The Weekender: November 29 – December 1

CHECK out the Japanese Film Festival, celebrate the launch of Christmas, scare yourself with a Freddy Kreuger marathon, or support a good cause with an all-you-can-eat meal this weekend. Hieu Chau has you covered for the weekend ahead. 

Japanese Film Festival 2013
November 29 – December 8; Various times; Hoyts Melbourne Central & Australian Centre for the Moving Image

Kicking off this week is the Japanese Film Festival where folks can catch some of the latest releases in Japanese films. From the newest Japanese features to the classics that built the country’s cinema scene, the film festival is sure to provide plenty of incentives for those keen to learn more about the country.

Notable films that people can catch this weekend include The Complex (directed by the same person that brought the world, The Ring), Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods,Gatchaman and the food documentary, The God of Ramen.

For a more in depth look at the program courtesy of the festival’s director, read Hieu Chau’s coverage of the Japanese Film Festival. Other details including the festival program and ticketing information can be found at the Japanese Film Festival’s website.

Christmas Festival 2013 Official Launch
November 29 ( 7.30pm – 9.00pm); City Square (44 – 86 Swanston St, Melbourne, 3000)

Celebrate the official launch of Christmas in Melbourne at City Square this Friday night. Image: Steve Davidson via Flickr

Christmas is just around the corner and with that comes the launch of the Christmas season in Melbourne.

Melbourne’s City Square will be renamed Christmas Square this holiday season and this Friday night, you can catch the lighting of the giant Christmas tree and enjoy a Christmas-themed concert as Melbourne ushers in the festive season.

The event is free of charge.

A Nightmare on Lygon Street – Freddy Kreuger Marathon
November 28 – 30 (11.30pm – 11.30am); Cinema Nova (368 – 384 Lygon Street, Carlton, 3053)

Still stuck in Halloween? Avid horror film enthusiasts ought to check out A Nightmare on Lygon Street this weekend – a Freddy Kreuger movie marathon hosted by Cinema Nova.

For those just crazy enough to brave the all-nighter, Cinema Nova will be screening all six films in the A Nightmare on Elm Street series back to back, giving fans old and new a chance to see the classics up on the big screen.

Need further incentive to visit? The movie marathon will also include some giveaways, trivia competitions and a few other undisclosed surprises for those who attend.

For more information, head on over to the Cinema Nova website where you can book your tickets in advance.

MoVember Sliders
Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday (9.00am – late); Ten Lost Tribes (38a Chapel St, Windsor, 3181)

All-you-can-eat sliders for a good cause. Image: randomwire via Flickr

What’s a good weekend without some good food?

In an effort to raise awareness for prostate cancer, Ten Lost Tribes – an eatery on Chapel Street – is providing an All-You-Can-Eat service which includes beef burgers, vegie falafel sliders, fries and a glass of wine or beer all for the affordable cost of $29.

$9 from each sale will go straight towards raising cancer awareness.

For more information about Ten Lost Tribes and the event, visit their official website.