The Combination saw its world premiere at Parramatta’s Riverside theatre last night, after “seven years in the making”.

Although rain had been expected, it didn’t stop the celebrities from turning out in full force to what might be this year’s sleeper film. Sports stars Anthony Mundine and Hazam El Mazeri, as well as Underbelly’s Gyton Grantley, Matthew Newton and Peter Phelps mingled with the crowd on the red carpet before the screening.

(Photo by Gaye Gerard/Getty Images AsiaPac)

The atmosphere was intense with anticipation, as many people had not seen the preview screenings and had no idea what to expect. We were then ushered into the Riverside’s glorious theatre. Parramatta’s Lord Mayor Tony Issa took the stage for a “short” speech, before John Pirrie, David Field and George Basha held the audience’s attention, outlining the struggle it had been to get The Combination off the ground.

There was a rapturous applause as the final credits rolled and the actors took the stage. The acting from the first timers, especially Rahel Abdul Rahmen, was outstanding. Let’s hope the rest of the country gets behind The Combination.

Lateline Article and Video on The Combination

Article written by Klaus Kinski

It’s not often you get to see how Australian films are put together. So it was exciting to see how The Combination progressed – from looking for people in a local newspaper, to early rehearsals in a small office space in the middle of Rydalmere (surrounded by industrial sites), and then finally to garnering screenings in some of the biggest cinemas across the country.

Australian films with violent Middle Eastern themes generally don’t have the government rushing to support them, and you would be right in recalling the old adage It’s not what you know. This rings true in most cases and that’s why we see so much rubbish on screen. In any case, it’s no surprise that while HoWARd was in power, funding to the arts diminished at a rate not seen since the great depression.

The Combination was put together with private funding and filmed mainly in Granville, which is why it’s great to see a movie like this finally make its way to the big screen.

The Combination is a story written by and starring George Basha, who grew up in Guildford and who, between stints as a tradesman, has had minor acting roles in other Australian films including Blackrock.

Directed by one of Australia’s most respected actors, David Field, The Combination will be his directorial debut. The film is produced by the lovable screenwriter John Pirrie of See Thru Films.

Filming was completed by none other than Toby Oliver of Looking For Alibrandi fame and was filmed on RED (you can read about it on his blog). The film was edited by Ken Sallows whose work includes the brilliant Australian film Chopper (Hi Chop!). So whatever you might think, you know it will look fantastic.

Will The Combination be anything like Hou Hsiao-Hsien’s Café Lumière? No, It will be more like a Takeshi Kitano Flick, say Sonantine. Excitement, violence, and a few kicks!

http://www.thecombination.com.au/

The Combination is in Cinemas Feb 26th.

Article brought to you from our friends at Design Federation.

Two of Australia’s most widely recognised and respected film critics are undoubtedly David Stratton and Margaret Pomeranz.  Both have a long-standing, often symbiotic, relationship with the Australian film industry, and both are as supportive as they are critical towards any new release film produced by our nation.  Like most others with an interest in quality adult cinema, it is with great pleasure that I tune into their weekly film review TV show, ‘At The Movies‘.  Mostly I agree with their opinions.  However, while discussing the 2008 Australian film, ‘Ten Empty‘, a bemused David pondered, “what audience the film is targeting?”  Margaret hummed in agreement.  This comment has been floating around in my head whenever I think about the state of the Australian film industry.

Having seen, and really enjoyed “Ten Empty”, I struggled to understand this somewhat dismissive remark from such highly influential reviewers.  The film is basically a winter version of the comparatively sun-tanned Australian production ‘The Black Balloon‘ (a film which was both critically and commercially well received).  Both films centre around the son in a disadvantaged family and his journey to find his position within the family. The films are thematically similar, though the tone is much bleaker and more realistic in ‘Ten Empty‘.  Both are very powerful films, and both are superb representations of Australian filmmakers exploring meaningful social realism.

