This week, one of Australia's foremost music supervisors Jemma Burns is in the Triple R studio to share what her job involves and the creative process behind music from tv shows like HEARTBREAK HIGH 2 to films like Ari Aster's BEAU IS AFRAID.

Joining Jemma in the studio is host Flick Ford and guest critic Anthony Carew to review Luca Guadagnino's racy tennis drama CHALLENGERS starring Zendaya, Josh O'Connor, and Mike Daisy.

CHALLENGERS, film by Luca Guadagnino.

Next up for review this week is a haunting eco-fable EVIL DOES NOT EXIST from director Ryusuke Yamaguchi (DRIVE MY CAR) about a proposal for a glamping site that unsettles the inhabitants of a Japanese village.

EVIL DOES NOT EXIST, a film by Ryusuke Hamaguchi.

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In this week’s episode of Primal Screen, Flick Ford is accompanied by Cerise Howard, as they delve into Alice Rohrwacher's newest film, La Chimera. The movie features a compelling cast including Josh O'Connor, Carol Duarte, Alba Rohrwacher, and Isabella Rossellini.

Alice Rohrwacher's latest 2023 film LA CHIMERA.

Additionally, Sally Christie engages in a revealing conversation with Marisa Abela, exploring her portrayal in the biographical drama Back to Black, which reflects on the tumultuous life of the iconic British singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse.

Next up, we look at Alex Garland’s latest film, Civil War. Set against a backdrop of a war-torn United States, this dystopian narrative follows a cadre of photojournalists chronicling the harrowing escalations of conflict. The film stars Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, Stephen McKinley Henderson, and Cailee Spaeny, and offers a stark examination of the implications of war through the lens of those who document its realities.

Alex Garland's 2024 release, CIVIL WAR.

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This week Flick Ford is joined by festival programmer Thomas Caldwell and local filmmaker / video editor Jack Ralph.
Together they review Dev Patel's directorial debut MONKEY MAN, in which Patel also wrote and starred.
Patel plays Kid - an underground fighter who unleashes a bloody campaign of vengeance against the corrupt leaders who systemically victimize the poor and powerless.

MONKEY MAN trailer - written, directed and starring Dev Patel

We also review Wim Wenders' meditative drama PERFECT DAYS.

Based on a script written by Wenders and Takuma Takasaki, the film stars Kōji Yakusho as a toilet cleaner who likes to capture moments of beauty in everyday life.

PERFECT DAYS, written by by Wenders and Takuma Takasaki.

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This week on Primal Screen, join Flick Ford as we delve into our archives, bringing to the forefront some of the most engaging and thought-provoking conversations from 2023.

Kicking things off, we take you back to our discussion with the talented Molly Manning Walker, a London-based cinematographer and filmmaker whose debut feature film, HOW TO HAVE SEX, captured audiences at its Australian premiere during last year's Melbourne International Film Festival. Recorded amidst the festival's buzz, this week's featured interview sheds light on the nuanced portrayal of consent and the intricate ways partying emerges as a pivotal rite of passage within the narrative. Since its heartfelt debut, HOW TO HAVE SEX has transitioned from festival screens to a general release in cinemas, now available for viewing at local cinemas across Melbourne.

HOW TO HAVE SEX, Molly Manning Walker (2023)

Continuing our journey through Primal Screen's memorable interviews, we look back to May 2023 to revisit a conversation that resonated deeply with our listeners. The spotlight falls on the esteemed director Ivan Sen alongside the acclaimed actor Simon Baker, as they delve into the heart of their film LIMBO. In this gripping narrative, detective Travis, portrayed by Baker, finds himself in a small town, haunted by the unsolved homicide of an Aboriginal woman. A story that intertwines mystery with poignant social commentary, LIMBO invites viewers into a reflective exploration of justice and community. LIMBO is currently available for streaming on ABC iview.

