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The Big Bike Film Night 2017 -marking and making history

13 January 2017: For immediate release

The Big Bike Film Night 2017 -marking and making history

The Big Bike Film Night announced their 2017 line-up today, and it promises to be better than ever with an unprecedented range that features the full array of cycling genres.

“2017 not only marks the 200th anniversary German inventor Karl Drais built the first bike, but we're making history too. The Big Bike Film Night is New Zealand’s premiere Bike Film Fest, dedicated to cycling and the equivalent to any in the world. For 2017 we have an exciting announcement - two phenomenal line-ups, “a double treat”, with us introducing a new collection ‘Cycle Chic’, to complement the Big Bike Film Night” says Curator and Organiser, Brett Cotter.

'Cycle Chic' has been three years in the planning and gathering, and Brett remarks “It's always been my vision to showcase a range of bike films that inspire, encourage and celebrate women who love to bike. I had a sudden realization, at 2am one morning, that the concept of 'Cycle Chic' is pretty unique and special. If I'm right, then this collection of short films dedicated to female bike riders is a world first/ debut/ premiere. Call it what you want- we are making history, here in New Zealand” states Brett.

“Both genders will connect and enjoy this new programme of films, as much as the Big Bike Film Night, its big brother. I have to have a caveat,” Brett jokes “there are some male co-stars in two films, nonetheless I am genuinely excited with bringing these films to the big screen.”
Emerging and established film makers form the ‘Cycle Chic’ collection, with stories covering amongst them - an Urban planner whose big dream is to have a cycling lane in her home city (easier said than done –as it's in East Africa), a couples’ journey by bike where love and adventure come together, a bike store owner with her unique point of difference, female bike riders and their fixations with riding fixed gear, and a moving story on courage and how a bike can empower communities.
Film makers from around the globe submitted films for inclusion into the two collections, with a Judging Panel of ‘film and bikey types’ viewing the vast amount of submissions. “We look for the very best cycling short films from around the world that are entertaining and tell a story. The Judges’ offer another set of eyes and their expertise, knowledge and insights are an essential part in confirming the collections” comments Brett.

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There are over 20 short films being played, ranging from 2 to 28 minutes in length between the two collections, including a number of New Zealand film premieres and International award winners. Brett says “It certainly will whet the appetite of bike lovers, I’d even go so far as to say it’s Bike-a licious.”

The assortment of films selected for the 2017 Big Bike Film Night is equally compelling and Brett says “I’m really chuffed about the array of films on offer and in particular showcasing the homegrown ‘Muscles and Dreams’ documentary. This follows a bunch of good keen men transforming an idea for a gold miner’s road from the 1800’s into New Zealand’s longest continuous single track - The Old Ghost Road. I’d describe it as legacy building.”

The impressive lineup also includes a stylish look at London’s bike culture, the remarkable story of Bike Frame Builder Georgena Terry; the challenge of cycling up the gruelling 6,273 feet (1912 metre) peak Mount Ventoux, and two very different faces of BMX, local legend Paul Langlands and Frenchman Matthias Dundois with contrasting stories and styles.

The 2017 season commences with the Premiere screening of the Big Bike Film Night in Rotorua on Saturday 11th February with ‘Cycle Chic’ playing shortly after on Monday 13th February, both form part of the programme of one of Rotorua’s major events- the Rotorua Bike Festival programme. The collections then go on the road with a ‘Tiki Tour’ visiting various bike friendly locations including Whanganui, Taupo, Cambridge, Hamilton, New Plymouth, Hawkes Bay, Tauranga, Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch. Bike fans in the South Island won’t miss out with a visit planned for May.

“At the heart of these collections” says Brett “is showing real people being part of some pretty extra-ordinary stories. The humble bike is the unifying factor throughout these films.”

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