Join your favourite celebrity chefs and contestants at MASTERCHEF LIVE 2012

To celebrate the arrival of MasterChef Live 2012, Sydney Social 101 has an exclusive interview with Miguel Maestre to whet your appetite!

MasterChef Live 2012 invites budding chefs to get up close with the television program’s favourite contestants, as well as some of the nation’s most renowned chefs for an interactive food experience including demonstrations, cooking shows, and MasterClasses at the Hordern Pavilion and Royal Hall of Industries from 5 – 7 October 2012.

Now in its third year, the three day live event will feature an all-star line-up of top chefs including George Calombaris, Matt Moran, Maggie Beer, Adriano Zumbo, Darren Robertson, Miguel Maestre, Vincent Gadan, Kylie Kwong and many more.

Here’s Sydney Social’s interview with renowned Sydney chef: Miguel Maestre:

The man himself: Miguel

SS:          How did you get involved with MC Live?

MM:      I gave a master class on Masterchef and a cooking challenge on Junior Masterchef which I thoroughly enjoyed.

SS:          What advice would you have for aspiring chefs?

MM:      Love what you do as this is the only way you can work 16 hour days

SS:          What is your favourite dish?

MM:      Spanish Paella because it defines where I am from and it’s a great dish for sharing with family and friends.

SS:          Where is your favourite place to eat in Sydney – expensive and cheap 

MM:      I love Golden Century and eating the king crab and for a delicious pizza I love Café Roma at Potts Point to see my friend Danielo.

SS:          Who inspires you?

MM:      My beautiful wife, gorgeous daughter and my mumma.

SS:          Tell me more about MC Live and what we can expect

MM:      You will see a lot of your favourite chefs, enjoy masterclasses and learn how to make Churros con chocolate with me. It’s a great outing for the whole family.

The MasterChef experience will continue for contestants from all series including names such as Alvin Quah, Hayden Quinn and Dani Venn. They will be joined by a selection of this year’s MasterChef finalists, demonstrating their culinary tricks in intimate cooking classes, demonstrations and theatres throughout the event.

Fans will have an opportunity to watch their favourite contestants in the Blanco Contestant’s Theatre as they re-create their signature dishes and share their skills and tricks honed throughout the show. Contestants will share intimate stories and highlights from behind the scenes and from their MasterChef experiences.

Budding foodies will also have an opportunity to learn from the best, with cooking classes by The Artisan Bakery with Laucke Flour, The Art of Patisse with Queen Fine Foods, Junior MasterChef with Kids Pantry, Casa Barilla Authentic Italian Cuisine and more to be announced soon.

This year also sees the return of the adrenalin induced fun of the Mystery Box Theatre, which will recreate the Mystery Box Challenge with MasterChef favourites including George Calombaris, Matt Moran, Maggie Beer, Miguel Maestre and more. They will be joined in these action packed challenges by a selection of MasterChef All Stars contestants as well as Series Four favourites, providing fans with an exciting live arena experience.

MasterChef Live will feature Food Central in the heart of the show, which will include a sustainable garden by Three Blue Ducks, as well as Miss Chu Vietnamese Cuisine. Food Central will also include a national all time first, featuring an international street food component which will comprise of five of Sydney’s best food trucks including Agape Organic, Tsuru, Al Carbon, Eat Art Truck and Veggie Patch.

This ultimate foodie event turns Moore Park into a festival of food for three delicious days. The event provides foodies with the opportunity to cook, learn, eat and shop, whilst mingling with their favourite chefs, judges and contestants from MasterChef

The all-encompassing culinary event will also feature the Invention Test Theatre, Patak’s BBQ demonstrations, Ayams Asian Cuisine demonstrations as well as non-stop interactive MasterClasses, hands-on cooking schools, junior workshops, Q&A sessions and top quality producers.

Tickets are available through Ticketek at www.ticketek.com.au. *Booking fees apply. For more information on the event, visit www.mastercheflive.com.au

On Wednesday 19^th September Sydney Social 101 was invited to witness a pretty amazing awards ceremony; the 2012 Weight Watchers Healthy Life Awards – As we sat and waited with baited breath at the stunning Zeta Bar at The Hilton in Sydney’s CBD we saw Raun Sutton’s inspirational weight-loss and lifestyle transformation story, which saw him lose a staggering 39.7kilos (a third of his body weight!), and clinch the title of ‘Slimmer of the Year’.

