Actualités

Sasha Close.

Sasha Close, one of Australia’s most respected exhibitors, has resigned as programming manager at Wallis Cinemas after 16 years with the Adelaide-based company.

Close, who finishes up on December 4, is taking up the role of program manager of the Gold Coast Film Festival. That contract position runs until May and is renewable.

After that she tells If she will serve as a consultant to Australian producers, exhibitors and the wider screen industry.

“The festival has stamped itself on the festival calendar as innovative, forward thinking, inclusive and genuinely focused on diversity,” she says.

“It is an honour to be given the curatorial reigns and I warmly welcome submissions, conversations and collaborations for the 2020 program.”

In a note to industry colleagues she said: “Whilst this has been a difficult decision, I feel the timing is right for me and I have accepted an offer elsewhere in the screen industry.

‘The Eulogy.’

Janine Hosking’s feature documentary The Eulogy, which follows conductor and music educator Richard Gill as he unravels the truths and myths behind the life and career of concert pianist and composer Geoffrey Tozer, opened in 15 cinemas last weekend.

While the 4-day total was a modest $34,000 including previews and festival screenings, the producers and distributor Madman Entertainment are hoping the film will have a decent run thanks to Paul Keating, strong word of mouth and an Aacta nomination for Best Documentary.

The former Prime Minister – who features in the doc – will participate in an in-conversation screening at the Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace in Cremorne on October 23.

As a 14-year-old prodigy, Tozer was the youngest ever semi-finalist at the Leeds Piano Competition. As an adult he continued to perform in Australia and internationally but for a career that promised and delivered much, his end was shocking. He died in...