Money can buy you a fine dog but only love can make him wag his tail-Kinky Friedman
This statement summarises the movie OINK very well, which is directed by Mascha Halberstad. The movie revolves around the story of a nine-year-old called Babs who has a deep love for animals, especially dogs. Her birthday was coming and she wanted a small puppy as a birthday present; however, her dad was allergic to dogs so they could never have a dog inside or near their home.
One day Bab's grandpa returned from abroad and he stayed at their house. Babs’s mother and grandmother were not very happy with Grandpa's return however after seeing the Babs and grandfather relationship they were getting comfortable having Grandpa around.
On Babs’s birthday day, she was expecting a dog as a gift however her parents gave her the garden kit. The grandfather understood that she loved animals however she couldn't have a dog at her place, but Grandpa decided to take her to the farm and gift her a small piglet named Oink.'
Babs was really happy with Oink, however, they had to go through a puppy test so that Oink could stay at their home. As you say love is the universal language that can be understood by anyone, therefore Oink manages to pass the puppy test and stays with Babs at her place.
Grandpa was very helpful and taught Babs how to take care of Oink. However, the reality was something else. Grandpa was a butcher by profession, and what he was doing was preparing the Oink for the sausage competition.
Eventually, Babs and her whole family including her friend Tijn, came to know the reality of Grandpa and they followed him through to the sausage competition place. With the help of everyone they were able to save Oink, however, the grandpa was mad to win the competition and he used Oink’s poop sausage and was thrown out of the competition.
The Oink movie is very well executed and presented on the screen. The whole team has done a really commendable job. The movie keeps us very engaged and doesn't let us blink an eye. It's a very interesting story, and kids especially love it.
It also gives us the message about animal love and how we should not kill or eat them. The characters are designed very well, and this storytelling and the whole animation work are done incredibly great. In this summer holiday, we highly recommend you take your kids and family to watch this movie and teach your kids to love animals and not kill them to bring food to your table. Please go and watch this great movie, in your nearby cinemas on 19th October. Bohemian Rhapsody Club Magazine Amit Singh Saini
While seeking revenge, dig two graves- One for yourself.
This movie will make us think twice for the above quote if it's right or wrong. Should we leave the culprit in law's hands or we should take revenge for revenge?
The Cost is a very intense story directed by great director Mathew Holmes and acted by Jordan and Damon. The movie revolves around the story of two main leads who are trying to take revenge from the man (Troy) who killed Aaron’s wife and David’s sister.
The movie takes you through some very hatred emotion at the same time very vulnerable or empathetic emotions of human beings. While doing anything wrong, we usually forget in anger that it's wrong and we go on a bad path, however the inner good person from within us always tries to stop us from doing the wrong thing. Similar things happen to Aaron when after his 3 years of planning with his brother-in-law David, to punish and kill Troy, who raped and killed his wife. They wanted to take the anger out and were ready to avenge Troy for his deeds.
Though, Troy was already punished by the court and spent some years in jail, where he got raped himself several times. Time and circumstances mostly bring the changes to human beings and we saw when Troy had the chance to kill Aaron with stone, however, he decided not to, as he wanted to not harm anyone anymore in life.
The movie really depicts the true human emotions, where sometimes we are confused like David’s or strong-headed like Troy. It is a great piece of art and a must-watch.
It is great teamwork, amazing direction by Mathew, and great screenplay by all the actors. We wish all the best to the whole team and look forward to many great stories in the future.
Best Wishes Bohemian Rhapsody Club Magazine Amit Singh Saini
ARMENIAN FILM FESTIVAL 2023: ARARAT UNCOVERED NEW website review: Marina Sklyar
Armenia Unveiled: A Journey Through History and Dreams
Armenia, a land rich in history and allure, had always intrigued me, beckoning me with its tales of the past. Despite never setting foot on its soil, my fascination only grew over time, fuelled by my deep-seated love for history. However, destiny had a plan, and this year, it revealed an opportunity to experience Armenia in a way I had never imagined – through the captivating lens of the Armenian Film Festival.