LIMBO, Ivan Sen (2023)

Join us this week on Primal Screen aswe revisit conversations that continue to resonate with the pulse of contemporary film discourse.
Listen back to any of our previous episodes by following this link and be sure to follow us on the socials.

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Flick Ford is joined tonight by film critic Nadine Whitney, Co-Chair of the Australian Film Critics Association and a member of The Alliance of Women Film Journalists. Together they review the new film LOVE LIES BLEEDING, starring Kirsten Stewart, Katy M O'Brien and Dave Franco. Dr Kirsten Stevens, Deputy Festival Director also joins Flick to chat about Melbourne Women in Film Festival and four emerging critics in the WMF Critics Lab 2024 with their film recommendations.

Flick Ford is joined by AIDC's Conference Programmer Alice McShane, as they recap the highs and lows of the 2024 Oscars ceremony.
Will Cox catches up with Oliver Parker to dive deep into the heart and soul behind his latest cinematic gem, THE GREAT ESCAPER, which made its heartfelt debut in Australian cinemas this March.

The Great Escaper, directed by Oliver Parker.

Plus, Flick sits down with local filmmakers James Moriarty and Luke Winzar at the Triple R studios, where they unfold the captivating genesis of their Collingwood Football Club documentary, TAKE THE STEPS.

Take the Steps, a documentary by James Moriarty and Luke Winzar.

Primal Screen, 7pm every Monday on Triple R - 3RRR 102.7FM

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“The future of cinema is IMAX and the large formats. The audience wants to see something that they cannot have at home, that they cannot have on streaming. They want to experience an event.” - Denis Villeneuve, director DUNE: PART TWO

The eagerly awaited sequel to the science fiction masterpiece DUNE has finally hit theaters. Flick Ford chats with Jeremy Fee, the General Manager of IMAX, about the exceptional experience of presenting the film on a massive seven-story screen, utilizing both the IMAX 1570 Film format and cutting-edge 4K Laser technology.

Dune: Part Two (now in cinemas)

We then explore the captivating world of Kaouther Ben Hania's acclaimed documentary, FOUR DAUGHTERS. This film stands out as a remarkable cinema experience, seamlessly merging real-life narratives with elements of performance.

Four Daughters Trailer

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“Marungka Tjalatunu exposes and weaves together those tender and difficult threads of living in multiple worlds–worlds which are your own, full of loss and love, of trauma and survival–and worlds which are thrust upon you, often violent, often unrelenting, and often unforgiving.”

- Jury Statement, Berlinale 2023 (Sky Hopinka, Cătălin Cristuțiu, Isabelle Stever).

This week Flick Ford is joined by directors Derik Lynch and Matthew Thorne to talk about their award-winning documentary short MARUNGKA TJALATUNU (Dipped in Black).

Marungka Tjalatjunu (Dipped In Black) / Trailer from Matthew Thorne on Vimeo.

Marungka Tjalatjunu (Dipped In Black) Trailer - Directed by Derik Lynch and Matthew Thorne.

Plus, guest reviewers Silvi Vann-Wall and David Heslin join Flick to discuss Jonathan Glazer's unsettling new drama ZONE OF INTEREST and Ethan Coen's first solo film DRIVE-AWAY DOLLS!

Zone of Interest Trailer - Directed by Jonathan Glazer and stars Sandra Hüller, Christian Friedel, and Ralph Herforth.

Drive-Away Dolls Trailer - Written by Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke, starring Margaret Qualley and Geraldine Viswanathan

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This week, Flick Ford is in conversation with acclaimed actor Hugo Weaving!
Celebrated for his iconic roles in THE MATRIX, LORD OF THE RINGS, V FOR VENDETTA and many more.

Over the course of this long-form discussion, Weaving shares fascinating insights into his distinguished career and delves into the complexities of his latest character, Mit from Mark Leonard Winter’s THE ROOSTER.

This episode offers a unique glimpse into the craft of acting from one of the industry's finest.

