Entertainment

AACTA FESTIVAL 2024: AUSSIE SCREEN MAGIC WILL TAKE CENTRE STAGE ON THE GOLD COAST

Published

5 months ago

8 December 2023

Liam

Members of the public can get a rare glimpse into Australia’s world of film of film, TV, gaming and music at the AACTA Festival next year.

AACTA FESTIVAL 2024: AUSSIE SCREEN MAGIC WILL TAKE CENTRE STAGE ON THE GOLD COAST

By Sarah Waters

The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) has announced the debut of the AACTA Festival, a four-day celebration of Australia’s vibrant screen industry, held at HOTA on the Gold Coast early next year from February 8 – 11.

The event promises an immersive experience for all, from industry professionals to film enthusiasts, school-leavers, families and aspiring creatives.

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More than 70 events are on the festival program, giving members of the public an opportunity to go behind the scenes of their favourite films, meet their favourite stars, network with screen practitioners and learn more about Australia’s film, TV, gaming and music industry.

The AACTA Industry Awards Ceremony will take place on Thursday, February 8, followed by a day of industry events, masterclasses and creator discussions on Friday.

On Saturday, February 10, the AACTA Awards Ceremony will welcome all the stars on the red carpet.

The event will wrap up on Sunday, February 11, with an array of screenings, live music, kids’ events, acting workshops, meet-and-greets and more.

Sunday will also feature the Screen Careers Expo presented by Essential Screen Skills, running all day and offering pathways for anyone wanting to break into the industry.

Cinematic highlights include a behind-the-scenes look at the making of The Matrix; an animation deconstruction of international blockbuster Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, a deep dive into the stunt work from Mad Max: Fury Road and a showcase of the upcoming BINGE original series High Country, with Leah Purcell.

Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman), and producer Paul Currie will give audiences an exclusive look of their upcoming Australian film Better Man starring singer Robbie Williams.

Members of the public can get a rare glimpse into Australia’s world of film of film, TV, gaming and music at the AACTA Festival next year.

Iconic Australian musician Russell Morris (The Real Thing) will take part in an exclusive in conversation with composer David Hirschfelder, and audiences can hear from Mortal Kombat director Simon McQuoid on the progress of the film franchise currently being shot in Queensland.

Many of Queensland’s top writers will attend and be showcased throughout the festival, including Trent Dalton, author of Boy Swallows Universe, and Holly Ringland author of Lost Flowers of Alice Hart.

In addition to this, audiences can hear from writers Nick Earls, Lystra Rose, Mathew Condon, Richard Jameson, Tristan Michael Savage and Ben Hobson to name just a few.

The festival will host a series of Meet the Creators events, panel discussions with internationally renowned talent including directors Danny and Michael Philippou (Talk to Me), Warwick Thornton (The New Boy), and the team behind the hit TV show The Newsreader.

The Meet the Nominee panels offer a chance to hear from some of Australia’s biggest stars, producers, and directors, nominated for a prestigious AACTA Award.

The festival features a wide range of topical industry panels covering various aspects of the screen industry, from the future of AI and streaming to First Nations truth-telling and storytelling panels.

Also included are a range of online gaming ‘Let’s Play’ events, and an immersive art experience led by acclaimed painter, actor and musician Stan Yarramunua.

The kids’ events include Play School LIVE, kid’s acting workshops, face painting, live music and a very special appearance from Queensland’s beloved Bluey.

AACTA CEO Damian Trewhella said AACTA Festival is a must-attend event for anyone who loves Australian film, television, music, gaming, art and pop culture.

“We are excited to present more than 70 events over four days celebrating the excellence of our industry,” Mr Trewhella said.

“From red carpet glamour to workshops and a special kids’ line-up, it’s an invitation for everyone to step into the magic of storytelling and creativity,” he said.

Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney said The AACTA Festival will bring leading local and national screen practitioners together on the Gold Coast – a renowned production and screen talent hub.

“Screen Queensland is proud to support the inaugural AACTA Festival and welcome aspiring filmmakers and audiences alike to also connect, learn and revel in this celebration of screen culture,” she said.

The AACTA Festival is now live.

For more information and to book tickets please visit aactafestival.com.

About AACTA

The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) is a not-for-profit organisation, aimed at promoting, encouraging and celebrating screen excellence in Australia.

The Australian Academy is Australia’s only independent, member-based, national screen organisation that represents all differing screen crafts, from directors to producers, actors, writers, musicians and a vast number of members in below-the-line roles.

For over 60 years, the AACTA Awards (formerly the AFI Awards) have recognised and celebrated Australia’s highest achievements in film, television, documentary, short form and digital content.

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Entertainment

Blues on Broadbeach

Published

3 days ago

15 May 2024

Liam

Blues on Broadbeach

Returning for its 23rd year, Blues on Broadbeach is set to transform the Gold Coast into a rhythm and blues haven from May 16-19, 2024!

The festival will feature over 65 international and local artists across 16 indoor and outdoor stages, promising an abundance of live rhythm & blues over the four-day event.

The festival program and app are now live, so you can start planning your experience today! A highlight of the festival will be US headliner Melissa Etheridge, who is set to deliver a rocking two-hour show on Saturday night.

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Other international stars making their way to the festival include Samantha Fish & Jesse Dayton, Ana Popovic, Eric Bibb, Hi Rhythm Section with Boo Mitchell, and Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen, all renowned figures in the contemporary blues scene.

The festival will also showcase plenty of national and local talent, including festival favourite 8 Ball Aitken & Friends, who will host a special All-Star Blues Jam on Sunday, May 19. Gold Coast’s own Karl S. Williams will open for Melissa Etheridge on Saturday night.

