Our vision

Wellington is firmly focused on being a bicultural City of Film. The capital is eager to put Aotearoa’s stories and storytellers in the spotlight.

The city has a rich film history and heritage, with some of Aotearoa’s most significant film milestones taking place in Wellington. With official recognition as a City of Film, Screen Wellington can build stronger and more enduring partnerships. The screen sector can be diverse and sustainable, and contribute to the cultural, social and economic development of the city.

Being part of the UNESCO Creative City Network provides the opportunity to exchange ideas, cooperate, and learn about other cultures. Taking Wellington to the world, and bringing the world to Wellington.

Wellington UNESCO City of Film Strategy

The strategy sets out ways Wellington will collaborate with other Creative City colleagues in Aotearoa and worldwide. It aims to elevate the visual storytellers of Wellington and bring an array of cultural experiences to the people of Wellington.

Working with industry, community groups, and educators, we aim to introduce programmes and support existing initiatives. This is to ensure Wellington is, and remains, the best place in Aotearoa to watch, make, and learn about movies. There are five strategic focus areas as part of the UNESCO City of Film Strategy.

Download the UNESCO City of Film Strategy [PDF, 3.7 MB]

The screen location of Oriental Bay, wth pastel-coloured, Art Deco apartments, brightly-painted boat sheds, and the golden beach.
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Our progress

The Wellington UNESCO City of Film Annual Report 2020/21 highlights the progress the region has made since becoming a City of Film.

In a challenging year, Wellington UNESCO City of Film developed programmes and opportunities to inspire filmmakers and screen creatives.

Find out more about the highlights and key milestones:

Watch the full visual report

Download the 2020/21 Annual Report [PDF, 7.2 MB]

Wellington Regional Screen Sector Strategy

The Wellington Regional Screen Sector Strategy sits alongside the UNESCO strategy.

Wellington’s screen and creative technology sectors offer a significant opportunity for the region. The five-year screen sector strategy aims to guide the Wellington regional screen sector to further develop the industry. Taking advantage of opportunities and addressing challenges to create a more sustainable, collaborative and diverse industry.

Download the Screen Sector Strategy [PDF, 5.1 MB]

About UNESCO

UNESCO is a specialised agency that aims to foster creativity and culture at a local and international level.

In November 2019, the United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) named Wellington as a Creative City of Film.

Learn more about the 18 Cities of Film in the network:

Cities of Film

In becoming a UNESCO City of Film, Wellington became part of the Creative Cities Network (UCCN).

UNESCO Creative Cities Network

Person sitting on set of Diverse Voices with a clapper board in front of their face.

Diverse Voices

Making screen work different

‘Diverse Voices’ is a project developed by Wellington UNESCO City of Film to uncover some of the region’s diverse storytelling talent.

Watch the documentary