Sydney’s Belmore Park is set to transform into a buzzing hive of film, music, food and cultural activity for five days in November when Cinema Park kicks off as part of the very first Sydney Intercultural Film Festival (SIFF).
Running from 13 to 17 November 2013, Cinema Park will offer film-buffs, musos and foodies something different, with special film screenings, musical performances, star meet-and-greets, themed family fun days, stand-up comedy performances, film exhibitions and demonstrations, international food stalls, children’s rides, and prize and cash giveaways open to the public for a $2 entry fee.
Former AUSTRALIAN IDOL winner Casey Donovan will perform a free concert on opening night, accompanied by a star-studded gala event to be attended by SIFF’s biggest names – giving attendees a chance to get up-close-and-personal with the people who make the magic happen in front of, and behind, the camera lens.
The events will provide plenty of opportunities for family-fun, with weekday sessions being split into different themes with accompanying film screenings and dress up competitions. Wednesday the 13th of November will explore the world of dance, Thursday the 14th of November will reflect the horror genre, and Friday the 15th of November will enjoin attendees to dress up as their favourite movie character. Cash prizes will go to the winners and runner-ups of each competition.
Festival Creative Manager Kate Ryerson says Cinema Park will highlight culture and creativity from across the globe. “The main aim is to introduce Sydneysiders to the stories, tastes, and sounds of our local, regional and global neighbours.
“Cinema Park is sure to be a crazy rollercoaster of fun, food, creativity and performance with something for all ages and backgrounds,” she says.
More than 30 cultures will be represented across the Cinema Park events including Chinese, Arab, Indian, Vietnamese, Korean, Polish, Indonesian, Greek and Japanese, among others. And there will be over 100 international food, merchandise and entertainment stalls.
Cinema Talent confirmed to attend over the five days includes Hollywood animation filmmaker Bill Plympton (YOUR FACE, GUARD DOG), international casting director Faith Martin (THE ROAD HOME) and Polish filmmaker Piotr Stasik (NIE DLA KAZDEG, KONIEC LATA), as well as acclaimed actors and actresses from across the world cinema landscape such as Kang Soo-yeon (THE SURROGATE WOMAN, ROAD TO THE RACETRACK), Hwang Soo-jung (HUR JUN, SALT DOLL), Ku Hye-sun (BOYS OVER FLOWERS, THE MADONNA), Jo Jae-Hyun (MOEBIUS, THE KICK) and Farhad Aslani (ESHGH-E FILM, SAFAR BE CHAZZABEH).
“We hope that everyone gets behind these events and takes the opportunity to engage with forms of creativity and expression that they may not often be exposed to, in the presence of good company and some top-notch international film talent,” Ms Ryerson concludes.
Cinema Park will be the main events hub for the first edition of the Sydney Intercultural Film Festival (SIFF), which is scheduled to run from 13 November to 24 November 2013. The Festival will screen a total of 150 films from six continents including Australia, Asia, Europe, Africa, North America and South America – spanning feature, short and documentary genres.
For more information, head to www.siff.org.au
