“Life’s Good Film” Applauded, Recognized at International Film Festivals

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LG Electronics (LG) is proud to announce that the LG and Jackson Tisi co-produced Life’s Good Film took the prize for this month’s Best Documentary Short at the Indie Short Fest, one of eight recognitions at major film festivals around the world.

Life’s Good Film Honored by Film Festivals

Celebrating the unique perspectives and voices of a younger generation, LG’s uplifting film was also awarded as the Best Documentary Short by Dreamachine International Film Festival and honored by the Toronto Independent Film Festival of Cift. Life’s Good Film was nominated as a finalist in the short documentary category at the New York International Film Awards as well as second-finalist at the San Francisco Indie Short Festival. With the film festival industry just now getting back on its feet after a devastating 2020-2021, Life’s Good Film will be screened at the Arpa International Film Festival and the Oregon Documentary Film Festival as the award year comes to a close.

The Life’s Good Film is the touching, heart-felt culmination of the Life’s Good Film Project, which saw 531 amateur filmmakers from 33 countries share their creative interpretations of LG’s Life’s Good message. A part of LG’s 2021 Life’s Good campaign, the project put the spotlight on the diversity of the world’s peoples, cultures, and nature while simultaneously communicating the humanity and hope that unites us all.

Weaving together many of the stunning submissions sent in, director Jackson Tisi and LG collaborated to create a visually beautiful and emotionally uplifting 20-minute work of art. The award-winning short generated considerable interest online with over 240 million impressions and more than 77 million total views of related posts across social media.

“Being recognized by the respected international film festival community next to Jackson is something we never expected nor imagined,” said Lee Jung-suk, head of LG’s Global Marketing Center. “Jackson is a master and was incredibly effective in delivering the message Life’s Good through the voices of tomorrow’s leaders. LG thanks Jackson for his peerless direction and for helping us to shape such an inspiring story.”

The Life’s Good Film is available to view on the LG Global YouTube channel and Instagram.

About LG Electronics Inc.

LG Electronics is a global innovator in technology and consumer electronics with a presence in almost every country and an international workforce of more than 75,000. LG’s four companies – Home Appliance & Air Solution, Home Entertainment, Vehicle component Solutions and Business Solutions – combined for global sales of over USD 56 billion in 2020. LG is a leading manufacturer of consumer and commercial products ranging from TVs, home appliances, air solutions, monitors, service robots, automotive components and its premium LG SIGNATURE and intelligent LG ThinQ brands are familiar names world over. Visit www.LGnewsroom.com for the latest news.

About Jackson Tisi

At 25 years old, Jackson Tisi has made a name for himself as a young filmmaker. Jackson’s work spans music videos, commercials, and documentaries. His short films and music videos have won numerous awards including Vimeo Staff picks, Atlantic Selects, and multiple film festival nominations. His film, LEON, won him gold at the Young Directors Award in Cannes, France last year. He was also admitted into the latest class of Young Guns by the One Club for Creativity. He is currently working on developing longer form projects.

Source : LG Electronics

This article was sourced from a media release sent by PR Newswire

The Official Trailer And Release Date Announced For “Here Out West”

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Mind Blowing Films has today announced the release date for, HERE OUT WEST. Written by eight talented Western Sydney writers (Nisrine Amine, Bina Bhattacharya, Matias Bolla, Claire Cao, Arka Das, Dee Dogan, Vonne Patiag, Tien Tran) and directed by some of Australia’s top female directors Lucy Gaffy (Amazing Grace), Fadia Abboud (Les Norton), Leah Purcell (The Drover’s Wife: The Legend of Molly Johnson), Ana Kokkinos (Head On) and Julie Kalceff (First Day), the poignant drama about family and place is set to arrive in Australian cinemas nationally on February 3, 2022.

Nancy (Genevieve Lemon) visits her daughter in hospital who has just given birth. Tagging along is her 8-year-old Lebanese neighbour, Amirah (Mia-Lore Bayeh), who she is babysitting. It is a bittersweet meeting for Nancy, as her new grandchild is about to be taken away, her mother being deemed unfit by the authorities to keep her. In an act of desperation, Nancy makes the decision to steal the baby, fleeing from the hospital with Amirah by her side. Not long after their audacious escape, a pedestrian is involved in a hit and run. Three young men step in to help, unsure if he’ll survive the night. Across eight distinct yet interconnected stories, Nancy’s spontaneous flight sets off a chain of events that brings together complete strangers over the course of one dramatic day.

