.net.au/atthemovies/txt/s1249884.htm

http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi864551193/

It's a big movie month at Port Fairy in May..

2011-04-28T00:40:00.000-07:00

Friday May 6th: 7:30pm. Movie: "Strange Birds in Paradise" A community fundraiser for the West Papuan Association SW Victoria.

The Australia West Papua Association (SW -Vic) and the Port Fairy Film

Society are proud to present the award winning full length feature

documentary by Australian film maker. Charlie Hill-Smith, "Strange Birds in
Paradise".

Winner of the 2010 IF award for "Best Documentary" and nominated for four

AFI awards, Strange Birds in Paradise is a journey into just some of the
more than 250 West Papuan cultures.

Intercut with Hill-Smith's travelogue

and short animations, the interviews paint a picture not only of a country
with a rich musical tradition and breathtaking nature, but also of a country
weighed down by Indonesian military oppression.

A large number of retired
army generals have substantial economic interests in West Papua, and the
army uses extreme violence to keep the lid on the West Papuan population's
independence movement.

In 2006, Hill-Smith decided to return to West Papua,
this time equipped with a professional camera and all the knowledge he had
gained about the country's history.

While the Indonesian army continues to dominate the indigenous inhabitants

of West Papua, three friends gather in Melbourne to record outlawed folk
songs with renowned Australian rock musicologist David Bridie.

Charlie Hill -Smith confronts a basic question: how could these two vibrant

cultures be at war and how can the rest of the world seemingly not care?

The film features music by award winning performer, composer and frequent

visitor to SW Victoria, David Bridie.

The film is presented as a fundraiser to support educational programs about

human rights and non-violent resistance in West Papua and to support health

and education for West Papuan refugees living in camps on the PNG - West
Papua border.

entry is $12/$8 concession Rated PG, 78 Mins.

To see the film trailer go to http://www.strangebirds.com.au/

Friday May 13th: 7:30pm.Movie: "The Girl who Kicked the Hornets Nest" Rated MA 15+. A community Fundraiser for St.Patrick's School Port Fairy.
The Third film in the Millenium Trilogy based on Stieg Larssons popular crime thrillers.

It takes up where the previous two films finished with Lisbeth Salander (Noomi Rapace) recovering in a hospital from horrendous attacks and awaiting trial for three murders. When she is released, Mikael Blomqvist (Michael Nykvist ) must prove her innocence. Meanwhile, Lisbeth is plotting her own revenge against the people who put her in this situation.

"The third and final entry in Stieg Larsson's enormously successful series is perhaps the least thrilling, but it's easily the most satisfying."

Tickets available at the door. Rated MA 15+ 147 Mins

The trailer can be viewed at http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi650316057/

Friday May 20th: Usual monthly PFFS Screening. Movie: "Another Year" Rated M (UK) 130 Mins

Directed by Mike Leigh (Secrets and Lies, Vera Drake, Happy go Lucky), Starring Jim Broadbent & Ruth Sheen.

The PFFS brings yet another of Director Mike Leigh’s wonderful domestic dramas with the 2011 released "Another Year" starring Jim Broadbent, Lesley Manville and Ruth Sheen. This drama & comedy follows the story of a married couple who have managed to remain blissfully happy into their autumn years, are surrounded over the course of the four seasons of one average year by friends, colleagues, and family who all seem to suffer some degree of unhappiness.

It is described by critics as "An unassuming little masterpiece.." "Desperation and fulfilment, anxiety and warmth, pain and contentment -- all come together in the darkly splendid Another Year. " . “a deeply involving, intelligent, compassionate drama of the sort only Leigh can create” (Peter Bradshaw) ..with all the sadness and happiness that Leigh can staple onto the screen in the amalgam that is life around him”(Andrew Urban)

The Trailer can be viewed at http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi4561177/

Tuesday May 24th: Tuesday PFFS Movie Classic: 1:30pm. "Rebecca"

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring Laurence Olivier, Joan Fontaine and George Sanders. Rated PG 130 Minutes

Rebecca is a masterpiece of haunting atmosphere, Gothic thrills, and gripping suspense.

A lonely man, a lovely girl... struggling against the secret of Manderley….The shadow of a remembered woman came between their lips... but these two had the courage to hope... and to live their love!

The Trailer can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwneccC52fY

Final film in this 2011 Feb-May series of Classic Movie matinees; Next season August- November 2011, starts at 1.30pm on Tuesday 23 August. Concession Memberships through the PF Day Centre, Senior Citizens Club and Moyneyana House.

Have a Great May!!!!

The Tree in Port Fairy this Friday

2011-04-14T00:51:00.000-07:00

Described as one of the better Australian films of 2010, Julie Bertuccelli’s “The Tree” has wonderful cinematography of the Australian landscape, fine acting by Charlotte Gainsbourg, Marton Csokas, Morgana Davies, Aden Young, Christian Byers, Tom Rusell, Gabriel Gotting, Penne Hackforth-Jones, Gillian Jones. It was the closing night film at the 2010 Cannes film Festival.

The Tree is the story of young Simone and her mother Dawn. After her father is killed in an accident, Simone decides her father lives on in the tree and protects them. With time the huge Morton Bay Fig Tree becomes entwined with their house. When Dawn finds herself a new love problems emerge.

Whilst it is generally agreed Bertuccelli, who wrote the screen play and directed the film, has not made a masterpiece, “this is a beautifully made film and it is beautifully acted, I think, by the entire cast. I think they are all very, very good”( David ABC). Both Margaret gave the film 3.5 Stars.

http://youtu.be/iSLTwvurWA0

The Tree is a Port Fairy Film Society screening at 7.30pm on Friday 15 April at the Reardon Theatre, Bank Street Port Fairy. Memberships are on sale from 7.15 pm. All Welcome. Free tea and coffee.

