Naming your five favourite films is no easy task, just ask the many directors, actors, writers and celebrities who have participated in ACMI's Desert Island Flicks.
This monthly event, continues to gain popularity as it has hosted many international and Australian guests including Tim Burton, Adam Elliot, David Stratton and Chris Masters, who have answered the hard question of 'What five films would you take to a desert island?'
Some film choices have proved particularity unexpected -
Adam Elliot noted Misery (1990);
David Stratton claimed the 1946 Western Duel in the Sun to be his top film;
Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin had a stellar mix including Rain Main (1988), Flashdance (1983) and Pretty Woman (1990);
Tim Burton cited The Omega Man (1971) as his definitive film;
While Disney Producer Roy Conli recently presented a list which included Pulp Fiction (1994) and Pinocchio (1940)!
These events are presented as a discussion between the guest and a host, in-front of an eager audience, followed by a Q and A session. The guest often elaborates on the reason behind their specific choice and the story which accompanies their choice is often as interesting as the choice itself - proving Desert Island Flicks to often be revealing and personal discussion of one's love of cinema and what instigated their passion for filmmaking.
The price for this event is usually $14, Concession is $11 and ACMI members pay the discounted price of $10. The upcoming guests of this monthly event are usually revealed one or two months in advance. For 2011 ACMI have revealed 2009 Masterchef contestant and runner-up Poh Ling Yeow, as the guest of February's Desert Island Flicks and Eddie Perfect, as the guest of March's Desert Island Flicks. To keep up to date with this event, which often sells-out, check the Desert Island Flicks homepage, which also gives details on how to purchase tickets to this event or see the ACMI Facebook page.
To see what previous guests have chosen, ACMI have a special page on their website, noting each top-five list. These events usually last an hour and a half and often the guest is interviewed by a prominent individual in the media - be it an academic or television or radio personality.
Desert Island Flicks really is a refreshing and innovative insight into the world of cinema as everyone has a special favourite film and this event reveals much about inspiration and influence and one's unique personality.
Check out the video for previous Desert Island Flicks events here.
