Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, July 2, 2024
The New Zealand International Film Festival (NZIFF) has unveiled its eagerly anticipated 2024 programme, promising a rich blend of global and local cinematic gems.
Films this year come from 20 different countries including Bhutan, Iran, Somalia, Nepal and Vietnam, as well as China, Japan, the UK, Ireland, USA, France, Germany, Portugal and Australia.
Impressive Line-up
It will be a busy calendar for viewers with an impressive 105 films, including 19 shorts, in the 2024 lineup. The event opens in Wellington Harbour on July 31, 2024 before touring nine other centres across the country until September 4, 2024.
The 2024 programme includes 12 New Zealand feature length films, with four short film collections and a special 30th Anniversary screening of Peter Jackson’s ‘Heavenly Creatures.’
NZIFF 2024 Artistic Director Paolo Bertolin said, “This year’s programme is a celebration of the diversity and plurality of contemporary cinema. Our audiences will be able to enjoy the entertainment of films that move them, thrill them and keep them on the edge of their seats. At the same time, they will have the opportunity to experience films that open conversations on the reality of the world today, asking necessary questions and probing into uncomfortable truths.”
“At the forefront of this rich mosaic is the contingent of Aotearoa productions, showcasing a vibrant vitality equally present in features, documentaries and shorts. And it makes us incredibly glad and humbled that we have the opportunity to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Peter Jackson’s masterpiece Heavenly Creatures.”
“This anniversary screening is a testament to the historical role of the festival in supporting and promoting the best of domestic cinema. A role that the festival still pursues and is committed to. That is why we cannot wait to share the films we selected with our audiences.”
Cannes Highlights Shine at NZIFF
NZIFF announced a selection of 16 films in the 2024 programme which are coming to the festival straight off the back of this year’s prestigious Cannes Film Festival. It is a showcase of the very best of international cinema, and includes celebrated directors and award-winning performances.
“These films represent a pinnacle of global cinema,” said Mr Bertolin. “We are excited to bring such a rich and varied selection to Aotearoa, and we know these films will inspire, challenge, and enchant our festival-goers.”
Featuring in the ‘Big Nights’ strand as the Closing Night Film of NZIFF 2024 is ‘The Substance,’ a satirical feminist body horror by Coralie Fargeat. Starring Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid, the film, which won Best Screenplay at Cannes, tells the story of a fading celebrity who uses a black-market drug to temporarily create a younger, better version of herself.
‘All We Imagine As Light’ by Payal Kapadia (pictured), the first Indian film in 30 years to compete at Cannes and the winner of the Grand Prix, will be another highlight of the festival.
It is a dreamy romantic drama following two women in Mumbai navigating the complexities of love. It will feature in the ‘Visions’ strand, along with Gints Zilbalodis’ ‘Flow,’ a visually enchanting tale of survival amid a great flood, and Miguel Gomes’ ‘Grand Tour’ which earned the Best Director Award and depicts a civil servant’s journey across Asia in 1917 while fleeing his wedding.
Other notable Cannes selections include:
- ‘Good One’ by India Donaldson, exploring a father-daughter relationship during a hiking trip in the Catskills.
- ‘To A Land Unknown’ by Mahdi Fleifel, depicting the struggles of a Palestinian refugee in Athens.
- ‘Viet and Nam’ by Trương Minh Quý, a poignant tale of young miners in Vietnam.
- ‘The Village Next to Paradise’ by Mo Harawe, highlighting a family’s challenges in Somalia.
- ‘Wild Diamond’ by Agathe Riedinger, focusing on a young woman’s quest for stardom in southern France.
The “Widescreen” strand features:
- ‘Black Dog’ by Hu Guan, exploring the bond between a man and a stray dog in China.
- ‘The Seed of the Sacred Fig’ by Mohammad Rasoulof, set amidst the Women, Life, Freedom protests in Iran.
Celebrating New Zealand Filmmaking
NZIFF 2024 proudly presents the “Māhutonga” strand, showcasing 12 full-length features and 19 shorts from New Zealand filmmakers. Curated by Mr Bertolin and Head of Programming Michael McDonnell, with shorts selected by Leo Koziol, Craig Fasi, and guest selector Gerard Johnstone, the Māhutonga strand highlights the diverse storytelling and rich talent within Aotearoa.
Mr Bertolin reflects, “Aotearoa cinema has reached a defining crossroad. The twelve features and four combined programmes of shorts in Māhutonga reflect the diversity and wealth of subjects and styles in local storytelling. With their films, New Zealand filmmakers provide a vibrant kaleidoscope that enables audiences to look at the past and the present through distinctive perspectives.”
“In this selection, our audiences will discover films that are entertaining, thought-provoking, and deeply affecting. Most of all, they will find a space for conversation and exchange on the beauty and complexity of life in Aotearoa. It is our privilege to provide a platform for these inspired and inspiring filmmakers to meet our audience in the communal experience of cinema.”
Aotearoa Film Focus Weekend
New Zealand film will also be celebrated at a special Aotearoa Film Focus weekend, presented by the University of Auckland Faculty of Arts, from August 15, 2024- August 18, 2024 at Auckland’s ASB Waterfront Theatre. Over three days and four nights, audiences can enjoy films, a new exhibition by the New Zealand Cinematography Society – Still Stories, panel discussions, a workshop, a masterclass, filmmaker Question and Answer events, and a gig.
Exclusive to the weekend will be a tribute to iconoclast Garth Maxwell, showcasing “Naughty Little Peeptoe” and the remastered version of his early work “Come with Us.”
Mr Bertolin emphasises, “The aim of our Aotearoa Film Focus weekend is to give a full spotlight on the vivid resurgence of local cinema, thanks to an exciting new generation of filmmakers, but also through the work of more established directors. We wish to engage audiences, especially young people, with New Zealand cinema, creating a dialogue that goes beyond the sheer screening of films. And we hope that this connection will last beyond the festival, truly benefiting both filmmakers and audiences.”
Festival Schedule and Ticket Information
NZIFF 2024 kicks off in Wellington on July 31, 2024 and will tour nine other centres across New Zealand until September 4, 2024.
- Wellington: The Embassy, Roxy Cinema, and Light House Cinema Cuba (July 31, 2024 – August 11, 2024)
- Auckland: The Civic, Hollywood Avondale, and ASB Auckland Waterfront Theatre (August 7, 2024 – August 18, 2024)
- Dunedin: The Regent Theatre (August 14, 2024 – August 25, 2024)
- Nelson: State Cinemas (August 14, 2024 – August 25, 2024)
- Christchurch: Lumière Cinemas (August 15, 2024 – September 1, 2024)
- Tauranga: Luxe Cinemas (August 15, 2024 – August 28, 2024)
- Napier: MTG Century Theatre (August 21, 2024 – September 1, 2024)
- Hamilton: LIDO Cinema (August 21, 2024 – September 4, 2024)
- New Plymouth: Len Lye Cinema (August 21, 2024 – September 4, 2024)
- Masterton: Regent 3 (August 21, 2024 – September 4, 2024)
Festival-goers can purchase tickets online at www.nziff.co.nz
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
