Eye of the Storm and The Hunter have been nominated in multiple categories, including best film, for the 2011 Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Awards (AACTA).

Eye of the Storm

120 min M15+ Friday 20 January – 8.30pm

Judy Morris has translated Patrick White’s droll and penetrating prose perfectly to the screen in this adaptation of The Eye of the Storm. The film opens in a grand old mansion in Sydney’s eastern suburbs in 1973, where wealthy matriarch Elizabeth Hunter (Charlotte Rampling) is dying. Her two adult children, Basil (Geoffrey Rush) and Dorothy (Judy Davis), have reluctantly returned from their respective expatriate locations to be at her side. Although middle-aged, they are still as children, trapped in the emotional web spun by their selfish and manipulative mother.

Long-suppressed but still raw family tensions are re-inflamed and complicated by the around-the-clock presence of Elizabeth’s nurses and her housekeeper (Helen Morse). Valiant family solicitor (John Gaden) is a placatory influence.

Fred Schepisi directs with supreme assurance, turning out an elegant, enjoyably florid last word in dysfunctional family dynamics, and there’s no questioning the across-the-board quality of the film’s rich array of nuanced performances, especially from the three leads.

Face to Face

120min M15+ Saturday 21 January – 3.00pm

Based on a play written by David Williamson and adapted by director Michael Rymer, Face to Face is an intense drama, in the vein of the classic Twelve Angry Men, but following the progress of a dispute-resolution session instead of a courtroom drama. Flashbacks are used to reveal the actions that have brought the characters together.

What appears simple at the start – an angry young man lashing out against his boss for firing him – grows in complexity and intensity as the characters reveal motives and grudges, weaknesses and ambitions that have been festering beneath the surface. As new revelations emerge, the audience is forced to shift their moral alignment.

The screenplay is funny, moving and brilliantly structured. It shines a light on contemporary Australian society and attitudes. The strong ensemble cast includes Vince Colosimo, Sigrid Thornton, Matthew Newton and Luke Ford (Black Balloon, Red Dog), whose raw performance as the central character is perfectly pitched. A powerful, engaging film delivering insight and emotional punch.

The Hunter

100min M Saturday 21 January – 8.00pm

Martin (Willem Dafoe), an industrial mercenary, is sent from Europe by a biotech company to track down the last Tasmanian tiger, wanted for its DNA. In Tasmania local veteran Jack (Sam Neill), arranges for Martin to be based at a remote house with the despondent wife (Frances O’Connor) and spirited children of a missing zoologist.

While Martin lays traps in the Tasmanian wilderness and waits, he builds a friendship with the family, who are watched over constantly, in a possessive way, by Jack. In time, the prevailing environmental conflict (greens versus loggers) and his developing connection to the family and the wilderness, force Martin to confront the reality of his work and personal morality, with dramatic consequences.

Based on an award- winning novel by Julia Leigh, The Hunter has been skillfully crafted by director Daniel Nettheim. Exquisite wilderness scenery and a nuanced soundtrack help to create a dense and compelling claustrophobic atmosphere in this tense eco-thriller.

International drama and documentary filmmaker, Robyn Hofmeyr has combined with Sunshine Coast hinterland Gubi Gubi elder, Bev Hand to produce an intriguing look beneath the surface of Bev’s ancestral land.

Robyn, who directed the confronting Women and War documentary, has employed her directorial skills on this portrait of a hinterland unknown to most white residents.

Here, Robyn describes the making of Walk Talking Country.

BEVERLY asked me if I would assist her to make a film. It was also a personal initiative of mine – I had been out with Bev before and I thought I would love to help her promote her cultural tours.

Beverley Hand performing at the Bunya Dreaming Festival

In the 26 minute film “Walk, talking Country” Beverly Hand, a Kabi Kabi woman, guides us through the Maleny Hinterland, pointing out the significance of local flora and educating us about the Indigenous knowledge of the region.

Beverly pays particular reference to the social, historical, environmental and cultural significance of the Bunya trees that are now scattered around the Blackall ranges. When the Bunya trees were heavy with nuts, Indigenous people would travel certain pathways across the land to the Blackall Ranges where the biggest Bunya trees were located. Beverly recreates the Bunya Festivals in a contemporary way every January to keep this ancient gathering alive. People come from far and wide to the Boroon Pocket dam to celebrate with her.

