Film-maker's love letter to the Mount

A local man is showcasing all Mount Maunganui has to offer in a short film.

The project was essentially a love letter to Mount Maunganui, bringing people together to admire the locals and the place.

Papamoa's Mark Sandoval, 25, had been filming his travels around the world but was inspired to dedicate a film project to his beautiful home.

"We take it for granted living here some times - the beach, the people, the atmosphere.

"I want to inspire people to go out and explore our backyard."

The short film, to be released on February 9 on YouTube and Facebook, would capture the summer spirit in Mount Maunganui.

With basic equipment and out of his own pocket, Mr Sandoval has been working on the project since November last year.

"It shows what the Bay has got to locals and people around the country."

Using a GoPro and a drone, the video will show different perspectives.

"There's time lapse, aerial shots and point-of-view shots to see what a person sees, walking, swimming and surfing."

While more or less a one-man band, with Mr Sandoval planning, filming, editing and producing the video, it also featured several locals. Some were friends of his while others were people he had never met and had connected with after putting a call out on social media for anyone to get involved with the project.

Rookie film-maker and local Mark Sandoval has released a short film dedicated to Mount Maunganui. Photo/John Borren

The volunteers helped make it a special video, he said.

Self-taught in filming and editing, Mr Sandoval said he was not looking to "get anything out of it", rather it was a fun project and it was for the love of the area he grew up in.

The short film would be released on Thursday February 9, on his YouTube channel and Facebook page.