The festival will take centre screen at the aptly named Globe Theatre in Palmerston North, before cutting to the local cinemas and directing its way throughout New Zealand via a network of local partners. Due to the number of outstanding film entries received this year, the festival will be extending its run, screening 50 films over a two-week period.

The 2008 festival will be reeling in a projected audience of 5000 people, proving that it has come a long way since its humble beginnings. “A few interested eco types got together over a brew and said ‘let’s try a festival’. We had no idea how much fun and how much work it would be,” says Brent Barrett, Director of the Reel Earth festival. Unlike most ideas which are the product of a couple of beers, the AEFF has reached tremendous heights, becoming one of the largest and most entertaining environmental film festivals in the Southern Hemisphere.

A likely reason for the festival’s success is that it is an “audience focused forum for infotainment”, rather than primarily being a film market, says Brent. Each year the festival sets out to showcase the most current independent environmental films from around the globe to the broadest possible live audience. The festival attracts a cross section of film enthusiasts, environmentalists, and general punters looking for a night of entertainment at good value, says Brent.

Recognising the global nature of environmentalism, the AEFF will feature films from thirty-three countries including India, Greenland, Canada, Australia, China and of course New Zealand. In doing so, the festival creates a diverse line-up of films, highlighting a multitude of international and national environmental issues from a plethora of perspectives.

The films vary in scope to cover the major themes of natural history, environmental awareness, and environmental and social justice, with last year's entries ranging from New Zealand's sustainable fishing industry to the hidden side of the nuclear power debate.

Each year, the festival attracts higher profile entries, proving that it is an esteemed platform for filmmakers. The AEFF 2007 winner of Best International Feature Film, Australian David Bradbury, has a modest five AFI awards and two Academy Award nominations under his belt. But to all those filmmakers just starting out, don't let this intimidate you. The festival is tailored to accommodate films from independent professionals as well as skilled amateurs with a passion for the environment and a creative flair for storytelling.

Winners of this year’s festival will share in a total prize pool of $5000, but undoubtedly the most satisfying prize of all will be the opportunity to have their filmmaking achievements recognised by their peers. The chosen films are selected by a jury of film professionals and environmental advocates on the basis of quality, relevance, entertainment value, and impact – attributes which are apparent throughout the entire festival.

Apart from being a space for filmmakers to showcase their work, the festival raises a deeper environmental conscience, exciting the possibility of change and demanding action. “Getting those stories told about people and groups who have made a difference in a public screening forum has its own dynamic that creates a positive energy and gets people engaged,” says Brent.

The AEFF provides an excellent networking opportunity for filmmakers and video activists during the film sessions as well as through filmmaker exclusive events, not to mention the official website. In events which rely on the unparalleled help of volunteers, the power of the internet cannot be underestimated to ensure its smooth functioning, says Brent. The festival would also not be possible without the support of local sponsors Palmerston North City Environmental Trust, Creative Communities New Zealand, Outpost Digital, Bruce McKenzie Booksellers, and Forest & Bird.

Due to an overwhelming demand, the festival kick-started a Highlights Tour in 2006 in conjunction with local cinemas and environmental groups, which now extends to 12 cities and regional centres throughout New Zealand. It enables hand-picked films from the festival to be screened to a wider national audience. “Kiwi’s are a cinema loving lot so it’s a natural connection to make,” says Brent.

Some of the 2008 AEFF highlights will include New Zealand premieres of films such as ‘Brave New West’ and ‘The Greening of Southie’. It's a unique opportunity to “watch great films with like-minded friends over the best organic hors d'oeuvres in town”, says Brent.

For more information about the Aotearoa Environmental Film Festival visit http://www.aeff.org.nz, or if you are interested in hosting a Reel Earth Highlights screening in your town, send an email to the AEFF team at contact@aeff.org.nz