The Perth International Arts Festival kicks off this month and with it doesn’t just come splendid art in all its glorious forms, but in my favourite form; films. Ah yes, films. Those little moments of magical escapism that last up to 2 or so hours. One of the first films on the calendar (and my most anticipated pick for the month) is The Teacher. This Slovakian film directed by the wonderful Jan Hrebejk has received rave reviews around the globe, with Variety calling it a “return to the top for Slovakian cinema”. Zuzana Mauréry stars in a glorious performance as a slightly corrupt teacher in the midst of communist Europe in the 1980’s. Humorous, touching, and a brilliant follow up from the Oscar Nominated Divided we fall that was shown at the 2002 PIAF, The Teacher is one film you will not want to miss.

Screenings for The Teacher are as follows:

ECU JOONDALUP PINES

Tue 29 Nov–Sun 4 Dec 2016, 8pm

UWA SOMERVILLE

Mon 5–Sun 11 Dec 2016, 8pm

For more info click here.

Explosions in the Sky

Off the back of The Wilderness, their most experimental release to date, Explosions in the Sky are once again gracing our shores with their visceral aural and visual live show. Explosions in the Sky are one of the very best and most enduring post-rock acts in the world, through both their ability to make and create vast soundscapes and the affecting live show that they bring with them. Seeing such a prolific post-rock band in the flesh is nothing short of a transformative experience. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the band’s work, you have likely been unknowingly subjected to their music through film. Remember that scene in Me, Earl and the Dying Girl that you started crying? You can thank Explosion in the Sky’s emotive track “Remember Me as a Time of Day” for that one.  Furthermore, the band has been involved with films such as Lone Survivor, Prince Avalanche, Manglehorn and Friday Night Lights. If you have absolutely no idea what “post-rock” is, start your love affair with this band. You need to see this band.

Jambinai & Gold Class

Continuing a tradition of coaxing great international musicians to Perth, PIAF has somehow managed to book experimental post-rock giants, Jambinai. Hailing from South Korea, Jaminai uses an eclectic mix of contemporary and traditional instruments to create some fairly unorthodox, sometimes jarring, post-rock works. Post-rock is one of those genres that can transcend language and the raw emotion that Jaminai musters while traversing elements of jazz, classical, doom and drone is awe inspiring. If none of that tickles your musical fancy, Jaminai also use a Geomungo, which is a treat in itself.  Get transported by the track The Mountain.

In complete juxtaposition, Melbourne post-punk act Gold Class are bringing their post-punk swagger to Perth for the first time. I won’t hold it against Gold Class for not visiting us yet, as the band literally hasn’t had the time. Only forming in 2014, they’ve already played at Splendour in the Grass, multiple venues in the UK and every single house party that I’ve been at with an unattended aux cord. With vocals like a young Morrissey and a backing band with some of the tightest drum/bass synchronization that I’ve ever heard, it’s no wonder Gold Class are making waves. Life As A Gun is a personal favourite.

Margaret Glaspy and Frankie Cosmos

Two of the leading ladies in indie rock are joining forces for a truly special night. Margaret Glaspy and Frankie Cosmos have both released standout albums this year (Emotions and Math and Next Thing, respectively), showcasing intelligent lyrics and enjoyable melodies. Add to the equation Perth duo Mosquito Coast and you're guaranteed a lot of fun. Catch them at the Chevron Festival Gardens on Thursday the 2nd of March.

James Vincent McMorrow

Folkstar-turned-R&B heartbreaker James Vincent McMorrow will be playing at the festival on the 1st of March. The Dublin singer released his acclaimed third album We Move earlier this year, signalling a commitment to the R&B influences explored on the gorgeous Post Tropical of 2014. He's a phenomenal performer, with his unearthly falsetto translating perfectly to the live environment. Definitely worth checking out.

The Year I Was Born

Moving away from the music now, PIAF is also offering a string of awesome theatre outings. One of the most intriguing events is The Year I Was Born, a docudrama theatre piece from Argentinian director Lola Arias. Featuring Chilean performers born in the country's infamous Pinochet dictatorship, The Year I Was Born offers a riveting account of national identity and personal trauma as family history is hauntingly recreated on stage. Catch this challenging performance at the Heath Ledger Theatre in the State Theatre Centre from the 15th-18th of February.