Slimmer of the Year 2012 – Raun Sutton

Almost 500 national entries were received, with judging based on weight-loss, health improvements, efforts to inspire others and overall transformation, Raun was one of the five Australian State finalists selected to attend the gala event.

Proving that gender is not a barrier when it comes to losing weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, Raun won over the judges to become Australia’s first-ever male winner in the history of the competition.

Now a role model for other Aussie men, Raun is happier and healthier than ever. Commenting on his motivations and new-found way of living he said:

“My decision to join Weight Watchers came last October when I experienced what I call ‘a shatter moment’. I was walking to work one day, feeling unhealthy, out of breath and perspiring. I caught sight of my unhappy self in my size XXXXL shirt and 44-inch waist trousers, and realised that something had to change.Taking advice from a work colleague, I joined my local Weight Watchers group and haven’t looked back since.

“At first I was surprised at how simple Weight Watchers really was! I still eat out and have the occasional glass of wine, but I’m now educated on healthy eating, portion sizes, balanced meals and knowing how to live and enjoy my life.”

Speaking at this year’s Awards, Weight Watchers Australasia Managing Director, Joseph Saad said:

“What a year it’s been! The 2012 Healthy Life Awards have uncovered a wealth of unique and truly inspiring stories. These awards are definitely not about discovering the member who has lost the most kilos in the shortest space of time, some of our contenders have demonstrated how simple changes to their everyday habits have had a significant impact on their health and general well-being.

“We’re so proud, and somewhat overwhelmed, by the confidence and opportunities that have arisen across our members’ lives as a result of being on the Weight Watchers program. With so many success stories to celebrate, we faced some challenging decisions when judging for this year’s awards.

“However, we’re thrilled to be crowning our first-ever male ‘Slimmer of the Year’! Gone are the days when weight-loss programs are women-only zones, men need a helping hand too and Raun further cements the message that the Weight Watchers way of life can be tailored to suit so many Aussies, regardless of their age, gender and target goals.”

Commenting on his triumph, Raun added:

“I’m happier and healthier than ever, and feel blessed to have had my story recognised and celebrated nationally. It’s been an amazing and incredibly humbling experience, which has provided me with all the tools I need to maintain my goal weight forever.

“Looking back at pictures of myself at my unhealthiest, it’s easy to see how unhappy I was. For those wanting to take the first steps towards a healthier life, I hope my story encourages you not to hesitate any longer.”

In another first, Raun will become the only male Weight Watchers member to have ever graced the cover of the Weight Watchers magazine when he stars alongside New Zealand ‘Slimmer of the Year’, Janneke van Rooijen in the December issue.

New Zealand’s Slimmer of the Year 2012 – Janneke van Rooijen

With his new title and beach-ready body, Raun will soon be enjoying his prize of a six-night escape for two in the Cook Islands flying Air New Zealand.

With almost 500 remarkable stories submitted from across Australia and New Zealand, entrants to the 2012 Healthy Life Awards have lost a staggering 10,347 kilos! As a Platinum Partner and in celebration of each kilogram lost by this year’s entrants, Weight Watchers is donating $10,347 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Throughout the evening Sydney Social 101 and other guests were treated to yummy canapés and the wine also kept on coming! All in all a very inspiring event, which Sydney Social 101 has the honour of attending for the second year ina  row!

For more information and to read more about this years winners at the 2012 Weight Watchers Healthy Life Awards, visit: http://www.healthylifeawards.com.au

I was excited to be invited to attend a cooking class and brand new Surry Hill’s Italian eatery: Parma, which is renowned for offering a delicious range of modern Italian dishes inspired by the fresh produce of the ‘food heart’ of Italy – Parma. The inconspicuous restaurant come cafe is situated on the corner of Crown and Campbell Streets, and the120 seat restaurant is the perfect spot for a quick pizza at lunch, an after work aperitivo or a sumptuous dinner.

Parma bruschetta

I attended the cooking class with head chef; Alessandro Vinci-Cannava, formerly of Establishment and the Pymble Golf Club, who brings his relaxed Italian style of cooking and personality to the venue. He explained: “Parma is all about creating a comfortable environment for diners to sit back, relax and enjoy some really good Italian food and wine. I’m always on hand to talk about the food and produce, and have even been known to share a recipe or two!”

