The Big Bike Film Night returns for 2020, and is riding through Southland over August to Invercargill, Te Anau and Gore.

Described as a feast of short films devoted to the bicycle and all who ride it, the Big Bike Film Night is a collection of international and New Zealand cycle movies specifically selected by Taupo based ‘Film Pedlar’/Curator, Brett Cotter.

The dynamic concept showcases cycling films from the unforgiving shores of the Faroe Islands to the urban neighbourhoods of Auckland, to a bikerafting expedition through the New Zealand West Coast wilderness, with a selection offering plenty of appeal and thrills for pedal patrons and movie goers.

Mr Cotter. said the festival showcased the best cycling short movies from around the world that were stimulating and told a story.

"Above all, this collection is a great reminder of why we love to ride with films that celebrate the fun, adventure and inspiration that cycling enables, whatever your ride is,” he said.

“Our sixth collection has something for everyone and I know local bicycle fans are eager to see this, they can expect action, drama, humour and plenty of inspiration in the 2020 mix with twelve films being shown.”

"This year’s exciting line-up of movies includes a part documentary/part fantasy with mountain bike illustrations that will have you looking for your rig and heading down the trail in search of the same kind of magic; a story that reminds you of the importance of finding your ‘why’, and that with a bike you can find a worthy journey in your own backyard; a captivating movie that shows encouragement can come in all shapes and sizes – sometimes that shape and size is an unwavering seven-year-old girl who likes to ride BMX; three adventurers bikerafting across one of New Zealand’s most remote National Parks; a tale of two friends on an environmental mission; and an uplifting story about the power of two wheels and a community built through bicycling; all in the mix."

One of the outstanding films in the 2020 collection, ‘Being Unstoppable’, shows what it takes to compete in Ironman New Zealand, one of the most extreme triathlons in the world. The film follows the passage of three first timers on their journey, and provides three moving and motivational stories of ordinary participants who surprise themselves.

“Our event celebrates cycling in all its glorious shapes and forms,” Mr Cotter said. “Regardless of whether you’re a cycling fan or a cinematography fan, this is something that everyone should see.”

The Big Bike Film Night 2020 screens in Te Anau on Monday 3rd August, 7pm at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre; Gore on Monday 3rd August, 6pm at the SBS St. James Theatre; and Invercargill on Thursday 13th August, 7pm at the SIT Centrestage. For more information on The Big Bike Film Night, and to buy tickets CLICK HERE.