The Aotearoa Film Focus Weekend
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 inspired by the very best in visual storytelling.
Pietra Brettkelly Masterclass
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.
Paloma Schneideman Workshop Auckland
Date: Friday 31 July
Time: 2-3pm
Where: The Wintergarden, the Civic
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 this form.
Live Cinema at the Hollywood – The Ungrateful Tenant with The Silent Chamber Orchestra
We are thrilled to kick off the Aotearoa Film Focus Weekend with the world premiere of New Zealand feature, Conor Bowden’s The Ungrateful Tenant. A story dreamed up in the seats of the Hollywood Avondale, The Ungrateful Tenant will be unveiled where it all began, with the score performed live by the ten-piece orchestra lead by Joshua Worthington-Church (Exploding Rainbow Orchestra) — a joyful accompaniment to a silent comedy that takes sharp aim at the dire state of the New Zealand housing market.
Film Focus on Celluloid – Out of the Blue on 35mm
Twenty years on from its release, Rob Sarkies' Out of the Blue remains as haunting as ever, an unflinching retelling of the Aramoana massacre. A landmark in New Zealand cinema, the film was honoured at the time of release with NZ Film Awards for Best Film, Best Director, and Best Cinematography among others. We mark the anniversary with a special one-off 35mm screening at the Hollywood Avondale, followed by a Q&A with director Rob Sarkies.
