#102

September 2014

In this issue:

● Editor’s Desk … Barboo A. H. Marinakis …1 ● Your film recommendations invited… 1 ● What’s Being Seen … Susan Davidson … 2 – 4 ● Starbox Ratings … Ian Davidson … 5 - 6 ● Cheerleaders, Guns and Motion Pictures … Barboo A. H. Marinakis … 7 – 8 ● FVFS Resources … 9 ● A Trip to the Northern Capital … John Arkins … 10 ● We Connect! … Ian and Susan Davidson … 11 – 12 ● Look at the Independent Films We Have for You! … Barboo A.H. Marinakis … 12 ● Some Notes on “Independents” … Prodos … 13

Recently got back from a very busy (see Indie Films Library and invite you to send in your Editor’s Desk page 6) and distracting (ask my Mom) film reviews & recommendations. John Arkins six-week trip to the USA. Running way shares a lighthearted look at the recent ACOFS behind schedule with this issue, we AGM in Sydney, and Ian and Susan write about their frantically tried to put the finishing touches road trip to Western Victoria and South Australia on it, sitting at L.A. Airport (in all its visiting 3 film societies. perpetual disarray), only to arrive home and get hit with computer problems. Is there a theme here? Yes, movement! Travel. Connecting. Learning. Sharing. Welcome to the Of course, the first thing Prodos did was to Film Society Movement of Australia! Loving it! rush off for a “real” (looks at me pointedly) coffee! Ready? Lights off! Imaginations ON! In this issue, check out the always-interesting Starbox scores and enjoy browsing through the list Barboo A H Marinakis of what other film societies have been screening, [email protected] thanks to Ian and Susan Davidson. PS: Please share this newsletter with friends and Read my article on our American film society colleagues! Print it out, email it, leave it lying around. adventures and Prodos’s notes on Hollywood You’ll be glad you did. outlaws. We draw your attention to the FVFS PPS: All illustrations hand-drawn by yours truly.

A Few Words

Is there a film you You're thinking of a film recommend? right now That film societies might I know you are and so am I! Enjoy to screen? So write your note To get them keen And briefly why We’d like you now to write! It made you think It got you clappin’ A paragraph, a word or two Send ReelNews Send it through The FVFS is proud to have your film review! David Stratton as our patron. And make like Stratton! fvfs.org.au

ReelNews #102, September 2014 :: Federation of Victorian Film Societies :: www.fvfs.org.au 1 Note: Screening info submitted after Across the Film Society Circuit June 01 2014 will be listed in the next Let ReelNews readers know what is being screened. Email Susan Davidson: [email protected]

Alpine Film Society Camberwell Film Society Flickside Film Society th ------The Women on the 6 Floor, France, (Arts Yackandandah) Arapiles Motion Picture Society 2011. Searching for Sugar Man, Sweden/UK, Incendies, Canada/France, 2010. Mud, USA, 2012. 2012. Snatch, UK/USA, 2000. Monsieur Lazhar, Canada, 2011. In the House, France, 2013. , Kazakhstan+, 2008. ------The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, USA, ------2013. Celebrate Israel ------Artist Film Screening Society Film Study Festival Geelong Classic Cinema Inc Israel: Birth of a Nation, USA/Israel, 1996 ------Travels with My Aunt, USA, 1972. Anti-Capitalism & Anti-Semitism, USA, Arts Group of Flinders Film Laura, USA, 1944. 2014 Gentlemen’s Agreement, UK, 1935. Society Wrestling with God, Israel, 2011 ------Suspicion, USA, 1941. ------Newsfront, Australia, 1978. Australian Bing Crosby Society Corangamite Film Society ------(Film Society Arm) Happiness Never Comes Alone. France, God Loves Atheists Each session screens a Bing Crosby film 2012. plus supporting feature from the same Ruby Sparks, USA, 2012. Film Study Festival era. , Australia,2001. Islam is NOT a Religion of Peace (The ------The Human Resources Manager, Israel, case for & against), UK, 2013 Penn & Teller: Bullshit!, (The Apocalypse, Ballarat Film Society & 2010. As It Is In Heaven, Sweden/Denmark, Astrology) USA Buninyong Film Festival 2004. ------The Master, USA, 2012. The Rocket, Australia, 2013. Le Havre, Finland/France/Germany, Goulburn Valley Film Club 2011. ------Searching for Sugar Man, Sweden/UK, Chasing Ice, USA, 2013. Court Film Society 2012. Les Enfants du Paradis, France, 1945. I Do, France, 2006. Stories We Tell, Canada, 2012. ------Adoration, Australia, 2013. The Lives of Others, Germany, 2006. ------Rust and Bone, France/Belgium, 2012. Bannockburn Movies ------Film Society & Film Festival Croydon Film Society The Rocket, Australia, 2013. Goulburn Valley U3A Film ------Beyond the Hills, Romania, 2013. Group Barwon Heads Film Society Much Ado About Nothing, USA, 2012. A Day in a Life, Canada, 2000. In the Heat of the Night, USA, 1967. A Hijacking, Denmark, 2012. ------A Hijacking, Denmark, 2012. Newsfront, Australia, 1978. Grampians Film Society (incl. Film Festival) Performance, USA, 2012. Oranges and Sunshine, UK/Australia, Mary and Max, Australia, 2009. Chinese Takeway, Argentina, 2011. 2010. Selection of short films. Argo, USA, 2012. As It Is In Heaven, Sweden, 2004. Fallout, Australia, 2013. ------Primo Bacio, Australia, 2013. Cinema Paradiso, Italy/France, 1988. Lygon Street: Si Parla Italiano, Australia, DADo Film Society Slumdog Millionaire, UK/India, 2008. 2013. Tugendhat House, Germany, 2013. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, ------My Playground, Denmark, 2009. France/UK/Germany, 2011. Oil Rocks: City Above the Sea, ------Beechworth Film Society Switzerland, 2009. Horsham Film Society ------Frances Ha, USA, 2012. Big Picture Film Society F Project Cinema Ilo Ilo, Singapore, 2013. ------The Look of Love, UK/USA, 2013. Barbara, German, 2012. Bright Film Society ------Beyond the Hills, Romania, 2013. Pearls of the Far East, Canada/Vietnam, Far East Film Society ------2011. ------Intermittent Cinema Club In the Name of the Father, ------Ireland/UK/USA, 1993. Ferntree Gully Film Society The Intouchables, France, 2011. The Imposter, UK, 2012. International Film Group Turtles Can Fly, Iran, 2004. You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet, Amour, France, 2012. Hitchcock, USA, 2012. France/Germany, 2012. The Rocket, Australia, 2012. Backyard Ashes, Australia, 2013. What Maisie Kew, USA, 2012. Beyond the Hills, Romania, 2012. ------Performance (A Late Quartet), USA, Flexible Respite Film Society 2012. British History ------Film Study Festival ------Continued next page... Monarchy (The Glorious Revolution), UK, 2013 FILM TRIVIAL ALERT! Most elderly person to embark on professional movie career? Aussie born, Lydia ------Yeamans Titus. Debuted in Rudolph Valentino Film “All Night” (1918). Played in 50+ films. Died 1929, 95 yo.

