Simon Weaving and Deborah Kingsland started the event last year as part of the centenary celebrations and decided to keep it going.

“I like the power of documentaries – I’m constantly amazed. Some of the films, you watch them and you cannot believe that it’s true. You couldn’t write a better script,” Weaving said.

“We are as a species endlessly fascinated by our fellow species and what they’re doing and thinking and feeling in our own backyard and on the other side of the world – it’s the best cinema.“

In town for the event is prominent Australian documentary film maker Bob Connollywho said he was impressed by the selection of films.

“They’re feature documentaries, which I think is also impressive. With 90 to 120 minutes – you can actually explore. You can go in very deep in that sort of length,” he said.

Connolly, whose films have won a number of awards plus an Academy Award nomination, says the secret to a great documentary is avoiding interference and editorialising, and purely observing.

“If you obey the rules of observation, which is don’t interfere, don’t tell people what to do, and just sit there – it’s extraordinary how quickly life opens up in front of you and you see things that are just remarkable,” he said.

“I mean I’ve done six feature-length observational films and in every one of them I’m looking through the camera and I’m saying, ‘I don’t believe what I’m seeing,’ and I get that really deep sense of elation.”

The Stronger Than Fiction Documentary Film Festival is on at Palace Electric Cinemas until Sunday. For more information and tickets, visit palacecinemas.com.au.

Pepe's Paperie opens in Brisbane

Much-loved Canberra stationery and gift store Pepe’s Paperie has opened a store in Brisbane in the suburb of Paddington.

Owner Pepe Ianniello moved up to Brisbane eight months ago, which he said was, “purely for a lifestyle change”.

The quaint new location, which is housed in a converted Queenslander, is a temporary venture – for now.

“This shop wasn’t planned – we had the opportunity to do a pop-up shop,” he said.

“If it works until Christmas time, then we’ll keep it.”

Back down in Canberra, if you’re a Pepe’s Paperie fan, you might want to head to the Phillip store.

Having formerly acted as the head office and warehouse, the store will close at the end of the year, and Pepe promises really good bargains.

“We’ll have a crazy sale until the end of December,” he said.

The Canberra Centre store will remain open, so locals will still be able to get their Pepe’s fix.

Apartment Art

By day she’s a lawyer in the public service, but outside of work hours you’re likely to find Justine Scott painting on her small balcony.

The artist has managed to build a part-time career as a painter, and is holding her first solo exhibition opening on August 1.

Justine had always been an artistic person, but it wasn’t until three years ago that she decided to try her hand at creating saleable art.

“I always lived in apartments so I always thought I didn’t have the room. I got divorced and then I thought, ‘screw it.’ I just set up myself on my verandah, And that’s where I paint,” she said.

She said pursuing ayour creative passion can be difficult to balance with a full-time job, but that the secret wasis consistency.

“It’s really hard – I only have time to do it on holidays and weekends and before and after work. Sometimes I get home from work at 8.00 at night, and it’s dark and I’m tired,” she said.

“But being consistent is important, and having the dedicated space. My partner is also extremely supportive – that really helps.”

Her exhibition is titled Ile Mare, named after a beach she visited on holidays.

“My boyfriend and I went on a cruise last year to the South Pacific, to Vanuatu and New Caledonia, so my paintings are based on that experience.”

While for now she continues to paint on her verandah – sometimes in her dressing gown – she would love to develop her creative venture even further.

“I’d really like to try and grow a practice. I just really want to create beautiful things that really affect people – they look at it and they feel something,” she said.

“If it could turn into a full-time practice that would be great.”

Ile Mare is on at Kaori Gallery, cnr London Circuit and Hobart Place, Canberra city, from August 2-30.

Sydney Weekender coming to visit

The New York Times reported on Canberra’s “natural beauty” and “decidedly hipster underbelly” in June, and it seems now our northern neighbours are coming to see what the fuss is about.

Channel Seven’s Sydney Weekender is heading back to the nation’s capital this weekend to show off some of the newer spots to eat and stay.

Local Prime7 presenter Daniel Gibson will host the episode of the travel show, which shows off weekend holiday ideas to Sydneysiders.

This visit will have a focus on coffee, and the crew is set to head to Mocan & Green Grout in New Acton, and then The Cupping Room on London Circuit.

Word is, they may also be checking out the recently rebranded Peppers Gallery Hotel in New Acton – formerly the Diamant Hotel.

Daniel said he was always keen to show off Canberra.

“It’s an easy place to bag unfortunately, so anything we can do to highlight it is great,” he said.

“Although I don’t want too many people to know cause then we’ll be flooded. Sometimes you just want to keep it for yourself.”

The episode is due to air in coming weeks on Prime7. If you’re in the area, keep an eye out for the cameras over the weekend.

Floriade lineup announced

Believe it or not, Floriade is on next month. As well as wildlife ambassador Bindi Irwin who was announced as a guest earlier in the week, a whole host of experts will be popping by over the four-week event.

Author and TV presenter Indira Naidoo, Yours magazine gardener Charlie Albone, celebrity chef Miguel Maestre and DIY expert Barry Du Bois will all be delivering presentations. There will also be the Passion for Fashion competition, life drawing class, zine-making classes, floral workshops plus an outdoor bootcamp.

Nightfest will also return on September 24-28 with comedians Tom Gleeson, Luke McGregor, Kate McLennan and Damien Power, plus performances by Ashley Feraude, DJ D’Opus, DJ Faux Real, DJ Logic and DJ Nathan Princi.

For the full lineup of events visit floriadeaustralia.com.

WHAT’S ON:

THIS WEEK: The temperatures are staying pretty low this weekend – which is perfect timing for the Fireside Festival to kick off. Embrace winter and all the season has to offer during August with the Fireside Festival. From degustation dinners featuring the region's truffles to special wine tasting events, exhibitions and live music – there’s lots to keep you feeling toasty. For a full line-up of events, visit poachersway.com.au.

NEXT WEEK: Next Friday night is the opportunity for the grown-ups to experience the National Museum coming to life. Night at the Museum: Thrill will feature music, art, food, live entertainment and even karaoke. Friday, August 8, from 6-9.30pm. Tickets $10/free for Museum Friends. Visit nma.gov.au. 18+