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Happy Book Week! 17-23 October 2020

This year the celebrations were postponed from August until now. Theme: Curious creatures, wild minds.

The library has some curious trivia questions to be answered, as well as some displays of good reads. This year’s award winners from the Children’s Book Council (picture books, chapter books and young adult) include Bruce Pascoe for Young dark emu and Indigenous illustrator Jasmine Seymour for Baby business.

https://cbca.org.au/winners-2020

https://www.magabala.com/blogs/news/cbca-win-2020

 

What are the benefits of reading?

Benefits include increased empathy, stress reduction, prevention of cognitive decline….

https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-reading-books

https://www.nbcnews.com/better/pop-culture/why-getting-lost-book-so-good-you-according-science-ncna893256

 

Better Reading

Reading suggestions and Weekly Top 10.

Includes All our shimmering skies – Trent Dalton; The survivors – Jane Harper; Honeybee – Craig Silvey; Think like a monk – Jay Shetty.

http://www.betterreading.com.au/

2020 Better Reading Top 100

Includes The tattooist of Auschwitz – Heather Morris; Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine – Gail Honeyman; Scrublands – Chris Hammer; Where the crawdads sing – Delia Owens.

https://www.betterreading.com.au/news/exciting-announcement-the-better-reading-top-100/

More good reading suggestions: http://www.betterreading.com.au/book_list/

 

Goodreads Best Books of 2019

Annual list voted for by readers. Categories include fiction, mystery and thriller, fantasy, science fiction, horror, memoir, non fiction, graphic novels, young adult. Winners include: The testaments – Margaret Atwood; The silent patient – Alex Michaelides; Ninth house – Leigh Bardugo; Recursion – Blake Crouch. 2020 list due in December.

https://www.goodreads.com/choiceawards/best-books-2019

 

Magabala Books

Excellent resources from this Broome-based company, specialising in books by Indigenous authors. 15 new titles are published annually – picture books, memoir, fiction (junior, YA and adult), non-fiction, graphic novels, social history and poetry. Includes:

Living on stolen land – Ambelin Kwaymullina. ‘A prose-style manifesto about our settler-colonial present; a call and a guide to action…challenges Australia to come to terms with its own past and its place within and on ‘Indigenous Countries’.’

Blakwork – Alison Whittaker. ‘A powerful collection of memoir, reportage, fiction, satire, critique’ that interrogates our colonial past and present.

https://www.magabala.com/

 

Took the children away – Archie Roach

Archie Roach reads the picture book (2010) of his powerful 1990 song, with illustrations by Ruby Hunter.

https://ab.co/3jhJ3O0

 

Books made into films 2020

Some of these probably didn’t get released this year. Includes: David Copperfield (Dickens); Chaos walking (Ness); The witches (Dahl); The invisible man (Wells); Rebecca (Du Maurier); The secret garden (Burnett); Deep water (Highsmith); Dune (Herbert).

https://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/books-becoming-movies-in-2020-46949591?stream_view=1#photo-47180684

 

2020 Ned Kelly Awards

For Australian crime writing. Winner 2020: The wife and the widow – Christian White. Best International Crime Fiction: The chain – Adrian McKinty.

https://www.austcrimewriters.com/news/2020/10/14/the-2020-ned-kelly-awards-winners

 

Dymocks

2020 Top 101: Includes Throne of glass series – S. Maas; Magician – R. Feist; Good omens – T. Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. https://www.dymocks.com.au/getmedia/0adc3f76-c6a3-4f37-a922-1f78d4b6d6a0/Dymocks_Top101_2020.aspx

Top 10 in many categories. https://www.dymocks.com.au/promotions/top-10

https://www.dymocks.com.au/

 

2020 Indie Book Awards

Includes: Tell me why – Archie Roach; There was still love – Favel Parrett.

https://www.indiebookawards.com.au/

 

Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIA) 2020

Includes Sand talk: how indigenous thinking can save the world – Tyson Yunkaporta.

https://abiawards.com.au/year-won/2020/

 

Books and Publishing: Inside the Australian Book Industry

News, reviews, book awards.

https://www.booksandpublishing.com.au/

 

The case for reading fiction

Benefits include increased social acuity, the ability to comprehend other people’s motivations and keeping an open mind.

https://hbr.org/2020/03/the-case-for-reading-fiction

 

Neil Gaiman: Why our future depends on libraries, reading and daydreaming

Fiction – the gateway drug to reading.

https://www.betterreading.com.au/kids-ya/neil-gaiman-why-our-future-depends-on-libraries-reading-and-daydreaming/

 

Book quotes

https://www.shortlist.com/news/the-40-most-powerful-literary-quotes

https://www.bookbub.com/blog/famous-book-quotes

https://www.stylist.co.uk/books/the-best-100-closing-lines-from-books/123681

https://bookroo.com/blog/the-100-best-quotes-about-reading

Quiz: https://brokebybooks.com/an-epic-list-of-50-literature-trivia-quiz-questions/

 

Book covers

Iconic covers…The great Gatsby, Catch-22, A clockwork orange….

https://www.abebooks.com/books/rarebooks/book-design-collectible-famous/iconic-book-covers.shtml

https://www.writerscentre.com.au/blog/book-cover-quiz/

 

How you feel when you finish a great book

This is absolutely a real thing!

https://bookriot.com/psychology-of-a-book-hangover/

 

Categories
books films Indigenous resources

Resources for all ages for National Reconciliation Week (NAIDOC Week in July has been postponed)

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National Reconciliation Week 27 May – 3 June

This year’s theme is In this together.

It is 20 years since Reconciliation Australia began was established. “Much has happened since the early days of the people’s movement for reconciliation, including greater acknowledgement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights to land and sea; understanding of the impact of government policies and frontier conflicts; and an embracing of stories of Indigenous success and contribution. 2020 also marks the twentieth anniversary of the reconciliation walks of 2000, when people came together to walk on bridges and roads across the nation and show their support for a more reconciled Australia….On this journey, Australians are all In This Together; every one of us has a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories and cultures.”

https://www.reconciliation.org.au/national-reconciliation-week/

20 ways to be in this together: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/20-ways-to-be-in-this-together-in-2020/?fbclid=IwAR2H9VOtZSOQqynIEyZwf771mTRAOx-DLIbx-rw6RVwWIpQuN0pieQ3tT4k

Indigitube: the Reconciliation channel

Excellent resources. Includes NITV resources, great music, podcasts, language, radio and news.

https://www.indigitube.com.au/

Reconciliation timeline 1770-2018: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/reconciliation-timeline-3.pdf

Excellent book list (2019): https://www.reconciliation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/recommended-reading-1.pdf

More books: https://nrw.reconciliation.org.au/2020/05/22/nrw-2020-look-for-a-book/

Excellent film and TV list (2019): https://www.reconciliation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/recommended-viewing.pdf

 

 

 

NAIDOC Week 7 – postponed – probably on later in the year

https://www.naidoc.org.au/news/naidoc-week-2020-postponed

 

Uluru Statement the ‘campaign of our lifetimes’ (May 2020)