ReelNews #102, September 2014 :: Federation of Victorian Film Societies :: www.fvfs.org.au 2 Note: Screening info submitted after Across the Film Society Circuit June 01 2014 will be listed in the next Let ReelNews readers know what is being screened. Email Susan Davidson: [email protected]

Liberate Education! Network Film Club Red Rock Film Society Film Study Festival ------In a Better World, Denmark, 2010. Old Scotch Film Society Trance, UK/France, 2013. Profit & Freedom in Third World Chinese Takeaway, Argentina, 2011. Goodnight, Mr Tom, UK, 1998. Education, UK, 2009 Four Minutes, Germany, 2006. A Separation, Iran, 2011. 2 Million Minutes: A Global Examination, Rust and Bone,France/Belgium, 2012. Invictus, South Africa, 2009. USA/China/India, 2008 ------Murder By Death, UK, 1976. Red Rum Film Society Lounge Lizards Film Society ------Phillip Island Movie Club The Hunt, Denmark, 2012. ------Mood Indigo, France, 2012. LV Film Society ------The Angels’ Share, UK, 2012. The Artist, France/Belgium/USA, 2011. Plaza Cinema Group The Lives of Others, Germany, 2006. The Hunt, Denmark, 2013. ------Nebraska, USA, 2014. Port Fairy Film Society Science and Technology ------Film Study Festival Macartan Club (Inc) Film Portarlington Film Society Penn & Teller: Bullshit!, (Video Games, Apocalypse, Astrology) USA Society My Afternoons with Margueritte, Evidence & Science vs Myths & Fallacies ------France,2010. (shorts), USA Macedon Ranges Film Society The Italian, Russia, 2005. The Sapphires, Australia, 2012. House of Flying Daggers, China, 2004. ------The History Boys, UK, 2006. To Catch a Thief, USA, 1955. Smart Girls Film Club The Band’s Visit, Israel, 2007. The Reluctant Fundamentalist, War on Women: Truth & Lies, USA, 2014 Memento, USA, 2000. USA/UK/Qatar, 2012. ------The Constant Gardener, UK, 2005. Mary and Max, Australia, 2009. St Andrews Film Society ------Portland Film Society Melbourne Horror Film Society St Dunstan's Hall Film Society Invasion of the Body Snatchers, USA, Amour, France, 2012. The Rocket, Australia/Laos, 2013. On Golden Pond, USA, 1981. 1978. The Railway Man, Australia, 2013. ------Pearls of the Far East, Canada/Vietnam, Melbourne Zombie Film Society PRODOS Film Study Group 2011. ------Lars Seier Christensen and the Seven Beyond the Hills, Romania, 2012. Objectivists Virtues, UK, 2013 ------Moira Film Group Limiting Government vs Limiting Citizens, The Picture Show Man, Australia, 1977. USA (shorts) Sun Country Movie Club The Goddess, (version unknown). EconPop series, How Economics is The Sapphires, Australia, 2012. The Book Thief, USA/Germany, 2013. Portrayed in Movies (3 studies), USA, A Day in a Life, Canada, 2000. Philomena, UK, 2013. 2013 Gran Torino,USA, 2008 ------A Day in the Life (?) of the Axis of Evil Wild Hogs, USA, 2007. Moviehouse with Christopher Hitchens, USA, 2009 ------Rats of Tobruk, Australia, 1944. Ancient Greece: The Greatest Show on Teddy Bobo Film Club Excuse My Dust, USA, 1951. Earth. Parts 1: Democrats, Part 2: Kings, Eccentric short films + lateral thinking Hail the Conquering Hero, USA, 1944. Part 3: Romans, UK/Greece, 2013 exercises. Our Town, USA, 1940. Let’s Talk Topher! (50 to 1 Project), AUS, ------2012, 2013, 2014 Springfield Rifle, USA, 1952. The Impossible Film Club The Awful Truth, USA, 1937. The Forbidden History of Terrible Taxes & Unpopular People, AUS, 2012 Cartoons & The Meaning of Life (shorts) ------Bob Hope: Entrepreneur, Patriot, Pixar Shorts, USA (shorts) Moving Clickers Inc & Lorne Comedian, USA, 2003 Spiderman, USA, 2002 Film Festival Americans Leaving the Blues Behind. The ------Pearls of the Far East, Vietnam/Canada, Rise of the Red/Republican States, USA, Trentham Film Society 2011. 2012 Zero Dark Thirty, USA, 2012. North By Northwest, USA, 1959. The Saviour Generals -- When All Was The Angels’ Share, UK+, 2012. Everlasting Moments, Sweden, 2008. Lost & Hopeless, USA, 2013 The Sessions, USA, 2012. In Bob We Trust, Australia, 2013. ------Prom Coast Film Society WEAG Film Society Murrindindi Film Society Searching for Sugar Man, Sweden/UK, ------Muriel’s Wedding, Australia, 1994. 2012. Continued next page... Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, USA, Paul Kelly: Stories of Me, Australia, 2012. 1966. , Australia, 2010. FILM TRIVIA ALERT! To Kill a Mockingbird, USA, 1962. Monsieur Lazhar, Canada, 2011. ------Britain’s most prolific film composer Myrtleford Film Society was the second cousin of Gary Cooper, William Alwyn (1905-1985). ------

