The Bikes of Wrath – Canterbury Film Society

Five Australian cyclists – 2600km: a deep dive into humanity, stereotypes, poverty, government, generosity and the American Dream. A unique, funny and insightful documentary filled with adventure, literature, music and human connection.

Produced and directed by Cameron Ford and Charlie Turnbull, 2018, 100 minutes, documentary, M classification.

Five Australians attempt to cycle 2600kms from Oklahoma to California in honour of the westward migration undertaken by the Joad family in "The Grapes of Wrath". Through chance encounters with everyday Americans, the cyclists expand on the novel’s core themes of migration, inequality and the perceived land of opportunity.

The group explores whether America has progressed since the book was written, discussing the wealth gap, immigration and the American Dream. The fascinating people they meet along the way reveal the enduring strength of human spirit despite the inequality and disenfranchisement, which runs as deep today as it did in Steinbeck’s seminal novel.

This screening is a fundraising addition to the Society's published 2019 programme. Members and non-members must purchase a ticket from Eventbrite.com.au or at the door on the night. Doors open 6.30pm for snack food, drinks, tickets and socialising.

The Society offers weekly screenings of top-quality arthouse, international, local, rare and classic feature films, documentaries and more. Full membership provides access to all screenings during our February–November season in the Philip Carter Family Auditorium at the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, for under $4 per film!

We welcome new members of all ages and provide a friendly, inclusive atmosphere with drinks and snacks for purchase and opportunities to socialise each Monday night. We run a carefully curated programme over nine months, each film introduced by a guest presenter.

We run DVD swap nights, coffee and chat sessions after some films, and regular Open Nights (ie non-members welcome) so you can come along and sample our wares, or bring other people along. We work hard to captivate, inform and inspire film buffs as well as those on the hunt for alternatives to mainstream cinema. We’re quite literally the best-kept film screening secret in town!

The 2019 35-film season runs on Mondays, beginning at 7.30pm, from 18 February to 11 November (except public holidays and Mondays coinciding with the NZ International Film Festival).

See our website or pick up a brochure from the Christchurch Art Gallery or a public library to read about the Society and the 2019 programme, including our Open Events at which non-members are welcome. This season’s remaining Open Events are by koha unless indicated otherwise:
- Mon 14 Oct 7.30pm, “The Flight of the Te Hookioi” and “Allan Baldwin In Frame”
- Mon 31 Oct 7.30pm, “Suspiria” and “Re-animator” (Halloween Spook-Night Special double feature). Tickets $10; drinks $5; fangs optional!

Membership can be purchased online or at the venue on the night (be there when doors open and speak to the Membership Secretary).

Metered street parking is free after 6pm. The CAG carpark is $1 per half hour or part thereof – www.ccc.govt.nz/transport/parking/carpark

Annual membership runs for 12 months from the date of joining and is $132 for a full new member, discounted membership is $122, tertiary student membership is $70 and youth membership (13–18 years of age) is only $50.

This year we are also offering two half-year membership options from Feb–Jun and Jul–Nov for $70. Full membership entitles members to discounted IFF events and free entry to screenings at all 13 Societies nationwide.

Our three-film $30 Flexi-Pass membership is also very popular. This has no expiry date and can be used for entry to three events of your choice or shared amongst friends.

Visit the website to sign up for email updates, join the Society online or for Membership Secretary contact details.

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