It's nearly that time of year again

Winter turns me into a pathetic sloth who lurks around the house. Imagine my joy and excitement regarding the fact that verrry soon I can stop lurking around the house/watching bad week night television/frightening my flatmates. Instead I can lurk around the cinema! The New Zealand International Film Festival is just around the corner and this year the line up is looking GOOD. The Festival was inaugurated with seven films in 1972 to supplement the meagre options of Wellington filmgoers. Thirty years on and the Festival continues to grow, showing over 130 programmes to audiences in excess of 71,000.

My picks for what looks good this year include:
Balibo
The First Day of the Rest of Your Life
Wendy and Lucy
Blind Loves
Dogtooth
Ponyo

There are a lot of films so if you're interested in seeing some goodies a bit of planning maybe in order. Film guides have been dropped around town with all the info but you can also check out www.nzff.co.nz

Wellington festival 17 July -2 August
Auckland festival 9 July - 26 July
AND it is screening throughout the rest of the country so check the website for your nearest screening.