ReelNews #102, September 2014 :: Federation of Victorian Film Societies :: www.fvfs.org.au 3 Note: Screening info submitted after Across the Film Society Circuit June 01 2014 will be listed in the next Let ReelNews readers know what is being screened. Email Susan Davidson: [email protected]

Whitehorse Film Society Port Campbell Community Film South Australia Soul Kitchen, Germany, 2009. Festival Flinders FACT Society Searching for Sugar Man, Sweden/UK, (NPV Film Festival) ------2012. ------South Australia The Well Digger’s Daughter, France, Port Lincoln Film Society 2011. Valhalla Social Cinema True Grit, USA, 2012. Wake in Fright, Australia, 1971. ------The Orator, NZ/Samoa, 2011. The Life Aquatic, USA, 2004. South Australia The Shop Around the Corner, USA, 1940. Forbidden Zone, USA, 1980. Reels @ Wehl Film Society ------Grave of the Fireflies, Japan,1986. Prisoners, USA, 2013. Pom Poko, Japan, 1994. Williamstown Film Society The Hunt, Denmark, 2012. ------Pearls of the Far East, Canada/Vietnam, Golden Door, Italy/France, 2006. New South Wales 2011. The Adventures of Robin Hood, USA, 1938. Deniliquin Film Society and ------Hitchcock, USA, 2012. Film Festival South Australia ------Lessons in Chocolate, Italy, 2007. RiAus Film Society Yarra Ranges Film Society Jules and Jim, France, 1962. ------The Company You Keep, USA, 2012. ------South Australia Monsoon Wedding, India, 2001. South Australia Southern Fleurieu Film Society A Month in the Country, UK, 1987. Adelaide Cinematheque Zorba the Greek, Greece, 1964. Volver, Spain, 2006. ------The Third Man, UK, 1949. (incl.Warburton Film Festival) South Australia Frida, USA/Mexico, 2002. Fallout, Australia, 2012. Adelaide Film Study Group ------Departures, Japan, 2008. ------South Australia Tenderness, Belgium, 2013. South Australia Yankalilla & District Mystery Road, Australia, 2013. Over 50s Film Club The Rocket, Australia/Laos, 2013. Adelaide University Film The Fall, USA, 2006. Society ------Gloria, Chile, 2012. ------What Maisie Knew, USA, 2013. South Australia FILM TRIVIA ALERT! In the House, France, 2013. Barossa Film Club ------Contenders for most overused line in La Peau Douce (Soft Skin), France, 1964. movie scripts? Halls Gap Film Festival Ride the High Country, USA, 1961. (NPV Film Festival) My First Wife, Australia, 1984. A study of 350 Hollywood features ------from 1938 - 85 reveal 81% of Hollywood films used this phrase at “I’m the most fortunate self-taught least once: “Let’s get outta here.” harpist and non-speaking actor who The other contender for the title is has ever lived.” Harpo Marx “Try to get some sleep now.” CHECK Your film society’s details at FVFS.org.au/members HOW? o obtain your DVDs For corrections,Is everything updates, in changes,order? email T and get screening rights… [email protected] ACOFS Fact Sheet 3A Go to ACOFS.org.au Click “Resources”

ReelNews #102, September 2014 :: Federation of Victorian Film Societies :: www.fvfs.org.au 4 StarBox Ratings StarBox results received since ReelNews Issue 101 - April 2013 Send your StarBox results to [email protected] - See what others are screening at www.fvfs.org.au/ideas

