The Australian Film Roadshow played at the Russian Culture Centre in Kamalpokhari from 19-23 February. Six short films and eight feature films were screened over the five days, among them the internationally-acclaimed Rabbit Proof Fence, Chopper and Love Seranade, which also proved to be audience favourites.

Organised by the Australian Embassy and in its eighth year, the roadshow was also held to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties between Australia and Nepal.

Rajesh Gongaju, director of the event, said that such film festivals broadened the exposure of Nepali audience to international cinema, which has so far been limited to formulaic productions from the twin behemoths of Hollywood and Bollywood.

"This film festival is a treat for Nepalis. I also hope that this will inspire local filmmakers to develop a stronger sensibility for choosing subjects, as there are so many different stories to be told" said Gongaju. He explained that the films were chosen for audience appeal as well as aesthetic values.

With genres that ran the gamut from crime and comedy to drama and romance, the roadshow catered to differing tastes.

The roadshow concluded with the splendid Love Serenade, a movie set in small-town Sunray that entertained as much as it caused the audience to squirm in their seats in awkward laughter. In this darkly comedic twist of 'fatal attraction', sisters Dimity and Vicky-Ann fall for, fight over and eventually disposed of Ken Sherry, a radio personality, new to town and looking to spread his message of free love.

Foo Chee Chang