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What better way to cool off on a summer night than by watching the new release surf film First Love, and snowboarding action film That’s It That’s All, at North Sydney Oval on Sunday 27 February 2011.

Surf and Snow at ME Bank Starlight Cinema will feature live entertainment by talented female musicians from Mosman High School who recently performed at the 2010 Manly Festival of Surfing.

First Love, the debut film by three young Australian women won the Best International Documentary award at the 2011 X-Dance Action Sports Film Festival in Utah, USA, while That’s It That’s All was filmed in some of the best snowboarding locations in New Zealand, Japan and Alaska.

Starlight Cinema Producer, Jill Keyte said, “We are thrilled to be able to include the new release surf film, First Love, in our film programme this season. We are the only cinema on the North Shore with a first release screening. Both films will look spectacular on our huge screen.”

“The stars of First Love, Nikki, India and Jess are inspiring role models for young people. We’re very excited about this fun night of action and entertainment,” said Ms Keyte.

First Love follows the lives of three teenage female surfers from one of Australia’s most isolated surfing communities, Phillip Island in Victoria. The film chronicles their dream of becoming professional surfers.

Presented by International Surfing Company Rip Curl, First Love was created by three enthusiastic Victorian filmmakers – Claire Gorman, Clare Plueckhahn and Fran Derham. Gorman won the Emerging Filmmaker award at the 2011 X-Dance Action Sports Film Festival.

Filming for First Love started in April 2009 and took more than a year to complete. The result is an enchanting movie with outstanding cinematography, intimacy, humour and a great soundtrack.
 
That’s It That’s All set a new benchmark for action sports films. Travis Rice and a dream-team snowboarding crew set out on a seek-and- destroy operation. The film won Best Film, Best Cinematography and Best Athlete at the 2009 X-Dance Action Sports Film Festival.

Gates open at 7.00pm, with live entertainment from 7.00 to 7.45pm and films screening at 8.00pm and 9.15pm.

Tickets cost $8.00 for children and $16.00 for adults (plus online booking fee) and can be purchased online at www.starlightcinema.com.au or at the gate on the night.

The North Sydney Oval will be transformed into a mini Brazil complete with film, music, dance, food and cocktails for the third annual LAN Brazilian Festa at ME Bank Starlight Cinema from 4.00pm on Saturday 19 February 2011.

The main stage will feature a Brazilian Drums workshop, traditional Chorinho, the best of Brazilian music, and the latest Brazilian craze to hit Australia, Zumba. Hear talks about the wonders of Brazilian architecture and the big names of bossa nova.

The event will feature a carnival parade with drumming, costumes, feathers and dancing. Festa goers will be able to try Brazilian food, play football and frescoball, listen to live bossa nova and samba music and learn to make a caipirinha cocktail.

The LAN Brazilian Festa is a co-production between Starlight Cinema and Festa Event Management.

Director of ME Bank Starlight Cinema, Jill Keyte said, “After the success of last year’s Brazilian Festa, we are looking forward to another fantastic evening, providing something for everyone, including families.”

“This year, the party doesn’t just finish with the film but will include an after party with a vibrant Brazilian DJ who will keep everyone dancing until midnight,” said Ms Keyte.

Co-Producer, Flavia Fontes of Festa Event Management said, “The event will provide the opportunity for Sydneysiders to have a taste of Brazilian culture without the expensive airfare. For native Brazilians it will be the perfect opportunity to connect with their home country.”

The feature film of the evening, screening at sundown, will be the dramatic black comedy, Smoke Gets In Your Eyes (É Proibido Fumar), winner of Best Film and Screenplay, Best Actress and Best Actor at the 2009 Brasilia Film Festival.

Built into the Festa is a special family friendly programme including a separate children’s film screening, cooking classes sponsored by Real Transfer and activities from ABCD including football games and face painting.

Festivities start at 4.00pm with the feature film beginning at sundown. The after party will finish at midnight.

Tickets can be bought online at www.starlightcinema.com.au or at the gate from 3.30pm.

The event is sponsored by Lan Airlines, Macquarie University, Real Transfer and Sagatiba and supported by Brazilwear, ABCD and Capoeira Brazil.

The 2011 season programme will open on 19 January kicking off with the smash hit The Social Network followed by a season line-up of films for everyone plus great new food options and themed nights.

