In an age where multi-billion dollar movies are becoming the norm, the Merimbula community is setting a new standard by flocking to independent and locally made films.
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Last Monday the documentary Alexandra Seddon - Being Change launched at the Picture Show Man with more than 260 people attending, raising close to $6,000 for Potoroo Palace.
Following the premiere the film was then screened to a further 220 patrons at the four midday sessions throughout the week.
Due to the great response the cinema will run the film for another week with 5.05pm sessions from Thursday, November 17 until Wednesday, November 23.
Picture Show Man co-manager Tim Parkes said the cinema has been happy to get behind the film.
“I think it is great to see such local interest and enthusiasm, and see this film go to the big screen. It’s a positive film, and I’m looking forward to getting out to Potoroo Palace myself,” he said.
Being Change film publicist and co-producer Bettina Richter said the response to Being Change and other local films is a wonderful testament to the burgeoning local film industry.
“I think the interest in the film, and the recent success of local films like Life Class and Understorey shows that there’s a real interest from the community in seeing our local stories told on the big screen. I think the film resonates with people because it not only tells the story of one of our region’s unsung heroes, but also inspires us to do more, and be more for our community, demonstrating that one person can really make a difference.”
Alexandra Seddon is hoping that Being Change will help Potoroo Palace to become sustainable financially.
“Potoroo Palace runs at a loss of $750 per day. All of my income goes to Potoroo Palace, but it is not enough to cover that loss,” Ms Seddon said.
Other independent films such as Monday night’s REAP fundraiser Theatre of Life and body positive documentary Embrace, while not locally made, have also drawn huge crowds.
