City Hub 19 November 2015

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city hub 19 NOVEMBER 2015

Green groups demand concessions

BY RYAN QUINN Over 400 environmentalists crowded the corner of Goulburn and Castlereagh streets on Tuesday November 17 to rally against an inquiry into taxing the donations made to environmental organisations.

The gathering at Sydney Masonic Centre was in response to green groups being called in front of the Federal Government Inquiry into the Register of Environmental Organisations.

Greenpeace Australia Pacific was at the centre of the rally, with CEO David Ritter first to face the hearing committee earlier in the day.

Mr Ritter told City Hub that the protest was voicing concern about potential tax hikes for those who donate.

“Hundreds of Sydneysiders have come out today because they’re concerned about any suggestion that supporters of nature groups will be hit with an extra tax slug because they’re dipping into their pockets to support nature groups.”

Currently, there are over 600 environmental organisations on the Register which “allows them to access tax-deductible donations to fund important, practical work to improve the natural environment”, according to a statement from Federal MP Alex Hawke.

Greenpeace Campaigns Director Dom Rowe was cheered on by Tuesday’s protest crowd when she called the idea of taxing donations “outrageous”.

Attendee Janine Kitson asked, “How do you get people to campaign for these things unless you have proper funds?”

Mr Ritter said he feared that taxing donations would mean people would feel discouraged from donating because they would have to give more.

The Facebook page for the protest claimed that “if the government get their way, it’ll cost ordinary people more to support the campaigns they love, and pull the rug out from under the organisations who protect our environment.”

The event page called on people from all walks of life to attend, with some showing up in their lunch breaks in work clothes, and others donning environmental organisation logos.

People from all walks of life will be affected by inquiry decision. SOURCE: Twitter @rachelcolbhoff

Attendees held placards explaining what they were and why they were there, which was to show that ordinary people would be just as affected by any tax increase, not just environmental groups.

One placard read “I am an Australian who is very concerned about our country and our children’s future.”

Another read “I am a lawyer for Great Barrier Reef.”

From the stage, Ms Rowe congratulated the diversity of the crowded footpath.

“I’m seeing some of your signs around at the moment, so I’d like to congratulate the ‘humans’ that are here, the ‘trade unionists’, the ‘surfers’,

the ‘fathers’, the ‘citizens’, the ‘students’, and even the ‘lawyers’ that are here,” she announced to the crowd.

A large screen on the back of a truck was set up across the road from the crowd to show attendees videos and display speakers on stage.

Many of the protestors, such as Ian Rose, felt that the inquiry contradicted the funds the mining industry receives from the Federal Government.

“Our government gives a bit over $1700 dollars per person to the mining industry, in $41 billion dollars in annual funds,” Mr Rose said.

“So not only are they spending our tax dollars in ways that we don’t want them to spend our

money, but they’re telling us that we’re not allowed to spend our tax dollars in ways that we would prefer them to be spent.”

He said that if the tax deduction were removed, it would further “tip the scale” in favour of mining, and he would rather see more money put toward saving forests than mining it.

Tuesday’s public hearing was part of a collection of hearings held in Australian major cities, which began in June this year.

Each session has heard from many environmental organisations and served to look into the “administration, transparency and effectiveness” of the Register, according to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on the Environment.

Mr Hawke said in that statement that tax deductible donations, “which are a generous concession from the taxpayer” were used for the proper and expected purpose.

Tuesday’s hearing was held in front of the standing committee, and was chaired by Federal MP John Cobb.

At the hearing, Mr Ritter was pressed by Mr Cobb on issues regarding the illegal activities of Greenpeace Australia Pacific members, citing a 2011 incident where Greenpeace protestors destroyed a secured wheat crop which was part of a CSIRO trial.

Mr Ritter told City Hub that acts of civil disobedience are key in the protection and advancement of nature, which is the goal of environmental organisations.

“It’s part of why our country is the wonderful place that it so often is, because of those advances that have been achieved with selfless acts of civil obedience from individuals who have taken a stand of conscience,” he said.

Ms Kitson said that removing tax deductions would take away donators’ civil rights.

The Nature Conservation Council of NSW (NCC) also appeared before the inquiry, as well as joining 350.org Sydney and Friends of the Earth Australia in the rally.

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BY KENJI SATO Hundreds of hospital workers gathered outside of the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPA) on Tuesday November 17 to protest against loss of hospital parking spaces.

Three weeks ago, hospital staff were told that their multistorey car park would be privatised and run by private operator Secure Parking.

Under the new management, parking fees doubled from $2.50 to $5 per day, and staff were told that 600 out of 1200 parking spaces would be closed to make way for construction.

In its place, the NSW Government has promised to build another 1000 multi-storey car park, but Eleanor Romney, the RPA branch delegate of the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association, said this would not meet the hospital’s needs.

“RPA has had a long standing critical shortage of staff car parking,” she told protesters outside the hospital.

“We have had a wait list for parking that consists of 1500 people and the average time on that wait list is four years. Staff without parking routinely arrive at work one or even more hours early to patrol the street of Camperdown looking for those precious untimed parking spots.”

The majority of the parking spaces around the streets of Camperdown and Newtown are either residential parking spaces or one to two hour parking spaces.

Darren Jenkins, president of community group Friends of Erskineville, warned that the lack of hospital parking spaces would deter people from working there.

“It’s a public health and safety issue. If RPA can’t get the most qualified and most talented healthcare professionals to work here, that affects the community,” he told City Hub at the protest.

“Friends of Erskineville is supportive of public transport solutions, but it isn’t always a practical solution for healthcare professionals who work around the clock. That’s why we’re here in support.”

Brett Holmes, the General Secretary of the NSW Nurses and Midwives association, said that more than 2000 staff relied on car parking.

“We call upon the NSW Minister for Health, the Premier and

the Local Health District to actually get together and find a better solution than simply a long term promise of building a 1000 place car park, which is inadequate to solve this issue. They need to commit to providing 3500 car parking spaces here at RPA,” Mr Holmes said.

“Our survey found that 62% of our members experienced turning up late for work because of the inability to access car parking. That means patients are missing out on care.”

“We even hear of people having to turn up at 5:30am for a 7am shift to ensure they get a car park. That’s an atrocious situation to be in. That’s not fair, and it’s not reasonable.”

The protest was attended by members of the Health Services Union and Unions NSW. Jarrod Hayes, the secretary of the Health Services Union, said that he was disappointed, but not surprised, at the decision.

“You can see what happens when these privatisation issues come out. You don’t get the service, and you pay more for it,” he said at the protest.

“What we need to be doing as a community of Newtown and the inner west is to come together and say ‘this is not acceptable’. It is not acceptable that people who finish a shift at 11 or 12 at night, have to make their way three or four kilometres in the dark to get on a train and get home, bearing in mind that some of these people live out west.”

“These things are not acceptable in this day and age. We’ve got a hospital over here that has been planned over many years. Why has proper parking not been planned? It’s been an absolute lack of foresight going forward,” he told the crowd.

“We will stand united with every other union on this site, we will stand united with the community of this area and we will fight this until we win this. And it is only us who can win this because if we do not bring this to the government, they will not do anything.

Emma Maiden, the Assistant Secretary for Unions NSW, said that the push to privatise the hospital’s car parking was part of the government’s long-term ‘privatisation agenda’.

“We see this as part of a broader ideological agenda in relation to workers. We are seeing attacks left right and centre whether it be car parking or penalty rates.” city hub 19 NOVEMBER 2015

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Marrickville Public Toilets: no lids, no butts

BY CHRISTOPHER HARRIS What does your loo say about you?

In the Marrickville local government area, the stainless steel bowls may be more maximum security prison than minimalist chic.

A draft public toilet plan sparked intense debate within Marrickville Council and on social media, after “prison style toilets” were proposed for the LGA. Marrickville’s Council’s Draft Toilet Policy had a design standard for toilet bowls which were set to be stainless steel, seatless and lidless.

It was suggested in the plans that the council could gradually phase out seats on public toilets.

But concern for the community’s comfort prevailed, with council voting on November 19 in favour of at least retaining toilet seats for public washrooms.

Greens Councillor Max Phillips told City Hub he was “very pleased with the good result”.

Functionality versus comfort. Soure: supplied

Councillor Phillips had gauged community reaction to the plan on Facebook. Clr Phillips said although some people thought the public toilet issue was not worthy of discussion, he said he had received significant community interest.

He had warned the other councillors that the public would not want to use the toilets proposed in the plan.

“Seatless stainless steel toilets are what you’d find in a prison cell and I believe they are inappropriate in a neighbourhood park or shopping precinct,” Clr Phillips said.

He said that the comfort won out in the end.

Following council’s decision on November 19, a variety of toilet seat materials, such as porcelain and plastic, can be used.

Deputy Mayor Rosanna Tyler told City Hub before the council meeting that she would listen to all sides of the debate.

She was not sure if comfort should be the number one, or number two, priority.

“We have to tread a fine line, between what is comfortable and the cost of repairs, because there are quite undesirable practices of vandalism going on” Clr Tyler told City Hub. She said the cost of current facilities were more expensive than what the general public might think, because of the need to comply with health and safety obligations during the installation and in ongoing maintenance.

“Toilets are horrendously expensive to build and refurbish,” she said.

“The industrial look does look prison style, but for cleaning, it is a lot better.”

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Unsure of start-ups as Technology Park closes

BY CHRISTOPHER HARRIS The future of the Sydney tech industry is in a state of flux, with the informal start-up ‘spiritual home’ of Sydney now set for development.

Australian Technology Park in Eveleigh is up for sale, with developer Mirvac agreeing to buy the site for $263 million.

Greens Newtown MP Jenny Leong criticised the sale, and said the heritage and technology hub would be lost to “flashy Comm Bank logos”.

“This is an irreplaceable part of the historic fabric of Sydney’s inner city. Once it’s taken out of public hands we’ll lose it forever,” Ms Leong said.

According to Ms Leong, a strong community campaign which highlighted the historical significance of the site had pushed the Minister for Environment and Heritage to agree to protect certain heritage items and would maintain public access.

However, Ms Leong said that these minor amendments were “still not good enough”..

“Allowing retail and commercial outlets to overtake this community and heritage space will have irreversible impacts and will completely change the fabric of the area.”

Since the proposed sale, the NSW Government has suggested the White Bay Power Station site could be Sydney’s answer to Silicon Valley.

The government said that the technology space would accommodate Sydney’s growing tech industry by providing a precinct for existing companies and budding entrepreneurs to collaborate.

The Bays Precinct website said that the government was committed to “initiate an international expression of interest process, as well as targeted trade and investment missions”.

The start-up hub is proposed to attract “partnerships and investments with universities,

Sydney start-ups are in a state of flux.

business, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and research organisations”.

