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Local director makes finals

Up and coming Canberra film director Millie Hayes. Photo supplied.

Canberra director Millie Hayes has qualified for the finals of the Melbourne Queer Film Festival (MQFF) ‘Keep the Vibe Alive’ short film competition.

The competition aims to highlight smoking rates in the LGBTIQ community, which are up to three times higher than those in the general population.

Four short films have now been produced by the chosen finalists to show how smoking can “kill the vibe” in important moments.

Haye’s film, The Third Wheel, is one of four movies the Australian public are able to vote on until 5 February.

The winner will be announced at MQFF’s Program Launch on Tuesday 12 February, and their concept will air before every screening at MQFF 2019.

The winner will be awarded with a prize of $4,000.

To vote for Haye’s movie and find out more, visit mqff.com.au/votevibe


A Disney classic to be brought to life

Following recent sell-out seasons of Chicago, Strictly Ballroom, Jesus Christ Superstar and Barnum, the Canberra Philharmonic Society’s next production will see them take on the Disney classic, Beauty and the Beast.

The iconic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self.

Performances will be held 7-9, 13-16 and 20-23 March at Erindale Theatre, Wanniassa; philo.org.au


Tidy’s new book

Up and coming Canberra film director Millie Hayes. Photo supplied.

When the Sydney Harbour Bridge approached its completion in 1932, little did the hard-working men realise that it would become a world-renowned symbol of a beautiful, free and friendly country for which Australia is widely admired.

It took several generations to see the bridge realised, including many unsuccessful designs. Today, over 160,000 cars cross it every day. As a nation, we finally paid it off in 1988.

A new children’s book aims to share this story with young people. The Day We Built the Bridge, written by Canberra author Samantha Tidy and illustrated by Fiona Burrows, will be released nationally on 1 February.

“I love speaking to elderly people who remember it being opened, and even those who first walked across it,” Tidy says.

“Their childhood memories come alive when I show them the book. It’s priceless to look at our history with our elders. That opportunity is passing.”

A national book tour will see book launch held at Harry Hartog Woden on Saturday 16 February 11am. RSVP to Harry Hartog Woden on 6232 5832.

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