Report of the Savoy Ladies Group Film Launches

29 April 2014

Article by Lucinda Horrocks. Photograph by Samantha Dinning.

One of our favourite things is to meet audiences at film screenings and Q&A events.

On Thursday the 13^th of March and Saturday the 29^th of March Lucinda, Jary and Sam had the great pleasure of showing the ‘Savoy Ladies Group’ to the community of Myrtleford and Melbourne in two special screenings.

The film is launched at Myrtleford

Jary keeps the Savoy Ladies entertained at the Myrtleford preview screening. Photo by Samantha Dinning.

The Myrtleford screening was held at the Savoy Club itself. The Ladies Group enjoyed a special preview in the afternoon. About 60 ladies attended, which is nearly all of them! Jary kept them captivated with a short speech after the screening.

Alpine Shire Councillor Kate Farrell opens the Myrtleford screening, 13 March 2014. Photo by Samantha Dinning.

During the evening Myrtleford launch more chairs had to be found and more champagne opened to meet demand. The screening drew people from the neighbouring towns of Wangaratta, Beechworth, Bright and Mount Beauty.

The evening was opened by Alpine Shire Councillor Kate Farrell, and John Taylor, the President of the Myrtleford & District Historical Society made a lovely speech. Rick Watt, the Savoy Club manager, was the host and emcee.

A full crowd in Carlton

The Melbourne showing at Co.As.It at the Museo Italiano in Carlton was a great success. The room was packed, with standing room only at the back.

Key members of the Savoy Ladies Group took the 3 hour train trip from Myrtleford especially to be there.

The Melbourne screening was a great success, with a full house at the Museo Italiano in Carlton. Photo by Lorenzo Cambieri, courtesy of CoAsIt.

Standing room only at the Museo. Photo by Lorenzo Cambieri courtesy of CoAsIt.

In the Q&A with cast and producers afterwards, emceed by a genial Martin Hallett of Arts Victoria, Rosa Volpe, President of the Savoy Ladies Group, stole the show. John Taylor impressed again with his knowledge of the Italian history of the alpine area and Lucinda, Sam and Jary answered questions about film-making. Paolo Baracchi, of the Co.As.It Italian Historical Society introduced the film on behalf of the Museo Italiano.

The event proved that Melbourne Italian connections to Myrtleford are strong. Many audience members had fond memories of Myrtleford, having lived or worked there, or lived nearby, or played bocce against the Savoy Club.

There are a number of people we need to thank for helping the events work so well.

To the Savoy Club and Co.As.It, thank you for providing venues and hosting the screenings: most particular thanks go to Rick Watt, Paolo Baracchi and Alexander Parise; to Alpine Shire Council and the Myrtleford & District Historical Society, thank you for endorsing, publicising and promoting the events: most particular thanks to Jan Mock and John Taylor; thank you to Martin Hallett for emceeing the Melbourne event, making the Q&A such a success; thank you to the Savoy Ladies Group for donating their time so generously: particular thanks to Rosa Volpe, Silvana Columbara, Gabriella Bettio, Maria Mautone, Anna Matassoni and Pippa Laspina for making the journey to Melbourne with family to be part of the Co.As.It screening (and thanks from afar to Franca Cobbe and Kay Maggenti who were unable to attend the event); and a big thanks to all the friends, family, clients and colleagues who came to see the films and share in the wonderful story of the Savoy Ladies Group of Myrtleford. A great few days.

Martin Hallett emcees the Melbourne Q&A with Samantha Dinning, John Taylor, Lucinda Horrocks, Rosa Volpe and Jary Nemo. Photograph by Lorenzo Cambieri, courtesy of CoAsIt.

More

Watch ‘The Savoy Ladies Group’.

Read The North East Victorian Migration Story.

Read The History of the Savoy Ladies Group.

See further images of the Melbourne screening at the Museo Italiano Facebook gallery.

The screening prompted many interested conversations. Here our producer Samantha Dinning (centre) talks to audience members. Photograph by Lorenzo Cambieri, courtesy of CoAsIt.

A great event. From left, Rosa Volpe, the film’s protagonist, Lucinda Horrocks, producer, Jary Nemo, director and producer, John Taylor, President of Myrtleford & District Historical Society, Samantha Dinning, Producer. Photo by Lorenzo Cambieri courtesy of CoAsIt.

The Savoy Ladies Group documentary film was supported through funding from the Australian Government’s Your Community Heritage Program.

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