Digital Cinema for the Isaac Theatre Royal take 2

The New Zealand New Zealand Film Festival have already raised $250,000 of the estimated $280,000 costs for the projectors, the screen and the audio system. Now movie lovers across New Zealand are invited to help us to bridge the funding gap to embed the art of cinema in the artistic hub of resurgent Christchurch.

The substantial post-quake rebuild of the Isaac Theatre Royal provides the perfect opportunity to bring back a sense of occasion to movie going and celebrate the art and artists of the giant screen in Christchurch.

Our fundraising to date includes generous grants from the following:

• Christchurch City Council
• Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust
• Southern Trust
• The Trusts Community Foundation
• Christchurch Earthquake Recovery Trust

Christchurch audiences have seen NZIFF diced up into multiplex venues since the Regent Theatre was quartered in 1995. The city has been without a fitting venue for a Gala Premiere since the electrifying first screening of Heavenly Creatures in 1994. With its 1250 seats, ample foyers and elegant proportions, the Isaac Theatre Royal has the potential to become a truly multi-purpose venue, and a much needed home for NZIFF.

We need your support

"The earthquakes have taken so much. But just sometimes there are silver linings. Let's bring the Festival into the heart of the re-imagined city. Let's make the very beautiful Isaac Theatre Royal home to the Christchurch leg of the New Zealand New Zealand Film Festival." - Gerard Smyth, Director, When a City Falls

"I can't think of a better place to give the NZIFF a home in Christchurch than the historic Theatre Royal. This is a wonderful opportunity to add something special to the new Christchurch." - Peter Young, Director, The Last Ocean

"The proposal for the Isaac Theatre Royal to be upgraded and made available as a dedicated Festival venue really warms my heart - both as a filmmaker and a film lover." - Gillian Ashurst, Director, Snakeskin

For further information about the project visit the NZIFF and Isaac Theatre Royal websites.