DVD Title Society * DVD Title Society * Departures Warburton FF 4.7 Trishna Reels @ Wehl FS 4.2 As it is in Heaven Grampians FS 4.6 Well Digger’s Daughter, Whitehorse FS 4.2 Lives of Others, The Grampians FS 4.6 The Monsieur Lazhar Corangamite FS 4.6 Blue Jasmine Portland FS 4.1 Bran Nue Dae Murrindindi FS 4.5 Cinema Paradiso Grampians FS 4.1 Happiness Never Comes Brassed Off Grampians FS 4.5 Corangamite FS 4.1 Alone Chinese Takeaway Reels @ Wehl FS 4.5 Hunt, The St Andrews FS 4.1 Muriel’s wedding Murrindindi FS 4.5 Kon Tiki Croydon FS 4.1 Sessions, The Reels @ Wehl FS 4.5 Lady Be Good Port Fairy FS 4.1 Slumdog Millionaire Grampians FS 4.5 Monsieur Lazhar Bright Film Society 4.1 Amour International FG 4.4 Monsieur Lazhar Whitehorse FS 4.1 Argo Croydon FS 4.4 Mystery Road Warburton FF 4.1 Blue Jasmine Barwon Heads FS 4.4 Newsfront Croydon FS 4.1 Chinese Take-away Croydon FS 4.4 Rocket, The Corangamite FF 4.1 Four of a Kind Whitehorse review panel 4.4 Rocket, The Warburton FF 4.1 Hunt, The Reels @ Wehl 4.4 Searching for Sugar Man Goulburn Valley FS 4.1 Lygon St International FG 4.4 Third Man, The Southern Fleurieu FS 4.1 Marley Reels @ Wehl FS 4.4 Wadjda LV FS 4.1 Nebraska LV FS 4.4 Adam’s Rib Murrindindi FS 4 Other Son, The LV FS 4.4 Amour a Deux, L’ Reels @ Wehl FS 4 Other Son, The Myrtleford FS 4.4 Angel’s Share, The Corangamite FS 4 Pearls of the Far East Reels @ Wehl 4.4 Asterix & Obelix in Britain Grampians FS 4 Performance Croydon FS 4.4 Barbara Croydon FS 4 Quiet Life, A Reels @ Wehl FS 4.4 Dead Calm Murrindindi FS 4 Rocket, The Portland FS 4.4 Ilo Ilo Horsham Film Society 4 Royal Affair, A Reels @ Wehl FS 4.4 Performance (A Late To Kill a Mockingbird LV FS 4 Murrindindi FS 4.4 Quartet) (16mm) Prisoners Reels @ Wehl FS 4 What Maisie Knew Warburton FF 4.4 Reluctant Fundamentalist, White Ribbon, The Myrtleford FS 4.4 Portarlington FS 4 The 20 Feet from Stardom Portland FS 4.3 Third Man, The Barossa Film Club 4 Angels’ Share, The Whitehorse FS 4.3 What Maisie Knew LV FS 4 Beneath Hill 60 Williamstown FS 4.3 Who’s Afraid of Virginia Murrindindi FS 4 Hedgehog, The Barossa Film Club 4.3 Woolf? Hitchcock Whitehorse FS 4.3 Zorba the Greek Southern Fleurieu FS 4 Lives of Others, The Goulburn Valley FC 4.3 Artist, The LV FS 3.9 My Afternoons With Portarlington FS 4.3 Blue Jasmine Reels @ Wehl FS 3.9 Margueritte Headhunters Reels @ Wehl FS 3.9 Oranges and Sunshine Grampians FS 4.3 In The House Warburton FF 3.9 Rocket, The International FG 4.3 Incendes Arapiles FS 3.9 Shop Around the Corner Whitehorse FS 4.3 Project Wild Thing Corangamite FF 3.9 Welcome to the Sticks Corangamite FF 4.3 Adam’s Rib LV FS 3.8 Fallout Warburton FF 4.2 Basilicata Coast to Coast Reels @ Wehl FS 3.8 Hijacking, A Croydon FS 4.2 Beautiful Kate Southern Fleurieu FS 3.8 Hunt, The Croydon FS 4.2 Jindabyne Camberwell FS 3.8 Hunt, The LV FS 4.2 Lust Caution Barossa Film Club 3.8 Italian, The (2005) Portarlington FS 4.2 Mud Camberwell FS 3.8 Rear Window LV FS 4.2 One Night the Moon Reels @ Wehl FS 3.8 Simple Life, A International FG 4.2 Patience Stone, The Croydon FS 3.8 To Catch a Thief Portarlington FS 4.2 Rust and Bone Reels @ Wehl FS 3.8

ReelNews #102, September 2014 :: Federation of Victorian Film Societies :: www.fvfs.org.au 5 StarBox Ratings StarBox results received since ReelNews Issue 101 - April 2013 Send your StarBox results to [email protected] - See what others are screening at www.fvfs.org.au/ideas

