Local resident Darren Parlett has been a dedicated member of the Roo Theatre Company since December 1991. From his first performance as the lovable Scarecrow in The Wiz, Parlett has delighted audiences in over twenty productions. Now, he is thrilled to be part of the cast in the Roo Theatre's latest pantomime, The Little Mermaid.This lively show follows the classic story of Ariel, the Little Mermaid, as she dreams of exploring the surface world. True to pantomime tradition, the production is packed with humour for all ages - there's something for everyone in the family to enjoy.Parlett will take on two roles in this production: the sailor, Mac Erol and the understudy of the villainous Jones, one of the henchmen. He will be taking the stage as ‘Jones’ in three out of the ten shows. In one of the show’s musical highlights, Parlett will belt out the iconic Killer Queen by Queen. As anyone who has tried knows, Freddie Mercury’s vocals are notoriously challenging, but Parlett is undeterred. "What a challenge it is... I'm nailing it!" he laughs.But the spotlight might not only be on Parlett—his award-winning dog Charly could make a surprise cameo. “My dog Charly might be in the show too,” Parlett said. “I’m taking him to rehearsals, and so far, he’s doing really well… We’ll just have to see how he goes." One of the directors even told him, “I think this might be Charly’s big stage debut!”Charly is no stranger to the limelight, having already earned accolades in the local dog show circuit, winning Best Groomed at the Kiama Show in 2024 and Best Dog in Show at the Port Kembla Fear Fest as well.Charly, Best Dog in Show at the Port Kembla Fear Fest As a long-time member of The Roo Theatre Company, Parlett is passionate about encouraging others to get involved in the arts. "Get involved, meet new friends, and you never know—doors might open," he says. "You don’t have to be a ‘NIDA graduate’ to perform. We’ve had people walk through our doors who have gone on to have professional careers in the arts." For anyone wondering where to start, Parlett is clear: "The Roo is for you."In addition to his theatre work, Parlett has branched out into film, making appearances as an extra in shows like Return to Paradise on ABC, season 2 of NCIS: Sydney, and even sharing the screen with American comedian, Will Forte, in Sunny Nights.Parlett’s dedication to the arts is truly inspiring. For locals who’ve always wanted to get involved in theatre, this may be the sign you’ve been waiting for. As Parlett puts it, "At the Roo is where your dreams can come true."The Little Mermaid will hit the stage from the 10th to the 25th of January 2024 at The Roo Theatre, you can find information and tickets here. It would make a great Christmas present for someone!

The biblical story of the Tower of Babel tells of a time when all humans spoke the same language. But when they attempted to build a tower that reached the heavens, God caused them to become unable to understand one another, leading to the tower’s collapse.Chinese-Australian artist Jiawei Shen’s new four-panel work, titled Tower of Babel, spans 130 square metres and stands 7.5 metres tall. The title borrows from the biblical story and resonates deeply with the ambitious scale of his art. This title is also shared by James Bradley’s documentary Welcome to Babel, which chronicles the creation of this monumental piece over seven long years, and it was this wild ambition that immediately drew him to the project.James Bradley. Source/ Bonsai Films.“It was the grandeur of the project, the fact that he was an artist with a crazy dream, this ambition to do this massive project that was going to take years. I mean, that's always a good story,” says Bradley.Jiawei’s artwork attempts to depict the history of communism, a subject deeply personal to him due to the profound impact communism has had on his homeland. What began as a documentary to explain the artwork’s meaning evolved into a deeper exploration of Jiawei’s life, his motivations, and the people closest to him.“The piece is so complex that it needed explanation. Jiawei spent hours explaining it to me before he even started. From his descriptions, I could tell the work would be fascinating, but it quickly became clear that the film was about more than just the artwork. It was about why he was doing it,” says Bradley.As Bradley delved deeper into Jiawei’s story, he began to learn more about Jiawei’s wife, Lan Wang, an artist in her own right. Though Lan initially wanted to stay in the background, her personal history became an integral part of the narrative.“She didn’t want to be in the film much—she was content to stay in the background. But as we went along, we realised that her own story, particularly her difficult childhood during the Cultural Revolution, was crucial to understanding Jiawei’s work,” says Bradley.Lan’s story adds an emotional depth to the film. Her contrasting experience to Jiawei’s provides a richer perspective on their shared history. For example, she confesses that she cannot even look at her husband’s immense artwork in their home because it brings back painful memories of the past. Her own work, by contrast, focuses on the harmony of nature, a stark contrast to the intense, politically charged themes of Jiawei’s art.Lan Wang provides a balanced perspective in the film. While she is vital to Jiawei’s work—driving him everywhere, preparing meals, raising their daughter, and doing all the housework—her presence also raises thought-provoking questions. Is it fair that a man should be neglecting all of his duties to create a singular piece of art that actually is painful for his wife to look at? But, on the other side of the coin does this pain reflect the immensity and potential impact of this singular piece of art?In addition to Jiawei and Lan’s story, Bradley’s own personal connection to Chinese culture adds an emotional layer to the film. His late wife, who was from Hong Kong, played a key role in bridging the gap between Bradley and Jiawei. Tragically, she passed away in 2019 after a long battle with cancer, an experience that deeply affected Bradley as he continued work on the documentary.“My wife was Chinese, from Hong Kong, and she introduced me to China and its people. She and Jiawei’s wife got along very well. It was incredibly difficult when she passed away during the making of this film. The process of creating Welcome to Babel became even more personal for me,” says Bradley.It seems that whilst Bradley was recording an artist attempting to create a hugely ambitious project, Bradley may have been doing the exact same thing with the documentary - which took him 12 years to complete. “It’s part of the human condition to set challenges for ourselves, and meeting those challenges affirms our existence and gives us some sort of power. This was my first feature documentary, and one of my ambitions was to have it screened at the Sydney Film Festival. Not only did it screen, but it won the Best Documentary prize,” says Bradley.“It's that sort of sense of achievement that I felt I needed, especially after going through some pretty difficult times with Kathy being sick for three and a half years and being her carer. So it's just interesting how these things happen. I started the project with her, and of course, the film is dedicated to her.” Welcome to Babel is a moving, fascinating, and beautiful exploration of human ambition. It captures the deeply personal and complex histories of Jiawei Shen and Lan Wang, and the artwork that encapsulates so much of what shaped their lives. It shows the best and worst of human ambition—the capacity to build monumental creations, but also the potential to destroy them.Welcome to Babel is out in select cinemas on November 14, you can find the screenings of the film here.Welcome To Babel. Source_ Bonsai Films