The Peoples’ movement has moved the Government from complete dismissal to commencing a process of ‘co-design’ for a Voice before considering legislative, executive and constitutional options to establish a Voice.

https://nit.com.au/uluru-statement-the-campaign-of-our-lifetimes/

 

Indigenous Australians’ voice will be heard loud and proud (March 2020)

With close to 800 000 Indigenous voices in Australia, the focus of the national group is to develop options and models for a national voice, whilst working in partnership with local groups.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/commentary/indigenous-australians-voice-will-be-heard-loud-and-proud/news-story/5b8d075cfabe361d1d0b55a805d83db5

 

Uluru Statement from the Heart (2017):

https://www.referendumcouncil.org.au/sites/default/files/2017-05/Uluru_Statement_From_The_Heart_0.PDF

 

Indigenous Knowledge

This project from the University of Melbourne helps teachers integrate Indigenous perspectives in their teaching. Resources are linked to the Australian Curriculum and are for Years 3 to 10 but can be adapted. Resources include Interdependence in the environment;  Fire and land management; Geometry of water sources and landforms; Indigenous astronomy.

https://indigenousknowledge.research.unimelb.edu.au/

 

Indigenous Australian languages: https://aiatsis.gov.au/explore/articles/indigenous-australian-languages

AIATSIS map of Indigenous Australia (languages and groups): https://aiatsis.gov.au/explore/articles/aiatsis-map-indigenous-australia

Gambay – map of Australia’s first languages (over 780): https://www.abc.net.au/indigenous/features/gambay-languages-map/

Word up – shares the diverse languages of Aboriginal Australia, one word at a time: https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/wordup/

 

Right wrongs

An excellent resource. Short videos and informative text explore developments since the 1967 referendum which changed how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were referred to in the constitution. Sections include: Controlled but not counted; Fighting for change; An extraordinary vote; The legacy; Where to now?

http://www.abc.net.au/rightwrongs/

 

Aboriginal agriculture, technology and ingenuity
In short videos, renowned author Bruce Pascoe reflects on Aboriginal people’s relationship with plants, animals and technologies and celebrates the ingenuity of the First Australians. Journals of early explorers and other research shows evidence of vast agricultural fields, aquaculture systems, sophisticated use of fire and successful industries that existed in Australia prior to colonisation.

https://education.abc.net.au/home#!/digibook/3122184/bruce-pascoe-aboriginal-agriculture-technology-and-ingenuity

 

A real history of Aboriginal Australians, the first agriculturalists – Bruce Pascoe (12 mins)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqgrSSz7Htw

 

ABC Education

Many resources – search under Topics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures. Includes History of Indigenous rights in Australia; Dust echoes (animations of Dreaming stories); History of the Tent Embassy; Racism; Cultural identity.

http://education.abc.net.au/home#!/topic/494038/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-histories-and-cultures

 

ABC Indigenous

https://iview.abc.net.au/collection/1150

Access the latest Indigenous stories and features from ABC Radio, news & current affairs, TV and iview.

iView Indigenous collection

http://www.abc.net.au/indigenous/default.htm

Dramas, comedies, documentaries and more. Includes:

HerStory: a discussion by Indigenous female actors, writers and producers about the contribution of women to their communities and identity. Features Rachel Perkins, Nakkiah Lui, Sally Riley. https://iview.abc.net.au/show/herstory/video/IP1721H001S00

Back Roads Dreaming: stories of this place long before it was called Australia. https://iview.abc.net.au/show/back-roads-dreaming-and-other-stories

This place: Indigenous communities share the stories behind place names of their country. https://iview.abc.net.au/show/this-place

Awaye: Diverse and vibrant Aboriginal arts and culture from across Australia and the best from indigenous radio broadcasters around the world. Subscribe on Apple or Google Podcasts, or ABC Listen app. https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/awaye/

 

Creative Spirits

“Learn about contemporary Aboriginal culture without agenda”. Many resources in many areas including history, arts, people, economy, law and justice, politics and media, spirituality. “Creative Spirits is an amazing collection of history and an inspiring representation of Aboriginal culture”—Michele Hetherington, Aboriginal woman from NSW. www.creativespirits.info/

 

The beach

3 hour documentary series on NITV, SBS and SBS On Demand on Friday, May 29 at 7.30pm. Acclaimed filmmaker Warwick Thornton returns to his ancestors’ homeland to transform his life, developing his spirituality, instincts and skills in order to survive and thrive.

https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/2020/04/28/prepare-be-totally-captivated-warwick-thorntons-new-documentary-beach

 

NITV – National Indigenous Television 

Informs, educates and entertains its indigenous and non-indigenous audiences. Great documentaries, news, personal accounts and perspectives.

http://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/

NITV programs include:

NITV programs on demand: http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/channels/nitv

Movies on NITV: http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/movies/nitv-movies

The point: Current affairs and news for all Australians, with indigenous perspectives. http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/program/the-point

Our stories (15 mins each): Shares the history, culture and language of Indigenous Australia through stories of elders, youth and communities. https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/program/our-stories

Thalu: With their country under threat from a huge dust cloud and the mysterious Takers that lurk within, a group of Indigenous kids make their way to the Thalu, a place of great power, to stop the cloud before it destroys everything. https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/program/thalu

Family rules: Nine sisters navigate the modern world while trying to stay true to their mother’s values. https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/program/family-rules

First Nations bedtime stories: Stories told by elders. https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/program/first-nations-bedtime-stories

The Dreaming: Animated stories explained by elders. https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/program/the-dreaming

Going places with Ernie Dingo: Ernie visits iconic places and connects with traditional owners and others who live there. https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/program/going-places-with-ernie-dingo

 

SBS On Demand

A changing selection of films, documentaries and newsclips. Search for “indigenous” and “Aboriginal” programs.

http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/

 

Books

Living on stolen land (2020) – Ambelin Kwaymullina. Challenges Australia to come to terms with its own past and its place within and on ‘Indigenous Countries’.

Sand talk: how Indigenous thinking can save the world (2019) – Tyson Yunkaporta. Challenges the reader to think differently. Indigenous thinking can help us look at our world through a different perspective and help us make sense of our world in a different way.

Welcome to country: an introduction to our First People for young Australians (2019) – Marcia Langton. Topics include history, knowledge, cultural awareness, art, language, Stolen Generations.

Welcome to country: a travel guide to Indigenous Australia (2018) – Marcia Langton. Celebrations, places to visit, prehistory, culture, art.

Australia’s first naturalists: Indigenous peoples’ contribution to early zoology (2019) – P. Olsen & L. Russell. Many zoological discoveries made by European naturalists would not have been possible without Aboriginal knowledge of fauna and the environment. Aboriginal people assisted nearly every exploration of the interior.

Blakwork (2018) – Alison Whittaker. Poetry that examines loss and ‘a fearless examination of the present.’

Welcome to country: a traditional Aboriginal ceremony  (2018) – Aunty Joy Murphy & Lisa Kennedy (ill.). Beautifully illustrated – a Welcome to the lands of the Wurundjeri people.

Our home, our heartbeat (2020) – Adam Briggs & Kate Moon (ill.) & Rachael Sarra (ill.). Adapted from Indigenous rapper Briggs’ celebrated song ‘The Children Came Back‘. A celebration of past and present Indigenous legends, as well as emerging generations.