DVD Title Society * DVD Title Society * Whitehorse FS 3.8 Stories we Tell International FG 3.4 True Grit Whitehorse FS 3.8 Beyond the Hills Whitehorse FS 3.3 Adam’s Rib Arapiles FS 3.7 Yarra Ranges – Bicycle Thieves 3.3 Jiro Dreams of Sushi Southern Fleurieu FS 3.7 Healesville Reluctant Infidel, The Horsham FS 3.7 Blue Bird, The Williamstown FS 3.3 Searching for Sugar Man Whitehorse FS 3.7 Farewell My Queen Croydon FS 3.3 Soul Kitchen Whitehorse FS 3.7 Havre, Le Myrtleford FS 3.3 Yarra Ranges FS - Breaker Morant Myrtleford FS 3.6 Monsoon Wedding 3.3 Healesville Buck Bright FS 3.6 Month in the Country, A Yarra Ranges - Healesvile 3.3 Fall, The Warburton FF 3.6 Much Ado About Nothing Croydon FS 3.3 Kid With a Bike Yarra Ranges - Warburton 3.6 Rust and Bone Goulburn Valley FC 3.3 Mental Myrtleford FS 3.6 Tabu Reels @ Wehl FS 3.3 One Night the Moon Corangamite FS 3.6 Blue Jasmine Goulburn Valley U3A FC 3.2 Pearls of the Far East Port Fairy FS 3.6 Damned, The Williamstown FS 3.2 Safety Not Guaranteed Portland FS 3.6 Pearls of the Far East Myrtleford FS 3.2 About Elly International FG 3.5 Red Obsession Reels @ Wehl FS 3.2 Bicycle Thieves Yarra Ranges - Warburton 3.5 Ruby Sparks Corangamite FS 3.2 Gravity Portland FS 3.5 Submarine Reels @ Wehl FS 3.2 Happy Happy Reels @ Wehl FS 3.5 A Day in A Life Goulburn Valley U3A FS 3.1 Yarra Ranges – Kid With a Bike 3.5 Healesville Beyond the Hills International FG 3.1 Yarra Ranges – Country Wedding Reels @ Wehl FS 3.1 Month in the Country, A 3.5 Warburton House of Flying Daggers Portarlington FS 3.1 My First Wife Barossa FC 3.5 Rocket, The Croydon FS 3.1 On The Town Barossa Film Club 3.5 Tiger and the Snow, The Goulburn Valley FS 3.1 Orator, The Whitehorse FS 3.5 Wendy and Lucy Goulburn Valley U3A 3.1 Soul Kitchen Myrtleford FS 3.5 Gloria Warburton FF 3 Amour LV FS 3.4 Pearls of the Far East St Andrews Film Society 3 Anna Karenina Bright FS 3.4 Sister Goulburn Valley FS 3 Ed Wood Southern Fleurieu FS 3.4 Tristram Shandy Corangamite FS 3 Yarra Ranges FS – Beyond the Hills Croydon FS 2.8 Monsoon Wedding 3.4 Warburton Pearls of the Far East Bright FS 2.8 Stories we Tell Goulburn Valley FS 3.4 Tenderness Warburton FF 2.7 5 Stars & 3 Cheers for Starboxes!

Janet Witham of Grampians Film Society writes: The scores on these 2 pages were generated using the latest “... there has been consistent satisfaction in the choice of films we have technology in Film Society screened over the past year, thanks largely to the recommendations of Feedback mechanisms! other film societies through their Starbox ratings printed in Hand-crafted in Australia. ReelNews.” Order a StarBox for your film society now! “The favourable comments are being heard locally and we are slowly but surely increasing Cost? Free of charge for FVFS membership of the Grampians Film Society.” members! Order yours now! “So, thanks for bringing such information to our notice.” Email: [email protected]

ReelNews #102, September 2014 :: Federation of Victorian Film Societies :: www.fvfs.org.au 6 Cheerleaders, Guns, and Motion Pictures (Yes, we’re visiting America.) By Barboo A. H. Marinakis Prodos had also tracked down a copy of what appeared to be the very last This issue of ReelNews is being put issue of the AFFS's magazine which together sitting in my Mom's house we'll come to in a moment. in Cincinnati, USA, where we've been for the last 5 weeks. We head We talked briefly about some of the back to Australia in a few days. But history of the American what a busy film-societizing time Movement and we've been having this trip! Prodos expressed the view that the Prodos has run 4 film society Americans had gone “demos” in Ohio and one in astray, moving Kentucky. One of the attendees, away from the non- visiting from Texas (Arlington), was t h e a t r i c a l so thrilled by the demo she now screenings model wants to start her own film society (which consists of back in the Lone Star state. No screening only to sooner does she tell us her plans members and not when another Texan lady – a charging an entry filmmaker -- who learned about the fee) and how demos wrote to Prodos asking him to this was one of John Blasing, unveils rare copy of first magazine (1963) of now phone her to talk about running a several factors defunct American Federation of Film Societies tracked down by possible second film society in Prodos. Cover shows Charles Murray in a scene from “When that contributed Villains Meet” (1914, Silent film, USA) Texas (Houston). to the decline of the American Movement. “Cheerleaders, Guns, and Motion It gives us the AFFS's perspective at the time of its founding: Pictures! It just doesn't get any The one thing Prodos stressed more better!” says Prodos about the than anything else at every session “… For a generation now, prophets country of my birth. Well … I don't was the vital importance of film have hailed the cinema as a major art know about that, but I will say, study – of developing a high quality form. During this generation, some having helped set up each film of explorative (rather than distinguished work has been done. society demo, they sure have been argumentative) discussion of all Surely no art form in history has fun! And quite a learning experience. films that are presented. He grown so far, so fast, and produced explained that a film society is not Prodos introduced each session, so much of real merit so hard on the just a cheap and easy way of talking about the colourful history heels of the first efforts. watching movies. It’s an and fabulousness of Australia's film enthusiastic commitment to film art, “Yet the film audience has not society movement and where it stood culture, and education and should be developed apace. It is still very much today. Then he shared some of the part of lifelong self-improvement. the same amorphous mass of research he'd been doing on the (Yes, I know, he's quite the fanatic! sensation-seekers which thronged to history of the American Film Society But he keeps us entertained.) the first peep-shows. This immensely Movement (as well as that of the promising art form has had a Canadians). Prodos chaired the rather full-on depressing tendency to sink to the discussion session after each With great ceremony, at our first denominator of the audience … screening and explained and session in Cincinnati, one of the demonstrated some of the methods “... To be sure, some film societies guests, John Blasing (pictured above) he'd found work best. are formed for no more profound was invited to open an envelope purpose than to see certain motion containing the historically significant Now, here are some excerpts from a pictures not available on their local first issue (published 1963) of “Film 1956 article we examined. Written by ‘commercial’ screens. Society” – the magazine of the (now Frederick Goldman, the first defunct) American Federation of President of the American Federation “But in time, even these modest Film Societies (AFFS). of Film Societies. enterprises develop a more sophisticated taste, and a more

