The BRAG’s SFF Shortlist

HOLDING THE MAN

Closing Night: State Theatre, Sunday June 14

Adapted from being commonly regarded as the one of the best novels in the history of Australian literature, Holding The Man is a heartfelt narrative of a high school romance that transcends the social norms of its era and ends in misfortune. John is the captain of the football team at an all-boys high school while Tim falls into the role of the aspiring actor, swept up in John’s masculinity-cloaked tenderness. The film explores themes of acceptance and discrimination while following the lives of John and Tim out of high school and into tragedy. Holding The Man is a true love story that will resonate with all who witness it.

LOVE & MERCY

Special Presentation: State Theatre, Sunday June 7 / Event Cinemas, Tuesday June 9 / Hayden Orpheum, Thursday June 11

There’s much more to The Beach Boys than surfing Californian waves and matching bad haircuts with stripes. They have also long been championed as pioneers of the ’60s sound with the genius of Brian Wilson at their helm. Love & Mercy follows the trials and tribulations of Wilson (played at various ages by Paul Dano and John Cusack) on his quest to produce groundbreaking music, ultimately leading to the downfall of the iconic band and his frail psyche. A feature full of the Cali sound and how those classics were crafted, Love & Mercy is one to watch, even if it is just for Dano’s shaggy hairdo.

TEHRAN TAXI

Official Competition: State Theatre, Monday June 8 and Tuesday June 9 / Hayden Orpheum, Thursday June 11

Director Jafar Panahi has not been legally allowed to make films since 2010, when he was arrested and jailed for six months for allegedly producing propaganda against the Iranian government. Since then, he has produced three films showcasing his anger and frustration. Tehran Taxi follows a taxi driver, Panahi, who attaches a camera to his dashboard and records his conversations with customers, revolving around daily life and politics in Iran. Pushing the envelope of cinéma vérité, Panahi lets us into his world, and it’s highly rewarding.

DOPE

Special Presentation: State Theatre, Monday June 8 / Event Cinemas, Saturday June 13

“It’s hard out there for a geek,” the poster boldly declares. Dope follows a group of three geeks who hail from a hard, gang-ridden hood and land themselves in a bit of strife when they happen upon a stash of ecstasy. They must sell the stash in order to appease a notorious drug dealer, played by Harlem hip hopper A$AP Rocky. Sounds pretty dope to so far, right? The geeks bond over their love for ’90s hip hop and punk while they set off on an unimaginable journey into the depths of the hood. It’s a fresh portrait of the social issues menacing the US, laced with an appropriate dose of hilarity.

AMY

Sounds On Screen: Dendy Newtown, Friday June 5 / Event Cinemas, Saturday June 6

2011 saw one of the music industry’s most talented daughters taken well before her time, consequently sending ripples of melancholy around the world. From the makers of the acclaimed documentary Senna comes the story of London singer/songwriter Amy Winehouse, who was as well known for her music and artistry as much as her battle against some inner demons. This documentary follows her rise to fame with never-before-seen footage and interviews with her closest confidants. If you’re looking for an intimate look into the perplexing dichotomy of her image, this is your go-to.

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