However, the plans have drawn criticism from tech industry stakeholders and local council.

Leichhardt Mayor Darcy Byrne questioned whether a start-up precinct would work without adequate public transport.

“Without a mass public transport system, it won’t be our own Silicon Valley, it will be Chatswood by the Sea,” Clr Byrne said.

He said that the culmination of 16,000

residential units in the suburb, coupled with the plans for the new technology precinct, meant that public transport must be prioritised.

He said that reopening the Glebe Island Bridge to pedestrians and cyclists would make the site a ten minute walk from the CBD. Kyri Theos, Asia Pacific Director of Freelance, one of Australia’s most successful start-ups with ASX listing, also criticised the proposal.

He told City Hub that the government’s approach to artificially cultivating a start-up and

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technology hub was against the more organic development of start-up communities around the world.

“Where start-ups cluster and where they want to be based is usually a reflection of good public transport service, hip cafes, nightlife and low rents,” Mr Theos said.

“Whether White Bay is where we should be trying to develop a cluster is a good question,” he said.

“That could have been an option for investment, and a lot of the White Bay thing was about grabbing headlines, rather than a carefully thought out plan.”

He said that if Australians were serious about being a ‘start-up nation’, government and people had to start thinking about start-ups as part of the mainstream, not just as peculiar to capital cities.

“Start-up events, incubators, co-working spaces and the ecosystem serve not only to bring more entrepreneurs together, or build business, it shows people what is possible, it shows that it is a real option, and helps to overcome that fear, and positions launching a start-up as a okay career option.”

It is expected that construction on the White Bay site will start in 2018.

Urban Taskforce CEO Chris Johnson called for a second metro to the site for faster access between the hub and the CBD. “Public transport connections from Glebe Island to the centre of Sydney city will be important to resolve,” Mr Johnson said.

“If the Bays site is developed fully, a light rail connection may not be adequate to get quick access to the city, and a future metro that duplicated the Western heavy rail line could connect with a Glebe Island station as well as improving the Sydney Olympic site’s connectivity.”

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Infrastructure inadequate for planned population surge, locals say

BY JENNIFER LUU Local residents have expressed outrage over proposed redevelopment in North Eveleigh.

The community met at an UrbanGrowth NSW workshop on November 12 to voice concerns over the plans to transform the North Eveleigh railway corridor in the State Government’s Central to Eveleigh program.

When put to an informal vote, the majority of attendees voted against the development, with only two residents voting in its favour.

The community was particularly opposed to the planned construction of two 20 storey residential towers, labelling them as the “elephant in the room”.

Newtown resident Tim Hill condemned the towers as “utterly soul-destroying”.

“One can only suggest that you think we look like muppets,” Mr Hill said.

His words were met by a round of applause.

Residents raised fears that the towers would obstruct the skyline, overshadow nearby residences and invade privacy by overlooking neighbouring backyards.

Locals also claimed that the residential development, consisting of over 700 new apartments, would lead to unsustainable population growth in the area.

They said it would place strain on already overburdened infrastructure, public transport, schools, medical services and parking spaces, and would increase traffic congestion.

Many also argued against redevelopment in North Eveleigh due to its status as a sensitive heritage area.

An Urabngrowth spokesperson at the meeting. Photo: Jennifer Luu

Greens Newtown MP Jenny Leong criticised plans to build the 20 storey towers, and urged the community to stand up against the development.

“What we are actually seeing is yet another example of UrbanGrowth and this New South Wales State Government seeing our community spaces and our neighbourhoods as

actually a cash cow for developers,” Ms Leong said.

“What we should be seeing is real policy to address affordable housing in our cities and real policies to address public transport needs.”

City of Sydney Labor Councillor Linda Scott also disagreed with the proposal, and suggested that more money needed to be invested into public services instead of turning the area into a “developer’s playground”.

Clr Scott spoke out against Premier Mike Baird for “selling off public inner-city land, valuable inner-city land, but not giving back to the inner-city communities in terms of infrastructure and government investment”.

UrbanGrowth NSW defended its proposal, with project manager Troy Daly claiming that the housing development was vital to accommodate the city’s growing population.

“Honestly, this is how we need to think about this, because it’s such a prime location in Sydney to put dwellings,” Mr Daly said.

He acknowledged the potential problems that could arise from the construction of the towers.

“I’m not up here to say that things are perfect…we absolutely know across government agencies that things aren’t perfect.”

Jim Koopman, director of AJ + C Architects, supported the idea that growth in the number of local residences was necessary.

“We’re designing these spaces for the 22nd century. We’re designing for many people over the next 10 years to come into the greater Sydney area, and so if we want the sustainable, green and connected city, the way to do it is to provide the housing,” Mr Koopman said.

Half pipe is here

Cashless welfare trials are ‘methodically crap’

BY RYAN QUINN Leichhardt Council has ‘ollied’ over State Government red tape, finally receiving consent to lodge a Development Application (DA) for the Callan Park Skate Park.

The decision, made on November 12 by Callan Park owners, the NSW Health Department, came after many months of friction bteween government and council over the site.

Leichhardt Mayor Darcy Byrne said that red tape had unnecessarily stalled an overdue project.

“Council has allocated $907,000 for the development of the regional skate park, so it has been strange and extremely frustrating that the NSW Government has delayed so long signing a bureaucratic form to allow us to actually build it,” he said in a statement.

The skate park is part of the Callan Park Master Plan adopted by Council in 2011, which will involve the demolition of two cottages.

Balmain Greens MP Jamie Parker congratulated the local skating community for seeking his assistance and thanked council for its work on the project.

“Following the transfer of Callan Park administration to the Minister for the Environment, I met with the Minister’s office to ensure the landowner’s consent was progressed for the skate park. I am delighted the Department of Health has then acted so quickly,” he said in a statement.

The design and location of the park were decided in consultation with local skaters, park stakeholders and the wider community.

Cofounder of Sydney Skateboard Association Nigel Cameron said that the choice of location ticks all the boxes as it invites both existing skaters and families, is close to public transport for young visitors, and is away from houses, which prevents noise issues.

However, Councillor Byrne told City Hub that not all stakeholders were happy with the outcome.

He said that a spokesperson for Friends of Callan Park (FCP) and a Greens Party Activist attended the council’s October 10 policy meeting, and claimed they wanted to delay the DA. The war has not been won though, with council still calling on the State Government to officially adopt the entire master plan.

The plan focuses on mental health care and support, as well as open space for the community, which is to be overseen by a trust, similar to the Centennial Park Trust.

BY KENJI SATO Sydneysiders are set to protest the new cashless welfare debit cards being introduced in other states, with fears they could be brought to NSW. The ‘Healthy Welfare Card’, which will be rolled out in parts of South Australia and Western Australia next year, will contain 80 per cent of a welfare recipient’s income and cannot be used for gambling or alcohol.

The card was put forward by billionaire mining magnate Andrew Forrest and received bipartisan support within the Federal Parliament.

Mr Forrest said the card would benefit Indigenous communities.

“Nothing destroys family and traditional culture quicker than despondency, dependency and poor lifestyles,” Mr Forrest said.

“We need to make the necessary changes to Australia’s welfare system to empower individuals to use it as it was intended.”

“The advantages of the card are many and communities will enjoy the benefits of significantly reduced illicit drug and alcohol use and gambling activities.”

But JessieLee Peacock, Western Sydney resident and organiser of the ‘Say no to cashless welfare’ rally in Sydney on November 21, said that the card would be humiliating and paternalistic.

“We’re talking about families, people with disabilities, carers, homeowners, average everyday Australians being told they can’t manage their own money,” she told City Hub. “Only a handful of welfare recipients have a problem managing their money. This card is designed to be rolled out across all of Australia for all welfare recipients and the government is using a particularly unsympathetic subgroup of people to push their agenda.”

Ms Peacock, who has a heavily autistic son, told City Hub that the card would unfairly target people on disability support pensions.

6

city hub 19 NOVEMBER 2015

“Why are people with disabilities being included in this? They can’t help being disabled. It goes against the Disability Discrimination Act, and it is a serious human rights issue,” she said.

The cards will be initially trialled in Ceduna in South Australia, and Kununurra and Halls Creek in Western Australia.

The trials will last for 12 months, and if they are considered successful the cards will be implemented Australia wide.

A similar scheme was planned for Moree in NSW in July this year, but unanimous community and council opposition shut down the plan.

Eva Cox, Professorial Fellow at the Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning, told City Hub that the trials would not provide any evidence of the cards’ effectiveness.

“The trials are, if you excuse my language, methodologically crap,” she said.

“The cashless welfare cards will be distributed alongside other drug and alcohol prevention services, making it impossible to tell whether the card is making any difference at all. How are we supposed to tell whether a drop in drug and alcohol abuse is because of the cards or because of the improved services?”

Professor Cox said that the trials were designed to make the cards appear more effective than they actually are.

“Previous trials were unable to demonstrate the effectiveness of forced income management. We trialled a similar BasicsCard in the Northern Territory, and it restricted 50 per cent of a person’s income support payment. It was shown to be ineffective back then, and there is no evidence to suggest that raising the cash restriction to 80 per cent will make any difference.”

“This program plays on the racist stereotype that Aboriginal Australians are irresponsible and unable to properly manage themselves. It will target everyone on benefits, even those who do not suffer from drug and alcohol abuse.”

Sydney University’s Dog Blood Bank

BY LEXY AKILLAS The University of Sydney’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital has established a blood bank specifically for ‘man’s best friend’, which will help save the lives of many dogs.

The recently established program is looking for Sydney pooches to lend a paw and become a blood donor at the Camperdown location.

Dr Christine Griebsch, Specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine, told City Hub that there had been a “good response” so far.

“We have blood donors coming in already, so I am confident that the program will run very well,” she said.

The idea for a Sydney blood bank came in response to the closure of the main supplier at the University of Melbourne.

When asked about plans to become a interstate blood supplier, like the University of Melbourne was, Dr Griebsch explained that it would be very tough.

“It requires a huge amount of time and much more personnel than we actually have to sell blood. Also, there are certain requirements that you have to fulfil to get a license so we are not planning to do that in the future,” she told City Hub. Instead, the blood bank is only open to clients of the Sydney University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, requiring dogs to be referred to the hospital before they can receive a transfusion.

The blood bank is complementary to the 24 hour emergency service already on offer at the hospital.

Dr Griebsh said that the process is simple and dogs are eligible to donate every three months, as long they pass a physical examination and blood test, are aged between one and eight years old, and weigh at least 20 kilograms.

The blood is used in surgery, to treat trauma, internal bleeding from poisoning and for dogs who suffer with diseases such as anaemia or pancreatitis.

