Whanganui women get behind super hero blockbuster

WONDER WOMAN FANS: Carla Donson (left), Uli Falkner and Lee Williams are getting pumped for the film premiere.

Whanganui Women's Network and Embassy Theatre have ensured that a local audience will be among the first to see a blockbuster movie on the night of its New Zealand release.

Wonder Woman is the first superhero film with a female protagonist directed by a woman and it will screen in Whanganui next week.

Gal Gadot plays Diana Prince alias Wonder Woman in the American DC Films production directed by Patty Jenkins.

For a $20 ticket, audience members will get the chance to enjoy refreshments before the screening and win prizes for best dressed.

Buying a ticket will also help to support the women's network in making positive change in the lives of local women.

Women's network manager Carla Donson said she suggested the screening to Embassy owner Gary Vinnell in March.

"He agreed straight away and said it was the right film for the cause."

Ms Donson is a longtime fan of the super heroine and so are Lee Williams and Uli Falkner, who both worked on costumes at Weta Workshops in Wellington.

Both women were involved in the creation of costumes for the character, and Ms Williams said there was a thrilling moment for her.

"I was called in to a meeting where they were looking at the headdress created by Uli and the producer said they needed a woman with long, dark hair to try it on.

"It was a fabulous feeling to adopt the Wonder Woman persona, and it was something you would see with actors when they tried on superhero costumes - they got bigger."

There will be an opportunity for Whanganui superhero fans to experience the feeling when they dress for the screening, and Ms Donson hinted a very special guest would make an appearance at the premiere.

She also said that men need not feel left out, as they were welcome to create their own dramatic costumes.

"I know a couple of blokes who are planning some stunning Wonder Man costumes to wear."

■Wonder Woman premiere, Thursday June 1 at 7.30pm (or 7pm for refreshments) Embassy 3 Cinema 34 Victoria Ave.