02 DEC 2018 – 28 APR 2019 | GOMA | CINEMA A

‘Contemporary Mellow Dramas’ showcases the work of filmmakers from East Asia who have found international acclaim for their deft construction of intimate dramas. These films — from Japan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan — embrace a considered style of storytelling, in which small human interactions are woven into insightful portraits of contemporary life.

Drawing on the last ten years of cinema, this program explores a style of filmmaking that focuses on quietude and quotidian detail in its storytelling. These ‘mellow dramas’ have somewhat ephemeral boundaries and are linked more by mood or feeling than by strict narrative connections or subject matter. They are characterised by a sense of melancholy, highlighting the vagaries of human relationships, family ties, and life in a growing metropolis.

The filmmakers behind these ‘mellow dramas’ are a mix of acclaimed veterans — including Hong Sang-soo, Ann Hui, and recent Palme d’Or winner Hirokazu Koreeda — and emerging directors — such as Yang Mingming, Yui Kiyohara, and Jeon Go-Woon — whose voices are gaining greater prominence in the world of international cinema.

Program curated by Robert Hughes, Australian Cinémathèque. See List of Works.

01 DEC 2018 – 27 APR 2019 | GOMA | CINEMA A

2010 marked a revolution in Indian cinema with independent filmmakers are at the forefront of the transformation. ‘New Bollywood: Currents in Indian Cinema’ profiles new and dynamic films that are arising from a cross-pollination of India’s mainstream (Bollywood), regional and independent cinemas. The rapid social changes in contemporary India is sparking a resurgence in independent filmmaking and in turn opening up possibilities for a more flexible cinema industry. These new films boast storylines that challenge long-standing social mores. The program will include ‘New Bollywood’ films Kapoor and Sons 2016 and Queen 2014 alongside award-winning independent films such as the cheeky comedy about democracy Newton 2017 as well as the gently powerful Hotel Salvation 2016 and Assamese film Village Rockstars 2017.

Program curated by Rosie Hays, Australian Cinémathèque. See List of Works.

27 MAR 2019 – 31 MAR 2019 | GOMA | CINEMA A

A community-based production company, 'Microwave Films of the Marshall Islands' explores Marshallese life through the medium of video. Since 2008, the company has produced six low-budget digital films with a local production team led by American writer, filmmaker and historian Jack Niedenthal and co-director–producer Suzanne Chutaro.

Working with non-professional actors and musicians, Microwave Films has produced a body of work rarely seen outside the Marshall Islands, but which is testament to the power of collective film-making. In recent years, the company’s growing filmography has begun to reach an international audience via film festivals in Hawaii, Guam and Los Angeles and New York.

Ultimately, however, it is the positive response and support of the Marshallese people that continues to buoy the work of Microwave Films, and underscore the importance of telling local stories reflecting communal and cultural significance, and which are performed by the community in their own language. This filmmaking journey continues for 'Microwave Films and the Marshall Islands' as part of APT9.

See List of Works.