Maybe it wasn't News Limited, it was us?

Well since my post a few weeks ago we now have the Hamster Wheel! The show is a refreshing critique of Australia's media and politicians and boy do we need it. It is often harsh, but it is fair.

In its latest episode the show they even forgive the media's coverage of the Carbon Tax over the past few months despite its ridiculousness at times because those involved were in fact, ridiculous. Which brings up an interesting point.

People seem to be disliking News Limited and other journalism outlets which style themselves similarly to Rupert Murdoch's organisations because of how they cater to the lowest common denominator. What is interesting in this case is although the topic has serious implications the people involved in the story (the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader for example) are saying and acting silly. How is a journalism organisation to report serious matters if the people in power can't talk about them seriously?


Or of course the journalists just need to think a bit more outside the box...

BIFFDOCS adds new dimension to Brisbane film festival season

The Brisbane International Film Festival (BIFF) celebrating its 20th year running by hosting the new BIFFDOCS competition.

BIFFDOCS awards $25,000 to one of 19 documentaries making their Australian premiere at the Brisbane festival.

Screen Queensland head of screen culture and BIFF director Richard Moore said BIFFDOCs is an opportunity for audiences to see documentaries they wouldn’t otherwise be able to see.

“The qualities we are looking for are documentaries that will shock, entertain and engage,” Mr Moore said.

“People are in love with docos and film festivals are the place to see them.”

Queensland Minister for Arts Rachel Nolan said the documentaries premiering at the festival are a remarkable collection from around the world.

“It’s worth travelling to attend the festival just for this collection alone, which has attracted films that are both surprising, entertaining and thought provoking,” Ms Nolan said.

The diversity of the documentaries includes imprisoned Iranian dissident Jafar Panahi’s film “This Is Not A Film” known for being shot on an iPhone and smuggled out of Iran inside a cake.

Detained Iranian film-maker Jafar Panahi 

Festival director Moore said the documentaries also include local and entertaining issues ranging from the “schism” in the Brisbane Catholic Church to the story of the Kings of Leon in “Talihina Sky”.

“We’re premiering that [Talihina Sky] two days before they [Kings of Leon] play in Brisbane and ... the Kings of Leon are going to come along to the screening,” Mr Moore said.

Band Kings of Leon in Talihina Sky

Cinesparks brings film diversity to youth

Cinesparks is another program starting next week in the lead up to BIFF showing films and short productions aimed primarily at school students.

Former BIFF volunteer and Cinesparks participant Robert Hughes said the programs bring diversity and culture the city wouldn’t normally have.

“I think it’s one of the most important cultural events in not only Brisbane theatre but Australian theatre,’ Mr Hughes said.

“It’s important for young people to get involved with arts and creative experiences.”

The films are played during school hours designed for field trips and cost $5 each for students.

Among Wolves (Ages 14+) playing during Cinesparks

Tribal Theatre to be sold

Despite being one of the main venues for BIFF the Tribal Theatre is to be sold after the BIFF program finishes despite being open less than two years. 

Former BIFF volunteer Mr Hughes said the closing is incredibly disappointing.

“It’s been one of the most consistently innovative and interesting cinemas we’ve had in Brisbane,” Mr Hughes said.

BIFF director Richard Moore said he has no problem selling tickets to films like those shown at the Tribal Theatre.

“The problem with the actual cinema scene here in Brisbane is really one of capacity,” Mr Moore said.

The locations for BIFF in 2011 are the Tribal Theatre and Palace Cinemas at Barracks and Centro.

BIFF 2011 Locations Enlarge Here

The full BIFF program of films outside of the BIFFDOCS program will be announced on Monday October 10.

BIFF runs from November 3 to 13 and the Cinesparks program begins Monday next week running until Friday October 14.