Charity gig opens film festival

Masterton's Regent 3 Cinema is expected to be packed for the opening night of the New Zealand International Film Festival tonight, with many there to support Learning Disabilities Association Wairarapa.

The 2012 festival runs until October 31, and features 20 films and documentaries, plus New Zealand short films and opens with US film Bernie.

Learning Disabilities Association Wairarapa (LDAW) board member Di Grant said the organisation is always on the look out for opportunities to fundraise, so when Regent 3 owner Brent Goodwin offered them a chance they jumped at it.

"When you apply for grants, voluntary boards are not getting as much as they did in the past, so organisations such as ours have to make an extra effort."

LDAW, formerly SPELD Wairarapa, has recently pulled away from its national organisation but Mrs Grant said it is still delivering the same services it has for the last 24 years.

The Perry St based organisation supports families, particularly children, who learn differently. "It's mostly dyslexia and some other disabilities like dyspraxia ... those who have fallen through the cracks at school and particularly have problems with language. Very often they are very bright young people who have other strengths."

LDAW provides learning assessments, one-on-one support for learners and teacher training.

Mrs Grant said a last minute surge of interest indicated the movie was likely to be close to sold out. For those who would like to try their luck, tickets are $16 from Regent 3 on Queen St.

For other film fest listings, see www.nzff.co.nz