This unique cinematic voyage, illuminated by the work of Kev Orkian, took us on a breathtaking journey to the heart of Armenia, with its crown jewel, Mount Ararat, where the fabled Noah's Ark found its resting place, as recounted in the Torah. Kev Orkian, a talented British-Armenian comedian known for his global performances, weaves his own personal dream into the fabric of this documentary – the dream of conquering Mount Ararat. His singular narrative unfolds against the backdrop of Armenia's majestic history, leading us through an odyssey that transcends both time and space.
Throughout his quest, Kev's travels lead him to numerous remarkable locales, including the medieval Armenian city of Ani, once known as the "City of 1,001 Churches." This city served as the proud capital of the Bagratid Armenian Kingdom, which once stretched across what is now Armenia and eastern Turkey. The juxtaposition of Kev's comedic misadventures against this historical tapestry creates a narrative that is both captivating and comical.
The pinnacle of this whimsical tale finds us atop the icy summit of Mount Ararat, where up to 400 visitors make the pilgrimage each day. Along the way, Kev encounters a cast of local characters who become unsung heroes in his quest. Their contributions, both on and off screen, deserve special mention, for they infuse the documentary with a sense of light heartedness that makes it a joy to watch.
"Ararat Uncovered " defies the conventions of traditional documentaries. It is, in my estimation, a masterfully crafted blend of comedy and drama, leaving audiences with a profound mix of emotions – joy, happiness, hope, and even a hint of sorrow. This cinematic journey has opened the door to Armenian culture for me, and it is a door I am eager to step through again and again. As I look forward to my own future voyage to this extraordinary land, I am filled with gratitude for "Armenia Unveiled," which has kindled a deep and lasting connection to this remarkable country.
Marina Skliar
PART 2 OF THE EVENT: COVID-MOVID by stand up comedian Kev
Kev Orkian's Hilarious Take on Armenian Culture and Family Dynamics in the Age of Covid
Kev Orkian, the British-Armenian comedian with a unique flair for humour, recently delivered a performance that masterfully blended laughter with a heartfelt exploration of Armenian culture and the challenges faced by families during the Covid-19 pandemic. In his show, Orkian seamlessly weaves together anecdotes from his personal life, insights into Armenian traditions, and the complexities of intergenerational relationships, leaving the audience both in stitches and deep in thought. Orkian's ability to navigate sensitive topics with a light-hearted touch is truly commendable. He tackles the subject of how people in Armenia reacted to the Covid-19 pandemic, giving the audience a glimpse into the resilience and resourcefulness of the Armenian people during challenging times. Through his comedic lens, he manages to shed light on the seriousness of the situation while providing much-needed laughter as a coping mechanism.
One of the highlights of Orkian's show is his humorous take on his family's experiences, particularly his mother-in-law's interpretation of moving from Armenia. His anecdotes paint a vivid picture of the cultural clashes and misunderstandings that can arise when individuals from different backgrounds come together under one roof. Orkian's ability to find humour in these situations not only tickles the audience's funny bone but also serves as a reminder of the universal challenges faced by many families. However, what truly sets Orkian's performance apart is his exploration of the differences between generations within Armenian families. He delves into the challenges faced by young people who were born in Armenia and are now reunited with their grandparents, who often do not speak English. The poignant portrayal of these multi-generational relationships, where language barriers exist, evokes both laughter and empathy from the audience. Orkian skilfully captures the beauty of these connections that transcend words and language.
In conclusion, Kev Orkian's performance is a masterclass in comedic storytelling that seamlessly blends humour with cultural insights and emotional depth. His ability to shed light on the Armenian culture and the dynamics of family life in the age of Covid-19 is nothing short of remarkable. Orkian's show is a must-see for anyone looking for a heartwarming and side-splitting exploration of the human experience.
