The Queenstown JazzFest Trust is working with the Queenstown Film Society to secure the rights to three jazz-related movies for public presentation. The titles would be announced in the next few weeks, trust chairman Luke Baldock said.
Trustees also commissioned an art installation titled Rhythmic Verve by emerging geometric abstract artist Shannon Novak, of Auckland.
The sculpture will adorn the Queenstown Village Green, which will be renamed the Jazz Village for the duration of the five-day festival.
Colourful geometric artwork will be digitally printed on the more than 2m high sculpture, which measured 2.4m by 2.4m at the base, and will be back-lit.
Rhythmic Verve was intended to be "an interpretation of swing music," Mr Baldock said.
He said sales for ticketed events were "steady" for the 33rd festival.
"Organisers have worked hard over the years to embrace all types of jazz and keep JazzFest's appeal as wide open as possible. We're now at a stage where we can broaden that even further, including aspects that aren't necessarily rooted solely in jazz performance."
Community stages in Arrowtown and the Remarkables Park Town Centre worked successfully in the past and will return.
The trust was maintaining its tried and tested formula of a mix of ticketed concerts and free gigs, he said.
"There are a lot of highlights in this year's programme, but we think the Jazz 'n' Beats concert featuring Fat Freddy's Drop is going to be a great show and a real crowd pleaser.
"We're also really excited about the Craig Naughton Quartet, which will be playing at the Skyline Jazz Brunch.
Craig Naughton is one of Australia's top jazz drummers and the quartet features some of the best in contemporary Australian musical talent.
With JazzFest being an official Real New Zealand Festival event, Mr Baldock said he hoped it would spur people to come and get a taste of real jazz, Kiwi style.
"We've got some great overseas artists but the backbone of JazzFest is all the incredible New Zealand artists who come and play, especially our local contingent.
"This year we're delighted to be hosting the premiere performance of the Queenstown Jazz Orchestra, the district's own big band, plus we're also acknowledging the work of the younger generation with our Tribute Evening, celebrating Queenstown's young jazz performers."