“The need for blood varies quite significantly which is why we rely on the owners of the dogs quite a lot, and hope that some of them are available to bring the dog in spontaneously say if we have a trauma case

A dog is pinned down to donate blood. Source: supplied.

coming in that will require a lot of blood transfusions,” Dr Griebsch said.

The procedure usually takes around 10 minutes.

Following the physical examination and a quick check of a blood sample, the donor is mildly sedated as they are required to lie very still, and a small needle is inserted into the jugular vein located on the neck, and blood is collected.

“The dogs get a lot of cuddles and a little reward afterwards,” Dr Griebsch said.

This not only includes a $100 voucher for food and consumables, but also their choice of a K9 collar or lead, which shows other pet owners that thedog is a blood donor.

If you think your dog may be an eligible donor or you know someone who would like to be involved, please contact Sydney University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital on 9351 3437.

Barangaroo to charge for NYE

BY CHRISTOPHER HARRIS City of Sydney Greens Councillor Irene Doutney has publicly slammed the State Government for proposing to charge families $79 to view New Year’s Eve fireworks in Barangaroo Reserve.

Councillor Doutney told City Hub that the government had “reneged” on their promise to return the reserve to public hands, as charging the public for entry would restrict access to those who could afford it.

Ten thousand tickets will be available to the public, at a cost of $29.50 for adults, $14.50 for children, and $79 for a family pass.

Councillor Doutney said there was a pattern of privatisation of public land in the area, reflected in the Millers Point sell-off, the casino, and now the parkland.

“This is yet another money grab at the expense of the public. The City of Sydney puts on the New Year’s Eve fireworks which already draws crowds from across the globe.

There is enough money to be made without charging the public to access their own lands,” Clr Doutney said “The Barangaroo Delivery Authority wants to charge nearly $30 for an adult ticket, and this doesn’t even guarantee a view.

It’s a first-come first-serve basis, so a family is looking at almost $80, perhaps just to look up at the sky.”

“The Barangaroo Packer casino will encroach onto public lands, and overshadow our iconic Harbour views. Now the Government is setting up the Barangaroo Reserve for ticketed events. It is a complete abuse of public property,” Clr Doutney said.

A spokesperson for the Barangaroo Delivery Authority said that the event was ticketed and limited to 10,000 people to ensure the comfort and safety of guests while minimising disturbance to neighbours.

“Paid ticketing is necessary as the New Year’s Eve event at Barangaroo Reserve is expensive to run, taking into account the cost of security, amenities and cleaning of the park in time to reopen it on New Year’s Day for the public to enjoy.”

ARTS FEATURE

Vale Metro: the final cut for emerging Aussie film?

BY ALANNAH MAHER On the same evening when the unfortunate cancellation of Tropfest 2015 was announced, another institution of emerging Australian film practitioners gathered to mark the end of an era. After more than 34 years of providing essential support to the nation’s emerging film industry, Metro Screen will call their final ‘cut’ this December.

Metro Screen’s loss of core funding means they cannot continue programs that have assisted emerging filmmakers with funding, equipment, production and education over the years. This is a direct result of the drastic federal cuts to national screen agency Screen Australia, and echoes the recent government funding cuts to all other emerging arts areas.

At the Vale Metro Screen Forum & Break Up Party last Wednesday, Metro Screen presented their parting gift to Australian film––Emerging Visions: Career Pathways in the Australian Screen Production Industry, an extensive report detailing the first significant research into talent regeneration in the screen industry.

Lead researcher and Metro Screen CEO Christina Alvarez explained that the six-month research project was not initially intended to mark their exit. “We were expecting to be able to share this research into our future, we knew it was going to be tricky, but we were hopeful…as things have turned out, it’s become our swan song,” she said.

The landmark Emerging Visions report illustrates some rather concerning statistics, with a vastly growing gap between ‘learning and earning’ for Australian filmmakers.

Since 2007 the federal government support to the screen industry has increased by 90% to $419 million each year.

While this sounds like good news, from next year targeted federal funding for emerging screen practitioners is set to reduce by 80% to $2 million next year––an amount that spreads quite thinly across the nation.

Federal funding of tertiary screen media education, however, stands at $250 million per year.

In a presentation scattered with many ad-libs that enticed gasps of shock and laughs of resignation from the buzzing crowd, Alvarez explained the burning inefficiency of this model, which invests so heavily in both education and the established screen industry, while overlooking the emerging sector that bridges this unstable industry ecosystem.

Metro Screen green screen studio in action PHOTO: Jamie Williams

“We simply don’t accept that new talent is now expected to develop with Crowdfunding, YouTube and cheap beer when every other aspect of the screen industry has benefitted through helpful and strategic investment,” said Christina.

Metro Screen President Katherine Shelper echoed these sentiments, saying: “Screen Australia had a very difficult task in working out how to respond to their budget cuts, but I think they’ve failed to appreciate the entirety of that really delicate ecosystem, and hopefully our report will be able to bring focus onto that in a constructive way...”

Christina’s statements about emerging screen’s precarious funding predicament were gravely reinforced with the virtually simultaneous, abrupt announcement that Australian mainstay Tropfest, ‘the world’s biggest short film festival’, will not be going ahead this December due to a “terrible and irresponsible mismanagement of Tropfest funds”. When even a 23 year strong cultural favourite like this is halted for financial reasons, what chance do emerging film creators have to showcase their work?

City Hub approached Tropfest for comment, and were directed to Founder and Director John Polson’s initial statement: “Despite a challenging sponsorship climate, Tropfest has done reasonably well in attracting support this year; however, to my great surprise, the management

company has informed us that it is unable to proceed.”

Much like Tropfest, Metro Screen can be attributed with launching many screen careers; with people like Andrew Denton and John Bell passing through it’s accessible programs, along with Gayby Baby producer Charlotte Mars and Black Comedy star Elizabeth Wymarra (and much of the rest of the cast).

Emerging filmmaker Joshua Longhurst utilised Metro Screen’s writing programs to launch his career at a time when he didn’t have the network to produce something for Tropfest, and couldn’t afford a tertiary education. He has since been accepted into film festivals, internships and been nominated for a Dendy Award. “The networks that I’ve built have come from being a part of this community, and that’s what it is, a community of filmmakers who they genuinely care about and really push to achieve great things,” said Joshua.

The demise of Metro Screen is a concern for the greater Australian society, who deserves to see a diversity of stories represented on their screens. “I think it’s fundamental that people want to see their own stories on screen,” explained Katherine (who is also the award-winning producer of 2009 film Samson & Delilah). “Metro Screen was always a champion of diversity and giving anyone a chance whether [or not] you had cash or contacts, you could come and tell

your story…and that’s what creates a really wonderful and diverse screen industry.”

When the Abbott government proposed a budget cut of $105 million to the Australia Council for the Arts funding mid this year, there was an overwhelming response from the whole range of the arts industry. The same momentous fight back has been all but absent in the film industry. “It’s a slightly unfair comparison, the film industry is a lot more fragmented than the arts industry,” explained Katherine.

“In the film industry, I don’t know, maybe we’ve become a little bit used to the status quo and we haven’t been in the position where we’ve had to fight for something for awhile, and perhaps there’s just a lag in understanding of what the true effect is of the cuts.”

A new Prime Minister and Arts Minister were both announced just one week after Metro Screen announced their closure. Things are happening at break-neck speed.

Metro Screen was one of the unfortunate casualties of Screen Australia’s quick response. The irony of this decision is that in their final weeks, Metro Screen have presented a report that justifies the necessity of organisations like theirs to the continuity of the entire film industry.

Metro Screen has made a dignified exit, but with a bang.

“It’s up to the community to build new networks and new ways of keeping in touch,” said Katherine. “The main message to…anybody in the industry is to not be complacent about what is available to you in the industry and in Australia at this point, that we all have to be vigilant about what’s required to make a rich industry full of interesting story tellers.”

SPEED NETWORKING FOR SCREEN PRACTITIONERS Dec 15, 6.30pm–8.30pm.

Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre Function Hall, (Surry Hills Library Building) 405 Crown Street, Surry Hills. $5.50.

Tickets & info: metroscreen.org.au The Emerging Visions Full Report and presentation transcripts from Vale Metro can be found at metroscreen.org.au/valemetro city hub 19 NOVEMBER 2015

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EAT DRINK

EAT &&DRINK

By Jackie McMillan

Silvereye

By DJ Hookie Entering Sydney’s latest fine dining hotspot made me feel more like James Bond than a food writer.

Buzzing through the entrance, we’re ushered through a passageway of the fully restored yet still antiquated Old Clare Hotel, and placed in an elevator bound for the floors above. Silvereye, aptly named after an Australian native migratory bird, is the brainchild of ex-Noma sous chef Sam Miller. It offers tasting

DARLO, KINGS X & SURRY HILLS Mamasan Underlying kooky décor that includes glowing sakura in the upper bar, and erotic shibari prints down below, is both clever architecture and a raison d’etre. Fusing Taiwanese street food and Japanese cuisine came about because owner Gemma Lin grew up in a tiny Taiwanese fishing village where, on a clear day, you can see the coast of Okinawa.

Take a liquid journey flowing from the smooth Brand New Old Fashioned ($19) using Nikka from the Barrel, to Brewing Dude Kamoshibito ($36/300ml) from their interesting sake list. Include a steady stream of bar bites, from tender sashimi off cuts in Popcorn Fish ($19) to the

By Jackie McMillan jackie@alternativemediagroup.com

menus: Short ($140/head) and Long ($175/head), ten or seventeen courses respectively. Obviously, I order the long, and so should you. Nods to local Australian flora are detected throughout the meal with dishes such as sunflower & geranium crisp bread, and the exquisitely presented peas with broad beans & seaweed; and any chef who can make a parsnip dish that I love, is instantly forgiven for serving it to me on a slab of fucking paperbark. The vegetablebased dishes were the stars here, with standouts like beetroot & blackcurrant raising my eyebrows even higher than the juniper smoked lamb. Fear not though evil sweet-toothed diners! Courses to satisfy your black heart’s desires include the textual and well-presented big raspberry, and the flavour of the celeriac & beer will prove as divisive a dinner conversation as Sean Connery versus Roger Moore.

These guys have a license to kill it.

20 Broadway, Chippendale (02) 8277 8520 silvereye-restaurant.com.au Modern Australian $$$$

must-have Homemade Miso Soup ($7) and tender One Bite Beef ($31).

