Editorial: Green movies could make our marque

OPINION: Palmerston North is getting reel.

Organisers of the city's Reel Earth environmental film festival announced yesterday that more than 200 films from over 35 countries have entered this year's competition. The festival started out five years ago as a small, volunteer-run event and has grown into something with huge international support and credibility. Reel Earth has the potential to become a marque event for the region, much like the World of Wearable Arts in Nelson, which sent that small city's profile and brand through the roof.

Reel Earth organisers hope to deliver an event with a "green carnival atmosphere" of sustainability in the city, and they're on track to do just that. Some of the region's key local authorities – Palmerston North City Council, Manawatu District Council and Destination Manawatu – have thrown their support behind the event, which is vital if it is to become a drawcard we all can own. A number of local businesses and organisations are also on board, and one senses Reel Earth is gaining a momentum that could take it somewhere far beyond anyone's expectations five years ago.

It will need community support, though. This is something positive that's happening in the city, all the groundwork has been done by a group of passionate, committed volunteers, and it is now at a stage where it offers considerable economic and marketing benefits. It would be a shame if it were to wither through a lack of local support.

There has been much discussion about Palmerston North's image and how we present ourselves to the rest of the country. It seems we now have a ready-made opportunity to present ourselves on a national and international stage as a dynamic, creative place that fosters innovation and talent.

Reel Earth is already attracting positive attention from outside Manawatu, and that's something we can harness and build upon as the event continues to grow.

The film festival opens on May 22 with a "green carpet" gala awards night at the Regent on Broadway, and will include, among other things, a two-week environmentally-themed festival in Palmerston North's CBD. There'll be plenty happening, so experience it if you can.

One more thing
We have something really good right here in our own backyard; let's see if we can turn it into something truly great. Well aren't we a clever a bunch? As reported in today's Manawatu Standard, this region has been declared the brainiest in the country. After Neurological Foundation research, based on the results of an on-line challenge during brain awareness week in which participants took part in brain exercises, Manawatu came out on top. We've always known we were a bunch of smart cookies, but isn't it nice to have it confirmed by such an august organisation?

- © Fairfax NZ News

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AaronC   #1   05:53 pm Apr 01 2010

Interesting this happens in the animal cruelty capital of New Zealand..

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