ReelNews #102, September 2014 :: Federation of Victorian Film Societies :: www.fvfs.org.au 7 discerning, discriminating, and will, ever so subtly, become the on his wounded arm until he tells inquisitive approach toward film as a catalytic agents in their communities where he has hidden his victim… serious art form. to being about demand – and support – for pictures of superior quality.” “…Dirty Harry is a film without “Thus, the film society fulfils the (Excerpted from Film Society Primer, mercy; the violence is the most function of the university, in edited by Cecile Starr, 1956) extreme I have ever seen, relentless stimulating its members to think and and graphic. Its message is a frontal explore; of the art museum, in According to Prodos, around 1972, it assault on the concept of law. Society providing a permanent gallery of appears the AFFS set out to must give its highest men – masterpieces; of the library, in “reinvent” itself. As part of that, it Nietzschean policemen – complete offering the full range of the world’s renamed its magazine -- from Film freedom to do as they see fit in a total literature; of the theatre, in Society (Review) to (Film) Critic. war between good and evil. experimenting with new, dramatic and poetic forms. To the best of our knowledge, Vol 1, “It is widely accepted that art should Number 1, was the first and last issue be free to say what it must, without “For to us, who love and believe in of this brand new magazine and the political or moral responsibility. motion pictures as a major art form, American Federation seems to have the cinema is all of these, a truly gone rapidly downhill thereafter. “To say otherwise seems to lead catholic medium too long and too quickly to a system of thought- widely abused as cheap and At its peak the American film society control. But …” meretricious nickelodeon movement seems to have had around (Brakes come to screeching halt!) entertainment. 1500 film societies – although, as yet, we haven’t been able to decisively “But?” Sorry, but there are NO “buts” “...What saves the old and honored confirm this. to free speech! Not for a healthy, art media from the cancer of vigorous film society movement. So, mediocrity is the existence of a Perhaps one clue to the decline of the right there we have the first very bad cultured audience, sometimes small, AFFS can be found in the following sign. but invariably vociferous. excerpt of a review of the film, “Dirty Harry” starring Clint Eastwood. On top of that, consider what a far cry “... Somewhere along the line -- in in tone and spirit was the optimistic, their school years, or with travel, by “...It has no pretension to art; it is a idealistic, welcoming AFFS of 1956 home study, or through parental simply-told story of the Nietzschean compared to the spitting ideological influence – they [Americans] learned superman and his sado-masochistic venom of the AFFS of 1972 – a mere to discriminate between magazine pleasures. The hero is Clint generation later. illustration and art, between doggerel Eastwood, a tough cop who carries a Perhaps the American Federation’s and poetry, between burlesque and Magnum .44, ‘The most powerful decline is not so big a mystery. After theater, between the pulps and the handgun in the world’, and all, who wants to consort with such classics. Timidly, we look toward – brandishes it at a world which is so dark, out-of-touch, hostile attitudes? and wish to work toward – cowardly, stupid, and slow as to be There’s no fun in that! (And really, broadening similar understanding and beneath contempt. His quarry is a why bug a fellow with .44 Magnum?) genuine appreciation of cinema. sniggering psychopath, a blank-faced embodiment of evil, who personifies The research continues. “... I think the American Federation all that the American tough mentality of Film Societies will become a real despises: long-haired, pacifist, whiny, And we look forward to positive factor in promoting the growth of effeminate. developments from our fellow film- nonprofit clubs for the study and lovers in the USA. appreciation of motion pictures in this “Harry tracks the killer into a country. And I am stadium, and there publicly enacts equally convinced the audience’s fantasies by stomping that the film societies

ReelNews #102, September 2014 :: Federation of Victorian Film Societies :: www.fvfs.org.au 8 FVFS Resources Galore! Excerpts From: Info Sheet #12: Copyright Issues

Q4: Can I screen at the film society, a DVD that was hired from a DVD rental shop? A: Yes. The Australian copyright law states that no DVD may be screened in public unless the copyright owner has given permission. For DVDs owned by a film society, prior permission should be sought from the copyright owner (usually the Australian distributor marked on the DVD cover) and an appropriate fee paid.

Q8: How do I go about getting rights clearance for screening DVDs?

A: This is one of the most often asked questions, and for that reason we have prepared several information sheets which cover all aspects. Check out the FVFS website in particular information sheets #7 (The DVD Society) and #22 (DVD rights agreements and how to obtain your DVD and get DVD screening rights) … The latest information can always be found on the ACOFS website at www.acofs.org.au in Fact sheets 3A and 3B Find out more. Lots more! fvfs.org.au/ideas

Need ideas for what to screen? Have a look at six years … of great ideas in

“Film Lists You Can Download” View hundreds of films and StarBox scores sent in by FVFS members over the years. Browse through Information Sheets 17.1 to 17.9 Designed and guaranteed to get you thinking. Find out more. Lots more! fvfs.org.au/ideas

In the Works: What the ReelNews team is working on . . .

● Focal Point: Overview of South Australia’s film societies. ● Past successful FVFS projects that cost money and/or cut costs and/or raised money. ● Interview with filmaker, John Hughes, on the early Film Society Movement’s battles against censorship.