If you are in front of me, I'm going to use you as my canvas to show my art -the line shows the emotion of every individual who has gone through a tough time or an artist who wants to showcase their talent to the world. Similarly, Stylebender is the story of a Nigerian-born immigrant who lives in New Zealand, Israel Adesanya. Stylebender, directed by Zoe McIntosh, is the story of an MMA fighter who has seen a lot of racism and bullying and decided to use that emotion as a shield of power. He is a multifaceted character who is a fighter and dancer yet also very attached to his sensitive and vulnerable side. Israel's coach Eugene is the backbone of his career. Janet Redmond, his possibility manager (a type of psychologist) helped him bring his emotional and vulnerable side out and use it positively in his fights.
Israel’s life took us through the story of every other immigrant who left their own country and shifted to a new part of the world for a better life. These immigrants have to go through a lot in their lives while settling in the new country. It's a story of many other individuals who faced racism, rejections, bowling, and tough times while settling in the new place. The film took us through the life of Israel from childhood till his MMA championship journey yet a controversial and powerful journey. Sometimes you forget about others' pain because we believe our pain is the biggest in the world. Likewise in the life of these fighters, they have to go through a lot of hatred and threats.
An unstoppable sadness came to Israel's life after the death of his training partner in a street fight. He was struggling internally and made a controversial social media statement which brought a lot of negativities in his career and also alienated him from Eugene. It took a lot of focus, blood, and sweat from Israel’s life to meet him UFC middleweight champion. The film has managed to break through the preconceived notion of a male fighter who is supposed to be tough and rough but reminds us they are also human in the end and have their emotional tolls.
Israel's life is indeed an inspiration to many people around the globe. Israel teaches us how to hold the anger in our hearts and use it in our passion. He also inspires us to stay rooted and grounded with our family and background, yet forget to lose focus.
The story is very well written and executed by the whole team. The world needs more of these real-life-inspiring stories to give us a push during our tough times. All these inspiring stories sometimes can help someone to change their whole life and we urge the whole team of Stylebender to continue to write and showcase such stories.
Bohemian Rhapsody and Club Magazine Amit Singh Saini
SCRAPPER is a quirky comedy-drama that captures the hearts of the world. It's directed by Charlotte Regan
, a young English director, who made her name with this debut film, that already won the World Drama Competition at Sundance this year.
Regan, who grew up in Islington in central London with her mother and grandmother, got into filmmaking by directing music videos for local rappers from the age of 15.
“All my friends at the time were grime rappers or drill rappers and lived near my nanny,” she says. “I wasn’t cool enough to rap, so they gave me a camera and made me start making their videos. So I did that for about six or seven years.”
This comic drama follows a brave and resourceful 12-year-old girl, Georgie (played by up-and-coming actress Lola Campbell), who lives alone in an apartment after the death of her mother. She watches TV with her best friend Ali (Alin Uzun) in a baggy West Ham football shirt, who steals bicycles for money to get food and cleverly persuades social workers by claiming that an uncle named Winston Churchill is looking after her.
But everything changes when a 30-year-old man with a sketchy past and a bad Eminem haircut, Jason (Harris Dickinson, looking unrecognizable from his role as a male model in Triangle of Sadness), shows up and says he's her father and wants to stay with her.
The film is set in a rough area of London and has been compared to other English working class films. But it's far more optimistic - with elements of magical realism - than the gritty films of Ken Loach, Andrea Arnold and Mike Leigh.
ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL 2023: The Eight Mountains website review: Marina Sklyar
St. ALi Italian Film Festival Presented by Palace 2023 by Palace Cinemas, Palace Films and Miranda Brown Publicity runs 22 September - 18 October 2023 at Palace Cinemas across Australia
please follow review of THE EIGHT MOUNTAINS film (from the list of special festival highlights) by Marina Sklyar from the special media opening event in Melbourne
special thanks: Miranda Brown
"The Eight Mountains" (Le Otto Montagne) is a captivating drama that delves into the enduring friendship between two pre-teen boys, set against the backdrop of two contrasting environments: city life and the serene countryside in the mountains. This heartwarming film skilfully navigates the complexities of life and the unpredictability of destiny, leaving audiences reflecting on the choices they make and the paths they choose for themselves.
