Reel Earth – Past, Present, Future

Reel Earth emerged in New Zealand as a result of collaboration between a handful of like-minded environment-connected friends in 2004. Each sensed the value that might come from giving people an opportunity to see and experience some of the many fine earth focused documentary films and animations crafted each year which seldom, if ever, gained significant mainstream cinema or TV distribution. By allowing these film access to the big screen, Reel Earth aimed to connect people with the most important of environmental issues of our time so that changes in attitude, opinion and lifestyle choices might be taken up.

In 2010 Reel Earth is the Southern Hemisphere’s leading environmental film festival.  We aim to demonstrate environmental sustainability in practice and in partnership, and to connect New Zealander’s with the leading environment films of our time whether they be drama, documentary or animation based.

In this our 6th Festival Season we offer filmmakers a powerful platform for environmental film in Australasia recognised by film makers from around the world, and film and environment enthusiasts from around New Zealand.

We are fortunate to have a range of sponsors and a strong team of volunteer organizers, and the services of a professional coordinator.  The Manawatu offers strong community support, and we see that New Zealand offers a compelling combination of a stunning natural environment and a globally recognized film and creative industry. 

These volunteers and supporters are the very essence of Reel Earth, and it is to them that filmmakers and audiences alike owe a debt of gratitude for the successful shaping and delivery of this our 6th Festival Season in Palmerston North.

Why do we do it?  Well for one thing, its truly inspirational to see the best work in this genre from around the planet.  Beyond that, Reel Earth seeks to recognise and reward the best films, to inspire film makers to create high quality films about the New Zealand and international environment, and to connect audiences with new film. And do all this while maintaining an ecologically sensible organisational practice and festival presentation.

We aim to present environmental issues in such a way that they impact significantly on our audiences, leaving them to reflect on and discuss the relevance of these issues for themselves, their society and the future of our planet, Earth.

Reel Earth's 6th Festival Season will leave lasting impressions.

As for the future?  Reel Earth’s organizers, volunteers, supporters and sponsors believe that environmental sustainability is the one great opportunity knocking on humankind’s door – and together we aim to be part of the solution in creating a future that is environmentally sustainable - through the selection and presentation of the best of a global creative culture focused on film and the environment, and through change for the better.