Focus on film during Auckland Heritage Festival

Classic and archival films are a special feature of this year's Auckland Heritage Festival, which will be celebrated from 15 to 30 September.

A major highlight is the classic film evening at the Civic Theatre on Friday, 28 September. Step back in time and relive the glory years of the grand old picture-palace at this rare screening of one of Hollywood's truly great comedies, Some Like it Hot.

The film features unforgettable performances by Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis and Joe E Brown in Billy Wilder's 1959 classic comic plot of disguise, deception and intrigue.

Tickets are now available for $15 per person (plus a booking fee) for this unique event, which brings to life the memories of an evening out at the Civic as it used to be – singing the national anthem and enjoying intermission. Phone Ticketek to reserve your seat on (09) 307 5000 or visit www.ticketek.co.nz.

The New Zealand Film Archive is again dusting off some rarely seen film reels of Auckland from the early 1900s through to the 1980s. Reminisce about nostalgic times with a piano accompanist at some of the weekend screenings at the Auckland Art Gallery's main auditorium.

On Saturday, 15 September (1pm, 2pm and 3pm) and Saturday, 29 September (11am, noon and 1pm), enjoy a screening of Auckland: City of Sails, which celebrates Auckland's love of all things nautical, from a picnic on Browns Island in 1911, to the days of the Devonport water taxi, through to 1986 and the advent of the illustrious "Plastic Fantastic".

On Sunday, 16 September (11am, noon and 3.30pm) and Sunday, 30 September (11am, noon and 1pm), Looking back: Auckland in the 1950s, will allow Aucklanders to cast their eye to the past and rediscover the city as it was in the 50s. Footage ranges from the turmoil of the 1951 Watersider's lockout to the inner workings of the famous Crown Lynn factory.

The Auckland Art Gallery screenings are free of charge and bookings are not required, but seating is limited.

Other film events that are part of this year's festival include:

a fundraising event at the Hollywood Cinema in Avondale with Auckland's historic Wurlitzer pipe organ and two movies, Laurel and Hardy in Way Out West, and Buster Keaton in Steamboat Bill Jnr on Sunday 16, September at 2pm
a short video of Parnell in the 1970s, screening at the Jubilee Building in Parnell from 3pm to 4pm on Saturday 15, 22 and 29 September as well as weekdays during the festival
a screening of archival footage of Farmer's first escalator launch and a parade from yesteryear at the Heritage Auckland High Tea event on Sunday, 23 September
a rare collection of film clips about vintage accessories screening as part of The Additional Touch event at Highwic on Sunday 23 September at 3pm and 5pm (bookings are essential for this event).
The full programme of Auckland Heritage Festival events is available online or can be requested by phoning 379 2020.

The Auckland Heritage Festival is produced by Auckland City Council, with support from New Zealand Community Trust, Heritage Auckland, Solid Gold 93.8fm and Radio Live 100.6fm.