Films — by Collection

Aotearoa

We’re proud to provide a premiere platform for striking work made within our shores. The documentaries we champion this year all engage powerfully – and positively – with deep personal and generational histories, while for the first time we present a web series, one which sets a new bar for queer and trans (self-)representation on screen.

We’re also thrilled to elevate short filmmaking in Aotearoa with our two annual programmes for emerging talent, New Zealand’s Best and Ngā Whanaunga, plus a third programme of Kiwi gems from around the country.

Aotearoa films are proudly supported by Resene.

Before Everest

Richard Riddiford

“I’d never share a rope with him” is about as damning a comment as anyone can make about a fellow mountaineer. Sir Edmund Hillary’s words about Earle Riddiford in his last autobiography set the uneasy tone of this nuanced documentary by Earle’s son Richard Riddiford.

Kiwi Shorts

Six delightful New Zealand shorts that epitomise the Kiwi lifestyle of 2020. Featuring lockdown narks and dorky dads; big monster crays and triple scoop ice creams; annoying brats and courageous stunts.

LOIMATA, The Sweetest Tears

Anna Marbrook

Director Anna Marbrook honours the last voyage of the great waka maker, sailor and mentor Ema Siope, whose journeys between Aotearoa and Sāmoa in search of healing, and her family’s reckoning with systemic abuse, are powerfully documented.

New Zealand's Best 2020

Help give the year’s best New Zealand short films the homegrown recognition they deserve by voting for your favourite.

Ngā Whanaunga Māori Pasifika Shorts 2020

A collection of Māori and Pasifika short films curated by Leo Koziol (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Rakaipaaka), Director of the Wairoa Māori Film Festival, with guest co-curator Craig Fasi (Niue), Director of the Pollywood Film Festival.

Rūrangi

Max Currie

Premiering their forthcoming web series as a special festival presentation, director Max Currie (Everything We Loved, NZIFF14) and writer Cole Meyers’ queer and trans-celebratory drama swells with character and heart.

The Girl on the Bridge

Leanne Pooley

In the increasing public discourse on mental health, Leanne Pooley’s inspiring and fearless documentary tracks an extraordinary young woman’s journey from suicide survivor to advocate for those struggling. The fact it leaves you hopeful and with tangible advice makes it vital viewing.

Tupaia’s Endeavour

Lala Rolls

Lala Rolls’ fascinating quest to examine what happens to a Tahitian high priest and navigator when he travels across the pacific – and further on towards England as a translator and guest (or is it as a living trophy?) – aboard Captain James Cook’s HMS Endeavour.