The Big Bike Film Night is returning for the fifth year and will show 11 different short films at screenings in Invercargill, Gore and Te Anau.

It is the third time the film night has visited Invercargill and Gore, and the first time it has visited Te Anau.

Each film ranges in length from two minutes to 27 minutes and features films from as far away as the Netherlands, Australia, and Alaska.

Film night curator and self described "film pedlar" Brett Cotter said the original idea for the film night came in 2014 to help raise funds to repair a giant bike statue in Taupo which had been "viciously vandalised".

"It was always my dream to do an event that celebrated cycling in all its glorious shapes and forms. Sometimes you have to create what you want to be a part of."

Mr Cotter said he sourced the films from around the world and also accepted submissions from keen cyclists and film makers who film their cycling exploits. 

He said the only criteria for the films were that they were educational, original, entertaining and helped "inspire people to get out and cycle".

Films featured this year include a documentary about a 'community mother' who runs a bicycle training programme for migrant and refugee women in Amsterdam, two mountain bikers undertaking an adventure in wild and unknown landscapes by riding only horse trails in Africa, as well as a film following five friends attempting to cycle across Australia's lowest point to the highest point.

"Over the years I've had the pleasure of watching a number of inspiring cycling films and this movie is one the best," Mr Cotter said.

"This 2150 kilometre expedition has 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."

In total the film night will visit 40 locations across New Zealand, with several shows already selling out across the country.

The Big Bike Film Night 2019 collection screens in Te Anau on May 16, in Invercargill May 17 and in Gore on May 20. 

More information can be found via www.bigbikefilmnight.nz