403 Crown Street, Surry Hills (02) 9331 8881 mamasan.com.au Taiwanese, Japanese, Cocktails $$$$ Geisha Haus Handsome bartenders spent a lot of time muddling, freezing and whirling smoke through a range of bespoke Japanese-inspired cocktails. Frozen using liquid nitrogen, into a pretty pink slushy, Kawaii Kisses ($19) with watermelon, T2 Just Rose tea, Belvedere vodka and sake, could well become the taste of Sydney summer. Chef Rajendra Tamang’s resume includes time at Sokyo, which shows in modern Japanese-influenced bites like Maguro Hana ($18/4 pieces), tuna ‘flowers’ glued onto tempura rice squares with spicy mayonnaise; and

blackened Miso Cod ($24) served à la san choy bau. Pro-tip: don’t breathe out while eating the Haus Cigar ($9) of tuna tartare resting over maltodextrin sesame ash - you risk being covered in suspicious white powder.

Level 1/5-9 Roslyn St, Potts Point (02) 8065 1812 geishahaus.com.au Cocktails, Modern Japanese $$$ Rosie Campbell’s Bright, sunshiny colours and a cosy, welcoming interior transform this difficult corner space into the type of spot you’ll enjoy spending time in.

Throw in a waitress with a Caribbean grandmother, and you’ll soon have toasted coconut-topped Corn ($8) and vibrant, soupy Callaloo Greens ($8) on your table, with some idea about how to eat them. Hint: they’ll brighten

Happy Birthday AKAC

5

TH

Birthday

Otto Ristorante “John Laws had lunch at Otto today,” my UberX driver informs me when he sees my destination. I’m apparently his second trip to this famous waterfront spot - operated by The Fink Group, who also have Quay, The Bridge Room and Firedoor in their stable.

With its reputation preceding it, I was surprised to find an accessible menu of every-day food, starting with vibrantly green asparagus, broad beans and peas hiding Buffalo Ricotta ($27). Pastas, including an artful tangle of Spaghettini ($29/$39), chilli and up Grilled Jerk Chicken ($18). Snapper Ceviche ($20) accentuates lovely fresh snapper with hot sauce. My hot sauce highlight is their house-made habanero guava sauce – smother it over the fries that come with your Soft Shell Crab Burger ($18). The kitchen outpaced our rum-based cocktail selections, but a Red Stripe ($8) will tide you over.

320 Campbell Street, Surry Hills (02) 8356 9120 rosiecampbells.com Caribbean, Jamaican $$

ROCKS & CBD LP’s Quality Meats If there’s a better BBQ Beef Short Rib ($44) in Sydney, I don’t know where to find it. Luke Powell coats his fat, juicy ribs in little more than salt and pepper, and sticks ‘em into the wood-

bottarga, heavily studded with hand-picked blue swimmer crab, are menu highlights, and available as either entrée or main. In Head Chef Richard Ptacnik’s hands, proteins are well handled though pricy. Dentice ($47): crisp-skinned, line-caught pink snapper arrives on a healthy bed of globe artichokes, celery, muscatels and pine nuts, lifted by crystal ice plants that crush delicately in the mouth. Fesa di Manzo ($43) showcases Riverina Black Angus rump cap against Jerusalem artichoke, mushrooms, and green peppercorn sauce, but still wants for a side (or two). Steered to drink Australian from the extensive, cleverly arranged list, I’m drawn to the ‘inspirational’ 2013 Jamsheed – Warners Vineyard Rousanne ($69).

I switch to Italian – 2010 Di Majo Norante – Apianae Moscato del Molise ($13/glass) - to accompany my surprising highlight: ‘fudgey’ Robiola di Capra ($11) goats’ cheese.

Area 8, 6 Cowper Wharf Road, Woolloomooloo (02) 9368 7488 ottoristorante.com.au Italian $$$$

fire smoker for nigh on sixteen hours.

They’re charred, smoky and delicious.

And while this is definitely American BBQ, the lack of obvious Americana - well except the (must-have) Mashed Potato and Gravy ($12) – means it also speaks to Europeans. Smoked Sausage ($14) and generous slabs of silky Chicken Liver Pate ($16) go flying out.

Sides like Kale, Chickpeas and Anchovy Caramel ($14) serve the same purpose as Porteno’s famous crisp Brussels sprouts with vincotto – cleverly cutting the fat.

Suite 1, 12-16 Chippen Street, Chippendale (02) 8399 0929 lpsqualitymeats.com American $$$ Abode Bistro Hotel restaurants are curious beasts; and while Abode has been located as a stylish,

stand-alone restaurant, it’s still part of the Parkroyal Darling Harbour. So, alongside seasonal, well-handled proteins – including crisp-skinned Cone Bay Barramundi ($32) - you’ll find the occasional spark of interest, like Salt Baked Celeriac ($18) with toasted hazelnuts, sweet and sour dressing and ricotta. Mostly it’s straight-up, honest cooking of dishes you’ll recognise, like Braised Short Rib ($30) with buttery mash and glazed carrots. Sommelier Jasmin Leighton commands an interesting list, with by-the-glass selections like the 2013 Harewood Estate Chardonnay ($13) supplemented by Aussie benchmarks like the 2013 Mount Horrocks Cordon Cut Riesling ($52/bottle).The latter is great with Rhubarb Four Ways ($15).

159 Day Street, Sydney (02) 9260 2945 abodebistro.com Modern Australian $$$

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EAT & DRINK

By Jackie McMillan

Kansas City Shuffle

By Alex Harmon Down the business end of The Rocks you’ll find a hole in the wall café that looks like it has been plucked straight from Surry Hills. Outside you can order from the ‘Little City Window’, from stuff like P. B. & J. Toasted Sandwiches ($7.50) and House-made Doughnuts ($4.50) but it’s $ - mains less than $15

$$ - mains between $15-$22

ROCKS & CBD Lotus @ The Galeries From slickly modern private dining rooms, to texture-rich ceramics and stone, highlighted by natural light, DS17 have outdone themselves. Equally so, in Head Chef Chris Yan’s hands, the menu builds upon the ideas germinated in the initial Lotus, yet surpasses them.The through-line is the dumplings – like Steamed Mud Crab and Pork Xiao Long Bao ($21/4) – loaded with premium fillings, but boasting even thinner skins. Compelling Baked BBQ Pork Bun ($9/3) are perfect against a richly herbinfused Tea Thyme ($18) cocktail.The real stars are the dishes that celebrate healthy Aussie ingredients, like supple Crystal Ice Plant Salad ($16) and the vibrant green saltbush offsetting tender hunks of Wok-

$$$ - mains between $22-$30

Fried Wallaby Rump ($29) sautéed in sweetbean paste.

The Galeries, Level 1, 500 George Street, Sydney (02) 9267 3699 Chinese $$$$ lotusrestaurant.com.au

INNER WEST Capriccio Osteria Cannolo alla Mortadella ($4/each): balsamic cannoli rolled in pistachio and filled with imported Italian mortadella pâté are the first hint of the modern sensibilities neatly interwoven with rustic, produce-centred cooking, at this vibrant Norton Street newcomer. Juicy rounds of pork sausage with pickles on tasty malt-darkened lentil buns ensure Cotechino Sliders ($8/each) sing. Or, if you prefer bread and meat the old-fashioned way, wood-fire oven baked

$$$$ - mains over $30

Foccacia ($5) with Porchetta ($10/100g) eat wonderfully, too. Sardinian 2013 Terresinis Cantine Vernaccia ($14/glass) is a fruit-driven companion to delightfully cheesy Cacio Fave e Pepe ($19) - rigatoni with Pecorino Romano and broad beans. Finish with the modern Cappuccino ($12) - brownie, condensed milk gelato and crisp milk skin.

159 Norton Street, Leichhardt (02) 9572 7607 capriccio.sydney Italian $$-$$$ Da Vinci’s With the upsurge of enthusiasm for pizza certified Napoli, it’s easy to lose sight of styles popular across the rest of Italy. Nicola Piteo is set to change that using bases crafted using unrefined, stone-ground Petra 1 flour, and a 48-72 hour dough maturation process.The resulting pizzas are crisper,

upper plateau of the island, you’ll have view across Sydney Harbour to Woolwich and Hunters Hill. Once housing the Island’s medical officers and police, these two bedroom apartments have been given a luxury makeover, with a modern kitchen, spacious bathroom, large entertaining area with BBQ (make sure you pick up a brekky pack) and bedrooms with views of the city skyline. If you can pry yourself away from the apartment, a guided audio tour is a great way to while away the afternoon, where you can hear about the island’s rich tapestry of life, from prison escapees to the reform school for wayward girls. Follow it with cocktails at the Island Bar, and do consider booking in during the 20th Biennale of Sydney in March 2016.The location is perfect, and now you don’t have to resort to swimming home!

Rates: Monday – Thursday: $370 per night (mid week, one-bedroom option: $280 per night); Friday – Sunday (minimum two-night stay): $470 per night. www.cockatooisland.gov.au

TRA

VEL

Cockatoo Island Escape

By Alex Harmon The rugged slate of canvas that is Cockatoo Island has an energy that’s unique to such an iconic piece of Sydney history. Mixing industry with creativity, the island has been home to convicts and shipbuilders alike, but these days, is a space for artists, day-trippers and urban campers. However, if you’re after some indulgence, the newly opened Garden Apartments are the best place to rest your head for the night (or two). Situated on the

GREATER SYDNEY La Puerta Latino Flavours “We’ve taken our favourite dishes from the whole of South America and adapted them to the Australian palate,” explains Catherin Rodriguez, the Columbian wife of one of the owners. Before you can say ‘this one time in Cusco’, we were showered with share plates, including elaborate plantain chips with avocado dip - Platanitos ($9), and Cassava Flat Cheese Bead ($8) with incredible smoked butter.

Throw in cocktail twists like the Basil Passionfruit Caipirinha ($14) and the salty Chimichurri Margarita ($18) and you have yourself a party.

Wild Ceviche ($25) is “better

By Ryan Kennedy At The Two Wolves: Community Cantina, the décor tells a worldly story: the ceiling boasts strings of flags and hanging plants, and the walls are festooned with action shots of volunteers and religious paraphernalia.The purpose here is to sell food and drink to raise money for The Cardoner Project, a Jesuit and Catholic youth network that sends volunteers all over the world to help out communities in need. My religion is a little rusty, but if that means cheap and tasty food that is made for snacking over Beers ($14/ student jug) and Sangria ($12/half litre), then I could be a late convert.With noble intent well established, what of the food? Along with a bunch of media types celebrating The Two Wolves’ opening, I chowed down on some favourites to see if godly intent translated to flavour. Blessedly warmspiced and flaky Pope Francis’ Spicy Empanadas ($11) were delightful. Unfortunately, the Korean Fried Chicken ($11) was disappointingly sweet and soggy, and an oddly vinegary dressing let down the vermicelli noodle salad: Sister Hien’s Bun Thit Nuong ($10). Fortunately, redemption was at hand

worth getting cosy inside on the recycled oak furniture.