In the film we follow her along ancient and modern pathways across the Blackall Ranges, through old forests, to the now submerged sites of the Bunya Gatherings that were held at the Baroon Pocket area for centuries. Beverly points out plants and describes some of the ways her ancestors would use them. We see and learn how healthy landscapes

made healthy people and that contained within the landscape are all the natural resources necessary for a healthy life – medicine, fire making, shelter, fibre, nutrition etc.

“Walk talking Country” is a film about aboriginal tradition, culture and the environment. It is also a visual journey through a spectacular landscape.

Making the film has been a real challenge. It is a big story – Beverly Hand is a great storyteller, she is one of the conveyors of the oral traditions and legends of the Maleny Hinterland and Coastal areas. The challenge has been to tell her story in 26 minutes and to capture the beauty and highlight the diversity of this wonderful landscape as well as making sure the film has a strong narrative structure. I have been hampered by a shoestring budget, the weather and our work commitments but with the support of Beverly, my editor, good friends and family I have managed to produce a film that I hope gives viewers an insight into some of the Indigenous knowledge of the region.

Beverley Hand (left) and Aunty Gambril at the Bunya Dreaming Festival.

Actor, Director, Scriptwriter … Judy Morris

… is Outspoken with writer, Steven Lang

WE ALL KNOW writers have a hard time of it. Their business is words and let’s face it, they’re not shy of using them to let us know how difficult it is being them. But what about scriptwriters? Not only do they have to come up with an idea and put flesh on its bones, they then have to sell it to producers, directors, backers, cinema chains, all of whom, should they even choose to take it on, want to tweek the original. And then, just supposing their script gets through all that, they have to deal with actors.

Someone who knows a fair bit about the process is Judy Morris. She started off as a child star in both Australia and America. She later returned here to star in such films and television programs as Alvin Purple, Bellbird and Mother and Son. After appearing in fifty-four different shows she took up script writing. Working with George Miller and others she wrote Babe: Pig in the City and Happy Feet, the Oscar-winning animated film.

Her most recent project has been the script for Fred Schepisi’s adaptation of Patrick White’s The Eye of the Storm. Judy will be Maleny Film Society and Outspoken’s special guest at this year’s Australian Film Festival. The two organisations have teamed up to bring her to Maleny for a conversation about writing in general and the Eye of the Storm in particular.

‘The thing about Patrick White,’ Judy says, ‘Is I think he is incredibly funny. He’s extraordinarily witty, but then he turns on a dime so you’re suddenly in very serious territory. He catapults you between the two all the time. It’s what I love about him, that you don’t know whether you’re going to be laughing at something … or crying about it, he’s so multi- faceted.’

Judy Morris, in conversation with local author Steven Lang, an Outspoken event presented in association with Maleny Film Society’s Australian Film Festival, Friday 20th January. Doors open 6.00 pm. $18 or $13 for members. Maleny Bookshop 5494 3666. Passes for the whole Festival are also available.

Above: Judy Morris stars in the 1986 movie, “The More Things Change” and the writer of “Happy Feet”.

“As I get older, I admit to becoming a bit set in my ways and my cup of tea made with rainwater is one of life’s little joys.”

WE NAMED him Moses because we’d rescued the scraggy scrap of fur and bones from a drain before his eyes had even opened. He quickly won us over, and quite frankly, my daughter Sandy and I were completely besotted.

Moses had become accustomed to being fed on demand during my holidays. And now, with me back at work and having spent his very first day alone, he was obviously hungry and extremely irate judging by his noisy protestations which I could hear as I fumbled for the door key. Then the door opened I watched Moses totter towards me on shaky legs which barely supported him. But he was beginning to fill out – thankfully!

***

In our entrance hall Sandy has put up a whiteboard. Both she and I are shift workers and we are sometimes like ships in the night. We use the whiteboard to leave messages for one another. It also gets used for grocery lists. So as my eyes scanned through the couple of grocery items to the bottom of the board, there in considerably smaller writing than is her usual, (as if she hoped I wouldn’t see it), I read Sandy’s message to me. “PS” it said, “Sorry, no time to get water.” And I felt my irritation climb a trifle.

