A theatre full of movie stars

WILD RIDE: No Cigar writer/producer/director/actor Peter De Verus (left) and Northern Riders MC's Bill Subritzky.

"A room full of movie stars," someone commented from somewhere near the back at Kaitaia's Te Ahu cinema on Saturday, as everyone steeled themselves to watch a second run of the short film No Cigar. And he/she was right.

Peter De Verus, who wrote, produced, directed and acted in the film, hosted the screening for local cast members, the bulk of them drawn from Awanui's Northern Riders, who did a pretty good job of looking menacing and allowing themselves to be dispatched to meet their maker.

Bill Subritzky, who told the Northland Age some days after shooting in Awanui had been completed that some of his mates were having difficulty getting out of character, seemed to have reverted to his old self, and every one of those who contributed to the film had good reason to be pleased.

It's a short - 13 minutes 30 seconds - story about an ageing gang member seeking redemption, which Mr De Verus said was now being hawked around "underground" film festivals around the world, 'underground meaning those that didn't mind a bit of blood and swearing".

There's certainly plenty of both, and more jerk-upright-in-your-seat moments than many films these days can muster in 90 minutes or more.

Mr De Verus added that he had been told by "some key people" that it was a good movie, and no one at Te Ahu was going to argue with that.

"Some people have said they wanted to see more, which is what they should be saying after they've watched a film," he said, adding that the story so far could yet provide the kernel of a series.

Producing the film had cost $10,000, "which looks like $50,000 thanks to Bill and his bikers", but it could be a while before it completes the festival circuit and is available for general viewing.

And there was a blooper reel, which he reckoned was longer than the completed film, which he promised to bring north with him for Awanui Day in November.