November 26th 

American Utopia

CHIFF: Childrens' International Film Festival - Nov 27-Dec 13

Italian FF finally in Melbourne - 25 Nov - 9 Dec

Luckily I got to view some excellent cinema before I immersed into the world of jury duties, being one of three international jurors judging the 33rd Panorama of European Cinema, being hosted (online) in Athens. A shame you can't watch it from Oz, a bigger shame I'm not over in Greece as I would have been in a non-Covid world. Regardless, there's great cinema happening here in Melbourne. 

American Utopia
Dir: Spike Lee

Length: 105 mins

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lg4hcgtjDPc

© Universal  - stunning and transcendent

American band Talking Heads was around from 1975 until 1991. Lead singer David Byrne went on to recently write the Broadway hit musical American Utopia, featuring songs from the band and from his solo career. Now this fabulously popular musical is brought to the big screen under the guiding hand of eminent director Spike Lee, who makes a concert into something more amazing than you could ever imagine. How can I describe the feeling of uplift and  joyousness that this transcendent film brings? The film opens on an almost bare stage, which gradually fills with musicians. Byrne explains that it's all about the music, so no fancy sets or special effects - the musos are even all bare-footed. The overall effect is simply mesmerising. Extraordinary choreography enhances and complements every song. Percussion is a strong feature, vocal harmonies are superb, and this is an experience no music lover will want to miss (or anyone, for that matter). 

5 - unmissable

CHIFF: Childrens' International Film Festival
Nov 27 - Dec 13

Classic Cinemas, Elsternwick; Lido Cinemas, Hawthorn; Cameo Cinemas, Belgrave and Ritz Cinemas; Randwick Sydney

www.chiff.com.au

Words from the publicist: Now in its third year, CHIFF celebrates filmmaking from around the world for kids, families and the young at heart.  With a fabulous fun program featuring 20 of the best and latest films for children from the past year – all Australian premieres – this year CHIFF invites audiences to see familiar favourites on the big screen and discover bold new re-imaginings of classic characters, and also to ponder the world and our place in it, especially our relationship to nature and our fellow inhabitants, be they human, animal or mythical. 

. . . and now from me: I've been lucky to preview a few, and I mean fortunate, as these films are beautifully pitched to please both adults and youngsters. And after the many, many very serious films I've been indulging in this year, it's a great delight to wallow in something a little lighter, but with hidden depths. Those I review here are for slightly older kids, maybe 8 years and up, and with the ability to read sub-titles, all being European offerings. But for the littlies there are also plenty of terrific films like Moominvalley, Coconut the Little Dragon, Raggie and many more. The festival opens with a new version of the evergreen fave, Lassie Come Home, which I will review when it gets a mainstream release in a week or so.  

Fritzi: A Revolutionary Tale: This delightful animation tells a serious story of Fritzi, a young girl living in East Germany in 1989. Minding her friend's dog, she soon discovers the "holidaying" family has done a runner across the Berlin Wall to the West. Gradually Fritzi discovers her child's life in repressive communist Germany is worse than she thought, and she is drawn into being a part of history in the making. This is a smart and engaging way to get youngsters to understand a really seminal part of European history. Characters are highly engaging (and the dog is soooo cute!)

The Prince's Voyage: The Monkey Prince, proud and elegant, washes up in an unfamiliar land where only young Tom is able to understand him. Tom's parents are scientists, outcast for their beliefs that other monkey civilisations exist. Very much a parable, this is an exquisitely painted animation that carries great messages about tolerance and open-mindedness. The painterly style really reminds me of the Japanese Studio Ghibli work, of which I'm a huge fan.   

Phantom Owl Forest: 10-year-old Eia is sent for the holidays to a remote farm in Estonia, to be cared for by an old man, the identity of whom she only discovers as the tale progresses. He lives in a forest that is threatened by loggers, and together with new friends she takes up the environmental cause, and along the way discovers a large number of family secrets. This is a  delightfully warm-hearted story telling with a strong message.

Too Far Away: Ben's village is taken over by miners and he must move to a new home and school. A keen soccer player, Ben is both relegated in the team, and bullied, but when he befriends Tariq, a Syrian refugee, things look up. This film has many important social messages, not only to do with refugees, but also the power of friendship to heal and overcome prejudice. 

and finally it's here in Melbourne . . .

ST. ALi Italian Film Festival

The 21st ST. ALi Italian Film Festival presented by Palace will screen in Melbourne from 25 November until 9 December at the following locations: Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay and Kino Cinemas.

For all the info and program details go to www.italianfilmfestival.com.au

Centrepiece film is  The Traitor, which scooped the pool at Italy's Donatello awards. It is the story of a Sicilian Mafia boss and features the marvellous Pierfrancesco Favino. For those disappointed the new live-action version of the classic Pinocchio starring Roberto Benigni won't be part of the festival, it is currently having a theatrical release in cinemas (and according to my fellow reviewer Melinda O'Connor, it's a winner!)

In case you missed this review a couple of months ago:

The Goddess of Fortune

© Italian FF - love, kids,
friendships - all in
turmoil 

A top pick and my strong recommendation for the festival is this wonderful award-winning film from director Ferzan Ozpetek (I adored his 2003 film Facing Windows). Boasting a stellar cast of Italy's top actors, it is the story of long-term partners Arturo (Stefano Accorsi) and Alessandro (Eduardo Leo), whose lives are disrupted when old friend Annamaria (Jasmine Trinca) reappears in their lives. Jealousies, disruptions, parental longings, and family secrets abound in this warm, witty delightful film that features terrific perfs from all, including the kids. 

4 - highly recommended