The extremely charming owner, Ben Sweeten, a veteran of hospitality (this is his seventh cafe) quickly makes you feel at home. As it’s brunch, we go for Beef Brisket Waffles ($20) with smoked chilli butter and a poached egg – Parks & Recreation fans should appreciate this marriage.

The Quinoa Salad ($17) is crunch and tasty, but a little too goats cheese heavy for me. The celebrity of the menu has to be the Fried Chicken Sandwich ($17) served tall on a doughnut bun. No, this isn’t riding on the coattails of those omnipresent freak-shakes, this is a sweet briochestyle bun that also houses ‘slaw, pickles and jalapeno aioli – effing epic. Coffee is from Single Origin and you can get a clairvoyant reading for $15. “Self-taught,” winks Sweeten. With plans for a bar next-door, according to my own crystal ball, this may be one of 2015’s most exciting openings.

195 Gloucester Street,The Rocks (0415) 362 038 facebook.com/kansascityshufflesyd/ Café $-$$

than anything you’ll find in Peru”.

End with the excruciatingly sweet, Merengon ($12), chef’s take on pavlova, which sums up this AussieLatino union perfectly.

Shop 5/2A Waters Road, Neutral Bay (02) 9953 8367 lapuertarestaurant.com.au South American $$ Mrs Mi Mrs Mi in Chatswood Chase brings the authentic taste of Northern China’s Shanxi region into what appears to be a bustling, vibrantly coloured street-side location. Their specialty is knifeshaved noodles, made by none other than the robot chef. Braised Beef with Noodles ($14.80) are

the freshest you’ll taste.You can see the (human) chefs preparing everything right before your eyes.

Go for the naturally colourful Handmade Dumplings ($14.80) against palate-cleansing (and surprisingly delightful) Cherry Tomatoes in Plum Juice ($7.80) before diving into Taiwan-Style Fried Chicken ($15.80) - the perfect street food.You should also try the crowd favourite - Pan Fried Pork Buns ($11.80) – which ooze sweet, tender pork from inside their delicate casings.

Shop B-040, Lower Ground, Chatswood Chase, 345 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood (02) 9904 6375 facebook.com/mrsmiaustralia Chinese $-$$

without being dry.They’re perfect for exploring high quality toppings, like Norma ($19) featuring fior de latte, deep fried eggplant, basil and shaved salted ricotta or Ortaggina ($23) which dribbles eggplant, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onion and fire-roasted capsicum with stracciatella di bufala (the gooey heart of burrata cheese).

Buffalo milk cheese is also featured on Nicola’s antipasti plate - Montagna ($28), against great Italian salumi.

25 Lackey Street, Summer Hill (02) 9716 9000 davincispizzeria.com.au Italian, Pizza $$ Damda The first thing you’ll notice at Damda, beyond the strong design aesthetic, is the monstrous, smoke-belching oven and tattooed, Korean coal-master.This modern reinterpretation of Korean barbecue - the name means ‘resemble’ – is doing things

The Two Wolves

with dessert, with the Eton-inspired Bellarmine Mess ($6) washing away all earlier sins. If you ever needed an excuse to drink booze and eat empanadas in good faith, this is it.

202 Broadway, Chippendale (02) 8039 3595 thetwowolves.com.au World $

differently. Instead of cooking at your table, sit back and enjoy cocktail carafes like delicate Green Seoul ($25) with mint, grape and lemon. Sticky-sweet chilli rice cake skewers, Ddeok Ggochi ($8/10 pieces), are great against Korean Cass ($6) beer.

Outstandingly tender and smoky Kalbi Beef Ribs ($35.50) arrive in a large metal tray, laden with gochujang noodle salad, cornballs, lotus root chips and house-made kimchi.Add on more meat – like Bossam ($17) (pork belly) – and apply the three accompanying sauces.

166 Norton Street, Leichhardt (02) 9560 0527 facebook.com/damda2015

EASTERN SUBURBS & BEACHES Popolo Diving into an established all-male Italian kitchen as the new head chef could be

FOOD NEWS

daunting, but Naomi Lowry has taken it in her stride. She’s maintained the menu’s confident Southern Italian focus, notching it up with Sardinian Fregola ($27/$35) resplendent with cuttlefish, calamari, prawns and mussels, topped with bottarga.

Bottarga also features over toothsome Pappardelle Verdi ($26/$34) served ragustyle with tender baby octopus. Both go gangbusters with a smooth, cherry-like 2012 Cos Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico ($110). Plump Yamba Whitebait ($22) featured as a daily entree special, alongside char-grilled Coffs Harbour Swordfish ($36).

Where you will see a change at Popolo is in the desserts: Naomi’s spherical Coconut Panna Cotta ($17) is a showstopper.

50 McLachlan Avenue, Rushcutters Bay (02) 9361 6641 popolo.com.au Italian $$$$ facebook.com/mrsmiaustralia Chinese $-$$

By Jackie McMillan

Elijah Holland The Powder Keg has so far been my favourite bar of the last twelve months, mostly for the cooking of Elijah Holland. His foraging for edible flowers and beach plants even prompted René Redzepi to meet with him on his recent trip to Australia. Elijah has also come to the attention of our Kiwi cousins, snaffling the award for Best International Dish at the õra King Salmon Awards 2015. His rolled 42° õra King salmon belly, black eschallot, õra King smoked salmon consommé, organic young potato confit (using 100 per cent pure õra King salmon oil), pickled seaweed and foraged flowers was a beauty!

Judge and Australian food icon Lyndey Milan said:“I really like the way he embraced the whole idea and all parts of the salmon.” Chef Holland believes his dish won:“because I really went back to my roots and made a really humble dish with wild sourced

bar fly

Vic on the Park

produce showing off some of the beautiful unused parts of the salmon”. If all this talk about prized õra King Salmon, from the crystal clear water of Te Waikoropupu Springs, has got you hankering to eat some, it’s currently on The Powder Keg menu as Swedish Right Gin and juniper cured õra King salmon gravlax, smoked õra King salmon roe, pickled foraged bamboo shoots, wild picked herbs and flowers ($19.50). www.orakingsalmon.co.nz www.thepowderkeg.com.au

By Amie Barbeler 2 Addison Road, Marrickville (02) 9557 1448 viconthepark.com.au I’m kicked back on The Vic’s back deck, soaking up the sunshine and enjoying a wine when I catch the moment they first notice each other. I watch their playful interactions heat up before animalistic lust takes over and the pair threaten to consummate in the corner...

Thankfully, the lovers owners intervene and the frisky pups are separated. From its dog-friendly deck and basketball half-court, to its traditional pub grub menu, The Vic has some serious summer appeal and proves to be both a great spot for a quick casual catch up, and somewhere to lose an entire afternoon drinking in the sun.While my date made friends with strangers’ dogs, I enjoyed the Beef Burger ($18) and ate the majority of her Chicken Schnitzel ($18). Between us, we drank so many glasses of Wicks Adelaide Hills Sauv.

Blanc ($8) that it’s a Vic-tory we managed to avoid embarrassing ourselves on the basketball court. city hub 19 NOVEMBER 2015

9

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

I Am My Own Wife Freudianly speaking, along with our life force we have a death force – a desire for selfdestruction - an innate drive that pushes us to things that will lead to our ultimate demise.

Alongside Libido, we have ‘Mortido’. These two entwine in Angela Betzien’s new play that has been variously described as a crime-drama, psychological thriller and morality play, all rolled into one.

Mortido is a pulsating ride around the world that ends up in Sydney, in all its various shades of entitlement and decadence. The thread of narcissism holding it together? Cocaine.

Headlining the cast is the great Collin Friels (Death of a Salesman) who plays Grubbe, the hard-bitten cop, intent on taking down a big name player. Tom Conroy (Mother Courage and her Children) who plays Jimmy, is a small time dealer who is central to Grubbe’s plans.

According to Conroy, “the idea for the play

began with the idea of charting a gram of cocaine from the coco-leaf in Bolivia across the world and right up the nose of some Eastern Suburbs party-goer”. Dark and disturbing, it taps into the horrors and the reality of violence that sits underneath this party drug. “It begins with a folk tale about a Mexican boy who gets tricked into going into a butcher shop where he gets slaughtered and stitched up with drugs, which is a pretty heavy image,” said Conroy.

Though dark humour abounds, Mortido issues an undertone of real judgment about who we are as Sydneysiders. As Conroy rightly points out: “so much of the cocaine that finds its way into Australia does so through the bellies of children or desperate women”. (GW) Until Dec 17, various show times. Belvoir St Theatre, 25 Belvoir St, Surry Hills. $49-72. Tickets & info: belvoir.com.au or 02 9699 3444.

a&e

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city hub 19 NOVEMBER 2015

1o STAGE 12 SCENE 13 SCREEN 14 Sounds

I Am My Own Wife is a one-man drama based on a true story about American playwright Doug Wright and his investigation into Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, who lived openly as a transvestite and survived the Nazi regime and the Cold War. The play uncovers what it took for her to survive.

Sole actor Ben Gerrard changes characters throughout the piece, taking on various characters of her life. By the time we meet Charlotte she’s 65-years-old, running a museum in East Berlin full of objects from a very specific period of German design, called Grunderzeit. She loved and kept all these objects, and by the time the Berlin Wall falls in 1989 she’s a national icon, having preserved all this incredible furniture that everyone else has just thrown away.

Wright interviewed Charlotte in the early 90’s, and after her death in 2002 he felt inspired to collate the interviews into this play.

“It has great wisdom in the way that it unfolds this person, and we realise that when we look

Arts Editors: Jamie Apps - Alannah Maher For more A&E stories go to www.altmedia.net.au and don’t forget to join the conversation on Twitter at @AltMediaSydney

at heroes it’s good to consider their flaws as well as the things they got right, and that makes them only more human,” said Gerrard.

I Am My Own Wife visits the moments in Charlotte’s development as she makes the personal decision (with the support of her aunt, who condoned and encouraged her journey) to live her life authentically as a woman.

“I Am My Own Wife really demonstrates the magic of theatre.This isn’t something you can see in a film. It’s something that an intimate theatre space facilitates,” added Gerrard.

The original Broadway production toured 10 years ago with the Sydney Festival. It won the 2004 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and a Tony Award for Best play. (MS) Nov 17 – Dec 5, various show times.

Old Fitzroy Theatre, 129 Dowling Street (Cnr Cathedral Street), Woolloomooloo. $25-$35.

Tickets & info: oldfitztheatre.com/i-ammy-own-wife or iammyownwife.com.au or 0422 198 955.

Contributors: Brendan Modini, Carmen Cita, Craig Coventry, Greg Webster, Hannah Chapman, Alicia Sim, Nyssa Booth, Lauren Edwards, Peter Urquhart, James Harkness, Lauren Bell, Leann Richards, Lisa Seltzer, Mark Morellini, Matthew Bernard, Mel Somerville, Michael Muir, Olga Azar, Rocio Belinda Mendez, Sarah Pritchard, Sinead McLaughlin, Siri Williams, Athina Mallis, Leigh Livingstone, Joseph Rana, Jemma Clarke, Jacqui Rothwell, Anvi Sharma, Emily Shen, Silvia Cheung.

