Cycling enthusiasts and film buffs alike can enjoy a world-class short film program when the Big Bike Film Night returns to Geelong.
For the seventh year, the global film festival brings the very best of films celebrating cycling, with eight international shorts selected by New Zealand curator Brett Cotter.
“Each year I set out with just one goal; to bring together the best short cycling films from around the world for our audiences, celebrating the fun, the adventure, and inspiration that bikes enable,” Mr Cotter said.
“I get a thrill coming to Geelong, because there’s one pair that have been coming since the first year, a dad and his daughter. Last year the dad asked his daughter if she wanted to go, and she’s like, ‘Dad, you don’t have to ask, the answer is always going to be yes’.
“So we’re seeing people come back, that they get it. They’re open to being inspired, seeing what films are being shown and so excited about that.”
Mr Cotter said the films had broad appeal; “you don’t have to be a rider to get these films”.
“They’re human-powered films, and the cycle’s the conduit,” he said.
“These eight films contain stories that go beyond two wheels; stories of passion, challenge, adversity, overcoming barriers. Stories that we can all relate to, but just revolving around a bicycle.
“My hope is that people go away inspired to make a change, get out and ride a bike once or twice a week, get ideas in terms of places to visit… or push beyond their boundaries, whether that’s volunteering or whatever.”
The Big Bike Film Night is at Village Cinemas Geelong on Monday, August 4.
