The Thames community came out in droves on the weekend to see a pre-screening of a community-made film inspired by anti-mining protests on the Coromandel during the 1980s.

The Thames Mulitplex theatre pre-screening of ‘The Z Nail Gang' was sold out on Sunday afternoon, when more than 150 people came to see a slice of Coromandel history depicted on the silver screen.

Anton and Kylie Steel with film-goers before the pre-screening of 'The Z Nail Gang' in Thames.

Director/producer couple Anton and Kylie Steel say an expectant atmosphere filled the cinema – and the event was a celebration of what a community can achieve when they get together and stand together.

'The film inspired by this community, resourced completely by our Te Puke/Pukehina community in the hopes that when people watch the film they're inspired to discover the gold in their own communities.”

The community-resourced film is a feel-good action-comedy – and was shot in locations around the Bay of Plenty withmore than 300 cast, crew and volunteers during February-March thanks to local businesses, community groups and townsfolk helping make it happen.

The film is based on Kuaotunu family of Nedilka Radojkovich and partner Mark Tugendhaft and sons Brani and Stephan Mead.

Anton and Kylie say Sunday's audience in Thames was a mix of original anti-mining protestors, present day environmentalists and genuinely interested locals.

'Being a comedic eco-drama, the film had everyone both laughing and crying and coming away from it in excited conversation.”

Coromandel Watchdog and their supporters, who were seeing the film for the first time, were thrilled with the depiction of their historical struggle and the portrayal of the strength and power within unified communities.

Coromandel Watchdog chair Gordon Jackman says the Steels had potentially the most critical audience on Sunday night and got universal approval; not a negative word was heard.

'It had a powerful effect on those that were active in the early days, validating their actions and celebrating the community spirit that still exists.”

A tourist who joined the pre-screening says it felt like a real NZ film, showing off the country's wonderful scenery, celebrating real NZ people and depicting a moving part of Kiwi history in a fun and entertaining way.

'It's really accessible to a wide audience. I knew nothing of this history, and really enjoyed every part of the film – it is very professional and well-produced.”

Betty Williams, an original kuia in the protests, who Anton interviewed during his research, attended the re-screening from Coromandel.

Her role is represented by ‘Aunty', played by Vanessa Rare.

She and Greens MP and original protestor Catherine Delahunty were moved to tears as the film ended, happy to see the courageous long-term investment of their community celebrated.

'The Z Nail Gang' director Anton Steel, with audience members at the film's pre-screening in Thames.

Kylie says in the hours leading up to the film, Grahamstown Bar & Diner was packed to the brim and overflowing with an anticipatory crowd.

Coromandel Peninsula musician Dylan Wade, whose music is featured in the film entertained, saw the pre-screening from the top balcony.

'Everyone should go and see it, people will love this film; there really is something there for everyone.

'The music was beautiful, not speaking about just about my own, but there are some seriously great tracks in the film and all by NZ artists.”

Coromandel Peninsula musician Dylan Wade entertains before 'The Z Nail Gang' pre-screening in Thames.

Many audience members shared Dylan's comments say Kylie, who is now fielding requests for ‘The Z Nail Gang' to produce a CD.

Kylie says, for her and Anton, it was a special evening bringing the film home to the community that inspired it.

'Many, many people and organisations have given so much time and resource to produce this film.

'An entire community in the Bay dedicated over a month for the filming of it but this was the audience who invested their time into the story – because it was and is their story.

'So we were thrilled by their positive response, they really embraced and owned the film and we hope over the coming weeks loads more people get in to see it and celebrate this wonderful place we all love – the beautiful Coromandel.”