At its core, the movie beautifully portrays the two distinct worlds inhabited by the two young protagonists. Their annual summer school holidays provide a brief respite from their separate lives, creating a touching narrative that spans many years. As the boys grow into fine young men, the film artfully depicts how they navigate the diverse challenges life throws at them. The film serves as a poignant reminder that life is replete with surprises, and it's impossible to predict what's truly best for ourselves or our children. It highlights the stark contrast between urban and rural living, showcasing the profound impact these environments can have on one's character and values. The picturesque landscapes of the mountains serve as a breathtaking backdrop to this exploration of friendship and personal growth. Ultimately, "The Eight Mountains" is a thought-provoking film that invites viewers to contemplate the inexorable cycle of life. It underscores the notion that we come into this world with nothing and depart from it with nothing, urging us to consider the choices we make and the connections we nurture along the way. This poignant drama is a testament to the enduring power of friendship and the profound influence of our surroundings, making it a must-watch for those seeking a deeply moving and introspective cinematic experience.
Biosphere is a story of two childhood friends who happened to be the last two people on earth. This story is presented by blue fox entertainment and produced by duplass brothers’ production. Ray and Billy are the two main characters of the movie, who are directed by Mel Eslyn.
It's a science fiction story about the only two survivors on earth, who happened to be childhood friends and also the former president of the United States of America( Billy) and a scientist(Ray). They both were living in a Dome built by ray that protected them from the outside environment. The Dome consisted of all the basic necessities needed for the home and they also maintained a fish pond which had three fish, one female and two male. Billy and Ray got stressed after the death of the female fish because they were only left with 2 male fish which could have caused problems for them for future food. One of the male fish appears to be dying however Ray finds out that the fish was going through some changes to continue the breeding. They also noticed a green light outside the Dome on that same night.
Once they were convinced that the fish was going through sequential hermaphroditism, Billy realised that he was also going through the same changes and developing the female sex organs. It was very difficult initially for Billy to accept this change but slowly he became comfortable and suggested to Ray to try to have a child together.
Due to the homophobic family background, Ray completely opposed the idea of having a child however later he agreed and decided to have a sex with Billy with the sheet over Billy's body which eventually got pulled off by Ray and they both kissed each other.
Both became closer, after Billy became pregnant. Suddenly one night a big storm hit the dome and broke the window and Ray had two use the base sheet of the pond to patch the broken panels, which eventually led to breakage of fishpond and death of all fish.
Next morning both saw some Aurora lights which indicates that skies are becoming less cloudy. Ray was very stressed after the whole situation and seeing the food ending with the dead fish. Where Billy was trying to convince and motivate Ray to keep the hope. Both the actors did an amazing job and justice to the story. The dialogues are well written and the story is very well directed. It's a very interesting and different story. We will suggest that you go and watch it with your family and friends. Bohemian Rhapsody Weekly Magazine Amit Singh Saini
It is a documentary about about the late music promoter, Michael Gudinski that was world-premiered at the Melbourne International Film Festival in August.
A properly named "Ego: The Michael Gudinski Story" is "equally a celebration of the extraordinary Gudinski as an industry changemaker, champion star-maker and beloved family man and friend." A documentary is about the life and times of Gudinski. The film follows Gudinski, who died in March 2021 at the age of 68, and covers his life from a teenage dance event promoter to the biggest independent music promoter and record label boss in Australia.
Gudinsky was not just a figure of local importance. He has become a key player in the global touring music scene. Accordingly, the documentary includes interviews with some of the biggest international names in arena rock, including Dave Grohl, Sting, Ed Sheeran, Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel, as well as local legends Kylie Minogue and Jimmy Barnes.
