Junior Kart Racer Takes Italian Title

TERRIGAL kart racer Steel Giuliani was last week crowned Italian Junior Max Champion after winning the final series round at the Jesolo track near Venice.

Well-versed In The Work Of The Bard

THE MERCHANT OF VENICE September 19-23 Illawarra Performing Arts Centre Adults $43; concessions $35 Bookings: 4226 3366 Tim Walter has been inside the heads of two characters for the last three months; and he's still discovering new things about his roles and the play in which they exist.

Royal Film Loses The Crown To Chinese Drama

A DRAMA about social change in China has unexpectedly won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, beating the highly favoured British drama The Queen.

Jackman's Sci-fi Film Gets A Cool Response

HUGH JACKMAN'S new science fiction film, The Fountain, has divided viewers at the Venice Film Festival.

British Film Shows Queen Baffled By Grief Over Diana

Helen Mirren is at her regal best in this examination of the royal family, writes Garry Maddox in Venice.

Directors Turn Spotlight On Us Flaws

TOP directors have used the Venice Film Festival to attack the Bush Administration, the war in Iraq and Hollywood.

Venice Shines On A Night Of Dark Crime

The film festival has opened with a noirish murder story, writes Garry Maddox in Italy.