Film festival 'buzz' returns to Dunedin

New Zealand International Film Festival movie Crossing Rachmaninoff is projected at the Regent...
New Zealand International Film Festival movie Crossing Rachmaninoff is projected at the Regent Theatre yesterday as Dunedin publicist Hannah Molloy (left) and Dunedin host Josh Thomas prepare for the Dunedin festival launch today. PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH
The New Zealand International Film Festival begins in Dunedin tonight and has the biggest billing in its history.

Dunedin publicist Hannah Molloy said festival films would be screened until August16.

Over the 18 days, 94 films would be screened between the Regent Theatre and Rialto Cinema.

The festival began in Dunedin in 1995 and this year more films would be screened than ever before, Ms Molloy said.

More than 200 VIP guests would attend a private ''soiree'' at the theatre tonight before joining the public to watch the first film, The Mafia Only Kills in Summer.

Dunedin host Josh Thomas said there were always strong tickets sales for the opening-night film.

''People like to come along and be a part of the buzz.''

Mr Thomas said some festival-goers took annual leave to watch as many films as possible.

''They are committed to it and are passionate about it, and the great thing about the film festival is you get transported into another world.''

Despite digital streaming and downloading increasing in popularity, the festival's appeal was as potent as ever.

''Watching a film in a venue like this [the Regent Theatre] with a whole lot of people who are all on the same journey - whether it's a film set in Africa or Mongolia - that is quite a special thing to go through together, rather than watching it on TV.''

Mr Thomas urged people to get out of the house and support the festival.

''Make the most of it. It's run by a charitable trust and relies on ticket sales, so it's important that if Dunedinites want it to continue its long proud history, then they do need to get out and support it.''

shawn.mcavinue@odt.co.nz

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