Tales of two-wheeled transport

A FILM festival with a difference is due to roll in to Eaglehawk’s Star Cinema at the end of the month, with Bendigo’s burgeoning on and off-road cycling scenesters expected to attend in bunches.

The Big Bike Film Night, which now tours New Zealand, Australia and Scotland annually, is the brainchild of biking fanatic Brett Cotter, who created the event in 2014.

“Its genesis was born out of adversity,” he said.

“In my hometown of Taupo, New Zealand we have a massive bike statue showcasing our proud cycling community. One night it was vandalised, and it was going to cost $15,000 to be repaired.”

“I wanted to play my part in raising the money by creating a film festival that celebrated cycling in all its glorious shapes and forms.

“After the event, people said ‘That was awesome, when are you going to do the next one?’ Having helped the local community with this project, I chose to continue the event as a boutique film festival, and what a ride it has been ever since.”

The 2023 iteration, which lands in Bendigo on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 August, will exhibit two and a half hours of bike/cycling related short films.

“It’s diversity personified,” Mr Cotter said. “We have ten films that cover commuting, road cycling, mountain biking, gravel riding, bike-rafting, e-bikes, which will spin your wheels whatever you ride.

“You don’t have to be a cyclist to relate to these inspiring and uplifting films from around the world. This is a must-see film collection that will have you buzzing about where a bike can take you.”

Catch the Big Bike Film Night at Star Cinema on Friday 25 August from 8pm and Saturday 26 August from 4pm.

Tickets and further information are available on the Star Cinema website.