Graeme Simpson: A feast of short films at the Big Bike Film Night

It's a feast of short films devoted to the bicycle and all who ride them. The Big Bike Film Night (TBBFN) is a collection of international and New Zealand films returning in 2019 and riding into the Bay of Plenty region next week – Tauranga on Monday, Whakatane on Tuesday and Rotorua on Wednesday.

"Not many people would be proud to have their event described as weird, wacky and wonderful," says 'film pedlar' and TBBFN curator, Brett Cotter. "However, that's probably one of the best ways of describing this celebration of the humble bicycle and I'm very proud of that."

TBBFN showcases a range of short cycling films from New Zealand and around the world - from the Alaskan glaciers to the urban neighborhoods of Auckland, to the boundless landscape of Australia. The programme offers a wide and dynamic variety of appealing storylines, projects and thrills not only for bike fans, but also all movie goers.

"This is our fifth collection, our fifth vintage so to speak, and it features the full array of cycling genres with something for everyone, whatever your ride is," Brett continues. "Expect action, drama, humour and plenty of inspiration in this year's mix."

There are twelve short films, ranging from 2 to 27 minutes in length, including a number of New Zealand premieres and International award winners.

Featuring in the line-up are films set in the spectacle of winter with an icy playground providing a visual journey as never seen before by bike, a fixie rider who commits a crime of passion, a New Zealander who has a two wheel love story to share, an infectious French cyclist with the joy of life, a heart-warming documentary about a 'community mother' who runs a bicycle training program for migrant and refugee women in Amsterdam, and two pioneering mountain bikers undertaking an adventure in wild and unknown landscapes, riding only horse trails, in heartland Africa.

"For me, one film stands out in particular, 'Lowest to Highest', a documentary that follows five friends attempting to be the first to cycle across the Australian continent's lowest point to the highest point," Brett says. "Over the last five years I've had the pleasure of watching a number of inspiring cycling films and this film is undoubtedly one of the best I've had the joy of experiencing."

The 2150 kilometre expedition had plenty of adversity and challenges for the team to overcome.

"But if this wasn't enough to deal with, the five members of the crew all have significant disabilities. The tagline of 'what could possibly go wrong?' sums it up precisely," he adds.

"Our event celebrates cycling in all its glorious shapes and forms. Whether you're a cycling fan or a cinematography fan, there is something in the 2019 line up that everyone should see."

The Big Bike Film Night screens in Whakatane at the Whakamax on Monday March 25, Tauranga at the Graeme Young Youth Theatre, Tauranga Boys' College on Tuesday the 26th and Rotorua at the Harvest Centre Auditorium on Wednesday the 27th. More information and tickets at www.bigbikefilmnight.nz (with door sales on the night subject to availability).