Our small-town water supply is foul-tasting but thankfully we have a water tank and we both prefer to use that water, especially for tea and coffee. The tank is not plumbed to the house and is quite awkward to get to and as I have a dicky knee, Sandy knows her first priority is to ensure that there is always enough tank water in the plastic bucket which we keep just inside the back door. Covered with a piece of netting it sits there and is quite easily accessible. This is the water Sandy was referring to on the whiteboard.

***

So once Moses was fed and happy I was looking forward to a nice cup of tea and irritation bristled again remembering Sandy’s message. As I get older, I admit to becoming a bit set in my ways and my cup of tea made with rainwater is one of life’s little joys. But with Sandy not expected for the next ten hours or so, I would have to use the town water till she came home and that meant a few foul cups of tea.

And so it was that, with a less-than-acceptable cup of tea and Moses contentedly asleep on my lap, I switched the TV on and reached for my knitting, mentally giving Sandy another piece of my mind.

***

The following evening Sandy’s bus pulled into our stop just behind mine and as I walked towards our home her footsteps hastened to catch me up. With the foul tea taste instantly resurrected, my spirits dived to a similar level and I turned on her.

“Thanks a lot,” I pouted without even saying hello.

Sandy’s face was a large question mark. “For what?” she asked, visibly bruised.

“Most of all for not filling the water bucket,” I returned frostily.

“Sorry Mum,” she offered, spreading her hands in a gesture of profound repentance, “I was really in a hurry.”

I quickly cooled down as I always do, but just hadtogetitoffmy chest, and as I opened the front door I turned to Sandy with a mocking, sarcastic smile.

“So why don’t you get some fresh water and we’ll have a nice cup of tea.”

As Sandy chuckled and meandered off towards the back door I was aware of Moses’ mewing but he was nowhere to be seen and then Sandy’s voice reached me.

“Mum, come here,” she called. And as I approached she stood with hands parked resolutely on her hips, her expression priceless.

Grinning wryly she reached down into the empty bucket, plucked out a loudly protesting Moses, his tiny claws hopelessly snarled up in the netting, and dangled him aloft.

“I think you should be really pleased that I didn’t get around to fetching water,” she chortled smugly.

By Carole Caley of Witta

At ‘Art on Cairncross’ 2012 starts with a wonderfully positive array of artworks. The theme of Looking Ahead is a way of celebrating what is great and acknowledging how art enriches our lives. We Hinterlanders are fortunate in that this incredibly inspirational part of the world has given rise to much creativity. Also, it continues to attract visitors from around the world who often come to share in the beauty of the landscape and the art. Both reasons show us that there is plenty to enjoy in life, and all on our own doorstep.

The fun of a rocking dog (from side to side as they do on the back of a ute) in bronze by Elli Schlunke (see inset and Gallery Trail image), is enough to bring a smile, while the pure finesse of Chiko Jones’ porcelain is truly captivating. The charm of Rebecca Berrett’s imaginative illustrations enthralls adults as much as children and the peace in John McVeigh-Brown’s landscapes is a welcome place to lose yourself.

One of the great delights of art is how it can easily brighten a mood, and as we welcome in the new year, it is good to know there are plenty of positive images to focus on. So treat yourself to a visit to ‘Art on Cairncross’, feed your soul and you may find something to take home too.

‘Art on Cairncross’ is at Cairncross Corner, near Maleny and open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm or see www.artoncairncross.com.au

Kendall JANUARY

WHEN Kendall’s school days were coming to an end and she told her teachers that she wanted to be an artist, she was told emphatically that “it is impossible to make a living out of art. You’ll need to get a proper job and paint as a hobby.”

Kendall was devastated. When she told her mother what had been said, her mother said, “Rubbish, darling. You can make a success of what ever career you choose as long as you stay focused and follow your dream.”

This advice gave Kendall the strength and determination to become the success that she is today.

Kendall describes her mother’s unfaltering belief in her as ‘the wind beneath her wings’.

Now, with two teenaged daughters of her own, Bridie and Hatsie, Kendall is passing on to them many of life’s lessons just as her parents did for her.

Generous to a fault, Kendall donates more than forty paintings a year to worthy causes and has painted numerous colourful murals in the children’s wards of several hospitals including Nambour Hospital.

