Reel Earth is a celebration of the environment and the big screen, connecting film enthusiasts with inspiring tales and really significant environmental issues of our time. In this its fourth season, Reel Earth breaks all previous records in number of entries and diversity of content. They come submitted by hugely talented filmmakers, all sourcing inspiration from the most topical and pertinent stories from around New Zealand and around the globe. Reel Earth 2008 offers audiences an outstanding festival, spanning a diverse range of themes including natural history, environmental and social justice, energy, community action, and sustainable resource use.
Accredited Jury Panels have selected the very best of more than two hundred movies, from thirty-three different countries; each entered to variously inform, stimulate thought, provoke debate, uplift, encourage and inspire. And, hopefully, take out a trophy or two! With something for everyone this Fourth Season of Reel Earth is set to deliver new and challenging insights to all.
REEL EARTH 2008 FESTIVAL SEASON
22 May – 24 May
Filmmakers, Awards, and Premieres
The Globe Theatre Palmerston North
Tickets available from Bruce McKenzie Booksellers, George Street 06 356 9922, or on the door.
waged: $15 / unwaged: $10
25 May – 7 June
Hosted Feature Film Premieres
Downtown Cinemas Complex Palmerston North
Tickets available from Downtown Cinemas.
waged: $10 / unwaged: $7.50
REEL EARTH FESTIVAL FRIENDS
Join Us! Its free. Access advanced notice of REEL EARTH screenings, awards, and visiting filmmakers. If you would like to become a Friend of REEL EARTH just email the organiser, supplying your name and phone number to reelearth@gmail.com
HIGHLIGHTS TOUR
Reel Earth is once again organising a Cape to Bluff tour of Festival Highlights. If you are interested in hosting a Reel Earth Highlights screening in your area, please email reelearth@gmail.com
SPONSORS
A special thanks this year to our Principal Sponsor the Palmerston North City Environmental Trust; and to supporting sponsors Creative Communities New Zealand, Palmerston North City Council, Envirochoice, Bruce McKenzie Booksellers, Outpost Digital Media www.outpost.co.nz InspireNet, Kingsgate Hotel, Advantage Computers, Organic Living, PostersUnlimited, van Uffelen Gallery, and the Royal Forest & Bird Protection Society of New Zealand
REEL EARTH FESTIVAL ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Bringing together any Film Festival on this scale is impossible without the dedicated and much valued input of many persons and friends, both in front of the action and behind the scenes. In this, the fourth REEL EARTH Aotearoa Environmental Film Festival, the results of those inputs are abundant, providing you, our audience, with a programme of which we feel justifiably proud. To the many who worked so hard to make it all possible, I and all members of the Organising Committee extend a heart-felt vote of thanks. Brent Barrett - Director
WHO IS REEL EARTH?
Reel Earth - the Aotearoa Environmental Film Festival was founded in 2005 as a grassroots community based project, and has since blossomed to become a leading environment film festival in the Southern hemisphere. It continues to be supported by a wonderful team of dedicated volunteers with the generous support of a professional coordinator and graphic design artist.
MISSION & OBJECTIVE
Reel Earth aims to connect audiences with quality contemporary films focused on the environment. Subject matter ranges from natural history to environmental & social justice. We recognize and reward excellence in filmmaking, and aim to inspire filmmakers to create and successfully market high quality films about the environment.
New Zealand culture values the cinematic arts and the environment, creating a natural audience for a film festival merging these value areas. The Festival founders see the environment as an evolving centre for documentary and investigative story-telling now and into the future, creating an abundance of material for film and the big screen.