Contemporary Australia: Optimism
Film program
15 November 2008 – 22 February 2009
Coinciding with ‘Contemporary Australia: Optimism’ at the Gallery of Modern Art, the Australian Cinémathèque presents a series of film programs echoing the exhibition’s exploration of the rich, broad and complex territory of the possible in Australian life and culture. Important Australian filmmakers Rolf de Heer, Ivan Sen and Clara Law are profiled with retrospective screenings. De Heer is recognised internationally as one of Australia's leading filmmakers, attracting both critical and commercial success for films such as Ten Canoes 2006 and Bad Boy Bubby 1993. Esteemed Hong Kong filmmaker Law has made powerful films dealing with themes of migration and identity within a distinctly Australian context, including the celebrated Floating Life 1996 and Letters to Ali 2004. Sen is an Indigenous filmmaker acclaimed for his powerful short and feature films, including Beneath Clouds 2002 and Yellow Fella 2005.
Directors
Rolf de Heer
Rolf De Heer is recognised internationally as one of Australia's leading filmmakers, attracting both critical and commercial success for films such as Ten Canoes 2006 and Bad Boy Bubby 1993...Read more
Clara Claw
Esteemed Hong Kong filmmaker Law has made powerful films dealing with themes of migration and identity within a distinctly Australian context, including the celebrated Floating Life 1996 and Letters to Ali 2004...Read more
Ivan Sen
Ivan Sen is an Indigenous filmmaker acclaimed for his powerful short and feature films, including Beneath Clouds 2002 and Yellow Fella 2005...Read more
Kath and Kim
2 January – 20 February 2009
Look at moiye! Jane Turner is one of Australia’s most respected comedians, having contributed to some of the Australia’s most influential television comedies including The D Generation and Fast Forward. Most recently, Turner has played the character Kath Day alongside long-time collaborator Gina Riley in the successful series Kath and Kim. To compliment Turner’s inclusion in the ‘Contemporary Australia: Optimism’ exhibition, the Australian Cinémathèque screens Series 1 and 2 of this award-winning program during the ‘Optimism Up Late’ program.
A Portrait of Nicole Kidman
3 January – 1 February 2009
Iconic Australian actress Nicole Kidman will be celebrated with screenings in the lead up to, and during the ‘Optimism for Kids Summer Festival’. Throughout January, selected films from Kidman’s career for youth audiences will be presented, including her break into Hollywood Dead Calm 1989 and Days of Thunder 1990 through to her Oscar winning performance in The Hours 2002. The Children’s Summer Festival will screen kid’s films starring the actress including retro spectaculars A Bush Christmas 1983 and BMX Bandits 1983.
View all films for this program.
Beat On: Australian Electronic Music
2 January – 20 February 2009
Showcasing the current strength and diversity of Australian electronic music, a selection of cutting edge and award winning electronic music videos will screen weekly as part of the Australia: Up Late Fridays. Australia: Up Late cinema sessions will be free.
From the Outback to the Islands: Animation by Kids
18 – 26 January 2009
A selection of short animated works handmade by children. Kids’ plasticine models and drawings form the basis of these beautiful films which capture local stories.
