Australia Day 2019
THE FLIP SIDE
Introduction LIVE ON STAGE by the star, Eddie Izzard
PLUS a 90-minute programme of SHORT FILMS curated by the New York group, Australian Short Film Today.
Feature: (2018) Marion Pilowsky (dir) 90mins
The Flip Side is currently unclassified for the UK - we recommended 15+
Complimentary drinks reception
Australian snacks will be on sale - cash only
Screened Sunday January 27 2019
2pm - 6pm - Double Bill
Regent Street Cinema
THE WRAP
Thank you everyone who joined us wasn't it amazing?!!
For those unfortunate folk who couldn't be there, you not only missed out on seeing Eddie Izzard glow from the screen in THE FLIP SIDE, but also an electrifying & insightful Q&A session with Eddie that lasted about 20-minutes which was more akin to a stand-up session and had our audience shrieking with laughter.
The host, James Mullighan, former director of the Edinburgh & Cork film festivals, did a sterling job probing Eddie about his starring role in the hilarious Adelaide indie comedy, but in the end he could only sit back and let the magic of Eddie's sharp wit beguile us all.
How much of Eddie was in the character of Henry - quite a bit actually. And director, Marion Pilowsky, gave him a lot of licence to edit the script as he saw fit.
After the floor opened up to audience questions, Eddie let it slip that he has written a film himself & the cast includes Dame Judi Dench!
Keep your eyes peeled for that one.
He's also setting off on a world tour starting next month in Australia - "Australia feels like my second home", so let all your friend and families know that he's on his way and book a ticket - he's nailing it!
We were also thrilled to have some other very special guests at the event.
We were also thrilled to have some other very special guests at the event.
THE FLIP SIDE's director, Marion Pilowsky, sadly couldn't attend our European premiere with
Eddie however we were thrilled to have her sister, Kathy, in the audience brimming with pride.
The wonderful Shira Mcleod, director of Regent Street Cinema, was also in attendance which gave us the chance of thanking her personally for all her support and complimenting her fantastic team.
After the drinks reception & raffle prizes we gave a very warm welcome to Chris Beale, who came all the way from NYC to introduced the 2019 Australian Short Film Today's selection of films he most generously sponsored as well as curated.
Ballots were handed out and we are pleased to announce the most popular short film of the day was The Eleven O’Clock closely followed by Adele and Kill Off.
Ballots were handed out and we are pleased to announce the most popular short film of the day was The Eleven O’Clock closely followed by Adele and Kill Off.
ABOUT THE FEATURE
THE FLIP SIDE - 90 mins
STARRING:
STARRING:
Eddie Izzard - Emily Taheny
Luke McKenzie - Vanessa Guide
Five years ago talented chef Ronnie (Emily Taheny), met British actor Henry (Eddie Izzard) whilst catering on an Adelaide film set & they fell madly in love. But once the film wrapped the passionate fling was over, crushing Ronnie’s dreams of a London restaurant career & true love.
Now Henry is back in town…. But, Ronnie is living with Jeff (Luke McKenzie), and Henry has his French lover, Sophie (Vanessa Guide), in tow. And kind-hearted Jeff has asked them to stay.
Nothing can go wrong with this scenario, surely? Yeah, right.
Introduction live on stage.
Izzard says that because of his busy schedule, he and his agents turn down most of the films he is offered. Fortunately, the script for The Flip Side did get to him and he was instantly engaged.
“This is a slightly different direction to what I’ve played or been offered before. An indie film in Adelaide, it felt not exactly what you think would be my next move, but it felt like the right move to do. Having just played Edward VII against Judi Dench playing Queen Victoria in Stephen Fry’s film Victoria and Abdul, where ‘Eddie Seven’ had a 46-inch waist, which I put on 12 kilos for, this was now playing Henry who is a film star besotted by himself, intrigued, kind of in love with himself. But he’s a damaged person, and I thought that would be interesting because it’s not necessarily what everyone throws at me. I don't think people would expect me to be in this role.”
Izzard was also enticed by the idea of filming in Adelaide.
“I’ve toured Australia four or five times, in all the major cities. Doing things in Australia or New Zealand, they’re like home gigs, it’s like home turf.”
For director Marion Pilowsky, the uniqueness of the Australian experience in this context was about the contrasting outlooks on life, both superficial and complex, between Australians and Europeans.
