Date: Saturday 1 August 2026

Location: Wintergarden at The Civic

Time: 10.30am - 12.30pm

We’re thrilled this year to welcome acclaimed New Zealand documentarian Pietra Brettkelly, who alongside premiering her sixth film at the festival, brings to the Aotearoa Film Focus Weekend a masterclass presented ahead of the New Zealand premiere of her latest feature, Crocodile. Go behind the lens with one of Aotearoa's foremost documentary filmmakers, as Brettkelly opens up about her creative process in this masterclass, presented in association with DEGANZ and WIFT.

$30 Full price / $25 Industry guild or student concession. For further information and to book into the session, see HERE.

Pou Kōrero – Workshop

Paloma Schneideman joins us for an informal conversation about her journey as a filmmaker, fresh from opening our festival with her debut feature Big Girls Don't Cry. From short films to opening night, Schneideman will talk candidly about her journey and the importance of homegrown stories that reflect the real experience of growing up in Aotearoa. A rare and intimate conversation for rangitahi who want to hear directly from one of Aotearoa's freshest filmmaking voices.

Entrance is free, but please RSVP by using the forms below:

Registrater for Auckland using this form.

Register for Wellington using this form.

Date: Sunday 9 August 2026

Location: Wintergarden at The Civic

Time: 11am - 12pm

Learn how to run a successful Boosted crowdfunding campaign from the experts, and those who have been through it!

Sunday, 9 August – join Boosted Crowdfunding Lead, Flynn Robson for a kōrero on film funding, and all things Boosted at the Whānau Mārama New Zealand International Film Festival, in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland! 

Flynn will be on a panel including artist, filmmaker, and choreographer Alex Duncan (Growing Still ,The Sea Inside, The Red House), and 2026 NZIFF Director Conor Bowden (The Ungrateful Tenant).

Free entry but please register via this link.

Saturday 15th August - 3pm – Massey University Tea Gardens

Founded by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Dame Jane Campion and producer Philippa Campbell, A Wave in the Ocean is a unique initiative supporting emerging Aotearoa filmmakers through mentorship, creative development and the production of original short films.

Join moderator Gwen Isaac, director of this year’s documentary feature Be Merry, and a panel of A Wave in the Ocean filmmakers and mentors:

• Ashleigh Rowarth — producer of A Very Good Boy;
• Samantha Dutton — producer of Socks;
• Eleanor Bishop — director of Girl Time;
• Tina Cleary — casting director of The Power of the Dog and AWITO shorts A Very Good Boy, Socks and Girl Time;
• Philippa Campbell — producer of The Moon is Upside Down and Top of the Lake, and Co-Director of A Wave in the Ocean.

This conversation will explore the transformative experience of being part of the A Wave in the Ocean programme. From developing ideas and embracing collaboration, to the challenges, discoveries and creative breakthroughs that shape a filmmaker’s journey. Hear how the programme has influenced these artists’ evolving practices, the lessons they’ve carried forward, and the advice they would offer to aspiring filmmakers charting their own path in Aotearoa’s screen industry.

Join us at 3pm on Saturday 15 August at Massey University Tea Gardens.

Free entry but please register via this#mce_temp_url# link.