Ian Darling’s The Pool is a film about just that, a pool. It is a 90 minute examination of a singular place - its community, individuals, rituals, obsessions, stories, connections, quirks, emotions, history and much more. It is a film that aims to simply observe a place, a place which encapsulates so much of what makes life, life that it becomes much more than a place - it becomes a world.Ian DarlingSource Shark Island ProductionsThe world at the centre of The Pool is the Icebergs Ocean Pool in Bondi. If you were to visit the Icebergs Ocean Pool you would be given a small idea of this world - a mere outline in plain pencil. Darling’s film fills in these lines with intricate details, colour, dimension and ultimately life.The film grew out of Darling’s desire to create a documentary that would explore community—a theme that became all the more relevant during the isolation of COVID-19. Initially uncertain of the subject to explore, Darling’s inspiration arrived unexpectedly.“I was down at the pool having coffee one morning, after a swim, with one of the champion swimmers. And I said, I'm looking for this uplifting film about community. And she said, How about here? Sometimes the best ideas are right under your nose. I thought, actually, that's great. It’ll let me explore everything I wanted to—this beautiful location and a broad spectrum of community members. It was the perfect opportunity,” Darling says.The Pool is unconventional in that it doesn’t follow a traditional plot or focus on any one main character. The pool itself is the protagonist. As you watch, you find yourself sinking into the rhythms and patterns of the pool’s community.This is enhanced by the film’s unique structure, which doesn’t adhere to chronological order. Instead, the documentary is divided into sections that showcase different facets of the pool’s life. These segments are separated by meditative montages or continuous shots of waves, swimming, and water—a deliberate choice to create a calming atmosphere.“We thought, let's just make a film that encourages people to watch the waves and stop looking at their phones, just settle into it,” says Darling. “All of the films I’ve made have tried to get into the rhythm of the subject, and swimming is inherently meditative. The pool is such a beautiful place. We need to spend more time looking at the ocean. So we’ve incorporated a lot of moments where people can just dream about their next swim, or their next surf, or even reflect on their own lives. I want people to think about how they feel about their community, and what they’re yearning for.”Throughout the documentary, we meet several of the pool’s regulars: a group of squad swimmers who train every morning, a woman who is terrified of the water but keeps swimming, and another who swam daily during her cancer treatment, imagining that the bad stuff was leaving her body out of the top of her head. One of the most poignant moments features two friends who meet every morning for a swim and a coffee.“They’re a couple of friends who meet at the pool at exactly 6:47 every morning. They just came alive on screen. They represented everything we wanted. You couldn’t have scripted it. One says, ‘I like to use a bit of talcum powder after the swim.’ Then they both dive in at exactly the same time at opposite ends, get out at the same time, and head up for coffee—ordering exactly the same coffee every day,” Darling says.The touching exchange between Russell and Adrian encapsulates the film’s themes of friendship and routine:Russell asks, “Can you imagine a time when we’re not coming here every morning?”Adrian replies, “No.”Russell nods and says, “Good answer.”Darling reflects, “In that two-minute exchange, we captured so much about what we yearn for—why friendship is important, why routine matters. Swim squads exist because people don’t want to let each other down. Two friends rely on each other to show up at 6:47.”Darling says these types of moments weren’t scripted or anticipated - they just happened.“We didn't exactly know what we're getting on any day, but we just knew that we would keep coming back, and eventually we'd get what we wanted to tell the full, comprehensive story of what that consciousness was in the pool.”The Pool is a fascinating, feel good, beautiful documentary which simply observes and attempts to encapsulate a tiny, microscopic location on this enormous round sphere we’re all floating on. And it shows just how much life and energy and complexity can be held inside one tiny location.The Pool is showing in select cinemas around Sydney now, visit this website for all showtimes.Ian Darling and his crew. Source Shark Island Productions