Born in Lombardy, Italy, and originally trained to be a jeweller in keeping with the family tradition, Vinci-Cannava decided that his passion for food was too strong and so enrolled to be professionally trained as a chef at the IPSSAR Paolo Borsellino in Palermo, Sicily. This training gave him strong gastronomic knowledge of both northern and southern Italian food and further grew his love of cooking.

Following his training in Italy, Vinci-Cannava moved to Sydney in 2003 and took up several positions at some of the city’s top venues including Pymble Gold Club and Establishment in the city. He then moved to Lima, Peru, to spend some time with his mother and set up his own Italian restaurant, Favola.

During his time in Peru, Vinci-Cannava was somewhat of a local celebrity, appearing regularly on local cooking shows like 20 Lucas – a Peruvian show similar to Ready Steady Cook where leading chefs had to cook an entrée, main and dessert for four for just $7 – and taught at some of the country’s leading cookery schools including the chef school at St. Ignacio de Loyola University.

Moving back to Sydney in 2010, Vinci-Cannava has now taken up the reins at Parma where he brings his relaxed Italian style of cooking and personality to the venue, creating a range of modern Italian dishes inspired by the fresh produce of the ‘food heart’ of Italy – Parma.

Parma Upstairs

Alessandro sure didn’t disappoint on this occasion as we were taught how to make pizza bases, pasta from scratch and the most delicious sauces you’ve ever tasted! Sydney Social 101 was joined by fellow bloggers, Miss Darlinghurst, VegaTARAian, Figs and Brie, Miss Piggy Eats and RamenRaff. (@misspiggyeats @ramenraff @llolali @vegeTARAian and @msdarlinghurst)

Pizza is a highlight at Parma and I was told that people travel from afar to sample the fresh Itallian cuisine! Toppings range from the spicy Diavola – Tomato, Mozzarella, Spicy Salami, Anchovies and Onions – to the delicate Verde – Pesto, Goats Curd, Roasted Capsicum and Truffle Oil. Gluten free bases are also available and all pizzas use fresh Buffalina Mozzarella from Italy.

Alessandro explained to the group and I the science behind making homemade pasta and the importance of ensuring that you don’t mix your salt with the yeast when making your pizza dough at home!

The drinks menu is as colourful as the food, with a range of local and Italian beers and wines including Fabiano from Verona and Sorelli sourced straight from Tuscany. Cocktails include the Parma Bellini and for something to put hairs on your chest there’s The Godfather, which comprises Scotch whisky and Di saronno served over ice.

I was impressed with the restaurant’s stylish interior with white washed brick walls, comfortable banquette seating around the edges adorned with colourful, playful cushions and a striking black and white feature wall displaying an artistic street scene. The open bar downstairs and kitchen upstairs provide a sense of performance for diners as they can watch all of their dishes, including the pasta, being made from scratch.

All in all the food was out of this world and I will be sure to go back to Parma again! Thank you to Alessandro and Helen Lear for inviting me to take part in such a great event!

For further information or bookings, visit www.parmacucina.com.au or the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/parmacucina.

Parma, 285A Crown Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010

(02) 9332 4974

info@parmacucina.com.au

Opening Hours

Tuesday – Thursday

Lunch: 12pm – 3:30pm

Dinner: 5:30pm – 10pm

Friday – Saturday

Lunch: 12pm – 3:30pm

Dinner: 5:30pm – 11pm

Sunday

12pm – 9pm

We can’t wait for the items to hit stores and appear in the mags this summer!

Sydney Social’s reporter Jennifer Fletcher reported from Lower Town Hall this weekend.

It’s been one of the most talked about films of the last few months and now The Campaign has finally hit Down Under!

In the new flick Will Ferrell plays politician Cam Brady who fights to win an election against a new candidate Marty Huggins, played by Zach Galifianakis.

So who better to bring the highly anticipated movie to our shores other than funny man Will himself?

“I had to kiss a lot of babies in the movie and people still bring me their babies to kiss now,” he told the media on the carpet at the Hoyts Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park.

Also joining him at the Sydney premiere were some of Australia’s finest celebs, such as model Laura Dundovic, who glowed on the red carpet.

