Perth Premiere at Luna Leederville

The Tree celebrated its Perth premiere last Thursday, 23 September, filling around 300 seats at Luna Cinemas Leederville -"a hugely successful prelude to its national release" (ScreenWest). The evening was hosted by PAC director Annie Murtagh-Monks, and included an introduction and Q & A with producer Sue Taylor, as well as a VIP party at Monza, Leederville.

Every VIP guest received an exciting Tree goodie bag with flower seeds, a book voucher, and many other surprises. The green chocolate frogs were a particular favourite.

 Sue Taylor in front of Luna Cinemas Leederville

 Annie Murtagh-Monks, hosting the Q & A

 The VIP party at Monza

Tree goodie bags

Australia's Got Talent

Morgana Davies & Zoe Boe of The Tree

Born and raised in Sydney, Morgana Davies has stunned audiences worldwide with her feature film debut: she plays the major role of Simone O'Neill in The Tree, the little girl who believes her late father is living on inside the fig tree in the family's backyard. Only seven and a half when she got cast for the film, Morgana has already achieved celebrity status in Europe. She recently travelled to Paris to see Julie Bertuccelli, and met Kirsten Dunst and Tim Burton at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.

Brisbane local Zoe Boe plays the role of Simone's best friend Megan Lu. She travelled to Cannes with her father Andrew and her sister Greer. 

Morgana and Zoe were on the red carpet with the director, producers, and their co-stars Charlotte Gainsbourg and Gabriel Gotting. "The press went mad for all the Aussie kids and clamoured to photograph and interview Morgana. She even did a full international press conference and live TV interviews,” said producer Sue Taylor.“It’s obviously been an incredible experience for Morgana, but she’s taken it in her stride, even when hearing herself dubbed into French for the film’s release there.”

Morgana was featured in last month's Italian Vogue, in a photograph taken on the Cannes Red Carpet, and was recently described as "[easily passing] for a long-lost member of the Jolie-Pitt gene pool" (see article below from the Queensland Sunday Mail:).

The Queensland Sunday Mail 19 September 2010

Zoe was mentioned in Queensland Confidential this week:

and here's a link to a great article about Zoe Boe in the Brisbane Times

 Morgana Davies talks about working on The Tree, and her visit to Cannes and Paris:

Morgana and Zoe, with fellow cast member, Gabriel Gotting on the red carpet at Cannes:

The Book of the film out this week!!!

18/09/2010

(Our Father Who Art In) The Tree, the book of the film, reissued in Australia this week!

The Tree team are excited to announce the reissue of Judy Pascoe’s acclaimed debut novel, Our Father Who Art In The Tree, now The Tree. This much sought after hidden-gem has not been available in Australia for some time. But, soon this lovely book will be out in the country in which it is set, just in time for the cinema release of the film that it inspired, The Tree.

(Our Father Who Art In) The Tree will be available from the warehouse at Murdoch Books from 23 September and in your local book store soon!

Here is an excerpt of UK Kirkus’ review of the book: “This is a triumphant debut novel from Judy Pascoe that will touch the hearts of all who read it. An evocative tale, told through the wistful hopes of Simone as she faces the reality of bereavement, it manages to be both funny and sad. The author tackles the themes of love and loyalty, superstition and religious faith with such poetic imagery and yet such simple language that readers will look at these complex and unsolvable mysteries with the fresh simplicity of a child's eye.” 

For more information on Judy Pascoe and and an interview about her the book check judypascoe.com

Judy Pascoe, Julie Bertuccelli, Sue Taylor and Yael Fogiel on location for The Tree,
photograph by Baruch Rafic

ISBN: 9781742662411
RRP: $22.95
Murdoch Books Australia

Want to read the book in French? Check here for the fabulous French bookshop in Australia: Le Forum

The Tree returns to Boonah

A great night was had by cast, crew and local Boonah residents, when The Tree screened at the Boonah Districts Cultural Centre on Saturday night. Producer Sue Taylor, was very happy to return to the beautiful area of the Scenic Rim to catch up with some old friends and visit the beautiful tree, that is the centrepiece of the film.

