It may be cold, wet and miserable outside, but a little bit of sunny Australia has made its way to Moscow this week. The Unlimited Film Festival presents six of the country's latest feature films. From buzzing cosmopolitan cities to beautiful countryside, the festival shows that Australia has a lot more to offer than you might initially think.
Paul Martin, Second Secretary of the Australian Embassy, said he hoped the films would "show the different sides of Australia — what it's like to live between the older Australian lifestyle and the current world. It's something that anyone in the modern world can relate to."
Shown in English with Russian subtitles at the Formula Kino cinema, films on the program include Charlie's Country, Girl Asleep and The Dressmaker. While all have differing themes, they are united in showing the rich cultural diversity of Australia.
"Australia is a land of unlimited possibilities," said Martin. "Whether you are an awkward teenager, an aborigine, a gay person, or someone from Moscow there is something for everyone here."
The Dressmaker (2015) by director Jocelyn Moorhouse tells the story of a woman who left her small town in Australia to go to Paris and learn a new trade. She returns and brings back a way of life with her that the people in town aren't used to. Filled with great humor and beautiful costumes — the film's costume designer Marion Boyce was nominated for an Emmy for her work — The Dressmaker stars Kate Winslet in the lead role.
Taking a step forward to present day Australia, Charlie's Country (2013) directed by Rolf de Heer explores the story of a man trapped between two worlds. As an aborigine, Charlie struggles to find his way in the bustle of modern city life.
Rosemary Myer's Girl Asleep (2015) is reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland. It's a classic coming of age drama about a teenage girl, Greta. The film takes on a surreal edge when on her 15th birthday Greta is flung into a different, parallel space to the one she has been living in. The film won an award at the Adelaide Film Festival for best feature.
The rich and interesting program of films at the festival offers viewers in Moscow the rare opportunity to get acquainted with Australian cinema. It's also the perfect escapism from the grey Moscow weather this week.
The Unlimited Film Festival runs through June 12. Movies begin at 8:00 p.m. each night. Formula Kino Gorizont, 21/10 Komsomolsky Prospekt. Metro Frunzenskaya. coolconnections.ru
Contact the author at artsreporter@imedia.ru
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