The Country Women’s Association marked a grand 25th anniversary of ‘Opera in the Valley’ last night at Jamberoo School of Arts, led once again by the talented Maestro Glen Amer. This year’s program was dedicated to the works of Puccini, commemorating the centenary of his passing, and featured a line-up of vocalists who breathed life into each piece with stunning precision and charisma.This is my second year covering this remarkable event, and once again, Glen Amer delivered a top-tier performance. Known for his engaging commentary, Amer provides insightful introductions to each piece, offering the audience both context and humour - transforming the night into an experience that’s as educational as it is entertaining. His warmth and wit create a comfortable atmosphere, making each artist’s performance even more memorable.One standout aspect of ‘Opera in the Valley’ is the complete absence of microphones. The singers’ voices fill the hall with clarity, every note resonating beautifully, unaided by technology. Dressed in elegant attire - either classic tuxedos or glamorous gowns - the performers exude star quality.The ticket, priced at only $60, includes an extraordinary level of entertainment and the CWA’s signature spread of treats at the supper that follows the performance. In a moment of pride for the event, Amer mentioned that soprano Catherine Bouchier, a newcomer to Jamberoo, will soon perform at the Opera House on New Year’s Eve - a performance commanding hundreds of dollars per ticket!Catherine Bouchier’s presence was both powerful and electrifying, with her statuesque form and striking voice captivating the audience. Another debut in Jamberoo, baritone Gennadi Dubinski, originally from Russia, won the crowd with his rich tones, especially during his lively rendition of “If I Were a Rich Man” from Fiddler on the Roof.Catherine BouchierGennadi DubinskiReturning favourites also graced the stage. Mezzo-soprano Michaela Hodgson (formerly Leisk) brought her expressive face and vibrant personality to each song, drawing particular applause for her rendition of “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina.” Tenor Matthew Reardon, known for his warm stage presence, enchanted the audience with his rich tones, delivering each piece with heartfelt precision.Michaela HodgsonMatthew ReardonThe event concluded with a breathtaking performance of ‘Amigos Para Siempre,’ involving all four singers, but the encore, Nessun Dorma, from the Turandot opera, brought the audience to their feet. Although traditionally a tenor piece, the female vocalists joined in parts, adding a fresh dimension to this much-loved aria.Special commendation goes to Glen Amer, who skilfully accompanied every piece on piano, and even sang two selections himself. The performers - Bouchier, Hodgson, Reardon, and Dubinski - were spectacular, each bringing their unique flair to the evening. Acknowledgement and thanks also go to MC Brian Petschler, Vivienne Marris, Alan Fowlie, Trevor Fredericks, the Jamberoo Rural Fire Services, and of course, the CWA, whose tireless members make this event possible. A special mention goes to Cathy Delhaas, who has organised ‘Opera in the Valley’ since its inception.Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate the next gathering on the first Saturday in November 2025, confident it will continue to inspire and entertain. Until then.Sue Good, Melissa Matters and Jenny JuddBrad Wenzel and Jenny JuddChris Bergman, Florence Rankin, Graeme Lock LeeEliza & Gloria Dalla ValleJohn & Helen Francis, Anto & Felicity Brocca, Jane & Piers ParburyLynn & Malcolm BedfordLynne Strong and Belle WoodVanessa & Liv Talbot, and Anne Hattersley

The KISS Festival is back and better than ever this year.Circus Warehouse at the Little Big Stage.Despite losing 40% of its funding earlier this year, the festival has plenty of free family entertainment on offer this weekend and it’s kicked off with a bang. Black Beach is currently buzzing with excitement and the best news is there’s still plenty of time to join in the fun. Check out a show, grab some food, and soak up the sun before the fire show finale tonight at 8pm. Audrey & Audrey from CocolocoSo far we’ve seen some great acts from the Circus Fireman, Rubber Band Boy, Cha Cha Del Mar and heaps more. Check out the full schedule online. With a second day lined up tomorrow, including the much anticipated Ray White Raft Race, an exciting spectacle that’s sure to rouse the competitive spirit. The Circus Drop Zone is a hit with the kids, offering the chance to test out those circus skills and for the adults there are still tickets left for the KISS Kabaret performance at the Kazador tent tonight. Secure your spot here. Skye, Luke, Rhys, Harper, & Lachlan Check out what the KISS Festival has to offer, head down to Black Beach and get the KISS experience for yourself. The Rubber Band Man at the Kazador Tent Princess Penny the VIP Do you have any shots of the fun at KISS Festival? Send them in to [email protected] for your chance to be featured in The Bugle.Kiki & Pascal at the Kazador Tent.

Two of Kiama’s prime music festivals have received significant support thanks to nearly $180,000 in funding from the Federal Government. This funding will benefit four music festivals in the Gilmore region, with a notable emphasis on events in Kiama.Federal Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips, announced the funding through the Australian Government’s Revive Live program, highlighting its importance for engaging local music fans and boosting the local economy.“Live music venues and festivals make a large contribution to our local economies, with many tourism and hospitality industries leveraging off the success of the live music scene,” says Phillips.“This funding will benefit these four great local events and help grow Gilmore’s ecosystem of live music for the future.”The upcoming Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival in March 2025 will receive $40,000 to cover artist fees and equipment costs. Additionally, the Clearly Music, Art & Wellness Festival, also hosted in Kiama this November, will benefit from a significant $75,000 grant to assist with fees for Australian artists.“These events are so wonderful for locals as well as visitors to our area. They offer an opportunity for local musicians to showcase their talent in front of a live audience, and also bring some big names to our region, which is really fantastic for music lovers,” says Phillips.In addition to these two festivals, the NelliJam Music Festival in January 2025 will receive $24,168, while the Culburra Beach Festival and Burradise Bash, planned for Easter and September 2025, will get $39,000.As Kiama gears up for these exciting festivals, the community can look forward to a thriving live music culture that benefits both local artists and audiences.

