 |
||
 |
 |
 |
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
Melbourne Film Buffs Weekend 2000
25th and 26th March
The weekend started at 9.00 on the Saturday morning - with the buy and sell. There were plenty of bargains for the early birds; from there on, it was all go for those attending the second annual Melbourne Film buffs Weekend...
This weekend, now firmly entrenched in the Film Buffs calendar, is organized and run by the Cinema and Theatre Historical Society.
The weekend presents an opportunity for film buffs - both collectors and enthusiasts - to get together and swap, buy, sell or just plain talk about their favorite subject - films of course!
The venue for most of the events was the Fifth Footscray Scout's hall; conveniently located opposite the Seddon Railway Station in Yarraville. With plenty of parking available right next to the hall, the 'goodies' for sale and swap were quickly brought in and set up on the buy and sell tables. Following refreshments, it was off to the nearby Sun Theatre, for a presentation by ScreenSound Australia - formerly the National Film and Sound Archive.
ScreenSound Australia generously provided Mick Newnham, one of their film preservation research technicians from their Canberra office to present his talk on film preservation. Mick spoke on the various forms of film degradation that concern collectors. His lecture covered color fading, vinegar syndrome, cleaning and storage and the expected life of films.
Next was a presentation of cartoons on The Sun Theatre's huge screen. Then back to the hall for lunch. Following lunch, it was Auction Time. Not to be missed at any film buffs get together, the auction provided lots of bargains and some brisk bidding, and of course a bit of fun. There were 16mm features that sold for as low as $20.00, as well as a number of quality items that fetched much higher prices, and of course lots in between.
The afternoon visits in this case were to Cinema 606 and to ScreenSound Australia's South Melbourne office, where manager Helen Tully provided an insight into the work of the archive. As well, visitors were able to browse the national film database on their computers. CATHS member Denzil Howson also provided a working demonstration of sound on disc.
Following a full day of activities and a quick 'spruce up', it was dinnertime at the hall. The Scout Hall had been transformed into a cinema restaurant for the evening's dinner followed by a selection of 16mm shorts. The highlight of the evening was the film trivia quiz, conducted by our Master of Ceremonies assisted by the lovely CATHS 'Lollie Girl'.
Sunday's activities commenced at the Village Southland Cinema Complex. Our host for the tour of the complex was Village's National Technical Manager, and CATHS member, David Kilderry. We were shown the Auditoriums, Cinema Europa, the Gold Class cinemas and of course the projection rooms as well as a short film presentation.
Then it was then off to the Astor Cinema in St Kilda. Here projectionist, and CATHS member, Kevin Adams presented a demonstration screening from Hamlet in 70mm on the Astor's huge screen. Kevin's presentation technique, with full fanfare, lighting effects and the "Astor presents" tag, brought back memories of the way movies were presented in the days of 'real cinema'. The visit was topped off with Kevin playing the Astor's grand piano in the beautifully restored upper foyer as we departed.
Following a quick lunch and a few car-parking problems, we found ourselves at the National Theatre in St Kilda, for a relaxing afternoon matinee of cartoons and a Laurel and Hardy feature. After the presentation, our host Barrie Robinson provided a look behind the scenes at the projection equipment.
About 70 people attended the Film Buffs Weekend. It was pleasing to welcome a number of visitors from New Zealand, Western Australia and New South Wales.
