Two residents took matters into their own hands and have organised a special screening of a new documentary in Tauranga.

The film, Winter at Westbeth directed by Rohan Spong, is a documentary about elderly residents that are part of an unique art community in New York's West Village.

Originally the film wasn't going to be screened in Tauranga, but Kalou Koefoed and Hannah Wilson felt that wasn't good enough.

Kalou contacted the Australian director and asked for support, and Rohan put her in touch with the film's distributor Vendetta Films who were happy to help.

'We were blown away by the kindness of Rohan Spong and the enthusiasm of the people at Vendatta Film, who made it relaxed and uncomplicated,” says Kalou.

'Creativity is an essential part of a healthy life. We are excited to be able to share the creative lives of the residents of Westbeth with the people of Tauranga through this moving film.”

The film spans across a year at New York City's Westbeth artists housing and follows three main characters: video artist Edith Stephen, 95, revered contemporary dancer Dudley Williams, 75, and published poet Ilsa Gilbert, 82.

They each have their own artistic goals that they want to complete by the end of the year.

The film won the DOC NYC Metropolis Special Jury Prize in 2016, and was released in cinemas in New Zealand in April 2017.

"We have had a lot of interest and have sold a fair number of tickets already, which is fantastic,” says Kalou.

The exclusive film will be held at the Rialto Cinema on Thursday, August 3, at 6pm.

Email kaloukoefoed@gmail.comfor more information.