These seven films are comedic in their own different ways, whether they cause loud guffaws or dry chuckles. From two riotous Westerns in Romania and Malaysia, or kooky, loveable characters revolving around a pawn shop in a tough Melbourne neighborhood, to wry social commentary on masculinity and the concept of marriage—as these stories unfold, more and more layers are uncovered.
1. Aferim!
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27 Nov, Fri / 7:00pm / The Projector
Vivid and viciously funny, this astute drama from Romanian director Radu Jude—winner of the Silver Bear at this year’s Berlinale—revisits age-old beliefs with a western twist. Set in early 19th century Wallachia, Aferim!—which means bravo in Ottoman Turkish—is the story of Constable Costandin traversing the craggy landscapes of the Romanian countryside in pursuit of a wayward gypsy slave with his son, whose innocent questions increasingly challenge his sense of morality and justice.
2. Entertainment
29 Nov, Sun / 4:30am / The Projector
Entertainment stars Australian-born American entertainer Gregg Turkington—as a depressed, anti-comic stand-up comedian named ‘The Comedian’—and boasts a star-studded supporting cast with Tye Sheridan, John C. Reilly and Michael Cera.
The film follows Turkington on his journey across the Southwestern United States. When his younger clown companions gets better reviews, The Comedian further sinks into depression, but an eventual gig at a Hollywood star’s birthday might prove to be his salvation.
3. Pawno
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29 Nov, Sun / 9:30PM / The Projector*
*Filmmaker in Attendance
Pawno is a comedy about Les, a seasoned pawnbroker in a tough Melbourne neighbourhood, who helps people trade old items for new dreams. His customers are a myriad of kooky characters, from a young suitor looking for a wedding ring, to a family man with a very niche interest. Two good-hearted hobos, Carlo and Pauly, provide lighthearted entertainment.
4. Banglasia
3 Dec, Thu / 9:30PM / Shaw Theatres Lido*
*Filmmaker in Attendance
A reluctant bond is struck between a foreign worker and a nationalist as a series of unexpected events force them to work together in this madcap comedy. Referencing the Western film genre, fluffy romances, musicals and even, action-adventures, Banglasia is a riot of a film, filled with zany, colourful characters who are never one-dimensional. Expounding on issues of nationalism, racism, corruption and bureaucracy, director Namewee brings together a delightful ensemble cast, including himself, in this no-holds-barred comedy which dabbles in serious topics with just enough sarcasm, mischief and wit.
5. Microbe and Gasoline
5 Dec, Sat / 11:00am / Shaw Theatres Lido
In Michel Gondry’s take on the teen buddy flick, the overprotected Microbe meets Gasoline, a grease monkey skilled in the arts of engineering who comes from an abusive family. Misunderstood and marginalized at school and home, both boys form a friendship, and together they build a house on wheels, embarking on an adventure to the countryside. Playful and quirky with his imaginative brand of humour, Gondry offers us a simple coming-of-age story of fun-filled youthful misadventures with a pair of talented teen actors with charmingly awkward chemistry.
6. Chevalier
5 Dec, Sat / 4:30pm / The Projector
From Linklater collaborator Athina Rachel Tsangari comes this highly unusual male ‘buddy’ film that exposes the competitiveness between men as they pursue the unattainable object of masculinity. When their yacht breaks down during a deep-sea fishing trip, a group of wealthy men engage in the game of Chevalier as they wait for repairs, challenging each other to a test of skills and attributes to determine an ultimate winner. These range from the most mundane tasks to the severely traumatizing.
7. The Lobster
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29 Nov, Sun / 2:00pm / Shaw Theatres Lido*
*SOLD OUT
Starring Colin Farrell and Rachel Weisz, along with a star-studded supporting cast, The Lobster starts with David, recently abandoned by his wife, who checks into The Hotel, where singles have to follow a strict regime of rules and activities in a bid to find a compatible partner within 45 days; otherwise, they will be transformed into an animal of their choosing. Unable to do so, David escapes into The Woods and gets inducted into a rebel group called The Loners. David finds himself in love, but The Loners abide to an equally strict set of rules in opposition to The Hotel.