Kiama knows the names Kiki and Pascal, but who are the people behind this hilariously cheeky duo? Tamara Campbell and Dave Evans have a rich performing history and have created opportunities for themselves and local artists. They’re bringing “The Kazador Experience” back to Kiama from October 31st to November 24th. With talents ranging from kids' shows to magic, burlesque, and plenty of comedy, there’s something for everyone.Making a career in performance is no easy feat. Dave noted, “When we first moved to Australia, we’d come here from the European festival circuit where there is a rich, rich source of work, everywhere, almost all the time…“When we came here, there’s a lot less work… So we decided fairly quickly that we should create our own company.”The duo loved the freedom of running their own shows without having to compromise artistically to please councils or sponsors.Tamara agreed, saying, “It’s kind of in our DNA, I guess… I always used to say that I didn’t want to be a waitress waiting to be an actor.“I think both of us just came from a background of creating our own opportunities rather than waiting for someone else to discover us.”The pair are dedicated workers. Tamara has a vast network across Europe, from when she arranged three to nine-month tours, managing everything from accommodation to bookings and travel. Remarkably, they even completed a nine-month tour with their then four-year-old and newborn. “It was freaking bonkers,” they both agreed.They branched into running their own festivals 13 years ago, shortly after they started ‘The Kazador Experience’. Tamara reflected, “It’s quite scary to take those risks and produce your own stuff because you don’t have anything to fall back on. No one’s paying you.”The duo has always been committed to ‘bringing the arts and theatre to the people’. “That’s what the Kazador is… It’s bringing it here to Kiama, to a small place, so that people don’t have to travel to have a high-quality arts and culture experience,” said Tamara.“The idea that the arts and culture are elite or not for everyone is a misconception. “Art and theatre are great community builders, just like sport. Australians often connect through sport, but we’re still in the process of teaching people that the arts are not scary or elitist—they’re actually really fun and a great way for people to come together.”One initiative they started to achieve this goal is ‘Friday Wine Downs’, a free performance outside the Kazador Tent. Dave explained, “The first one was quite well attended, and by the end, it was heaving with people—a wonderful community gathering.“It wasn’t like a concert where people had to sit and listen… It was really relaxed…. If you wanted to get up and dance, you could. It was just the community hanging out in a lovely location.” During the upcoming Kazador Experience, they’ll be hosting Friday and Sunday Wine Downs for the Kiama community.The Kazador tent is specially curated to create an electrifying and portable performance space. This space gives smaller towns the opportunity to see dazzling theatre without the hassle of going into a big city. Dave said, “you're taking a theatre to the people as opposed to trying to get the people to the theatre.”“And so a whole lot of people who would never normally step through the door of a theatre were like, oh, yeah, give it a go. It's my local festival or whatever. They’re dedicated to providing opportunities for local talent to perform close to home. “We don’t have a theatre here (in Kiama). We don't have a cinema, or even many dedicated music venues.“We don't have all those trimmings and wonderful things that you have in a city.“It’s important to have a theatrical space,”Tamara reflected on the differences between performing in Europe and Australia. “Sometimes, when I mention I’m a performer, people ask, ‘Where would I have heard of you?’ “In Germany, they celebrate the ‘kleine Künstler’—the little artist—just as much as anyone on TV.“I feel like in this country sometimes it's like, well, you're either famous or you mustn't be any good. “I suppose I want to demystify or just encourage people to engage with creative stuff. It's the kind of people who are way more into cars or horses or whatever they're into, and yet they'll walk into a tent and experience a show and leave going, oh, that was awesome. And then they'll come back to see another one, another one. And it's that sort of it's that little chipping away, I suppose, at how, how great this, this can be.”Tamara has a personal philosophy that the arts can save the world. Her thinking is that coming together through arts could actually decrease a lot of tension and problems by engaging people more with creative pursuits. “Laughing together is a magical thing.” she said. She explains that comedy is like holding up a mirror to yourself “It gently asks you to look at yourself in the way you think. It puts things under the spotlight for you to think about. And it's so interesting that comedy is now becoming a thing that's quite difficult, because you can't say that. You can't say that. You can't say that, when in actuality, I think we need to keep pushing through and keep holding up that mirror because it helps us to be better people.”Tamara and Dave are well known for their hilariously cheeky characters Kiki and Pascal. The characters were born out of a need for growth in their performance and it took a while for them to fully round out the characters. Originally the characters were going to be French, Dave explained that the names Kiki and Pascal were born when trying to think about the most cheesy magic names they could. However when he said this during a radio interview in France, he put his foot in his mouth when the translator for the interview revealed his name was Pascal.. And his wife's name was Kiki!Despite this slip up, Kiki and Pascal persevered and have been entertaining for over 15 years of laughs. Kiki is set to undergo her final evolution in this upcoming season. “I’m doing a show called The De-masking of Kiki, where Kiki will start the show, and I’ll transition from her into myself… sharing my life story.” says Tamara. To support local artists and talent, make sure to buy your tickets and catch some shows. There’s truly something for everyone. “It’s a great thing. If it’s not supported, it won’t keep happening” said Tamara. To show your support for local arts visit The Kazador Experience for a line up of the shows and tickets. The duo will also be hosting the Kiss festivals ‘Kabaret’ again this year, to see more and get your tickets, check it out here - https://www.kissartsfest.com.au/kabaret-2024.