Evita

You’re Driving Me Crazy!

Eva Peron was an iconic South American leader, who clawed her way to power from the slums of Argentina. This November, Manly Musical Society present the award-winning musical, Evita, which follows Peron’s thrilling journey to become one of the most powerful women in the world.

“Evita is not so much the story of a particular woman’s life, but a reflection on the themes of power, adulation, corruption, and the desires woven through all three, which Eva’s brief life demonstrated,” explained director Carl Olsen.

Featuring music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, Evita has a rocky, Southern American vibe, permeating throughout.

“Being a show about people in Argentina, it has a very sort of Latin American flavour to it,” said Olsen. “Particularly in the chorus

numbers and the love songs...in those sorts of songs there’s a real tango flare to the music.”

Evita features musical hits such as ‘Don’t Cry For Me Argentina’, which wowed Broadway and the West End in its original seasons – running for 5,000 performances.

Olsen hopes that his envisioning of Evita will be entertaining, and take the audience on Peron’s journey to the top, and her ultimate, inevitable destruction.

“I hope they have a good time, which is kind of novel for Evita,” Olsen explained. “It’s an inspirational story that will touch everyone.” (NB) Nov 20–28. Star of the Sea Theatre, Stella Maris College, Cnr of Collingwood and Illuka Avenue, Manly. $25-$35. Tickets and info: manlymusicalsociety.com

Los Trios Amigos have been entertaining audiences around Australia for over fifteen years with their highly successful performances at the Jewish Comedy Festival as well as their previous comedic plays such as Laugh Till You Cry and Don’t Teach Me – I’m Perfect. The trio made up of Melbourne comedians and actors Jack Felman, Allen Brostek and actress Lena Fiszman star in their acclaimed new hilarious Jewish comedy,You’re Driving Me Crazy!

This social commentary of Jewish society follows the story of four generations of a modern Jewish family, the Pszeszekowski’s, and their crazy (or meshugah) and dysfunctional lives in this ever-changing world, making for an extremely interesting comedy with loads of

The Sydney Theatre Company presents Sarah Ruhl’s theatrical take on Virginia Woolf’s Orlando, a strangely whimsical tale of a life lived over 300 years and in into two different genders.

Orlando (Jacqueline McKenzie) is a nobleman in the court of Elizabeth I who catches the eye of many, including the aged Queen (John Gaden) herself. Orlando’s journey of self-discovery unfolds over centuries and nations with debauchery, bad poetry, time travel, a new body and a devastating first love all along the way.

We first meet our protagonist as a slight but handsome 16-year-old boy; accompanied by a chorus-like gang of four male story tellers, his (eventually her) tale evolves through a simplistic, moving set punctuated by a central rotating staircase, shameless prop use, and luxe costumes which act to indicate the historical time. I quickly accepted this unusual arrangement and immersed myself in the performance.

THEATRE & PERFORMANCE BRAVE NEW WORLD THEATRE DOUBLE BILL Performed back to back, both scripts––Last Drinks and Two Mouths, Four Hands––have been written by local Sydney talent Jordan Shea and Nicole Dimitriadis respectively. Last Drinks is about three men and their pub, The Avalon. They all have individual problems, but the Avalon stands in the way.Two Mouths, Four Hands revolves around two very close flatmates––however, there are a couple of stories that have yet to be discussed. He has boyfriend issues, and she is not as carefree as she thought she was. (AMal) Nov 19, 24–26. 7pm.

Exchange Hotel Balmain, 94

Beattie St, Balmain. $15-$20.

Tickets & info: bnwtheatre.com.au DOT DOT DOT A carnival fortuneteller, a well-to-do man, a woman of the night and a decidedly dusty man converge on The Old 505 Theatre stage.

This play explores themes of money and power against the backdrop of colonial Australia in Easter, 1900. Featuring musical performances, this is an actor-driven murder mystery that takes the audience along for the ride to find out ‘whodunit’.

With an array of colourful characters, you’ll be questioning their motives and alibis as Fairley exposes the power of local media in harnessing speculation.

(ES) Until Nov 28, 8pm. Old 505 Theatre, 5 Eliza Street, Newtown. From $22.

Tickets & info: old505theatre.com

guaranteed laugh out loud moments.

Brostek plays the unlucky son of Holocaust survivors Mani and Velvel Pszeszekowski, as they learn how to deal with and understand their crazy children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The Jewish humour mixed with the wacky characters, over-the-top craziness and witty oneliners sets this show apart from all other comedies.

After the success the show has had in Melbourne, with two sell-out seasons, Los Trios Amigos are bringing this amusing comedy to Sydney, so don’t miss it! (ASha) Nov 24 – 29. Bondi Pavilion Theatre, Queen Elizabeth Dr, Bondi Beach. $40-$45.Tickets & info: lostriosamigos.com or 02 9365 1047.

Luisa Hastings Edge plays Sasha, the ravishing Russian beauty whom steals the heart of the young Orlando, her memory continuing to trouble him throughout his exceptionally long life. In this production Sasha is used as an ongoing touchstone, cleverly staged iceskating sequences will have you envisioning her gliding across the frozen River Thames.

In a present society where the struggle for visibility of gender and identity has arguably reached boiling point, we rediscover Woolf’s enduringly popular story from 1928, which so casually showcases gender swapping and fluidity.

Familiarity with the novel isn’t necessary, but those who’ve already fallen in love with Woolf’s text will find extra enrichment. (AM) Until Dec 19. Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay. From $58.

Tickets & info: sydneytheatre.com.au or 02 9250 1777 ROADKILL CONFIDENTIAL KX Theatre throws open its doors with debut production, Roadkill Confidential. Trevor’s new artwork is about to be unveiled, and the bodies are piling up. A top government agent won’t rest until she takes him down… Like any good horror, Roadkill Confidential takes one of society’s greatest fears and puts it under the microscope, tackling the fear that surrounds art and artists.

Provocative theatre creators Lies, Lies and Propaganda have sought to “show off” the unique new theatre space with this black comedy.

(AM) Until Nov 28. Kings Cross Theatre, Level 2, 244-248 William St, Potts Point. $20-$30.Tickets & info: liesliesandpropaganda.com

DUCK HUNTING The Australian Premiere of a ‘timeless classic’ by acclaimed Russian playwright, Aleksandr Vampilov. Taking place in modern day Melbourne, the play follows the story of Craig, a thirtysomething who has lost the will to live. His only hope is his annual duck hunting trip, which he hopes will restore a purpose to his life.

The play explores the timeless themes of religion, sexuality, marriage and insanity. It’s a tale about the purpose of life, and has translated superbly for a modern day audience.

(NB) Until Nov 29. King Street Theatre, Level 1, 644 King St, Newtown. $30-$45. Tickets and info: contemporarian.com.au

GOOD WORKS An emotional and exquisitely told Australian story by acclaimed playwright, Nick Enright. Good Works follows the pasts and presents of two boyhood friends, and travels between several decades and generations in order to explore the family histories that have helped to shaped them as men. It presents a moving story that deals with timeless issues. The play will offer the audience a complex ride, with an underlying emotional through-line, giving an insight of what it’s like to be different while growing up in a small country town. (NB) Until Nov 29. Eternity Playhouse, 39 Burton Street, Darlinghurst. $38-$45. Tickets & info: darlinghursttheatre.com

STC’s THE WHARF REVUE Celebrating 15 years and 21 shows of irreverent political satire, the Sydney Theatre Company is putting on a special birthday edition of The Wharf Revue. Offering a mix of new sketches alongside the most beloved highlights of previous productions, this year’s show features all three original creators: Jonathan Biggins, Phillip Scott and Drew Forsythe, with Amanda Bishop. The show displays an immense demonstration of satiric versatility and has outlasted the last few Prime Ministers. (ES) Until Dec 19. Wharf 1, Sydney Theatre Company, Pier 4/5 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay. $48-$65.Tickets & info: sydneytheatre.com.au or (02) 9250 1777 city hub 19 NOVEMBER 2015

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THE NAKED CITY

POSTSCRIPT TO THE ROYALS with Coffin Ed, Jay Katz and Miss Death Another royal tour has come and gone with Charles and Camilla shuffled from one photo op to the next, delighting hardcore monarchists and those with a predilection for B-Grade celebrity. Despite Malcom Turnbull once labelling the crusty couple as engaging in “unashamed adultery”, their former nefarious love affair seems all but forgotten.

Not only forgotten, but well and truly forgiven by a doting public prepared to continually overlook all kinds of royal indiscretions. If any Australian politician or public figure had ever paraded in a Nazi uniform, as did the once rambunctious Prince Harry, their career would have been history. Not to mention the Duke’s endless list of clangers and the late Queen Mum’s nasty racist quips.

Go back around five hundred years and British royalty could get away with just about everything if the reign of the positively vile Henry VIII counts for anything.Whilst the modern day royal lineage is most unlikely to serve up such an arsehole, here’s an interesting scenario to consider, albeit a radical historical swap in time...

Tony Abbott has just regained the Coalition leadership and the reborn PM has invited Henry VIII for a nationwide royal tour, to coincide with the

Abbott, there’s a special honour reserved for Abbott himself –– The “Keeper Of The Stool”. In the great sixteenth century tradition one lucky monarchist, chosen by ballot, gets to attend to Henry’s sanitary needs and dare we go any further.

With more wives and mistresses than Zsa Zsa Gabor had husbands, and despite his all-consuming obesity, Henry has not completely lost his shaggers spark.Whilst it’s all kept hush hush, he’s afforded carte blanche at the Golden Apple in Potts Point and enjoys a thoroughly debauched, six hour romp.The next day he is found dead in his bed in the presidential suite of the Rushcutters Bay Travelodge and his massive body immediately prepared for return to the UK.Thousands of mourners line the roads to the airport as the coffin is lashed to the roof of Sydney’s longest ever stretch Hummer.

Unfortunately it’s a particularly hot and humid day and Henry’s hulking 200 kilogram frame is beginning to rapidly decompose with noxious gases forming in his humongous bloated stomach, the legacy of years of gluttony and appalling hygiene. It’s time for ASIO to intervene as the threat of an enormous ticking bomb on board a Qantas flight to London is all too much to risk.The bomb squad is summoned and his body is safely detonated at an undisclosed firing range... Ho hum –– just another boring royal tour!

reinstatement of knights and dames. Henry has arrived in Australia via a brief stopover in Saudi Arabia, where Anne Boylen was conveniently beheaded along with their PR man Thomas Cromwell.

