Weapon

Court headed for the Bundy

‘Minari’ is one of five films showing as part of the Stratford Court Film Society’s new program.

Photo: Madman Films/A24

STRATFORD’S Court Film Society has announced their slate of screenings for the latter half of 2022, and a new venue. From this month, the society will be moving from their traditional base at the Courthouse Theatre to the Bundalaguah-Myrtlebank Hall on Sale-Maffra Road. The Bundy Hall’s “extraordinary” sound system installed as part of a recent refurbishment - is being cited as a key reason for the change in location. As part of their ‘Films at the Bundy’ program, the society will be showcasing five lesser-seen movies over the coming months.

Dating Amber will be first to screen on July 27. This Irish coming-of-age comedy centres on two queer teenagers, Eddie (Fionn O’Shea) and Amber (Lola Petticrew), who date each other in an effort to convince their rural township that they are straight. Next is Only the Animals, appearing August 24. A darkly-comic, non-linear tale from France, it follows a group of shady individuals who are all connected to the mysterious disappearance of a woman. Following that will be Minari on September 28. The semi-biographical drama focuses on a family of Korean migrants who start their own farm in Arkansas, and the trials they face along the way. The penultimate feature on the schedule is Little Joe, showing October 26. This “cerebral nerve-frayer” tells of a plant breeder (Emily Beecham) who creates an antidepressant flower, and the personal fallout that transpires. The final picture to screen at the Bundy Hall in 2022 will be Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain on November 23. A documentary, it serves as a tribute to the titular, internationally-renowned chef who tragically died in 2018. Society committee member Sarah Wootton is keenly anticipating the new season of films, revealing the picks she is most eager for to the Gippsland Times. “I’m most looking forward to Little Joe, because it sounds so wacky, but also because I think it will have interesting social messaging about mental health and our use of pharmaceuticals in the treatment,” Ms Wootton said. “I’m also really looking forward to Roadrunner, because I watched a lot of No Reservations growing up, and I am intrigued to learn more about the life of someone who presented in such a stoic way, but obviously had darkness under the surface.” Screenings for the Court Film Society begin at 7.30pm, with attendees encouraged to arrive at 7pm for pre-show drinks and nibbles. Season passes are $50, gaining entry to all five screenings, plus free rentals of the society’s backcatalogue of DVDs. ‘Come and Try’ tickets for non-members are $15, which is deducted from the cost of membership if purchased. For more information, head to society’s official Facebook page: facebook.com/courtfilmsociety

Monday Tucker facilitator Michael Page, Sale RSL president Marty Tanzer, Dimmey’s Sale manager Leanne Chester and her brother, Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester, are encouraging locals to support the Dimmeys Blanket Drive.

Photo: Contributed

Blanket Drive revs up

LOCALS are being encouraged to support those in need by donating to a month-long Blanket Drive. The initiative, spearheaded by Dimmeys Sale, is asking people to purchase a $10 or $20 blanket at their store, which is then given to attendees at the Monday Tucker program. According to Dimmeys Sale manager Leanne Chester, the community has already donated over 50 blankets to Monday Tucker. “We’ve received support from our local Bunnings, who are behind the initiative and have purchased $200 worth of blankets for the cause,” Ms Chester said. “It’s wonderful to have the support of the community and work together to help those who need it most.” Most of the donated blankets have already been graciously received by Monday Tucker facilitator Michael Page, who described the support from Dimmeys as “fantastic.” “I was so surprised when Leanne said how many blankets (people) had donated,” he told the Gippsland Times. Mr Page added that the Gippsland Veterans Welfare Centre had also lent their support to the initiative, with one volunteer purchasing $50 worth of blankets. Additionally, the Blanket Drive has garnered the backing of federal parliamentarian - and Ms Chester’s brother - Darren Chester. “This is a great cause to get behind and helps Gippslanders keep warm during the cold winter months,” the Gippsland MP said. “I encourage locals to purchase a blanket and help support this great cause and those less fortunate in our community.” Dimmeys Sale will be running its Blanket Drive for another three weeks.