THE ROOSTER will be in Australian Cinemas from this Thursday, 22nd of February.

The Holdovers (2023) Directed by Alexander Payne

“Alexander Payne’s The Holdovers is not the kind of film you would expect to contain a dose of movie magic, but there it is, right there in the lead performance by Paul Giamatti.” [Derek Armstrong, ReelGood] THE HOLDOVERS is a comedy-drama directed by Alexander Payne (Election, Sideways and Nebraska to name a few…) and set in the winter of 1970. Paul Giamatti plays a strict, pompous teacher at a New England boarding school who is forced to chaperone a handful of students with nowhere to go on Christmas break. The Holdovers is more than just a Christmas movie - it observes some people’s natural levity in late December, while others feel sorrow over those who are now absent, or maybe were never there in the first place. Catch Flick and this week's guest reviewers Dr. Jess Balanzategui and Zach Ruane discuss their thoughts on Payne’s newest film THE HOLDOVERS.

This Seventh Cinema season is dedicated to exploring the intersections of neo/colonialism and global climate change, zooming in on global colonial expansion and its persistent effects on the environment, human rights, and cultural landscapes.

We spoke to Kori Miles and Lucie Loy regarding the seven-week free film festival in Richmond, delving into the festival's curatorial vision. The festival showcases an array of rare and special films, including titles like "Ten Canoes" and "Neptune Frost." Accompanying each feature film, a carefully selected short film is presented, chosen to complement and enhance the viewing experience of the subsequent film.

The festival has four weeks remaining,
When: Thursday 25 January 2024 - Thursday 07 March 2024, Films commence at 8.45pm.

See the full program at the link below:
https://arts.yarracity.vic.gov.au/whats-on/2024/01/25/seventh-cinema

Get ready - The Capitol will soon become the spookiest place in Melbourne for “Screams on Screen”.

Screams on Screen is a curated program at the interface of art/horror features live music, art, feature films, rarely seen experimental shorts, artist and director talks to celebrate the transgressive, rebellious forces that fuel the horror genre.

Dr. Jess Balanzategui and Zach Ruane are in the studio to chat about Screams on Screen. Co-programmed by Jess, we're excited to get an exclusive sneak peek at the special event featuring Zach, which celebrates the 10-year anniversary of "The Babadook" by Jennifer Kent. Widely regarded as one of the most influential Australian horror films of the 21st century.

When: Friday 16th - Saturday 17th February.
Tickets are $10-15 (great deaaal).

Event link: https://events.humanitix.com/screams-on-screen

L-R Zach, Jess, Lucie, Kori and Flick.

This week on Primal Screen, Flick Ford and our wonderful guest hosts, Thomas Caldwel and Vyshnavee Wijerkumar discuss Todd Haynes’ newest film, MAY DECEMBER but not before exploring Haynes' distinguished directorial portfolio, including films - Safe, I’m Not There, and Dark Waters.

[CONTENT WARNING] Please note, that this film does contain references to child sexual abuse. Please find the relevant resources below and feel free to skip to the 29 minutes and 48 seconds mark in order to skip this review.

May December trailer.

Our hosts then take a close look at MR AND MRS SMITH, an unexpected remake of the 2005 film starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. A thrilling TV adaptation starring Donald Glover and Maya Erskine as the series reimagines the classic narrative, focusing on a married couple leading double lives as assassins. Their extraordinary secret complicates their domestic life, blending action, drama, and humour in their high-stakes existence.

Mr and Mrs Smith trailer.

Resources

If you’re in need of support regarding any of the content mentioned in MAY DECEMBER, please see the resources below and reach out:

• Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or www.kidshelp.com.au.
• Headspace on 1800 650 890 or www.headspace.org.au.
• Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 or www.lifeline.org.au.
• Bravehearts counselling and support for survivors of child sexual abuse on 1800 272 831 or www.bravehearts.org.au.

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