1917
Another war film has hit screens, with a very similar feeling to Dunkirk (2017). Sam Mendes takes the reins for this film as both writer and director. 1917 follows the story of two soldiers who are tasked to deliver a critical message that could potentially save the lives of 600 men. The two young soldiers (George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman) must cross enemy lines to deliver this critical message, and the stakes are even higher as one of the 600 men in danger is the brother of one of the young soldiers.
The direction is technically brilliant. It is shot as if you were following right behind the two soldiers throughout their entire journey. In a way it feels like you are playing a video game. Mendes creates a feeling of constant, unrelenting danger. It’s nerve-racking, and you feel as if all hell could break-loose at any second.
Unfortunately, sustaining this edge-of-your-seat tension seems to have come at the cost of character development. Bringing in some well-known and talented actors such as Colin Firth and Benedict Cumberbatch in supporting roles only somewhat makes up for the lack of character depth in the lead roles. If Mendes had managed to dig deeper into these characters while delivering this directing masterpiece, this film would have been one for the history books.
Nonetheless, this is a fantastic war film and is well worth seeing on the big screen.
Mullum Flickerfest & Byron All Shorts (Northern Rivers short film competition, winners screening.)
Mullum Civic Hall | Thursday–Saturday
Flickerfest returns to the Northern Rivers from Thursday to Saturday for its 22nd year, screening a smorgasbord of the best short films from the Byron region, Australia and the world, across one cinema-packed short-film weekend at the Mullumbimby Civic Hall.
Flickerfest remains Australia’s only Academy qualifying and BAFTA recognised short film festival, and presents an A-list short film program that’s recognised among the best in the world. Flickerfest remains a platform for celebrating the most entertaining and innovative short films from Australia and around the world.
The Flickerfest program includes the Opening Night Party and Best Of International Shorts (Thurs, drinks 7pm, Films start 8pm) and the Best Of Australian Shorts (Friday, films start 8pm), curated from the Flickerfest International and Australian programs in competition at Bondi; and Short Laughs Comedy (Saturday, films start 8pm) an off-kilter selection of clever comedy shorts from across the world. This is a one-off chance to see these amazing short films before they continue their journey around the world; expect to experience the best in short films that Australia and the world have to offer.
The Flickerfest 2020 program in Bondi was selected from over 3,500 entries and 100 countries, giving local Flickerfest audiences the first look at the hottest short films in the world today. At Flickerfest Mullumbimby they will be screening an entertaining, inspiring and award-winning range of over 30 Flickerfest short films, curated into three highlight programs over three nights, many of which are world or Australian premieres.
Flickerfest also presents the best of Northern Rivers shorts with the Byron All Shorts (Sat 1 Feb, 4pm) finalist’s screening, selected from around 50 entries, showcasing a wonderful new collection of creative shorts from our very talented local filmmakers, on a range of themes that reflect Northern Rivers life.
Mullum Flickerfest and Byron All Shorts, Northern Rivers short film competition, winners screening will take place at
Mullum Civic Hall, Thursday–Saturday. Event info and tix iQ.org.au
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