The Kiama International Seaside (KISS) Arts Festival is coming back to Black Beach over October 25-27.“With a lineup of performers reminiscent of the pre covid KISS and the biggest ever KISS adults-only Cabaret, 2024’s KISS is on and banging. The organisers promise you the best, the most hilarious and the most ‘get involved’ festival fun this state has to offer. All right here in our gorgeous town of Kiama,” says organiser Tamara Campbell. KISS is a celebration of street theatre, circus, comedy and entertainment in one location. A blend of international acts, local talent and unique performances will be on offer for all ages to enjoy. The three-day-event kicks off on Friday 25 October with the first of two adults-only cabarets in the Kazador tent. Saturday 26 will see street theatre performances who will “blow your little socks off and intimate tent shows that will leave you oohing and aahing, so many changes to get involved you’ll feel like the star of the show,” Campbell continued. KISS is a free event for all ages to attend. Artists will pass the hat, so make sure to pack some cash and bring your card to support performers. The opportunities to take part are another thing that sets KISS apart from your average festival. Build a raft, have your say at the Unity project, flex your comedy muscle in stand up for kids, make a lantern and play along to be part of the fun. Don’t forget to get your tickets to the unforgettable and unexplainable delight of the KISS Arts Fest adults only cabaret. You don’t want to miss it, because everyone will be talking about it, but no one will know how to explain it.Check out the program here:

Bill Mousoulis is an Australian indie film veteran with approximately 100 films credited to his name. Mousoulis first picked up a camera in 1982 and he hasn’t looked back since - also founding an online journal, a film group and a film website. His latest film, My Darling in Stirling, follows a young woman studying at university, quite bored with her life. When she falls in love with a charming young man from the picturesque town of Stirling in the Adelaide Hills, she finds herself enchanted by both him and the town itself. But there’s a twist: every line of dialogue in this film is sung.“This film is really all about the form, the form of the musical,” says Mousoulis. “And there's something so strange about seeing ordinary people doing ordinary actions like asking each other to pass the coffee or the salt shaker and singing it,” Mousoulis draws inspiration from French director Jacques Demy’s groundbreaking 1964 musical The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, which also features entirely sung dialogue.“The Umbrellas of Cherbourg inspired my film; it’s like a local Australian version. Essentially, this musical is alternative in a few respects: there’s music throughout the entire film, with no breaks. And the other is that the film is set in a very ordinary world, so - the Adelaide suburbs and Adelaide City, and then branching out to the Adelaide country town of Stirling,” says Mousoulis.Mousoulis says he had been living in Adelaide for a while when he found the small town called Stirling. He was drawn in by its beauty, its atmosphere and its people.“Stirling has a certain flavour to it, because it's also a little bit alternative. A lot of artists live there and it's got the bookstores and cafes, as can be seen in my film,” says Mousoulis.“It also has all these little laneways here and there, and a lot of trees and bushes and so, you don't know where anything is. Nothing looks plain and neatly laid out. It's a bit of a mix of things.”In the film Stirling is presented as some sort of magical town that has everything that our main character was looking for. All of her worries and anxieties are fixed by this magical town and it reflects poetically on that first love you have as a young person.But, of course, the town and the love she makes in the town come crashing down on her, which was always inevitable. Mousoulis says the film is about the idea of finding happiness and peace within.“It’s about your inner feelings and resolving them and being strong within yourself and not letting a place or a person determine how you feel about yourself or how you feel about life, and this is the lesson that the young woman learns, basically,” says Mousoulis.The film balances reality with a dreamlike quality, a result of its unique musical structure. Mousoulis believes this approach encourages viewers to perceive everyday life from a fresh perspective.“The fun of the film and the excitement in the film is in its form, is that the music and the singing creates this strange thing on screen. And a lot of people have found the film a little strange. And a lot of people who are familiar with this kind of alternative form love the film,” says Mousoulis.Bill Mousoulis. Source: ACMIUltimately, the film’s impact depends on the viewer's willingness to engage with its style. It might take time to adjust to what you’re seeing, but once you accept the film’s premise, you can easily become immersed in its world.And if you are to look at Mousoulis’ long career it is clear he is not going to change who he and his films are to fit everybody’s different tastes and preferences. Mousoulis is an artist who is going to make things that he is passionate about even if they aren’t going to be universally adored.“The important thing is to make the film you want to make, and make the artwork you want to make. I could be a different kind of person with a different set of cultural qualities to me, and maybe I'd be able to fit in and be more accepted,” says Mousoulis.“But because what I'm doing is a bit more alternative and experimental, it means that I'm not quite part of that, and that's okay. We do these things for the love of doing them. And so I'm happy.”My Darling in Stirling is playing at the Ritz Cinema in Randwick on Wednesday October 16 with a Q&A with Mousoulis himself. If you’re seeking a unique film experience, be sure to check it out.

The Kiama Vintage Fair is back from 9am — 3pm on Sunday 3 November at the Masonic Hall.With an array of stalls showcasing unique vintage finds and live music, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.Best of all — the event is completely free for all attendees, so don’t miss out!If you have a vintage collection you would like to sell items of at the upcoming fair, you can contact Barb to secure a stall on 0423 748 948.

