When Josh Wheatley is not working the projection booth at Dendy Opera Quays, he's working on his film theory thesis for uni, or he's blogging (eloquently) about cinema, or he's making short films. And because these things don't keep him busy enough, he's once again cheerleading for world cinema as the 2009 Sydney Film Festival's Volunteer Coordinator.
In these difficult times, when Sydney's film culture seems threatened at every turn, we need multi-tasking dudes like Josh Wheatley. And that is why I've picked him as the latest in my series of Local Heroes.
You know. All the fun stuff.
What are you working on right this minute?
I’m designing the epic volunteer roster!
What does your work as volunteer coordinator entail?
I’m in charge of recruiting, rostering and overall managing the volunteers for the Sydney Film Festival. The festival depends hugely on the involvement of volunteers, and it’s great to meet and work with so many different people who all commune around their love of cinema.
What do volunteers get out of the experience?
Volunteering is a great way to get the most out of the festival. You meet a lot of people with similar interests, you get to see how a large scale arts event is run, you get the chance to meet people in the industry and you can also see some of the films on offer. I volunteered for the SFF before I was lucky enough to get this job, so I can personally vouch for the experience. Movie lover’s dream.
What was the one lesson you learned on the job last year?
That SMS messaging is a truly revolutionary tool for communication.
Were there any fuck-ups?
I’m back in 09, right?
What's your favourite memory from last year's festival?
The euphoria after watching Let The Right One In, a movie I knew absolutely nothing about and now rests as one of my favourite films. Guy Maddin’s on-stage narration of My Winnipeg was truly spectacular.
What are you most looking forward to in the program this year?
I’m looking forward to the Girls 24/7 strand – really impressive programming with a 35mm print of Cleo from 5 to 7, Jeanne Dielmann and a screening of the neglected masterpiece Wanda. Tsai Ming Liang and Steven Soderberg’s films in competition are a definite highlight for me. The Limits of Control. Last Ride. 24 City. Too many films I’d love to see, but probably won’t be able to catch! We’ll see... everyone needs to check out Tony Manero and Goodbye Solo! Great films...
What will you be wearing on opening night?
Besides a grin that makes me look like a muppet, I have no idea. Bjork swan dress?
Who would you like to see a retrospective of at SFF 2010?
A fairly impossible question, but I’d love to see retrospectives of Orson Welles, Nicholas Ray and Fassbinder – canon cinema that could not be seen anywhere apart from a film festival. A retrospective on the road movies would be a lot of fun – fly Wim Wenders to town and show us the extended cut of Until the End of the World!
And if you could invite one filmmaker or actor?
Werner Herzog.
What's the best film you've seen recently?
Nuri Bilge Ceylan’s Uzak (Three Monkeys is showing at SFF09). Samson and Delilah is still on my mind.
What in your opinion, does Sydney's film culture need most at the moment?
A cinematheque is really missed, a place where cinephiles can go year round to quench their thirst for cinema as art, cinema beyond the multiplex, where the greats of film history are exhibited and remembered. If you build it they will come, right?
Are you still looking for volunteers? How can someone apply?
There is still time to apply to be a volunteer but applications close May 18. You can download the application form on the website and send it in via email. If you enjoy films and want to experience the awesome buzz of the festival first hand you shouldn’t miss out on the chance volunteer.
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The Sydney Film Festival runs from June 3rd to 14th.
Any past or current SFF volunteers want to share their experiences in the comments?
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3 comments:
See that Raviera, "if you build it they will come," or perhaps more appropriately, if you refurbish it they will come... right?
Who is this Josh Wheatley character anyway? Looks like someone i once knew, except smarter.
Go Josh! Woooo!
He was all about paisley shirts last year (much to my endless amusement/derision), so looking forward to 09 fashions. What's it going to be, Josh?!
Someone should tell that dude about Chauvel Cinematheque. Look at what they've got coming up: Mizoguchi, Cassavetes, Tarkovsky, Cocteau, Herzog, Bresson, Sturges and Sirk. I think they're doing a decent job within their means and should be supported. It's already built so why aren't you coming?
PS Everyone knows that Godard is the one who needs to have a retrospective, and not just Breathless and a handful of his other 60s films, they need to show his films from the 70s and 80s up until now for once. Barely anyone is even talking about his new film Socialisme, this blog included, and look at the promo reel for Christ's sake. Read the synopsis. A symphony in three movements. Now focus...
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