Also turning heads was the gorgeous TV presenter Zoe Balbi in a white floaty top.

Meanwhile, fellow comedian and radio presenter Tom Ballard also attended the opening night.

The cinema was decked out with flags and banners so Aussie swimmer Lisa Curry decided to get into the swing of things by waving a flag for photographers!

And MTV VJ Kate Peck revealed that she couldn’t wait to see the new film.

“Yeeehaa bring on will Ferrell the campaign movie premier!” she tweeted beforehand.

Meanwhile, heaps of fans waited outside the cinema to catch a glimpse of the legendary comedian.

“We’ve been here since early this morning to get a good spot, as we want to see Will,” one of his followers told Sydney Social 101.

Don’t miss The Campaign when it hits cinemas on August 9 across Australia!

Sydney Social’s 101 reporter Jennifer Fletcher was at the Red Carpet to report and take pictures at the star-studded premiere.

Stay tuned for Sydney Social 101′s review of The Campaign!

So it’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for – the last instalment of Christopher Nolan’s epic Batman franchise. It’s been dubbed one of the hottest new flicks of the year, so Sydney Social 101 decided to catch up with some of Australia’s most talented celebs at the premiere of The Dark Knight Rises!

Well it’s a Batman film – so black carpet and bat masks were a necessity for the exclusive bash at Sydney’s Darling Harbour Imax theatre!

First up to take to the carpet was Conrad Coleby, who is best known for playing Roman in Home & Away.

Conrad Coleby, who is best known for playing Roman in Home & Away

“I love the Batman movies,” Conrad told the buzzing media as they took pictures of him before he went in for the official screening.

“But I have to admit that of all the Marvel Comic characters, Spiderman is definitely my favourite!” he added.

Following him was Underbelly star Les Hill, who looked dashing and even ditched his clean shaved look!

Les Hill

Next up, was presenter David Koch, fondly known to Australian’s as Kochie.

Koche – “I love batman!”

“I love Batman, what’s there not to love about him,” he gushed to Sydney Social 101.

The highly anticipated new movie features many heartthrobs such as Christian Bale, Tom Hardy and Joseph Gordon-Levitt! So it’s only fitting to have a hottie to attend the Aussie premiere  - none other that hunky model Didier Cohen!

HOT DAMN!

“I love Tom Hardy,” the Celebrity Apprentice Australia star revealed. “That’s why I came tonight.”

Meanwhile, model Annalise Braakensiek, looked gorgeous in little black number and sparkly clutch bag.

Annalise Braakensiek looking stunning in black

“I hear it’s going to be amazing,” she said excitedly.

And the new flick introduces Cat Woman, played by Anne Hathaway! So MTV’s new VJ Kate Peck decided to bring some of her feline style along by wearing a sexy black leather outfit and even put on a mask!

MTV’s new VJ Kate Peck

Talk about getting into character!

It seems as though the action went to Kate’s head a little as she affectionately pretended to ‘cat fight’ former Hot30 Countdown radio host Maude Garrett!

Kate Peck and Hot30 Countdown radio host Maude Garrett

And that’s not all the action on the black carpet – Michael Goldman provided some of his own stunts by lifting his friend in the air!

Yes, we’ve really seen it all!

But brining back the sophistication Emma Lung rocked in her black dress and stylish classic fringe.

Stunning Emma Lung

And following her was Beautiful Kate actress Sophie Lowe, who revealed that she absolutely loves Cat Woman for a very special reason,

Beautiful Kate actress Sophie Lowe

“I’m mad about cats!” she admits. “So she’s my favourite.”

Don’t miss all the action when The Dark Knight Rises hits cinemas on July 19 across Australia!

Sydney Social’s 101 reporter Jennifer Fletcher was at the Black Carpet to report and take pictures at the star-studded premiere.

Stay tuned for Sydney Social 101′s review of the Dark Knight Rises – You won’t be dissapointed!

The scene was the perfect setting for a media launch, overlooking Sydney Harbour with floor to ceiling windows providing a panoramic view.

The venue definitely wasn’t she when it comes to canapés either, which of course made me very happy! Pizza, quesadillas, prawns and mini pies were brought out and offered and quick succession. In addition the sparkling wine kept flowing and my glass was never empty.