Lead actress, Morgana Davies, made a surprise trip up to Boonah to share the fun on the Red Carpet with Margaret Foote, Taren and RJ Stewart, Boonah Mayor John Brent and so many of the people who helped so much during production to make Boonah such a welcoming place.

Sue Taylor in Boonah for The Tree premiere

Sue Taylor read out the call sheet from exactly a year earlier, 18th September 2009, when many of the local cast and crew were involved in the filming of a critical scene around the tree.

All those in attendance loved to see the film, which so portrayed their local area and aspects of their lives, so well. Many said they can't wait to see the film on the big screen, after its release on September 30.

 Morgana Davies on the Boonah red carpet with her father Greg

 The Boonah Mayor and his wife

 Robert Joseph, Taren Stewart, and Morgana Davies

 Margaret and John Foote

The Tree at Mission Beach Film Festival

The Tree screening at the Gala Opening Night of the Mission Beach Film Festival was a huge success over the weekend, led by actor and environmental campaigner Ms Daryl Hannah. Local Queenslander, and Tree star, Bob Mackay, was at the festival with his family (so jealous!!), and was name- checked by Daryl Hannah when she introduced the film.

The audience, obviously appreciative of their local talent, let up a huge roar when Bob appeared in the film!!!! Check out Bob Mackay when you see The Tree, in cinemas from September 30.

Bob Mackay as AB in The Tree, photograph by Baruch Rafic

Prior to the opening night festivities Ms Hannah was joined by Malcolm and Lucy Turnbull, and
festival sponsors at a glamorous pre-screening VIP soiree at The Elandra Resort where Ms
Hannah stayed.
Festival Curator Sue Clothier said ‘Elandra was the perfect environment to thank the supporters
of the festival as we looked out over the Coral Sea to Dunk and Bedarra Islands. Daryl was
stunned by the beauty.’

Daryl Hannah

Ce que j'ai fait sur mes vacances...

"What I did on my holidays.." The Tree in French Class

A close member of our Tree Family was sent a lovely, and surprising email, recently, from a friend of his who has been living in France for the past six weeks, learning the language...

" Thought you'd like to know that yesterday in French class (here in Aix en Provence) someone started telling (in French of course) about this fabulous movie and it was The Tree, which she saw here in France presumably! I of course had to tell them I knew the father of the young actress! Thought you'd like to know!"

Will you be seeing The Tree on your holidays too?

To Build A Home

When the production team were putting together the soundtrack for The Tree, they came across a song, which not only touched their hearts with its beautiful melody, but amazingly, told a similar story to that of The Tree. Check out the wonderful lyrics of 'To Build A Home' by The Cinematic Orchestra below...

There is a house built out of stone

Wooden floors, walls and window sills...

Tables and chairs worn by all of the dust...

This is a place where I don't feel alone

This is a place where I feel at home...

Cause, I built a home

for you

for me

Until it disappeared

from me

from you

And now, it's time to leave and turn to dust...

Out in the garden where we planted the seeds

There is a tree as old as me

Branches were sewn by the color of green

Ground had arose and passed it's knees

By the cracks of the skin I climbed to the top

I climbed the tree to see the world

When the gusts came around to blow me down

I held on as tightly as you held onto me

I held on as tightly as you held onto me......

Cause, I built a home

for you

for me

Until it disappeared

from me

from you

And now, it's time to leave and turn to dust........

Charlotte Gainsbourg as Dawn in The Tree

Cinefest Oz

The Tree screening at Cinefest Oz in beautiful Busselton, Western Australia, went down a treat. Maybe it was the rapturous reception from the country crowd, maybe it was the sunny winter's day, or maybe it was the proximity of the famous Margaret River wine region. Busselton seems like the perfect place to celebrate French-Australian cinema.

