New Zealand International 2011 Film Festival Thursday 11th–Sunday 28th August 2011 in Christchurch

We are very pleased to confirm that the Festival will return to Christchurch screens in August.

The Festival will play at Hoyts Northlands starting on August 11th and running until August 28. This will be the first time the Festival has screened at the Papanui cinema venue.

The demand for cinema screens in Christchurch is intense and we are pleased that Hoyts have cleared the space on their schedule to make this possible. We've been working hard to ensure we can deliver a concentrated line-up of stellar films, as well as a welcome distraction in the midst of winter.

The Festival will play on two screens at Hoyts Northland, where the facilities include 35mm and digital 3D projection.

We have also confirmed a record-breaking number of Cannes award winners will have their New Zealand premiere screenings on this year's programme.

One of the most highly anticipated films is Palme d'Or winner The Tree of Life, from director Terrence Malick and starring Brad Pitt. It is confirmed as a special presentation in the programme and will play in Christchurch.

We have already confirmed that Moving, Korean filmmaker Park Kiyong's documentary about the impact of the February earthquake on a Korean couple with two restaurants in the city, will screen in the line-up. Festival goers can look forward to further announcements regarding more films of particular interest to Christchurch filmgoers.

We are pleased that the Festival will be in a position, in however modest a fashion, to celebrate Cantabrian creativity at a time when celebrations have been few and far between.

The full NZ International Film Festival programme is now available around town at libraries, CPIT, University, Scorpio Books, Hoyts Northlands and Westfield and selected cafes.

All the best

Bill Gosden

Festival Director