Thousands line the streets of Sydney as Henry’s massive entourage is ferried down George Street in a regally outfitted light rail carriage.Whilst literally hundreds are knighted during the tour, all of course with the blessing of Tony

MAASive Lates: Civil DISCObedience Art With Heart Jacqueline Tiepermann –

Nushi

Blue: Summer, pastels, breeze, beautiful––Australian painter Jacqueline Tiepermann’s new exhibition Nushi, is all that and much more.

There is something tranquil and calming about Jacqueline’s work; maybe because it’s inspired by the artist’s own memories of life and her childhood spent at the Sydney harbor. It’s the use of the colour blue that gets you transfixed. With its different hues and shades all beautifully stroked on canvas, the work seemingly appears to speak to you, each piece charting out its own story, yet the exhibition bound by the colour blue.

Jacqueline’s work seems to embody a soul of its own, a vision of peace within turbulence, almost a kite caught in a thunderstorm. Even though calming on the surface, something so extraordinary has been a result of a personal tragedy in the author’s life. This is her first exhibition post the demise of her late husband, and it’s a monumental show of brilliance.

“It was almost eight months to the day that I returned to my studio after the accident. July 2014 was momentous, it marked the beginning of life without him,” revealed Jacqueline.

Exploring the themes of loss, love and memory, the paintings are created using a colour palette expressing her late husband’s preferred blue tones.

Blue is the new black! Don’t miss this sought after artist’s extraordinary exhibition. (JR) Nov 17–22.The Yellow House Gallery, 57 - 59 Macleay St, Potts Point.

Info and exhibition catalogue: beckerminty.com SHEO WHITE – ARTIST IN WONDERLAND At first look, the words ‘ethnic’ and ‘colour’ spring to mind when observing Sheo’s art. It’s different…a mix of vibrant colours, and even though immensely abstract, has a sense of belonging to a natural environment, with a humane essence to it. Artist in Wonderland is more about dealing with the natural; interpreted by a visually sparkling display of numerous tones and shades. Working with a variety of mediums—oil and acrylic canvases, mixed media paper works—this exhibition is a true 12

city hub 19 NOVEMBER 2015

The Powerhouse Museum opens their doors after dark for a special evening of creativity and collective action set amongst their most disruptive new exhibitions.

See the Museum in a whole new light at this adults-only interactive extravaganza of creativity, dancing, performance and debate.Wayward citizens are encouraged to bust out their finest hard hats and steel cap boots to get their bodies in motion for a night of grinding disco beats.

Inspired by the rebellious and unruly themes of intriguing new exhibitions, Disobedient Objects and Evidence: Brook Andrew, this special edition of MAASive Lates hosted by Nell Schofield features an eclectic collection of guest performers and groups to interact with–– including performances by the amazing Martenitsa Choir (the voice of Bulgarian women in the fields), the beginning of a new social movement with 100 Moving Men against domestic violence; a yarn with the Knitting Nannas Against Gas, poetry from Samuel Wagan Watson, artist Michael Cutrupi from Fat Boy Dancing and some surprise flash flamenco––all while DJ Simon Caldwell rocks your underworld.

Currently on loan from London’s Victoria & Albert Museum, Disobedient Objects is purely worth a visit for its inspired collection of diverse objects from 30 years of political activism across the world, with objects borrowed from activists and activist groups.Whereas Evidence: Brook Andrew is an art installation that uses the rich MAAS collection to bring an Australian perspective to how objects can act as evidence of social change.

Civil Discobedience visitors are free to wander from performers, to the dance floor, and between objects as activists and artists weld their direct-action tool belts together under a shimmering mirror ball.There’ll be a cash bar and food available to fuel your disobedient bodies. (AM) Nov 26 (6pm-9pm). Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Street, Ultimo. $15-$25.Tickets & info: maas.museum

testament to the talent of a 45-year artistic journey. (JR) Until November 20 (Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm. Sun, 10am-2pm).

Alpha Gallery, 226 Union St, Newtown.

JULIET DARLING – WAIT Darling presents three video artworks filmed on-location: Town Hall, Bondi and Mona Lisa. The trilogy is all about an adventure of the spirit, one of the great human acts: waiting. She observes the subject in three unique environments. An accomplished

filmmaker, artist and writer, Darling has exhibited all over Australia and the world with multi-disciplinary work exploring themes of interpersonal communication, humanism and the self in relation to others. (AM) Until Nov 21 (Tues-Fri, 10am-6pm.

Sat, 11am-6pm). Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, 8 Soudan Lane, Paddington.

Info: roslynoxley9.com.au or 02 9331 1919.

TWO OLD ARTISTS LOOKING FOR FOOD This exhibition explores the

Art With Heart is a live art show where one hundred percent of the proceeds from art sales go to a number of charities.

Founder Zoë Durand was inspired by working at other art charity events where only a small amount would be given away.

Her idea for Art With Heart grew with the idea of all of the money sold from an art space would go directly to charity.

“What if there could be a place and space where a portion of all art sold always went to support charities?” said Durand. “I thought, what if love and art could be combined? What if art could be purchased with even more heart? And Art With Heart was born.”

Durand explains most charitable events mean well but not all of the money goes to the foundation, whereas with Art With Heart buyers can get beautiful artwork with the peace of mind all the funds goes to charity.

“Many people like the idea of giving back to the community and supporting a worthy cause. But sometimes this good intention never actually comes to fruition.

At Art With Heart, we hope to invigorate the act of giving by offering buyers the opportunity to purchase something beautiful

collaborative work and important artistic connection between Mulkun Wirrpanda (a great Yolngu artist and ceremonial leader of the Dhudidjapu clan of East Arnhem Land) and John Wolseley (one of Australia’s most well respected contemporary artists). These artists share a strong belief in the originary and primary importance of the natural world––its plants, animals and eco-systems. A small section of Mulkun’s epic series of bark paintings and larrakitj about the plants of her homeland is featured, which demonstrate her urgent and

passionate desire to pass on to new generations her vast knowledge before it is lost. (AM) Until Nov 21 (Tues-Fri, 10am-6pm. Sat, 11am-6pm).

Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, 8 Soudan Lane, Paddington.

Info: roslynoxley9.com.au or 02 9331 1919.

SEED POD UNIVERSE – INTERCONNECTEDNESS OF ALL LIFE This group exhibition celebrates ‘our unique unfathomable dynamic connection and life’s potential we all equally possess’.

for themselves, whilst also supporting a worthy cause,” explained Durand.

At the end of November you can witness Durand and Byron Bay artist Giulia Kelly create masterpieces before your very eyes. The money goes to three charities: The Cancer Council, The White Ribbon Foundation and the House of Welcome.

Durand is a Sydney based artist who has exhibited in Sydney, Melbourne, New York City, London and the Louvre––just to name a few. (AMal) Nov 28, 10am. Rusty Rabbit, 252 Forbes Street, Darlinghurst.

FREE. Info: artwithheart.club Featuring work from Yeehwan Yeoh, Satoko Rayson, Reiko Azuma, John Rayson and Lorna Grear––Seed Pod Universe is a ‘celebration of our moment-to-moment struggle in believing, sharing and appreciating our own and others lives’. The Opening Celebration Night (Saturday Nov 21, 4pm–6pm) includes guest artist Simon Barker performing a live improvised drum piece. (AM) Until Nov 28 (Wed-Sat, 11am-6pm). Sheffer Gallery, 38 Landers Street, Paddington.

Info: sheffergallery.com or 02 9310 5683.

PALESTINIAN FILM FESTIVAL 2015

99 Homes

Dennis Nash (Andrew Garfield) is down on his luck. He’s a single dad and a labourer, out of work as a result of houses in his town being foreclosed left and right and the construction industry at a standstill.

To make matters worse, this is the exact situation he soon finds himself in when the family home he shares with his son Connor (Noah Lomax) and mother Lynn (Laura Dern) is repossessed by real estate shark Rick Carver (Michael Shannon). In an unlikely turn of events, Dennis begins working with Rick and soon becomes his protégé. The money starts stacking up, but so too do the risks and

The Palestinian Film Festival is one of the smallest film festivals to screen in Sydney, with a program consisting of seven feature films/ documentaries and five short films, but the cultural diversity showcased in these films should allure audiences.

“This film festival commenced eight years ago as a trial and the festival’s popularity is expanding each year,” explained Festival director Naser Shakhtour. “Audiences should appreciate these quality films which deal with real people in real life situations in Palestine–– sad and funny, these films are engaging.”

World class cinema with resonating themes of resilience, hope and the need for independence opens the window to an oppressed society, educating and stimulating film festival enthusiasts into debate.

SHAKHTOUR’S TOP 3 PICKS

• THE IDOL – The true story of Palestine’s

first pop celebrity, Mohammed Assaf and his success after winning the 2013 season of Arab Idol. Details his rise to fame from a refugee

FREEHELD A very society-relevant drama centred around Laurel Hester (Julianne Moore), a New Jersey police detective that learns of her diagnosis with lung cancer, and struggles to have her domestic partner, Stacie (Ellen Page), made beneficiary for her pension.A true story that had the resources and foundation to be a noble masterpiece, but instead fell into a political speech pageant, aimed at an audience who already concurs.There are strong performances from the leads in the film, but little to propagate an ongoing connection to the characters. (RM) WW HE NAMED ME MALALA This documentary chronicles the life of Malala Yousafzai, human rights activist and the youngest ever recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. Exploring Malala’s life, growing up in the Swat Valley in Pakistan before the Taliban took control, and her home now in the United Kingdom. Featuring interviews with

camp in Gaza, and illustrates that dreams can come true, regardless of obstacles. Positive and inspirational.

• THE WANTED 18 – A documentary/ animation feature which chronicles the true story of why 18 cows were considered dangerous for the security of the state of Israel. A Palestinian town called Beit Sahour purchased 18 cows in a bid to provide their own milk and undermine Israeli control, which was the catalyst for Palestine’s independence.

Light-hearted in style and a contender for the Best Foreign Film Oscar in 2016.

• DEGRADE – Life under military occupation is examined in this harrowing drama surrounding 13 women who, whilst in a beauty parlour, face insecurity as a war rages outside.

