Show Reviews

The Italian Film Festival is in its 23rd year after its founding at the turn of the millennium in 2000.  Since then, the festival has grown in popularity to become the most significant public celebration of Italian cinema outside Italy. A feature of this year’s festival is a special presentation of New Italian Cinema’s – Burning Hearts – which takes place in the picturesque region of Puglia. This gripping crime tale reignited an age-old feud between two rival families as a forbidden love story unfolds. Burning Hearts is directed by Pippo Mezzapesa and was the Best Cinematography winner at the…

The Perth Good Food & Wine Show, presented by Kleenheat, rolls(rolled) into town from 21-23rd July at the Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre this weekend. This particular author celebrated on arrival with a delicious plate of melted French Raclette Cheese, and that was before even reaching the cheese corner. The exhibition has a fun filled atmosphere and it is a delight to wander around to select the stallholders that stash your personal favourites. But do try to pace yourself as there is lots to discover. The Good Food and Wine Show really is foodie heaven with all manner of events,…

As a longtime fan of the Discworld series, I had the pleasure of experiencing the stage adaptation of Terry Pratchett’s The Truth. The production, presented by Roleystone Theatre at the Don Russell Performing Arts Centre, successfully brings the vibrant world of Ankh-Morpok to life. The storyline revolves around William de Worde’s bold steps into the role of Discworld’s first investigative journalist. And it is a baptism of fire as scandalous charges of attempted murder and embezzlement against the esteemed leader of Ankh-Morpok, Lord Havelock Vetinari, emerges. The cast is large, with highlight performances from Lord Vetinari(Lilly Litchfield), Gangsters Mr Pin(Aaron…

A Singular Crime / Un Crimen Argentino is a 2022 thriller based on the 2002 Reynaldo Sietecasebook of the same name. It’s inspired by a true story occurring in 1980 Rosario, Argentina during the “Dirty War” military dictatorship. The book was a best seller, and now the film leaves audiences just as intrigued as they try to solve the crime alongside the protagonists. It is airing at the 2023 Spanish Film Festival and is a must-watch for any who love a mystery. Unlike the book, A Singular Crime primarily follows around two court clerks, Antonio González Rivas (Nicolás Francella) and Carlos Torres (Matías Mayer), alongside the judge’s secretary, Maria Bussato (Malena Sanchez), as…

The Spanish Film Festival is back this June and July and celebrating it’s 25th year! Presented by Palace, the film festival is accessible online, or in person, in major cities Adelaide, Brisbane, Byron Bay, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. There are plentiful films to choose from with helpful category groupings such as ‘New Spanish Cinema’, ‘Spotlight on Argentina’, ‘Focus on Female Filmmakers’ and more. I had the pleasure of viewing ‘Cork’ (‘Suro’), a Drama/Thriller feature film debut from Director Mikel Gurrea, that is creating a lot of excitement in its New Spanish Cinema category. It has already won a slew…

The Spanish Film Festival returns and is celebrating its 25th year! This time, the festival will be heading to Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Byron Bay, bringing with it a selection of films from across Spanish-speaking cultures. With subdivisions of New Spanish Cinema and Cine Latino and a range of genres available, there will be something for everyone in the festival program this year. The preview film for the 2023 Spanish Film Festival was Alberto Rodriguez’s Prison 77 (In Spanish, Modelo 77). Prison 77 is a prison drama film set in the late 70s that follows the fictional…

The Goodwill Club, nestled in the historic Rechabite Hall, once a symbol of an international temperance movement, served as the backdrop for an intriguing performance during the Perth Comedy Festival. Could stand-up comedian Anthony Locascio deliver on a show titled Heart of Darkness? On arrival, one came with a sense of wonder, anticipation and curiosity. Anthony, the comedian, welcomed the audience with open arms, exuding an inviting and vibrant energy that made us feel instantly at ease. With his likable persona, he delved into some challenging and controversial topics, navigating them with finesse and skill. Addressing sensitive subjects is no…