Sydney Film Festival at Casula Powerhouse

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For residents of south western Sydney who have a craving to see the best in new and classic films on the global cinema circuit, prepare to feast, as your cinematic wish has been granted!

This years' Sydney Film Festival screenings were launched at the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre on 6th February 2015.

For those who aren't familiar with the Casula Powerhouse, it is a hub of artistic talent and creativity in south western Sydney. Located on the banks of the Georges River, the decommissioned power station has been transformed in to an arts centre, funded by the Arts Council of NSW and owned by Liverpool Council. In its present form it includes 6 galleries,with changing exhibitions throughout the year, a theatre, artists studios and exhibition spaces.



If you visit during the day, you may be surprised by the quiet riverside setting with shady trees and the distinctive sound of the bellbirds calling each other. In the evening, you'd never guess the imposing power station façade can transform in to a contemporary function space.



As we arrived for the Sydney Film Festival Opening Night the crowd was already gathering in the foyer and sampling some nibbles and drinks at the bar.. Around 7.30pm we were invited in to the theatre.



The 321 seat theatre was mostly full for opening night and contained a diverse crowd, from young hipsters to more mature film enthusiasts. Kiersten Fishburn, Casula Powerhouse Director and Ned Mannoun, Mayor of Liverpool, were on hand to welcome us to opening night and share their enthusiasm for the festival, which was made possible by an investment of $80,000 dollars by Liverpool City Council. This money was used to install a digital projector in the theatre, allowing for big cinema quality films to be shown immediately as they are released.

The film for opening night, The Theory of Everything, was introduced by Sydney Film Festival CEO, Leigh Small, who imagines the festival becoming so popular that the screenings may become weekly in future.



The Theory of Everything, details the relationship between theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking and his ex-wife Jane Wilde. The story is adapted from Jane's memoir, Travelling to Infinity, and covers the couple meeting in their student days at Cambridge University, falling in love, Stephen's diagnosis with motor neurone disease, their marriage and the challenges faced by Jane in caring for her family and nursing her partner.

It is an extraordinary story and draws you in for the full 123 minutes. It is easy to see why the film has won so many awards and is generating such Oscar buzz, as the performances are compelling, particularly from Eddie Redmayne as Stephen and also from Felicity Jones as Jane. As you'd expect from the subject matter, a packet of Kleenex is a must-have and I also advise to go easy on the mascara ladies. However if you are expecting an in-depth exploration of Stephen Hawking's mathematical and scientific genius, then you may come away disappointed.



The Opening Night Gala also included drinks and canapés in the foyer after the film. Savoury delights, vegetarian options and delicious desserts, catered by the Powerhouse's own Bellbird Cafe, were in plentiful supply. However they didn't last long on the tables - you had to be quick to taste a sample. The bar menu included wine, beer, and a delicious fruit punch or soft drink for the designated drivers.



My guest and I enjoyed the evening and would definitely return for future screenings. The uniqueness of this venue lends credit to the artsy, boutique feel of the film festival. We could also wander around the galleries and art installations before or after the film as an added bonus. Who wouldn't prefer to attend a film screening at the Casula Powerhouse rather than the local multiplex or driving 40 minutes to a trendy theatre in the city?



The will be held once a month until 6th November 2015. Screenings are great value at only $15 dollars per adult. For those who wish to make a night of it there is also a pre-movie dinner option for an extra $17 dollars. Dinner and a movie for only $32 dollars? Unbelievable! Catering will be provided by the Bellbird Café. Tickets can be purchased through the Casula Powerhouse website.

The full 2015 program of films will be announced shortly - watch this space - and mark the dates in your calendar. I will definitely be back to this unique venue, and if the opening night is anything to go by, the program should be a great success.

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