Growing up Aboriginal in Australia (2018) – Anita Heiss (ed.). Anthology of diverse voices, experiences and stories. https://www.blackincbooks.com.au/books/growing-aboriginal-australia

Magabala Books – Australia’s leading Indigenous publishing house: https://www.magabala.com/

4 Magabala Books shortlisted for CBCA Book Week awards: https://www.magabala.com/blogs/news/four-magabala-titles-shortlisted-for-the-cbca-book-of-the-year

Aboriginal Studies Press catalogue: https://aiatsis.gov.au/sites/default/files/docs/asp/ASP%202020%20Trade%20Catalogue.pdf

 

Categories
books films human rights Indigenous resources language sociology TV

National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week resources

National Reconciliation Week 27 May – 3 June

This year’s theme is Grounded in truth. Walk together with courage.

‘At the heart of reconciliation is the relationship between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. To foster positive race relations, our relationship must be grounded in a foundation of truth. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have long called for a comprehensive process of truth-telling about Australia’s colonial history. Our nation’s past is reflected in the present, and will continue to play out in future unless we heal historical wounds. Today, 80 per cent of Australians (and 90% of indigenous Australians) believe it is important to undertake formal truth telling processes, according to the 2018 Australian Reconciliation Barometer. Australians are ready to come to terms with our history as a crucial step towards a unified future, in which we understand, value and respect each other.’ (Reconciliation.org.au)

https://www.reconciliation.org.au/national-reconciliation-week/

Unpacking the 2019 NRW poster: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/tot-rationale.pdf

NRW 2019 guide (includes race relations and truth telling; respectful conversations): https://www.reconciliation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/ra-nrw-2019-guide_v8.pdf

Reconciliation timeline 1770-2018: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/reconciliation-timeline-3.pdf

Resources and news: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/resources/

Excellent book list: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/recommended-reading-1.pdf

Excellent film and TV list: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/recommended-viewing.pdf

 

NAIDOC Week 7 July – 14 July

This year’s theme is Voice. Treaty. Truth. Let’s work together for a shared future.

The theme highlights 3 key elements of the Uluru Statement from the Heart. ‘This theme acknowledges that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have always wanted an enhanced role in decision-making in Australia’s democracy. Our sovereignty has never been ceded – not in 1788, not in 1967, not with the Native Title Act, not with the Uluru Statement from the Heart. It coexists with the sovereignty of the Crown and should never be extinguished. Australia is one of the few liberal democracies around the world which still does not have a treaty or treaties or some other kind of formal acknowledgement or arrangement with its Indigenous minorities…The true story of colonisation must be told, must be heard, must be acknowledged…Then we can move forward together.’

https://www.naidoc.org.au/get-involved/2019-theme

https://www.naidoc.org.au/

Uluru Statement from the Heart (2017):

https://www.referendumcouncil.org.au/sites/default/files/2017-05/Uluru_Statement_From_The_Heart_0.PDF

NAIDOC Week poster designer – Charmaine Mumbulla:

https://www.naidoc.org.au/news/charmaine-mumbulla-winner-naidoc-2019-poster-competition

 

 

Reconciliation Australia: What we are asking of the next Federal Parliament (May 2019)

3 key actions are required: 1. Address the unresolved issues of national reconciliation (eg. support issues raised in the Uluru Statement from the Heart; meet Closing the Gap targets) 2. Support truth telling initiatives at a local, regional and national level (eg. establish a healing centre and reform the school curriculum to better encompass indigenous culture and history) 3. Support work across the breadth of reconciliation issues.

https://www.reconciliation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/2019-federal-election-key-asks.pdf

 

Final report from the Joint Select Committee on Constitutional Recognition Relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

Released in November 2018, the report recommends a bipartisan approach, including support for the establishment of a Voice to be co-designed between government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. However, a clear timeframe is needed to ensure the Voice is realised in the next parliamentary term, maintaining momentum towards a referendum on constitutional recognition. The report did not, however, make a recommendation in relation to a treaty.

https://www.reconciliation.org.au/report-a-good-step-now-parliament-must-deliver-reform/

 

Indigenous Knowledge

This project from the University of Melbourne helps teachers integrate Indigenous perspectives in their teaching. Resources are grouped around the 3 themes of Astronomy, Fire and Water. They are linked to the Australian Curriculum and are for Years 3 to 10 but can be adapted. Resources include Fire in song; Geometry of water sources and landforms; Indigenous astronomy, geography and star maps.

https://indigenousknowledge.research.unimelb.edu.au/

 

UNESCO International Year of Indigenous Languages

In 2016 the UN reported that 40% of the estimated 6 700 languages in the world were in danger of disappearing, with the majority of these being indigenous languages – putting at risk the cultures and knowledge systems of indigenous peoples. In Australia today, only 13 traditional Indigenous languages are still acquired by children (with over 250 spoken in 1788), with about 100 spoken to various degrees by older generations.

https://aiatsis.gov.au/IYIL2019

https://en.iyil2019.org/

Indigenous Australian languages: https://aiatsis.gov.au/explore/articles/indigenous-australian-languages

AIATSIS map of Indigenous Australia (languages and groups): https://aiatsis.gov.au/explore/articles/aiatsis-map-indigenous-australia

Gambay – map of Australia’s first languages (over 780): https://www.abc.net.au/indigenous/features/gambay-languages-map/

Word up – shares the diverse languages of Aboriginal Australia, one word at a time: https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/wordup/

 

 

Right wrongs

An excellent resource. Short videos and informative text explore developments since the 1967 referendum which changed how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were referred to in the constitution. Sections include: Controlled but not counted; Fighting for change; An extraordinary vote; The legacy; Where to now?

http://www.abc.net.au/rightwrongs/

 

ABC Education

Many resources – search under Topics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures. Includes History of Indigenous rights in Australia (video 14 min.); Dust echoes (animations of Dreaming stories); History of the Tent Embassy.

http://education.abc.net.au/home#!/topic/494038/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-histories-and-cultures

 

 

Aboriginal agriculture, technology and ingenuity
Excellent new ABC Education resource. In short videos, renowned author Bruce Pascoe reflects on Aboriginal people’s relationship with plants, animals and technologies and celebrates the ingenuity of the First Australians. Journals of early explorers and other research shows evidence of vast agricultural fields, aquaculture systems, sophisticated use of fire and successful industries that existed in Australia prior to colonisation.

https://ab.co/2VLGOH2

 

ABC Indigenous

Access the latest Indigenous stories and features from ABC Radio, news & current affairs, TV and iview.

http://www.abc.net.au/indigenous/default.htm

 

Awaye

Diverse and vibrant Aboriginal arts and culture from across Australia and the best from indigenous radio broadcasters around the world. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or ABC Listen app.

https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/awaye/

 

Creative Spirits

“Learn about contemporary Aboriginal culture without agenda”. Many resources in many areas including history, arts, people, economy, law and justice, politics and media, spirituality. “Creative Spirits is an amazing collection of history and an inspiring representation of Aboriginal culture”—Michele Hetherington, Aboriginal woman from NSW. www.creativespirits.info/