Intensely relevant and reflective of our times, HERE OUT WEST, is a groundbreaking film that reframes the Australian story.

HERE OUT WEST’ WILL BE AVAILABLE IN AUSTRALIAN CINEMAS NATIONALLY ON FEBRUARY 3, 2022

The Trailer For 20th Century Studios’ “The Bob’s Burgers Movie” Has Just Dropped

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20th Century Studios has released the trailer and still images for “The Bob’s Burgers Movie,” which will open in Australian cinemas on MAY 26, 2022.

“The Bob’s Burgers Movie” is an animated, big-screen, musical comedy-mystery-adventure based on the long-running Emmy®-winning series. The story begins when a ruptured water main creates an enormous sinkhole right in front of Bob’s Burgers, blocking the entrance indefinitely and ruining the Belchers’ plans for a successful summer. While Bob and Linda struggle to keep the business afloat, the kids try to solve a mystery that could save their family’s restaurant. As the dangers mount, these underdogs help each other find hope and fight to get back behind the counter, where they belong.

“The Bob’s Burger’s Movie” showcases voice talent which includes Kristen Schaal, H. Jon Benjamin, John Roberts, Dan Mintz, Eugene Mirman, Larry Murphy, Zach Galifianakis, Kevin Kline, and David Wain. The film’s director is Bernard Derriman and its co-director is Loren Bouchard. The screenplay is by Loren Bouchard & Nora Smith. The producers are Loren Bouchard, Nora Smith and Janelle Momary.

Check out the trailer below:

SOME HAPPY DAY Hits Classic Cinemas Next Month

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Some Happy Day is an independent feature film and a homage to St Kilda. It’s made with, and in, the community where the story is set. 
Some Happy Day follows Tina, a homeless woman in desperate search of a better life, who meets Frances, a social worker with troubles of her own. Over a single day, their lives interweave, revealing unsettling connections that lead to change and redemption.
On World Day of Social Justice (Sun 20 Feb 2022), Some Happy Day will have its Melbourne premiere with a fundraiser for Sacred Heart Mission at Classic Cinemas as well as additional screenings on Mon 21 Feb 2022 and Wed 23 Feb 2022.
Some Happy Day is inspired by writer and director Catherine Hill’s 20-year experience working with rough sleepers.
“Every day I witnessed the strength, resilience, struggles, and stories of people who have found themselves homeless, sleeping at the beach, in the park, under a stairwell, or in a squat,” said Hill.
Some Happy Day was filmed in partnership with a range of local St Kilda groups and organisations. Many of the actors have lived experiences of surviving without a home and other cast and crew work in social services.
The role of Tina was written for Peta Brady. She is not only a renowned Australian actor across theatre and television, but also works part-time as a drug and alcohol worker at The Salvation Army Needle and Syringe Program in St Kilda. 
Sacred Heart Mission and the Salvation Army Statewide Crisis Centre supported Some Happy Day by providing in-kind assistance and access to different locations. 
Cathy Humphrey, CEO for Sacred Heart Mission said Some Happy Day provides a realistic impression that contextualises homelessness, its impact on people, and the importance of trauma-informed practice, which is central to ending homelessness. 
“It’s fantastic that Sacred Heart Mission is part of Some Happy Day’s Melbourne premiere and I hope it starts some important conversations about how to make a difference,” said Humphrey.
It is estimated that on any given night in Australia approximately 116,000 people will be homeless – 1 in every 200 Australians. Last year, over 420 homeless people died on Australia’s streets. The average life expectancy of rough sleepers is around 50 years of age, almost 30 years lower than housed populations.  
Some Happy Day has been accepted into 6 international film festivals and Catherine Hill was nominated for Best Direction of a Feature Film (Under $1M) by the Australian Directors Guild. 
Some Happy Day is also available to corporate businesses, community organisations, educational institutions, local councils, and government agencies. The film aims to change perceptions of homelessness, raise awareness and celebrate hope and relationships.
“A sensitive, gritty portrayal of the shadows we all carry and the courage it takes to find our way through.” – Tim Costello AO
 
