A Wave in the Ocean 

Māhutonga

Inspiring a new generation of filmmakers

124 minutes
TBC

A cohort of emerging writers and directors were selected for A Wave in the Ocean, a 12-month intensive driven by filmmaking powerhouses Dame Jane Campion and Phillipa Campbell. The programme offers an incredible opportunity for developing filmmakers to deepen their craft and encourages steps towards feature filmmaking, through short-film development.

“To share and encourage the talent of new filmmakers and storytellers in New Zealand, through the Wave in the Ocean programme and more generally, is simply the most satisfying and exciting part of my career to date,” says Campion. “I love to be part of a multigenerational community that dares, cares, and creates.”

Five titles from A Wave in the Ocean will also screen as a part of the Ngā Whanaunga Aotearoa: New Zealand’s Best programme

A Very Good Boy 2025

Director

Producer

Ashleigh Roworth

Cinematography

Bill Bycroft

Editor

Brendon Chan

Cast

Simon Leary, Max Currie
17 minutes

A House Husband’s secret desire leads to disaster. 

The Brightness 2025

Director, Screenplay, Editor

Producers

Alex Lovell & Eldon Booth

Cinematography

Tammy Williams

Music

Cello Forrester

Cast

Emile Boyle, Jodie Rimmer, Gideon T. Smith, Angus Steven
13 minutes

A group of teenagers reunite to spend time with the friend of their mother one year after his death, but the late arrival of Jed sets the sacred evening awry.

Girl Time 2025

Director, Screenplay

Producer

Letisha Tate-Dunning

Cinematography

Tammy Williams

Music

Victoria Kelly

Editors

Eleanor Bishop, Gretchen Peterson

Cast

Amanda Tito, Camille Lane, Rosa Glennie, Jane Campion
13 minutes

Marianne is getting ready for a dreaded family dinner when two mysterious young girls appear, wanting her to play with them.

Peel 1982

Director, Screenplay, Editor

Executive Producer

Ulla Ryghe

Cinematography, Collaborator

Sally Bongers
8 minutes

A father attempts to discipline his son for throwing orange peel out the window on a summertime car-trip – a tale of domestic tension.

Kurī 2025

Director, Screenplay

Producer

Julie Zhu

Cinematography

Caleb Corlett

Editor

Sam Small

Cast

Keporah Torrance, Niwa Whatuira, Lachie Oliver-Kerby, Puni Tiakiwai
Aotearoa New Zealand In English and Te reo Māori with English subtitles
13 minutes

Blunt, unapologetic & beautiful, Kurī resonates. - LK

Lion Rock 2025

Producers

Joseph McAlpin

Screenplay

Nick Mayow

Cinematography

Adam Luxton

Editor

Prisca Bouchet

Music

Briar Prastiti

Cast

Anton Falstie-Jenson, Mia Blake, Jonno Roberts
16 minutes

Slowburn with an underbelly of turmoil. - CF

The Girl Next Door 2025

Director

Producers

Emma Mortimer & Olivia Shanks

Cinematography

Adam Luxton

Editor

Chia-chi Hsu

Cast

Ann An, Yihan (Roxie) Pu, Lila Yu, Thomas Chin, Kunxiao William Wu
Aotearoa New Zealand In Cantonese, English and Mandarin with English subtitles
15 minutes

Haunting & ritualistic, an engaging perspective not often entertained. - CF 

In Conversation with Jack Maurer 2026

Director

Producer

Amanda Jane Robinson

Cinematography

Adam Luxton

Editor

Sophie Combes

Music

Liam Pram

Cast

Kieran Charnock, Lucy Wigmore, Te Ao O Hinepehinga
14 minutes

Something's not quite right in the modern, free tech state of Aotearoa. - LK

Socks 2025

Director

Producers

Samantha Dutton

Cinematography

Tim Flower

Editor

Julian Karehana

Cast

Monty Walker, Billy Cox, Indy Urban, Katy Thomas
15 minutes

Sometimes when feelings are strong a memento is a must. - LK