Media release: For immediate release
The Great Kiwi Flyer Road-Trip
Christchurch-based director Tony Simpson will embark on a two week road-trip around New Zealand to promote his new feature film KIWI FLYER, opening in cinemas nationwide on 27 September.
Starting in Christchurch on 24 September, Simpson will do a loop of the South Island in his “Kiwi Flyer” caravan (with
Kiwi Flyer trolley in tow) before heading north to Auckland. Along the way, he’ll take in 34 towns, stopping at regional
cinemas that are due to screen the film.
Kiwi Flyer, filmed in Nelson, centres around Ben (played by Edward Hall), a 12 year old boy who sets out to win the
local trolley derby in memory of his late father. While preparing for the race Ben learns what matters in life when he
is forced to battle cheating opponents, dodgy loan sharks and a mother who has banned him from the race.
The film features an ensemble of true-blue Kiwi talent including Tandi Wright (Nothing Trivial) and comedian Dai Henwood (7 Days), as well as the iconic Vince Martin and introduces to the big screen Edward Hall and Tikirau Hathaway.
The director, who co-wrote the film with children’s television veteran Andrew Gunn, will promote Kiwi Flyer to locals
through talks at schools, Q sessions at cinemas and by simply getting out and speaking to local residents about the film. Simpson will blog about
his road trip on the film’s website and facebook page as he travels around the country.
Simpson says, “We have had a fantastic response already and I’m keen to share this fun movie with families up and down
the country.”
The director, who has spent over 25 years writing, directing and producing television and film projects in New Zealand,
believes that Kiwi audiences will connect with this home-grown film and notes that Kiwi Flyer marks the first New
Zealand made feature film for children to be released theatrically in over two decades.
“This is not only an opportunity to promote Kiwi Flyer, but also the New Zealand Film Comission’s support of Kiwi made
family films.”
Kiwi Flyer will have its Red Carpet World Premiere at the Theatre Royal in Nelson on 18 September, before commencing in
cinemas nationwide on 27 September.
See below for a date when Tony will be in your region. This roadshow was made possible by funding from the New Zealand
Film Comission and Rialto Distribution Ltd.
ENDS
Tony’s Tour Schedule:
Monday 24 September
Christchurch
Westport
Greymouth
Tuesday 25 September
Hokitika
Wanaka
Wednesday 26 September
Arrowtown
Alexandra
Gore
Thursday 27 September
Dunedin
Oamaru
Friday 28 September
Timaru
Geraldine
Ashburton
Saturday 29 September
Blenheim
Picton
Sunday 30 September
Wellington
Lower Hutt
Upper Hutt
Paraparaumu
Monday 1 October
Levin
Fielding
Palmerston North
Tuesday 2 October
Pahiatua
Waipukurau
Havelock North
Wednesday 3 October
Napier
Wairoa
Gisbourne
Thursday 4 October
Opotiki
Whakatane
Te Puke
Friday 5 October
Tauranga
Te Awamutu
Hamilton
Saturday 6 October
Auckland