The Ace Central Cinemas, Busselton, decked out for the Festival

 Apart from some fantastic premieres from Western Australian filmmakers, also showing at Cinefest Oz was Welcome, by Writer/Director, Phillipe Lioret, an inspiring film with a small connection to The Tree; Post-Production Supervisor, Eric Duriez.

The Tree and Welcome 'Now Showing' at Busselton

Jane Birkin, Serge Gainsbourg and Charlotte Gainsbourg, ACMI Melbourne

Je t'aime: The Filmic Lives of Gainsbourg and Birkin

Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin

For decades, the Birkin - Gainsbourg family has lived music, film and fashion; exploring the taboo and delighting lovers of pop culture.

Experience the cinematic signatures of Serge, Jane and Charlotte in a season brimming with passion and enduring style at the The Australian Centre for the Moving Image in Melbourne.  "The Filmic Lives of Gainsbourg and Birkin" showcases the work of the Gainsbourg/Birkin family with a series of screenings from 7 to 19 October:
Curated by Kristy Matheson.

ACMI Media Release

Gainsbourg and His Girls (Gainsbourg, l'homme qui aimait les femmes) An enlightening portrait of Gainsbourg as seen through the eyes of his many muses.

Charlotte For Ever Gainsbourg's third feature as writer/director was created as a gift for his daughter Charlotte.

I Love You All (Je vous aime) Claude Berri's intriguing film starring Catherine Deneuve, Serge Gainsbourg and Gérard Depardieu.

Slogan Birkin's first French-speaking role and her debut on screen (and in song) with Gainsbourg.

Seven Deaths In the Cat's Eye (La morte negli occhi del gatto) With secret vampires and a killer cat, this film has the makings of an unmissable B movie whodunnit.

Jane B. Par Agnès V. This kaleidoscopic work is a charming film/game from one of France's most fascinating directors.

Daddy Nostalgia (Daddy Nostalgie) Bertrand Tavernier's exploration of the intricacies of human relationships.

Kung Fu Master (Le petit amour) An evocative portrayal of female desire.

Come Dance With Me (Voulez-vous danser avec moi) A deliciously entertaining romp with blonde bombshell Bardot in top form.

My Wife Is an Actress Art imitates life in a romantic comedy that casts Charlotte Gainsbourg alongside husband Yvan Attal.

Gainsbourg Lascivious, poetic and dizzyingly inventive; a spectacular tribute to the provocateur and his music.

Je t'aime... moi non plus Gainsbourg's sexual taboo laden film starring Jane Birkin and Warhol superstar, Joe Dallesandro.

Antichrist Lars Von Trier's exhilarating riff on the horror genre, starring Charlotte Gainsbourg.

Check out Philiipa Berry's great piece on Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin here on the ACMI Blog


New interview with Jane Birkin at Boston.com on the recent reissue of a classic...

"It's made my career without anyone knowing anything about me."

Birkin reflects on her relationship and artistic work with the late Serge Gainsbourg, including their infamous song "Je t'aime... moi non plus".

The Tree and Daryl Hannah on a Mission (Beach)

07/09/2010

Daryl Hannah (Our Favourite Tree Hugger) launches The Tree screening at Mission Beach

 The Tree Team have just heard the wonderful news that Daryl Hannah will be launching the 2010 Mission Beach Film Festival prior to the special Gala screening of The Tree.

As an actor, filmmaker and environmental activist, Daryl Hannah is the perfect representative for the Mission Beach Film Festival. The Festival works hard to promote its of values of Respect for Nature, Universal Human Rights, Economic Justice, A Culture of Peace, What the World Could Be...
The Tree Team are honored that The Tree  has been selected to open this fantastic Festival and so excited that Daryl Hannah will be there to share this great experience.

Here's some local Queensland news articles about the Festival Launch:







Find out more about Daryl Hannah's work to promote sustainability at her website: dhlovelife.com
And if you have a moment to spare, check out Daryl Hannah's tree sitting protest at South Central Farm in L.A. youtube
We think she too looks pretty good up in a tree.


