Film festival offers random selections

Nineteen thousand kilometres from Cannes, Blenheim’s red carpet has been rolled out for a collective of local screen-ready short films for the public.

The 7th annual Random Directions Film Festival, organised by Blenheim-based Random Directions Film, takes place on Saturday August 30 from 5.30pm at Event Cinemas, with tickets available from Event Cinemas.

“Even though this is our seventh year running, every year the Random Directions Film Festival surprises me with the diverse films made in our local community by everyday people,” says Random Directions Director Phil McKinnon, “this year is no exception - the films are as diverse as the people that have made them so whether you are a film maker, relative or just looking for a good night out, the Random Directions Film Festival is definitely for you.”

Project manager Amy McKinnon says the members of the collective creative outlet are the reason they’re now seven years in.

“We’ve got an amazing filmmaking community supported by a range of passionate filmmakers and local production groups spread across Nelson and right here in Marlborough who’ve had our backs since day one including Terribly Awesome Ideas, Blacklist Productions and The Granny Gang — a team of five filmmaking grandmas. 

“Their ongoing support is a huge part of why we’re still going strong and continuing to grow. This truly is a community-driven event and a celebration of that spirit: local talent, creative ideas, and a whole lot of heart.”

Get Random Directions Film Festival tickets from Event Cinemas in Blenheim.