FLICKERFEST SHORT FILM FESTIVAL LAUNCHES

Celebrating its 26^th year, Flickerfest, Australia’s only Academy® accredited and BAFTA recognised short film festival was launched at Bondi Icebergs recently. Flickerfest is second to none on the Australian short film festival circuit, with its loyal patrons continuing to support the much loved and respected fixture on Sydney’s summer calendar.

During the evening, the crowd was transfixed with the screening of the world premier of the official Flickerfest trailer that featured an all indigenous cast and crew, with a Wizard Of Oz theme descending on Bondi Beach. Directed and written by award winning indigenous director Dena Curtis, the trailer stars Miranda Tapsell as Dorothy, Christine Anu as the Good Witch and Jeremy Ambrum as the Lion, Bjorn Stewart as the Tinman, Meyne Wyatt as the Lion & Alexis Lane as Wicked Witch.

Following the trailer’s unveiling, the launch screened the Australian premier of a wonderfully comedic new Australian film “The Eleven O’Clock”. Written and produced by Josh Lawson, produced by Karen Bryson and directed by Derin Seale, this film will certainly entertain audiences. Starring Josh Lawson, Damon Herriman and Alyssa McClelland, the film tells the story of a delusional patient of a psychiatrist who believes he is actually the psychiatrist. As they each attempt to treat each other, the session gets out of control. I was so disappointed when the trailer ended as I was totally drawn into the mayhem. Guess I will have to go along to the full screening when Flickerfest gets underway.

Speaking to the crowd about the sensational year to come, Festival Director, Bronwyn Kidd, stated that after 26 years she was proud Flickerfest continues to be a platform for the best of Australia’s and the world’s most talented filmmakers. Bronwyn is looking forward to showcasing these brilliant short films to eager audiences, not just in Sydney, but at over fifty venues in all states of Australia on their national tour.

Receiving over 2,400 film submissions this year, Bronwyn and the selection committee will handpick the very best 100 films for the 2017 programme to showcase across Australia from January until May.

Flickerfest, which is an all-weather event, will run in Sydney for ten days at the Bondi Pavilion, Bondi Beach, from 6-15 January 2017, before touring nationally from January to May 2017 in over 50 venues.

For tickets and full programme go to www.flickerfest.com.au

Sandra Tiltman   Photos: John Pond

MORE FLIGHTS TO TEL AVIV

Travellers planning a trip to Tel Aviv will find they have more choices in early 2017 when Cathay Pacific Airways expands its global network. The airline will launch a new four-times weekly service between Hong Kong and Tel Aviv on 26 March 2017.

The new service will be operated by Cathay Pacific’s state of the art Airbus A350-900 aircraft. It will provide greater convenience for business and leisure passengers travelling between the two cities and give those travelling from Israel easier access to key destinations in Asia and Southwest Pacific through the airline’s hub in Hong Kong.

Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Ivan Chu said: “We are excited to be launching a direct link to Tel Aviv, which has established itself as a culturally rich and technologically advanced business capital. As an important market in the ‘One Belt, One Road’ initiative, Israel offers tremendous potential for business and leisure travel. Together with the recent launch of our Madrid and Gatwick operations, this new service to Tel Aviv reflects our commitment to growing the Cathay Pacific network and further strengthening Hong Kong’s position as one of the world’s great international aviation hubs.”

Tel Aviv is Israel’s largest commercial and technological hub and is recognised as one of the world’s leading financial centres. Often described as “the city that never stops”, the coastal metropolis lies within easy reach of ancient Jerusalem, and each year draws millions of leisure travellers from around the world thanks to its diverse culture, thriving arts scene and renowned nightlife.

The features of Cathay Pacific’s new A350-900 aircraft take passenger travel experience to a new level. The environmentally friendly aircraft is equipped with the airline’s latest cabin products, an enhanced inflight entertainment system and Wi-Fi connectivity in Business, Premium Economy and Economy classes. The design of many of the cabin features has been carefully considered to give passengers the best sleeping experience, the best entertainment and greater control over how they want to use the space, whether for working or relaxing. With its extra wide body, the aircraft offers more space and comfort. The A350 is designed for passenger wellbeing with its quiet cabin, panoramic windows, LED mood lighting and huge overhead lockers which all contribute to a more comfortable and relaxing journey.

Cathay Pacific has five A350-900s in service and by the end of next year will have taken delivery of a total of twenty-two.

Flights to and from Tel Aviv will operate on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Summer schedule CX675 departs Hong Kong 0100 arriving Tel Aviv 0740. CX674 departs Tel Aviv 1350 arriving Hong Kong 0510+1.

Winter schedule CX675 departs Hong Kong 0100 arriving Tel Aviv 0700. CX674 departs Tel Aviv 1245 arriving Hong Kong 0515+1.

Sandra Tiltman

RECIPE BOOK TRACKS ORIGIN OF INGREDIENTS

Kialla Pure Foods, Australia’s leading processor of organic cereal grains, has recently launched their unique Plate2Farm Recipe Book, which tracks the origin of the ingredients for each recipe.

Packed full of recipes from famous local and inspiring chefs, the book also shows the consumer exactly where the grains in their cupboard have come from.

The Plate2Farm Recipe Book was developed after the success of the Plate2Farm Tracker, which was made in response to shoppers’ increasing interest in the source of their food. It is the first consumer to farmer tracking system in Australia to use the audited traceability built into the organic certification system. The tracker has the ability to trace any Kialla product on the shelf back to the farmer. The motivation behind the tracker is not just to let people know where the product comes from, but also the ‘how’ and ‘why’ behind it. The tracker is able to unveil how one specific product has been stored and treated, how it has been milled and most importantly, introduces the faces behind the complex process.

Sheridan Kennedy, Kialla Pure Foods’ Communications Cultivator commented “Whilst you are cooking up a storm with our recipe book, why not check the origin of the flour you are using and the story behind it. Who farmed it, why they are in the industry and how that product got into your hand. You can see a map, watch a video or browse photographs. We wanted to create a free, downloadable resource for our customers, so they too can make amazing creations, just like the chefs who have curated these fantastic recipes. We have even included my grandmother’s recipe, that has been handed down from generation to generation,” adds Kennedy.

Established in 1988, Kialla Pure Foods is one of Australia’s first certified organic grain mills. Located near Toowoomba, Queensland, they source over twenty different grains from a wide range of certified organic growers. Kialla is 100% committed to using organic methods and building integrity in the food chain, plus ensuring reliability and consistency in their products. By supporting organic farming, Kialla creates environmental sustainability and fair returns to farmers. Their sustainable ideology starts at the farm and works its way through the supply chain and ultimately to the consumer. They believe that focusing on sustainability and quality is not only profitable but also ecologically sound.

Sandra Tiltman at Recipe Book Launch at Al Taglio, Surry Hills

All grains received at the Kialla Mill are given a unique batch number on their packaging that allows people to trace the product back to the actual farmer. Using the batch number or QR code allows the consumer to follow it back to the source via the Plate2Farm Tracker. Photos, videos and maps show the farm, while stories about each farmer explain what’s involved in growing the product. The consumer is offered a virtual tour of the Kialla mill so they can see how the product is stored, treated, milled and the faces behind it all. The tracker covers a range of products including wheat, maize, kamut and oats grown in Australia as well as overseas.

The Plate2Farm Recipe Book is free to download at http://www.plate2farm.com.au  

Sandra Tiltman   Photos: John Pond