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. 

INTERNATIONAL GUESTS 

Dacre Montgomery 

Stranger Things star Dacre Montgomery appears in person with his haunting new feature, Went Up the Hill

Auckland – Wednesday 7 August, 6:15pm at The Civic

Appearing at the screening of Went Up the Hill

Christchurch – Friday 8 August, 8:15pm at Lumière Cinemas 

Appearing at the screening of Went Up the Hill

Christchurch – Saturday 9 August, 10:00am at Lumière Cinemas (Bernhardt)

Appearing at the screening of Went Up the Hill

James Rabuatoka

A breakout Fijian talent whose performance in Bati brings strength, soul, and deep emotional power to the screen

Auckland – Saturday 9 August, 1:45pm at Hollywood Avondale

Appearing at the screening of Bati

Auckland – Sunday 10 August, 10:00am at The Bridgeway

Appearing at the screening of Bati 

Bernhard Wenger 

Austrian filmmaker making his feature debut with Peacock, a moving story of vulnerability, resilience, and unexpected connection.

Auckland – Friday 2 August, 3:30pm at The Civic

Appearing at the screening of Peacock

Auckland – Saturday 3 August, 2:30pm at The Bridgeway

Appearing at the screening of Peacock

Alexandre O. Philippe

Acclaimed documentarian behind 78/52 and Lynch/Oz, in Aotearoa for screenings of Chain Reactions and exclusive masterclasses on the art of cinema

Wellington – Friday 15 August, 6:00pm at Massey University National Academy of Screen Arts Cinema

Appearing at the screening of Chain Reactions

Wellington – Saturday 16 August, 1:15pm at Light House Cinema Cuba

Appearing at the screening of Chain Reactions

Wellington - Friday 15 August 10:00am at The Tea Gardens, Massey University

Delivering a special masterclass with a focus on film history, deep analysis, and the art of cinematic storytelling

Dunedin - Sunday 17 August 11:00am at the Regent Theatre

Delivering a special masterclass with a focus on film history, deep analysis, and the art of cinematic storytelling

Leela Varghese and Emma Hough Hobbs

The creative minds behind Lesbian Space Princess, bringing animated queer joy to the big screen and leading hands-on workshops for the next wave of storytellers.

Auckland – Friday 8 August, 9:00pm at The Civic

Appearing at the screening of Lesbian Space Princess

Christchurch – Saturday 9 August, 8:15pm at Lumière Cinemas (Bernhardt)

Appearing at the screening of Lesbian Space Princess

Auckland - Thurs 7 August, 11:00am at the Sir Owen G Glenn Building, Auckland University

Delivering a free animation focussed workshop perfect for young animators or seasoned creatives to learn more about the craft.

Christchurch - Sunday 11 August, 11:00am at Kōawa Studios, University of Canterbury 

Delivering a free animation focussed workshop perfect for young animators or seasoned creatives to learn more about the craft.

Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke

One of Southeast Asia’s most exciting new directors, here with his poetic, provocative debut A Useful Ghost

Christchurch – Thursday 14 August, 6:15pm at Lumière Cinemas 

Appearing at the screening of A Useful Ghost

Christchurch – Friday 15 August, 11:00am at Lumière Cinemas (Bernhardt)

Appearing at the screening of A Useful Ghost

Wellington – Saturday 16 August, 6:00pm at Massey University Academy of Screen Arts

Appearing at the screening of A Useful Ghost

Wellington – Sunday 17 August, 10:15am at Light House Cinema Cuba

Appearing at the screening of A Useful Ghost

Samuel Van Grinsven

Director of Sequin in a Blue Room, returning to NZIFF with the gothic mystery Went Up the Hill - a bold new vision from a rising auteur.

Auckland – Wednesday 7 August, 6:15pm at The Civic

Appearing at the screening of Went Up the Hill

Christchurch – Friday 8 August, 8:15pm at Lumière Cinemas 

Appearing at the screening of Went Up the Hill

Christchurch – Saturday 9 August, 10:00am at Lumière Cinemas (Bernhardt)

Appearing at the screening of Went Up the Hill

Sven Bresser

Dutch filmmaker making waves with Reedland, a gripping small-town drama packed with tension and humanity

Auckland – Friday 8 August, 6:15pm at Academy Cinemas

Appearing at the screening of Reedland

Auckland – Saturday 9 August, 12:30pm at The Bridgeway

Appearing at the screening of Reedland

Christchurch – Sunday 10 August, 4:00pm at Lumière Cinemas 

Appearing at the screening of Reedland

Christchurch – Monday 11 August, 1:00pm at Lumière Cinemas 

Appearing at the screening of Reedland

Fran Borgia

Renowned Singaporean producer presenting Stranger Eyes, a hypnotic tale of memory, mystery, and fractured identity.

Auckland – Sunday 10 August, 5:15pm at SkyCity Theatre

Appearing at the screening of Stranger Eyes