As we all gathered at the stage, it was revealed that the new face of Cover Girl is (drum roll please) Ricki-Lee (who looked phenomenal in a metallic gold one piece BTW!)

Ricki-Lee treated the waiting crowd of entertainment media and music industry-types to four stunning live performances – I seriously don’t know where she gets her energy from!

Ricki-Lee comments about her excitement at the launch of the campaign “I could never have dreamed I would one day become a COVERGIRL joining the ranks of Drew Barrymore, Sophia Vergara, Ellen DeGeneres and Taylor Swift! I think I will need to pinch myself when I first walk into a supermarket and see my face in the beauty aisle. It really is such an honour.”

The launch of the COVERGIRL campaign comes hot off the heels of the meteoric return of Ricki-Lee following the recent success of her platinum hit singles ‘Do It Like That’ and ‘Raining Diamonds’ from her soon to be released album, ‘Fear & Freedom’ out 17 August 2012.

“Becoming a COVERGIRL marks a moment in my career I will never forget. It’s been a huge year for me so far and set to get even bigger. Watch out Australia!” says Ricki-Lee.

See Ricki-Lee performing for COVERGIRL:

After the performances a Q & A with Ricki-Less might have worked quite well, as it did feel like she was more the entertainment for the night, rather than the new face of the brand, however that’s just my PR-head talking out loud, overall it was a great event, with great food and drink, stunning views and fab entertainment. Oh and the goody bags were pretty awesome too!

Leigh Campbell (Cosmopolitan Beauty Director) & Alexis Elia (Beauty and lifestyle Director Shop til you Drop)

Mercy Watson & Nicholas Meimaris

Elise Phillips, Helen Lee & Jaime Chew

The film follows Sherrie Christian (played by Julianne Hough) who moves to Hollywood to follow her dream of becoming a singer (hmmm starting to feel like I’ve heard this many a time before…), who upon arriving in Hollywood she scores a job as a waitress of the Bourbon Room. The venue is an old school rock and roll bar and hosts gigs of upcoming and shining stars – Including Stacee Jaxx – A ‘rock god’ played by Tom Cruise.

Cue inevitable ‘break-into-song’ moments and the ultimate love back story that is cheesy to say the least. It is obvious from the start that the film is a massive piss take, which unfortunately didn’t click with a lot of the preview audience, who audibly scoffed and laughed at particularly cringe-worthy moments in the film.

Hough and Boneta have great chemistry on-screen, which makes you believe their romance.

The humour and ‘tongue in cheek’ elements of the film wasn’t lost on me, however I do think at times they pushed it slightly too far. Catherine Zeta-Jones could be accused of overacting in her role that saw her as the mayor’s wife who has a crusade to shut down the Bourbon Room and prevent her nemesis – Stacee Jaxx from performing his last ever gig there as part of a band.

Russel Brand pretty much plays himself as a Brit Bar back that has no interest in serving alcohol – he does provide some comical moments in the film – I guess they do say: “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it!”

Credit where credit is due, Tom Cruise is brilliant in his role as Stacee Jaxx and actually borders on cool – which in my opinion, he hasn’t done in a VERY long time (apart from his turn as talent manager in Tropic Thunder, which is brilliant).

Suffice to say, if you watch the film in the spirit it is intended and enjoy the brilliant soundtrack, it is a fun film, which has an enjoyable yet predictable story line.

It certainly isn’t to everyone’s taste, would love to know which side you’re on – Love it or hate it?

It will be at cinemas across Australia on June 14th 2012.

Here are some exclusive interviews with the case and behind the scenes footage for you:

The launch was held at The Winery in Surry Hills, one of my favourite eateries and wine bars in Sydney, which is part of the Keystone Group! Located on central Crown Street in Surry Hills, it is the ideal location for an after work event (especially as it was blowing a gale outside and we were in the middle of a storm, The Winery provided the perfect after work retreat!)

In addition to an introduction to the products, we were also treated to a Q& A by the stunning and lovely Alexis Elia, a role model of mine. Alexis is the Beauty and lifestyle Director over at Shop til you Drop and knows a thing or two about beauty products.

The gorgeous Alexis – Beauty and Lifestyle Director – STYD

Upon arrival I was presented with the most amazing Strawberry cocktail, the options were mango and strawberry to reflect the new shower products from Palmolive! I chatted to the girls I’d met before, along with some new faces I hadn’t seen before, all whilst being treated to the most amazing canapés – mini shepherds pies, quiches, roast beef on rye bread and salmon, yum!

