NZIFF Engage 2025
NZIFF 2025 invites New Zealand audiences and filmmakers to broaden their knowledge and connect with film festival fans, visiting filmmakers and industry professionals.
Taumata Kōrero – Masterclasses
Join us for a peek behind the curtain into the process behind one of the world’s foremost documentary filmmakers. Alexandre O. Philippe (Chain Reactions) will present in Wellington and Dunedin.
For the Masterclass in Wellington, see more information here.
For the Masterclass in Dunedin, see more information here.
Pou Kōrero – Workshops
Leela Varghese and Emma Hough Hobbs (Lesbian Space Princess) join us hot off the heels of wowing audiences at the Berlinale to present this special animation-focused workshop. Workshops available in Auckland and Christchurch.
For the Workshop in Auckland, see more information here.
For the Workshop in Christchurch, see more information here.
Pae Kōrero – Panel Discussions
Join us for panel discussions to delve deeper into the themes of selected films in Auckland and Wellington.
Boosted Pathways Panel
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.
Pietra Brettkelly Masterclass
Saturday 1st August, 10.30am to 12.30pm at the Wintergarden, the Civic
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
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.
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