KickArts

KickArts

Visual arts, theatre, books, festivals and more...Listen live 4-5pm Mondays on 94.7 The Pulse

Episodes

  1. 04/09/2025

    Radio legend Philip Brady remembered

    By Jessie Aiton Phil Brady OAM rang me last year and left a lengthy voicemail saying he hoped I was well and “working in show business”. Twelve centuries ago, I had cut my radio teeth on Nightline when I was 26 years old. Though I ended up moving to the whirlwind of daytime radio, Phil was adamant that I could return to Nights at any time. “Don’t forget Jess,” he’d always say. “This studio is your home. Wherever you work in the world, this studio will always be your home”. He offered this to many of us – and in a broadcasting world which is cut-throat and fast moving – to know I could always return to his studio was like knowing I could always warm up by the fire if I was cold and needed a warm roast meal. Everyone I worked with adored him. Not just due to his friendliness, support and consideration of other people, but speaking with Phil just for a moment gave one the impression they were speaking with someone from another time. He was traditional and gentlemanly. You never had to be anyone but yourself with him. Though he was often saturated in the smell of coffee and cigarettes (which permeated him on a cellular level) there was a certain glamour to him. One instance being when I burnt and sent him a CD (The Third Man soundtrack) at his request, Phil contacted me asking if he could “buy me some cigarettes” as a thank you. “Bye bye darling,” he’d always say when we wrapped up our calls. “Until we speak again.” Phil was never perturbed or concerned about when that time would be – he knew our paths would cross again somehow and they always did. When Phil passed, many of my colleagues and I made a concerted effort to come to his funeral – not just to see Phil, but to see one another. He was just that warm fire for so many of us – and he was there for so many of us at different points of our career – even if it was just to stop by for a proverbial warm roast meal before heading out into the cold busy-ness of life again. I will miss Phil dearly; and though he lived in his own world, all who were invited in left feeling a little warmer. Bye bye darling, until we speak again. Jess x Photo: 3AW Radio Photo: Channel 9 Listen to the tribute compiled by Jess Aiton below

    19 min
  2. 03/10/2025

    Lara – a new film by Leah Baulch

    Written towards the end of Covid, the short film Lara, by Leah Baulch, is a drama that delves into the personal and artistic struggles of its protagonist, Emily. Played by Olivia Fildes (Sunflower), Emily is a burned-out photographer who visits her boyfriend’s sister in the quiet countryside town of Lara. There, she is forced to confront deep-seated questions about a future she has never fully envisioned. Leah Baulch, the film’s writer, director, and co-star, began developing the script as an exploration of family and commitment. Over time, it evolved into a poignant examination of an artist’s inner conflict—her struggle to move forward, whether in terms of relationships, self-care, or creative fulfillment. Drawing from her own experiences as an artist, Leah has crafted a deeply personal yet universally relatable story. Joining Olivia Fildes in the cast is accomplished Australian actor Darcy Kent (Neighbours, Warnie, Offspring) as Ross, Emily’s boyfriend. Leah Baulch herself steps into the role of Genevieve, Ross’ sister, making Lara a truly intimate and emotionally charged film. Behind the scenes, Lara owes its success to a dedicated and resourceful crew, including cinematographer Sara Jo Fraser, editor Dallas Bland, and composer Larissa Agosti. Despite the challenges of filming in the intense summer heat and navigating long travel distances, the passion and commitment of this team brought Leah’s vision to life. The film was supported by Geelong Waterfront Film and produced by Dos Hermanas Productions. Listen to the studio interview below:

    15 min
  3. 11/27/2023

    Meet ‘super musicians’ Otto and Astrid

    I was humbled and privileged to attend super musician pop duo Otto and Astrid’s one off show at the Potato Shed last week. The brother and sister hail from Berlin and have been performing together for over twenty years – which frankly doesn’t feel like long enough. The website for their band Die Roten Punkte describes Otto and Astrid as “super musicians and unparalleled performers of stellar proportions” and they could not be more accurate or uncomplicated in their descriptions. For an hour we watched as they took us on an odyssey of sound, pathos, and deep healing in a loud way. Performing on tour together doesn’t come without its challenges and I commend Otto and Astrid for acknowledging and implementing “artistic boundaries”. Not every band would have the wisdom and practical experience to take a roll of duct tape, divide the stage in two halves, and each take ownership over one section of the audience whilst pitting them against one another over the course of an hour… But these siblings know how to resolve their differences in a way where the audience feel included, comfortable and free to witness a virtual estrangement played out publicly. Personally, I find Otto and Astrid’s commitment to their craft during times of great adversity inspiring, and I was delighted when they accepted my invitation to speak with them backstage shortly before Rolling Stone dialled in. You can keep up to date with Otto and Astrid’s hectic schedule and attachment issues by visiting ottoandastrid.com Or head to Instagram: @ottoandastrid – Jess Aiton Photo: Elaine Janes

    7 min
  4. 10/11/2023

    Short films part of big dinner event

    This week on KickArts we meet film maker Thomas Broadbent who’s short film features as part of the upcoming North Bellarine Film Festvial Dinner and Film night on 26 October at the National Wool Musuem. Join fellow film lovers for an evening of short-films at the North Bellarine Film Festival Dinner and Film night. Discover this year’s most intriguing short films, produced by emerging Australian and international filmmakers including: Zac Marrinan, Dan Walls, Rikard Westman, Ainur Turganbayeva, Thomas Broadbent, Alvaro Rozas Leiva and Angus Molden. Begin your evening with a two-course meal at Black Sheep Restaurant then join award-winning Melbourne based filmmaker, Thomas Broadbent as he speaks about the art of good story telling and his film Negatives. As the lights go down, settle in to experience captivating films surrounded by fellow film enthusiasts. Our carefully curated selection of eight Australia and international short films guarantees an evening filled with laughter, suspense, and heartfelt moments. Whether you’re a film buff, a food lover, or simply looking for a fun night out, the North Bellarine Film Festival Film and Dinner Night promises an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the art of film and enjoy a delightful dining experience in the heart of Geelong! Cost Admit one: $50.00 – Film viewing only Adult: $50.00 – Two course dinner and drink Other/More Information: $40.00Early bird special for film viewing – until 30 September 2023 Book tickets here Listen below for the interview with film maker Thomas Broadbent.

    12 min

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Visual arts, theatre, books, festivals and more...Listen live 4-5pm Mondays on 94.7 The Pulse