Doc Edge at The Civic

Been missing live films? Doc Edge and Auckland Live are all set to celebrate being able to return to the cinema with four outstanding films from home and abroad.

A sneak peek of the highly anticipated new Kiwi film High Tide Don’t Hide (NZ) will open the day at 11am followed by the New Zealand premiere of The Apollo (USA) at 1pm, the world premiere of The Man On The Island (NZ) + Q&A at 3:30pm and the New Zealand premiere of The Painter and The Thief (NOR) at 6 pm.

The screenings also offer a much-needed opportunity to transport your mind into the theatre, where the lights go down, and you can immerse yourself in the joy of cinema at The Civic.

High Tide Don’t Hide, Exclusive Sneak Preview - 11 am
The Apollo, Emmy Nominated - 1 pm - Free Screening (bookings essential)
The Man on the Island, World Premiere - 3:30pm + Q&A
The Painter and the Thief, Sundance Award-Winner - 6 pm

Service fees may apply. Early booking is recommended.

Four docos, one glorious day in The Civic. Doc Edge and Auckland Live present Doc Edge at The Civic.

High Tide Don’t Hide, 11 am

Exclusive Sneak Preview
The film weaves the stories of five teenagers inspired by Greta Thunberg as they rally against anxiety, climate denial, and white privilege to pull together a record-setting strike in Aotearoa. With intimate access to New Zealand students’ meetings, homes, and personal video diaries, filmmakers, The Rebel Film Collective, have dedicated the film to the late politician and environmentalist, Jeanette Fitzsimons, who makes a brief appearance.

The Apollo, 1 pm - Free
*NZ Premiere* *Winner: Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special*
Helmed by Academy and Emmy Award-winning director, Roger Ross Williams, the film chronicles the unique history of New York’s Apollo Theatre, renowned for its influence on pop culture, and for launching the careers of artists including Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin and Ella Fitzgerald.

Williams brings together a feast of footage and interviews with past and presents performers, from Stevie Wonder to LL Cool J, Chris Rock, Pharrell Williams, Patti LaBelle and Smokey Robinson. A 13-year-old Lauryn Hill is seen being booed, Dave Chappelle tells how Amateur Night audiences taught him how to handle harsh criticism, and Ella Fitzgerald talks about her first time singing to please a vicious crowd.

It will fill your soul. Thanks to the generosity of HBO Films, the Apollo screens for free. Booking is essential.

"It’s easy to see The Apollo for what it really is: a vibrant tribute to a venue that gave many their start when no one else would, and a triumphant celebration of Black art across genres and decades." - Vince Bellino, Daily Dot.

The Man on the Island, 3:30pm
World Premiere
The first film made in New Zealand post-Covid, The Man on the Island by Simon Mark-Brown, makes its world premiere, telling the story of one man, Colin McLaren, and one tiny island, Rakino in the Hauraki Gulf – off the grid, challenging and stunningly beautiful.

The 77-year-old artistic, philosophical and erudite man moved to the remote island thirty years ago. Colin’s own path to a reclusive lifestyle unwittingly shines a light on society’s plight in a pandemic.

A live Q&A with the director will be held after the film.

The Painter and the Thief, 6 pm
NZ Premiere
Winner at Sundance Festival 2020, The Painter and the Thief by director Benjamin Ree is a strong Oscar-contender for 2021.

From Norwegian director, Benjamin Ree comes the story of the unlikely relationship of Czech artist Barbora Kysilkova and the thief who stole her paintings.

She becomes his closest ally when he is severely hurt in a car crash and needs full-time care. She asks the thief to sit for a portrait—a surprising request that sees the two form an improbable and inextricable bond that will forever link these lonely souls.

The Guardian declared the film “The year’s most moving documentary”