Lucky enough to be near beautiful Mission Beach on the 17th September? Check out the website below to find out how to buy tickets. 
 www.missionbeachfilmfestival.com.au
For further information contact Anton Whitehead 0419 274 500 anton@whitehead19.com.au
Mission Beach Film Festival Office 07 4088 8113 .

07/09/2010

The Tree Soundtrack: J.S. Bach

The Tree Soundtrack Artists:

J.S. Bach

'Die Kriegsknechte Aber, Da Sie Jesum
-As performed by The Scholars Baroque Ensemble

The Scholars Baroque Ensemble was originally founded in 1987 and has gained worldwide success throughout the last twenty years.

Each member is a specialist in the field of Baroque music and plays original instruments (or copies) using contemporary techniques. Singers and players work together without a Director to produce their own versions of great baroque masterworks.

The excerpt featured on The Tree soundtrack is a sacred oratorio of Bach. The original Latin title translates to 'The Suffering After John' and was composed by Bach during his first winter at St. Thomas Church for the Good Friday Vespers service of 1742.

The Tree soundtrack CD NOW available to buy online:
www.taylormedia.com.au/products

Or is available now online via itunes:
http://itunes.apple.com/au/album/weak/id387860044?i=387860048&ign-mpt=ou%3D4

The Tree Soundtrack: Gregoire Hetzel

The Tree Soundtrack Artist:


Gregoire Hetzel

Composer

Whilst studying at the Conservatoire National Superior de Musique in Paris, Gregoire gained a reputation for creating musical scores for silent movies, playing the piano during live performances. His first composition for film was for Mathieu Amalric's Le Stade De Wimbledon.
Since then he has scored part of the official selections for Cannes in 2008, and the Emmanuel Bourdieu's Les Aminities Malefiques, which was awarded the Great Critics Prize in 2006. He also writes and arranges songs for Barbara Carlot and in 2003 wrote his first novel Le Vert Paradis.

The Tree Soundtrack CD is NOW available to buy online:
www.taylormedia.com.au/products
Also available to download through itunes here:http://itunes.apple.com/au/album/weak/id387860044?i=387860048&ign-mpt=ou%3D4

The Tree Soundtrack: The Slippers

The Tree Soundtrack Artist:

The Slippers

'Flying Foxes'
'Shiver Shiver'

Christian Byers, who plays eldest son Tim in The Tree features as the guitar, organ and vocals of young band The Royal Slippers, or The Slippers for short.

Evolving from White Stripes covers to soft, glorious folk/blues tracks, they recorded their first EP - The Festival in Megaphon Studios in St Peters, which is now available online through their website.

With future recording in their sights, The Slippers continue to play when they can, and chase up gig opportunities while staying on track with their high school studies.

For more information, or to preview and purchase the EP, checkout The Slipper's myspace:
www.myspace.com/theroyalslippers

The Tree Soundtrack CD is NOW available to buy online here:
www.taylormedia.com.au/products

And is available now via itunes:
http://itunes.apple.com/au/album/weak/id387860044?i=387860048&ign-mpt=ou%3D4

The Tree Soundtrack: The Cinematic Orchestra

The Tree Soundtrack Artist:

The Cinematic Orchestra

'To Build a Home'

Formed in the late 90's, The Cinematic Orchestra is a British Jazz and Electronic outfit who bless The Tree soundtrack with their gorgeous track 'To Build a Home'.

Aptly named for its use of saxophone, piano, drums, guitar and bass, featured vocalists, as well as turntables and samples, it is not surprising that The Cinematic Orchestra are a renown live act, and their recorded work has featured on the likes of Grey's Anatomy, One Tree Hill, and Hollyoaks.

Look out for The Cinematic Orchestra while they continue their European tours in Paris, Berlin and London in September.

Check out all their releases, live updates and pics at their website:
www.cinematicorchestra.com

The Tree soundtrack CD is NOW available online at:
www.taylormedia.com.au/products