Daisy has a fresh new coat in celebration of The Daisy Spring Festival! The festival which took place from October 4th till the 9th showcased our wonderful local artists and everyone was invited to take part in the creativity. Daisy's new coatMichelle Springett, from Expressive art experience, thought up the moo-velous idea for the Spring school holidays. 50 pieces of art were displayed by 40 different artists from all ages, all with a cow theme in honour of Daisy. In addition to the artwork displayed, the festival offered ‘drop in art days’ where people of all ages were able to let their creative juices flow with painting and drawing. Families enjoying their creationsMichelle Springett said “We also offered drop in art days where young and old came and painted. Comments from people coming into the Old Fire Station were amazing, they loved the theme of cows, and many stayed for a long time to cast their vote (for people's choice award) and some painted cows too. All ages loved stopping for a while, painting, participating in voting and doing something in their day that was quite unexpected.”1,148 votes were casted for The People's Choice Award, and there was a clear winner. Congratulations to Isla Downes, 15 years old, for her colourful artwork ‘Boris’, receiving 16% of the overall votes.Isla Downes with her winning artwork.There were age categories for kids, teens and adults and awards for outstanding work were given in each category. In the 8-12 years category, Chloe Duren was awarded. 13-18 years, Isla Downes and 18+years was awarded to Karen Crea. Congratulations to all. Make sure to stop by The Old Fire House and see Daisy's new look, painted by one of our talented local artists, Tiffany Springett, Michelle's Daughter!Winners with their artworks.Michelle would love to host this event again next spring holidays, "With lots of visitors in town, it was a lovely event to host in the school holidays and I look forward to finding sponsorship so we can do it again next Spring", Michelle said. One thing is for sure, all our local talent will have you saying Holy Cow!

Just outside of the Old Fire Station Community Arts Centre there is a cow. You may have noticed her. The cow’s name is Daisy. You’ll often see her playing with kids or painted in various styles which reflect what is going on in the Kiama community.  Former Mayor Sandra McCarthy once wrote about Daisy, “It’s funny to think a paper mache cow, that stands solitary and rather longingly on a main street, can embody a town’s community spirit and culture. But that is exactly what ‘Daisy the Decorated Dairy Cow’ does.”  Daisy with no art in 1991. Source - - Kiama Arts and Culture FacebookBut where did Daisy come from? What’s her story? In 1991, a crazy haired Italian born sculptor named Ernesto Murgo created Daisy, using paper mache and wire, for the Seaside festival that ran in October of that year. He based her on a real cow called ‘Meadowhaven Daisy the 47th’ who was a breed of cow that was popular on the dairy farms of the Illawarra and was owned by Jamberoo farmer Tom Walsh. Sue Blanchfield was the first artist to paint Daisy at the Seaside Festival saying, “Rather than having the cow in the landscape, I’m going to put the landscape on the cow.” Somewhere along the way Daisy was given a tougher outer skin of plaster and sisal by Grahame Kime. Kiama council bought Daisy from Ernesto after this, and she has since become a reflection of the town. A cultural and historical, ever-changing piece of art. If there was some sort of time lapse video showing each one of Daisy’s designs throughout history, you’d be presented with a pretty thorough history of Kiama since 1991. Sue Blanchfield reunited with Daisy in 2010. Source - Kiama Arts and Culture FacebookShe has been covered in musical notes for a jazz festival, words for a poetry happening, butterflies, lilies, daisies and she has even been a conduit for protest. She was dressed to resemble condoms to warn against aids, a private part of her anatomy was highlighted to spread awareness about chlamydia, she has been pink for breast cancer awareness and had a red nose for cot death appeal. She is covered in hearts for Valentines Day, covered in tinsel at Christmas, green for St Patrick’s Day, flagged for Australia day and she’s been a cheerleader for sports teams. In a classic story she was also once cownapped by high school students.  Most recently she was painted to represent NAIDOC week and then for the Kiama Winter Festival weekend. The Expressive Art Experience is inviting the Kiama community to paint her. “We’re all going to paint Daisy the Cow. We’re inviting the community to come, and we’ll give them a little pot of paint and a paintbrush and there’s lots of different spaces they can paint on Daisy,” says artist and Experience Art facilitator Michelle Springett.  Ernesto Murgo and the inspiration for Daisy. Source - Kiama Arts and Culture FacebookDaisy has seen a lot in her almost 35-year-old life, but she has never abandoned her post or her town. She sits there day after day absorbing new information and reflecting it back to the world. She is an unofficial mascot for the town, and she will be an important piece of Kiama history for years to come.

