The Sydney Traveler

Ford Fiesta’s Moonlight Cinema is one of the highlights of summer. The program is always outstanding, and you just can’t beat seeing a good movie under the stars.
Until March 15 you can see the latest releases, modern favourites, and some cult classics on the lawns of the beautiful Belvedere Amphitheatre in Centennial Park.
You can bring your own picnic rug or treat yourself to “gold grass” service. This includes a glass of wine and a reserved bean bed in a premium viewing spot.
Dates: Until March 15
Times: Gates open at 7 pm for an 8:30 pm start
Location: Belvedere Amphitheatre
Address: Centennial Park, enter …read more

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Film buffs, or those with a short attention span, should head to Bondi Beach this Saturday. Bondi Pavilion will become an outdoor cinema, screening 15 fantastic local short films.
This year the Bondi Short Film Festival attracted more than 190 films, making it the biggest year yet. I’m glad I didn’t have the tough job of whittling it down to the final 15!
“This year we have been overwhelmed with the quality and quantity of entries. The 15 finalists present a stunning blend of cinematic drama, cutting edge animation, esoteric comedy and moving documentaries,” said the festival’s director Francis Coady.
Now in its …read more

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You can keep your sand and your surf. For me nothing says summer like outdoor movies. For the third year, The Newport Arms will be showing some fantastic flicks on their outdoor cinema screen.
“Over the past few years open-air movies has become a growing a phenomenon and favourite pastime for Sydneysiders during the summer months,” said Mark Bayfield, Newport Arms Hotel. “In the 2008 season we have doubled the amount of movies and will be showing movies twice a week. The featured movies have broad appeal and there is something for everyone.”
The best part about it all is that it’s …read more

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It may not attract Hollywood A-Listers like the glitzy Sydney Film Festival, but this week’s Sydney Underground Film Festival is likely to provide a little more for movie buffs to sink their teeth into.
The event celebrates experimentation, taking risks, pushing boundaries, and creating art on a shoestring. All sounds like fascinating stuff right? There’s still a scattering of stars too with Anthony Hopkins, John Waters, and Parker Lewis Can’t Lose star Corin Nemec lending their skills to these subversive features.
It all kicks off tomorrow night with the premiere of George Gittoes’ latest flick The Miscreants. In it he blurs the …read more

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Last month I brought you my top 10 Sydney freebies.
So I was interested to see an article in today’s Sydney Morning Herald offering up the best places for cheap entertainment.
These places might not cost you nothing, but they’re so affordable they’re pretty close to it!
Here are the great bargains the paper found.

Sydney Opera House on a Shoestring is a fantastic page put together by the Sydney Opera House. It tells you all about the shows costing you less than $50, including talks, plays, musical performances, and more. In fact, some concerts cost as little as $9! The page is arranged …read more

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Think you’ve seen movies on the big screen? Unless you’ve been to the IMAX, you’ve seen nothing.
Sydney’s IMAX cinema screen is the world’s largest, standing a massive eight stories high. It booms out an impressive 15,000 watts of digital surround sound, making you feel like you’re in the thick of the action.
IMAX shows a variety of 2D and 3D films, so there’s something to suit all ages and interests. Currently you can choose from the blockbuster The Dark Knight or a range of educational docos like Bugs 3D, The Human Body, or Cosmic Voyage.
Sydney’s IMAX is conveniently located in Darling …read more

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Little Big Shots film festival is a Australia’s largest annual kids’ film festival, and it’s heading to Sydney’s south west for the first time. Inspiring, touching, and a whole lot of fun, the event showcases the world’s best children’s films.
Highlights of this festival include the Oscar nominated shorts The Little Matchgirl and Maestro, and the award-winning Fried Rice, The Crystal Palace, and The Thief. The works draw from all corners of the globe, so they’re sure to broaden the horizons of their young audiences.
Sessions are grouped according to the age of the target audience, allowing kids aged two to fifteen …read more

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The cinema isn’t the place we’re used to seeing opera, but now you can as part of the Italian Opera Series.
On June 28 and 29 and July 2 Greater Union cinemas across Australia will screen Puccini’s La Rondine. The production was filmed at Venice’s Teatro La Fenice and boasts an outstanding international cast.
This opera is ideal for anyone who’s always thought of going, but never been. It’s an accessible comedy sending up the golden era of Hollywood, complete with Moulin Rouge pin-up girls and sexy sailors.
Visit the Greater Union website to find your nearest participating cinema and the full Italian …read more

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Sydney’s biggest motion picture event, the Sydney Film Festival kicks off on Wednesday.
Now in its 55th year, the event will include 16 world premieres, 135 Australian premieres, and a plethora of red carpet galas.
It’s not quite Cannes, but it the Sydney Film Festival still manages to attract some big names. Jack Black and Dreamworks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg will be out to promote their latest flick Kung Fu Panda. Acclaimed British director Mike Leigh will also be here for the screening of his film, Happy-Go-Lucky, at the opening night gala.
More stars will shine at the Awards Event, to be held …read more

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Are you sick of the predictable action and lame dialogue of Hollywood blockbusters? Then why not broaden your horizons at the Festival of German Films!
This exciting celebration of German cinema features a diverse lineup, including heartwarming comedies and political thrillers. You’ll see flicks about earless rabbits, wannabe male prostitutes, and other original subjects.
See single movies or save cash with a multi-film pass. It all starts tonight so get out there and take in some awesome films!
Dates: From April 16 to 27
Times: See the website for session times
Locations: Chauvel Cinema and Palace Norton Street
Addresses: Corner of Oxford Street and Oatley Road, …read more

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