Wellington’s boutique cinemas
The capital is a film lover’s dream destination. It has a thriving movie industry, is a UNESCO City of Film, and is home to many independent cinemas. Sit back in a plush chair and view a movie in style.
As a UNESCO Creative City of Film, Wellington is one of the cities worldwide recognised for investing in a flourishing film industry. You can learn to make films, participate in them, and, of course, watch them. The city hosts numerous excellent film festivals — themes vary widely, and all are curated to bring you the best stories from around the world.
Get your calendar out — you don’t want to miss out on the next cinematic masterpiece.
Wellington Animation Film Festival
Timing: a week in March
Celebrate the artistry, innovation, and storytelling of animation from around the world. The Wellington Animation Film Festival presents poetic shorts, epic full-length features and industry-focused panel discussions. Wellington’s dedicated showcase of the animated world will appeal to children, teens and adults alike.
Roxy Cinema in Miramar hosts the Wellington Animation Festival.
Māoriland Film Festival
Timing: a week in late March
Ōtaki on the Kāpiti Coast hosts the world’s largest Indigenous storytelling film festival. The Māoriland Film Festival aims to amplify the voices of native peoples through film and the arts. It fosters cross-cultural understanding and collaboration. On top of the programme of feature films, shorts, and documentaries are exhibitions, music, and industry events.
Architecture and Design Film Festival
Timing: two weeks in May
Running since 2012, the Architecture & Design Film Festival is now one of the largest festivals of its kind in the world. Each year, it secures a selection of the latest and most captivating architecture and design documentaries from around the world and New Zealand. The programming revolves around a series of four thematic pods that change each year.
French Film Festival
Timing: three weeks in June
Vive le cinéma! The French Film Festival showcase the very best of contemporary French cinema in Aotearoa. The programmers carefully curate a schedule of Cannes Film Festival favourites plus dramas, romances and quirky comedies. The magic of French storytelling attracts large audiences, so book your seats tout de suite.
Doc Edge
Timing: 10 days in June/July
It’s New Zealand’s Oscar®-qualifying international documentary festival. Doc Edge showcases the best documentary films from New Zealand and across the globe. In the schedule, you’ll find bold, inspiring, and powerful storytelling. Learn about real people, real issues, and real situations. If you can't get to a physical screening, online access is available too.
Wellington’s Embassy Theatre hosts the New Zealand International Film Festival.
New Zealand International Film Festival
Timing: two weeks in August
Presenting more than 150 feature films each year makes the NZIFF the most ambitious film festival in New Zealand. Beginning in 1972, it has a rich history of exposing audiences to global art and culture through a diverse range of high-quality films. Multiple venues are used, but the magnificent Embassy Theatre with its 800-seat capacity acts as a hub.
Terror-Fi Film Festival
Timing: a week around Halloween
Celebrating everything fantastical in cinema, the Terror-Fi Film Festival is New Zealand’s premier genre showcase. You’ll see the best horror, thriller, and sci-fi films from around the world. Terror-Fi champions filmmakers, unique stories, new voices, and local talent. Off-screen, you’ll find themed lobbies, custom food and drink menus, and dress-up events.
Italian Film Festival
Timing: two weeks in October
Since 2015, the Italian Film Festival has been saying ‘Benvenuti’ to eager audiences of ex-pat Italians, Italo-philes, and lovers of great cinema. It has grown exponentially, both in terms of locations around the country and the number of films shown. Wellington audiences get to choose from a full complement of 25-plus feature-length movies.
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