The New Zealand International Film Festival has launched a campaign to raise $40,000 to equip a Christchurch theatre to screen movies.
The historic Isaac Theatre Royal was badly damaged by recent earthquakes and a $30 million restoration project is underway.
Film festival director Bill Gosden says Christchurch has needed a large venue for gala screenings for a long time and the theatre's rebuild provides the perfect opportunity.
Mr Gosden says $280,000 is needed to fit out the building and believes $40,000 is a reasonable target for public donations.
He says the film festival trust has several major donors he hopes will contribute.
The Christchurch City Council has also pledged $70,000.