Photo: Gregor Richardson
More than 80 films will screen at theatres in Dunedin until August 30 and in Gore between August 17 and 27.
Mr Thomas said the ''diverse'' range of films were from 27 countries and featured everything from ''heavy-hitting festival circuit material'' to ''great stuff for kids''.
He encouraged people to choose a film which was ''unexpected and new''.
''What better way to spend a winter's day or night than in a warm theatre with other people.''
The Dunedin festival was launched in ''the room under stage'' at the theatre last night and featured Stef Animal performing synthesiser music that connected with the score in the opening festival film 20th Century Women.