“Profoundly moving. Some Happy Day lays bare the underbelly of Australian lives rarely seen. It is brave and real and will have you in tears. A triumph of filmmaking. Tender, uplifting and bravely honest.” – Nikki Gemmell, author, and journalist
 
“An unflinching and articulate story that works not only as a deeply poignant drama, but as an unapologetic statement against the devastation wrought by Australia’s widening wealth gap … Some Happy Day is a story of connection, perseverance, and community.” – James Fletcher, Filmink
____________________________________________________________
Some Happy Day
Dates: Sun 20 Feb, Mon 21 Feb and Wed 23 Feb 2022
Time: 6.30pm (74 mins)
Venue: Classic Cinemas, 9 Gordon Street, Elsternwick 
Tickets: $13.50 – $30 plus booking fee
Classification: MA15+
Bookings: classiccinemas.com.au or (03) 9524 7900
Information: somehappydayfilm.com

“Encanto” Movie Review: Plenty Of Flash & Staying Power But No Staying Power

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With the success of “Moana” and growing need/interest in diversity in their princess line/history, Disney has been trying to pass the cultural test with all possible flying colors by adapting every kind of hero and heroine for their animated feature films. With “Moana,” and “Raya and the last dragon,” it’s clear Disney is trying to put their own iconic magical spin on every possible fairy tale they can weave with new rising stars and storytellers to pave the way for future profits and programming. “Encanto” is a Columbian fantasy tale, scored through the genius musical mind of Lynn-Manual Miranda, who had already delivered substantial musical success for Disney with his work in “Moana” and “Mary Poppins Returns.” One always hopes lightning strikes more than once so let’s see if Disney has conjured up the right kind of magic once again.

In a humble village in Columbia, the centerpiece of the town (and the story) is the Madrigals family: a family blessed with a magical house that is not only alive and vibrantly energetic but also grants each new family member as they come of age with their own, unique mystical power. From super strength, weather manipulation, and shape-shifting, there’s something extra special about every member of the Madrigals family…except for Mirabel (Stephanie Beatriz). She’s the only one who never received a mystical gift and it has left her feeling disconnected and ignored by her magical-powered relatives. However, when a mysterious danger threatens to eliminate the magic from the Madrigals forever, Mirabel must find out what is causing the magic to disappear and save her family’s gifts before they are lost for all eternity.

The subject of family is no stranger to Disney’s usual go-to story focuses. Certain cultures and families have a greater emphasis on the importance of family and that is no different here. However, the strange thing about “Encanto” is that for as fantastical and family-focused as it is, the film seems to mix its signals on presenting family; often coming off sadder and head scratching than anything whimsical. Almost every plot twist, line of dialog, and the musical number has to revolve around why family is so important and how dedicated this particular family is to one another. And yet, Mirabel not only receives no magical gift she gets shunned and ignored by her family members simply because she is different from them; even from the figurehead of the family.

The prejudice towards Mirabel not only feels hurtful but also unnecessarily aggressive, even if that is the point/source of conflict for the character. The whole plot circles the looming threat of everyone losing their powers and that level of jeopardy feels a bit lacking when everyone is being an obnoxious pill towards Mirabel just because she’s different; even to the point you WANT them to end up powerless so they can see what Mirabel has been going through. The movie kinda spins its wheels around this central plot and doesn’t really leave room for much else outside of enjoying Miradna’s signature soundtrack works of art. The songs range from catchy to forgettable. They are well presented and beautifully packaged, but again, they all dance around the same issue with little variation, and even the tune pitches don’t change enough for me to say I can remember more than one song off top of my head after seeing it.

The catchiest song actually deals with the character of Bruno (voiced by John Leguizamo) who is treated even worse than Mirabel, and the more you find out the worse you feel for this character. I felt bad for him more so than anyone else in the rest of the family. Among all the beautiful colors, stunning visuals, and bouncing tunes; the film seems to mishandle its own message and sends conflicting morals about family connections that were handled far more elegantly and meaningfully in Pixar’s “Coco” then they were here. Even with a Disney film having an expected happily ever after, the cast never becomes likable or memorable enough to feel like the lessons have been learned or expressed in the right way; to us or the cast.

