My SFF Hub
By Program Manager Matt Ravier
Most film festivals have a bar where you can meet up for a drink after a screening. Taking over Lower Town Hall opposite the QVB, we designed the Hub to be more than coffee, beer and snacks. You’ll find video installations such as Jeff Desom’s Rear Window Loop (a large scale projection remixing Hitchcock’s classic thriller), a bookshop full of movie books, awesome DJs such as New York’s Jim Poe (Republic Music) and a discount box-office where you can buy $10 tickets to films screening at the Sydney Film Festival. A destination in itself, the Hub is home to over 30 events, most of which are free. And because there’s so much on offer I thought I’d help you out with my top five picks.
Francis Ford Question Mark: Ultimate Film Trivia
Hosted by comedians Michael Hing and Tom Walker, this trivia night promises more fun than ultimate frisbee. It’s open to film lovers of all shapes and sizes, whether you’re intoDirty DancingorDonnie Darko. SFF tickets and DVDs up for grabs for those who know theirShiningfrom theirTrainspotting, theirFight Clubfrom theirBreakfast Club.Free, Thursday June 6, 6pm.
Constructed in the editing room over several years, this recycled feature film is made entirely of clips – hundreds of them – borrowed from well-known movies. Together, these images combine to create a whole new film, an archetypal story that’s also a love letter to cinema. György Pálfi is best known for provocative works such asTaxidermia. Following its premiere in Cannes, this is a one-off opportunity to watch his innovative remix which, due to rights issues, may never be released in cinemas.$10, Thursday June 6, 8pm and Sunday June 9, 8pm.
Home video revolutionised our relationship with cinema. Suddenly we could own films, watch them in our own homes and even pause during the naughty bits! Josh Wheatley takes a break from his PhD on trash cinema to host a screening party dedicated to the VHS. Worship at the altar of the VCR as we pay tribute to cult cinema on the brink of extinction. Bring your cued up VHS tapes and share your favourite scenes to score free drinks and pizza!Free, Saturday June 8, 8.30pm.
Directors in Conversation: Netzer & Shortland
For this Directors In Conversation event, we’ve brought together two of the finest filmmakers working today: Calin Peter Netzer (Child’s Pose), straight from his Golden Bear win at the 2013 Berlin Film Festival, and Cate Shortland, the very talented filmmaker behind home-grown dramasSomersaultandLore. Presented by the Australian Directors Guild, this is a rare chance to learn about craft and creative process from the very best.Free, Wednesday June 12, 6.30pm.
Bobbi’s Pole Studio have assembled a lineup of Sydney’s most talented performers for a night of outrageous burlesque numbers inspired by cult movies. Diesel Darling, Pristina Sparx, Chilli and Oolarlar Lular join pole dancer Matty Shields onstage following the Australian premiere of Exposed, Beth B’s documentary on New York’s boundary-pushing neo-burlesque scene.Free, Thursday June 13.