What audience does it target?  My immediate reaction was “anyone and everyone”.  Whether or not you personally relate to the situations in the film, there is still a great deal of empathy one can gain through the shared experiences of others – on and/or off screen.  However, I understand where David and Margaret were coming from: both are well aware of the dire state of the general public’s attitude towards Australian films.  Over the last 10 years an average of just 4.3% of box office revenue in Australia has come from Australian films.  American films swallow up a greedy 82%.

Should this mean that we gear our movies towards a more US-centric audience?  Well, they would probably be more profitable (‘The Black Balloon‘ focused its marketing campaign around its tabloid magazine co-star, Gemma Ward), but would they remain an honest and credible reflection of Australian culture and values? (Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Australia‘, for all its joy and heart, is still very much tailored to an American mythology of Australian life).

And since when does the notion of profitability act as any kind of barometer of the success or relevance of a film?  That in itself is an Imperialist American theology. Discussing his most recent film, 2007′s ‘The Diving Bell & The Butterfly‘, artist/director Julian Schnabel scoffed at the question of how profitable the film would be:  “I make money from selling my paintings, I don’t expect to make any money from my films, I make them because they are stories I want to tell”.  If one were to judge the success of  “The Diving Bell & The Butterfly” by how it affected people, then it wouldn’t be off the mark to label it as one of the most successful films ever made.  The film, based on the real-life story of a man with a severe disability conveying his memoirs to a nurse, was screened in hundreds of hospitals around Europe, inspiring patients who were uplifted by the brave and determined tale.

Filmmaking coming from this ethos – of giving rather than taking – is what makes cinema, as an art form, so wonderful.  “Film should act as a mirror to society, it should make people think”, declared Greek director Costa Gavros.  Australian cinema has a long, proud history of making good quality Australian stories.  Whilst the general public’s apathy towards our industry is an issue that needs to be addressed, I don’t think that compromising to cater for their current tastes is in any way helpful.

Finally, a quote from James Jupp (author of ‘From White Australia To Woomera, The Story Of Australian Immigration’), which I believe can be aptly applied to the future of the Australian film industry -  “I accept that politicians must work within limits set by public opinion.  But I do not accept that majority opinion is always right.  Changing public opinion is a necessary feature of democracy and, in this area, often essential”.

Article written by Ryan Nance.

Ryan’s passion for good adult cinema has really blossomed, and shows no sign of waning. Check out some of his other reviews right here.

Horror films are not normally my cup of tea, but don’t let that stop you from watching this little Aussie gem, low budget, no stars cast of a film set in one of the most beautiful places in the world, outback Australia.

Three everyday, exoteric Australians stop by to visit Mum. From there, they hump the bluey on a short holiday to the Northern Territory. They come across a little tour company & decide to embark on a spot of angling. There fishing trip turns into a thrilling adventure whereby a 12 foot Crocodile spoils there party. The cast of Diana Glenn, Maeve Dermody, Andy Rodoreda, Ben Oxenbould & Fiona Press turn this flick into one must see movie. They ensure that your eyes are glued to the big screen.

Black Water depicts mate ship, hard ache, love, terror, ingenuity & courage. Directors David Nerlich & Andrew Traucki debut with a wonderful effort showing that the Australian film industry has much to offer. Get out & grab yourself a copy of this Australian film today.

Article written by Liam Gibbs

Professional first time writer/ director Jasmine Yuen-Carrucan does a good job with this Australian film. It’s a suspense/ thriller which is well made with plenty of shots of outback Australia.

A make shift kidnapper (Travis McMahon) is in desperate need of money for his little girl & in these hopeless times he resorts to delivering a talkative conman (David Lyons) to a group of thugs for a small fortune. He travels thousands of kilometres across the country & the two of them build quite a bond & camaraderie towards each other.