 

Reconciliation Film Club

Developed by Reconciliation Australia, NITV and SBS. This online platform supports organisations to host screenings of compelling documentaries from our leading indigenous filmmakers. Also includes links to other resources dealing with indigenous themes and issues.

https://www.sbs.com.au/learn/reconciliationfilmclub

 

Top end wedding

Romantic comedy starring and co-written by Miranda Tapsell. Directed by Wayne Blair (The Sapphires). A celebration of love, family and belonging set in the far north of Australia and Tiwi Islands. Great film!

https://theconversation.com/top-end-wedding-a-new-australian-romantic-comedy-with-a-sincere-sense-of-place-114914

 

NITV – National Indigenous Television

Informs, educates and entertains its indigenous and non-indigenous audiences. Great documentaries, news, personal accounts and perspectives.

http://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/

Explore topics and link to videos: Social issues, Arts and entertainment, Social Justice… http://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/topics

NITV programs include:

NITV programs on demand: http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/channels/nitv

Movies on NITV: http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/movies/nitv-movies

The point: Current affairs and news for all Australians, with indigenous perspectives.  https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/the-point

http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/program/the-point

Family rules: Nine sisters navigate the modern world while trying to stay true to their mother’s values. https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/program/family-rules

Grace beside me: The adventures of indigenous 13 year old Fuzzy Mac who keeps seeing ghosts. Based on the novel by Sue McPherson. https://iview.abc.net.au/show/grace-beside-me

The Dreaming: Animated stories explained by elders. http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/video/677413443508/the-dreaming-series-1-ep-24

Little J and Big Cuz: Provides a young indigenous audience with ‘relatable’ characters and offers an insight into traditional Aboriginal culture, country and language. Includes online educational games.

https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/jarjums

 

SBS On Demand

A changing selection of films, documentaries and newsclips. Search for “indigenous” and “Aboriginal” programs.

http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/

 

Books

Catching Teller Crow (2018) – Amberlin Kwaymullina and Ezekiel Kwaymullina (children of Sally Morgan). A suspenseful ghost story and psychological thriller, written in prose and verse. Beth Teller is a ghost who can still communicate with her detective father. Together they solve a mystery and discover a shocking story. Winner of the 2019 Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards, Young Adult. Winner of the 2018 Best Young Adult Novel, Aurealis Awards. ‘Told in two unforgettable voices, this gripping novel interweaves themes of grief, colonial history, violence, love and family.’ Great book!

https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/books/childrens/young-adult-fiction/Catching-Teller-Crow-Ambelin-Kwaymullina-and-Ezekiel-Kwaymullina-9781760631628

Young dark emu: a truer history (2019) – Bruce Pascoe. The highly anticipated junior version of Dark emu, showing Australia as it was before Europeans arrived.

https://www.booktopia.com.au/young-dark-emu-bruce-pascoe/prod9781925360844.html

Dark emu (2014) – Bruce Pascoe. A new perspective on indigenous history, arguing against ‘hunter gatherer’ history and providing evidence of sedentary living and crops.

Too deadly (2017) – Us Mob Writing. Diverse collection of First Nations writings from a Canberra writers group.

Growing up Aboriginal in Australia (2018) – Anita Heiss (ed.). Anthology of diverse voices, experiences and stories. https://www.blackincbooks.com.au/books/growing-aboriginal-australia

Terra nullius (2017) – Claire G. Coleman. Historical/speculative fiction with multiple perspectives. In the near future, Australia is about to experience colonisation once more. What has been learned from the past?

https://www.theguardian.com/books/australia-books-blog/2017/aug/22/speculative-fiction-is-a-powerful-political-tool-from-war-of-the-worlds-to-terra-nullius

Knowledge of life: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia (2015) – Kaye Price (ed.) Investigates history, reconciliation, law, art, enterprise, health, education, literature, sport and human rights. The authors of each chapter are indigenous and experts in their field. Each chapter begins with biographical information about the author.

 

Categories
books films Google internet literature popular culture sociology TV

Good films and books

The 10th Annual Goodreads Choice Awards

The only major book awards decided by readers – 5 million votes in 21 categories. Best fiction: Still me – Jojo Moyes; Best mystery and thriller: The outsider – Stephen King; Best science fiction: Vengeful  – V.E. Schwab; Best fantasy: Circe – Madeline Miller; Best historical fiction: The great alone – Kristin Hannah…

https://www.goodreads.com/choiceawards/best-books-2018

 

Author interviews on ABC One plus one

Always an interesting program. Tune in after xmas for a week of author interviews from throughout 2018 with Jane Hutcheon……or check the archive. Includes Morris Gleitzman, Clementine Ford, Marcus Zusak, Liane Moriarty, Jeff Kinney, Michael Robotham, Tim Winton

https://www.abc.net.au/news/programs/one-plus-one/

https://www.abc.net.au/news/programs/one-plus-one/archive/

 

The dry – Jane Harper

Winner of the 2017 ABIA Book of the Year; 2017 Indie Awards Book of the Year; 2017 Gold Dagger for Crime Novel of the Year and many more. Federal Agent Falk returns to his old hometown to uncover the truth about the death of his childhood friend and face the demons of his past. I have just started reading this and I’m hooked!

‘Something mythic and valiant … a quintessential Australian story beautifully told’ (SMH)

http://janeharper.com.au/Books/The-Dry

 

Film version The dry

Eric Bana will star as Aaron Falk in the film version, to be directed by Robert Connolly. Filming begins February.

https://www.eonline.com/au/news/991937/eric-bana-to-star-in-movie-adaptation-of-aussie-bestseller-the-dry

Harpers other books: Force of nature (2017) – Agent Falk returns to investigate a missing bushwalker at a corporate retreat.

The lost man (2018) – What really happened to the third brother in the isolation of the outback?

‘The Lost Man is Jane Harper’s third consecutive marvel…and her most marvellous yet…. What an extraordinary novel: part family drama, part indelible ode to the Outback – a thriller as forceful and atmospheric as a brewing storm. Harper works miracles. We’re lucky to witness them.’ (A.J. Finn)

 

La belle sauvage (The book of dust part 1) – Philip Pullman

I have just finished this prequel to the Northern Lights series and loved it! Pullman’s concept of human souls manifested as animal daemons is unique and special. I want one! There will now be 2 series made, with HBO now co-producing with the BBC series; series 1 will air in 2019.  Stars Dafne Keen as Lyra, James McAvoy as Lord Asriel and Lin-Manuel Miranda as Lee Scoresby; directed by Tom Hooper. Northern Lights won the Carnegie Medal and  later named as the finest Carnegie winner of them all. It’s an awesome series that deals with many philosophical issues. Can’t wait for The testaments, the sequel to the novel The handmaid’s tale by Margaret Atwood – due Sept 2019 (series 3 of the excellent TV series due 2019).

https://www.cnet.com/news/his-dark-materials-fantasy-tv-series-release-date-cast-plot-bbc-hbo/

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-6168651/His-Dark-Materials-TV-series-LOOK.html

https://www.theverge.com/2018/11/28/18116012/handmaids-tale-sequel-margaret-atwood-the-testaments

 

Mortal engines film

In a dystopian future, remnants of humanity form mobile predator cities, where larger cities hunt and absorb smaller settlements. Based on the popular book series by Phillip Reeve, the film has received mixed reviews, but the author states: ‘Christian Rivers has done a fantastic job – a huge, visually awesome action movie with perfect pace and a genuine emotional core…There are many changes to the characters, world, and story, but it’s still fundamentally the same thing.’

