It is less than three weeks until the 10th instalment of the Castlemaine Documentary Festival hits the big screen at Castlemaine’s Theatre Royal.
For festival goers, night time will start at 5pm with three big nights of film and festivities from June 14-16.
CDOC director Claire Jager said the action kicked off on Friday June 14 with their free pre-festival double bill screening, which would be a celebration of regional culture.
“You’ll be greeted by Castlemaine’s own Brazazul and their irresistibly cheering Brazilian rhythms.
“Post-performance, Brazazul will also feature in a beautiful moment, a filmic celebration of three fabulous local musical ensembles.
Then Ag Fab: From Paddock to Catwalk shines a light on creative women in rural areas,” Claire said.
Following a Welcome to Country, the festival proper gets under way for ticket holders at 8pm with Wiradjuri poet, artist and filmmaker Jazz Money to introduce her brilliant new film WINHANGANHA.
“The film questions the nature of national archives and their impacts on First Nations people, with a passionate, erudite eye; and a rousing original score composed by Filipino and Aboriginal musician DOBBY. After the screening, we’re honoured to welcome Jazz in Conversation,” Jager said.
From 9.30pm, join the festival team for a celebratory drink at Love Shack, with a side of lively conversation.
Saturday June 15 again, night-time starts at 5pm with the highly anticipated LOCALS to feature.
“LOCALS is our annual family-fun showcase, premiering fresh films by gifted creatives from Castlemaine and surrounds – from Bendigo to Ballarat and Gisborne to Maryborough. After the screening, we encourage you to show your support by voting for your favourites,” Claire said.
“This is a celebration of local stories told by the local voices who took a leap of faith with us.
“Now in its third year, with every round of entries, we see this explosion of creativity, inventiveness and experimentation; this year’s showcase is no exception! Come along and be as surprised as we are.”
Afterwards, stay on at Theatre Royal for delectable pizza, visit the Courtyard for piping hot soup and hearty bread from the Soup Bar in support of Castlemaine Community House, or make your way to ever-hospitable Love Shack.
You’ll definitely need sustenance – this is a night for dancing!
Because at 8pm, CDOC are screening Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande – a glance back to the 70s music industry maelstrom via a portrait of the greatest band you’ve possibly never heard of, although you’re bound to recognise their infectious sound and incredible rhythms – so you’ll be primed and in the mood for live music with The Afrobiotics.
Closing night on Sunday June 16 begins at 8pm with The Road to Patagonia, a truly extraordinary story of love, endurance and the human condition, as experienced during a gruelling, years-long surfing odyssey.
“It’s a film to leave you awe-struck, and one to engender many a discussion,” Claire said.
“Join us at Love Shack from 9.30pm to help those discussions take flight, and to toast our 10th anniversary edition with gusto,” she said.
“Meanwhile throughout the weekend our cosy micro-cinema at the Western Reserve – The Yurt – will present family-friendly screenings of short films from the wonderful series, Kids on the Silk Road, across Saturday and Sunday morning; and afternoon and evening sessions of Werewolves, the immersive interactive parlour game for all those who dare!”
For more on the program or tickets visit cdocff.com.au/full-program-2024/ticketing
Get your ticket to win
Purchase a Full Festival Pass by June 8 to go into the draw to win one of six fabulous prizes, including: a $100 Wild Food and Wine voucher, a bottle of Animus Gin, a $50 Stoneman’s Bookroom voucher and more.
Winners notified by email. Full Festival Pass holders also receive 10 per cent off one meal a day over the weekend and unlimited beer and wine discounts at Love Shack so be sure to grab yours today.
Commissioned by the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, WINHANGANHA, was born from a desire to make sense of the archival inheritances that shape our present realities. Photo: NFSA 
Ag Fab: From Paddock to Catwalk provides a peek behind the scenes of the national Ag Artwear Competition, which celebrates the ingenious creativity of rural women. 
Ag Fab: From Paddock to Catwalk provides a peek behind the scenes of the national Ag Artwear Competition, which celebrates the ingenious creativity of rural women.
