The premiere of the short film Cake Tin represents a significant step for Screen Dunedin, a network of local filmmakers.

The black and white film about the adventures of a woman who breaks out of a rest home will have its New Zealand premiere at Dunedin's Regent Theatre on Saturday 12th August at 12.30pm. It is a uniquely Dunedin production, created using local resources.

In a gesture at making the premiere a city-wide event, entry is by gold coin donation.The premiere of the short film Cake Tin represents a significant step for Screen Dunedin, a network of local filmmakers.

The black and white film about the adventures of a woman who breaks out of a rest home will have its New Zealand premiere at Dunedin's Regent Theatre on Saturday 12th August at 12.30pm. It is a uniquely Dunedin production, created using local resources.

In a gesture at making the premiere a city-wide event, entry is by gold coin donation."We hope the people of Dunedin will come out in force to support the endeavour of this city's filmmakers," says producer Mike Riddell. "This is a film which reflects the remarkable creativity and innovation which characterises the people of the south."

Shot in October last year, Cake Tin was written by Bronwyn Tainui and directed by Rosemary Riddell. It stars Louise Petherbridge and Mark Neilson, and the cinematography is by Scott Mouat. The original score for the film was written by Michael Grant.

The film is an urban story of adventure and unlikely companionship, set in the gritty streets of South Dunedin.

"Shooting in contrasty black and white helped to focus on the dramatic elements of the story," said the Director. She was keen to keep the narrative as simple and unadorned as possible. "I wanted the film to unfold through the eyes of Florence as she makes her way in the world."

The low-budget venture was made for the love of film, the producer says. "We called in all the favours we could from local crew and technicians, and probably came close to wearing out our welcome with some of them."

He was full of praise for NHNZ, the internationally-renowned natural history unit based in Dunedin. Founder Michael Stedman gave his support to the project and allowed Screen Dunedin to access the resources of the company during filming and post production.

Screen Dunedin describes itself as a network of people with a passion for film in all its forms, and a stubborn conviction that Dunedin is New Zealand's foundry of creativity. A community of filmmakers, it acts as a meeting ground to stimulate development and production of feature films, documentaries, short films and animations. It was established in 2004, and has several exciting projects under way.