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1571234/

https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/movies/box-office/lotr-directors-new-film-an-epic-flop/news-story/fd223c75c58072effe5c836dafcfb9f9

 

Mary Queen of Scots and The favourite

Stars Margot Robbie as Elizabeth I and Saoirse Ronan as Mary; directed by Josie Rourke. Explores the battle for power between the 2 women.

‘A darkly compelling, if factually questionable, retelling’ (The Guardian). The film The favourite, starring Emma Stone and Olivia Colman, also looks excellent – an historical comedy-drama about 2 cousins jockeying to be the court favourites of Queen Anne in the early 1700s.

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/nov/16/mary-queen-of-scots-review-saoirse-ronan-josie-rourke

https://www.indiewire.com/2018/11/mary-queen-of-scots-review-saoirse-ronan-margot-robbie-1202021017/

https://www.wmagazine.com/story/the-favourite-movie-emma-stone-yorgos-lanthimos

 

Top Google searches 2018

Australian and global. Most searched person: Barnaby Joyce; What is?…bitcoin; How to…opt out of My Health Record…..

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-12-14/google-top-searches-for-2018/10616794

https://www.smh.com.au/technology/the-year-in-google-what-aussies-searched-for-in-2018-20181214-p50m82.html

Categories
films music popular culture sociology

Good films out now or coming up

Ladies in Black

The movie has received great reviews. Based on the book by Madeleine St John. Directed by Bruce Beresford. Stars Julia Ormond, Angourie Rice, Shane Jacobson. A young school-leaver joins the sales staff of a fashionable store in the late 1950s and is befriended by the people there, changing her life forever. A musical version with songs by Tim Finn toured in 2017 and was excellent! Out now.

https://www.filmink.com.au/reviews/ladies-in-black/

 

First man

Directed by Damien Chazelle. Stars Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy. Biographical drama about Neil Armstrong and the years leading up to the Apollo 11 mission. Opens 11 Oct 2018.

http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20180829-film-review-five-stars-for-first-man?ocid=global_culture_rss

 

The house with a clock in its walls

Based on the book by John Bellairs. Directed by Eli Roth. Stars Cate Blanchett and Jack Black. A young orphan aids his magical uncle in locating a clock with the power to bring about the end of the world. Out now.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/house-a-clock-walls-review-1143515

 

Storm Boy

Aww Mr Percival again…such a great story. In this retelling, Storm Boy has grown up to be a retired businessman who begins to see images from his past and tells his granddaughter about his life. Directed by Shawn Seet (Peter Allen; The code). Stars Geoffrey Rush, Jai Courtney, Trevor Jamieson, Finn Little and Mr Percival. Gulpilil has a cameo as Fingerbone Bill’s father. A video game is also being made. Opens Jan 2019.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-08-15/storm-boy-remake-trailer-and-poster-released/10123090

 

Mortal engines

Based on the novel by Philip Reeve. Directed by Christian Rivers. Stars Hugo Weaving and Hera Hilmar. Screenplay by Peter Jackson and wife Fran Walsh. Many years after the Sixty Minute War, cities survive on desolate Earth by moving around on giant wheels, attacking and devouring smaller towns to replenish their resources. Opens Dec 2018.

https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/mortal-engines-trailer-release-date-uk-peter-jackson-christian-rivers-a8384641.html

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1571234/

 

Boy erased

Based on the memoir by Garrard Conley. Directed by Joel Edgerton. Stars Lucas Hedges, Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe. The 19 year old gay son of a Baptist pastor is given an ultimatum by his parents: attend a conversion therapy program or be shunned by his family, friends and faith. Opens 8 Nov 2018.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/boy-erased-review-1139231

 

Fantastic beasts: the crimes of Grindelwald

Sequel to Fantastic beasts and where to find them. Directed by David Yates. Screenplay by J.K.Rowling. Stars Eddie Redmayne and Katherine Waterston. Newt Scamander and Dumbledore (Jude Law) attempt to take down the dark wizard Grindelwald, while facing new threats in a more divided wizarding world. Opens 15 Nov 2018.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4123430/

 

Mary Queen of Scots

Directed by Josie Rourke. Great cast- stars Saoirse Ronan as Mary, Margot Robbie as her distant cousin Queen Elizabeth I, Guy Pearce and David Tennant. Mary Stuart attempts to overthrow Elizabeth I, Queen of England, only to find herself condemned to years of imprisonment before facing execution. Opens 17 Jan 2019.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-44951930

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2328900/

 

Toy story 4

Directed by Josh Cooley. Voices of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Annie Potts. Woody and Buzz set out on a journey to find Woody’s love interest, Bo Peep, who was given away prior to the events of the third film. Opens 20 June 2019.

http://screencrush.com/toy-story-4-delays-annie-potts/

 

And movie musicals are coming back!…..

 

Mary Poppins Returns

The trailer looks amazing! Directed by Rob Marshall. Set in 1935, Emily Blunt plays Mary, who returns to help the grown-up family after a tragedy. Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton) has written some of the new songs and plays Jack, a street lamplighter. Also features Julie Walters, Colin Firth, Dick Van Dyke and Meryl Streep, who plays Mary’s eccentric cousin. Opens 1 Jan 2019.

https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2018/09/the-new-trailer-for-mary-poppins-returns-reveals-a-supercalifragilisticexpialidocious-emily-blunt/

 

Bohemian rhapsody

Previews look excellent. Biopic of the rise to fame of rock band Queen and lead singer Freddie Mercury. Directed by Bryan Singer and Dexter Fletcher. Stars Rami Malek as Freddie. Rami will do an amazing job. Opens 1 Nov 2018.

https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-features/bohemian-rhapsody-queen-biopic-696188/

 

A star is born

Remake directed by Bradley Cooper. Cooper plays a country music star and Lady Gaga is a struggling singer. Cooper and Gaga wrote songs together and performed them live. Gaga looks excellent in the previews. Opens 18 Oct 2018.

http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20180902-film-review-a-star-is-born

 

Cats

Directed by Tom Hooper (Les mis, The king’s speech). Jennifer Hudson, Ian McKellen, James Corden and Taylor Swift will journey up to the Heaviside Layer….what a cast! Andrew Lloyd Webber is also writing some new songs and music for the film. Due out Dec 2019.

https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/cats-movie-cast-taylor-swift-james-corden-jennifer-hudson-ian-mckellen-tom-hooper-a8458631.html

 

Aladdin

Live-action remake, with additional songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La la land and The greatest showman). Directed by Guy Ritchie. Stars Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott and Will Smith as the Genie. Due May 2019.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/aladdin-everything-know-disneys-live-action-remake-1125148

 

The lion king

Live-action remake with a new Elton John song for Beyonce and a reworked score by Hans Zimmer. Directed by Jon Favreau. Stars the voices of Donald Glover, Beyonce, James Earl Jones. Due July 2019.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/lion-king-everything-know-2019-disney-remake-1123979

 

Wicked

Directed by Stephen Daldry (Billy Elliot). The story of Glinda and Elphaba has yet to begin filming and may come out in 2020.

http://www.darkhorizons.com/wicked-film-will-eventually-happen/

 

West side story

Remake directed by Steven Spielberg. Casting has just begun. Due 2020.

https://screenrant.com/steven-spielberg-west-side-story-filming-start-date/

 

And in 2019 there will also be a Judy Garland biopic (Judy) with Renee Zellweger and Rocketman, the Elton John biopic.

