Palace Electric, the newest and most dynamic of Canberra’s major cinemas is ready to go again. With audiences still discussing the recent Spanish and Russian film festivals, it’s time for the Israeli juggernaut to roll in to town. While this is the first time the Festival will visit Canberra, it is in fact the 10th anniversary of the event in Australia.
If the recent showings at Cannes are anything to go by, with ‘Omar’ taking out the Jury Prize, there is no shortage of great talent within the region. Over eight nights, the best of Israeli film will grace our screen, and as with every good film festival there is something to inspire, enlighten or enrage all those who attend.
The festival kicks of on Thursday 15 August with The Ballad of the Weeping Spring. The Palace Electric website describes this film as a ‘celebratory homage to Israeli music and a Hollywood of the past’ before then going on to speculate this may be the first ever ‘Felafel Western’. It’s hilarious in concept and too intriguing to miss.
As per usual with a Palace Electric opening, there will be wines (from Devil’s Corner), canapés and live entertainment to get you in for singing Jewish cowboys – or whatever it is this film is actually about.
On the following Monday, Israeli actress and singer Sivan Levy (who stars or appears in three films in the Festival, will host a Q&A with audience members following the showing of Six Acts before heading to the Prosecco Bar to sing with guitarist Yoav Rosentahl.
Can you do that, Nicole Kidman?
You can see more eat the Palace Electric website, or download the Israeli Film Festival’s Canberra programme
here.
