Street vibe for new film event

A new event with an "urban vibe" has been chosen to replace the axed summer concerts in Masterton, including an outdoor cinema screening in Jackson St.

The Masterton District Council released its decision to support the Jackson St Project last week, after choosing from three proposals.

The project aims to showcase work by budding Wairarapa film makers, by projecting them against the side of the Regent 3 Cinema.

Mena Antonio, of Toi Wairarapa, and Craig Turvey, of 3D Creative, are the main organisers of project.

Ms Antonio said the project would involve a series of events held in the street, although the first would be the film event to be held next month.

Mr Turvey said young people were crying out for something to do in the town. "We thought why not combine the fact we've Street events set for summer

got a big wall with making something out of it and provide something that would appeal to the youth audience," he said.

"We wanted to do something for youth given the Summer Hummer was not on this year."

Ms Antonio said it was an ideal opportunity for budding film makers, especially school students, to showcase their talent. Many students were already using technology and social media and it would give them another outlet for their work.

Mr Turvey said it was also a reflection on some of the great film makers - Sir Peter Jackson and James Cameron - who chose to live in the region.

Ms Antonio and Mr Turvey are appealing to people to submit their work. They hoped to create an "urban" feel, instead of a park-based event. "The idea of Jackson St being off the main street ... sort of lends itself well to the culture that we're wishing to create with this," said Ms Antonio. The council has allocated $25,000 of its $110,000 events budget to the project, and more funding is still being sought.

The free film event will be held in Jackson St on December 14. To submit a film contact Toi Wairarapa on Facebook.