Overall, “Encanto” has a lot to like but not as much to love if you ask me. There’s plenty of flash and colorful music but no staying power, not during the film and certainly not after it. The message about the power of families feels disjointed and poorly arranged in a way that it contradicts itself and ends up painting the Madrigals as glorified jerks rather than a whimsical family to emulate and idolize. Once you get behind it all, there’s not much going on and at the end, the answers all seem so obvious you’re wondering why it took so long to learn the clear-cut message. But hey, at least it’s got great music.

I give “Encanto” 2 stars out of 4 stars.

Marvel Studios Debuts Teaser Trailer & New Poster For “Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness”

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Marvel Studios just debuted the teaser trailer and poster for “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness”—a thrilling ride through the Multiverse with Doctor Strange, his trusted friend Wong and Wanda Maximoff, aka Scarlet Witch. 

“Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” opens in Australian cinemas on May 5, 2022. Check out the trailer below:

The Trailer For The Original Vampire Fantasy Series Firebite Has Just Dropped

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AMC+ released the trailer and key art for the original vampire fantasy series Firebite, which premiered Thursday 16 December on the premium streaming bundle with new episodes to follow every Thursday. The eight-episode series takes a new spin on the vampire genre, following two Indigenous Australian hunters, Tyson (Rob Collins, Cleverman, Extraction) and Shanika (Indigenous Australian star Shantae Barnes-Cowan), on their quest to battle the last colony of vampires in the middle of the South Australian desert. The series also stars Yael Stone (Orange is the New Black) and Callan Mulvey (Avengers: End Game), amongst others.

Created, directed, and written by Australia’s most celebrated Indigenous auteur voice, Warwick Thornton (Samson and Delilah, Sweet Country) alongside Brendan Fletcher (Mad Bastards), with Tony Krawitz (The Tall Man, Dead Europe) joining as director, Firebite is an AMC Studios original production with See-Saw Films.

The Australasian Intimacy Coordination Network Holds Inaugural Regional Conference For Industry Professionals

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There are many titles for those who create the choreography, direct the movement, and facilitate the physical and psychological safety for screen and stage ‘intimate scenes’ – that is, those vulnerable story-telling moments which may involve nudity, medical, toilet, bathing, kissing, simulated sex or simulated sexual abuse or assault. Their titles have included “intimacy choreographers, intimacy coaches, intimacy consultants, intimacy professionals, intimacy directors” and increasingly popularly, “intimacy coordinators.” These roles have been more in demand in Australia since MEAA established Australia’s Stage and Screen Intimacy Guidelines in 2020, and SPA added these to their Screen Safety protocols in 2021. Sometimes these roles have been combined with other on-set roles, such as “fight coordinators, on-set welfare coordinators, covid-safe coordinators” and even “standby wardrobe” – all of which has made it tricky up until now to decipher which expertise or services these different titles comprise.

Adeeb Razzouk, courtesy of Key Intimate Scenes

The Australasian Intimacy Coordination Network (AICN) is a new organisation that exists to bring together those who self-identify as intimacy professionals for stage and screen in the Australasian region. Co-founded by Stephanie Power of Intimacy Coordinators Australia in Melbourne and Michela Carattini of Key Intimate Scenes in Sydney, “the network was a simple way of getting us working together, and sharing the expertise within Australia, rather than always looking overseas.” says Carattini. “We don’t all have the same expertise,” she adds, “each artist has their own strengths and niche areas, which makes them better suited for some projects and less so for others, so we now have a body that can point clients in the best direction for their specific needs.”

Michela Carattini, courtesy of Key Intimate Scenes.

With 33 members in the network and growing, the inaugural meeting was attended online from all over Australia, including from Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Brisbane, and Adelaide. Power, who hosted the meeting, explained “[Michela and I] both had a mutually shared vision to create for our region of the world a more inclusive practice space, one that recognised existing knowledge, training, industry skills, and informed cultural diversities. As the first network of Intimacy Professionals in our region, our mission is to provide culturally appropriate platforms that foster support, associations, shared knowledge, and professional development across the Australasian region, [as well as] to firmly establish an Australian identity in Intimacy Coordination that has a globally recognised professional standing.”

