The Indigenous writer-director talks about the ‘spiritual sequel’ to Mystery Road, being a one-man band and why action can have as much weight as dialogue
In a medium dominated by same-old same-old stories – a talking animal here, a spandex-clad superhero there – cinema audiences are afforded precious few moments when they are presented with something strikingly new or different.
Recently we’ve had quite a few of them, thanks to a talented group of Indigenous Australian film-makers (including Wayne Blair, Stephen Page and Rachel Perkins) who have delivered a shot in the arm for local genre on screen. That is, genre as you’ve never seen it before.
Continue reading...
In a medium dominated by same-old same-old stories – a talking animal here, a spandex-clad superhero there – cinema audiences are afforded precious few moments when they are presented with something strikingly new or different.
Recently we’ve had quite a few of them, thanks to a talented group of Indigenous Australian film-makers (including Wayne Blair, Stephen Page and Rachel Perkins) who have delivered a shot in the arm for local genre on screen. That is, genre as you’ve never seen it before.
Continue reading...
- 6/8/2016
- by Luke Buckmaster
- The Guardian - Film News
The Australian premiere of Cate Blanchett's Carol is set to headline this year's Adelaide Film Festival.
One-hundred and eighty films will screen at the Festival - including over 40 Australian films, and 24 South Australian films - with 51 countries represented at the Festival.
Some of films' biggest names, Julianne Moore, Michael Caine, Jane Fonda, Michael Keaton, Richard Roxburgh, Anthony Lapaglia and Rachel McAdams.
In its eleventh year, the 2015 Adelaide Film Festival will provide the best of local, Australian and internationally produced films, with an eclectic mix of cinema, television, art and the moving image . plus the one night only reunion of Festival ambassadors Margaret Pomeranz and David Stratton, as they host the Ultimate Quiz night.
The Festival will feature new work from Australian directors including Scott Hicks, Jocelyn Moorhouse, Matt Saville, Sue Brooks, Stephen Page, Matthew Bate, Meryl Tankard and Rosemary Myers.
It will also include work from international filmmakers Todd Haynes,...
One-hundred and eighty films will screen at the Festival - including over 40 Australian films, and 24 South Australian films - with 51 countries represented at the Festival.
Some of films' biggest names, Julianne Moore, Michael Caine, Jane Fonda, Michael Keaton, Richard Roxburgh, Anthony Lapaglia and Rachel McAdams.
In its eleventh year, the 2015 Adelaide Film Festival will provide the best of local, Australian and internationally produced films, with an eclectic mix of cinema, television, art and the moving image . plus the one night only reunion of Festival ambassadors Margaret Pomeranz and David Stratton, as they host the Ultimate Quiz night.
The Festival will feature new work from Australian directors including Scott Hicks, Jocelyn Moorhouse, Matt Saville, Sue Brooks, Stephen Page, Matthew Bate, Meryl Tankard and Rosemary Myers.
It will also include work from international filmmakers Todd Haynes,...
- 9/8/2015
- by Inside Film Correspondent
- IF.com.au
Around the Block looks like being a catalyst for the careers of first-time writer/director Sarah Spillane and co-star Hunter Page-Lochard.
Spillane and Page-Lochard, 20, have signed with Paradigm, one of Hollywood.s leading entertainment talent agencies.
Their deals with Paradigm followed. Around the Block.s world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it played to appreciative audiences.
Both are represented in Australia by Rgm Artists, which introduced Spillane and Page-Lochard to Paradigm.
Paradigm's clients include Aussie Leigh Whannell, who wrote the first two Saw films, Insidious and Insidious: Chapter 2, and actors Domhnall Gleeson, who stars in Angelina Jolie's upcoming drama Unbroken, Adrien Brody, Mark Harmon, Mimi Rogers, Kathy Baker, Roseanne Barr, Luca Calvani and Jared Harris.
Produced by Brian Rosen and Su Armstrong, Around the Block stars Christina Ricci as Dino, an American teacher who is eager to impart her love of Shakespeare to students at a tough inner-city school.
Spillane and Page-Lochard, 20, have signed with Paradigm, one of Hollywood.s leading entertainment talent agencies.
