BSS has named five more presenters, one Hawai’ian and four more locals.
Hawaiian screenwriter Thomas Paʻa Sibbett will reflect on the journey that led to Chief of War, tracing the experiences, influences and convictions that shaped his narrative practice. From an early determination to champion Kanaka Maoli perspectives to co-creating a sweeping historical epic for a global platform, Sibbett discusses the opportunities and responsibilities of bringing culturally grounded narratives and revered historical figures to the screen.
In a session titled Independent Together, local filmmakers Daniel Betty (What Lies Between), Matt Hicks (The Tavern), Tom Levesque and Eva Treblico (, Notes From A Fish), will talk about working outside traditional funding pathways and what it takes to get a feature made independently.
From alternative financing models and crowdfunding to pooling personal resources, skills and networks, they share how constraint can become a creative driver, and how collective momentum can carry a project from idea to completion. In the tradition of Aotearoa’s No. 8 wire mentality, the conversation examines the practical and creative trade-offs of working independently.
BSS 2026 runs 3 & 4 July, in Auckland. Tix are now available.