Bryan Brown plays the local cop & as you would expect knows everyone from Broken Hill to Alice Springs. He is a likeable character with plenty of charm & an evil side to boot. The versatile Shane Jacobson plays the country truckie & finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The film can be a little slow going, but I did enjoy the characters who really brought this movie alive. The scenes from the soaring outback & the smooth story line were quite enjoyable. If you’re a revhead you’ll enjoy the reference in the movie to the old Australian rivalry of Ford v Holden. Not a bad effort for a low budget Australian flick!

Article written by Liam Gibbs

Nash Edgerton has his first go behind the camera as director of The Square. Written by the director’s brother Joel Edgerton & Matthew Dabner, this Australian film is a black comedy with plenty of mystery, intrigue & by the seat of your pants action.

The film begins with the audience being introduced to three couples. First, there’s building & construction manager Ray (David Roberts) & his socially egotistic wife Martha (Lucy Bell). Their marriage is shaky, Ray is having an affair & when Martha finds out there is hell to pay.

Carla (Claire Van Der Boom), is having the affair with Ray, she works as a hairdresser & is game to be cheating on her husband, Smithy (Anthony Hayes), who is a local thug with a 1980’s mullet & one short fuse. All Carla wants is to run away with her lover and live happily ever after. Smithy has a bagful of cash from a recent robbery stashed away in the roof of the house, & against his better judgment Ray joins her in a scheme to get hold of the loot.

To do so, they have to enlist a second local crook, Billy (Joel Edgerton), a low-life arsonist who shares Smithy’s fashion sense but not his fearsome nature. Billy’s housemate & confidant is Lily (Hanna Mangan-Lawrence), his skittish little sister. I initially mistook these two for another pair of lovers, but since Mangan-Lawrence is just 16, I’m happy to stand corrected.

Throughout the film, Ray’s decisions turn from bad to worse, the plot keeps you guessing, there is just the right mix of humour, the characters intriguing & the acting is superb. The Square is an Australian film which is not only very well made but entertaining as well.

Article written by Steve Elias

Ten Empty, a new Australian film, delves behind the BBQ’s, beer and brick veneer of regional Australian life. It takes an emotional and uplifting journey with the Christie family, as Elliott (Daniel Frederiksen) exposes long-buried family secrets and comes to understand that only if he stays and tackles the issues raised by his mothers’ death will his family ever heal.

The acting was simply superb & the cast led by Elliott (Daniel Frederiksen) & Ross (Geoff Morrell) portray a gripping tale of a stubborn father & son relationship. Director, co-writer & multi AFI award winning actor, Anthony Hayes brings out emotions & tales in the actors that will hit home to most. Supporting cast of Lucy Bell, Tom Budge & Jack Thompson ensure this movie is one that should be seen to be believed.

Tom Budge is wonderful as Brett, Elliott’s younger brother, who was a strapping lad who also played footy. Since his mothers’ death, he appears to have succumbed to his mothers’ mental illness. Lucy Bell plays the new mother & a typical wife from the country. Jack Thompson owns the local pub & is a real character that eventually helps Ross overcome his inner demons.

One of the best Australian films to be produced in 2008, it is a must see! As the producers put it, “It is a ghost story, a love story, a story about fathers and sons. Above all it is a story about families, communication, and the love it takes to pull a family back together”.

Article by Steve Elias

The cast of William McInnes (John) & Monic Hendrickx (Tahmeena) really make this a little Aussie gem. The performance of William McInnes shines like a radiant sunrise on a spring day. You may have seen McInnes on the screen in SeaChange, Blue Heelers & My Brother Jack (2001), just to name a few. He has picked up numerous Logies & AFI Awards along the way.

Two Flat Whites have always enjoyed seeing McInnes on the television or the movie screens & this film has reconfirmed for us that he is one of the most talented Australian actors on the scene today. The leading lady Monic Hendrickx is a beautiful woman & her character draws you to her life & the flick.