Filmed mostly in one room, this film captures the conversations of these women and examines how they face oppression in Gaza under Israeli occupation. (MMo) Nov 19–22. Palace Norton Street, Leichardt. $19.50. Tickets & Info: palestinianfilmfestival.com.au

Malala and her family interspersed with beautiful animations, it’s a fascinating insight into how one young girl was able to get the world to stand up for her cause, advocating the right to education for all women and children. (ASim) WWWW 5 TO 7 Brian Blum (Anton Yelchin) is a young unemployed writer, who has never had a story published yet seems to live an easy life in New York City. He meets a gorgeous diplomat’s wife and starts an affair.Arielle (Bérénice Marlohe), is a French woman and mother of two that can only see Brian between the hours of 5pm and 7pm. It tries to be whispy and romantic like Breakfast at Tiffany’s, but unfortunately Yelchin and Marlohe are unevenly matched. (LB) WW NOW ADD HONEY Life falls in further disarray for a dysfunctional family when Honey, a US based pop-

star, comes to visit down under.This is quintessentially an Australian film which highlights the difficulty in writing a funny script. Some scenes extracted the occasional chuckle, but the laughout-loud comedy mandatory for films of this genre, was non-existent. Erik Thomson was wasted in a small role as the cheating husband and the rest of the cast, including Portia De Rossi who played Honey’s mother, could do nothing to salvage this minor train wreck. (MMo) WW MAN UP Nancy (Lake Bell) is a 34-year-old wisecracking, self-confessed loser in romance. Fred (Simon Pegg) is a 40-year-old emotional jig-saw and soon-to-be divorcee, on his way to meet his blind date.When fate intervenes and Nancy is mistaken as Fred’s mystery date, an instant connection develops.They’re fun-loving and audiences will enjoy their frolicking, as this likeable couple acquaint

dilemmas Dennis finds himself enmeshed in.

In 99 Homes, writer and director Ramin Bahrani has created a taut and unsettling film about moral decline. The dialogue backs up the storyline, with tense scenes shared between Andrew Garfield and Michael Shannon. It also shows audiences a very human side to the fallout of the subprime mortgage crisis that has devastated countless lives and torn families apart in America.

99 Homes is hard to watch, but only because it’s so realistic and confronts one of our worst fears.

(ASim) WWW1/ 2

THE CROW’S EGG

Set in the filthy slums of Chennai India, this film surrounds two mischievous and resourceful brothers who follow their dream of tasting pizza for the first time, a dream which people in the westernised world would find ludicrous and inconceivable.

Deemed as too expensive to purchase, the young inventive brothers put their plan to purchase this dream food into action, and the audience follows them on their quest, as they ingeniously find ways of raising the money.

themselves through heavy drinking, partying and fast-talking sexual chitchat.This fast-paced comedy overloaded with cheeky dialogue and silly scenarios leads to a heart-warming but slightly cheesy and predictable finale. (MMo) WWW1/ 2 LEAD ME ASTRAY Troubled protagonist Alexis Willard (Jace Pickard) is a 23-year-old veterinary student whose violent and troubled past comes back to haunt him after he inadvertently kills a gang member whilst defending his girlfriend Lacey (Alannah Robertson) from an assault.

The truth of his past slowly unravels, culminating in a deadly game of cat and mouse in an abandoned prison. Not your usual indie thriller, the small budget is offset by the meticulous detail and crafting in all aspects of production. Hang in for a spectacular ending twist. (AM) WWW

A cast of predominantly newcomers bring this enchanting fable to life, notably Ramesh and J.Vignesh as the young brothers, whose performances will humour and sadden audiences as the story unfolds.

Cultural diversity, oppression and strong class divisions are examined; the mood change in the second half of the film will stun audiences, as themes of the illtreatment of slum kids and the injustices of class division emerge.

This very topical film ultimately asks,‘when will the disparity between the rich and poor come to an end?’ Audiences should be pleasantly surprised and may even laugh out loud in the finale, as an ironic twist reveals a universal message.

Spoken in the Indian Tamil language with English subtitles, this film premiered at the Toronto Film Festival and demonstrates the high-quality films emerging from Bollywood. (MMo) WWW1/ 2

THE LAST WITCH HUNTER Vin Diesel stars as Kaulder, an 800-year-old witch hunter cursed with immortality, currently fighting modern-day black magic in New York City.When Kaulder’s priestly advisor retires (Sir Michael Caine), and a dark witch queen threatens to return, things get actionpacked. Full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing, with athletic action scenes complemented by truly touching human moments.An easy-towatch film whose horror scenes mercifully won’t keep you up at night.

(LS) WWWW THE DRESSMAKER Based on the novel by Rosalie Ham, this is an outback drama about revenge with dark comedic undertones. Fashionable femme fatale and dressmaker, Myrtle ‘Tilly’ Dunnage (Kate Winslet), returns to her dusty country home of Dungatar to take care of her unstable mother (Judy Davis) and confront the

demons of her past.The black hole of a town is full of morally bankrupt souls, and as the colourful Tilly transforms the loathsome people with sartorial skill, her story begins to unravel, leading to a satisfyingly deranged and over-the-top ending. (LL) WWW SLEEPING WITH OTHER PEOPLE Our story begins with a conventional meet-cute: Lainey (Alison Brie) is hammering on the door of college guy Matthew (Adam Scott), yelling about losing their virginities. She’s about to get kicked out of the dorm when she’s saved by Jake (Jason Sudeikis), who invites her into his room.

Hours of conversation later they realise they’ve got amazing chemistry––too bad Lainey bolts the next day without so much as a goodbye note.They don’t cross paths again until 12 years later–– at a sex addiction meeting, ironically–– and they’re very different people. (SC) WWW city hub 19 NOVEMBER 2015

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Sydney Live Music Guide LIVE WIRE

By Jamie Apps Deutsch Duke: Over the past twelve months this Sydney soloist has gone from strength to strength and is set to continue the momentum with a run of shows with his new live band. Before heading out on the road for this run though he will perform a free local headline show with support form good mates Beni and MXXWLL. Registration at iamdeutschduke.com required.

Thu, Nov 19, Goodgod Small Club Eden Mulholland: Riding off the wave of success and barrage of praise for his new LP Hunted Haunted, Mulholland continues his east coast tour with a Sydney show tomorrow night. No stranger to touring, his live performances are renowned for delivering both the epic and yet intimate qualities of his music.

Fri, Nov 20, Oxford Art Factory

band sound blended with folk, string flourishes and atmospheric synthesisers.

Sun, Nov 22, Petersham Bowls Club One For The Road: This weekend the Australian music industry bands together to support and celebrate two of their own. In September this year the industry was devastated by the loss much loved production manager Shane Cooper and the serious injury of drummer Mick Skelton in an car accident while on route to a regional Victoria gig. For the event a wide array of acts including Baby Animals, Jimmy Barnes, Diesel, Hoodoo Gurus, Noiseworks and Thirsty Merc will all come together for one super session.

Mon, Nov 23, Enmore Theatre

British India: Recently returned from a highly successful tour of the United States where they played shows in Los Angeles and New York, the Melbourne band will continue their recently started Spring tour in Sydney this weekend.

Sat, Nov 21, Metro Theatre

AU Sessions Season Finale: After nine incredible and intimate events throughout the year this season of the AU Sessions will come to an end early next week. This free event which coincides with ARIA week will be headlined by two wonderful female singer/songwriters, Jordan Léser and Caitlin Harnett.

Tue, Nov 24,The Hive Bar

Dan Flynn and The State Of Things: Celebrating the imminent release of their upcoming album, Preparing For Flight, which is the next step in the musical evolution of Dan Flynn. The new direction is jam-packed with a mixture of bigger production sounds focussing on the energetic live

Tiny Ruins: With a new EP due out next Friday, Tiny Ruins will give fans a sneak peak at her new material with a show in Sydney on Wednesday. The EP is a seven track offering of folk based songs that was two years in the making and is bound to please listeners.

Wed, Nov 25, Oxford Arts Factory

I Know Leopard

BY JAMIE APPS This weekend one of the hottest acts of this year’s Australian music scene arrive in our fine city, closing out their epic national tour (which has had over 15 stops) with a bang.We recently had a chance to sit down with I Know Leopard frontman Luke O’Laughlin to reflect on the wild ride to the top that 2015 has been.

The band initially came together shortly after Luke and good mate Todd Andrews graduated from high school, and started playing together when they realised that they both liked similar music. Since then they moved to Sydney, to attempt to make it in the big smoke with an entirely different project, but that wasn’t to be. I Know Leopard was then formed with the additions of Jenny McCullagh and Rosie Fitzgerald.

“Since adding the two girls everything has clicked, and now it really feels like the music is representing us truthfully,” explained O’Laughlin.

To kick off 2015 the band had the opportunity to perform at Laneway Festival, which O’Laughlin said “was a fantastic way to start a mammoth year for us, playing alongside our current heroes”.The chance tour with the likes of Andy Bull, Courtney Barnett, Dune Rats, Flight Facilities and Mansionair was clearly a positive impact on the band––who have been a force on the live touring scene, building a formidable reputation ever since.

O’Laughlin explained that touring recently with Last Dinosaurs and Gang

Heirlooms – Stepping Stones

If my eyes, ears and heart are anything to go by, angsty pop-punk will never go out of fashion––so it is great to see new upand-coming local acts such as Heirlooms producing exciting new tracks and records.

Stepping Stones is the Sunshine Coast outfit’s debut EP and consists of two tracks, Top Heavy and Alive, which each have their own distinct take on the genre. Top Heavy kicks the EP off with an up-tempo that epitomises the pop-punk dichotomy. Alive then slows things down and focusses on the moody melodic side of the genre.

As a debut offering these two tracks are fantastic choices by the group which highlights their diversity and points to a bright future. (JA) WWW1/ 2

Of Youths was also instrumental in the growth of I Know Leopard:“they’re both really professional bands, so I think that has rubbed off on us a bit.

We’ve absolutely become a much more well-oiled machine by touring so much with them.We now know our songs from front to back, so there is an added level of enjoyment when performing because we can focus on the performance aspect.”

Despite having recently released their second EP,Another Life, the group is already focused and working on their next milestone, which is an upcoming album.“Whether we will be able to follow up this EP as quickly as we did the first time with our album remains to be seen, but we’d like to and we’re working on it, but an album is a whole different beast,” explained O’Lauglin.“I’m planning for the album to be a lot more cohesive than the EP’s have been.” (JA) Nov 21. Goodgod Small Club, 55 Liverpool St, Chinatown, Sydney. $12+b.f.Tickets & Info: goodgodgoodgod.com/events/i-know-leopard/

Don McGlashan – Lucky Stars

Don McGlashan is a guy with his guitar, singing his songs. Through the lyrics, through the timber in his voice, through changes that are not all predictable, you can hear the feelings that drive its creation.

The music is poppy, it is touchy, it is feely–– and though it is aimed at the individual with headphones in their ears or turning it up in the car, it is felt by all. The universal ideas that we can all relate to bleed out of McGlashan, stirring things up, nameless things attached to memories. Slowly spelling out the words, McGlashan captivates his listeners with a hint of suspense, a dose of expectation and a strum of his guitar.

It is easy to believe he is singing just for the listener, and why spoil the illusion? Perhaps he is singing just to you. (SP) WWW

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