Film Festival Set To Launch

PRESS RELEASE – 01/07/08

Film Festival Set To Launch – Session Tickets On Sale Now

The New Zealand Mountain films is set to go this Friday (4 July) with a five day-and-night programme packed with talented international and New Zealand made films, passionate adventure speakers, ice sculpting competition and exhibitions.

Festival goers can view a diverse mix of over 45 films featuring the most daring, the most exhilarating, to adrenaline fueled escapades, taming nature to discovering new worlds. With multiple three to four hour sessions daily, with some including a speaker, the festival will inspire and entertain all age groups, friends and families and there are tickets still available for all sessions.

The festival will kick off on Friday with the inaugural ice sculpting competition; spectators are welcome to watch the ice artists at work throughout the day at the Lake Wanaka Centre. The winner will be announced later that evening. The Opening Night also includes the Film Awards, live music from Jo Butler and the screening of films including the Winner of Best New Zealand Made Film First Light and Winner Best Short Film Trip Box ii.

On Saturday night a free music and social session will be held at 7pm. This will incorporate a book auction to raise funds for The Mingma Norbu Sherpa Memorial Fund, which provides post graduate scholarships for Nepalese conservation management students and supports young conservation leaders from Nepal, especially from rural mountain areas, to attend Lincoln University in New Zealand. Items can be previewed on Friday night.

A highlight for the festival is a presentation from American Timmy O’Neill, a fanatical climber and kayaker who will also talk about his work with amputee and spinal injury athletes in ascension and technology development on Saturday evening at 8pm. Other speakers include Graham Dingle ‘the father of outdoor pursuits in New Zealand’ on Monday night at 8pm and Wanaka climber Lydia Bradey on Tuesday evening who recently summited Everest for the second time, and is also the first woman to do so without supplementary oxygen.

The interactive workshops will educate the mind and relax the body: Featuring an avalanche awareness course with Rosco Davis, a yoga session with Laurie Hower or hone your film making skills with Pete Simpson.

Further elements of the film festival include an art exhibition with work from photographers Lizzie Smith, Jo Dowling, James Allan and Henriette Beikirch. Local photographer Gilbert van Reenen will also display his recent work.

“The full to the brim programme features some truly spectacular films this year, the entrants seem to have stepped up a level which made the judging that much harder,” said festival director Mark Sedon. “There was hot demand for the 5 day festival passes as usual, but there will be ample single session tickets sold from the Lake Wanaka Centre during the festival. Evenings shows may sell out, so get in early for those to avoid disappointment,” he added.

The New Zealand Mountain Film Festival runs from 4th to 8th July. Single session tickets can be purchased via the website throughout this week, and from the Lake Wanaka Centre Ticket Office from 4pm Friday 4 July. Tickets will cost between $10 and $20.

For the full programme, film descriptions and further details see www.mountainfilm.net.nz

ENDS

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