After a nibble, we sat down and Alexis spoke about beauty products and what they meant to her, i.e. the reasons why you associate smells with memories and that a recent study has shown that nice smells can be associated with pain loss – to which she added if that’s the case she’s taking a shed load of the new Palmolive Strawberry Smoother Body Butter Body Wash and Luscious Mango Body Butter Body Wash with her when she has children, ha!

They smell amazing! Strawberry is perfect for pre fake tan session!!

Complete with delicious strawberry and mango fragrances, these indulgent new body washes provide the perfect fusion of cleansing shower gel and ultra-moisturising body butter to leave skin satiny smooth and superbly clean.

When then mingled for another hour or so and then braved the rain to head home about 8pm – it was a school night after all! I got back just in time to hear Cheryl Cole screech her way though ‘I need you now’ for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee concert. (As a side note, I’ve lived here in Australia for nearly four years and watching the Jubilee celebrations back in London made me feel more homesick than I ever have… I digress)

After the concert I decided to trial the products before bedtime, and might I just say wow! They’re so rich and creamy in texture, the Palmolive Strawberry Smoother Body Butter Body Wash uses small exfoliating particles which work to scrub away old cells and leave your skin’s surface looking soft and supple, which is just perfect if you’re looking to apply some fake tan after as it takes away all the dead skin cells so your tan lasts longer! Even better it’s gentle enough to be used as part of your daily beauty regime; you’ll be blown away by the gorgeous berry fragrance that lingers on your skin after each wash.

The indulgent Palmolive Luscious Mango Body Butter Body Wash is a pampering must! It is so creamy, you actually feel like you’re rubbing moisturising lotion into your skin in the shower, I’m also told that the formula provides long-lasting moisture and hydration, I wasn’t disappointed.

So if you’re looking for the perfect way to indulge in some ‘me’ time and bring a little bit of sunshine to your daily shower ritual over the winter months in Sydney – with all the benefits of gorgeous fragranced, super soft skin – then you have no excuse not to try the new Strawberry Smoother Body Butter and Luscious Mango Body Butter body washes from Palmolive!

Priced at only $6.49 (400ml), both variants are available at your nearest supermarket and selected pharmacies now.

For further information please call Palmolive’s Consumer Information Service on 1800 802 307.

Thank you to magnum PR for inviting me along to review the product and giving me some lovely samples to take away and trial.

Sydney Social 101 received no payment for this post – all views expressed are my own!

EXPERT TALKS: The Cinema According to Bertolucci

Screening of Gianni Amelio’s 1976 documentary followed by a discussion with scholar and Italian cinema specialist Dr Andrea Rizzi.
Gianni Amelio’s fascinating documentary The Cinema According to Bertolucci  imaginatively explores the making of Bertolucci’s political epic, 1900. Amelio interviews Bertolucci between takes from key scenes featuring Robert De Niro, Gérard Depardieu and Donald Sutherland, as the director explains his desire to “speak of the land where [he] was born and the most formative time of [his] life.” In a memorable on-set interview, a Hemingway-esque Sterling Hayden, dressed in character as peasant patriarch Leo Dalcò and sporting a complexion like ‘overcooked bread’ (according to his director), poetically ruminates on the ‘beauty, depth and mystery’ of Bertolucci’s filmmaking process. It’s ‘probably the most probing and intimate record of Bertolucci at work,’ according to Cinehouse UK.

Join us for a free screening at the Sydney Film Festival Hub @ Lower Town Hall!

Print Source: Cinecittà Luce | Rights: Cinecittà Luce

FREE

Friday 15 June, 5-7pm

Sydney Film Festival Hub @ Lower Town Hall

483 George Street (enter on Druitt Street)

EXPERT TALKS: Fabrizo Maltese, Confessions of a Festival Photographer

Thursday 7 June, 6-6.30pm

Photographer Fabrizio Maltese talks about his travels to the world’s most prestigious film festivals to shoot intimate, one-on-one portraits, capturing actors and directors when they play themselves… or pretend to.

