What to Watch on IFC in March

If you had the chance to see Baz Luhrmann's epic Australia this past year, you're already well aware of the fact that it's one of the most beautiful places in the world. Besides the breathtaking scenery, the continent is home to many talented filmmakers and actors. So this month, IFC is paying homage to the land down under with a weekend of films born and bred there. Tune in Saturday, March 28th and Sunday, March 29th for Golden Globe nominee Rabbit Proof Fence, IFC's premiere of The Nugget featuring Eric Bana, the crime-mystery Lantana, as well as famed Australian director Peter Weir's classic Picnic at Hanging Rock. Plus, you can also catch flicks from back in the 70's including My Brilliant Career and Newsfront. And, Aussies tackle musicals pretty damn well (did someone say Moulin Rouge?), so we've thrown in the 80's classic Starstruck. Be sure to check out a...

If you had the chance to see Baz Luhrmann’s epic Australia this past year, you’re already well aware of the fact that it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world. Besides the breathtaking scenery, the continent is home to many talented filmmakers and actors. So this month, IFC is paying homage to the land down under with a weekend of films born and bred there. Tune in Saturday, March 28th and Sunday, March 29th for Golden Globe nominee Rabbit Proof Fence, IFC’s premiere of The Nugget featuring Eric Bana, the crime-mystery Lantana, as well as famed Australian director Peter Weir’s classic Picnic at Hanging Rock. Plus, you can also catch flicks from back in the 70′s including My Brilliant Career and Newsfront. And, Aussies tackle musicals pretty damn well (did someone say Moulin Rouge?), so we’ve thrown in the 80′s classic Starstruck. Be sure to check out a musical special with Australian import Olivia Newton John, airing throughout the weekend during the film fest.

Also, what’s March without a little ‘madness’? This month, we’re showcasing some seriously quirky indies that are just plain, well, mad. On March 5th and March 12th, beginning at 8PM, you don’t want to miss this event featuring IFC’s premiere of Wes Anderson’s The Royal Tenenbaums, starring Ben Stiller in an iconic red tracksuit alongside an ensemble cast playing his peculiar family. Also on the bill: another Wes Anderson film, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, with even more eccentric characters venturing out on a mission of revenge. Plus, Robert Altman’s The Player, an indie chockful of inside Hollywood humor; Employee of The Month starring Matt Dillon, which should not be confused with the film of the same name starring Jessica Simpson…although, that would still make it odd; Oscar nominated director Gus Van Sant’s Even Cowgirls Get the Blues, starring Uma Thurman as a chick with seriously large thumbs; and, a satire questioning what would’ve happened had the South won the Civil War – CSA: The Confederate States of America.

And, to keep the comedy rolling, IFC premieres the British series ‘Modern Toss.’ It’s raunchy, imaginative and really, really funny. Check it out Tuesdays in the Automat beginning March 17th.

PREMIERES TO LOOK FOR:

• SHINE Geoffrey Rush won the Best Actor Oscar for his role as Australian David Helfgott who spent many years in an institution and ended up becoming a gifted pianist. Premieres Sunday, March 15th @ 6:05PM.
• THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS Wes Anderson directs this indie about a dysfunctional family composed of brilliant minds that band together when one of the members reveals they are terminally ill. Cast includes Ben Stiller, Gene Hackman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Owen Wilson and Anjelica Huston. Premieres Saturday, March 7th @ 8PM.
• CHOPPER Eric Bana gives a strong performance as Mark “Chopper” Read, author of numerous books detailing his life as a notorious criminal in Australia. Premieres Monday, March 2nd @ 8PM.
• THE NUGGET A double dose of Eric Bana in March with this comedy about a group of gold miners who discover the world’s biggest nugget, and must deal with thieves awaiting to steal their treasure. Premieres Monday, March 16th @ 8PM.