ReelNews #102, September 2014 :: Federation of Victorian Film Societies :: www.fvfs.org.au 9 A Trip to the Northern Capital By John Arkins listen and pay attention to everyone, even the boring topics. It was a trip to that other big city* for the ACOFS AGM. What would First night was not too bad, only two happen? Well it would be an easy hours of meeting but a lot of talking. weekend – make the FVFS Walked home to the hotel, animated President’s presentation, meet all the discussion, beautiful mild weather other interstate delegates, talk, listen and a great Vivid Light Show and and enjoy good company and good then a good sleep. food and drink. Next morning after a good breakfast First meeting point was dinner walked to the WEA centre, our before the start of the AGM on location on Day Two, and found that Friday night at La Guillotine in Kent the room was not quite the right Street. The food was excellent, the layout so another skill used - company enjoyable and then came furniture moving!!! the bill! Just started the meeting and “The next ACOFS AGM will be in “No”, the waiter said “we can’t split suddenly out of the corner of my eye Melbourne” Wow, is that the end? the bill 12 ways, you’ll have to work I see this long haired lout coming up it out yourselves” Not a problem I behind me. Should I be worried? - is I look at my pad, I only have a few thought, I’ll pay cash but who will I he after my place? – no it’s just pages left. The long haired lout says give it to? Well I didn’t move Prodos checking up on his ACOFS thanks for taking the minutes and I quickly enough and now I was the assistant. What a turn around. I look, its only 27 pages. accountant and negotiator – not the normally have to call him to order, Our thanks to Leth Maitland for his greatest job to have at the end of the not have him look over my shoulder. hospitality, WEA for their facilities meal. All turned out OK and the What a reversal of fortune. and to all the participants – a most waiter was happy. enjoyable weekend. The rest of the day flew by, Off to the AGM at Leth’s place. Ian presentation by Jane Cruishank from Well next year I won’t have to travel Davidson commenced the meeting NFSA, coffee and biscuits, so far*... if I am still invited!! with the Housekeeping matters. presentations of the State reports, “John will be acting as Minute Lunch with giant sandwiches, more * Editor: The ACOFS 2014 AGM Secretary” What!!? discussion and what will happen to was held in Sydney. Next year’s will Independent films and all of a be in Melbourne. This means no relaxing and I have to sudden the statement is made,

“Dress Circle” published by Ross Adams ReelNews is published by the Federation Of Victorian Film Societies Inc. No. A0028942B ABN: 62 373 979 409 $25 per year. Four issues per year This “Little Titan” of a magazine in A5 size, comes out Editor: Barboo A H Marinakis absolutely jam-packed with over 70 pages of information, SubEditor: Prodos ideas, & resources. Includes articles on: historic cinemas, Items for possible publication are welcome, including profiles of film industry personalities, technical how-to your StarBox results, articles, reviews of books & films. Features a “Trader” info about your Film Society’s activities & any ideas! section where you can advertise “for sale” or “wanted” Email: [email protected] items. Offers an Events Diary, interesting Film Society Phone: (03) 9428 1234 news, and movie world news. It’s gigantic! PO Box 125, Mitcham Vic 3132 The FVFS does not necessarily endorse the statements or views To subscribe or find out more contained in any personal statements in articles, letters to the ed., Phone 02 6353 1897 or Email films, etc., mentioned in this newsletter. [email protected]

ReelNews #102, September 2014 :: Federation of Victorian Film Societies :: www.fvfs.org.au 10 We Connect! By Ian and Susan Davidson

1.Programming a full year at a time rather than quarterly has advantages because: a. The detailed film research only needs to be done once each year b. An annual screening programme poster is a good promotional tool for attracting new members. c. It is not necessary to be constantly aware of the need to chase people to rejoin – although it is always wise to have a presence in posters and in newspapers the year round. 2.Prepare a budget to highlight the impact of membership size and major costs, and focus on the larger cost items. It is always worth asking “Are these costly items important to achieve our core aims?”

3.Give the membership some “ownership” of the Rick Paltridge (Reels @ Wehl FS) accepting program by having them participate in film a certificate from Ian Davidson. selections. For example call for suggestions, ask them to vote on a short-list and even invite them to a A recent FVFS road trip to Western Victoria and South selection meeting. Not all will come, but those that do Australia to visit three member film societies provided are potential helpers at the society or, better still, future much insight as well as having an interesting bonus with committee members. But be careful that the voting does views of crater lakes, Mary Mckillop’s museum and a not take over your selection. It is just one input along tour of the Coonawarra wineries. with the need for your program to be balanced in genre, language etc. Above all know why you select certain Ian and Susan Davidson (FVFS Treasurer and titles to be part of your program. (Continued next page) Secretary) spent a couple of days in April/May visiting three member film societies. The visits were very informative although mostly social in nature, and discussions covered a wide range of topics.

We met with most of the Reels @ Wehl committee and discussed a range of topics from the purpose of the film society to budget, marketing, programming and that perennial, DVD screening rights.

There has been an almost complete change in committee this year at Reels @ Wehl, so inevitably this led to a discussion on the need for succession planning and how to pass on the responsibility and knowledge to the new management.

This relatively new committee to an existing society were having to re-invent how to run a film society and this produced some worthwhile thoughts: Elaine Uebergang (Arapiles FS) accepting a certificate while Lynne Quick looks on.

ReelNews #102, September 2014 :: Federation of Victorian Film Societies :: www.fvfs.org.au 11 4. Consider how future committees are to be able to take On the return journey from SA we stopped for lunch at over when you retire. Natimuk where we were entertained by representatives of Arapiles Film Society. They had different issues to a. Have a committee handbook outlining the discuss with us but were generally on top of things. tasks and how to go about them. DVD rights and the future of the NTLC were again b. Develop understudies or assistants for the topics of interest. important positions. c. Consider training new people. The trip was both exhausting and rewarding for us and highlighted many issues of concern, especially to country film societies. We were greatly appreciative of But it wasn’t all work at Mt Gambier. While we spent the generous welcome we received from all Film almost a day and a half in South Australia thanks to the Societies and feel that they are all in good hands. wonderful B&B with the President of Reels @ Wehl Film Society, we spent much of the time touring We took the opportunity to present each society visited wineries and exploring Mt Gambier and Penola districts. with a certificate of membership with the FVFS. We also took the opportunity to deliver a free StarBox to the On the way to Mt Gambier we took time for lunch at Arapiles Film Society. Camperdown to meet with the representatives of the Corangamite Film Society, who seem to have their The trip was a great way to get to know the societies budget and program planning well in hand. better – and to put faces to the names.