 

Lots of great viewing!

Categories
ed tech films Games and gaming geography and global resources internet media popular culture Science resources sociology websites

Webby Awards 2018 and AFTRS free media resources

Interesting to see what’s acclaimed on the web…..

 

The Webby Awards

Winners were announced recently for the’ Oscars of the internet’. Lots of categories, including People’s Voice in each section – Web; Online Film & Video; Advertsing; Mobile sites & apps; Social; Podcasts; Games. Winners include:

 

Happiness (4 min. animated film – loved it!) https://vimeo.com/244405542

Dianna Cowern: physics girl (entertaining YouTube channel – physics, astronomy, science) https://www.youtube.com/physicsgirl

Time is the cosmic rhythm http://cosmic-watch.com/how-it-works/

Atlas obscura (travel site) https://www.atlasobscura.com/destinations

Exoplanet exploration: planets beyond our solar system https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/

Solar system exploration https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/

Global climate change: vital signs of the planet (nominee) https://climate.nasa.gov/

TED-ED: build a lesson around  any TED Talk or YouTube video https://ed.ted.com/

Speak a language in 10 minutes a day (nominee) https://www.busuu.com/

Storybots (songs, stories, educational for 4 to 8 yr olds) https://www.storybots.com/

Seeing theory: a visual introduction to probability and statistics http://students.brown.edu/seeing-theory/

National Geographic: pristine seas https://www.nationalgeographic.org/projects/pristine-seas

National Geographic Kids https://www.natgeokids.com/

Welcome to Hogwarts https://my.pottermore.com/hogwarts

Winners and nominees: https://www.webbyawards.com/winners/2018/

 

Special Achievement: Steven Soderbergh – Film & Video Person of the Year

Most online films are available via streaming, but Soderbergh has redefined the boundaries of digital storytelling with his app Mosaic, where people choose how to interact with and follow the gripping murder mystery about a children’s book author, on their phones. Viewers can view the plot via different perspectives and access extra details such as background documents, emails and police reports.  Mosaic was also released as 6 episode TV series. Soderbergh has 2 more interactive storytelling projects underway. His recent film Unsane was shot entirely on an iPhone.

Is Mosaic the future of entertainment?: https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2018/01/19/review-steven-soderbergh-mosaic-hbo-app-sharon-stone/1041754001/

https://www.webbyawards.com/winners/2018/special-achievement/webby-film-video-person-of-the-year/steven-soderbergh/

 

Free resources from AFTRS (Australian Film Television and Radio School)

Free media arts resources are now available for primary and secondary teachers and students. It is predicted that video content will account for 80% of global internet traffic by next year, so screen literacy, creativity and storytelling capabilities will be highly valued in many fields. Resources include lesson plans, worksheets, video content, filmmaking, documentary, podcasting, stop motion and screenwriting.

https://medialab.aftrs.edu.au/

 

Categories
films literature popular culture TV

Female-focused Shakespeare series for ABC

Margot Robbie to produce female-focused Shakespeare series for ABC

Robbie’s production company has partnered with the ABC and others to create a 10 episode series that will tackle the works of Shakespeare from a female perspective. The themes of various Shakespearean works will be used to create episodes set in current times or the future, updated to comment upon our society. The project will share diverse points of view, from writers representing different cultures and areas within Australia. The goal is for the production and creative teams to also be predominantly female. Filming begins late 2018.

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/mar/23/margot-robbie-to-bring-female-focused-shakespeare-to-abc

https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tv-and-radio/margot-robbie-throws-star-power-behind-new-australian-tv-series-20180323-p4z5z1.html

 

Rethinking Shakespeare’s women

‘Find a Shakespearean woman who is clever, strong and powerful and inevitably she will end up mad, silenced or dead. Even when she is shown to have integrity, more often than not she is killed off by the final act. ’ (Kean). The new ABC series will be a challenge, considering the characters and what happens to them in the plays. Some say Shakespeare wrote no soliloquies of note for women and that he relied on 7 stock female characters – from bawdy women to  witty unmarriageable women to tragic faithful lovers.

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/mar/27/margot-robbie-shakespeare-women-characters-tv-series

 

Shakespeare and gender: the ‘woman’s part’

Although boys played female roles in early performances of Shakespeare, women have been performing female roles in Shakespearean plays since 1660, when Anne Marshall played Desdemona from Othello. Other female performers were also on stage during Shakespearean times.

https://www.bl.uk/shakespeare/articles/shakespeare-and-gender-the-womans-part

 

Shakespeare’s evolving attitudes towards women

Shakespeare’s views of women changed over time – he didn’t understand them at the beginning of his career.

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-32379759

 

Good resources for studying Shakespeare

Includes No fear Shakespeare; Shakespeare’s summaries; Shakespeare: the app; Lectures on Shakespeare; The playwright game; Interactive folios.

https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/best-13-informative-resources-studying-shakespeare/

 

Categories
books films Indigenous resources popular culture

Good books and shortlists

Some good new books out now:

Growing up Aboriginal in Australia

Compiled by Anita Heiss; to be released 16 April. The book includes diverse childhood stories of family, country and belonging. ‘All of the contributors speak from the heart – sometimes calling for empathy, oftentimes challenging stereotypes, always demanding respect.’ Contributors include Adam Goodes, Miranda Tapsell, Deborah Cheetham…..For Years 9 to 12; teaching notes available.

https://www.blackincbooks.com.au/books/growing-aboriginal-australia

 

The shepherd’s hut

New novel by Tim Winton and it sounds amazing. A youth struggles with his life after a violent incident, fleeing his hometown to find the only person who understands him. But what he finds out challenges everything….. ‘Jaxie Clackton is destined to become one of the greatest characters in Australian literature’ (Geraldine Brooks).

https://www.penguin.com.au/books/the-shepherds-hut-9780143786115

Review: ‘Austere, beautiful & compelling…an unblinking vision of hope’

https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/books/the-shepherds-hut-review-tim-wintons-austere-beautiful-and-compelling-novel-20180228-h0wsl1.html

 

Ninja kid: from nerd to ninja

New book series from Anh Do. Nelson lives in a junkyard and finds out on his 10th birthday he has ninja powers. Now he must protect his town and beyond. Ages 6+.

https://www.readings.com.au/review/ninja-kid-from-nerd-to-ninja-by-anh-do-and-jeremy-ley