Full of juicy anecdotes and fascinating insights, this talk by Fabrizio Maltese is the perfect introduction to his new exhibition Role / Play, which bring portraits of some of the world’s most talented actors and directors to the Festival Hub for 11 days only.

Anand Patwardhan and Tom Zubrycki

Friday 8 June, 6-7:30pm

Hear Indian director Anand Patwardhan (Jai Bhim Comrade) in conversation with acclaimed Australian documentary filmmaker Tom Zubrycki.

Anand Patwardhan has been making political documentaries for three decades, pursuing diverse and controversial issues at the crux of social and political life in India. Many of his films were banned by state television channels in India, Patwardhan successfully challenged the censorship rulings in court. Interviewing Anand Patwardhan is Tom Zubrycki, who has earned an international reputation for his substantial and widely-respected body of Australian documentaries, tackling diverse issues from immigration and racial prejudice to civil unrest and unionism. Presented in association with the Australian Directors Guild and OzDox.

EXPERT TALKS: Stephen Maing in conversation with Joost den Hartog

Saturday 9 June, 5-6pm

Catch filmmaker Stephen Maing in conversation with Joost den Hartog, Executive Director of the Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC). Stephen Maing is a Korean-American filmmaker and artist based in New York. He is the director of several award-winning short films, as well as co-producer and editor of the feature documentary Lioness. He received a 2009 Creative Promise Award Honorable Mention at the Tribeca Film Festival and the Special Jury Prize at the 2012 Independent Film Festival of Boston. Stephen brings to Sydney Film Festival his new feature documentary shot in China, High Tech, Low Life, which looks at decentralized media and the conflict between personal and political identity.

Before joining AIDC, Joost den Hartog was the producer of the Forum for International Co-Financing in Amsterdam. He also worked for the Toronto Documentary Forum and has been involved with AIDC since 2005, first as marketplace coordinator and since 2006 as Executive Director.

Stephen Maing‘s attendance at the festival is made possible by the support of the Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC)

EXPERT TALKS: AFTRS Presents Five Films for an Alien

Sunday 10 June, 6-7:30pm

What if you had to explain cinema to someone from another planet using only five films as examples? Which films would you pick, and why? Directors Kriv Stenders (Red Dog) and Bruce Beresford (Mao’s Last Dancer), screenwriter John Collee (Happy Feet) and Screen Australia CEO Dr. Ruth Harley share their picks in an entertaining panel moderated by AFTRS Head of Screen Studies, Karen Pearlman.

EXPERT TALKS: Oliver Hermanus and Tony Krawitz

Monday 11 June, 6-7:30pm

Catch South African filmmaker Oliver Hermanus (Beauty) in conversation with acclaimed Australian director Tony Krawitz (Dead Europe).

Oliver Hermanus studied film at the University of Cape Town, UC Santa Barbara and the London Film School. His debut feature Shirley Adams appeared at the Locarno International Film Festival in 2009 and has subsequently been screened in over a dozen countries (including SFF2010). His new film Beauty premiered in Un Certain Regard at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Queer Palm.

Interviewing Oliver Hermanus is acclaimed Australian director Tony Krawitz (Jewboy, The Tall Man). His latest film Dead Europe premieres in Official Competition at SFF. Presented in association with the Australian Directors Guild.

EXPERT TALKS: Shadowcatchers: Panel and Book Signing

Tuesday 12 June, 7-8pm

Listen to award-winning cinematographers including Andrew Commis (Mabo), Anna Howard (South Solitary, SFF 2010), Danny Ruhlmann (Little Fish) and Peter James (Mao’s Last Dancer) – share their experience of working in a digital environment, in a panel chaired by Erika Addis from AFTRS.

Author Martha Ansara and featured cinematographers will be signing copies of the Australian Cinematographers Society’s newly published photographic book The Shadowcatchers: A History of Australian Cinematography.

