Filmonik #14 Fringe Edition – Recap

What can I say about Filmonik #14 Fringe edition? Fantastic? Exciting? Super-fun-happy-time? I can say all those things and more. How about: It was possibly the best Filmonik yet? For the first time ever Filmonik Melbourne was part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival. We got a listing in the snazzy fringe guide, it was held at a very snazzy venue, long time supporters of Filmonik, Tuxedo Cat. It was all utterly… snazzy.

Our half time entertainment was provided by the velvety vocal tones of Frank Lee Darling, aka the Ambassador of Love. Frank was also our Master of Ceremonies for the evening, providing the introductions for Filmonik’s dynamic hosting duo, Sophia Davidson Gluyas and Kevin Smith.

But of course we all come to Filmonik for the movies… and we were treated to some fucking fabulous films. here’s the round-up:

First out of the hat was Anthony Dillon’s ‘Standers’. Standers was another in the line of Anthony’s imaginative, sweet and hilarious films. Wonderfully clever filmmaking. Anthony also happens to be Frank Lee Darling’s long lost twin brother. I guess talent runs in the family.

[fve]https://vimeo.com/107219944[/fve]

Nadia Astari (another of our gorgeous filmonik regulars) screened a thought provoking and beautiful short film about the instillation art piece Chinese Whispers, created to examine and discuss the nature of racial based hatred and violence. The film included an introduction from Chinese Whispers lead creator Rani Pramesti. Chinese Whispers was also part of Melbourne Fringe and we were so stoked to hear that the piece won the ‘innovation in culturally diverse practice’ award AND the ‘best live art’ award. Big congrats guys!

The wonderful Bj Hill continues to refine his technique which involves creating animation using hundreds of photos. His film this month titled ‘Biscuit’ explored the inspiration and creation of new culinary ideas.

Valentin Mayer-Eichberger showed us his film: ‘Linha Vermelha’. It was a heartbreaking romantic-tragedy about finding love in the digital age. The film was shot in picturesque Rio De Janeiro in May 2014. It was originally created for a Brazilian film festival dedicated to producing a short film in 72 hours. This was the second video Valentin has submitted to Filmonik, with hopefully more to come.

‘Sunday’ (Soph’s first serious film) was a collaboration between multiple team Filmonik members. Soph wrote the script and performed alongside Imogen Coles. Lawrence Makoona skillfully shot, directed, and edited the film. The soundtrack was comprised almost entirely of artists who have performed half-time at Filmonik: Jehan, Lyra Will, Purr and Shiver Like Timber. The film is a beautifully shot single scene, which explores the dynamics of a relationship through an insightful, funny and cleverly written conversation.

[fve]https://vimeo.com/107011440[/fve]

‘The Dead Quiet’ by Mia Falstein-Rush and Robert Zappulla had us in stitches. It was originally made for Kino Sydney (and also screened at a Filmonik in 2013) but we decided break all the rules and show this excellent Film noir spoof (with Dinosaurs!) again. Mia has been super busy organizing an awesome feminist film festival and so understandably didn’t have time to Kino it up and make a new flick as the rules stipulate. She has however made tons of new films since our inception and is very dear to the Filmonik community. Mia also let us all know about this imminent incredible event that she’s directing called Seen & Heard Melbourne 2014 opening at ACMI on November 13^th. The Seen & Heard festival focuses on celebrating and supporting female-identified filmmakers. It’s going to be wonderful. Program should be out really soon, we’ll let you know all about it.

[fve]https://vimeo.com/50349544[/fve]

‘Kernal to Cup: The Story of Filmonik Popcorn’, was submitted by everyone’s favourite projectionist (and popcorn provider) Glyn Francis. Shot and edited in 5 days, the video explores the rich history and exciting future of Filmonik popcorn. Glyn impressed the crowd with his terrific knack for comedy. The short certainly had everyone in the room snorting with laughter and quite a few punters casting a suspicious eye at their popcorn cups.(NB – soph wrote this bit, glyn isn’t blogging about himself!)

[fve]https://vimeo.com/108107468[/fve]

‘Wife Times epdisode 9: Q&A with Sophia’ was provided by and starred long time Filmonik contributors Mylie Nauendorf & (Kirsty) Quinn. Sophia Davidson Gluyas’s voice (and camera work) also made a guest appearance. In this episode Quinn & Mylie talk about their increasing need to employ an assistant/intern to help take their art to the next level and help manage their busy lives as influential cultural icons. Quinn and Mylie have been invited to host our final Filmonik of 2014 (27^th of October at Loop) We can’t wait to see their hilarious banter live on stage!

Olivier Bonenfant’s second submission to filmonik left every jaw in the room on the floor. It was mesemerisingly beautiful. ‘Mimicking’ showcases the incredible street art of Melbourne and also the equally incredible filmmaking skill of Olivier. A beautifully surreal journey of the imagination.

[fve]https://vimeo.com/106811757[/fve]

For our final film of the evening we showed the trailer for Filmonik Melbourne’s first ever Kabaret event which is just around the corner (October 31^st – November 2^nd)

Shot, directed and edited by Lawrence Makoona and featuring most Filmonik team members in various roles. It’s a great example of what a group of people can create with just an idea, a camera and a sense of fun.

[fve]https://vimeo.com/104362678m[/fve]

Speaking of our Kabaret Event, we have some exciting Kabaret related news coming soon. Stay tuned for updates.

A big thank you our hosts Tuxedo Cat who gave us their amazing venue in kind, Maddan Productions who paid for our festival registration and an ongoing thank you to Hub Melbourne who help us in a multitude of ways. Without the generosity of these wonderful members of our artistic community we couldn’t have had such a radical Fringified Filmonik. We’d also like to thank everyone on team Filmonik and of all of you gorgeous people who attended Filmonik #14 and made it so damn lovely!