“I just love what I do,” Kendall told us. “Painting is my passion. I get a fantastic feeling which money cannot buy.” “We are thrilled to have Kendall as our first feature artist for 2012,” said gallery manager, Lisa Powell. “Her paintings are alive with energy and vitality. She often works twenty hours a day at a furious pace painting with both hands at the same time. It is exciting to watch her at work.”

Artist of the month in February is Todd Whisson.

“To date, I have always painted in an impressionistic style similar to that of the Heidelberg school of artists”, says Todd. “Last year, I have had to turn my hand to abstract paintings and, much to my surprise, I really enjoyed it.

It is so different. I’ve had to learn a whole new artistic dictionary but was really chuffed when the TAFE purchased two of my large abstract canvases for its collection and I sold several other works to my lecturers and to fellow students.”

Open daily from 10am to 5pm, Montville art Gallery is located at 138 Main Street, Montville, opposite the Village Green. Kendall’s paintings appear under “exhibitions” from January 1. Todd Whissen’s paintings from Feburary 1 on the gallery’s website www.montvilleartgallery.com.au

The devastated city of Saigon has become a booming free-wheeling metropolis powered by the God, Honda. A romantic interlude engulfs Conway in a cocktail of violence and murder fuelled by deception, the clash of cultures and the undercurrents of hatred still festering in the minds of some combatants from both sides of the Vietnam conflict.

Pullinger’s knowledge of the language and customs is a masterful blend of travel odyssey and explosive action with a surprise ending.

John Pullinger is a former travel writer, English teacher and hotelier. He was born and educated in Brisbane, and has worked in and out of Southeast Asia for over twenty years. He currently lives and writes on the Hinterland of the Sunshine Coast.

The Last Cyclo to Thanh Da is available from : Rosetta’s Book Shop Maple Street Maleny or via: www.vividpublishing.com.au/lastcyclo

REVIEW BY JACK WILCOX

The first Exhibition in 2012 for the Blackall Range Visual Artists will be held on the Australia Day weekend at St. Marys Hall on the Village Green in Montville, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 26 -29 January.

To coincide with this anniversary, the artists are busy painting works with an Australian theme, in pastel, oil, acrylic and watercolour.

Because their talents range from traditional to abstract, to outright funny, you can guarantee an exhibition that will delight all visitors.

Admission is free and commissions, as in the past, will be donated to the Hall Committee for the maintenance of this Heritage-listed venue.

Kristina is a professional musician. She loves Australia and this year become a permanent resident. She was previously Los Angeles based, and spends her time travelling the world attending festivals. She particularly loves our Sunshine Coast hinterland area.

Jessiah (bottom right) is a Mapleton boy. He learnt his first guitar tune when he was four, was taught ‘Wild Thing’ by a 7 year old! and he hasn’t stopped playing since. He is currently completing a Bachelor of Popular Music at Griffith University on the Gold Coast.

Both Kristina and Jessiah use song writing as story telling, although Kristina spins a very good yarn as well.

The evening starts at 6:30 with a BYO everything picnic dinner and the concert starts one hour later at 7:30pm. Our regular attendees ensure they arrive in

good time to meet other members of the audience in the rowdy pre- concert period. We have found this format to be very, very popular. Montville Hall Fri 6th Jan 6:30pm. Sat 7th Jan 6:30pm.

BYO everything. Tickets on sale now $25 (all concession) $200 for a table of 10.

For more information phone Chris and Danny 5445 7410. Tickets must be pre-purchased to secure a table.

The fascinating mixed media, Stanley River Workshop is with Sonja Georgeson on March 3 and 4 at the Maleny Arts Retreat.

Based on the Hawkesbury River Workshops that Sonja has conducted near Sydney, this workshop will take a palette from the Maleny environment and inspiration from the “rio abajo rio”- the river beneath the river – to create a narrative in line, mark, texture, shape, colour and words. Participants will work spontaneously without brushes and play with unconventional media allowing stories to emerge.

This workshop will teach you to “trust the process” with exploration and experimentation. Cost: $300 includes most of your materials, morning and afternoon teas. Suitable for all levels including beginners.

Enquiries: 5499 9801 or admin@malenyartsretreat.com.au 901 Maleny-Stanley River Road, Maleny, 4552.