This month the Tuesday Matinee Classic, “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” with Jane Powell and Howard Keel is on the THIRD Tuesday at 1.30pm at the Reardon Theatre.

http://youtu.be/CfFFFfRwsR0

"The Kings Speech" comes to Port Fairy for special fundraising event.

2011-04-07T15:26:00.000-07:00

The multi award winning Film "The Kings Speech" is coming to Port Fairy on

Friday April 8th with an afternoon and evening screening to raise funds for

the Japanese earthquake appeal.

The film has receive many nominations and awards, mainly for the performance

of Colin Firth as King George the V1, who, to overcome his

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stuttering> stammer, sees

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lionel_Logue> Lionel Logue, an unorthodox

Australian <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speech_therapy> speech therapist

played by <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geoffrey_Rush> Geoffrey Rush.

The two men become friends as they work together, and after his

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_VIII_of_the_United_Kingdom> brother

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_VIII_abdication_crisis> abdicates, the

new king relies on Logue to help him make a radio broadcast at the beginning

of <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II> World War II.

The film has received widespread acclaim, all performances are excellent and

it is a thoroughly enjoyable and moving experience,that could easily be seen

more than once.

Critics have said:

"Colin Firth gives a masterful performance in The King's Speech, a

predictable but stylishly produced and rousing period drama" Rotten Tomatoes

The Port fairy Film Society will screen the film and all funds raised will

go to the World Vision appeal. Please come along, bring some friends and

provide support to recovery from this devastating world event. Rated M and

goes for 118 minutes. The Film screens at 1:30 and 7:30 at the Reardon

Theatre and tickets can be purchased for $8.00 child/concession and $12:00

Adult /full price.

Woman Of The Year is the March Classic

2011-03-17T18:57:00.000-07:00

The March Classic Matinee is Woman of the Year. This 1942 romantic comedy by George Stevens won two Academy Awards. It stars Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy.

Rival reporters Sam (Spencer) and Tess (Katharine) fall in love and get married, only to find their relationship strained when Sam comes to resent Tess' hectic lifestyle.

Woman of the Year screens at 1.30pm Tuesday 22 March at the Reardon Theatre for Film Society members. Concession memberships are available at the Port Fairy Senior Citizens Club, Port Fairy and Koroit Day Centres and Moyneyana House.

Woman of the Year is rated G and rins for 114mins, plus a 20 minute interval. Free Tea, Coffee and biscuits. 4 Stars.

http://www.tcm.com/mediaroom/video/25717/Woman-of-the-Year-Original-Trailer-.html

Winters Bone... an independent Classic

2011-03-17T18:49:00.000-07:00

This Friday’s Port Fairy film is the highly acclaimed independently made "Winters Bone", Winner of the 2010 Sundance Grand Jury Prize and nominated for four academy awards including best actress for Jennifer Lawrence, the film is directed by Debra Granik and based on a novel by Daniel Woodrell.

Set in the rural poverty of the Ozark Mountains it opens with seventeen-year-old Ree Dolly (Lawrence) who sets out to track down her bail-jumping dad after he uses the family home to secure his bond. Failing to find him will mean that she, her mother and siblings will have to fend

for themselves in the bitter Ozark woods. Overcoming her kin's code of silence and threats of retribution and violence, she slowly uncovers the truth behind her father's disappearance.

Standing out in this film is Jennifer Lawrence's indomitable performance as a young woman pushed to breaking point by the will to survive, and the desire to remain loyal to local customs, is a truly standout piece of work.

Critics describe Winters Bone as "..spectacular for its humanity, austere beauty and heart stopping urgency " Wall Street Journal. ABC's "At the Movies" critics Margaret and David have both awarded it 4 and a 1/2 stars and was Margaret’s favourite film for 2010. It was also voted by Movie fans at Number 16 in the 2010 At the Movies Top 100 movies viewers poll.

Winters Bone is rated MA 15+ and screens this Friday March 18th at the Reardon Street Theatre Port Fairy at 7:30pm.

All welcome new and old members,

Free Tea and Coffee.. see you round the urn…

Kathy Sanderson President

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bE_X2pDRXyY&feature=player_embedded

Film Society kicks off 2011 season with Aussie film double bill.

2011-01-24T17:47:00.000-08:00

Hello to all our Members and welcome to another great year of screenings….

Well, as a busy and exciting Port Fairy summer film season draws to a close, the Port Fairy Film Society launches its annual 2011 program with two Australian Films as a special offer to both its loyal and new members.

Coming this Friday January 28at the Reardon Theatre , in celebration of Australia Day, there will be a recently released beautifully crafted film from 2010 called “The Waiting City” and the r estored 1971 classic “Wake in Fright” These films are very different in many ways and display the amazing diversity in Australian film making.

“The Waiting City” which will screen at 7:30pm is rated M and is a drama and romance starring Radha Mitchell and Joel Edgerton as an outwardly happy Australian couple, who journey to Calcutta to collect their adopted baby, but on arrival find that the arrangements have yet to be finalized.

Soon, the intoxicating mystic power of the Indian city pulls them in separate and unexpected directions, and the vulnerability of their marriage begins to reveal itself. David Stratton of ABCs “At the Movies” describes it as “an intimate, complex love story of transformation “giving it a 4 star rating.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2BJx1JhGXY&feature=fvw

“Wake in Fright” which screens at 9:45 is rated M and by contrast explores much darker and challenging themes against the backdrop of male outback culture seen through the eyes of a young school teacher passing through the town of Bundayabba. He soon discovers something more sinister behind the friendliness and hospitality of the locals.

