The Weekender: September 13 – 15
CHOW down on some tacos at the Mission Mexican Festival, support cultural diversity in Australia at Colourfest 2013 or take part in a creative workshop. Elizabeth Yick fills you in with what’s on this weekend.
Colourfest 2013
Thursday, September 12 – Saturday, September 14 (6.00pm – 8.00pm); State Library of Victoria (328 Swanston St, Melbourne)
Colourfest is an Australian multi-cultural film festival that focuses exclusively on stories of migration and diaspora.
The festival was conceived in 2010, as a defiant response to the lack of cultural diversity on Australian screens. Colourfest hopes to challenge and defeat the stereotyping and generally negative portrayal of migrants in Australia.
This year, Colourfest returns with the feature screening of Lost Years, a documentary charting the family story of Kenda Gee. The film touches upon generations of racism, and reveals the underlying stories in more than 150 years of Chinese diaspora in Canada, the United States, New Zealand and Australia.
There are also a range of short films to be screened, including You Are Invited to My Funeral, Mooncake and Crab, Sweet Sweet Country, Tet, Pearl (Melbourne only), and You and Me.
In addition, the festival will also be hosting a forum on how to address racism creatively which will be held on Friday, September 12 at the Loop Project Bar.
For those who are interested in attending a film festival that is a little unusual, visit the official Colourfest website for details of screening times as well as ticket information and bookings.
Drop-By Drawing With Tim Jones
Sunday, September 15 (2.00pm – 4.00pm); NGV Australia: Ian Potter Centre (corner Russell St and Flinders St)
Students focused in a drawing class. Photo: vancouverfilmschool via flickr
This September, the NGV is inviting you to explore your (possibly hidden) creative side with a number of free drawing sessions. Held on Sundays, these sessions are led by some of Australia’s most prominent artists, including Frederick McCubbin, Charles Conder, and Tom Roberts.
This Sunday, visitors will get the chance to draw alongside renowned printmaker and sculptor Tim Jones, who has held many notable exhibitions (both solo and group) both in Australia and the United Kingdom.
During the session, participants will be able to witness Jones drawing upon his own unique practice, and also gain some tips on how to enhance their own drawings. The sessions are aimed to be relaxed – participants of all ages and artistic abilities are welcome to attend.
The event is free, and no bookings are required. All drawing materials are provided at the venue – although personal grey-lead pencils and sketchpads (no larger than A3) are also welcome.
Mission Mexican Festival
Sunday, September 15 (10.00am – 6.00pm); Federation Square (corner Swanston St and Flinders St)
This Sunday, the family-friendly Mission Mexican Festival will once again be held in celebration of Mexican Independence Day. The Festival will be opened by the Mexican Ambassador, and promises to be a festival that is ‘bigger, brighter, and more delicious’ than any other.
Pick up some beautifully made traditional produces from the Mexican market, or enjoy the live entertainment from award-winning singer Abbie Cardwell and the Chincano Rockers. Sip on traditional Mexican drinks at the Mexican Cantina, and hunt down some delicious Mexican cuisine – which could arguably be the most exciting part of this festival.
In attendance at the Festival this year are some of Melbourne’s most celebrated culinary institutions – Blue Corn, Mamasita, Touché Hombre, and the Black Toro, just to mention a few. Of course, Melbourne’s famous taco trucks will be lined up there to dish out their delicious treats.
For those keen to immerse themselves within Mexican culture on a more substantial level, the Centre for Adult Education will be hosting free Spanish language workshops every hour.
For more information on the event and a full program of the day’s special activities as well as the various restaurants involved this year, visit the Mission Mexican Festival Facebook Page.