EXPERT TALKS: The Cinema According to Bertolucci

Friday 15 June, 5-7pm

The free screening of Gianni Amelio’s 1976 documentary is followed by a discussion with scholar and Italian cinema specialist Dr. Andrea Rizzi.
Gianni Amelio’s fascinating documentary The Cinema according to Bertolucci imaginatively explores the making of Bertolucci’s political epic, 1900 and screens in SFF’s Bertolucci retrospective. Amelio interviews Bertolucci between takes from key scenes featuring Robert De Niro, Gérard Depardieu and Donald Sutherland, as the director explains his desire to ‘speak of the land where [he] was born and the most formative time of [his] life.’ In a memorable on-set interview, a Hemingway-esque Sterling Hayden, dressed in character as peasant patriarch Leo Dalcò and sporting a complexion like ‘overcooked bread’ (according to his director), poetically ruminates on the ‘beauty, depth and mystery’ of Bertolucci’s filmmaking process. It’s ‘probably the most probing and intimate record of Bertolucci at work,’ according to Cinehouse UK.

Join us for a free screening at the Sydney Film Festival Hub @ Lower Town Hall!

EXPERT TALKS: Interactive Storytelling: The Shape of Things to Come

Friday 15 June, 7-8.30pm

New digital technologies are transforming the way content producers are writing, producing and delivering new work, opening up exciting opportunities for interactive storytelling. Discover how Australian artists, documentary makers and producers are harnessing these new possibilities to create innovative transmedia stories and interactive web documentaries. Get the lowdown on the latest trends and sneak a peek at some truly groundbreaking work.

The panel is chaired by Mike Jones, AFTRS screen studies lecturer (and Head of Story at Portal Entertainment).

Panelists include:

-          Mike Cowap, Investment Manager, Screen Australia

-          Nick Doherty, Managing Editor, SBS Online

-          Anna Grieve, producer (Croker Island Exodus, screening in SFF’s 2012 FOXTEL Australian Documentary Prize competition;  Big Stories Small Town)

-          Julia Scott-Stevenson, writer, documentary programmer and filmmaker

-          Justin Wight, 2012 Rasmussen Award winner for Double Happy vs. The Infinite Sadness

EXPERT TALKS: The Future of the Cinema Experience

Saturday 16 June, 7-8.30pm

Will cinemas go the way of the video store? Will our attention span shrink along with the size of screens? Will 3D, 4D or 48fps save the cinema experience? How will we engage with cinema in the future and what’s at stake for? If the diversity of what’s on our screens is under threat, is there an opportunity to redefine cinephilia as a form of activism or resistance? Join our panel of film buffs and practitioners as we explore the evolving ways in which we view, experience, share and discuss cinema.

The panel will be chaired by Radio National’s Jason Di Rosso.  You’ll also hear from:

-          Kleber Mendonça Filho, writer, programmer and filmmaker (SFF Official Competition film Neighbouring Sounds)

-          Boyd Van Hoeij, film critic and SFF Official Competition jury member

-          Richard Sowada, Head of Film Programs at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image

-          Alice Tynan, film critic and host of Friday on My Mind at AFTRS

EXPERT TALKS: Introducing the 2012 Dendy Awards Filmmakers

Sunday 17 June, 2-4pm

Metro Screen presents a panel discussion featuring the diverse group of Dendy Awards finalists, who will share their experiences and discuss current trends at the vanguard of Australia’s short-film industry.

Speakers are: Billie Pleffer (B I N O), Martha Goddard (Dance Me to the End of Love), Alethea Jones (Dave’s Dead), Mirrah Foulkes (Dumpy Goes to the Big Smoke), Matthew Moore (Julian), Darcy Prendergast (Rippled), Marieka Walsh (The Hunter), Christopher Kezelos (The Maker), Grant Scicluna (The Wilding) and Michael Spiccia (Yardbird).

Festival Hub is programmed by Mathieu Ravier, director of The Festivalists, the non-profit company behind Sydney events such Jurassic Lounge, Possible Worlds Film Festival and Kino Sydney. www.thefestivalists.com

ABOUT SYDNEY FILM FESTIVAL

Sydney Film Festival screens feature films, documentaries, short films and animations across the city at the State Theatre, Event Cinemas George Street, Dendy Opera Quays and the Art Gallery of NSW. The festival is a major event on the New South Wales cultural calendar and is one of the world’s longest-running film festivals. For more information visit http://www.sff.org.au

The 59th Sydney Film Festival is supported by the NSW Government through Arts NSW, the Federal Government through Screen Australia, and the City of Sydney. The festival’s Strategic partner is the NSW Government through Destination NSW.

What: Sydney Film Festival

When: 6-17 June, 2012

Tickets & Info: 1300 733 733 www.sff.org.au