The New Zealand Antarctic Society has been touring the South Island, showcasing a collection of films curated by award-winning film-maker Anthony Powell.
The programme also brought together images of the Antarctic captured by entrants in the Winter International Film Festival of the Antarctic 48-Hour Challenge.
The Antarctic Society made a stop in Wānaka last weekend, sharing images of the Antarctic’s beautiful natural environment and explaining the dangers of global warming.
Society president Hubertien Wichers said the tour had so far been successful with locations including Wānaka selling out.
"It’s about bringing Antarctica to the people of New Zealand, through science, art, humour, and personal connection," she said.
The festival offered the audience a wide range of perspectives on a crucial part of the planet.
The evening started with Lake Hawea resident Lou Sanson sharing his knowledge as the former chief executive of Antarctica New Zealand, where he oversaw science operations and Scott Base.
Mr Sanson explained not only the scientific discoveries that had taken place in the Antarctic, but also the geopolitical history tied to the continent as well.
He covered everything from the early 20th century whaling expeditions to the formation of the Antarctic treaty, reminding the audience that the Antarctic had not been immune to the world’s political complexities.
Once Mr Sanson set the foundation, the films began rolling. The first one was What Silence Looks Like, directed by Semele Miller, which was memorable in the way it poeticised the Antarctic.
"Confronting, barren ... white upon white upon white," the narrator said.
It was a solid start to the evening, helping the audience create a strong, almost emotional connection with the Antarctic.
The films that followed were a mixture of Kiwi-led expeditions, informative films on the dangers facing the continent and breathtaking footage of everything from ice caves to auroras.
An Unexpected Journey, directed by Lily Green, was a notable addition, showing the expedition 22 Kiwis took to the Antarctic and the camaraderie that the journey created among the group.
At the end of the evening, the audience left with a renewed sense of adventure and a desire to delve deeper into one of the world’s treasures.