Their deals with Paradigm followed. Around the Block.s world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it played to appreciative audiences.
Both are represented in Australia by Rgm Artists, which introduced Spillane and Page-Lochard to Paradigm.
Paradigm's clients include Aussie Leigh Whannell, who wrote the first two Saw films, Insidious and Insidious: Chapter 2, and actors Domhnall Gleeson, who stars in Angelina Jolie's upcoming drama Unbroken, Adrien Brody, Mark Harmon, Mimi Rogers, Kathy Baker, Roseanne Barr, Luca Calvani and Jared Harris.
Produced by Brian Rosen and Su Armstrong, Around the Block stars Christina Ricci as Dino, an American teacher who is eager to impart her love of Shakespeare to students at a tough inner-city school.
- 9/24/2013
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Rose Byrne, Hugo Weaving, Miranda Otto, Callan Mulvey, Susie Porter and Harrison Gilbertson have joined the ensemble cast of Australian anthology feature "The Turning".
Seventeen Australian directors will helm segments based on short stories spanning 30 years, all set in the same Aussie coastal town and all penned by author Tim Winton.
Cate Blanchett, Mia Wasikowska and David Wenham will make their directorial debuts on the project with each helming a separate segment.
Benedict Andrews, Jonathan auf der Heide, Tony Ayres, Claire McCarthy and Stephen Page will also direct segments.
[Source: Screen Daily]...
Seventeen Australian directors will helm segments based on short stories spanning 30 years, all set in the same Aussie coastal town and all penned by author Tim Winton.
Cate Blanchett, Mia Wasikowska and David Wenham will make their directorial debuts on the project with each helming a separate segment.
Benedict Andrews, Jonathan auf der Heide, Tony Ayres, Claire McCarthy and Stephen Page will also direct segments.
[Source: Screen Daily]...
- 11/1/2012
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Santa Monica -- Rose Byrne (X-Men: First Class, Bridesmaids), Hugo Weaving (Cloud Atlas, The Matrix) and Lord of the Rings actress Miranda Otto have joined the sprawling cast of Australian omnibus feature The Turning. The project is a collection of 17 stories spanning 30 years, all based on short stories by Australian writer Tim Winton. Aussie actors Cate Blanchett, Mia Wasikowska and David Wenham will mark their directorial debuts on the project, each helming a separate segment. Other directors attached to the project include Benedict Andrews, Jonathan auf der Heide, Tony Ayres, Claire McCarthy and Stephen Page. Other cast members includes
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- 10/31/2012
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Western Australian state government has chipped in $175,000 of production funding into the adaptation of Tim Winton's feature film The Turning.
The 17 interlinked short stories contained in the book will each be overseen by directors including Cate Blanchett, David Wenham, Robert Connolly, Justin Kurzel, Mia Wasikowska, Benedict Andrews, Jonathan auf der Heide, Tony Ayres, Shaun Gladwell, Rhys Graham, Ian Meadows, Yaron Lifschitz, Claire McCarthy, Ashlee Page and Stephen Page.
Culture and Arts Minister John Day, who announced the Wa government funding as he launched the Revelation Perth International Film Festival.s Get Your Shorts On! program, said six of the short stories would be filmed in Wa.
.ScreenWest.s Stepping Stone Initiative provides opportunities for Wa filmmakers to develop their skills further - the six films shot here will require Wa directors, producers, directors of photography, an editor, together with several internship opportunities. This project will provide strong industry...
The 17 interlinked short stories contained in the book will each be overseen by directors including Cate Blanchett, David Wenham, Robert Connolly, Justin Kurzel, Mia Wasikowska, Benedict Andrews, Jonathan auf der Heide, Tony Ayres, Shaun Gladwell, Rhys Graham, Ian Meadows, Yaron Lifschitz, Claire McCarthy, Ashlee Page and Stephen Page.
Culture and Arts Minister John Day, who announced the Wa government funding as he launched the Revelation Perth International Film Festival.s Get Your Shorts On! program, said six of the short stories would be filmed in Wa.
.ScreenWest.s Stepping Stone Initiative provides opportunities for Wa filmmakers to develop their skills further - the six films shot here will require Wa directors, producers, directors of photography, an editor, together with several internship opportunities. This project will provide strong industry...
