Workshop - Pou Kōrero with Leela Varghese & Emma Hough Hobbs 

Join us for this animation-focused workshop with the visionary team behind Lesbian Space Princess, writer-directors Leela Varghese and Emma Hough Hobbs. Fresh from screening their work at the prestigious Berlinale earlier this year where they bagged the Teddy Award at the festival, Leela and Emma bring a wealth of creative insight, technical expertise, and irreverent humour to this session, promising an inspiring deep dive into the world of animated storytelling.

This workshop offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from two of Australia’s most exciting emerging filmmakers as they unpack their collaborative process and reflect on what it means to make bold, character-driven work that breaks the mould.

Whether you're an aspiring animator, a seasoned creative, or just curious about how a project makes the leap from sketchpad to festival darling, this informal conversation is an opportunity to delve deep into the filmmaking process and ask your own questions in a relaxed environment.

Signup info to come.

Keen to see the film at NZIFF ahead of the Workshop? Grab your tickets HERE.

Ahead of the workshop, check out an interview with Leela & Emma from the Berlinale HERE.

Leela Varghese
Leela Varghese (she/her) is a writer/director known for telling joyful, impactful stories. Her debut feature Lesbian Space Princess won the 2025 Berlinale Teddy Award. Her short I'm the Most Racist Person I Know premiered at SXSW 2025, where it won the Special Jury Award.

Emma Hough Hobbs 
Emma Hough Hobbs (she/they) is a queer filmmaker, animator, and production designer from Adelaide. She co-wrote/co-directed the Teddy Award-winning Lesbian Space Princess (Berlinale 2025). Her short On Film screened at SXSW Sydney 2023 and won Best Animation at the SA Screen Awards.