Annual Film Festivals in New Zealand Showcasing Local Films
New Zealand hosts a range of annual film festivals that celebrate and screen films from Aotearoa. Here are some of the key events:
Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival
Whānau Mārama is a national event presenting 150–170 feature films in Auckland and Wellington, with curated selections across the country.
- History: First consolidated as a single event in 2009; rebranded in 2020.
- Programme Highlights:
- Aotearoa films, including world and NZ premieres.
- Short film competition judged by leading industry figures (e.g., Dame Jane Campion, Kerry Fox).
- Māori and Pacific Island short film programme.
- Timing: Annually in July–August
Doc Edge
An Academy Awards® qualifying international documentary festival held in Auckland and Wellington since 2005.
- Features:
- Screenings plus year-round activities: school programmes, digital storytelling, filmmaker forums.
- Pitch sessions and professional development clinics for documentary makers.
- Timing: Annually in May–June, with associated programmes throughout the year.
Show Me Shorts Film Festival
New Zealand’s leading international short film festival and the first NZ festival to gain Academy Awards® accreditation.
- Highlights:
- Screens in 40 venues nationwide, including Stewart Island and Scott Base.
- Premieres of NZ short films alongside international selections.
- Screenwriting lab and short film sales agency.
- Timing: Annually in October–November, with some screenings continuing into January. Online programme available.
Wairoa Māori Film Festival
Celebrating indigenous storytelling since 2005, with a focus on Māori and Pasifika filmmakers.
- Programme:
- Māori and Pacific Island feature and short films.
- International indigenous films.
- Special events including the WIFT NZ Mana Wahine Award.
- Timing: Annually over Queen’s Birthday weekend in June, held in Wairoa and surrounding towns.
Māoriland Film Festival
Founded in 2014, Māoriland is now the largest presenter of indigenous screen content in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Location: Ōtaki, Kāpiti Coast.
- Programme:
- Narrative and documentary films, music videos, animation, VR, and games.
- Rangatahi programme for young filmmakers (16–24).
- Awards ceremony on the final day.
- Timing: Annually in March, with year-round events at the Māoriland Hub.
Rotorua Indigenous Film Festival
A three-day celebration of indigenous filmmaking, run by Māori filmmakers The Steambox Collective.
- Programme:
- Māori and Pacific Island films alongside global indigenous works.
- Industry workshops and pitching competitions.
- Timing: Annually in Rotorua.