Black Barn Openair Cinema – A Festival Of Film Under The Stars

Hawke’s Bay is welcoming its sixth OpenAir Cinema season starting on December 27th at Black Barn Vineyards in Havelock North. The festival organisers, Doris and Urs Blum, have again prepared a cinematic smorgasbord to enthral film enthusiasts under the stars: from the Marilyn Monroe classic ‘Some like it hot' and the mother of all cult movies 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' to the best British comedy of the year 'In the Loop' and the latest adventures of 007 in 'Quantum of solace', there is plenty of variety to more than satisfy a broad range of film appetites.

The season runs over nine nights from December 27th to 30th and from January 02nd to 6th. “We have selected the programme carefully”, says Doris. “Each film is a gem of its genre and will make the movie-goers heart sing”. Amongst the other films shown are: the Hawke’s Bay Premieres of 'What just happened' (a winningly sharp comedy about the nail-biting, fast-paced and back-stabbing world of the Hollywood movie industry); 'Valentino: The last emperor' (a first-time glimpse into Valentino’s world of Haute-Couture and bygone glamour featuring exclusive, unprecedented access to his private and business life); and one of Warren Miller's largest snow adventure films 'Playground' (featuring wild rides, deep powder, incredible cinematography, technical lines, massive air, and even bigger wipe-outs). Kiwi movies are out in force this season with 'Separation City' (the bittersweet comedy drama about falling out of love for the very first time) and the 'official selection' from the Toronto and NZ Film Festivals, the documentary 'This way of life' (an intimate portrait of local horse-whisperer, philosopher, hunter, and builder Peter Karena and his family)

“Hawke’s Bay is climatically and culturally perfectly suited. The past five seasons have proven extremely successful. Everybody loves the experience of watching movies on a big screen nestled in the picturesque vineyard setting of the amphitheatre.” Urs Blum, the event organiser, states. “The amphitheatre is purpose built for performances and has quickly gained a reputation as one of New Zealand’s finest out-door venues, welcoming international performers such as Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and Dame Malvina Major. It has great acoustics; good sight lines, the best of technology installed, and offers views to die for. Moviegoers can relax on grassed terraces, listen to pre-movie music, sip a glass of wine with friends, enjoy a nibble from the onsite caterers or bring their own picnic, and watch the sun set over Hawke’s Bay. It is the ultimate outdoor experience: great films, great sound, great food, and great company under the stars.”

Exciting new things this year include a public transport option from the Napier area with a Double Decker London bus and that everyone is able to print their own tickets on the website - up to 5pm on the night.

Admission: $ 18 single entry

The full programme, the print-your-own-ticket facility as well as movie and venue details are available on the Black Barn website (www.blackbarn.com). Other selected ticketing outlets are:

• Havelock North: Black Barn Vineyards, Black Barn Road, 06 877 7985
• Napier: Statements Gallery, Tennyson/Hastings Street, 06 834 1331
• Hastings: Cornucopia Organics, 221 Heretaunga Street East, 06 876 6248

ENDS