What’s Happening?
The Big Bike Film Night will roll into Toowoomba for the very first time on Thursday 21 August 2025 at 7pm, lighting up BCC Cinemas Toowoomba Strand with a curated collection of short films that celebrate the beauty, power and joy of cycling. Originating in Taupō, New Zealand in 2015, the event has become an international favourite. Now in its tenth year, the 2025 edition is bringing eight captivating films to local screens, each handpicked by festival curator Brett Cotter.
Why It Matters
This festival showcases the creativity and courage of everyday people on two or three wheels. It’s an invitation to reconnect with the outdoors, feel inspired by stories of resilience, and experience cycling from all corners of the world.
“Each year I set out with just one goal, to bring together the best short cycling films from around the world for our audiences, celebrating the fun, the adventure, and inspiration that bikes enable,” said Mr Cotter.
Local Impact
This marks the first time Toowoomba will host The Big Bike Film Night, offering a new cultural experience for filmgoers, cyclists, and adventure lovers in the region.
By the Numbers
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8 international short films screening in one night only
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500 km cycled unsupported by 19-year-old Matt Fairbrother between race stages
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27 enduro stages, 50 km of kayaking, and 18,000 vertical metres of climbing featured in one film
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1 goal – to inspire, uplift, and celebrate the global cycling community
Zoom In
The headline film All In or Nothing follows 19-year-old Kiwi rider Matt Fairbrother as he takes on The New Zealand Mountain Bike Rally in his own wild way. Unlike the 120 riders in the supported event, Matt rides between the race stages, carries all his gear, eats what he packs, sleeps in a bivy, and kayaks across 50 kilometres of ocean. His journey includes 27 downhill enduro stages and an extra 18,000 vertical metres of climbing.
“Matt is known for doing things differently,” said Mr Cotter. “This mind-blowingly awesome film not only showcases Matt’s grit, determination, and resilience, but also the incredible adventure he creates with a can-do attitude and chocolate milk.”
Zoom Out
Beyond Matt’s journey, the full programme offers variety, culture, and inspiration. This year’s films include:
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An exhilarating look at gravel bike riding on tough terrain
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A poetic and meaningful ride through Queenstown’s backcountry
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A bikepacking film honouring camaraderie and “Type 2 Fun”
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A heartfelt story of cycling, compassion and community
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An uplifting ride to a ski field to highlight climate-conscious adventuring
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A powerful story of a group with disabilities cycling to a bothie in the Scottish Highlands
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A film set in Pakistan that celebrates spontaneity and the power of exploration to challenge perceptions
Each film is a window into the human spirit and the unique way bicycles connect people to place and purpose. “The power of storytelling is at the forefront of what we offer,” said Mr Cotter.
“The belief that a bike is more than two wheels, it can be whatever you want it to be, it can help improve our health and inspire and uplift people with where it can take us. It’s a real honour connecting communities with stories that captivate us, move us, and most importantly of all, inspire us to get out and ride.”
The movie titles are:
- A Type of Fun | Six Corners
- All In or Nothing
- Cycling Without Age
- Gravel Mania
- Inshallah
- The Annual Greamsteam
- Three wheel drive
- Your Time is Now
What to Look for Next
The Big Bike Film Night is screening for one night only in Toowoomba. Tickets are now available at www.bigbikefilmnight.nz.