Michela Carattini, courtesy of Key Intimate Scenes

The meeting addressed region-specific conversations on the practical implications of the work, including titles, insurance, rates, and qualifications. Asabi Goodman, based in Brisbane, stated she was “so glad to know that there are so many of us in Australia working together to safeguard and empower actors to tell bold, intimate stories,” while Adeeb Razzouk, based in Sydney, hopes to broaden the accessibility of the work to Arabic-speaking artists. Topics the network plans to continue to develop include collaborations, professional development, in-person training opportunities, academic research, and local suppliers for modesty garments, barriers, and other “intimacy kit” necessities. For more on the AICN, search FB groups or contact helloAICN@gmail.com.

Steph Power, courtesy of Steph Power

Asabi E. Goodman in The Revolutionists. Photo credit: Naz Mulla

Dine, recline and revel in cinematic time at ‘Lovers By Lakeside’ this Valentine’s Day

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Indulge in the ultimate romantic picnic at Lovers by Lakeside overlooking stunning Australian Botanic Garden views, nestled in the comfort of your special spot watching a classic romantic comedy.  

Settle in for a night of wonder, romance, and teenage 90’s slang as you watch this year’s chosen film, 10 Things I Hate About You starring Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles on our spectacular 10 metre outdoor screen. 

Prepare for a night filled with laughs and of course… love! Visit the southwest of Sydney for a magical night out that will make you feel like a film character amongst such beautiful nature settings. 

Just when you think it couldn’t get any better, this year there are exclusive VIP tickets and delicious hampers on offer for the first time to make your lakeside picnic just a little more special. There are plenty of options to choose from, including the Charcuterie box for those who prefer a picnic feast, or the Veggie Garden box for a lighter option. The Sweets for my sweet box hamper is also up for pre-order for all the sweet tooth couples. 

SEATING OPTIONS (PER COUPLE) 

  • Ultimate Sweethearts – Numbered bean bag seating, a box of chocolates, a box of popcorn, prime viewing front of screen plus VIP parking
  • Laidback Lovers – Bean bag seating, a box of popcorn, and next-level viewing behind VIP seating
  • Privacy Seekers – Designated spot in general admission seating

HAMPER OPTIONS (PER COUPLE) 

  • Charcuterie Box– Wood smoked ham shavings, dry-cured salami, green olive mortadella, southcape double brie, Black Jack aged cheddar, house-made dips (beetroot and hummus), marinated black and green olives, sweet potato rosti, marinated olives, fresh seasonal fruits, wafers, sesame lavosh, and crisps
  • Veggie Garden Box– Herbed cashew cheese, marinated mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes, marinated black and green olives, pickles, sweet potato rosti, house-made dips (beetroot, hummus and pesto), fresh seasonal fruits, wafers, sesame lavosh, crisps, dried fruits and nuts
  • Sweet for my sweet box- Buttercream vanilla cupcakes, rocky road, chocolate pretzels, french macarons, doughnuts, milk chocolate pots with strawberries and marshmallows, fresh seasonal fruits and assorted candy to decorate  

EVENT DETAILS

  • When: Monday,14 February, gates open at 7:30pm, film from 8:15pm 
  • Where: Lakeside Lawn, Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan 
  • Film: 10 Things I Hate About You  
  • Ticket Price: $45 – $110
  • Parking: Free (grass area) or VIP parking car park 
  • Age: Adults only (sorry no kids at this one) 
  • Drinks/Alcohol: This is a BYO event. Food included in Ultimate Sweetheart and Laidback Lovers package plus the extra hampers available for purchase

Ensure the selected hamper package is mentioned when pre-ordering tickets to the event. 

For more information on the event visit the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan website here.

Walt Disney Australia Release Schedule As Of January 2022…The Countdown Begins NOW

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2021 has been a tough year for the movie industry. As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to drastically affect the world, the year’s biggest films were caught in the crossfire which resulted in a number of setbacks and cancellations brought upon by the pandemic. However, Walt Disney Australia has decided to put some of these skepticisms to rest, with the company revealing their Australian release schedule for all their films until 2023. Without further ado, check out Walt Disney Australia’s release schedule as of January 2022.