The life and times of the David Bowie will be commemorated in the Blue Mountains next month, with a tribute night to be held in Katoomba.
The event, which will feature a screening of his best-known movie Labyrinth, is being organised by local queer movie group Alphabet Soup Cinema, which holds film nights in Katoomba on the second Saturday of each month.
Alphabet Soup Cinema convenor and self-professed “Bowie nut” Peter Hackney said that as soon as he heard about the death of the performer on January 10, he decided the next Alphabet Soup Cinema event would be Bowie-themed.
“Bowie had an extraordinary impact on popular culture and is one of the most prolific and influential artists of our times,” he said.
“What was really important about him was that he brought the underground, the queer and the different to the masses.
“He made people feel good about their otherness. We couldn’t let our next event be a regular film night – as far as we’re concerned, it’s got to be all about Bowie.”
Mr Hackney said that while Bowie was best known as a singer and songwriter, the British-born star was also an accomplished actor who developed a sporadic but impressive film career.
“He made a number of very good films and some not-so-good ones, but we chose Labyrinth because it’s arguably his most famous role – and he also composed the film’s mesmerising soundtrack.”
As well as the Labyrinth screening, the Bowie tribute night on Saturday, February 13 will feature a playlist of Bowie songs before and after the film.
“The doors open at 7pm, the film starts at 8, and we’ll stay open for a couple of hours afterwards, so there’ll also be an opportunity for Bowie fans to hear some of his biggest hits – as well as some obscure gems and rarities,” said Mr Hackney.
The event will be held at the Katoomba Brewing Company – the “perfect” environment for a Bowie-themed event, according to Mr Hackney.
Mr Hackney said fifty per cent of proceeds from ticket sales would be donated to Blue Mountains Cancer Help, with the rest helping cover the event’s production costs.
Booking essential. Visit www.alphabetsoupcinema.eventbrite.com.