Blue Lies Pepot Artista Flight of an Angel

Little Lies LOOK AT THE Pearls of the Far EastMcLean’s Money INDEPENDENT FILMS CRUSHED

It Gets BetterSita Sings the Blues WE HAVE FOR YOU! Four of a Kind

What I have Written The Songs They Sang Flower in the Pocket By Barboo A. H. Marinakis A Day in a Life

The FVFS has a growing collection of “independent Sounds good? Want to know more? Great! films”, for which we have negotiated affordable non- theatrical screening rights directly with the filmmakers. Go to fvfs.org.au/indie-films to get all the details about all the films in our library - what they cost to show and, Screening rights fees and the prices for the DVDs or if desired, what they cost to purchase. (Many of the digital downloads vary for each film. For example, you entries also have trailers you can watch online.) can borrow the DVD of A Day in a Life free of charge from FVFS and pay $35 for the screening rights fee, or If you like to step out of the mainstream and see some purchase the DVD directly from the filmmaker for new scenery that you’re not likely to find at a $79.95 which includes the cost of the DVD itself and the commercial cinema, this collection is definitely worth screening rights fee. On the other hand, you can obtain checking out. Sita Sings the Blues and pay the FVFS just $10 to cover “handling” and screening rights. fvfs.org.au/indie-films

ReelNews #102, September 2014 :: Federation of Victorian Film Societies :: www.fvfs.org.au 12 10 films made with Some Notes on “Independents” the help of government funding: By Prodos writers, actors, and directors from Once upon a time the men who those very countries! For instance: Ernst Lubitsch, Alfred Hitchcock, Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975) established "Hollywood" were One of the first Australian films to reach an known as the "independents". In fact, Fritz Lang, Jean Renoir. Douglas international audience. legally, at the time (around 1908), Sirk, William Dieterle, Ludwig Gallipoli (1981) they were outlaws - on the run from Berger, Otto Preminger, Billy Wilder. Muriel's Wedding (1994) Thomas Edison, Eastman Kodak, A complete list would fill many pages. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994) Biograph, and fellow members of the Let's skip some decades and a few MPPC (Motion Picture Patent Shine (1996) thousand miles and land back in Geoffrey Rush won an Oscar for Best Actor. Company) who were primarily in the Australia where two interesting, but business of inventing film-making Lantana (2001) opposing, viewpoints are being Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002) devices and using the legal monopoly debated. There are those who argue power of patent laws and licensing to Samson and Delilah (2009) that "independent" filmmaking Animal Kingdom (2010) determine who could and couldn't requires - or deserves - the support of make films. Red Dog (2011) taxpayer funded agencies such as Eleven days after opening, became highest- MPPC cornered over two thirds of Screen Australia. And there are those grossing Australian film of 2011. the American film production, who argue that independent 10 films made with no distribution, and screening market by filmmaking is harmed by this. government funding: controlling the patent licencing of Geoff Gardner (highly regarded film nearly all the main machinery and industry expert and blogger The Story of The Kelly Gang (1906) Possibly the world's first feature film. materials used in film production - FilmAlert.net) argues that "Of course, cameras, projectors, raw film stock. (1955) without (government) subsidy there They're a Weird Mob (1966) However, a small group of film would be no Australian film Walkabout (1971) companies refused to either pay the industry." First film appearance of . Stork (1972) patent licencing fees or to abide by Jason Kent (co-founder of IMPIA, Alvin Purple (1973) the strict controls of MPPC (such as Independent Motion Picture Industry Mad Max (1979) prohibiting the sale of film, and Association) argues that government allowing only rental of film, and For decads, held world record for highest funding is the very thing that prevents profit-to-cost ratio for a film. 25,000% return. limiting the maximum length of any a film industry from growing in Crocodile Dundee (1986) movie to 20 minutes). So they fled to Australia. Second highest grossing film worldwide in California. To Hollywood! 1986, beaten only by Top Gun. To be continued. The Castle (1997) There, they hoped to elude the Gabriel (2007) lawyers and make films their own way - which they, of course, succeeded in doing spectacularly. By FREE WEBSITE SERVICES 1918 the MPPC was dead and by the FOR FILM SOCIETIES! late 1920's the Golden Age of Hollywood was in full swing. The Get your Film Society its very outlaws had become the own free, beautiful, easy-to- establishment and soon proceeded to manage website! create their own restrictions against Email [email protected] to find outsiders. out more. Groups already benefiting from this service include: So popular, prolific and commercially successful was the International Film Group, Barossa Film Hollywood studio system that many Club, Camberwell Film Society, Smart governments, artists, and intellectuals Girls Film Club, Old Scotch Film Society, around the world complained they Teddy Bobo Film Club, Gold Coast Film were being culturally "flooded" and Study Group, Ferntree Gully Film Society, "Americanised". Taree Film Society, Valuers Film Society, Adelaide Film Study Group, and many Meanwhile Hollywood attracted (and more! enriched) many brilliant filmmakers,

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