The crew behind new homegrown film The Tavern is bringing the red carpet to Whakatāne for its inaugural screening here, but viewers are warned to leave their sensibilities at the door.

The film follows a group of small-town blokes who band together to save their beloved pub from an evil Ponsonby developer with sinister plans.

It's described as incredibly immature, on the nose and politically incorrect.

As could be expected, it comes with an R16 rating and is not for the easily offended.

Writer-producer-actor Matt Hicks said while the film was shot and set in Cambridge, viewers from all over New Zealand had enjoyed it because of one uniting factor: they hate Auckland.

“Everybody who hates Auckland will enjoy this film.”

Since its premiere in May, The Tavernhas screened in about 35 cinemas around the country to sellout crowds – but never in Auckland.

Screenings are not a traditional affair. Last week a man in the audience took his shirt off to authentically experience Kiwi classic drinking song Bliss by Th’ Dudes.

It was a trend of outrageous behaviour started at the premiere, when someone in the audience jumped out of their seat, skulled their can of Tavern-signature beer “Piss” and started dancing. Others organically joined in and from then it became “a thing.”

Hicks was also involved in Home Kills, which was partially filmed in the Eastern Bay and directed by Kawerau’s Haydn Butler.

“Just like Home Kills, this was an independently produced, low budget affair made with a mix of professionals and friends,” Hicks said.

“We're definitely not a slick Lord of the Rings production, but it’s been fun and interesting to say the least.”

Among its higher-profile stars are former NZ Idol winner Ben Lummis, former All Whites coach Ricki Herbert, at least one former All Black, and a selection of top New Zealand racing jockeys.

Following the screening at WhakaMax, Hicks will stick around for a Q and A session, and a viewing of behind the scenes which he promised are almost as whacky as the film itself.

Where: WhakaMax

When: Wednesday October 8, 8pm

Tickets: www.whakamax.co.nz/movie/the-tavern