Now in its eighth season, ME Bank Starlight Cinema offers a fun, relaxed atmosphere for all ages where everyone can picnic under the stars while watching the best new films as well as some old favourites.

Jill Keyte, Producer of ME Bank Starlight Cinema said, “We have 34 great films on the programme and every night has its own theme. This is looking to be our biggest season yet!”

Nightly themes include Action-Packed Wednesdays, Comedy & Adventure Thursdays, Fun & Romance Fridays and Big Movie Saturdays. Young & Free Sundays are aimed at young people, with Easy A screening in the first week. Dedicated family nights are alternating Friday and Saturday nights, with films such as the hugely popular Toy Story 3.

“What better way to watch a great film than under the stars on a warm summer evening? Make yourself comfortable on the soft grass and relax in front of our huge (16m x 8m) inflatable movie screen,” said Ms Keyte.

This season features new, delicious dinner options available at the venue including Crust Gourmet Pizza, which customers can pre-order and save 10 percent with free delivery to North Sydney Oval, and Simple and Irresistible Thai, who have put together a specially-designed dinner menu. There is also Pieces of Provence hampers, cheese and antipasto platters, and a barbeque on the busiest nights.

There will be a series of special events including Surf and Snow on 27 February which will bring the waves and snow with new Australian surf film, First Love plus That’s It That’s All to North Sydney Oval for lovers of action sports. Valentine’s Day on 14 February features the classic romantic comedy Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

There will be costumes and dancing at Grease on 11 February and Hairspray on 20 February, and don’t miss the always-popular LAN Brazilian Festa, a fabulous night of Brazilian culture, on 19 February.

The 2011 season will be the second year ME Bank has been the major sponsor of Starlight Cinema in North Sydney. Ian Hendey, Group Executive, Brands and Products at ME Bank said, “This great summer event provides us with a unique opportunity to bring ME Bank closer to the local community.”

Bring a blanket, hire a backrest or sit in the Crust Lawn Lounge, where customers will have a great view from a bean bed right in front of the screen. ME Bank Starlight Cinema also offers Star Class, with VIP entry and service.

There is a film for everyone – young, old, couples, friends and families. Some of the highlights are The Social Network, potential Academy Award winner The King’s Speech, Love and Other Drugs, Burlesque with Cher and Christina Aguilera, the acclaimed Natalie Portman in Black Swan and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 1).

ME Bank Starlight Cinema will run at North Sydney Oval from Wednesday 19 January until Saturday 5 March 2011, screening Wednesday to Sunday. Gates open at 7.00pm and films begin at sundown. There is covered seating for rainy nights.

Tickets can be bought at the gate or online at www.starlightcinema.com.au.

ME Bank Starlight Outdoor Cinema is launching its eighth season at North Sydney Oval, with a fabulous line-up of new release and classic films.

ME Bank Starlight Cinema offers a fun atmosphere for all ages where everyone can picnic under the stars while watching the best new films as well as some old favourites.

Jill Keyte, Producer of ME Bank Starlight Cinema said, “We have 34 great films on the programme and every night has its own theme. This is looking to be our biggest season yet!”

Nightly themes include Action-Packed Wednesdays, Comedy & Adventure Thursdays, Fun & Romance Fridays, Big Movie Saturdays and Young & Free Sundays. Family films are showing on alternating Friday and Saturday nights.

“What better way to watch a great film than under the stars on a warm summer evening? Make yourself comfortable on the soft grass and relax in front of our huge (16m x 8m) inflatable movie screen.”

“The North Sydney Oval has proven to be very popular over the past seven years, as it is a beautiful, relaxing outdoor location. We have another great line-up of films and early bookings show that this season will be as big as ever,” said Ms Keyte.

The 2011 season will be the second year ME Bank has been the major sponsor of Starlight Cinema in North Sydney.

Ian Hendey, Group Executive, Brands and Products at ME Bank said, “This great summer event provides us with a unique opportunity to bring ME Bank closer to the local community.”

“Over the seven-week season, we look forward to sharing in the fun and entertainment with our customers, shareholders and staff,” said Mr Hendey.

Bring a blanket, hire a backrest or sit in the Crust Lawn Lounge, where customers will have a great view from a bean bed right in front of the screen. ME Bank Starlight Cinema also offers Star Class, with VIP entry and service.

