Who is Michael Beets?
I’m an artist working at the intersection of live performance, cinema, and virtual experiences. I’ve been fortunate enough to have my work premiere at festivals like the Venice Biennale, CPH:DOX, and TIFF. Honestly, I just love pushing boundaries and seeing how far I can stretch a medium before it breaks.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
That feels a bit too existential for a Friday! If I weren’t in the arts, I’d probably be in sports (please don’t tell my colleagues – I’m pretty sure that’s illegal). Either that or farming beets. You know, just going back to my roots.
Who inspires you and why?
I’m currently inspired by the works of Cyril Teste & Collectif MxM.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Lately, I’ve been running live film workshops where students shoot, perform, edit, and score a film in real-time for an audience. Passing on what I’ve learned feels like the right way to give back to an industry that’s given me so much. There’s something special about seeing a student realize they can create a whole world in a single take.
Favorite holiday destination?
Give me a tiny island, a shack, and no Wi-Fi.
When friends come to town, where are you taking them?
First stop is always nature – finding those little hidden nooks and crannies. After that, it depends on the mood, but it usually involves a bar, a solid whisky spot, and some good food.
What are you currently reading?
I’m currently bouncing between three:
- The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa
- Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson
- Cinema 1 by Gilles Deleuze
What are you currently listening to?
I just discovered a Frankston band called The Gnomes at Flipping the Bird. They do this great 60s-inspired rock – think The Monkees, complete with the mops of hair to match.
Happiness is…?
Hanging out with my family and doing spontaneous, random things with my kids on the weekend.
What does the future hold for you?
More experimenting and grinding away on new projects. I’m also in the process of becoming a PhD candidate to further explore live cinema – so wish me luck!
Michael is part of the award-winning team at HERE & NOW – who will present HERE & NOW: Live Cinema at Cube 37 on Friday 8 May, as part of the 2026 South Side Festival. For more information, visit: www.southsidefestival.com.au for details.
Image: Michael Beets – courtesy of Here & Now Projects