As audiences worldwide anticipate the release of Avatar: Fire and Ash, this moment marks a milestone for New Zealand’s screen industry. This landmark production, built on a 20-year partnership and powered by a 92% local workforce, showcases the skill, creativity, and ambition that define the film sector of Aotearoa. It’s the perfect time to reflect on where we’ve been, what we’ve achieved, and where we’re heading next.
As 2025 draws to a close, it’s clear this has been a year of both remarkable achievement and significant challenge for the screen sector of Aotearoa New Zealand. Our industry has shown its trademark resilience, agility, and creative spirit—qualities that’ll be even more vital as we look to the future.
This year, the record-breaking success of Tinā—now the fifth highest-grossing New Zealand film of all time, with over 400,000 local cinemagoers seeing it on the big screen—reminded us of the power of local stories to unite audiences at home and resonate globally. With releases in Australia and the United States, Tinā has proven that New Zealand’s voice is not just unique, but universally compelling.
Our creative and technical strengths have been recognized on the world stage. A Minecraft Movie created over 1,000 jobs, with a crew that was 89% New Zealanders, contributing more than $194 million to our economy. New Zealand’s world-first tourism partnership with Minecraft has sparked global attention, with over 70 million players now seriously considering a visit to Aotearoa. By blending authentic Māori cultural elements and iconic landscapes into the game, the campaign has inspired players to want to come to New Zealand in person—turning virtual exploration into real-world visitor demand.
The New Zealand International Film Festival is reinventing itself, and it’s the power of local films that’s driving its fresh momentum and audience buzz.
International festivals celebrated our filmmakers, from Cannes to Venice, Sydney, and Toronto, where NZFC-supported films made their mark. Dame Jane Campion’s film school A Wave In The Ocean (AWITO) graduated its first cohort of students, debuting their short films at Venice Film Festival and the first AWITO feature film Big Girls Don’t Cry about to premiere at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival.
Yet, the global downturn in international production has tested us. In response, we launched the NZFC Global Trade Mission, targeting key markets including the US, India, the UK, Ireland, and France. At home, we’ve doubled down on project and career development, creating new pathways and offshore opportunities for our filmmakers.
The NZFC’s core strategy is unwavering. That is our commitment to creative and commercial excellence, authentic storytelling, and industry collaboration. Our financial stewardship and governance remain robust, ensuring we can continue to empower the sector through changing times. We are backing talent with accelerated career development and working to maximize audiences for New Zealand films both here and abroad. We are heavily resourcing script work, to lift quality and ensure production readiness. We have the support and advice of the world’s experts in leading a resurgence of genre filmmaking. New Zealand’s genre voice was shaped by classics like Black Sheep and Meet The Feebles, and we’re excited by the genre films we are supporting into production, including the upcoming Mum, I’m Alien Pregnant, Black Sheeps, and Mārama.
Recent changes to the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate have strengthened our competitive position globally. Avatar: Fire and Ash—a landmark production with a 92% local workforce—demonstrates what’s possible through long-term partnership and ambition.
Our engagement with India is a cornerstone of our international strategy. India’s vast and dynamic film industry offers immense opportunities for co-productions, market access, and cultural exchange. NZFC’s engagement with India aligns with New Zealand’s broader diplomatic and economic objectives, fostering creative and commercial partnerships that benefit both countries. We recall the success of Bollywood blockbuster Kaho Na Pyaar Hai 25 years ago, which put New Zealand on the map for India and led to a marked increase in inbound tourism and international student numbers. New Zealand remains in the hearts and minds of Indians as a result.
In the Middle East, our presence at events like the Red Sea Film Festival and Saudi Film Confex signals our intent to deepen ties with a region undergoing rapid transformation. These engagements are about more than market access—they’re about forging new alliances, sharing expertise, and positioning New Zealand as a trusted partner in global storytelling.
Looking ahead, my vision for the New Zealand film sector is one of innovation, inclusion, and global leadership. We must continue to champion authentic, diverse voices—especially Māori and Pasifika storytellers—and ensure our industry reflects the richness of Aotearoa New Zealand.
AI is rapidly transforming New Zealand’s screen sector, streamlining everything from script analysis to visual effects, accelerating production, and opening new creative frontiers. However, it’s also challenging us to protect human creativity, cultural integrity, and the rights of our storytellers.
While AI offers efficiency and creative potential, we must address challenges around job displacement, data sovereignty, and copyright. Our approach will be to harness AI’s benefits while safeguarding the integrity and diversity of our stories, ensuring technology serves our people, not the other way around.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this extraordinary year. Your dedication and creativity are what make New Zealand film so special. As we look to 2026 and beyond, let’s continue to dream boldly, collaborate widely, and tell stories that matter—to Aotearoa and to the world.
Ngā mihi o te wā,
Annie Murray