Father Geek here with Ms. Tamsin and an abbreviated edition of our AICN-Downunder report for this week. Remember Geeks these international columns can't work without YOUR help... YOUR input. Sooooo, that said make sure to send Our Hard Working Downunder Reporter any and all scoops, news reports, rumors, reviews, whatever you may run across that relates somehow to the Australian/New Zealand film industries/scenes, and she will see to it that the World reads about it here on AICN-Downunder...

DOWNUNDER AICN FILM REPORT # 6

Only a short one from Tamsin this week...

NEWS

Direct-to-video...

INSPECTOR GADGET 2 has begun pre-production with an aim to shoot in Brisbane in mid-October.

LET'S GET SKASE...

the film about the search for (now dead) failed entrepreneur, Christopher Skase, received positive praise during a sneak preview recently. The low budget (A3.5.million/ US$1.75 million) was described as "surprisingly very funny" and "hilarious". This most anticipated film is due for national release on October 18th, 2001. Not sure if it has a US release yet and I'm sure it will depend on how well it is received here.

AUSTRALIAN SCREEN DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION AWARDS...

will present Academy Award-winning director, actor and producer, Sidney Pollack with an honorary award at the 21st anniversary celebrations to be held in Sydney 13th November. Pollack is also set to speak at conferences in Sydney and Melbourne, including the Australian Writers' Guild National Conference and SPAA in Melbourne.

FILMS

MAMADRAMA

Though I missed the screening of this new documentary the other day, I wanted to mention its release, as it may be of interest to international cinephiles. Directed by Monique Schwartz (Bitter Herbs and Honey), MAMADRAMA explores the relationships between respected Jewish Hollywood directors, including Paul Mazursky, Paul Bogart, and Larry Peerce and actress Lainie Kazan and their Jewish mothers. MAMADRAMA combines film clips, interviews, cultural commentary and Schwartz's own reflections on her relationship with her mother.

CLASSIC AUSTRALIAN FILM OF THE WEEK

THE YEAR MY VOICE BROKE

Though produced in 1987 and set in 1962, THE YEAR MY VOICE BROKE, still manages to awaken those repressed memories of stifled adolescence. Set in small town Australia, THE YEAR MY VOICE BROKE, is the story of Danny (played superbly by Noah Taylor) a 15-year old gawky teenager, and his growing infatuation with his childhood friend, Freya (Loene Carmen), a well-developed tomboy with a penchant for older more rebellious boys. Not your average coming-of-age film, THE YEAR MY VOICE BROKE is never patronising to its characters who are allowed sincere moments of reflection rather than pure plot progression. This is not to say there isn't conflict and action, but the scenes which are most affecting are those between Danny and Freya when they are allowed time to voice their own opinions on the world and their relationship away from the dominance of the adult world. Written and directed with class by John Duigan (SIRENS, FLIRTING) THE YEAR MY VOICE BROKE is part of Australian screen history and is highly recommended to those who love a good yarn.

AUSSIE WEB SITE OF THE WEEK

http://www.urbancinefile.com.au/

A great source of Aussie and International film news, reviews and interviews.

Tamsin (tamsin@aintitcoolmail.com)