 

WeirDo TV series

Anh Do’s popular books are becoming an animated TV series.

https://tvtonight.com.au/2017/12/anh-do-developing-kids-tv-project.html

 

Read like a girl: books to celebrate women and girls

Includes:

Good Night Stories For Rebel Girls 2 features 100 new bedtime stories about famous women from around the world, from Nefertiti to Beyonce, transforming each biography into an inspiring story. The women were chosen by global readers and the book also features 100 stunning portraits created by 70 leading female artists. For Ages 5+

Shout out to the girls: a celebration of awesome Australian women

Turia Pitt, Julia Gillard, biologists, rally car drivers, women in all fields…..

https://www.angusrobertson.com.au/read-like-a-girl?utm_campaign=2018-03-08+International+Women’s+Day&utm_medium=email&utm_source=ARB+Master+Subscription

 

Stella Prize Shortlist 2018

Celebrating Australian women’s writing since 2013. Includes:

Terra nullius by indigenous author Claire G. Coleman. ‘In the near future Australia is about to experience colonisation once more. What have we learned from our past?’

http://thestellaprize.com.au/

 

Indie Book Awards

Shortlist with winners 26 March. Includes: Force of nature by Jane Harper; Working class man by Jimmy Barnes; Wimmera by Mark Brandi; Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend; Pig the star by Aaron Blabey.

 

2018 Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIAs)

Longlist with winners 3 May. Includes Unmasked by Turia Pitt;  Saga land by Richard Fidler; The book of dust by Philip Pullman; I’m Australian too by Mem Fox.

http://abiawards.com.au/general/2018-abia-longlist/

 

Books on Screen 2018

Film and TV – A wrinkle in time; Ready player one; The cuckoo’s calling (Robert Galbraith aka JK Rowling); Little women; Throne of glass. Long list of books on screen.

https://www.bookdepository.com/books-and-movies

 

The Book Oscars

A bit of fun from Book Depository….Who will win for best female character in a book? Best male? Best author? Best debut novel? Best book adapted into a movie? Special effects?

https://www.bookdepository.com/book-oscars?utm_source=NL-Body&utm_medium=email-Newsletter&utm_term=button&utm_content=OSCARS&utm_campaign=20180308_OSCARS

 

Australia’s Top 20

Book Depository’s top 20 books sold in Australia.

https://www.bookdepository.com/autop20?utm_source=NL-Body&utm_medium=email-Newsletter&utm_term=button&utm_content=TOP20AU&utm_campaign=20180312_TOP20AU

Categories
films popular culture science fiction TV

Good films and TV

Lots of movie awards around recently with the Academy Awards on Monday 5 March. Some good films, not all suitable for school of course! http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-01-24/2018-oscar-nominee-list/9355532

 

The shape of water (MA15+) has had great reviews. Directed by Guillermo del Toro (Pan’s labyrinth) and nominated Best Director. This fantasy film, a ‘fairy tale for grown-ups’, tells the story of the love between a woman who cannot speak and a creature imprisoned in a water tank at a government laboratory.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/arts/review/stratton-reviews-del-toros-the-shape-of-water-spielbergs-the-post/news-story/ebf9965b4d27721421aa84fe1b183c70

 

Three billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri (MA15+) is very powerful with strong themes and great performances, especially by Frances McDormand (nominated Best Actress). A lot of swearing though.

 

I, Tonya is an innovative and intriguing film and Margot Robbie is fabulous in it (nominated Best Actress). Allison Janney, playing her mother, is superb and will most likely win Best Supporting Actress. MA15+ with lots of swearing so not really suitable for schools.

 

Lady bird, directed by Greta Gerwig (nominated Best Director), stars Saoirse Ronin (nominated Best Actress), depicts the turbulent bond between a mother and her teenage daughter. Rated M so should be ok for senior high school.

 

Get out (MA15+) was certainly entertaining and original with an excellent twist, but may be considered too violent for school.

 

Dunkirk was an excellent war film and kids love Coco the animated Pixar film, where a young boy is accidentally transported to the land of the dead and his musical ancestor helps him return home. Ferdinand (based on the book) is also nominated – a gentle bull refuses to participate in bullfighting but is forced back into the arena.

http://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-43133872

 

2018 films based on Young Adult books

http://www.betterreading.com.au/book_list/ya-film-adaptations/

An interesting list. Includes:

 

Ready player one

Based on the sci fi novel by Ernest Cline. Directed by Steven Spielberg. Stars Ben Mendelsohn and Simon Pegg. In a dystopian future, a young man and his friends must solve a series of deadly puzzles to beat an evil corporation that wants to take control of the popular virtual world known as Oasis. Opens March.

https://www.cinemablend.com/new/Ready-Player-One-Movie-What-We-Know-So-Far-120497.html

 

Every Day

Based on the groundbreaking book by David Levithan. Stars Angourie Rice. A shy teenage girl falls in love with a mysterious spirit who wakes each morning in a different body, living a different life each day. Fifteen actors, male, female and transgender, portray the spirit. Opens April.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/entry/david-levithan-every-day_us_5a84bf94e4b0774f31d1cef8

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt7026672/

 

Love, Simon

Based on the novel Simon vs the homo sapiens agenda by Becky Albertalli. Stars Nick Robinson and Josh Duhamel. A not-so-openly gay teenager tries to balance friends, family, an anonymous email penpal and a blackmailer who threatens to out him to the entire school. Opens March.

http://www.indiewire.com/2017/11/love-simon-trailer-nick-robinson-gay-hollywood-coming-of-age-film-1201901845/

The bright future of queer literature is the young adult novel: https://www.gq.com/story/the-bright-future-of-queer-literature-is-the-young-adult-novel

 

Mortal engines

Based on the fantasy book by Philip Reeves; screenplay by Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh. Stars Robert Sheehan and Hugo Weaving. In a post-apocalyptic steampunk world , entire cities have been mounted on wheels and motorised, preying on each other for resources. Opens Dec.

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/mortal-engines-trailer-peter-jackson-fantasy-movie-christian-rivers-a8116921.html

http://www.philip-reeve.com/mortal-engines/

 

The darkest minds

Based on the series by Alexandra Bracken. In a dystopian future, children who survive a deadly disease develop strange abilities and are locked away in camps. Opens August.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Darkest_Minds_(film)

 

Queen of shadows

TV series based on the best-selling Throne of glass books by Sarah J. Maas. A female teenage assassin journeys through a corrupted kingdom with a tyrannical ruler. To be released early 2019.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Throne_of_Glass

http://sarahjmaas.com/throneofglass/

 

Chaos walking

Based on the first book in the series by Patrick Ness. Stars Daisy Ridley and Tom Holland. Set in a dystopian world where all living creatures can hear each other’s thoughts, in a stream of images and sounds known as Noise. To be released early 2019.

http://www.denofgeek.com/us/movies/chaos-walking/260303/chaos-walking-first-look-at-tom-holland-and-daisy-ridley

 

Good shows on TV in 2018

Free-to-air, Foxtel and streaming. The handmaid’s tale season 2 (SBS April); Genius (Antonio Banderas as Pablo Picasso; Nat. Geographic); Hard sun (end-of-the-world, Ch.7); Runaways (based on the graphic novels; Fox); Troy: fall of a city (Netflix).

