This year, NZIFF is rolling out the red carpet for the people in (and behind) the films.

From intimate Q&As to powerful opening night intros, over 50 live events across Aotearoa will bring filmmakers out from behind the camera and into the spotlight. You'll get the chance to see, hear from, and connect with an incredible line-up of local and international directors, actors, writers, and creatives - all appearing in person at screenings, workshops and panels nationwide.

Please note that guest appearances and live events may be subject to change. 

LOCAL LEGENDS 

Sophie Henderson & Curtis Vowell 

Beloved Kiwi duo behind Baby Done return with Workmates, a sharp, heartfelt comedy about connection in unexpected places.

Auckland – Friday 1 August, 6:30pm at The Civic

Appearing at the screening of Workmates 

Christchurch – Sunday 10 August, 6:45pm at Lumière Cinemas 

Appearing at the screening of Workmates

Wellington – Friday 15 August, 6:15pm at The Embassy

Appearing at the screening of Workmates

Chelsea Winstanley 

Acclaimed producer and director amplifying Indigenous voices - presenting TOITŪ Visual Sovereignty, a bold new cinematic kaupapa

Auckland – Wednesday 6 August, 6:00pm at SkyCity Theatre

Appearing at the screening of TOITŪ Visual Sovereignty

Wellington – Saturday 23 August, 12:45pm at Massey University National Academy of Screen Arts Cinema

Appearing at the screening of TOITŪ Visual Sovereignty

Gaylene Preston

A trailblazing icon of New Zealand cinema, appearing with two landmark works that span decades of powerful, personal storytelling

Auckland – Sun 3 Aug, 5:30pm at SkyCity Theatre

Appearing at the screening of GRACE: A Prayer for Peace

Auckland – Monday 4 August, 1:30pm at The Civic

Appearing at the screening of War Stories Our Mothers Never Told Us

Auckland – Tuesday 5 August, 6:00pm at The Bridgeway

Appearing at the screening of War Stories Our Mothers Never Told Us

Auckland – Friday 8 August, 10:15am at The Civic

Appearing at the screening of GRACE: A Prayer for Peace

Wellington – Sunday 17 August, 2:30pm at The Embassy

Appearing at the screening of GRACE: A Prayer for Peace

Wellington – Wednesday 20 August, 11:00am at Light House Cinema Petone

Appearing at the screening of GRACE: A Prayer for Peace

Wellington – Sunday 24 August, 1:45pm at Massey University National Academy of Screen Arts Cinema

Appearing at the screening of War Stories Our Mothers Never Told Us

Napier – Sunday 31 August, 1:00pm at MTG Century Theatre

Appearing at the screening of GRACE: A Prayer for Peace

Napier – Saturday 6 September, 10:45am at MTG Century Theatre

Appearing at the screening of War Stories Our Mothers Never Told Us

Shirley Horrocks

Iconic Kiwi documentarian with a passion for capturing Kiwi cultural legends — here with Anchor Me, her intimate portrait of Don McGlashan

Auckland – Saturday 9 August, 6:30pm at The Civic

Appearing at the screening of Anchor Me – The Don McGlashan Story

Wellington – Saturday 23 August, 8:15pm at The Embassy

Appearing at the screening of Anchor Me – The Don McGlashan Story

Michelle Walshe

Director of Prime Minister, the headline-making documentary that goes behind the scenes of Jacinda Ardern’s time in office

Auckland – Saturday 2 August at The Civic

Appearing at the screening of Prime Minister

Simon Ogston

Champion of underground Kiwi music and counterculture, presenting his cult-favourite doco Kaikohe Blood & Fire

Auckland – Saturday 2 August at Hollywood Avondale

Appearing at the screening of Kaikohe Blood & Fire

Callum Devlin 

Indie filmmaker with a punk sensibility and a loyal following, here with The Weed Eaters, his hilariously chaotic new crowd-pleaser

Auckland – Saturday 2 August, 9:00pm at The Civic

Appearing at the screening of The Weed Eaters

Wellington – Saturday 16 August, 9:00pm at The Embassy

Appearing at the screening of The Weed Eaters

Romy Hooper & Tom Levesque

Co-creators of Notes from a Fish, a warm and wistful romantic comedy swimming against the tide of tradition

Auckland – Friday 8 August, 6:30pm at Hollywood Avondale

Appearing at the screening of Notes from a Fish

Christchurch – Wednesday 20 August, 6:30pm at Lumière Cinemas (Bardot)

Appearing at the screening of Notes from a Fish

Wellington – Wednesday 20 August, 6:15pm at Light House Cinema Cuba

Appearing at the screening of Notes from a Fish

Margaret Gordon

Veteran music documentarian shines a spotlight on Shayne Carter in Life in One Chord, a powerful tribute to a defining voice in New Zealand music.

Dunedin – Saturday 16 August, 6:15pm at Regent Theatre

Appearing at the screening of Life in One Chord

Auckland – Sunday 17 August, 6:30pm at Hollywood Avondale

Appearing at the screening of Life in One Chord