David Stratton ABC states “I think it’s a grand milestone in Australian cinema history. I am giving it 4 and a half stars.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkER6haC8bI

Wake in Fright has been unavailable for many years and only recently restored for a new audience.

The monthly Friday screenings are shown by the Port Fairy Film Society and entry is by memberships purchased at the door.

Members have a special offer of two films for the usual door price this Friday. Members who still have passes from last year will be able to use them for the January screening as 2011 memberships start from our February screening.

Thanks to all those who volunteered at the Summer movies Program.

Just a quick look at whats ahead…more detailed program will soon be available.

Fri 18 February 2011 at 7:30pm. “Gainsbourg” French Rated MA 15+ 115 minutes A surreal and evocative biopic of French composer Serge Gainsbourg growing up in the 1940’s to his transformation into the enfant terrible, womanizing and successful song writer of the 50”S and 60”s. 4 stars.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQH4R2RwM1U&feature=fvw

Friday 18 March 2011 at 7:30pm. “Winters Bone” USA Rated M 100 minutes. A crime thriller about a 17 year old girl form the Ozarks who finds her criminal father in an attempt to keep her family together. “One of the films of the year”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bE_X2pDRXyY

Fri 15 April 2011 at 7:30pm. “The Tree” Australian Rated M 103 minutes. Julie Bertaccellis sensitive drama, after the sudden death of her father Peter, 8 year old Simon shares a secret with her mother dawn (Charlotte Gainsbourg).She is convinced her father speaks to her though the leaves of her favorite trees and that he has come back to protect them. “Beautifully made and beautifully acted”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSLTwvurWA0&feature=player_embedded#!

Don’t forget Tuesday Classic commencing at 1.30pm Tuesday 22 February 2011 with "The King And I", shall we dance? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvbZNxZFn-g

Tell a friend about the Film Society and see you around the Urn….

Kathy Sanderson on behalf of The Committee 2011.

Some Summer Movies Jan 2011 Previews

2010-12-07T03:57:00.000-08:00

We have 24 films, a new film everyday from New Years Day (new Harry Potter) to the 24 January (the original Wizard of Oz), a great film for everyone.

We again start and end the season with free outdoor films at sunset on the Village Green. On Tuesday 28 December the Summer Movies start with Tim Burton’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, with Johnny Depp, David Kelly and Noah Taylor (PG 115 mins, 4.5 stars). We conclude on Australia Day with Storm Boy, the story of Mr Percival the Pelican in the Coorong with Greg Rowe, Peter Cummins and David Gulpilil (PG 88 Mins ).

For the first two weeks of January, all films are shown at 4.00pm and 8.00pm, then some films are only screened at 8pm, so please check the program. The Following films screen at the Reardon Theatre, 35 Bank St, Port Fairy.

Romance is on Sundays, starting with Eat Pray Love,

then Letters to Juliet and then the Australian Summer Coda, a top 10 at Melbourne Film Festival.

The last Sunday screening is saved for Made in Dagenham.

Our fine Monday films start with the most popular film from the 2010 MIFF, the New Zealand film Boy_,the poignant, humorous story of an 11 yr old and his family when his father returns, ”full of craziness and heart”, ATM ABC (Rated M 87 mins 4stars). Me and Orson Welles and Creation, a film about Charles Darwin, follow.

Tuesdays are for the children and family, starting with the popular Toy Story 3 (G 108 mins 4.5 stars),

then Despicable Me and The chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader (PG 112 mins 3.5 stars).

On Thursday 30 December the Summer Movies take flight with Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole.

Wednesdays are for drama. Starting on 5 January is the brilliant, Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Swedish) (MA 15+ 146 mins 4 stars), the following Wednesday is Girl who Played with Fire (Swedish) (MA 15+ 129 mins 3.5 stars)

and then The Social Network (M 120 mins 5 stars).

Thursdays are for music and surf, starting with Jeff Bridges as a country and western singer in Crazy Heart (M 112mins 3.5stars),

then the wonderful documentary about a brilliant classical pianist Genius Within: Inner Life of Glenn Gould (G 108 mins 4 stars).

Thursday 20 January is saved for serious Surfing Movies (details at the PF Surf Shop).

Roman Polanski’s acclaimed thriller The Ghost Writer (MA 128 mins 4.5 stars) with Ewan McGregor as the writer and Pierce Brosnan as the British Prime Minister, starts the Friday films.

On Friday 14 Jan, for Moyneyana Festival’s Environment Day is the documentary on our supermarket food industry, Food Inc (older PG 88mins 4.5 stars).

Friday 21 Jan has French comedy at its brilliant and absurd best with Mic Macs (French) (M 104 mins 4stars).

The Saturday blockbusters start with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows:Part 1 on New Years Day.

then the brilliant Inception (M 148 mins 4.5stars),

then Russell Crowe in Robin Hood (M 148 mins 4 stars) and the Australian Tomorrow When The War Began (M 104 mins 3.5 stars).

The Summer Movies Program is a cooperative venture by the Port Fairy Film Society and Moyne Shire Council, and run by volunteers. We can usually use some help, so please contact us if you can, ph 5568 1339.

Port Fairy has Summer Movies for everyone!

“I am Love” – last art house screening at Port Fairy for 2010

2010-12-07T01:22:00.000-08:00

The Port Fairy Film Society ends the 2010 year with an elegant Italian romantic melodrama with the title of “I am Love” (lo sono L”amore) showing this Friday night at the Reardon Theatre.

The movie is set at the turn of the century in Milan and follows the story of the Recchi’s- a wealthy industrialist family, through its changing times and fortunes and its disruption by the force of passion.