- 7/15/2012
- by Brendan Swift
- IF.com.au
Four feature film projects have received funding from Screen Australia, including a Tim Winton anthology which will be directed by a number of high profile actors and filmmakers such as David Wenham, Mia Wasikowska and Cate Blanchett.
The $5 million invested across the four films is expected to generate $20 million in production.
Winton's popular short story collection The Turning will be adapted by Robert Connolly's production company Arenamedia, with each chapter brought to the screen by a different director.
Set on a coastal stretch of Western Australia, The Turning follows the turning points faced by ordinary people. Other directors attached to the project include Tony Ayres (The Slap), Justin Kurzel (Snowtown) and Claire McCarthy (The Waiting City).
Other projects on the investment slate include a new project from Oscar-winning producers Emile Sherman and Iain Canning, a supernatural thriller starring Essie Davis and a teen drama set in the suburbs of Canberra.
The $5 million invested across the four films is expected to generate $20 million in production.
Winton's popular short story collection The Turning will be adapted by Robert Connolly's production company Arenamedia, with each chapter brought to the screen by a different director.
Set on a coastal stretch of Western Australia, The Turning follows the turning points faced by ordinary people. Other directors attached to the project include Tony Ayres (The Slap), Justin Kurzel (Snowtown) and Claire McCarthy (The Waiting City).
Other projects on the investment slate include a new project from Oscar-winning producers Emile Sherman and Iain Canning, a supernatural thriller starring Essie Davis and a teen drama set in the suburbs of Canberra.
- 3/22/2012
- by Amanda Diaz
- IF.com.au
All things considered, a project that only lasts 5-10 minutes might be an ideal entry point into directing. Having thirteen other mini-projects surrounding you in the meantime? Well, if you need someone to pick up the slack…
So it’s fair to say that Cate Blanchett, Mia Wasikowska, and David Wenham (300) are in a good spot with The Turning, an omnibus adaptation of Tim Winton‘s short story collection. They’re — as you can probably tell — all getting behind the camera for this project, while Benedict Andrews, Jonathan auf der Heide, Tony Ayres, Shaun Gladwell, Rhys Graham, Justin Kurzel Ian Meadows, Yaron Lifschitz, Claire McCarthy, Ashlee Page, and Stephen Page have also been lined up. Each filmmaker will be handling one of fourteen stories in the book, all of which “explore[s] the extraordinary turning points in seemingly disparate but connected people’s lives.” [THR]
Sounds intriguing; the only concern held on my own part,...
So it’s fair to say that Cate Blanchett, Mia Wasikowska, and David Wenham (300) are in a good spot with The Turning, an omnibus adaptation of Tim Winton‘s short story collection. They’re — as you can probably tell — all getting behind the camera for this project, while Benedict Andrews, Jonathan auf der Heide, Tony Ayres, Shaun Gladwell, Rhys Graham, Justin Kurzel Ian Meadows, Yaron Lifschitz, Claire McCarthy, Ashlee Page, and Stephen Page have also been lined up. Each filmmaker will be handling one of fourteen stories in the book, all of which “explore[s] the extraordinary turning points in seemingly disparate but connected people’s lives.” [THR]
Sounds intriguing; the only concern held on my own part,...
- 3/22/2012
- by jpraup@gmail.com (thefilmstage.com)
- The Film Stage
Actors turning into directors isn’t something that should surprise anyone, but when a collection of actors make their directorial debut for one project, then heads start to turn. In a report from THR, Cate Blanchett, Mia Wasikowska, and David Wenham are set to make their directing debut alongside 14 other directors in the adaptation of Tim Winton‘s collection of short stories, The Turning.
The three actors will be joined by directors Benedict Andrews, Jonathan auf der Heide, Tony Ayres, Shaun Gladwell, Rhys Graham, Justin Kurzel Ian Meadows, Yaron Lifschitz, Claire McCarthy, Ashlee Page and Stephen Page.
According to the trade the movie is about “The linking and overlapping stories, while self contained, explore the extraordinary turning points in seemingly disparate but connected people’s lives.” So another movie in which all the characters are connected in some way. Sounds a bit redundant, since we already know that it’s a small world.
