7-30pm Saturday 16 May, Regent on Broadway  Palmerston North  [purchase tickets]

Robyn Malcolm is an active supporter of environment movements and last year MC'd the Green Party election launch, along with voicing their commercials. She was also an ambassador for Earth Hour and an environmental company. With a distinguished acting career behind her, ranging from roles in Lord of the Rings through to her current role as Cheryl West in Outrageous Fortune, she will ensure a lively evening for all festival goers. Read her thoughts on the environment here

Anna Coddington is a Raglan-based singer-songwriter whose latest hit song "T-Shirt" will be familiar to many listeners. She released her debut, self-produced album "The Lake" in June 2008. Other entertainment will be provided by the Taiko Drum team from the Manawatu's own International Pacific College.

Don't let the glam and entertainment distract you from the Oscar-rivalling excitement of the Award announcements supported by guest appearances of some of the most exciting talent in independent cinematography today. Palmerston North's own Mark Lapwood, who has made it on the international stage as a film maker, will be introducing his breath-taking "Eclipse". Grant Redvers will be telling us some stories about his year purposefully adrift in pack ice aboard Tara, Sir Peter Blake's former ship, in "Journey to the Hearth of the Climate Machine".

Mark Lapwood // Sandy Crichton // Grant Redvers

All this and more in a unique and memorable experience is yours for just $20 for adults and $10 for youth. Tickets for the Gala Opening can be purchased from Ticket Direct