Whānau Mārama New Zealand International Film Festival

Lights, camera, action — the largest film festival in the country is back. Celebrating 57 years, the Whānau Mārama New Zealand International Film Festival is gearing up for 10 action-packed days in August. The annual festival presents over 150 feature films, short films, and documentaries. 

There’s always a huge and diverse selection of films to choose from. Artistic Director Paolo Bertolin and his team of film curators have scoured the world for independent, quirky, and award-winning movies. These include a politically charged near-future drama from Brazil, an Australian animated queer space opera, and a restored ‘70s horror classic. There’s also a haunting psychological drama set in remote Aotearoa. 

Paolo says these films are indicative of the energy shaping this year’s festival. They provide a taste of the adventurous and memorable stories awaiting audiences. “These films speak powerfully to the moment we are living in. They ask big questions, take risks, and remind us why cinema matters more than ever.”