Events & Guests

NZIFF is dedicated to exhibiting the best and brightest in New Zealand cinema, and this year, we’re thrilled to announce the return of the Aotearoa Film Focus Weekend as part of NZIFF 2026. A showcase of screenings and events will take place across Tāmaki Makaurau in the first week of NZIFF, spanning multiple venues with a central base at SkyCity Theatre, where we will present two full days of New Zealand cinema on 1 – 2 August.

For decades, NZIFF has championed our homegrown talent and provided a launchpad for Kiwi filmmakers, including Dame Jane Campion, whose cohort of Wave in the Ocean filmmakers will present their works for the first time to a public audience in Aotearoa as part of our ‘festival within a festival’.

Spanning 11 feature films and documentaries, two short film collections across three screenings, Q&As, panel discussions, a workshop and one very special Live Cinema presentation to kick off the weekend at the Hollywood Avondale, the Aotearoa Film Focus Weekend is a celebration of cinema from across the motu.

An event for both industry and audiences alike, it’s an opportunity to go behind the curtain, connect and collaborate with the community, engage with filmmakers, and be

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This year we’re trying something a little different… Auckland and Wellington audiences will be treated to a secret screening presented in association with our friends at Letterboxd. We’ll also be hosting a Letterboxd meet-up at the Civic before the Auckland screening, your opportunity to meet likeminded Letterboxd die-hards!

Your clues for the film 👀
* This film will NOT be playing elsewhere in the festival.
* It was released in 2026.
* And it played at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

We’ll leave you to figure out the rest! Secret screenings are on in Auckland on 8 August and Wellington on 15 August - details and tickets below:

Surprise Film

Saturday 8 August 8.30pm, The Civic

Saturday 15th August, 8.45pm, Embassy Theatre

Letterboxd Meet-up

Saturday 8 August 7.45pm, The Civic

This year, NZIFF is rolling out the red carpet for the people behind the films. From intimate Q&As to captivating opening night intros, our 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 and creatives - appearing in person at screenings and workshops nationwide.

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

International guests

Abinash Bikram Shah
Director of Elephants in the Fog

• Screenings:
  Auckland – Sunday 9 August, 3:45 p.m. at Academy Cinemas
  Christchurch – Wednesday 12 August, 5:45 p.m. at Lumière Cinemas (Bernhardt)
  Christchurch – Thursday 13 August, 10:00 a.m. at Lumière Cinemas (Bardot)
  Wellington – Friday 14 August, 6:00 p.m. at Massey University National Academy of Screen Arts Cinema
  Wellington – Saturday 15 August, 3:55 p.m. at Light House Cinema Cuba

James J. Robinson
Director of First Light

• Screenings:
  Auckland – Thursday 6 August, 1:15 p.m. at Rialto Cinemas Newmarket
  Auckland – Friday 7 August, 6:00 p.m. at Academy Cinemas

Sophie Hyde
Director of Jimpa

• Screenings:
  Auckland – Saturday 1 August 2:45 p.m. at The Civic
  Auckland – Sunday 2 August, 1:15 p.m. at Bridgeway

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NZIFF 2026 invites New Zealand audiences and filmmakers to broaden their knowledge and connect with film festival fans, visiting filmmakers and industry professionals. 

Think you’re a certified cinephile? Can you tell your Joachim Trier from your Lars von Trier? Your Sorrentino from your Guadagnino? Join us for the annual NZIFF Film Quiz! Auckland and Wellington.

Auckland Film Society Film Quiz 2026

Wellington Film Society Film Quiz 2026