Readings to re-open with world premiere of earthquake doco

October 21, 2011

Reading Cinemas The Palms to re-open with world premiere of earthquake documentary

When A City Falls, an intimate documentary which follows the lives of Christchurch residents in the immediate aftermath of the February 22 earthquake, will have its world premiere on November 16 at Reading Cinemas The Palms, in Christchurch’s Shirley.

Reading Entertainment’s Managing Director Wayne Smith says it’s fitting that the documentary’s world premiere will double as the official re-opening of the company’s popular cinema at The Palms.

“We’re honoured to be hosting the world premiere of When A City Falls and I couldn’t think of a more appropriate and important film to re-open with.

“It will certainly great to be open for business again for the first time since February, but also to be playing a role in helping Christchurch get back on its feet. I think it’s really important that people are able to return to some of the simple pleasures, like going to the movies, and restore some sense of normality to their lives”, says Mr Smith.

One of the film’s producers, Alice Shannon of Christchurch’s Frank Film, says When A City Falls is a poignant look at people’s response to one of New Zealand’s worst natural disasters.

“At its heart, When A City Falls is a story about Christchurch’s people and how they survived and coped following the earthquake. At times the film captures very raw emotions and I have no doubt many people will find it moving.

“But we also aimed to show how the human spirit has triumphed over terrible adversity, and I’m sure people will walk away, having seen the film, with a sense of hope for the future of our city”, Ms Shannon says.

The world premiere of When A City Falls is also supported by the New Zealand Film Commission and NZ On Air.

For additional information – including upcoming movies – or to sign up for the Reading Reel Club and e-newsletter, please visit www.readingcinemas.co.nz

ENDS