The three actors will be joined by directors Benedict Andrews, Jonathan auf der Heide, Tony Ayres, Shaun Gladwell, Rhys Graham, Justin Kurzel Ian Meadows, Yaron Lifschitz, Claire McCarthy, Ashlee Page and Stephen Page.
According to the trade the movie is about “The linking and overlapping stories, while self contained, explore the extraordinary turning points in seemingly disparate but connected people’s lives.” So another movie in which all the characters are connected in some way. Sounds a bit redundant, since we already know that it’s a small world.
- 3/22/2012
- by Mike Lee
- FusedFilm
First, Paris, je t'aime captured the magic of the City of Love through the collaborative vision of an intriguing array of directors. Then a fresh batch of filmmakers reveled in the glory of the Big Apple with New York, I Love You, and now the western coast of Australia is getting its own multi-helmer celebration with The Turning. Based on Tim Winton's lauded book of short stories, this drama will feature vignettes directed by 17 filmmakers. THR reveals that among the names attached to the project are acclaimed Aussie actors Cate Blanchett, Mia Wasikowska and David Wenham, each of whom will be making their directorial debut with this omnibus effort. Also attached at present are Benedict Andrews, Jonathan auf der Heide, Tony Ayres, Shaun Gladwell, Rhys Graham, Justin Kurzel Ian Meadows, Yaron Lifschitz, Claire McCarthy, Ashlee Page and Stephen Page. Rather than one flowing narrative, the tales in Winton's Turning...
- 3/22/2012
- cinemablend.com
While omnibus projects generally tend to be hit and miss affairs, they are intriguing in that they usually give directors a chance to try something they wouldn't or couldn't normally do in a feature, as well as exercise their skills within the tighter constraints of the format. Or in the case of "The Turning," it will allow a couple of actresses the chance to get their feet wet behind the camera.
Cate Blanchett and Mia Wasikowska will make their directorial debuts, joining a total of fifteen other helmers -- David Wenham, Benedict Andrews, Jonathan auf der Heide, Tony Ayres, Shaun Gladwell, Rhys Graham, Justin Kurzel, Ian Meadows, Yaron Lifschitz, Claire McCarthy, Ashlee Page and Stephen Page -- in an ambitious adaptation of the novel by Tim Winton. There's no word yet on which stories the various helmers will take on, but the book provides a lot to choose from. Here's...
Cate Blanchett and Mia Wasikowska will make their directorial debuts, joining a total of fifteen other helmers -- David Wenham, Benedict Andrews, Jonathan auf der Heide, Tony Ayres, Shaun Gladwell, Rhys Graham, Justin Kurzel, Ian Meadows, Yaron Lifschitz, Claire McCarthy, Ashlee Page and Stephen Page -- in an ambitious adaptation of the novel by Tim Winton. There's no word yet on which stories the various helmers will take on, but the book provides a lot to choose from. Here's...
- 3/22/2012
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
Australian actors Cate Blanchett, Mia Wasikowska and David Wenham will all make their directorial debuts shooting segments for the upcoming anthology feature "The Turning" which Robert Connolly is producing says The Hollywood Reporter.
Based on author Tim Winton’s short story collection of the same name, the trio will join fourteen other directors on the project with each creating a chapter out of Winton’s work. The ensemble piece explores the extraordinary turning points in seemingly disparate but connected people’s lives, each chapter is self contained though characters and elements overlap.
Also set to direct segments are Benedict Andrews, Jonathan auf der Heide, Tony Ayres, Shaun Gladwell, Rhys Graham, Justin Kurzel Ian Meadows, Yaron Lifschitz, Claire McCarthy, Ashlee Page and Stephen Page.
Based on author Tim Winton’s short story collection of the same name, the trio will join fourteen other directors on the project with each creating a chapter out of Winton’s work. The ensemble piece explores the extraordinary turning points in seemingly disparate but connected people’s lives, each chapter is self contained though characters and elements overlap.
