The Real Lab Blog

This episode looks at our local services, and the men and women who are often taken for granted.

In this episode we look at how honesty, trust and integrity help create healthy communities.

In this episode of Real we see how our five senses have an impact on creating healthy communities.

In this weeks episode we look at how being a leader helps in creating healthy communities.

In this week’s episode we address the roles of gender, sex and sexuality, and some of the stigmas that they are paired with.

La Trobe University’s Department of Creative Arts and English,

Media Arts students' short films screening

Thursday the 5th of November 2015

7pm for a 7.30pm sharp screening, with a short interval between programs

Come and see works by our future media makers in bite size pieces. The Department of Creative Arts and English, La Trobe University proudly presents second year Media Arts students' short films. Students were given ten weeks to write, shoot and produce a short film of approximately 5 minutes length. Sixteen short films were produced, sixteen moving, funny, poignant, witty, thrilling stories to watch.

All welcome.

Free Entry 7pm - 10pm

Loop project space and bar is located at 23 Meyers Place, Melbourne 3000

Episode six focuses on the ways in which our identity can shape our legacy. We make salami and look at how family traditions are passed down from generation to generation. We meet Lanie, whose letter writing initiative has seen her inundated with personal stories from friends and family.  

The featured documentary is “The arrangement of skin” by La Trobe student Sarah Wall. This highly interesting documentary takes us into the world of taxidermy, and discusses the varying opinions of the subject. Host Emily Burleigh interviews Professor of Archaeology Tim Murray, about the documentary and the wider topic of legacy.  

The finale is now available to view on our series page. If you have any questions about REAL contact us on the Facebook page or follow us on twitter. Till series six, Stay REAL!

In episode five of REAL we take a look at defining moments in a person’s life. We explore what constitutes a defining moment and the effects they might have on a person’s existence.

Episode five features incredible stories including Sheila Deane’s escape from Rhodesia and how this shaped her life now. We also talk hairstyles, the good, the bad and the unforgettable. The average woman shockingly spends over $50,000 on hairstyles and products throughout her lifetime. This figure shows how decisions over your hair can be life altering not only physically but also financially!

We also present a charismatic war veteran in the featured documentary “John Rodger” by Samantha Williams. Host Alex Blainey interviews honorary La Trobe researcher Janet Butler on what comprises a defining moment and how John’s life was ultimately shaped around certain experiences.

Episode five is a jam pack filled 30 minutes, if you are yet to see it you can catch it at reallab.comseries page.

Episode four explores how identity can be expressed through the arts. We look at art therapy and what your art says about you!

We speak to street artists and find out how colouring Melbourne's iconic lane-ways has given them a sense of belonging and community. REAL also looks at social media persona’s and how they may deviate from who we really are. WHAAAAAT?!?!? You mean those checked in at the gym may actually not be at the gym? #Liars

The featured documentary is "Analogue DIY" by La Trobe student Sam Eckhardt. The documentary explores the appeal of the cassette tape in the current digitised climate. Host Zoe Bilotta interviews Professor of Creative Arts at La Trobe University Norie Neumark about the featured documentary. 

If you are curious about any of the above topics, or just want to watch thirty minutes of REAL then head to the the series page now!

Episode three explores what it means to belong to a community and how it can shape ones identity. The Oxford dictionary defines community as; a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common. 

REAL’s third episode used the example of Neighbours, one of Australia’s longest running soaps. First things first…can we all agree that “Ramsay Street” is actually a court located in Vermont South? Ok, good. Now that’s cleared up, the community of Ramsay Street (I mean court) generally revolves around young love, a coffee shop and a end of season cliff hanger where a beloved character endures a near death experience…Neighbours is one hardcore community!

If your sitting reading this and thinking "my community is nothing like this”... that’s ok! REAL episode 3 highlights a vast array of communities you can belong too, that don’t necessarily hinge on Harold Bishop and the coffee shop. Host Celeste Mitsiou investigates a number of communities centred around skate parks and communal gardens. 

The featured documentary “The Workshop” created by La Trobe film graduate James Gray-Foster, tells the story of Geoff Kennedy, a man who has created a work space that allows others to express themselves and ultimately gain a sense of belonging. 

Special guest Andrew Stocker, education information coordinator at the La Trobe wildlife sanctuary, weigh's in on the documentary and his interpretation of community. So if you missed it, get your community together and watch REAL episode 3! Episode 3 is now available to watch at thereallab.com!

Episode two bends the boundaries of gender stereotypes, and for a girl whose childhood ambition was to be a Mighty Duck, it reassures me that unconventional career pathways are not Disney fairy tales. The episode reinforces that gender stereotypes are becoming a thing of the past and we can truly be whatever and whoever we want with the right attitude and support network. 

Host Annie Slevison interviews Professor Gary Dowsett, deputy director of the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society at La Trobe University, about Gemma Palmer’s documentary, “Pretty Boy” and the broader topic of androgyny. Is it ironic that Hanson (the 90’s pop trio, with hits such as MmmBop) now plays from my iPod when writing about androgyny? When the group first stepped out onto the music scene, their long hair and feminine attribute had us asking, "Are they boys? Are they girls?" But in the scheme of things it's irrelevant. They are musicians and they are undoubtedly still riding the success of their 90’s hit(s). 

This episode showcases some inspiring individuals and highlights their non-traditional gender roles within the community. The episode has us questioning the need for gender stereotypes. How does our gender really influence our identity? How does our appearance affect where we belong? Should we be classed by what we wear? Boy, girl, girl, boy, episode two suggests we can do and be who we chose. 

Episode two delves further into the theme of identity and belonging -- this week focusing on gender identity. Host Annie Slevison covers a range of topics, from lady tradies to skater girls. We meet some confident individuals who challenge traditional gender stereotypes. Gemma Palmer's documentary 'Pretty Boy' features. The documentary focuses on Matt, and gives us insight into what it's like to be an androgynous boy living in Melbourne. Annie also discusses 'Pretty Boy' with Professor Gary Dowsett, deputy director of the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society at La Trobe University. 

Last night REAL kicked off in style! The season premiere introduced the 2015 series theme - Identity and Belonging. What shapes your identity? What does it mean to belong? 

Hosted by Adrienne Gyori, episode one explores the relationship between identity and fashion. We look at how an individual’s style can contribute to one's sense of belonging and the way we express our identity through what we wear. Hello Kawaii is the featured documentary by Casey Volders that specifically explores the appeal of Kawaii, the Japanese sub-culture making waves across the globe. 

Adrienne speaks to Kaori Okano, Professor of Asian Studies at La Trobe University, about Kawaii and alternative fashion trends and how they secure their place throughout our diverse culture. Australian fashion designer Alistair Trung, hipsters explained and the charity Hats for Hope are also highlights of the show!

If you missed last nights episode, catch up now!

And if you want to add to the conversation, hit up @REALseriesltu on Twitter and use the hashtag for episode one - #REALtrends

Georgia Georgadas discusses the polarity of community versus corporation. We’re Not That Kind of Hungry, a documentary by Michael van Son, tells the underdog tale of the small town of Tecoma and their fight to keep a McDonalds store from opening in their town. Georgia speaks to Dr. Rosaria Burchielli from La Trobe University about corporate responsibility.