There is a film for everyone – young, old, couples, friends and families. Some of the highlights are The Social Network, potential Academy Award winner The Kings Speech, Love and Other Drugs, Burlesque with Cher and Christina Aguilera, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and Breakfast at Tiffany's, plus two great lifestyle movies, the new surf film, First Love (releasing for Valentine’s Day) and spectacular snowboard film, That’s It That’s All, not previously seen on the big screen.

This season will feature two special events, The LAN Brazilian Festa on Saturday 19 February and Valentine’s Day on Monday 14 February.

ME Bank Starlight Cinema will run at North Sydney Oval from Wednesday 19 January until Saturday 5 March 2011, screening Wednesday to Sunday. Gates open at 7.00pm and films begin at sundown. There is covered seating for rainy nights.

Tickets can be bought at the gate or online at www.mebankstarlightcinema.com.au.

This November Starlight Outdoor Cinema will present a four day Surf Film Festival in Manly with the support of Surfing World and MeSurf. A surf film hub will be created in the grounds of Manly Village Public School each evening from 7.00pm Thursday 18 November to Sunday 21 November with six of the latest surf films, live music, interviews with surf personalities, local beers from 4 Pines Brewery and a BBQ.  

Producer of Starlight Outdoor Cinema, Jill Keyte said, “Surf films have always been a passion of mine since I was a teenager visiting Bells Beach in Victoria. I am thrilled to have been invited to bring our outdoor cinema to Manly for the 2010 Festival of Surfing. We’re showing Australian and international surf films that will entertain, inspire and provide a bit of chill out time for everyone who loves a good surf film.”

Whether your passion is action, tricks, history, boards, travel, hotspots, adventure, barrels or just watching the waves; there is a film for everyone to enjoy under the stars on our 6m inflatable outdoor cinema screen.  

Centre Management of Manly, Meegan Clancy said “The Manly Festival of Surfing organisers are stoked at the inclusion of the outdoor Starlight Cinema in the event programme!”

Screening in the programme are the recent releases, “Scratching the Surface” which follows the life of the young and exciting Julian Wilson and a who’s-who crew of some of the best surfers in the world; and “Castles in the Sky” which takes its audience on a journey to some of the most unique and isolated breaks in the world.  

Other highlights include opening night film “Bustin’ Down the Door” documenting the amazing turning point back to the era where professional surfing began; and “Modern Collective” directed by the talented Kai Neville, which has been described by MeSurf as “hands down one of the best surf films to grace our modern day”. 

“There’s nothing better than taking in a flick on a beanbag, under the stars, at the end of a day filled with festival fun and frivolities,” said Ms Clancy.

“We are thrilled Surfing World, Coastalwatch, MeSurf and SurfAid have partnered with us to make this film festival possible. We’re sure it will be a highlight of the 2010 Festival,” said Ms Keyte.  

Surfing World Surf Film Festival Full Programme:

Opening Night: Thursday 18 November

Bustin’ Down the Door
Starring: Wayne Rabbit Bartholomew, Ian Cairns, Mark Richards, Shaun Tomson
Director:  Jeremy Gosch
During the winter of 1975 in Hawaii, surfing was shaken to its core. A group of young surfers from Australia and South Africa sacrificed everything and put it all on the line to create a sport, a culture and an industry that is today worth billions of dollars and has captured the imagination of the world. With a radical new approach and a brash colonial attitude, these surfers crashed headlong into a culture that was not ready for revolution. Surfing was never to be the same again.

Friday 19 November

Meet Clay Marzo whose passion for surfing is so pure it defies description. Take a visually stunning and emotionally powerful journey through his life. See Clay literally come alive in the ocean as he destroys the waves of Tahiti, Fiji, Hawaii, France, Spain and Australia with his wildly creative surfing. The story also showcases an awareness-raising glimpse into his life and mind as he comes to understand both the gifts and challenges of living with Asperger's.

Scratching the Surface:
Starring: Julian Wilson, Kelly Slater, Dane Reynolds, Taj Burrow, Mick Fanning, Dusty Payne
Director: Iron Brothers
See one of the most exciting surfers on the planet, Julian Wilson, as you've never seen him before. Scratching the Surface is a ground-breaking hi-definition film, showcasing the life so far of a 21-year old Australian, who has already revolutionized world surfing. Scratching the Surface shares the story of a kid that rode his first wave the same day he took his first steps and his rise to become a surfing megastar. 

