Festival FAQs

When will Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival 2025 happen?

NZIFF 2025 will take place in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, Tauranga, Napier, New Plymouth, Masterton and Nelson from 31 July – 10 September 2025. 


Auckland: 31 July to 10 August
Christchurch: 7 – 24 August
Wellington: 14 – 24 August
Dunedin:  15 – 24 August
Hamilton: 28 August – 10 September
Tauranga: 28 August – 7 September
Napier: 28 August – 7 September
New Plymouth: 28 August – 7 September
Masterton: 28 August – 7 September
Nelson: 28 August – 10 September

Will there be a printed programme this year?

Yes – there will be a printed programme catalogue. Keep an eye out on our newsletter and social media channels for more info.

Will you be having international filmmakers coming as guests?

Yes - we are delighted to be welcoming international filmmakers at NZIFF 2025. We will also be celebrating a wide range of New Zealand filmmakers in the festival and including Q&As and other events in the programme to enable audiences to meet filmmakers.

Why is the film festival not in the town where I live?

NZIFF 2025 takes place in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, Tauranga, Napier, New Plymouth, Masterton and Nelson.

We will be looking at additional centres for NZIFF 2026.

Is Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival a competitive festival?

Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival does not currently host a competitive category for feature length films. We do, however, have two short film competitions within the festival: New Zealand’s Best short films, and Ngā Whanaunga Māori Pasifika Shorts. Submissions have now closed, but our submission regulations can be found here.

When is the deadline for film entries?

Submissions for NZIFF 2025 have closed. 


Please visit the Submit a Film page for more information.

How can I volunteer for the festival?

Interested in volunteering? We have volunteer opportunities in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Register your interest at