The first meeting of the fall 2021 session was held via Zoom on October 5th. Continuing on the theme of “Writers of Australia and New Zealand,” Kathy M. surprised us by creatively juxtaposing two interesting screenwriters/producers/directors: Jane Campion from New Zealand and Baz Luhrmann from Australia.

Jane Campion won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for The Piano, and numerous Best Director awards for her many films. Kathy showed excerpts from two dark dramas, The Piano (1993) and her upcoming movie The Power of the Dog (2021.)

Kathy then turned to Australia’s most commercially successful and prolific filmmaker Baz Luhrmann, whose style is instantly recognizable. Clips from Strictly Ballroom (1992,) an updated Romeo and Juliette (1996 — and no, Luhrmann didn’t write the rhyming couplets!) and Moulin Rouge (2001.) She left us with a clip from his movie Australia (2008.)

Kathy showed how good writing, which has inspired CWLC members for over 115 years, also is at the heart of great movies.

Kathy’s presentation summary can be found here: https://calgarywomensliteraryclub.com/jane-campion-new-zealand-and-baz-luhrmann-australia/

On October 12, Della Mae W. will present on Clive James.

Interested in joining us? For more information on membership, follow this link: https://calgarywomensliteraryclub.com/contact-us/