Film lovers “Focus” on the documentary film genre

30 June 2008

Film lovers “Focus” on the documentary film genre

The Documentary New Zealand Trust is proud to announce DOCNZ Focus - the first society solely dedicated to the documentary film making genre. Aucklanders have until July 29 to register for the year long season of celebrated local and international films kicking off with the first NZ cinematic screening of Hoop Dreams.

DOCNZ Focus is a bi-monthly event which sees six documentary films screened at the Academy Cinema over the course of a year, with the chance for those who love or have a curious disposition of the genre to view some of the most thought provoking and entertaining films.

“The key aim with DOCNZ Focus is to bring together documentary lovers who have an interest in documentaries and to actually discuss the films with other like minded individuals” says co-director and founder Dan Shanaan. “Some of the films have never been seen on film screens in New Zealand, with 35mm prints being sourced for this initiative. The screening of each documentary culminates with a panel discussion and a question and answer session”.

Beginning its season July 29th with the Academy Award nominated “Hoop Dreams”, the 1994 film about two African American teenagers pursuing basketball stardom, was voted the best documentary in movie history by the International Documentary Association.

Other films confirmed for the 2008/2009 programme are “Fields of Fuel” (Josh Tickell) and “Forgotten Silver” (Peter Jackson and Costa Botes). With bio-fuels under scrutiny due to unethical practices, “Fields of Fuel”, 2008 Sundance Film Festival Audience Favourite, is likely to result in a heated post screening debate, while mockumentary “Forgotten Silver” provokes the question ‘should we believe everything that documentaries show us?’

With another three documentaries to be announced, the annual membership to DOCNZ Focus allows guaranteed seats to all six films, exclusive information in regards to the 2009 DOCNZ Festival, DOCNZ Summit and other DOCNZ activities and the opportunity to network with not only other documentary lovers, but respected names in the industry.

PLACES ARE LIMITED SO REGISTER NOW FOR THIS UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY

DOCNZ Focus at the Academy Cinema, Auckland Commences 29th July 2008. All films start at 6.30pm with discussion to follow screening.
Annual Membership Fee (prices exclude GST) Single - $70 Dual Pass (two adults) - $130 Students and OAP’s - $60

For more information on DOCNZ Focus and registration forms visit www.docnz.org.nz

DOCNZ Focus is an initiative of The Documentary New Zealand Trust; a not-for-profit charitable organisation that advocates and promotes the importance of documentary films and filmmaking in New Zealand to our creative, business and wider communities.

ENDS

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