Courtenay Place was bustling last night for the Australasian premiere of “Avatar: Fire and Ash.” The star-studded event saw actors Sam Worthington, Cliff Curtis, Jack Champion, and Duane Evans Jr. grace the red carpet alongside the film’s producers and crew as they made their way to the Embassy Theatre.
Director James Cameron, who recently became a New Zealand citizen, expressed his excitement about the impressive turnout. He remarked, “I think it represents a lot of civic pride and national pride in the film sector here.” However, Cameron also highlighted the need to bolster the local film industry, noting that many Hollywood producers are currently choosing to overlook New Zealand in favor of Australia. He urged a collective effort to ensure the continued success of the screen sector, emphasizing the importance of youth training programs in the industry.
Cameron advocated for the government to revisit the film rebate scheme, suggesting that recent expansions in eligibility were still insufficient to attract a wider array of productions. Finance Minister Nicola Willis had previously mentioned that the updates would empower the screen sector.
“Avatar: Fire and Ash” involved a peak crew of 1,600 and took three years to produce. Senior VFX supervisor Eric Saindon revealed that if the film were rendered on a single processor, it would take an astounding 145,000 years to complete. Fellow VFX supervisor Joe Letteri noted that Cameron’s innovative approach is a key reason many enjoy their work in the industry.
Daniel Barrett, another senior animation supervisor, echoed the sentiments on the significance of the film industry for New Zealand and Wellington, reflecting on the thriving community of local filmmakers.
The premiere attracted eager fans from as early as midday, with spectators climbing trees and bus stops for a better view of the festivities. Worthington described the crowd as “amazing,” sharing a lighthearted moment about shoppers being temporarily interrupted by the premiere.
He expressed his appreciation for being back in Wellington, where filming often takes place over extended periods. Worthington jokingly mentioned that many locals might catch a glimpse of themselves in the film, showcasing the extensive use of Wellington-based crew.
Jack Champion, who portrays Spider, reminisced about his upbringing in Wellington, recalling significant moments from his teenage years. As he returned for the premiere at 21, he visited the beloved Chocolate Fish café in Miramar, which is set to close soon.
As the evening progressed, cast, crew, and VIPs made their way into the Embassy Theatre for the screening of “Avatar: Fire and Ash.” The film is set to hit local cinemas on Thursday, December 18, promising an exciting cinematic experience for audiences.
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