Emma Recchi (Tilda Swinton) is the Russian born wife and mother of the family, who escapes the isolation and restlessness of her life by entering into an affair with her son Edoardo Jrs friend and business partner Antonio. This liaison leads to tragic and dramatic consequences.

The film is described by some critics as an “elegant soap opera “but is also described equally as “sensational to look at, powerfully acted” and “opulent and sensual”. All agree however that Tilda Swintons performance is central to the drama and that she is integral to the overall success of the film.

It will no doubt bring out a range of responses by film lovers, but is guaranteed to enthrall as only European melodrama can. I am Love is rated MA (119 mins).

The Film Society looks forward to seeing old and welcoming new members at the earlier date of Friday December 10^th at 7:30pm. Memberships go on sale from 7:10pm.

Summer Movie Program on the way!!!

The next big thing for films in Port Fairy will be the commencement of the Summer Movies program between Dec 28 and January 26^th. This summer program brings a wonderful feast of films catering for all tastes. The full program will be made available shortly but will host screenings in both the afternoon and evenings including Harry Potter and the deathly Hollows Part 1, Toy Story 3, Inception, Despicable Me, Boy, Me and Orson Welles, Crazy Heart, The Girl who played with Fire and much more.

Richly drawn portrait of modern family, “the kids are all right” is allright !!

2010-11-15T07:38:00.000-08:00

This Fridays Film screening at Port Fairy’s Reardon Theatre is a much talked about and lauded American film starring Annette Bening and Juliette Moore exploring the life of a modern family with the added complexity of a same sex couple, their two teenage children and the arrival of the biological father(Mark Ruffalo) into their lives after many years. “The Kids are All right” unfolds with many emerging dramas and is funny, vibrant and entertaining throughout.

At the Movies shows David Stratton sums it up as;

“The Kids are All Right is funny, touching and honest, all the elements that make independent cinema so much more rewarding, most of the time, than the mainstream.”

All the performances of the five main actors are convincing and particularly fine is the performance of Annette Bening, most deserving of an Oscar nomination for this role.

“The Kids are All right” is rated MA and screens at 7:30pm on Friday November 19^th. Membership tickets go on sale from 7:10pm. All welcome, free tea and coffee provided.

15/15 International Film Festival Screening Friday 29th Oct 7.30pm

2010-10-14T22:11:00.000-07:00

On Saturday 19^th June 2010, filmmakers from around the world participated in the 15/15 International Film Festival’s annual filming day creating a short film within 15 hours. Now we get to see the results.

The Port Fairy screening of the 15/15 International Film Festival includes locally made films followed by the award winning films of the 2010 International film competition. Film Festival Director, Amadeo Marqez-Perez will be presenting the films. The night will conclude with a Q & A with the filmmakers.

FREE Admission

Looking forward to seeing you there supporting local filmmakers

Soul Kitchen brings a bit of light relief, food, fun and colour this month at Port Fairy….

2010-10-12T09:31:00.000-07:00

This months movie offering is a film set in Hamburg which centres around a struggling restaurant in a warehouse owned by a Turkish man named Zinos, and a series of humorous events and interactions between a curious gathering of characters. Everything that can go wrong for Zinos does go wrong; tax collectors, health inspectors, relationships, family, staff, customers and much more. Some of the stories and events are predictable and a bit slapstick but as David Stratton of “At the Movies” points out

“SOUL KITCHEN is cheerful, wild, colourful and sometimes a little silly, but it's thoroughly enjoyable.”

This comedy is a far departure from Fatih Akins previous award winning movies including the very broody “Head On” And “Edge of Heaven” but he has assembled a fine cast making Soul Kitchen a “delicious treat” of great music, amazing food, life and colour.

Soul Kitchen is rated MA and screens at 7:30pm this Friday October 15^th after the AGM of the Port Fairy Film Society, which will be held in the presence of all the members just prior to screening.

The Film Society welcomes nominations to the committee for the 2011 year. Contact Kathy Sanderson –President prior to the AGM on 0407 685 686 if you are interested.

The Tuesday Classic Matinees continue to be a big hit in the community and at 1.30 on Tuesday 26 October we screen “Philadelphia Story”, the third in this seasons set of films free to existing PFFS members. It is rated PG and goes for 112 mins. Made in 1940, This is a very witty romantic comedy with Katharine Hepburn as a socialite whose wedding plans are complicated by the simultaneous arrival of her ex-husband (Carey Grant) and an attractive journalist.(Jimmy Stewart).

Film Society partners with ABC Open to create local stories

2010-09-20T21:25:00.000-07:00

Over the past few months, Colleen Hughson, ABC Open Producer and Port Fairy Film Society member, delivered a number of filmmaking workshops to interested punters in the community. The workshops were supported by the film society and run at the Port Fairy Community House.

The aim of the workshops was to create a number of photo stories on the theme of change. So workshop participants found subjects and stories that interested them and created short films (2-3 min duration) through audio and photographs.

You watch the stories by going to the abc southwestvic local website:

www.abc.net.au/southwestvic/open

You can find out more about ABC Open and ABC Projects by visiting the ABC Open website http://open.abc.net.au/

You would be amazed with the diversity of the stories and the quality of the projects created locally by the community. If you are impressed with the stories then let the filmmakers know by making a comment on the ABC Open South West Vic page: http://open.abc.net.au/posts/4072

The ABC Open website was launched on September 15th. You can read all about the ABC Open project, how to get involved, who is doing what around Australia and how you can create your own local story to contribute to ABC Open by checking out the website or by contacting Colleen Hughson at the local ABC Radio Station.

We hope you enjoy the stories

“Welcome” to come to Port Fairy

2010-09-14T12:33:00.000-07:00

A Kurdish boy from Iraq trying to reach the UK strikes up an unusual friendship with a middle-aged Frenchman.