Izzard says that because of his busy schedule, he and his agents turn down most of the films he is offered. Fortunately, the script for The Flip Side did get to him and he was instantly engaged.
“This is a slightly different direction to what I’ve played or been offered before. An indie film in Adelaide, it felt not exactly what you think would be my next move, but it felt like the right move to do. Having just played Edward VII against Judi Dench playing Queen Victoria in Stephen Fry’s film Victoria and Abdul, where ‘Eddie Seven’ had a 46-inch waist, which I put on 12 kilos for, this was now playing Henry who is a film star besotted by himself, intrigued, kind of in love with himself. But he’s a damaged person, and I thought that would be interesting because it’s not necessarily what everyone throws at me. I don't think people would expect me to be in this role.”
Izzard was also enticed by the idea of filming in Adelaide.
“I’ve toured Australia four or five times, in all the major cities. Doing things in Australia or New Zealand, they’re like home gigs, it’s like home turf.”
For director Marion Pilowsky, the uniqueness of the Australian experience in this context was about the contrasting outlooks on life, both superficial and complex, between Australians and Europeans.
“On the surface The Flip Side is about visitors from hell, something we can all probably relate to...”
says Pilowsky, “...but underneath lurk the ideas of ‘the grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the fence’ and ‘be careful what you wish for’.
The Flip Side is very much a South Australian film. It’s a place where life is easier and slower paced; space and landscape are intrinsic to city life. After living in London for more than 20 years, Pilowsky saw Adelaide as the perfect backdrop for a conflict of personalities and cultures that she believes will move the viewers to tenderness one moment and have them doubled over in laughter the next. Influenced by independent cinema such as Lady Bird, Maggie’s Plan and Sideways – offbeat, charming, poignant and personal – Pilowsky wanted to bring that tone to a uniquely Australian story.
says Pilowsky, “...but underneath lurk the ideas of ‘the grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the fence’ and ‘be careful what you wish for’.
The Flip Side is very much a South Australian film. It’s a place where life is easier and slower paced; space and landscape are intrinsic to city life. After living in London for more than 20 years, Pilowsky saw Adelaide as the perfect backdrop for a conflict of personalities and cultures that she believes will move the viewers to tenderness one moment and have them doubled over in laughter the next. Influenced by independent cinema such as Lady Bird, Maggie’s Plan and Sideways – offbeat, charming, poignant and personal – Pilowsky wanted to bring that tone to a uniquely Australian story.
“I thought, if there was a British indie and an American indie and they had an Australian love child, what would it be?”
THE SHORTS
various directors 90mins
currently unclassified for the UK - we recommend 15+ audience
Back by popular demand for the second year running and included in your Australia Day ticket price thanks to the generous support of the Chris and Francesca Beale Foundation, this year's eclectic 90-minute programme of short films includes international award winners, an Academy Award nominee, an animation & a classic from Jane Campion.
The short film programme will run after the screening of THE FLIP SIDE and drinks reception. There will be an audience vote for the best short film and the curator, Chris Beale, will be attending from New York. As well as curating these short film programmes each year, Chris also the Chairman of the Australian International Screen Forum in New York which debuted in March this year, and has supported this event two years running.
Derin Seale's The Eleven O'Clock, nominated Best Live Action Short Film at the 2018 Academy Awards
INCLUDED IN THE TICKET
Complimentary drinks reception between the two screenings for all ticket holders.
Raffles sold on the night - cash only
The draws will take place between the two screenings.
The draws will take place between the two screenings.
Prizes include:
STREAMING PASS for the AFL/NRL – worth £125 each
DOUBLE PASS TO SEE JOE CAMILLERI AND THE BLACK SORROWS in April worth £50.00
SANZA BASKET – worth £35.00
AUSSIE CHILDREN’S BOOKS from Scholastic
Audience Vote for for the best short film & the curator, Chris Beale, will be attending from New York.
STREAMING PASS for the AFL/NRL – worth £125 each
DOUBLE PASS TO SEE JOE CAMILLERI AND THE BLACK SORROWS in April worth £50.00
SANZA BASKET – worth £35.00
AUSSIE CHILDREN’S BOOKS from Scholastic
Audience Vote for for the best short film & the curator, Chris Beale, will be attending from New York.
Australian snacks and lollies (sweets) will be on sale - cash only.
DONORS and PATRONS
Tony Middleton - Donor
PARTNERS
