Saturday Night is Movie Night @ the Newstead Arts Hub!

This winter we are changing the world one Saturday at a time with inspiring films.

There will be Popcorn and drinks available to purchase. Enjoy this wonderful film AND a Q&A with the Director!

DEFEND, CONSERVE, PROTECT
A film by Stephen Amis – Producer, Director, Writer, Editor

We are delighted to have Stephen Amis join us for a Q&A!!! Get your questions ready, it's going to be a fascinating evening!

Narrated by Dan Aykroyd Defend, Conserve, Protect pits the marine conservation group, Sea Shepherd - a passionate group of eco-activists - against the Japanese whaling fleet, in an epic battle to defend the majestic Minke whales of the Southern Ocean. These noble, curious Minkes are easy prey for the Japanese, who claim to kill in the name of science – an assertion that has been widely discredited outside Japan for years.

At the helm of Sea Shepherd is 28-year old Captain Peter Hammarstedt who carries with him the resolve of Melville's Captain Ahab - only Hammarstedt hunts the whaling ships not the whales.

This is the incredible true story of what happens when a small group of determined people stand up against an aggressive corporation flagrantly defying international law.

STEPHEN AMIS – PRODUCER, DIRECTOR, WRITER, EDITOR:

Cutting his teeth on childhood super-8 epics, Stephen graduated from Swinburne Film & Television School and later wrote, produced and directed two low budget TV features: SEE JACK RUN (1991, Nine Network) about a boy struggling with illiteracy; and THE ALIVE TRIBE (1996, Showtime) a farce about environmental decay. In 2000, he produced and directed the romantic comedy THE REAL THING, starring Kate Fischer (Arclight, Universal Pictures) and followed up with the steam-punk sci-fi fantasy VIRUS, starring Kerry Armstrong and John Stanton, about the emancipation of women in the 1800s. He then made, THE 25TH REICH, (2012, Monster Pictures, Lightning Entertainment), a rollicking tongue-in-cheek, sci-fi homage to Sam Fuller, WWII movies and classic creature-features, which explores in subtext out of control fascism and ideology.

In 2018, Stephen directed, co-produced and co-wrote THE BBQ, starring the cream of Australia’s comedic talent. THE BBQ was released wide across Australia by Label/Madman, screening in over 250 cinemas.

Stephen is also an award-winning cinematographer, shooting a wide range of productions including the Australian hits, FUNKY SQUAD, FRONTLINE, and A RIVER SOMEWHERE. He is a twice-nominated AACTA (Australian Academy Award) Cinematographer, including his work on the documentary, DR SARMAST’S MUSIC SCHOOL, shot in Kabul Afghanistan.

DEFEND, CONSERVE, PROTECT was made over a 4-year period and is very much a passion project. Stephen hopes the film makes a small but significant difference to the environmental debate.

Released in Australia & NZ by Label Distribution

Huddle up at the Hub this winter!!

See you there.