ACMI’s huge multimillion-dollar refurb is finally complete, and Australia’s finest centre for the moving image will reopen on February 11. Hooray!
As part of the celebrations – and as part of Fed Square’s Fed Summer program of cool events – there will be an outdoor cinema set up in Fed Square’s family-friendly, oasis-inspired chillout zone. For four evenings, enjoy a program of fun silent movie classics with the musical scores performed live, plus a fascinating Australian documentary celebrating its 33rd birthday. The screenings, taking place on Fed Square’s Big Screen, are perfect both for movie fans and families, and a great opportunity to catch up on some great movies that don’t get shown all that often.
Kicking it all off on Friday February 26 will be an extraordinary 1926 animated silent film, The Adventures of Prince Achmed. A lavish fantasy involving a sorcerer, a prince, a flying horse, witches, demons, monsters and genies, this is the oldest animated feature film in existence (predating Disney’s Snow White by more than a decade) and it’s stunning. German filmmaker Lotte Reiniger used paper cut-outs for a stop-motion silhouette effect, taking three years to shoot the film. Music will be an electronic-infused jazz score by Phillip Johnston and his quartet, performing live.
On Friday March 5, catch two short films by silent cinema’s slapstick genius, Buster Keaton: ‘Sherlock Jr’ (1924) and ‘Cops’ (1922). Melbourne comedic five-piece the Blue Grassy Knoll will perform their world-famous live scores to these two films.
On Sunday March 7, Fritz Lang’s great silent sci-fi film Metropolis (1927) will unspool, with a live score blending Germanic trip hop, lo-fi electronica and classical music played by the New Polutants. An Adelaide-based duo comprised of Mister Benjamin Speed and DJ TR!P, the New Polutants have performed this score at Mona Foma, Sydney Opera House and Adelaide Film Festival.
And on Thursday April 1, catch Rolf de Heer’s hilarious homage to silent-era comedies, Dr Plonk (2007), starring Nigel Lunghi and Magda Szubanski. Concerning a scientist in 1907 who invents a time machine and travels forward 100 years to prove his theory that the world will end in 2008, the film will screen with a score performed by gypsy/tango trio the Stiletto Sisters.
Films screen at 7.15pm. Deck chairs and bean bags will be provided for seating, and food and drinks can be ordered via QR code to be delivered to your seat. No bookings are required – just rock up – but arrive early to ensure a good spot.