This month the Port Fairy Film Society has the pleasure of screening “Welcome” a provocative and topical French film by writer director Philippe Lioret. The film is described as an emotionally affecting drama about intersecting lives, unlikely friendships and the hope of new beginnings. It depicts a modern day migration dilemma where Bilal, a modern 17 year old Kurdish refugee, has spent the last three months of his life traveling across Europe to reunite with his girl friend who has emigrated to England.

Without the required documentation he decides to swim across the channel and goes to the local swimming pool hoping to train. There he develops a friendship with Simon the swimming instructor who is initially uninvolved and indifferent to Bilal, but over time they form a strong bond which establishes the human connection across race, age, culture and political divides. This deeply personal story shines a light on the impact of decisions and laws made by modern governments which affect the lives of asylum seekers and refugees and those who become part of their struggle. This particular film was widely received and debated in France due to a controversial French law which penalizes those citizens who help refugees. It is indeed food for thought as a deeply personal reflection on the issues of illegal immigrants given the current conversation in the Australian landscape.

Welcome was screened to the French and European Parliaments.

Welcome is rated M and screens this Friday at the Reardon Theatre Bank St Port Fairy at 7:30pm.

South Solitary a Fundraiser for Pakistan

2010-08-25T04:03:00.000-07:00

On 24 September, the Port Fairy Film Society will screen a fundraiser for Pakistan Disaster Relief.

Whilst the Port Fairy Film Society encourages everyone to support the Pakistan disaster relief in whatever way they feel they can, the PFFS will screen “South Solitary” as a fundraiser for the purchase of water purification filters for water purification plants used by the Australian Red Cross.

The plants have their origin in Port Fairy from Peter O'Keeffe and Bob Handby. A further marvelous example of what we can do.

http://www.standard.net.au/news/local/news/general/handbys-key-role-in-pakistan-floods/1913025.aspx

Whilst the pumps are beyond the scope of our fundraiser, we can contribute directly to this program through the purchase of filters. The pumps use a number of different types of filters, from paper filters costing seven dollars to carbon filters at one hundred and eighty dollars each. Depending upon the nature of the water to be purified the pumps can use up to two sets of filters per day.

The cost of these filters is normally borne by the Red Cross programs.

http://www.theage.com.au/world/pakistan-floods-how-to-help-20100823-13dv5.html?rand=1282621764740

“South Solitary” is a gentle romantic drama by Shirley Barrett set on a remote Tasmanian lighthouse in the 1920s when Meredith Appleton (Miranda Otto) arrives with her uncle, (Barry Otto) the replacement light house keeper. The island is home to the assistant keeper(Rohan Nicol), his family(Essie Davis, Annie Martin) and their hand (Marton Csokas).

In giving “South Solitary” four stars, David Stratton, ABC, said “Performances are outstanding MIRANDA OTTO is particularly fine….. Stunningly photographed by Anna Howard, SOUTH SOLITARY is a very special film, both original and in its own way, quite a daring one." Margaret 3 Stars.The film opened this year’s Sydney Film Festival. The film was shot at Cape Nelson and Cape Otway. (M) 120 mins

http://www.abc.net.au/atthemovies/txt/s2946032.htm

Icon Films, the film distributors, have supplied the film for the fundraiser at a reduced rental. Thank you, Icon.

South Solitary will screen at 1.30pm and 7.30pm. Peter O’Keeffe will outline the uses of the water purification pumps prior to the screening.

Tickets, $12 and $10 concession, can be booked on ph. 5568 1339 and purchased at the door, the Port Fairy Visitor Information Centre ph 5568 2682 and in Warrnambool. Tea coffee and biscuits will be provided.

http://www.worldvision.com.au/Issues/Emergencies/Current_Emergencies/Pakistan_Floods.aspx

White Ribbon screens again this Friday 27 August

2010-08-25T04:00:00.000-07:00

The Port Fairy Film Society wishes to apologize for the technical problems we encountered during last Friday's screening of The White Ribbon.

The problem has been fixed.

A further screening of The White Ribbon will be held at 7.30 pm this Friday 27 August at the Reardon Theatre.

AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER is the August Classic Matinee

2010-08-15T09:33:00.000-07:00

At 1.30pm on Tuesday 24 August, the PFFS screens AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER as the first film in our second season of Tuesday Classic Matinees of four monthly Classic films from the 30’s 40’s 50’s 60’s.

When Nickie(Carey Grant) meets Terry(Deborah Kerr) going to N.Y. they agree to meet in 6 months time on the Empire State Building, even though they are engaged to others. G (119 mins) 1957. One of the most popular romances, inspiring Sleepless in Seattle.

See the Trailer:

http://www.spike.com/video/affair-to-remember/2672750

Two shorts from The Stories from Moyne produced by ACMI & MSC will be screened before the film.

The four TUESDAY AFTERNOON CLASSIC MOVIE MATINEES are at 1.30pm on the Fourth Tuesday of the Month, August to November, at the Reardon Theatre, Bank St, Port Fairy.

Admission is by membership of the Port Fairy Film Society. Concession rates for members of the Port Fairy Senior Citizens Club, Moyneyana House Residents and the Day Centre.
Film Society Memberships are available at door & from PFSCC, MH & the DC.
All Welcome. Free Tea, Coffee and Conversation .

White Ribbon…Dark but brilliant

2010-08-15T09:16:00.000-07:00

The Port Fairy Film Society is proud to present this months Friday night film “The White Ribbon”

The White Ribbon (German) is a 2009 black and white drama written and directed by Austrian filmmaker Michael Haneke. The story darkly depicts society and family in a northern German village just before World War I, and the landscape leading to the rise of Nazism. The film explores a series of strange events beginning in the village school which then continue to unfold in the community. The film is full of clues but explanations are not easily given or found which has the effect of making it mesmerizing and tantalising to the viewer.