Also set to direct segments are Benedict Andrews, Jonathan auf der Heide, Tony Ayres, Shaun Gladwell, Rhys Graham, Justin Kurzel Ian Meadows, Yaron Lifschitz, Claire McCarthy, Ashlee Page and Stephen Page.
- 3/22/2012
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Melbourne, Mar 22: Cate Blanchett is all set to make her directorial debut in a screen adaptation of Tim Winton's haunting short story collection 'The Turning'.
Alice in Wonderland's Mia Waiskowska and David Wenham will also direct segments of the 'omnibus' film to be produced by Robert Connolly.
The other directors who will be contributing to the ambitious project are Snowtown's Justin Kurzel, theatre director-of-the-moment Benedict Andrews and choreographer Stephen Page.
"Winton's iconic Australian short stories will come to life, showcasing acclaimed Australian talent as well as emerging directors, writers.
Alice in Wonderland's Mia Waiskowska and David Wenham will also direct segments of the 'omnibus' film to be produced by Robert Connolly.
The other directors who will be contributing to the ambitious project are Snowtown's Justin Kurzel, theatre director-of-the-moment Benedict Andrews and choreographer Stephen Page.
"Winton's iconic Australian short stories will come to life, showcasing acclaimed Australian talent as well as emerging directors, writers.
- 3/22/2012
- by Arun Pandit
- RealBollywood.com
A Robert Connolly-produced film – which features a range of big-name Australian filmmakers and actors directing different chapters of the film – has received funding from Screen Australia.
The Turning, an adaptation Tim Winton’s book of 17 short stories of the same name, is to be directed by Snowtown director Justin Kurzel, Van Diemen’s Land director Jonathan Auf Der Heide, The Slap show runner Tony Ayres, actors Cate Blanchett, David Wenham and Mia Wasikowska, Connolly and others.
Connolly’s multi-director project comes a few months after the announcement that the screen agency was investing in John Polson’s film Sydney Unplugged featuring short films by prominent Australian filmmakers.
Connolly, producer of The Boys, Romulus and My Father and director of The Bank, Three Dollars and Balibo, is a board member of Screen Australia.
A Screen Australia spokesperson told Encore: “We have a clear working conflict of interest policy that works.
The Turning, an adaptation Tim Winton’s book of 17 short stories of the same name, is to be directed by Snowtown director Justin Kurzel, Van Diemen’s Land director Jonathan Auf Der Heide, The Slap show runner Tony Ayres, actors Cate Blanchett, David Wenham and Mia Wasikowska, Connolly and others.
Connolly’s multi-director project comes a few months after the announcement that the screen agency was investing in John Polson’s film Sydney Unplugged featuring short films by prominent Australian filmmakers.
Connolly, producer of The Boys, Romulus and My Father and director of The Bank, Three Dollars and Balibo, is a board member of Screen Australia.
A Screen Australia spokesperson told Encore: “We have a clear working conflict of interest policy that works.
- 3/22/2012
- by Colin Delaney
- Encore Magazine
All In Good Time Barenaked LadiesRaisin’ Records*** The first album, post the departure of founder Steve Page, has received a mixed response. But for me, the Barenaked Ladies have always been a fun band with some easygoing songwriting and an uplifting sound. Vocal duties here are led mostly by guitarist, Ed Robertson. And the song writing is still thankfully intact. Yet one still can’t help thinking that the band is from a different time and are now just one of the many that keep getting lost in the mix and the multitude of bands that keep surfacing on an almost daily basis. ...
- 4/12/2010
- Hindustan Times - Cinema
Do not pay tribute to the Australian Aborigines without asking permission.
Oksana Domnina and Maxim Shabalin, the favorites for ice-dancing gold in Vancouver, have learned this the hard way.
They've been accused of "cultural theft" by performing a skating tribute to the Aborgines in the European Championships.
The problem seems to be that there were no traditional moves in their routine, the music reportedly sounded like it came from India or Africa and the body paint is being described by critics as "something a five-year-old had drawn."
"They have got the whole thing wrong," said Stephen Page, artistic director of respected indigenous group the Bangarra Dance Company. "
Sol Bellear, from the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council, described the dance as "very offensive." "We see it as stealing Aboriginal culture, and it is yet another example of the Aboriginal culture of Australia being exploited."
