Coromandel Celebrates

Such an exciting and humbling night last night, offering the people of Coromandel the first opportunity to see The Z-Nail Gang on the silver screen.  We knew this was the evening that really counted in the films release - because it is not just a story or a film to many people here - it was and is their life.  It was great to see this point was really acknowledged & celebrated last night.  The atmosphere after the film was neat to just be able to absorb, to see people moved, recounting their own stories and memories and feeling their story was honoured. 

It was a full house, in fact people were on a wait list for a ticket.  The audience was a mix of original anti-mining protestors, present day environmentalists & genuinely interested locals.  Being a comedic eco-drama, the film had everyone both laughing and crying and coming away from it in excited conversation. 

Coromandel Watchdog and their supporters, who were seeing the film for the first time, were thrilled with the depiction of their historical struggle and the portrayal of the strength and power within unified communities.  Gordon Jackman, Chair of Watchdog commented “you had the potentially most critical audience last night and got universal approval, not a negative word was heard. It had a powerful effect on those that were active in the early days, validating their actions and celebrating the community spirit that still exists”.

Got some great pics of the evening - my favourite is the ticketing box - no digital here!