ACT Writers Centre proudly presents Writers’ Night with Alliance Française de Canberra
Discover how the book publishing world works in this compelling mystery-drama, with wine on arrival and a French inspired mini cheese platter during the screening! After the film, hear from local writers in a panel discussion about the intricacies of writing and getting published.
Venue: Palace Electric Cinema
6:30pm Reception with cheese platter, a drink and live entertainment on arrival
7:00pm The Mystery of Henri Pick followed by a live panel discussion with authors Karen Viggers and Chris Latham, facilitated by Jack Waterford (former editor of The Canberra Times).
Tickets Alliance Française de Canberra & Palace Movie Club members $30.00, Non-members $35.00
The perfect film for lovers of literature and intrigue alike, writer/ director Rémi Bezançon presents a riddle wrapped in an enigma, packed into a cheese-stained pizza box, that begs the questions: Who is Henri Pick, and how did this supposedly illiterate pizza cook write an acclaimed bestseller? Based on David Foenkinos’s 2016 book of the same name, The Mystery of Henri Pick revolves around the film’s enigmatic title character who, two years after his death, has his name sprawled across the covers of a celebrated novel, The Last Hours of a Love Story.
However, not everyone is convinced of the author’s authenticity of this overnight sensation. Amongst the cynics is influential literary critic Jean-Michel Rouche who sets out to discover the truth behind Pick and the book that bears his name. The Mystery of Henri Pick has twists and turns that would make Agatha Christie blush, and wears its love of literature on its sleeve. With many references to literary giants – from Alexander Pushkin to Marguerite Duras, this film is a well-crafted puzzle that will captivate and excite. French with English subtitles
Karen Viggers
Award-winning, internationally bestselling Australian author
Karen Viggers is the author of four novels: The Stranding, The Lightkeeper’s Wife, The Grass Castle and The Orchardist’s Daughter.
Viggers writes contemporary realist fiction set in Australian landscapes, and her work explores connection with the bush, grief and loss, healing in nature, death, family, marriage and friendship. Her books tackle contentious issues including empowerment at the end of life, domestic violence (both physical and psychological), whale rescue, kangaroo culling, scientific research on animals and logging of native forests.
Karen's books have been translated into French, Italian, Norwegian, Slovenian, Spanish, Dutch, Romanian and Croatian. Her work has enjoyed great success in France, selling more than 800,000 copies to date. The Lightkeeper's Wife (La Memoire de embruns) was on the French National Bestseller list for more than 42 weeks, going as high as No. 3, and in 2016 this book won the Les Petits Mots des Libraires Prix Litteraire and was also short-listed for the Livre de Poche Readers Prize. The Stranding (La Maison des hautes falaises).
Please note, Opening Night, Closing Night and Special Events are 18+.
Set in the sustainable and award-winning NewActon Nishi complex, Palace Electric features eight fully-licensed cinemas and a stunning Prosecco bar for you to indulge in both pre and post film! Electric was recently presented with The People’s Choice Award for ‘Canberra’s Favourite Entertainment Venue’ for the third year running. They present a mix of international and local art-house films, quality blockbusters, family favourites, operas and special events, as well as Palace’s renowned film festivals.
About the venue
Palace Electric Cinema
2 Phillip Law Street
Canberra ACT
T: (02) 6222 4900
Parking
There is parking underneath the cinema operated by Wilsons Parking. Payment can be made via the touchscreen “Pay by Plate Machines” on Basement 1 or via the Wilson “epark” mobile phone app. If you have any queries or concerns please feel free to email the Electric team at feedback.electric@palacecinemas.com.au. There is also some on street parking and some disabled car park spaces located opposite the cinemas.