Saturday 20 November

Little Black Wheels
Starring: Dain Thomas, Mich Hughes, Johnny Begg, Antoine Cardonnet, Nick Chalmers, Rasta
Director: Mick Waters
One family packs up and heads off around Australia in their van. A two year old, a pregnant mother, a dog, a dad, and a camper van embark on a five month road trip. The plan was to go surfing, meet interesting people and film some of our beautiful waves.  No boat charters, internet swell predictions or expensive budgets.  Just a car, some boards and a plan.  

Filmed in five countries over three years, the movie delves into the true heart of the locations while the surfers travel through them with a sense of open-minded awe. With never-before seen waves, an original score, and some of the best surfers in the world contributing their art, passion and athleticism, this is as close to the experience of pioneering new coastlines as you can get without getting on a plane!

Sunday 21 November

A collective of six surfers set out on a voyage to alter ones perception of modern day surfing. Highlighted by naturalist cinematography and a candid directorial style, Director Kai Neville shadows these vogue individuals around Morocco, France, Reunion Island, Indonesia, Cabo & Rural Australia. Forget big waves. Forget perfect surf. They collectively look outside the conventions of surfing for a wave built for pure innovation. 

Gates open 7:00pm
Film commences at 8:00pm

For event details and bookings visit www.starlightcinema.com.au and check out the Surf Film Festival pages.

Tickets can also be purchased at the gate of Manly Village Public School, Wentworth Street, Manly.

ME Bank Starlight Cinema is presenting the award-winning Best Of Australian Shorts programme from the famous Bondi Flickerfest to North Sydney Oval on Sunday 14 March.
 
Producer of ME Bank Starlight Cinema, Jill Keyte said “We’re thrilled to be showing the Best of Australian Shorts from Flickerfest this season and presenting directors, Chris Kezelos and Hannah Hilliard, and producers, Christine Kezelos and Linda Micsko.”
 
“They will be speaking about making and showing their films. Their panel discussion will be followed by a Q&A session,” said Ms Keyte.
 
Director of Flickerfest, Bronwyn Kidd said “Flickerfest received over 1600 entries in 2010 making us Australia’s largest short film competition and the only one with Academy® accreditation.”
 
A total of 97 short films were selected in competition and the ‘Best Of Australian Shorts programme’ represents the cream of the crop of Australian shorts, demonstrating the outstanding talent that exists in Australia’s local short film community.
 
“The programme has been embraced by audiences from Byron Bay to Alice Springs, along the 25-venue national tour and now we are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring Flickerfest over the bridge to North Sydney for one last Sydney screening of these fabulous shorts,” said Ms Kidd.
 
Screening in the programme is recent Berlin Film Festival hit and winner Franswa Sharl.
This film won a top prize at the Berlinale – the Crystal Bear for the Best Short Film, continuing it’s runaway success after winning the IF Media Award for most Popular Film at Flickerfest 2010. The Crystal Bear is voted by the Youth Jury.
 
“We have fingers crossed for another highlight of this programme, Miracle Fish, for the film’s recent Oscar® nomination. We wish director Luke Doolan and producer Drew Bailey all the best for the ceremony on Sunday 7 March,” said Ms Kidd.
 
Other highlights screening in this programme include Celestial Avenue – winner of the Madman Award for Best Australian Short Film at Flickerfest 2010, and IF Award-winning Ralph, directed by much- loved Australian actress Deborah Mailman.
 
Gate opens at 6.30pm.
Meet the Filmmakers: 7.00-7.45pm
Films commence at 8.00pm
 
For event details visit http://www.mebankStarlightCinema.com.au and check out the Events page. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Gate of North Sydney Oval on Sunday 14 March.
 
