SPOTLIGHT ON ARI WEGNER PASS

SPOTLIGHT ON ARI WEGNER PASS

In 2021, Australian Ari Wegner became the second woman ever to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Cinematography, for her work on Jane Campion’s widely acclaimed hit The Power of the Dog. One of Australia’s foremost cinematography exports, Wegner’s credits include Justin Kurzel’s True History of the Kelly Gang (2019); the Ethan Coen-directed Drive-Away Dolls (2024); and Eileen (2023), William Oldroyd’s latest feature, starring Anne Hathaway. 
 
Born and raised in Melbourne, Wegner studied at the Victorian College of the Arts before breaking out with her first major feature as cinematographer on William Oldroyd’s Lady Macbeth (2016). This spotlight series showcases Wegner’s early career in the lead-up to her historic Academy Award nomination, with screenings of Lady Macbeth; Stray (2018), from New Zealand director and screenwriter Dustin Feneley; Peter Strickland’s fantasy horror In Fabric (2018); and Janicza Bravo’s Sundance-nominated Zola (2020). 
 
STRAY 
THU 8 AUG |6PM|Arc Cinema|$16/$12 
2018 |M | 104 mins |DCP| NZ | D: Dustin Feneley 
 
Jack is on parole for attempted murder, and still recovering from the traumatic loss of his girlfriend. Grace has recently been released from a psychiatric facility and finds herself a long way from home. A complex and intimate relationship develops between the two troubled strangers when their paths cross at an isolated cabin in the mountains of New Zealand. Understated, mesmerising and framed by stunning cinematographyStray is a poignant exploration of loss, healing and growth. 

remarkably shot, quietly powerful and totally uncompromising’ – TimeOut, The New Zealand Herald 

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ZOLA
 
THU 22 AUG |6PM|Arc Cinema|$16/$12 
2020 |MA15+ | 86 mins |DCP| US | D: Janicza Bravo 
 
Inspired by real-life, viral tweets from A’Ziah ‘Zola’ King and a subsequent Rolling Stone article, black comedy crime flick Zola follows stripper Zola King (Taylour Paige) on a wild trip to Florida with fellow performer Stefani (Riley Keough). Things get out of hand when a hustle for strip club profits quickly descends into a violent whirlwind of prostitution and extortion. Nominated for the Sundance Grand Jury Prize, Zola is a cautionary tale about the hazards of sex work in the digital age, and an exploration of online and offline personas. 
 
‘…a raw and sometimes chilling and often darkly funny adventure’ – Chicago Sun-Times 
 
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LADY MACBETH 
FRI 23 AUG |6PM|Arc Cinema|$16/$12 
2016 |MA15+ | 89 mins |DCP| UK | D: William Oldroyd 
 
Alone on a remote English farm, after her forced marriage to a disinterested man twice her age, Katherine (Florence Pugh) meets young worker Sebastian (Cosmo Jarvis) and is forced to confront her desires. Based on Nikolai Leskov’s novel Lady Macbeth of Mtsenskthis period drama offers a piercing look at the confines of gender roles and the potency of passion.  Lady Macbeth crackles with seductive tension thanks to William Oldroyd’s direction, alongside outstanding performances and excellent production – including Ari Wegner’s stunning cinematography.  
 
Superbly acted and executed, this spare piece of storytelling marks an assertive feature debut for theatre and opera director William Oldroyd’ – Screen Daily 
 
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IN FABRIC 
SAT 31 AUG |6PM|Arc Cinema|$16/$12 
2018 |MA15+ | 118 mins |DCP| UK | D: Peter Strickland 
 
When recent divorcee Sheila (Marianne Jean-Baptiste) purchases a beautiful new red dress, little does she know the bloody horrors that will ensue for all who encounter it. Subversively exploring desire and proclivities, In Fabric is a gripping and twisted thriller that slowly unfurls into the surreal. The film won numerous festival awards and received nine nominations at the 2019 British Independent Film Awards, including Ari Wegner for Best Cinematography. 
 
A bizarre and imaginative thriller with a sexual and sociological twist’ – Austin Chronicle

Terms and Conditions

Pass is not transferable and is valid for one entry per session. All sessions must be pre-booked. Passes are not valid for special events. Passes can be scanned at the door for entry.