A new addition this year is the Kurrawa Park Sunday Ticket, featuring New Zealand’s electronic-reggae-soul pioneers Fat Freddy’s Drop, alongside Tijuana Cartel and BOOMCHILD, who will perform exclusively at Kurrawa Park on Sunday, May 19.

With VIP tickets already sold out, be sure to secure your ticket soon to expand your Blues on Broadbeach experience! Beyond the six outdoor stages in the Broadbeach precinct, 10 Partnered Venues will also offer live music, allowing you to enjoy a meal or drink without missing any of the festival’s packed programming.

With so much happening from May 16-19, don’t miss out on your favourite acts! Download the Blues on Broadbeach 2024 festival app from the App Store or Google Play to create your personalised schedule.

EVENT DETAILS:

When: 16^th – 19^th of May
Where: Broadbeach
Tickets: Available here.

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Entertainment

ASH GRUNWALD AT THE REGENT CINEMA, MURWILLUMBAH

Published

3 days ago

15 May 2024

Liam

ASH GRUNWALD AT THE REGENT CINEMA, MURWILLUMBAH

One of Australia’s leading blues musician, Ash Grunwald, has announced a nationwide tour to celebrate the release of his latest single, “Life Without You.”

This laid-back track, which explores the themes of enduring love and appreciation for one’s partner, is a collaboration with Garrett Kato, renowned for his work with Tones & I’s “Dance Monkey” and numerous releases by Ziggy Alberts. The song’s emotional depth is sure to resonate with listeners.

Ash Grunwald has long been an inspiration, encouraging a generation to embrace a nomadic lifestyle, “surfing by day and jamming by night”.

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His illustrious career has seen him share stages with legends like James Brown, The Black Keys, Jack Johnson, Xavier Rudd, and Keith Urban, among many others. He has captivated audiences at sold-out festivals across Europe, Japan, and North America.

Grunwald’s impressive discography includes six Australian Top-50 albums, and he has been recognised with numerous accolades: five ARIA and four AIR Award nominations, two APRA Awards, and the Best International Act at the LA Music Critic Awards.

Don’t miss the chance to see Australia’s most dynamic blues performer live at The Regent Cinema in Murwillumbah. This tour promises to be a memorable experience, showcasing Ash Grunwald’s exceptional talent and his latest musical endeavours.

Be sure to catch this tour and witness the captivating performances of an artist who has significantly shaped the Australian blues scene. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to his music, Ash Grunwald’s tour is an event not to be missed.

EVENT DETAILS:

When: Fri 24th May, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Where: The Regent Cinema, Murwillumbah
Price: $50+BF
Tickets: Available here.

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Entertainment

Great Board Games for Family Game Night!

Published

1 week ago

9 May 2024

Liam

Great Board Games for Family Game Night!

A classic game night is the epitome of a cosy evening spent indoors, filled with laughter and friendly competition. Whether you’re looking to refresh your game cupboard or considering board games as thoughtful gifts, exploring the right options can enhance these lively gatherings. From strategic board games that challenge the mind to light-hearted party games that bring out the laughs, there’s something for everyone. Let’s delve into a selection of excellent games that are perfect for family game night, ensuring hours of entertainment and cherished memories with loved ones.

The game of life

College, marriage, kids, insurance! What a way to learn about being an adult while adding fun to the mix! In the Game of Life, each player navigates through various life stages using a plastic car on the game board, from choosing a college to settling into retirement.

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The goal of the game is to traverse life by making wise decisions, aiming to retire first and with the most wealth. It’s an excellent game for teaching children about life’s lessons in a fun and accessible manner. Playing this game as a family not only promises enjoyable moments but also ignites meaningful conversations.

Product Details:

Number of Players: Two to four
Recommended Age: 8 and up
Playing Time: 30 to 60 minutes

Monopoly

The first official Monopoly game was released in 1935, and it has been cultivating real estate moguls ever since. This board game involves both risk and chance as players purchase and trade properties while trying to avoid jail.

Players can buy properties if they have the necessary funds and can generate income by charging rent to other players who land on their properties. The objective of the game is to bankrupt your opponents, which can be a lengthy process. The strategy is to acquire enough properties in the same area to create a monopoly, making it difficult for other players to afford rent, ultimately leading to their bankruptcy.

Product Details:

Number of Players: Two to six
Recommended Age: 8 and up
Playing Time: One to two hours

Cards Against Humanity

When playing Cards Against Humanity, forget about maintaining decorum. The game features black cards with open-ended prompts and white cards filled with a mix of humorous, risqué, and bizarre phrases.

In each round, a player takes on the role of the judge and selects a black card to present to the group. The other players then choose one of their white cards that best complements the prompt and hand it to the judge. The judge mixes these submissions and reads them aloud, ultimately picking a favourite based on their appeal.

This game is strictly for adults, designed to provoke laughter. You can enjoy it just for the fun or keep score with points for each round’s winning card to find out who excels at pushing boundaries.

Product Details:

Number of Players: Four to 20
Recommended Age: 18 and up
Playing Time: 30 to 90 minutes

UNO

To play this engaging family game, all you need is an Uno card deck. It doesn’t require any additional pieces like marbles or spinners, making it easy to clean up and perfect for travel.

The Uno deck consists of 108 cards, with 25 cards in each of four colours and eight special action cards, such as Skip and Reverse. Players match cards from their hands to the card in the centre of the game by colour or number. They draw new cards from the deck until none remain. When a player is down to one card, they shout “Uno!”—a highlight of the game. Winning also traditionally involves a celebratory dance, adding to the fun.

Product Details: