Entertainment

CINEMA NOUVEAU ANNOUNCES PRE-RELEASE SCREENINGS OF TWO MULTI-NOMINATED OSCAR CONTENDERS IN LEAD UP TO AWARDS CEREMONY

Published

11 years ago

26 February 2014

Tee

Watch all ‘Best Picture’ nominees on the big screen this week to qualify your Oscar predictions

The ‘Oscar Buzz’ is heating up as the countdown to the 86^thAcademy Awards ceremony on 02 March starts. In a year in which almost every category is still being hotly contested, Cinema Nouveau is pre-releasing three multi-nominated titles, two of which have ‘Best Picture’ nominations after their name, to allow South African audiences the opportunity to view them on the big screen before the Oscars are announced.

Each of the pre-release titles, Nebraska and Philomena, will have one screening each at 20:00 on 26 and 27 February respectively, at the four Cinema Nouveau theatres at Rosebank Mall in Johannesburg, Brooklyn Mall in Pretoria, Gateway in Durban and the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. Bookings are now open for these three special pre-Oscar screenings.

On Wednesday, 26 February at 20:00, Cinema Nouveau audiences are transported to another American state with the pre-release of Nebraska. With an impressive six Oscar nominations, for Best Picture, Best Actor – Bruce Dern, Best Supporting Actress – June Squibb, Cinematography, Best Director – Alexander Payne, and Original Screenplay, this black-and-white masterpiece explores another complex family relationship.

Director Alexander Payne (Sideways, The Descendants) takes the helm for this black-and-white road trip drama starring Bruce Dern as a tempestuous Missouri father who is convinced he has won a million dollar magazine sweepstakes. His son, played by Will Forte, begrudgingly agrees to drive him to Nebraska to claim his winnings. June Squibb, Bob Odenkirk and Stacy Keach co-star.

(Official “Nebraska” trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuIBvmxIN4w)

With four Oscar nominations – Best Picture, Best Actress – Judi Dench, Best Original Score and Best Adapted Screenplay –Philomena plays on the Cinema Nouveau circuit at 20:00 on Thursday, 27 February.

When former journalist Martin Sixsmith (Steve Coogan) is dismissed from the Labour Party in disgrace, he is at a loss as to what to do. All that changes when a young Irish woman approaches him about a story of her mother, Philomena (Judi Dench), who had her son taken away when she was a teenage inmate of a Catholic convent. Martin arranges a magazine assignment about Philomena’s search for her son that eventually leads to America. Along the way, Martin and Philomena discover as much about each other as about her son’s fate, as their basic beliefs are challenged.

(Official “Philomena” trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DBPqcp6Hc4)

With these two pre-releases, all nine contenders for the lucrative ‘Best Picture’ category can be seen on the big screen at select Ster-Kinekor and Cinema Nouveau sites during the course of next week. Audiences will need to plan their week’s viewing carefully in order to take in all nine titles – and make their predictions – before the winner of ‘Best Picture’ is announced during the early hours ofMonday, 03 March (SA time) from Hollywood, LA!

The full list of nominees vying for this prestigious award are:Gravity; Captain Phillips (both titles re-released by Ster-Kinekor recently); American Hustle (28 Feb); Dallas Buyers Club (28 Feb); Her; Nebraska (14 Mar); Philomena (28 Mar); 12 Years a Slave;and The Wolf of Wall Street.

Released exclusively at Cinema Nouveau and select Ster-Kinekor cinemas is another Oscar contender, Inside Llewyn Davis, which has been nominated in two categories – Best Achievement in Cinematography and Best Achievement in Sound Mixing.

The film embodies the spirit of a great American folk tale, but finds the power of a lyrical odyssey when told by the talents of Joel and Ethan Coen. With T Bone Burnett as their musical muse, the Coens brilliantly encapsulate the saturated soul of the early sixties, as they play this cyclical ballad sparked by a bar fight and a cat on an incredible journey.

Oscar Isaac is Llewyn Davis and his finely tuned performance is inseparable from the character he plays, as he wanders down the road to redemption. Lost between undeniable talent and hopeless abjection, he sees his music as we see the film: “…it’s never new and it never gets old; it’s a folk song…”.

Inside Llewyn Davis follows a week in the life of the young folk singer as he navigates the Greenwich Village folk scene of New York City in 1961. Llewyn Davis (masterfully played by Isaac) is at a crossroads in his life. With guitar in tow and huddled against the unforgiving New York winter, he is struggling to make it as a musician as he comes up against seemingly insurmountable obstacles… many of them of his own making.

