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Background to The Richies


The origins of The Richies reach back to 2001 with 'Local Shorts Outdoors'. Richmond Road School was looking for a unique way to raise much needed funds for the school's extra-curricular activities. It was realised that the school had a larger than average number of film, broadcast media, and advertising people in it's community so these contacts were harnessed to create something special - a fundraising event that could be enjoyed by the local communities of Ponsonby and Grey Lynn, and beyond. With the kind assistance of the NZ Film Commission a wondrous mix of short films - award winners from the UK, USA, Australia and Europe - as well as inspiring local films were screened. The event proved to be a resounding success and was staged again in 2003 and 2004, becoming an important part of the school fundraising activities.

Taking the event to the next level of industry type festivals, the Richmond Road Short Film Competition was initiated in 2005. The competition added an awards prestige to proceedings and established the event as a must-enter for filmmakers and a must-see for their audience.

Audience numbers have steadily grown, as has the screen size. During the last couple of years the crowd enjoyed watching the films on a giant inflatable 40ft x 20ft screen erected in the centre of the school's playing field. To accommodate the increased audience numbers more seating, food and drink was also added, along with pre-film entertainment.

We have received fantastic support from print and broadcast media. Mai FM, George FM and The Radio Network ran advertising campaigns that credited our major sponsors. We also gained coverage in the NZ Herald, Harbour City News, City Mix, Metro, and the Sunday Star Times. This publicity was supported by a large poster and flyer campaign to spread the word even further.

Circumstances dictated that no Film Festival could be undertaken in 2008.

A festival was planned for 2009, but has now been cancelled as the organisers were unable to secure sufficient sponsorship funds to support the event appropriately.
 
It is hoped that The Richies will return in 2010, global economic crisis permitting.