Lack of 4K gear puts film event in doubt

This year's International Film Festival in Dunedin is in doubt because the Regent Theatre does not have the digital technology needed to screen the films.

New Zealand International Film Festival director Bill Gosden said this year's films required 4K digital projection equipment and, without it, the festival would not be held in Dunedin on August 8-25.

''We're hoping they [the Regent Theatre] will have 4K digital technology in time for the International Film Festival,'' he said.

The absence of the technology also meant there would be no screenings in Dunedin from the World Cinema Showcase, the precursor to the film festival.

Although next month's nationwide showcase event was cancelled this week because it was unprofitable, some old films restored for 4K technology would still be played in Auckland and Wellington, Mr Gosden said.

He was disappointed the showcase had to be cancelled.

''It had a good following in Wellington and Dunedin, but we had trouble finding an audience in Auckland because of all the other events.

''Christchurch had a good following until the earthquake knocked our venue over.

''Everyone knows the International Film Festival, but we had trouble getting people to recognise the World Cinema Showcase,'' he said.

Otago Theatre Trust chairman Garry Gibson said the necessary equipment would cost about $120,000 and the trust was trying to attract potential sponsors and donors.

''We're hoping like anything to get some funding before the festival begins so we can implement the technology.

''It will be a permanent asset which will get used a lot. We'll be able to hold a lot more film screenings.''

The trust had contributed about $40,000 towards the purchase, but if the remaining funds could not be secured, the festival would not go ahead, he said.

-john.lewis@odt.co.nz