Dubbo Festival to host world premiere of La Traviata

Opera Australia's astounding production of Verdi's La Traviata (the film) is to make its World Premiere at the Dubbo Festival.

Performed on a stage on Sydney Harbour, the spellbinding 180-minute production, by internationally acclaimed director Francesca Zambello, will screen at 2.30pm on Saturday, 8th September at the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre.

Festival Director for NSW Inland Film Festival, Stavros Kazantzidis explained "featuring performances by Australian sopranos Emma Matthews and Rachelle Durkin as well as Italy's Gianluca Terranova, it's a feast for the eyes and ears with high definition vision and 5.1 surround sound.

"It features spectacular sets, beautiful costumes, fireworks and a nine-metre chandelier sparkling with Swarovski Elements crystals.

"It's set against a background of Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House and is a unique experience that's perfect for first-time opera-goers or the ultimate aficionado."

The festival has also announced the Dubbo Premiere of Holy Motors, the mind bending thrill ride of this year's Cannes festival from French cinema illusionist Leos Carax and featuring Kylie Minogue.

Described as "bizarre", "genius", "deranged" and "captivating", Holy Motors follows Monsieur Oscar through the course of a day as he takes on nine increasingly strange "appointments".Kazantzidis added "(Monsieur Oscar) literally glides from persona to persona across a futuristic fantasy Paris in a stretch limousine which doubles as his change room.

"Kylie Minogue delivers a tremendous dramatic performance, with a song to boot."

Eva Mendez and French femme fantastique Edith Scob also appear in a movie that promises to equally surprise, confound and entertain. It screens at 7.30pm on Saturday 8th September.

The Dubbo Festival is an initiative of the Inland NSW Film Festival together with Events Dubbo and aims to bring together a wide range of arts and entertainment events under one umbrella. Inland NSW Film Festival is supported by Destination NSW and Inland NSW Tourism Other Dubbo Festival events include:

• Four art exhibitions, including the DREAM Light Illumination and the Nikon Walkley Photojournalism Exhibition;
• Film industry seminars, forums, live script readings and talent quest speed auditions.
• 10 free events ranging from the Zoo flicks, the Red Ochre & Multicultural Festival and the Dream Family Fun day;
• Eight educational based programs including workshop and the Cockatoo Institute In the Raw program to advance skills and showcase talent of artists;
• The popular Zoo Grooves concert headlined by iconic guitarist Ian Moss;
• The DREAM Artist of the Year Award, recognising home-grown talent who have successfully pursued their dreams; and,
• The world's first parade of its kind, the Carnival of the Animals.

For more information go to www.dubbofestival.com.au/

5th September 2008 - WORK STARTS ON DUBBO VENUE