Loading Docs 2015 - Please Open

This 2015 edition in the Loading Docs series explores the past, present and future of Crystal Palace, a dilapidated but stately theatre on Auckland’s Mt Eden Road that has been drawing the curtains since the 1920s. Co-directed by Karl Sheridan and Robin Gee, who work under the Monster Valley moniker, the documentary canvasses the spilled Jaffas, dances, surf film screenings and local legends of the venue — and is also a plea to bring the ballroom and cinema back to life. In March 2016 Monster Valley answered their own call, and took over management of the theatre.

The title Please Open is taken from the words written in flakey gold paint on the front door of the Crystal Palace, and the film plays with the concept of inviting the viewer to take a closer look into the cinema, rather than just a hurried glance at an old exterior.

– Elizabeth Beattie, writing about the film for website The Wireless, July 2015

Key Cast & Crew

Taylor MacGregor

Co-Producer

Robin Gee

Co-Director

Karl Sheridan

Co-Director , Co-Producer

Sean Loftin

Cinematographer

Levi Beamish

Editor

Ruby Reihana-Wilson

Lighting