The Third New Zealand Bicycle Film Festival Takes Off This March

A fresh selection of films for the 'wheel world' is gearing up to take off in Wellington from 7 to 17 March 2018. The third New Zealand Bicycle Film Festival is devoted to bike riders of all persuasions, from hard-core mountain bikers to leisurely eBikers and their support crews.

New Zealand's audiovisual archive, Ng? Taonga Sound & Vision, is thrilled to be presenting the festival at its bike-friendly venue at 84 Taranaki Street.

"More and more people of all ages and backgrounds are being inspired to get on their bikes. Through the magic of film both long-term devotees and those new to two wheels can see, hear and experience bicycle culture in all its wonderful forms," says Rebecca Elvy, Ng? Taonga Chief Executive.

"We're excited to be at the HUB of this on-screen celebration of all things bicycle."

The Festival programme has something for everyone. Wadjda is the first feature film by a female Saudi filmmaker, and is screening on International Women's Day. It tells the story of a Saudi girl and her Koran-reading efforts to win a bike. The documentary, A Sunday in Hellhas been called arguably the best film ever made about professional cycling and Simon Morton's adventures round New Zealand in the Along for THE RIDE series will be a real treat. To top it off a very young Nicole Kidman and her very big 1980s hair star in BMX Bandits.

Along with a couple of bike-related short films we'll open the Festival with a panel discussion on 7 March. Expect a lively debate on the changes bikes will bring to the city of Wellington and the wider region.

Festival Programme

7 March at 5.30pm: Opening Night
Our 2018 Festival takes off with two bike-related short films including the Wellington episode of Simon Morton's Along for THE RIDE and the premiere of a short film about cycling-friendly businesses, as well as a panel discussion - "Pedalling into the Future: will bikes change our city?".

8 - 17 March at 5.30pm (4.30pm Saturdays): Along for the Ride
Celebrating all things bike we join Simon Morton on his dream journey exploring New Zealand's cycling history. Seven episodes of this compelling series screen throughout the Festival.

8 March at 7pm: Wadjda
Saudi Arabia, 2012, 98 mins, PG
Screening for International Women's Day, Wadjda is the first feature film ever made by a female Saudi filmmaker. It tells the absorbing story of a Saudi girl who hopes to win enough money at a Koran-reading competition to buy her own bike.

9 & 14 March at 7pm: Le Ride
Australia /France/ New Zealand /USA, 2016, 90 mins, Exempt
The Amazing Race supremo Phil Keoghan jumps onto a 1928 bike to replicate Kiwi HARRY Watson's epic Tour de France ride of the same year.

10 & 16 March at 7pm: BMX Bandits
Australia, 1983, 88 mins, PG - course language
Two expert BMX bikers and a friend, played by a very young Nicole Kidman, become entangled with some bank robbers. Get along to the 10 March screening for an 80s dress-up competition for both riders and their bikes - in celebration of Nicole's big 1980s hair.

15 March at 7pm: NotBad & Not2Bad
NZ/Spain, 2013 & 2016, 63 mins total, Exempt
Two electrifying tales of bicycle tomfoolery, back to back! NotBad follows seven brave riders on a series of ridiculous adventures in New Zealand and then in Not2Bad the gang head to Spain for more "serious off-road bicycle riding business".

17 March at 7pm: A Sunday in Hell
Denmark, 1976, 111 mins, Exempt
The hellish Sunday took place on April 11, 1976 when the champions of cycle-racing battled for victory in the classic and gruelling annual bicycle race - Paris-Roubaix. "Arguably the best film ever made about professional cycling." - Peter Cowie, International Film Guide.