Film set to aid cancer-stricken director

Brad McGann and actor Jodie Rimmer on the set of In My Father's Den.

One-off film and television treats are up for auction to raise money for cancer-stricken New Zealand film-maker Brad McGann.

Mr McGann, 41, the award-winning director of In My Father's Den, was recently diagnosed with his third bout of cancer.

The film-making community is rallying to help pay for the drug Avastin, which Mr McGann needs. The US drug is not publicly funded in New Zealand.

The auction on Monday, December 5, at the SkyCity Theatre will feature prized items donated by Kiwi film icons Peter Jackson, Sam Neill, Roger Donaldson and Vincent Ward.

"When my friends told me what was happening I was completely blown away," Mr McGann said.

Items for auction include:
* Two return airfares courtesy of Qantas, and two full passes to attend all the films at the 2006 Melbourne International Film Festival.
* Two tickets to the premiere of King Kong in Wellington.
* A walk-on part as an extra on Shortland Street.
* A feather cloak worn in the upcoming film River Queen, starring Kiefer Sutherland and Samantha Morton.
* A leather coat with gang insignia from Once Were Warriors.

The auction will be followed by a screening of one of Mr McGann's favourite films, Badlands, starring Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek.

Tickets are $45 through Ticketek.