According to Haneke, the film is about "the origin of every type of terrorism, be it of political or religious nature.”

This film is described as both disturbing and thought provoking and has generated a wide variety of responses and opinions.

The At the Movies crew of Margaret and David describe the film as “Impressive” both giving it four stars.

Other critics describe it in this way: “The White Ribbon is a stark, contemplative and hauntingly brilliant film” and “Unlike conventional thrillers, this film does not restore a moral order to the universe. Rather, it questions it. It must be seen.”

“The White Ribbon” premiered at the 62nd Cannes Film Festival in May 2009 and won the Palme d'Or, followed by positive reviews and several other major awards, including the 2010 Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

See The Trailer:

http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi712247065/
The Film is rated M and screens at 7:30 on Friday August 20^th at the Reardon theatre Bank Street. Memberships go on sale from 7:10. Free tea and coffee, lollies for sale.

This Friday ACMI in the Regions—stories from Moyne

2010-08-10T21:55:00.000-07:00

“ACMI in the Regions—stories from Moyne”

Short films showcasing stories of the Yambuk, Port Fairy and Caramut townships. A co-production by the Australian Centre for Moving Image, Arts Victoria and the Moyne Shire Council.

Friday 13 August, 6.45pm Reardon Theatre, Bank Street, Port Fairy

Please RSVP to: cmidgley@moyne.vic.gov.au OR 5568 0584

http://www.moyne.vic.gov.au/page/page.asp?page_Id=2358

St.Kilda Film Festival comes to Port Fairy

2010-07-15T01:29:00.000-07:00

Don’t miss your chance to see the best of Australia's Top 100 short films as the St Kilda Film Festival hits the road taking in 37 destinations Australia-wide with a selection of shorts that includes Festival award winners and stand out favorites.

These exciting films, which cover a diverse range of subject matter ranging from laugh out loud comedy to quality drama, share an infectious passion for the medium, limited only by the size of their relatively modest budgets.

Our short filmmakers push the creative envelope producing work which delights and provokes.

.The 2010 highlights include
Tomorrow by Simon Portus about a young country girl and a businesswoman who meet on their journey to Brisbane; their connections are greater than their differences (Winner 2010 StKFF & 2010 Flickerfest FF, Best Film, Best Direction, Best Actor).

Ink by Justine Wallace is the story of a lost toy, a girl graffiti artist and a stolen childhood(2010 StKFF Best Animation, Screenplay, and Sound & UK SSF, WOW FF, Salento FF ).

Little Ripper by Craig Boord about the tough, competitive, full time occupation of training and racing pigeons( 2010 StKFF Best Documentary, Austin & Indie FFs).

Helmut’s House by Jess Dickenson about an 89hermit who has lived in a hand built house in a remote Australian riverbed for 40 years.

Primo Bacio by Sarah Vasssilas, a documentary dedicated to a couple who have been together for 49 years about how kissing has changed since their courting(2010 StKFF Best positive image of age award).

Apricot by Ben Briand about an man with memory loss who asks personal questions of a young woman to cover his own loss ( Cannes FF Best Young Director).

The Wake by Gemma Lee about a well meaning, social misfit who makes an unexpected arrival at his best mate’s fathers Funeral (2010 StKFF SBS award winner).

In Port Fairy, 7.30 pm Friday 30th July (16 films: interval at 8.30). Exempt 15+ 125mins $10, $8 for PFFS members.

http://www.stkildafilmfestival.com.au/page-54/tour-films

Brothers-A very worthy remake at the Friday night movies

2010-07-15T01:13:00.000-07:00

When a decorated Marine goes missing overseas, his black-sheep younger brother cares for his wife and children at home—with consequences that will shake the foundation of the entire family….

This Friday July 16^th, the Port Fairy Film Society brings a moving, beautiful and dramatic film from acclaimed director Jim Sheridan which is a faithful remake of the Danish made 2000 film of the same name. Brother is the powerful story of two siblings, thirtysomething Captain Sam Cahill (Tobey Maguire) and younger brother Tommy Cahill (Jake Gyllenhaal), who are polar opposites. A Marine about to embark on his fourth tour of duty, Sam is a steadfast family man married to his high school sweetheart, the aptly named Grace (Natalie Portman), with whom he has two young daughters (Bailee Madison, Taylor Grace Geare). Tommy, his charismatic younger brother, is a drifter just out of jail who’s always gotten by on wit and charm. He slides easily into his role as family provocateur on his first night out of prison, at Sam’s farewell dinner with their parents, Sam is then shipped out to Afghanistan.

Sam is presumed dead when his Black Hawk helicopter is shot down in the mountains. At home in suburbia, the Cahill family suddenly faces a shocking void, and Tommy tries to fill in for his brother by assuming newfound responsibility for himself, Grace, and the children. The film is a rich exploration of family relationships, and the issues of love, loyalty and manhood.

Margaret from “At the Movies” found the really interesting American cast all gave very fine performances which contribute to making a very strong and powerful film worthy of four stars.

“Brothers” screens at 7:30pm at the Reardon Theatre this Friday. Members tickets go on sale from 7:10pm.

Screenings coming later in July include the St Kilda Film Festival.

Nanny McPhee comes to Port Fairy With A Big Bang

2010-06-30T05:07:00.000-07:00

At 2.00pm on Sunday 4th July, St Patrick’s Parish School will screen Nanny McPhee and the Big Bang at the Reardon Theatre. 109 Mins (G)

Nanny McPhee (Emma Thompson) appears to help a young mother run the family farm while her husband is away at war. Nanny McPhee discovers that Mrs Green's (Maggie Gyllenhaal) children have a problem with their snobby cousins. From flying motorcycles and statues that come to life to a tree-climbing piglet and a baby elephant, Nanny McPhee uses her magic to teach five new lessons.

