I’ve had the pleasure to work on SWIFF since its inception in a variety of roles. I also run a business with Dave and Kate, Film Outreach Australia, taking Screenwave’s awesome film programs to other lucky towns across the country. I’m a massive movie lover and also a lover of music (Uko Ono is my ukulele business) and art (having worked in the Arts for the past 25 years) so some of the films I have picked will be no great surprise to those who know me.
Narrowing it down to 8 films has been the main challenge – so I need to say there are plenty more that I will be seeing. So my opinion is more as a ‘punter’ than an expert, but these are my ‘picks’… .
Terror Nullius
This film looks arty, naughty, subversive and bloody hilarious. I love a bit of controversy and am intrigued as to why a major arts funder, the Ian Potter Cultural Trust, decided to withdraw its support for the film days before its release!
SWIFF Live: O Brother, Where Art Thou? w/ live soundtrack by The Mid North
This is one of my all-time-favourite films with a classic and unique soundtrack and to hear local band The Mid North playing the soundtrack live will place it as one of those magic moments living on the Coffs Coast.
The Kindergarten Teacher
I adore Maggie Gyllenhaal and her performance as kindergarten teacher, Lisa Spinelli, has been described as a career-best. I expect to squirm quite a lot in my seat as the Teacher does what she thinks is right for this potential child prodigy.
Blaze
I love a good biopic and this looks like an interesting yet dark tale about an unsung country music hero. No doubt painful to watch as his alcoholism brings down his life, I look forward to going along for the ride. I am also a massive fan of Alia Shawkat.
Ryuichi Sakamoto: Coda
I love the music and film scores of Ryuichi Sakamoto and am keen to find out more about his life, his activism and what makes him tick. I love documentaries about the creative process and this one has had rave reviews.
Aga
This looks like a dreamy, arty, slow, delicious film – just how I like them. I love being transported to a totally different place and state of mind with movies and yet be reminded that as humans, the themes are all the same.
Shoplifters
I had tears in my eyes just watching the trailer. This looks like an unconventional story about family, survival and connection. I can’t wait for this movie to unfold. It also won the Palme d’Or at Cannes so that’s not to be sneezed at!
At Eternity's Gate
Julian Schnabel, Willem Dafoe, Vincent Van Gogh – need I say more! Just the colour palette alone has drawn me to this film and the cinematography looks sublime. I can’t wait to see Dafoe give what has been called a ‘shattering performance’.
Discover the full program for yourself at swiff.com.au.