We can't tell from music and...
Oksana Domnina and Maxim Shabalin, the favorites for ice-dancing gold in Vancouver, have learned this the hard way.
They've been accused of "cultural theft" by performing a skating tribute to the Aborgines in the European Championships.
The problem seems to be that there were no traditional moves in their routine, the music reportedly sounded like it came from India or Africa and the body paint is being described by critics as "something a five-year-old had drawn."
"They have got the whole thing wrong," said Stephen Page, artistic director of respected indigenous group the Bangarra Dance Company. "
Sol Bellear, from the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council, described the dance as "very offensive." "We see it as stealing Aboriginal culture, and it is yet another example of the Aboriginal culture of Australia being exploited."
We can't tell from music and...
- 1/22/2010
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
Sydney -- Geoffrey Rush will add the role of missionary priest to his repertoire, after signing to join the cast of indigenous musical "Bran Nue Dae," producers said Monday.
Rush will co-star with aboriginal actor Ernie Dingo and Australian musicians Missy Higgins and Dan Sultan in what he calls a "kick arse road movie."
The film, set in Broome in tropical northwest Australia, is a coming-of-age musical comedy that celebrates family, forgiveness and aboriginal reconciliation.
Rachel Perkins adapted for the screen and its creator Jimmy Chi. Perkins will direct and will have cinematographer Andrew Lesnie behind the camera.
Perkins, whose previous films include "Radiance" and "One Night the Moon" has her landmark documentary series "First Australians" is screening here on Sbs.
Producers are Robyn Kershaw and Graeme Isaac; Stephen Page, artistic director of the indigenous dance company, Bangarra Dance Theatre is the films choreographer and Omnilab Media's Christopher Mapp, Matthew Street,...
Rush will co-star with aboriginal actor Ernie Dingo and Australian musicians Missy Higgins and Dan Sultan in what he calls a "kick arse road movie."
The film, set in Broome in tropical northwest Australia, is a coming-of-age musical comedy that celebrates family, forgiveness and aboriginal reconciliation.
Rachel Perkins adapted for the screen and its creator Jimmy Chi. Perkins will direct and will have cinematographer Andrew Lesnie behind the camera.
Perkins, whose previous films include "Radiance" and "One Night the Moon" has her landmark documentary series "First Australians" is screening here on Sbs.
Producers are Robyn Kershaw and Graeme Isaac; Stephen Page, artistic director of the indigenous dance company, Bangarra Dance Theatre is the films choreographer and Omnilab Media's Christopher Mapp, Matthew Street,...
- 10/27/2008
- by By Pip Bulbeck
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
British playwright Harold Pinter has checked into a London hospital, only a week after backing out of attending the presentation ceremony for his Nobel Prize for Literature in Sweden. The Birthday Party writer, 75, announced last week he would be unable to make the journey to Stockholm on Saturday due to "health reasons," leaving his publisher Stephen Page to accept the 10 million kroner prize. And his agent Judy Daish confirmed yesterday the ailing scriptwriter is back in hospital being treated for an undisclosed illness. She says, "He hasn't been very well for a while. He is back in hospital." Despite Pinter's hospital visit, he was well enough to record the traditional laureate's lecture on Sunday, which will be presented at the Swedish Academy later this month. Daish adds, "He recorded his Nobel lecture yesterday in a studio, so in order for him to have done that presumably he must be stronger than he has been."...
- 12/6/2005
- WENN
Nobel prize-winning playwright and The French Lieutenant Woman's screenwriter Harold Pinter will be unable pick up the prestigious award at a ceremony in Stockholm, Sweden next Saturday because doctors have given him strict orders not to travel. The literary heavyweight, 75, who was diagnosed with throat cancer in December 2002, will instead make a pre-recorded video of his lecture to be screened at the Swedish Academy in his absence. A spokesperson for the Nobel foundation says, "(Pinter) will unfortunately not attend any of the events during the Nobel week for reasons of health. His doctors have forbidden him to travel at this time." Pinter's publisher Stephen Page will accept the 10 million kronor ($1.3 million) prize money on his behalf.
- 12/1/2005
- WENN
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