There is also still time to test your ‘Oscar Buzz’ knowledge and win some awesome weekly prizes, including DVD box sets of previous Oscar-winning films and movie tickets. Visit the Cinema Nouveau Facebook page and click on the ‘Oscar Buzz’ app to play the quiz.

For more information and to make a booking, visit the Ster-Kinekor website at www.sterkinekor.com or the Cinema Nouveau website at www.cinemanouveau.co.za Call Ticketline on 082 16789. Follow us on Twitter @sktheatres / @nouveaubuzz, or on Facebook at Ster-Kinekor Theatres / Cinema Nouveau. Own an iPhone, Nokia, Samsung Android or Blackberry? Download Ster-Kinekor’s app now, to get the latest news and updates on what’s showing at Ster-Kinekor and Cinema Nouveau, and to make a booking.

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Attractions

FINAL LINEUP ANNOUNCED FOR SPLASHY FEN 2025 – PLUS A BRAND-NEW STAGE!

Published

2 weeks ago

4 March 2025

Shelley

One of South Africa’s longest running and most beloved music festivals, Splashy Fen, is back in 2025 with an electrifying final lineup announcement! Taking place from 17 to 21 April 2025, this year’s festival promises to be bigger and better than ever before, with a stellar mix of international headliners, local legends, and fresh talent.

PHASE 2 LINEUP REVEALED

Adding to an already exciting Phase 1 lineup, festival organizers have now confirmed the full list of performers who will take to the Splashy Fen stages. Fans can look forward to performances from:

International & Local Stars:

YOUNGR (UK)
Darren Kiely (Ireland)
Desmond And The Tutus
Mafikizolo
GoodLuck
Prime Circle
Ard Matthews Trio
Neon Dreams (Canada)
Veranda Panda
Ben Rodriques
Hot Water
Perez
Cinema
Sunset Sweatshop
Nomadic Orchestra
Booshle G
Black Mamba Man
Jamie Lee Sexton
Jemma Kate

In addition, the Splashy Fen Acoustic Stage will host the #LegendsoftheFen series, featuring unforgettable sets from Cinema, Perez, Madala Kunene, Can Of Worms SA, and The Black Lapels.

A FESTIVAL FIRST: INTRODUCING THE MXD FORTRESS OF FUNK

As if the music lineup wasn’t enough, Splashy Fen 2025 is unveiling an all-new 6th stage – the MXD Fortress of Funk! Get ready to groove all weekend long with an electrifying lineup of funk, soul, and dancefloor anthems.

MORE THAN JUST MUSIC

Beyond the performances, Splashy Fen is packed with immersive experiences to make this an unforgettable weekend for festival goers:

Wellness & Relaxation – Daily yoga sessions, meditation circles, and a wellness zone for those looking to unwind and recharge.
Outdoor Adventures – Thrill-seekers can enjoy river rafting, mountain climbing, and trail runs in the breathtaking Drakensberg surroundings.
Unique Activities – Craft markets, drum circles, parades, and cocktail decks to elevate your festival experience.
Family-Friendly Fun – A dedicated Kids Zone ensures the little adventurers are entertained throughout the festival.
Gourmet Food & Drinks – Feast on world-class festival cuisine and sip on cocktails while taking in the stunning Splashy Views.

PLAN YOUR SPLASHY EXPERIENCE

From classic camping spots to luxurious glamping options, Splashy Fen 2025 offers accommodation for every taste and budget. Whether you’re a first-timer or a festival veteran, this year’s edition promises fresh surprises while keeping the magic of Splashy alive.

JOIN US AT SOUTH AFRICA’S FRIENDLIEST FESTIVAL

Splashy Fen 2025 is more than just a music festival—it’s a place where music, nature, and community unite to create lifelong memories.

Tickets are selling fast! Secure yours now at www.splashyfen.co.za.
Stay connected! Follow Splashy Fen on social media for lineup updates, festival tips, and more.

SEE YOU AT SPLASHY FEN 2025!

Art

Review: Create Ceramics Umhlanga

Published

3 weeks ago

26 February 2025

Shelley

Create Ceramics Umhlanga is a vibrant ceramic painting café located at 16 Chartwell Drive, Granada Square, Umhlanga. Open daily from 9am to 5pm, it offers a creative oasis for individuals and groups to unwind and express their artistic flair.

Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed and shown to our seats. The inviting atmosphere, complemented by soft 70’s music, set the perfect backdrop for our creative journey. We were offered beverages from their café menu, which includes a selection of tea/coffee, curated wines, and light bites. The homemade 100% beef burgers paired with hand-cut potato chips are particularly noteworthy.

Choosing a ceramic piece was both exciting and challenging due to the extensive range available, with prices ranging from R100 to R650. The selection includes items like butter dishes, bird feeders, salad bowls, and various animals for the kids. We opted for large fruit bowls, appreciating the ample space they provided for our designs.

Before diving into painting, a friendly staff member introduced us to various techniques, such as using stickers, smudging, and scraping designs onto the paint. Her guidance was great and sparked our creativity. With our chosen paints and brushes, we spent the next hour immersed in our artwork, sipping on cappuccinos and enjoying the therapeutic ambiance.

Once satisfied with our designs, lemons for me and grapefruit with leaves for my mom – we signed the bottoms of our bowls with our names and order numbers. The staff informed us that the pieces would undergo glazing and setting, and they would contact us once ready for collection.

Booking and Additional Information

To experience Create Ceramics Umhlanga, bookings can be made through their website or by contacting them directly at 071 234 4927 or info@createumhlanga.co.za.

The venue caters to various occasions, including corporate team-building events, special occasions, family fun days, and anniversaries.
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a beginner, the studio provides all necessary materials and a supportive environment to help you create a personalized masterpiece.

In addition to the creative experience, the café offers a range of delectable food and beverage options to enhance your visit. From savory dishes to sweet treats, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

Our visit to Create Ceramics Umhlanga was truly delightful, combining creativity, relaxation, and quality time. We’re already planning our next visit and highly recommend this unique experience to Durbanites.

Attractions

Splashy Fen 2025: A Fresh Lineup, New Experiences, and Unforgettable Memories Await

Published

3 weeks ago

26 February 2025

Shelley

The stage is set for the 2025 edition of Splashy Fen, South Africa’s longest-running music festival, happening from 17 to 21 April 2025. Organizers have unveiled the Phase 1 lineup, featuring a mix of international stars, local icons, and emerging talent who are sure to captivate the Splashy Fen faithful.

Stu Berry, festival organizer, shared his excitement about the curated lineup:
“We’ve made a concerted effort in this first announcement to bring artists who haven’t yet experienced Splashy and who our fans haven’t yet experienced at Splashy before. These are mostly amazing South African artists we’ve seen live and who we know will pack a punch in their performances—which is exactly what Splashy is renowned for.”

Phase 1 Lineup Highlights:
– Darren Kiely (Ireland): Making his South African festival debut, this rising star from Ireland promises to bring heartfelt melodies and magnetic stage presence to Splashy Fen.
– GoodLuck: Dance-floor anthems and electrifying performances from this chart-topping trio will have the crowd moving under the stars.
– Ard Matthews Trio: The iconic voice of Just Jinjer returns with a soulful acoustic twist.
– Sunset Sweatshop: Expect feel-good vibes and rock-infused energy from this South African favourite.
– Nomadic Orchestra: A high-energy brass ensemble guaranteed to ignite the dance floor.
– Ben Rodriques, Jamie Lee Sexton, Booshle G, and Angel Mazibuko: These rising stars bring a vibrant mix of styles and sounds, ensuring something for every musical palate.

This exciting lineup is only the beginning, with three more international acts and additional headliners set to be announced at the end of January.

Why Splashy Fen 2025 Will Be Unmissable:

Immerse Yourself in the Magic:
With more than 300 musicians across six stages, Splashy Fen 2025 is a celebration of music, connection, and creativity nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Drakensberg Mountains. Beyond the music, attendees can look forward to:
– Outdoor Adventures: River rafting, mountain climbing, trail runs, and more.
– Wellness Experiences: Yoga sessions, meditation circles, and a wellness zone.
– Unique Activities: Drum circles, parades, cocktail decks, and craft markets.
– Family-Friendly Fun: Dedicated areas for kids, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all ages.

Plan Your Splashy Experience
From classic camping spots to luxurious glamping options, Splashy Fen offers accommodations for every taste and budget. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned fan, the 2025 edition promises to deliver new surprises while keeping the magic alive.

Join Us at South Africa’s Friendliest Festival
Splashy Fen 2025 is more than a music festival—it’s a place where music, nature, and community unite to create lifelong memories.

For tickets and more information, visit www.splashyfen.co.za.