Lights, camera, bikes

Bike 2 Boat - Norway, The Big Bike Film Night/ Photo/Abfahrt Obsommer

Bike fans in Tauranga are next in line to enjoy the Big Bike Film Night after sell-out screenings elsewhere around the country.

This unprecedented collection features the full array of cycling genres and will be shown at the Tauranga Art Gallery on Saturday, May 14.

"The Big Bike Film Night connects cycling fans through the art of imagery, storytelling and incredible filmmaking; yet you don't have to be a cyclist to relate to these stories, there's something here for everyone," says curator and event director, Brett Cotter.

"Last year was the first programme for the Big Bike Film Night and it was highly acclaimed. The 2016 collection is another level up with an absolutely breath-taking range of short bike films from around the world, from mountain bike, to road, BMX, travel, personal journeys and triumphs. It's so exciting to bring this film collection to the big screen. I set out to share the best short cycling films from around the world with our audience and this collection surpasses my wildest expectations."

"At the heart of this collection" says Brett "is showing real people on ordinary bikes being part of some pretty extra-ordinary stories!"

The assortment of short films at the Big Bike Film Night includes the compelling story of two of America's finest road racers Davis Phinney and Connie Carpenter-Phinney, Britain's only Extreme Unicycling Display Team - the outrageous Voodoo Unicyclists, 3 times "Single Speed Jedi'' World Champion Australian Brett Bellchambers, the colourful female racing cyclist Mianzi Rei from Germany, the gripping story of Rob Jarman and his attempt on the UK downhill speed record, and Explorer Al Humphreys visiting Scotland's remote and legendary Bothies.

The Best New Zealand Made Film Award went to Waikato's Ryan McCrae's for the impressive The Hills - Part One, which follows BMX sensation Paul Langlands' gritty journey and mission building his big 22-metre jump with no budget, no hype, no fanfare and no earthmoving machinery, just a shovel. "Legend, is how you'd describe Paul, and this film is as epic," comments Brett.

"This collection is a great reminder of why we love to ride our bikes," says Brett. "Stories that captivate us, stories that make us think, and most importantly of all - stories that inspire us to get on a bike."
For more information on the Big Bike Film Night, go to www.bigbikefilmnight.nz.