-end-

BEST OF AUSTRALIAN SHORTS full programme:

ZERO
Australia/13min/Video/2009
WRI/DIR: Christopher Kezelos
PROD: Christine Kezelos
In a world that judges people by their number ZERO faces constant prejudice and persecution. He walks a lonely path until a chance encounter changes his life forever: He meets a female zero. Together they prove that through determination courage and love... nothing can be truly something.
Winner Gold Award - Australian Cinematography Society 2009
Australian premiere Flickerfest 2010
 
RALPH
Australia/10min/Video/2009
DIR: Deborah Mailman
WRI: Deborah Mailman and Wayne Blair
PROD: Jessie Mangum
For Maddie, it will take more than just dreaming about the Karate Kid, to survive school, it will take a friend.
Best Short Film - IF Awards, 2009; Message Sticks indigenous Film Festival
 
BOXER
Australia/12min/Video/2008
WRI/DIR: Michael Latham
PROD: Lester Francois
With the speed and grace of a middle middle-aged man, Gary navigates his golf buggy through a giant warehouse only to encounter a defiantly misplaced box. Gary’s desire to organise and neatly shelve the box leads him to discover that there is something in the box... and it’s alive.
Nominated Best Short Film Dendy Awards - Sydney Film Festival 2009; Accelerator Program - Melbourne Film Festival 2009
 
MIRACLE FISH
Australia/18min/Video/2009
WRI/DIR: Luke Doolan
PROD: Drew Bailey
8 year-old Joe has a Birthday he will never forget. After friends tease him he sneaks off to the sick bay wishing everyone in the world would go away. He wakes up to find his dream may have become a reality.
Academy® Award Nomination 2010; Movie Extra Special Jury Award & Miller Australia Award for Best Cinematography, Flickerfest 2010; Sundance Film Festival 2009; Winner Youth Jury Prize, LA Award - Aspen International Film Festival 2009; Dendy Award for Best Live Action Short 2009; Craft Award + SBS Television Award - St Kilda Film Festival 2009; AFI Award for Best Short Film 2009
 
CELESTIAL AVENUE
Australia/20min/Video/2009
WRI/DIR: Colin & Cameron Cairnes
PROD: Scott Alexander
Kath has been looking for love in all the wrong places. Then she finds herself in Chinatown. In the middle of a less than successful blind date she overhears the soulful Cantonese singing of kitchen-hand Ah Gong. Kath is intrigued. But is there more to Ah Gong than meets the eye? Celestial Avenue is an offbeat tale‚ part karaoke video part cross-cultural comedy about love personal reinvention and startled pigeon.
Madman Award for Best Australian Short Film - Flickerfest 2010; Talent Assist Award - SPAA 2009; Grand Prize – Rhode Island International Film Festival
Australian Premiere Flickerfest 2010

THE NOT NOT-SO SO-GREAT EUGENE GREEN
Australia/13min/Video/20 2009 09
DIR: Michael Hill
WRI: Michael Hill and Jamie Messenger
PROD: Melanie Brunt
Eugene Green is a strange elderly man with a simple dream: to entertain his world through the art of vocal sound effects. Unfortunately he has an annoyingly small repertoire.
Sydney Film Festival 2009; Revelation Perth International Film Festival 2009; Nominated for Best Animation Short - AFI Awards 2009
 
CROSSROAD
Australia/8min/Video/2008
WRI:Michael Hoath
DIR/PRO: Maziar Lahooti
A nobody becomes a local hero when he rescues two kids from a car wreck.
Western Australian Screen Awards 2009
 
TWO MEN
Australia/4min/Video/2009
WRI/DIR/PROD: Dominic Allen
One man sees another man running towards him and ponders his motives.
Australian Dendy Short Film Finalist 2009; Best Shorts Winner  - MIFF 2009
 
FRANSWA SHARL
Australia/14min/35mm/2009
DIR: Hannah Hilliard
WRI: Hannah Hilliard & Greg Logan
PROD: Linda Micsko
Twelve-year old Greg has inherited his father’s competitive streak. On a family holiday to Fiji they have different ideas about where Greg should focus his talents. When his creative pursuits fail to amuse his father Greg sets out to win him back. Based on a true story.
World Premiere & IF Media Award for Most Popular Film, Flickerfest 2010; Crystal Bear – Berlin International Film Festival 2010
Duration: 112 minutes
 

Our client Starlight Cinema's opening was on 13 January. Although the weather wasn't great, we sat in the stands and watched the great movie - In The Loop. Catriona and Bron from CP Communications made the Mosman Daily Social Pages!