Event spokeswoman Louise Costa said it felt like yesterday when the team members were bumbling their way through the inaugural festival.
‘‘A mountain of 35mm reel to reel films that had to be spliced, wound, played, re-wound, packed and shipped, lay at the bottom of the stairs to the bio box at the Rushworth Shire Hall,’’ she said.
‘‘Rows of seats were lined up neatly and organisers anxiously stood by the doors on opening night to usher a handful of people to their places.’’
Nowadays, Ms Costa said the committee found the co-ordination process to be a breeze.
‘‘They have their step-by-step-guide to organising a film festival down pat and everyone on the ever-expanding committee knows their role,’’ she said.
‘‘Modern digital media has made its way to the vintage building — saving lots of time and lots, lots more money — and punters have to arrive early to ensure tables in the cabaret-style theatre setting are available.’’
Ms Costa said the hall’s entrance was adorned with displays fancy lights festooned its facade at night, making the experience more than just a movie night.
‘‘The most difficult part of the process each year is deciding which films will be screened,’’ she said.
This year, the committee chose the theme ‘‘music’’ and has selected three films known not only for their big-screen attraction but also for their sound tracks and unforgettable musical experience.
‘‘In addition to these films, the committee are also excited to announce that local film student Taylah Bons has agreed to screen her short film Polaroid prior to each feature film,’’ Ms Costa said.
‘‘We could not be more pleased to have local creative talent represented at the Waranga Winter Film Festival again this year.’’
Guests will be treated to personal table service and the films will be followed by a delicious buffet supper with homemade soup, bread, savouries, homebaked cakes and hot drinks.
‘‘Of course our famous P-12 lolly sellers will keep guests topped up with jaffas and popcorn,’’ Ms Costa said.
The event will feature the following films:
My Fair Lady: Friday, June 28, 11am.
Intermission with lunch and live entertainment. Bookings are essential.
In this musical, pompous phonetics professor Henry Higgins (Rex Harrison) is so sure of his abilities that he takes it upon himself to transform a Cockney working-class girl into someone who can pass for a cultured member of high society. His subject turns out to be the lovely Eliza Doolittle (Audrey Hepburn), who agrees to speech lessons to improve her job prospects.
Higgins and Eliza clash, then form an unlikely bond; one that is threatened by an aristocratic suitor (Jeremy Brett).
Bohemian Rhapsody: Saturday, June 29, 5pm.
The film screening will be followed by buffet supper.
If you have not seen Bohemian Rhapsody yet, don’t, and wait for the festival. Bohemian Rhapsody is a foot-stomping celebration of Queen, their music and their extraordinary lead singer Freddie Mercury. Freddie defied stereotypes and shattered convention to become one of the most beloved entertainers on the planet. The film traces the meteoric rise of the band through their iconic songs and revolutionary sound. They reach unparalleled success, but in an unexpected turn, Freddie, surrounded by darker influences, shuns Queen in pursuit of his solo career.
Having suffered greatly without the collaboration of Queen, Freddie manages to reunite with his bandmates just in time for Live Aid. While bravely facing a recent AIDS diagnosis, Freddie leads the band in one of the greatest performances in the history of rock music. Queen cements a legacy that continues to inspire outsiders, dreamers and music lovers to this day.
Moulin Rouge: Sunday, June 30, 2pm.
Film screening is followed by sweet and savoury high tea.
A young Englishman in the Paris of 1899 becomes infatuated with Satine, a singer at the Moulin Rouge. However, she has been promised by the manager to a Duke in return for funding his next production. As the young lovers meet in secret, Satine’s wedding day draws closer, but she hides a fatal secret from Christian and the Duke.
Member passes for the entire festival will be available at the theatre door and this year first in will have their choice of table. $25/$20 concession entitles guests to all films including hot meals on Friday and Saturday and high tea on Sunday. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/warangawinterfestival/
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