"This Nanny McPhee film is very very good", C & G Melb.

Tickets from the School and at the Door.

Le Concert in Port Fairy

2010-06-14T23:17:00.000-07:00

This month's Port Fairy Film Society, Friday night screening brings a memorable musical experience in the French film Le Concert, an award winning comedy drama.

Continuing on with the great run of quality movies shown at Port Fairy this year the story of Le Concert unfolds going back thirty years ago, when Andrei Filipov, the renowned conductor of the Bolshoi orchestra, was fired for hiring Jewish musicians. Now a mere cleaning man at the Bolshoi, he learns by accident that... read more the Châtelet Theater in Paris invites the Bolshoi orchestra to play there. He decides to gather together his former musicians and to perform in Paris in the place of the current Bolshoi orchestra. As a solo violin player to accompany his old Jewish or Gypsy musicians he wants Anne-Marie Jacquet, a young virtuoso. If they all overcome the hardships ahead this very special concert will be a triumph.For music lovers the high point of the movie is the award winning musical score and performance of Tchaikovsky’s concerto.

“Cinema Autopsy’ reviewer Thomas Caldwell describes “Le Concert [as] delivering one of cinema's most moving and satisfying emotional payoffs in years, transforming a film that is pretty good into a film of true greatness”.

Le Concert is rated M and commences at 7:30pm on Friday June 18^th at the Reardon Theatre Bank Street Port Fairy. Membership tickets go on sale from 7:10pm. Free tea and coffee and sweets for sale.

How To Train Your Dragon in Port Fairy

2010-05-31T14:31:00.000-07:00

At 7.30pm on Friday 11 June and 1.30 pm Saturday 12June Port Fairy Consolidated School screens HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON PG 98 Mins

The adventures of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, a 11-year-old son of a Viking chieftain, who must capture and train a Dragon to be part of his tribe. How to Train Your Dragon is directed by Dean DeBlois, Chris Sanders and stars Gerard Butler, Jay Baruchel, Christopher Mintz-Plasse.

Tickets $10 & $5 from the School and at the door.

Poetry and Romance in Bright Star

2010-05-31T13:57:00.000-07:00

Poetry and romance are brought to the Port Fairy in Bright Star in a fundraising film by the Ex Libris Book Fair, this Friday 4 June at 7.30pm. PG 110 mins Tickets $12 ph 5568 3311 & Door

Bright Star tells the story of John Keats (Tim Wishaw) the great romantic poet through the eyes of his love and inspiration - Fanny Brawn (Abbey Cornish).

Campion brings to this story an unfashionable, unapologetic reverence for romance and romantic love, and she responds to Keats's life and work with intelligence and grace.

Inspired by the actual love letters between the couple and Keats' sublime poetry, Jane Campion’s Bright Star is an affecting and deeply considered study of the last years in the short life of Keats, and the ecstasy of loss which suffuses his love affair with Fanny Brawne – a love thwarted not due to illness, but to a web of prospects, social scruples and loyalties.

“Jane Campion is at the very top of her form with this really fine co-production between the UK and Australia. Bright Star is superior to most period films because of the absolute realism with which Campion and her distinguished cinematographer Greig Fraser, depict everyday life 190 years ago and a tender relationship which was restricted by the conventions of the period.

In a cast full of really fine performances, Abbie Cornish is outstanding as Fanny. Campion takes her time to tell her tender story, but the film rewards with a conclusion I found incredibly moving.

This is certainly one of the best films of the year. (2009)” David Stratton ABC At the Movies 5 Stars.

"From one of the finest filmmakers working in the world today. .. An exquisite film”, Margaret Pomeranz 4.5 Stars

Oklahoma! sweeps into Port Fairy

2010-05-19T22:36:00.000-07:00

“Oh, What a Beautiful Morning” sings Curly as the boys meet, lose and try to win the girls with heart and song.

Oklahoma! dazzles audiences with sweeping cinematography, catchy show tunes and skirt-hitching dance sequences.

At 1.30pm Tuesday 25 May Oklahoma! sweeps across the screen at the Reardon Theatre to conclude our first season of Tuesday Classic s.

There will be another 4 film season starting in August for PFFS members.

Colin Firth in stunning, award winning performance as “A Single Man”

2010-05-19T20:13:00.000-07:00

“A Single Man” described as a romantic tale of love interrupted, stars Colin Firth and Julianne Moore in a stunning directorial debut for designer Tom Ford, and features an award winning performance by Colin Firth.

Set in 1960’s California, it traces the story of one transformational day in the life of George Falconer (Firth), a gay college professor who is mourning the death of his long time lover. This one day blends past and present, desire and despair and the discovery of love persisting even after the object of love is gone.

This was at a time when being gay was not socially acceptable, when jobs could be lost, when families were shamed and therefore cruel. Ford has filled this adaptation of Christopher Isherwood’s novel with a compelling sense of beauty and style. It is an immaculate-looking film.

David Stratton from ABC’s “At the Movies” states

“ I think it is an exceptionally beautiful film. It's a very small story, but emotionally a very powerful story and it's so beautiful, it's like a kind of perfect jewel…”

So if you are in the mood for a thought-provoking and dramatic plot-line, sprinkled with the brilliance of Colin Firth and his co-stars, you will not regret it.

“A Single Man” is rated M and screens at the Reardon Theatre Bank St. Port Fairy on Friday May 21^st at 7:30pm. Members tickets go on sale at the door from 7:10pm. See you around the urn for free tea and coffee.