The title of the song He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother by The Hollies is supposedly taken from an anecdote about a young girl. The story goes that she is carrying a big baby boy in her arms when someone, seeing her struggle, asks her if she needs any help to which she replies, “No, he ain’t heavy, he’s my brother.”Perth director David Vincent Smith’s new film — He Ain’t Heavy — and this anecdote resonate deeply with the themes of the film, which follows Jade, a young woman who kidnaps her drug-addicted brother, Max, and locks him in their grandmother’s house for seven days in a desperate attempt to force him into rehabilitation.The idea for the film came to Vincent Smith in a moment of desperation when he literally thought about kidnapping his own brother.“I was really desperate to resolve this problem within my own family. I got to the point where I literally came up with the idea of kidnapping my own brother. Most of the conversations, the language, the intensity, even the ending of the film are all real moments from my life,” says Vincent Smith.While the kidnapping itself is fictional, Vincent Smith strives to capture the intense emotions of trying to help a loved one struggling with addiction. The film began as a short titled I’m Not Hurting You, and after its success, he adapted it into a feature, enriching the narrative with additional characters and deeper exploration of existing ones.“In early drafts I wouldn't let the characters say certain things and that was because I wasn't ready to say those things,” he explains. “So part of the writing process when I was writing the feature film was also part of confronting my own chains and feelings.”Vincent Smith says he was inspired to make the story into a film after seeing some of the personal responses the short film evoked. At the Austin Film Festival, a transformative moment occurred when a 14-year-old girl approached him, sharing her struggles with her mother’s alcoholism.“She grabbed me by the arm and said, "My mom's an alcoholic. I've never told anyone before. Can you help me? What do I do?’”In He Ain’t Heavy, Jade takes her brother’s treatment into her own hands, reflecting Vincent Smith’s scepticism toward existing rehabilitation processes. “Unfortunately, we’re not getting to the core of healing. That’s why people keep getting reincarcerated—we’re not understanding why they’re angry and treating that,” he says. He believes the prison system should function more like a radical hospital, focusing on underlying issues rather than punishment. The film’s dark and raw portrayal creates an emotional viewing experience. Vincent Smith doesn’t use comic relief or stylised cinematography to soften its nightmarish themes. Instead, audiences, like the main characters, feel the isolation and desperation confined within the house’s walls.This rawness demands equally vulnerable performances from the cast. Leila George (Animal Kingdom) and Sam Corlett (Vikings: Valhalla) deliver powerful portrayals of Jade and Max, respectively. The film truly relies on their two performances, and they are sure to inspire some watery eyes and Vincent Smith emphasises the importance of creating a safe environment on set to facilitate these authentic performances.“We shared a lot of stories, and we formed a really important bond, so that we could always feel incredibly comfortable and honest and vulnerable with each other. And it’s not only just casting the cast, you’ve got to cast the crew to create an environment where actors feel safe and comfortable,” says Vincent Smith.He Ain’t Heavy releases in select cinemas on October 17. Dark, intense and emotionally gripping, the film explores the limits of care, the best ways to support someone battling addiction, and the significance of family.A preview screening with a Q&A session featuring Vincent Smith will take place on October 14 at the Dendy Cinemas in Newtown.

The Glam Gallery, within the Gerringong library, will host the Wild Life and Wild Places exhibition from October 11-24 featuring works by local artists Yvonne Clough and Gay Emmerson.At ages 78 and 82 respectively, Yvonne and Gay are living proof that it’s never too late to follow your passions. Both developed a love for art earlier in life but only began to pursue it seriously in later years.Yvonne, 78, recalls how her journey into painting began at the age of 55, following an inspiring conversation with a friend.“I had never painted, but I was talking to someone who happened to be an art teacher, admiring her work,” Yvonne says. “I told her I couldn’t paint, and she said, Anyone can paint, come along to my art class. That’s how it all started.” Since then, painting has brought her immense joy. “I’m in another place when I paint,” says Yvonne. “I’m in my happy place. I have music and a candle going, and the time just disappears—I’m completely lost in it.”Yvonne is very fascinated with painting wildlife, and more specifically magpies. Magpies seem to be her muse, and she sees something in them that is extraordinary and that translates very well into her work.One example of Yvonne's quirky crows.“Magpies are all very different. Some are cheeky, some are nervous, some are just blaze and they couldn’t care if you were there or not. So, I’ll see them and then I’ll paint them and name them and feel as though I’m getting to know them,” says Yvonne.Yvonne adds a playful touch to her work. One memorable piece captures two magpies: one standing still, the other flapping its wings energetically, which she titled Who’s the Boss?“The name and the painting tell you everything about their personalities,” she says.Gay, 82, approaches her art from a different perspective, focusing on landscapes. Her fascination lies in the way human forms appear in nature—a theme that has driven her creativity since she first started painting at 37, after persistently urging her local art school to admit her.“I started to see the human body in the landscape - everything started to look like bums and bellies and breasts and things like that. The mountains are like low hills and you’d see a row of hills that looked like a backbone or a spine,” says Gay.“And then gum trees, admittedly some are a bit boring, but the ones that have twisty and turny branches can look really young and supple, while others seem to have arms with wrinkles under them.”One example of Gay's humanistic landscapes.Gay, who is originally from Canberra, moved to Gerringong in 2017 and she says the young landscape and the beautiful colours rejuvenated her artistic sensibilities.“When I first came to Gerringong in 2017 it started a renaissance and a rejuvenation for me because the colours were so fresh and youthful and the smell of the sea air and the colour of the grass was so inspiring for me,” says Gay.As a result of this human influence on her paintings, these painted landscapes seem to be almost moving in a human way as you look at them and they are very engaging.The contrasting styles of Yvonne’s wildlife portraits and Gay’s evocative landscapes come together harmoniously in Wild Life and Wild Places, showcasing their unique perspectives and lifelong passion for artThe official opening for Yvonne and Gay’s exhibition entitled Wild Life and Wild Places is on October 12 at 5pm at the Glam Gallery and all are welcome to attend.

