The King returns to the silver screen

AN exclusive premiere of Baz Luhrmann’s new film, Elvis, is coming to Bendigo Cinemas this month.

Shot entirely on the Gold Coast, the biopic follows the life and music of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll and stars Austin Butler in the titular role, while exploring the relationship with his manager Colonel Tom Parker – played by Tom Hanks.

The movie previews on Wednesday, 22 June to 100 Bendigo VIPs, and features a red-carpet welcome, selfie wall and live music from local tribute band Burning Lovers.

City of Greater Bendigo mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said the event is the perfect cross-promotion for the film and Bendigo Art Gallery’s Elvis: Direct from Graceland exhibition.

“Our streets are buzzing off the back of the exhibition and the amazing VIVA Bendigo experiences that local businesses have put together to make for a memorable time for residents and visitors,” Cr Metcalf said.

“It has been such a joyous time in Bendigo over the past few months and you can feel the optimism return across hard-hit sectors of our business community.

“We’ll continue to ride the wave of Elvis fever for the weeks to come and I am sure many of us will be flocking to the cinema when the film is released nationally on 23 June.”

Sales and marketing manager at Bendigo Cinemas, Steve Serpell, said to secure the screening requisites set by Luhrmann had to be met.

“We had to have certain technology in our cinemas before it was to be given a premiere status,” he said.

“Fortunately, we’ve got a cinema that has the latest laser projector, it’s got the greatest Dolby system, so that pleased [Baz Luhrmann] no end and we got it based on the fact we had the specifics he needed.

“We didn’t go into this thinking this is a marketing exercise, we went into it because we felt it was good for Bendigo and it extends and really encourages people to come to the exhibition. They’ll come see the film anyway.”