Spectacular Science Film Festival Free!!!

2010-05-11T00:17:00.000-07:00

The spectacular beauty of the Antarctic, Earth and the Moon will be explored on the Big Screen in four excellent films this Friday and Saturday at the Reardon Theatre Port Fairy. The screenings are free.

The program provides a wonderful insight into human exploration of our world at all levels.

This marvellous Festival of free science themed films with drinks and refreshments is presented by the Royal Inst of Science in conjunction with Free Range Films, ACMI and the Port Fairy Film Society, with funding by the Victorian Government.

Friday 14 May 11.30am & 1.30pm
Earth

The spectacular BBC documentary by Mike Linfield about a year of life on Earth in large screen detail, as told through the lives of polar bears, elephants, whales, caribou, cranes and the Earth itself . G 96mins

"visually you have to gasp at some of the images captured here, they really strike home just how beautiful and complex this planet earth is with its multiplicity of species, reaffirming how much we ought to treasure it.” Margaret Pomeranz , ABC, 3.5 Stars

Friday 14 May 7.30 pm
The Fox and the Child
Luc Jaquet’s (March of the Penguin’s)part fiction and documentary beautiful story of a young girl who forms a friendship with a fox in the French country side, and the quite scary(for young children) and dangerous, natural life of the predatory fox, narrated by Kate Winslet. The film is told primarily from the fox’s perspective. G 94 mins

“The film has some amazing moments,.. the most amazing is the relationship between the child and the fox, I don’t know how it was achieved but it’s pretty impressive… Luc Jacquet …does animals really well.” Margaret Pomeranz , ABC,
3.5 stars

Saturday 15 May 2.00pm
In the Shadow of the Moon

Ten of the surviving Apollo astronauts tell their story of their visits to the Moon in David Sington’s marvellous documentary. It shows footage never seen before recounted in terms of its human as well as technical achievement. A big inspirational film to be seen on the big screen. G. 96mins

“Documentaries can be so great at times, and this is one of them. I sat absolutely captured, in a high degree of tension for much of the time, not just by what was achieved by these men but by how they actually felt about that experience.” Margaret Pomeranz, ABC, 4.5 Stars

Saturday 15 May 7.30pm
Encounters at the End of the World

This visually stunning documentary by Werner Herzog about life in an Antarctic station shows the sometimes eccentric human side of our scientific exploration at the end of our world. With humour and respect, it also shows the raw beauty of the Antarctic including some magnificent underwater scenes. G 99 mins 3.5stars David Stratton, ABC.

The Science Film Festival sponsors

Free Range Films is part of a wider series of science themed events
that are run in regional Victoria, the idea being to provide free opportunities for people in regional areas to engage in science in a fun, entertaining and relevant way. In conjunctionwith Deakin University, they are also involved with the Warrnambool Kids Festival. Contact Adam Strang, Programs Coordinator, The Science Exchange www.riaus.org.au<http://www.riaus.org.au/>

“Balibo” will entertain, inform and inspire.

2010-04-14T17:37:00.000-07:00

The Port Fairy Film Society brings the acclaimed and highly anticipated Australian Film “Balibo” to Port Fairy Reardon Theatre this Friday April 16th.This will be the fourth Australian movie shown this year and continues the high standard of Australian films on offer.

BALIBO is a powerful political thriller that tells the true story of war crimes in East Timor that have been covered up for over thirty years.

The film made by writer/director Robert Connolly and based on the book “Cover Up” by Australian journalist Jill Joliffe, tells the true story of the events of November 1975 and the fate of five Australian journalists in East Timor in the lead-up to the invasion by Indonesia. Four weeks after they go missing, the veteran foreign correspondent Roger East (Anthony La Paglia) is lured to East Timor by the young and charismatic José Ramos-Horta (Oscar Isaac) to tell the story of his country and investigate the fate of the missing men. As East's determination to uncover the truth grows, the threat of invasion intensifies and an unlikely friendship develops between the last foreign correspondent in East Timor and the man who will become President.

The magnificence of a film like Balibo is that it engages a new audience who knows nothing of this extraordinary piece of history.

Erin Free film critic from Filminc Australia describes Balibo as

“An incredible film with a well crafted script, beautiful cinematography and a touching story that exposes a deep anger and sorrow.”

Margaret Pomeranz from “At the Movies” agrees;

“I think it’s an important film for this country. I am giving it four stars”

Due to the huge demand for Film Society movies so far in 2010, there will be two planned screenings for Balibo this Friday, one at 7:30 and a later screening at 10pm. Doors open at 7:10pm.

Balibo is rated M. Free tea and coffee available.

CLASSIC MOVIES TAKE OFF IN PORT FAIRY…

2010-03-17T03:30:00.000-07:00

"South Pacific", the 1958 musical (PG 150 mins plus interval ) starring Mitzi Gaynor, Juanita Hall and Rossano Brazzi makes this Pacific interlude one of the most popular of the Rogers and Hammerstein musicals.
"South Pacific" is the second film in our Classic Matinee season. The February screening of "Singing in the Rain" was well attended by 60 members, including residents from Moyneyana Hostel and Belfast House. There were some really lovely reminiscences from some who saw it originally at the Reardon Theatre in 1955. One viewer was an usherette at that time and another lady said with a shy smile, that she was courting.
"South Pacific" screens at 1.30pm Tuesday 23 March for members. Membership concessions for the Classic matinees can be purchased through the Port Fairy Senior Citizens Club (5568 1755) and the Port Fairy Day Centre.

BRAN NUE DAE ……Being home never felt so good

2010-03-17T00:45:00.001-07:00

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

2010-02-16T08:40:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-16T07:50:00.000-08:00

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.