Australian productions: Picnic at Hanging Rock (Showcase in May); Interview with Andrew Denton (series; Ch.7); Olivia Newton-John: hopelessly devoted to you (Stars Delta Goodrem; Ch.7); Mystery Road (based on the film; ABC); Jimmy Barnes: working class boy (doco; Ch.7).

https://thewest.com.au/entertainment/tv/what-to-watch-in-2018-ng-b88731469z

 

New TV series sci fi & fantasy

 

Altered carbon

Based on the novel by Richard Morgan. Future humans do not die – their consciousness is transferred to a new synthetic body. Now on Netflix.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altered_Carbon_(TV_series)

 

The first

Stars Sean Penn. A team of astronauts colonises Mars.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/sean-penn-star-hulus-beau-willimon-space-drama-1041275

 

Philip K. Dick’s electric dreams

10 stories based on the works of Philip K. Dick. On Stan now.

http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/tv-shows/philip-k-dicks-electric-dreams-is-mindbendingly-good/news-story/799b0a9167b3c42b33b6ccd419220fc0

https://www.stan.com.au/watch/electric-dreams

 

The umbrella academy

Based on the graphic novel by Gerard Way. Stars Ellen Page as the only member of a dysfunctional family who doesn’t have some kind of supernatural ability. Netflix 2018.

https://www.altpress.com/news/entry/gerard_way_netflix_umbrella_academy_day_one_first_look

 

Maniac

Stars Emma Stone and Jonah Hill. Two patients at a psychiatric hospital escape into a fantasy world. Netflix 2018.

https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/913328/maniac-netflix-release-date-new-series-emma-stone-jonah-hill-trailer-cast-plot

 

More sci fi and fantasy TV: http://www.syfy.com/syfywire/18-new-tv-shows-we-cant-wait-to-watch-in-2018-superman-space-and-sandals

Categories
books films popular culture science fiction

Good films

Some good upcoming films, many based on novels…..

 

Goodbye Christopher Robin

Directed by Simon Curtis. Stars Domhnall Gleeson as A.A. Milne and Margot Robbie as Daphne Milne. Explores the life of A.A. Milne and his relationship with his son. Milne suffers post traumatic stress after WW1 and writing the Pooh stories for his son helps him cope. However, international success comes at a cost to his family. Opens 23 Nov.

http://ew.com/movies/2017/08/10/domhnall-gleeson-goodbye-christopher-robin/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1653665/

 

Wonder

Based on the book by R.J. Palacio. Directed by Stephen Chbosky. Stars Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, Jacob Tremblay. A young boy with a facial deformity deals with friendships, prejudice, love and life. Opens 30 Nov.

http://www.denofgeek.com/uk/movies/wonder/40483/wonder-the-brand-new-trailer

 

Namatjira project

Documentary tracing the quest of the family of indigenous artist Albert Namatjira to have the copyright of his works returned to them. The Northern Territory public trustee sold the copyright to a private art collector in 1983 for $8,500. The Namatjira Project is also an initiative that seeks to highlight the continued appropriation of indigenous culture. Opens 7 Sept.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-07/fight-for-copyright-continues-from-namatjiras-family/8881474

http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/movies/film-festivals/miff-2017-premiere-charts-familys-battle-to-reclaim-albert-namatjiras-legacy-20170724-gxha3o.html

https://www.namatjiradocumentary.org/

 

It

Based on the novel by Stephen King. A terrifying being terrorises a group of bullied children in a small town in Maine. Opens 7 Sept.

https://www.theverge.com/2017/9/6/16257788/it-movie-review-stephen-king-andy-muschietti-pennywise-the-clown

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1396484/

 

Wonderstruck

Based on the book by Brian Selznick. Directed by Todd Haynes. Stars Julianne Moore, Michelle Williams. Set in 1927 and 1977. Two children run away from home – one to find their idol, and the other to solve a mystery about his father. Half of the film is silent as the main character is deaf. “Alive with the magic of pictures and the mysteries of silence, this is an uncommonly grownup film about children, communication, connection and memory.” (David Rooney). Opens 14 Dec.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/wonderstruck-review-cannes-2017-1004568

 

Blade runner 2049

Directed by Denis Villeneuve, co-produced by Ridley Scott. Stars Harrison Ford and Ryan Gosling. Set 50 years after the events of the first film. A new blade runner unearths a long-buried secret that could plunge society into chaos and sets out on a quest to find a former blade runner, missing for 30 years. Opens 5 Oct.

https://www.digitaltrends.com/movies/blade-runner-2-news-rumors/

 

Rebel in the rye

Biopic of the life of J.D. Salinger. Directed by Danny Strong. Stars Nicholas Hoult and Kevin Spacey. After the horror of WW2, a young Salinger embarks on his writing career under the mentorship of his professor at Columbia University. In real life, Salinger fought during D-Day and was at the liberation of Dachau concentration camp. He always carried notebooks and wrote about Holden even during WW2. Opens Oct.

http://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/news/a52565/rebel-in-the-rye-review-jd-salinger/

 

Loving Vincent

World’s first fully hand-painted feature film – an animated drama about the life and mysterious death of Vincent Van Gogh. The film uses a new oil painting for each shot, with movement added from one frame to the next by a painter’s brush. Each of the film’s 65,000 frames is an oil painting on canvas, using the same technique as Van Gogh. Stars Saoirse Ronan and Chris O’Dowd. Opens 2 Nov.

http://lovingvincent.com/

http://variety.com/2017/film/reviews/loving-vincent-review-van-gogh-1202469734/

 

The man who invented Christmas

Biopic  adapted from the book by Les Standiford. Directed by Bharat Nalluri. Stars Dan Stevens and Christopher Plummer (Scrooge). A young Charles Dickens sets out to write and self-publish A Christmas Carol, after suffering the failure of his last 3 books. Opens 30 Nov.

http://screenrant.com/man-who-invented-christmas-trailer-poster/

 

Murder on the Orient Express

Directed by and starring Kenneth Branagh as Poirot, Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Judi Dench. Poirot investigates the murder of a wealthy American on the train. Opens 9 Nov.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3402236/

 

The greatest showman

Directed by Australian Michael Gracey. Stars Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Zac Efron. Musical about the life of the original showman P.T. Barnum and how he founded Barnum & Bailey’s Circus. “It started as a movie about the power of imagination and will and never giving up on your dreams. It grew into a deeper idea that what makes you different makes you special.” (Hugh Jackman). Can’t wait – a musical with Hugh J Opens 26 Dec.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1485796/

https://www.vogue.com/article/the-greatest-showman-hugh-jackman-september-issue-2017

 

Other fun upcoming films include Captain Underpants : the first epic movie (14 Sept) and The emoji movie (14 Sept) – emojis go on a mission to save the hidden world within our phones. Jumanji: welcome to the jungle, sequel to the 1995 film, opens 26 Dec and also in December Star Wars Episode VIII: the last Jedi. Will Kylo Ren make a reappearance??