Cycle powered cinema rides into Auckland city for the first time ever in a special free event screening of NZ film The Art of Recovery at Wynyard Quarter’s Silo Park on Saturday November 14.
Cycle powered cinema uses electricity generated by bicycles to power a projector and play the film. It was one of many quirky community projects that surfaced in post-quake Christchurch. The idea was conceived by the team at Gap Filler and built with the help of local engineers. The original aim was to turn disused land into community places to help get the public back into the CBD.
The Art of Recovery is a feature documentary that celebrates the innovation, creativity and community spirit that brought life back to the streets of central Christchurch. Made by award-winning director Peter Young (The Last Ocean), it tells a story of resilience and community spirit that informs a greater conversation about how we live together, and how we build our cities. “I filmed cycle powered cinema in Christchurch for the documentary,” says Peter Young, “I loved it. It exemplifies the spirit of this film, which is all about the power of community and how in times of adversity it’s the simple things that get you through.”
Silo Park was an obvious location to host this interactive and creative cinema experience in Auckland, being a public space dedicated to free community-focused activities and events. The film shows as part of a pre-season treat to Silo Park’s Season 5 programme, sharing curated culture and entertainment inspired by the people of Aotearoa. “Silo Park’s a wonderful example of a successful community space,” says Peter Young. “This event is about getting together with others, to be entertained and have a bit of fun. There’s even an intermission – and if you get on that bike you don’t have to worry about that ice cream you had at half time. It’s going to be a special night.” Silo Markets will be in full swing, with a range of delicious offerings available.
Cycle powered cinema uses electricity generated by bicycles to power a projector and play the film. Anywhere up to a dozen bicycles ridden to the screening by members of the public will be rigged on specially built stands so that the pedal powered wheels turn a dynamo and create electricity. A series of LEDs strapped onto the cycles’ handlebars let the cyclists know they riding with sufficient RPMs.
Gap Filler introduced the cycle powered cinema concept to New Zealand in February 2012. Gap Filler is a creative urban regeneration initiative that facilitates a wide range of temporary projects, events, installations and amenities in Christchurch city. It evolved as a response to the devastation of the city centre, and their work in participatory urban design, turning the empty sites in temporary projects has contributed to Christchurch being named New York Times second most interesting city in 2014.
The cycle powered cinema screening of NZ film ‘The Art of Recovery’ will be hosted at Silo Park Auckland on Saturday November 14. This is a free outdoor screening.
The rain date for this screening is on Sunday November 15.
For more information on this Silo Park screening visit: www.silopark.co.nz/
