Filmonik #13 short film recap

On Monday August 25th we celebrated Filmonik #13. Despite the sometimes ominous reputation (perpetuated by cinema) of the number 13, it was anything but an unlucky night for us. We enjoyed some stunning films, hilarious stand-up comedy, and of course, the ultimate measure of success; there was no left over popcorn!

This was our second event held at Loop Project Art Space and Bar. Once again we were impressed with their high quality facilities and friendly helpful staff. In a first for Filmonik, our half time entertainment was provided by talented comedian Kirsty Mac. With no microphone assistance Kirsty stood alone on stage and captivated us with a charismatic comedic performance. Kirsty’s comedy stylings weaves insightful hilarity with an honest perspective of a woman living in today’s world. Like Filmonik, Kirsty is also participating in the 2014 Melbourne Fringe Festival with her show Truth Bombs at the Portland Hotel. You should absolutely get along and see it.

In the film department we were very lucky to screen a film by Olivier Bonenfant. Olivier spent two years running the Montreal Kino (where it all began!) and will be in Melbourne for the next 7 months helping us make Filmonik even more awesome (I know, it’s not really possible but we’re happy to let him try). Olivier screened the gorgeous ‘Quad Diamond’. An incredible film about a young lady who goes snowboarding in a place you might not expect. It is a stunning example of what a small talented team of people can create with the technology we have available today. The good news is, Olivier will be a mentor during Filmonik Kabaret in November to help you create dreamy special effects like this for your films!

[fve]http://vimeo.com/63798392[/fve]

We also had a visit from Kino Sydney regular Valentin Mayer-Eichberger. The thought provoking ‘I Found My Phone’ was originally made for Kino Kabaret Sydney 2013 and then completely recut for Filmonik #13. It was inspired by a statement attributed to Sasha Grey regarding porn: “It’s like junk food. We all need a little McDonald’s once in a while”. Valentin is also sticking around for a while, so you’ll be seeing more from this director!

Jack Bear made his Filmonik debut with a film created as a powerful dedication to his heroic friend Daniel Cowan titled ‘Yolanda and I’. The film chronicles Daniel’s journey to the Philippines where he helped the local people in the wake of Typhoon Yolanda.

[fve]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziIiopQD69k[/fve]

Another first-time-Filmonik director Michal Urbanczyk screened his gorgeous short: ‘Melbourne Passage’. A stunning combination of time lapse phototography and music, celebrating the beauty of Melbournes CBD at night.

[fve]http://vimeo.com/103421008[/fve]

Vanessa Macedo (who also made her Filmonik premiere) brought along her beautifully crafted film ‘The Ship Visitor’ to show us. It tells the story of Seafarer Bob Grech and his mission to improve the wellbeing of people who work on ships and in the shipping industry.

In the Filmonik regulars department we sorely missed Quinn and Mylie (aka ‘the wives’). It was the first Filmonik Mylie has ever missed and the first Filmonik we haven’t seen a something from them (they mostly submit films, but there was that month they submitted a song). It wasn’t the same without you wives, and we can’t wait for ‘Wife Times episode 9’ at Filmonik #14 to see what you’ve been up to. We did of course, as usual, have films from BJ and Soph. BJ Hill screened another of his famously intricate stop motion animations, entitled ‘Eattin’. This one’s focus was gastronomic delights and the joys of simple home cooked food. Sophia Davidson Gluyas submitted another film in her distinct portrait video-diary style entitled ‘Greasy’. It was created as a challenge to Kevin Smith’s statement at Filmonik #12 that “We don’t play greasy films”. I think Soph totally won that spar… but time will tell if Kevin makes a response film.

[fve]http://vimeo.com/104896113[/fve]

Soph’s dad, Ric Davidson submitted his film ‘Making Lucy’ a video clip about the  journey from rehearsal to performance of a haunting and beautiful song ‘Lucy’ by talented singer songwriter Laura Bunting.

We were treated to two films from long time Filmonik contributor (and Filmonik organiser) Lawrence Makoona. The first was the about GovHack Melbourne 2014, an event which brings people together to experiment with the creative reuse of government data. The second film was the long awaited promotional video for our Filmonik Kaberet event, being held throughout the weekend starting October 31. Don’t forget to grab your tickets to Filmonik Kabaret 2014. Tickets are limited so get in early to avoid disappointment.

[fve]http://vimeo.com/103039530[/fve]

[fve]http://vimeo.com/104362678[/fve]

Big thanks to everyone who attended Filmonik #13 and Loop Bar for having us. Filmonik #14 is part of this year Melbourne Fringe Festival being held at Tuxedo Cat on Wednesday the 24^th September at 7pm. We’re looking forward to seeing you all there!