July 9th
Steelers
Scandinavian Film Festival
Iranian Film Festival
It seems to be a week of festivals, with most of my previewing centreing around two festivals opening today. Plus I continue adding to my reviews for Melbourne Documentary Film Festival, which runs for several more weeks.
Steelers
Dir: Eammon Ashton Atkinson
Length: 80 mins
Available on: Apple TV - Google Play
- Amazon Prime Video - Fetch – YouTube –
Foxtel Store – PlayStation Store - Microsoft
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© The Reset Collective - men, mud and
finding your place in the world |
As the director says at the film's conclusion, this is not a film about being gay, or about rugby, but about never giving up and searching for that place where you belong and can find happiness. That said it is about the Steelers, the world's first gay rugby team, formed in London's Kings Cross in 1995. Now there are 60 gay rugby clubs worldwide. The doco focuses upon different personalities: Drew, who doubles as a drag queen, Simon who reflects upon the agony of coming out, his endless depression and how rugby saved him, and the team's gay female coach, Nic, fighting misogyny in a "man's world". Uplifting, life-affirming and very entertaining, this is nevertheless a film with a vitally important message of self-acceptance, and the need for ongoing battle in the sporting arena (all arenas in fact) to wipe out gender discrimination. 3.5 - well recommended
Scandinavian Film Festival
Melbourne July 8th - 28th
Palace cinemas
Often I discover a sensibility in Scandinavian films that I don't find in many mainstream western films. I find a subtlety and strong sense of realism that I really relate to. This year, with 10 films from women directors, the festival will be even more powerful. No point outlining what the website will tell you, but here's my take on a couple I've been lucky enough to preview so far. Note: The closing night film will be the epic (191 minutes) 1971 film The Emigrants, which was nominated for, and won, many awards.
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| © Scandi FF |
Beware of Children: This multi-award-winning Norwegian drama deals with the aftermath of a tragic event which takes place in a school. Was it accidental? Was it deliberate? With the kids involved being so young, the situation is fraught, and the tentacle-like, flow-on effect through the families, the school and the town is devastating. The many ambiguous moral issues raised will get you thinking; shades of grey are ever present. Brilliantly acted, intelligently scripted and gripping throughout, this film will totally reward your 2hr 37 min viewing time. (Notably the film has won a top international jury prize, as well as countless Norwegian awards.)
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| © Scandi FF |
Agnes Joy: This Icelandic drama is the story of a troubled family: Rannveig is suffering mid-life work and marriage burnout, and clashing with her 19-year-old adopted daughter Agnes. When well known actor Hreinn turns up as their neighbour, the family will face yet more turmoil. Again, the fine level of totally credible scripting and strong acting makes this a film so many will relate to, from the rebellious teen, through to those going through their own mid-life crisis (not to mention a spotlight on sleazy, exploitative men).
Iranian Film Festival
Melbourne July 8th - 15th
Exclusive to Cinema Nova
Online in other states until 30th July
With the ever-changing locations of outbreaks of Covid, and associated lockdowns, the scheduling of festivals must be a nightmare for organisers. Lucky for Melburnians (so far!) this time they are the recipients of this festival on the big screen. Other states will be able to watch online. (Well, that's the story as of today.) Ranging from narrative features, to docos showcasing the culture and music of southern Iran, there is a fine range of films from which to choose, and as always, seeing films about such divergent cultures from our own, is always a great eye-opener. Not to mention, Iran has a proud history of award-winning revered directors and films. I've just previewed three totally diverse, mind-broadening and mind-blowing films!
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| © IFF |
Wasteland: With some major awards to its name, this beautifully crafted black and white film is set in a brickworks somewhere in the godforsaken wilderness of the Iranian desert. Different ethnic groups work here and conflict is ever-present. When the boss announces that the factory will close down, it is hardest on Lotfollah, who was born into the job 40 years ago, and knows no other life. He loves Sarvar, who carries deep secrets, but everyone has their own issues. This is reminiscent of classic Euro-films from the 50s, with its careful attention to minute detail, and its slow-burn revelation of where the truth lies. A real treat for lovers of art-house film.
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| © IFF |
TiTi: Ibrahim, a professor on the verge of a ground-breaking discovery, falls ill in hospital and his important papers disappear. TiTi is a young woman, raised by Iranian gypsies, who cleans in the hospital, as well as earns money by being a surrogate mother. She rescues the papers, and when she finally meets the physicist, their lives are irrevocably changed. So many issues are at stake here - the treatment of women in Iranian society, personal sacrifice vs self-centred pursuits, surrogacy, mental stability and more. Beautifully shot, with stunning central performances, this is a strong narrative to be relished.
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| © IFF |
Careless Crime: This remarkable film, which has seriously done my head in, uses a past crime as its inspirational heart. 40 years ago, as protesters attempted to overthrow the Shah's regime, four men set fire to a cinema, killing hundreds. Now in 2020, another four decide to perpetrate the same crime, as people in the cinema are watching a movie about an unexploded missile and some girls camping nearby, who also happen to be watching a film about the cinema fire! Time folds upon itself, certain scenes and dialogues repeat on a strange time loop, and people with a passion for film are everywhere. For folks with a solid background in Iranian history and cinema, there will be much to be gleaned from this unusual film. Despite it being challenging to get one's head around, it is strangely compelling.
Melbourne Documentary Film Festival
Until 31 July online
21-31 July select films in cinemas
I began my reviews for this festival last week, and this week have added a most timely documentary, about the history of Chinese unionism in Melbourne, but also with resonance for the parlous treatment of immigrants ongoing in Australia today. Plus a doco that will not be for the squeamish among you.
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| © MDFF |
Doing Nothing and Doing It Well: In its very short runtime, this doco packs so much information about early Chinese immigration to Melbourne, and the horrendously racist attitudes of white colonialists to anyone non-white, especially Chinese and Indigenous people. The filmmaker is a descendant of a Chinese cabinet-maker who came to the city in the mid-1800s. Using newspaper clippings, old photos, a voice-over (in Cantonese) of the long-dead ancestor, and his own insights, he paints a most unsettling picture. He examines the early militant unionism of the Chinese artisans, and how their strikes actually changed labour laws. More than that, his film reminds us of the battle still being fought for humanity and compassion towards people who come to this land in search of better lives, and the ongoing need to reconcile with our First Nations people.
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© MDFF |
Wanting to Fly: You may have seen pictures of Indian fakirs pulling carts along by means of hooks piercing the flesh of their back. Well, human suspension, whereby people feel the need to put huge hooks through their flesh and then have themselves hoisted up and suspended in the air, is actually a thing! And this doco (thankfully short!) explores it, interviewing several people who, as they explain it, get psychological benefit from this practice. Neil, suspending for the first time, is front and centre. As well as devotees of the practice, we hear from a psychologist who examines theories as to why, and the director concludes that we all could do well to better understand other humans, and why they do the things they do. All in all, I found it compellingly fascinating, but somewhat hard to grasp.
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