SPOILER ALERT WARNING

The story begins with John, a farmer living in a remote part of the country in central Queensland. His wife passed away six years ago. John is still taking it hard & resorts to drinking for comfort, while he blames himself for her death. Then dramatically, Tahmeena enters the movie. Bruised & battered, she runs towards John’s farm. He takes her in & they develop quite a bond.

Tahmeena is an illegal immigrant from Afghanistan. Choosing Australia in pursuit of her little girl, who was taken from her in her homeland. John teaches her English, & Tahmeena teaches John how to love again. Tahmeena was rapped & pillaged by the guy that owns the local pub with his son. She consistently has flashbacks & remains scared throughout the movie.

The film reaches its climax when the local pub owner & his son look to John’s farm with guns to hunt out Tahmeena. The twist to the story is when the audience discovers that the country town cop (David Field) is also seeking Tahmeena, to cover his wrong doings. The support cast led by David Field is fantastic & supports the lead actors with gusto.

Unfinished Sky (2007) is a wonderfully directed (Peter Duncan) film; it tackles issues in society such as loneliness, excessive drinking, refugees, crime & love. The ending is not predictable & finishes on a realistic note. The acting is what makes this Australian movie stand out from so many others.

Article written by Liam Gibbs.

Two Flat Whites watched the film ‘The Black Balloon’ last week. This Australian movie is a good one. It won the Crystal Bear at the recent Berlin Film Festival. First-time co-writer & director Elissa Down has produced a wonderful film here.

It is set in suburbia Sydney & follows the adventures of the Mollison family. They travel a lot due to there father (Erik Thomson) being a sergeant in the army. Mum (Toni Collette) works hard & tries to do everything. She is also pregnant & soon discovers that some chores just need to be delegated. They have two sons, Charlie, (Luke Ford) who plays an autistic teenager. Luke shines on the screen with a brilliant acting display & has recently been rewarded in a Hollywood blockbuster soon to hit our screens as the new co-star in the Mummy trilogy.

The story follows Thomas (Rhys Wakefield) who plays the other son. Thomas goes through the typical hardships that most teenagers go through, peer pressure, love crushes & bullying. He also finds it increasingly hard to deal with the fact that his brother is autistic. He loves his brother dearly, & throughout the movie he learns to deal with this fact. I was taken by Rhys Wakefield who sparkles on the screen & this kid is one to watch! Jackie, (Gemma Ward), ex-model, also appears in the film & plays a fine cameo role as Thomas’ girlfriend.

This film is so much more than just about an autistic boy. It demonstrates beautifully what it can be like for teenagers growing up. It shows us the day to day challenges of a typical Australian family & how the Aussie spirit conquers all. The film portrays endless emotion & draws plenty of humour. Do yourself a favour, this is a must see!

- Liam Gibbs

When catching a film a thriller doesn’t really appeal to me. Restraint however is an Australian film & I do my best to watch as many Australian flicks as possible. Restraint in the opening five minutes draws you to the screen. What better way to catch your attention than a beautiful woman (Dale – played by Teresa Palmer), a dead body in the trunk of a car & a murder!

Picture – Teresa Palmer

The film is about a young lady (Teresa Palmer) who learns the lessons of life the hard way & realises that growing up is all about choices, making decisions. Her boyfriend (Ron – Travis Fimmel) is a murderer & they both get into trouble & decide to hide out in a near by town. The house they choose to ransack is occupied by a gentleman (Andrew – Stephen Moyer) who is afraid to venture outside. Andrew is kept hostage in his own home.

The story line is quite good with plenty of twists & turns. The flick keeps you on the edge of your seat. The young Australian cast make this film what it is. I can guarantee Teresa Palmer is destined for great things and she was well supported. (not that she needs a great deal of support  … you’ll see).

Restraint is a low budget Australian film but different. A great film, fantastic acting, wonderful story line and a tremendous ending. I thoroughly recommend Restraint for something a little different.

- Liam Gibbs