The St. George Illawarra Dragons have crowned Gerringong student Camilla Addison for their ‘The Best You Can Be School Learning Icon Design Competition’. Camilla’s artwork included an illustration of Buriburi, a spiritually significant figure in the Dreamtime that takes the form of a humpback whale. Camilla's winning artworkThe competition began as a way for schools and students to discuss the importance and relevance of Aboriginal history on the lands of which their schools sit and from where they learn each day. The competition task is to design a ‘learning icon’ which reflects on the ancient history of First Nations people. Gerringong Public School recently opened the Buriburi playgroup, a dedicated space for Koori children in the community. Gerringong Public School was one of 11 schools entered in the competition that had close to 120 entries. They have won a Dragons jersey to aid fundraising efforts, a breakfast and skills clinic hosted by the Dragons and individual Dragons packs for the winning classes. 

The Kiama International Sea Side (KISS) Arts Festival is coming back to Black Beach over October 25-27. “With a lineup of performers reminiscent of the pre covid KISS and the biggest ever KISS adults-only Cabaret, 2024’s KISS is on and banging. We promise you the best, the most hilarious and the most ‘get involved’ festival fun this state has to offer. All right here in our gorgeous town of Kiama,” says organiser Tamara Campbell.KISS is a celebration of street theatre, circus, comedy and entertainment in one location. A blend of international acts, local talent and unique performances will be on offer for all ages to enjoy.The three-day-event kicks off on Friday 25 October with the first of two adults-only cabarets in the Kazador tent. Saturday 26 will see street theatre performances who will “blow your little socks off and intimate tent shows that will leave you oohing and aahing, so many changes to get involved you’ll feel like the star of the show,” Campbell continued.KISS is a free event for all ages to attend. Artists will pass the hat, so make sure to pack some cash and bring your card to support performers. The opportunities to take part are another thing that sets KISS apart from your average festival. Build a raft, have your say at the Unity project, flex your comedy muscle in stand up for kids, make a lantern and play along to be part of the fun. Don’t forget to get your tickets to the unforgettable and unexplainable delight of the KISS Arts Fest adults only cabaret. You don’t want to miss it, because everyone will be talking about it, but no one will know how to explain it.

Jamberoo CWA’s Opera in the Valley is on again.This special event is on Saturday, 2nd November.Maestro Glenn Amer will once again be working his magic at the piano.This year’s program will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the death of one of the greatest operatic composers of all time, Giacomo Puccini.Mark your diary: tickets go on sale at Elders Real Estate: 4236 0891 on 2 Oct.  Get in early as tickets sell out fast. The Bugle will be publishing an article in the Oct 19 edition about the line-up of talent for the evening.

Jamberoo local, Nic van Oudtshoorn, has taken home a ‘Highly Commended’ award at the prestigious Mono Awards held by Australian Photography Magazine. His portrait of Coral Miller, ‘Anzac Day pride’ at the 2024 Anzac Day celebrations won the award in a black-and-white competition in the People category. The retired photojournalist and teacher at Workers Educational Association has been photographing veterans for a number of years. “Like any photographer it’s good when you do your work to have it recognised,” van Oudtshoorn says.“To feel that you have been successful in what you’ve tried to capture and what you’ve tried to portray, [the category was] ‘people’ and it portrays an interesting aspect of people in Australia.”The Mono Awards received over 4,000 entries in 2024.

Over two weekends, 19-20 October and 26-27 October, at Huskisson Pictures, Screen it Again Sam will present the ocean themed film series OCEAN1.The film series includes the films: Jaws, Morning of the Earth, The Lighthouse, Puberty Blues, Bait and The Big Blue.The series is supported by Gerringong surf shop Natural Necessity who helped bring the two surf films, Morning of the Earth and Puberty Blues, into the lineup.Screen it Again Sam is a collaboration between Shoalhaven residents Jane Johnston and Kerry de Fluck, along with Bruce Isaacs, Chair of Film Studies at Sydney University.Johnston and de Fluck explain that the idea came to them while streaming films at home. They felt the urge to watch these films as they were meant to be seen—on the big screen.“Almost all directors, except those working specifically for television, envision their films on a large scale with a proper sound system to enhance the viewing experience. The emotional connection that develops in a dark cinema, surrounded by others, is a powerful feeling you can't replicate at home,” says de Fluck.They hope the series will encourage people to support local cinemas and bring back the communal experience of watching a film, followed by meaningful discussions.“Cinemas offer something special to the community. We often take for granted that they'll always be there, but they need our support,” says Johnston.“One of our main goals is to spark conversation about films, their culture, and themes. This is best achieved when watching films as a group and discussing them immediately after. It’s also important for regional communities to have opportunities to come together,” adds Johnston.For the selection, they wanted a diverse lineup that spans different genres and styles, including blockbuster hits like Steven Spielberg’s Jaws and smaller films like Robert Eggers’ black-and-white drama The Lighthouse.“So, we wanted a whole set of films that would be able to have a variety of different feelings, thoughts, and stories about the ocean. We wanted films that were mainstream and films that were avant garde,” says Johnston.The film series will be held at Huskisson Cinema, chosen for its beautiful location and the charm of the old cinema.“It’s truly a special venue. The cinema, originally a community hall from the early 20th century, was transformed into a modern space in 1990. It’s comfortable and set in the stunning surroundings of Huskisson,” says Johnston.Tickets are available for individual films or as weekend packages. Purchase tickets online via Humanitix.