Ponderance

Perth's only Independent Film Festival reaches its seventh year as it opens this Thursday. Revelation is in the process of seemingly rebranding as the "Perth International Film Festival" which seems appropriate given the multicultural flavour of a number of this year's offerings. Unlike the cash cow film festival within the Perth International Arts Festival, Revelation maintains a focus on films which might not appeal to a wide audience, but since most are only screen twice (once in Leederville, once in Fremantle), I'm sure Revelation will have a successful year. While there's too much on that I really want to see, here's the shortlist countdown:
[5] INTERSTELLA 5555 - The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem - Interstellar Japanese anime meets french funksters Daft Punk. Kewl.
[4] The Corporation - The history of big corporations and big business. The interviews with Noam Chomsky and Michael Moore might even get you ready for Fahrenheit 9/11 (opening July 29th @ Luna). [See The Corporation Trailer here.]
[3] THE CAT RETURNS (Neko No Ongaeshi) - Japanese anime master production house Studio Ghibli and director Hiroyuki Morita bring cats and fairy tales to the screen in a fantastical intertwining visual treat (well, that's what I expect after Spirited Away!).
[2] The Animation Showcase - Revelation always brings the best new short animations to Perth and this year is no exception. I'm particularly looking forward to After Dolly (where genetic engineering mets claymation), Generation (bizzara grayscale 3D animation) and The Olympiad's Lounge (where the Ancient Greek Gods do standup comedy!) (Luna Leederville: Tue 6 July, 7:00pm/Luna SX: Fri 9 July, 7:15pm).

[1] A Page of Madness - A black and white Japanese film from 1926 which was thought lost until a few years ago. Director Teinosuke Kinugasa explores the world of an insane asylum with artistic shots and cinematic effects which are decades ahead of the curve. The film's audio is provided by UK group In the Nursery with a blend of electronica and orchestral sounds. The only screening takes place at 9pm on July 10th @ Luna Leederville so Perth folk, I might just see you there!