New Zealand Bicycle Film Festival Ready to Roll in Wellington, 28 March to 8 April 2017

A festival of films devoted to the bicycle and all who ride is gearing up to be the torque of Wellington from 28 March to 8 April 2017.

From action and drama to stories of social and personal change, 2017's New Zealand Bicycle Film Festival is bound to enthral, challenge and most of all inspire people to get on a bike.

New Zealand's audiovisual archive, Ng? Taonga Sound & Vision, will host the festival at its cinema on 84 Taranaki St in partnership with the Big Bike Film Night.

"The magic of film lets us see, hear and experience bicycle culture across geography and time," says Di Pivac, Ng? Taonga Outreach & Engagement Manager.

"It's 200 years since the first bike was built. Here in New Zealand, bikes as transport and fun have been part of our culture for 140 years or so. We're thrilled to be celebrating bicycles, on screen, with Kiwi cyclists and bicycle lovers."

There will be something for everyone, from new international documentaries such as Ovarian Psycos, Mama Agatha and Rising from the Ashes, the classic and acclaimed movie The Bicycle Thief, and the best two-wheel reels from the archive's collection.

The always-popular Big Bike Film Night showcases new short films from NZ and around the world. Selected by a panel of Kiwi film and bike buffs, expect action, drama, humour and even a hint of romance.

Big Bike Film Night curator Brett Cotter says he's particularly pleased to showcase a documentary on the making of the West Coast's Old Ghost Road bike trail.

For the first time, a sister act for the Big Bike Film Night - Cycle Chic - offers a rich collection of films to inspire and celebrate women who love to bike. All genders welcome!

A panel discussion on 30 March will focus on the power of cycling to transform cities and lives. It follows a documentary on Turin, where cycling is challenging the primacy of the auto industry.

Screenings for schools give students a chance to see award-winning international documentaries as well as historic bicycle films from when their grandparents and great-grandparents learned to ride.

The New Zealand Bicycle Film Festival is supported by Wellington City Council's Communities on Bikes fund.

Councillor Sarah Free, Portfolio Leader for Public Transport, Walking and Cycling, says Wellington is experiencing a rise in the number of people riding bikes.

"The Communities on Bikes fund is one way the Council is supporting cycling as a viable and safe transport choice, especially for those who are new to cycling or may be just starting to consider it."

Programme

The New Zealand Bicycle Film Festival

28 March to 8 April 2017

At Ng? Taonga Sound & Vision's Archive Cinema

84 Taranaki St, Wellington.

Dedicated to the bicycle and all who ride - a festival of films to enthral, challenge and inspire.

A Cinematic Century of Cycling

NZ, 1907 onwards, 60 mins, archival compilation, Exempt

A fascinating and often hilarious collection of NZ and international cycling movies, home-made and professional, from the archive of Ng? Taonga Sound & Vision.

5.30pm Wed 29 March | 5.30pm Wed 5 April | 5.30pm Thu 6 April

Rising from the Ashes

US, 2013 (82 mins), documentary, Exempt

A rag tag group form Rwanda's first cycling team, overcoming their traumatic national past in a bid to make history at the Tour De France and 2012 Olympics. (Screens with Mama Agatha.)

7pm Wed 29 March | 4pm Sat 8 April

Contromano / Bike Repair Shop

Italy, 2014, 73 mins, documentary, Exempt

As Turin emerges from an era of cars, two very different bicycle repair shop owners ride the city's new interest in cycling, transforming their own and others' lives. The 30 Marchscreening features a live panel discussion on the power of the bicycle to transform cities and lives.

6pm Thu 30 March with panel discussion | 5.30pm Fri 31 March

Cycle Chic

International,92 mins, compilation, Exempt

Bike films that celebrate, encourage and inspire females who love to bike. Bring your best friend, your boyfriend or hey, bring your bike!

7pm Fri 31 March | 7pm Thu 6 April

Ladri di biciclette / The Bicycle Thief

Italy, 1948, 89 mins, feature film, PG

In post-war Italy, a man and his son frantically seek the stolen bicycle that means the difference between work and poverty. Voted one of the greatest films of all time.

4pm Sat 1 April | 7pm Fri 7 April

Big Bike Film Night

International, 145 mins, compilation, Exempt

2017's bike-alicious new collection of the best all-cycling-genre short films from around the world, chosen for Kiwis. Includes the story of NZ's Old Ghost Road and more.

6.30pm Sat 1 April | 6.30pm Sat 8 April

Ovarian Psycos

US, 2016, 72 mins, documentary, Exempt

A ferocious and unapologetic crowd of cycling women have become a visible force in Los Angeles, confronting violence, reclaiming safer neighbourhoods for women. (Screens with Mama Agatha.)

7pm Wed 5 April | 5pm Fri 7 April

Mama Agatha

Netherlands, 2015, 16 mins, documentary, Exempt

Migrant women in Amsterdam find their way into their new society, learning to cycle with 'Mama Agatha', a 59-year-old Ghanaian woman with the spirit of a 20-year-old. (Screens with Ovarian Psycos and Rising from the Ashes.)

7pm Wed 29 March | 7pm Wed 5 April | 5pm Fri 7 April | 4pm Sat 8 April

Most tickets $10 (or $8 students, children, seniors)

Big Bike Film Night and Cycle Chic tickets $20 - proceeds to WORD and Frocks On Bikes.

Ng? Taonga Sound & Vision is proud to host the New Zealand Bicycle Film Festival in partnership with the Big Bike Film Night, Wellington City Council's Communities on Bikes Fund, Bicycle Junction and Garage Project.

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