Directed by veteran, Paul Goldman (Australian Rules, Suburban Mayhem), the film dives into the "unorthodox tactics" that helped Gudinski build a multimedia empire that included Mushroom Pictures, the production organization behind this tale of his life and career.
“He was always looking for something that no one had heard before,” says Jimmy Barnes in the trailer for the film.
“He had the energy of a rock drummer,” Sting notes.
Sound of Freedom Directed by Alejandro Monteverde. With Jim Caviezel, Bill Camp, Cristal Aparicio, Javier Godino.
This movie, based on true events, tracks the efforts of former US Homeland Security Agent Tim Ballard (Jim Caviezel) to uncover a child trafficking ring in Central and South America. A glamorous woman dupes parents into allowing their children to sign up to a “talent agency”, whereupon the children disappear into thin air.
After trawling through countless child trafficking sites Tim and his team gets some intel leading to an 8-year-old boy being rescued at the US/Mexican Border. Such was his cause to nail the child trafficking ring Tim resigns his post at Homeland Security and travels to Colombia. He teams up with a jovial ex con and former cartel manager (Bill Camp) who shares Tim’s conviction “God’s children are not for sale”. Some very suspenseful scenes in remote Colombia ensue with a ring being crushed and children brought to safety.
We learn that child trafficking for sex slavery grosses over $150 billion per year with a large portion of children being sent to the United States. Also, there are more people caught in slavery than ever before. In real life, Tim Ballard’s passion is rescuing exploited children and formed an organisation that was successful in saving 3,800 children.
Sound of Freedom is on release from today, 24 August.
Last Film Show is a film presented to Australian audiences by Rialto Distribution, written and directed by Pan Nalin. It is a true example of a saying: "a dream doesn't become reality through magic, it takes sweat, determination and hard work". Last Film Show is a heartwarming tale that follows the journey of a young Indian boy, Samay, with a passion for filmmaking, hailing from a modest background in a small town. The movie beautifully captures his determination and struggles as he strives to learn and pursue his dreams against all odds. The narrative resonates with themes of perseverance, the pursuit of one's passions and the power of ambition.
The main lead of the film, Samay, is a 7-8 year old boy. He comes from a very small town of North India; he was born and brought up in a poor family. His father is a tea seller near the railway station and his mother is a very good cook. Samay was more interested in movies than in his school studies. Once his father took his family for a movie, he became fascinated about filmmaking. After that he used to bunk his school and go to the film theatre to watch movies. He also made a friend at the movie theatre who used to work as a projector technician, and he taught Samay how a film reel works in a projector and how people can see the film on screen.
This world was so fascinating for Samay that he decided to show the movie to his friends at his village and also to his family. His passion for film making can also be seen when he stole film reels from railway station locker rooms with his friends and he prepared a small projector by using a bicycle wheel sewing machine and his mother's saree.
His love for filmmaking and to show the films to the world can also be seen when he started to paint the cinema hall with his friends and asked the cinema hall owner to let them all watch movies for free instead of paying them for the paint job. This movie will take you to the real emotions when new technology and computer games lead to throwing away the old projector and big reels that were used in old times. Samay was not only a true lover of filmmaking but also a very genuine friend who supported his projector technician during his tough time when he lost his job and Samay supported him to find a new job.
The film's portrayal of the young boy's journey from poverty to potentially achieving his aspiration offer some moving and inspiring experience for the audience reminding us of the universal human desire to overcome challenges and achieve greatness. All the actors did a tremendous job, and the film is very well executed. It's a great inspiring story with a great take away to never lose hope to fulfil your dreams. If you want to achieve anything in life you can do it with your determination and passion. We're inviting you all to watch this movie and learn from Samay , how to stay true to your passion and love. Regards Bohemian Rhapsody Weekly Magazine Amit Singh