ShowNews

AKL South African Short Film Night
2025-07-15 19:00 - 20:30 (Pacific/Auckland) | The Capitol Cinema, 610 Dominion Road, Auckland
Discover the creativity and passion of top South African filmmakers with this vibrant collection of shorts. Be inspired by an incredible true story. Meet curious children and befriend a disgruntled neighbour. Travel with us to South Africa, and worlds beyond from the comfort of your local cinema.
Thank you to Andrea Voges and Helene Naicker of Durban International Film Festival who assisted with the programming of this collection.
The five South African short films are:
Punter, a drama about a boy and his gambling addict dad, directed by Jason Adam Maselle
Catch My Baby, a documentary about an incident during the Durban Riots, directed by Luyanda Ngcobo
Redreaming, a sci-fi about an AI that takes on physical form, directed by Alessandro Gueli
The Other Side, a sci-fi about a woman being pursued who is transported to another dimension, directed by John DeVries
Noise and Neighbours, a drama about a little girl and her grumpy upstairs neighbour becoming friends, directed by Liza Ludick
Language: English
Total run time: 70 minutes
Rating: M Violence, offensive language & content that may disturb

Christchurch Doc Edge Festival 2025
2025-07-16 - 2025-07-27 | Lumiere Cinemas, 26 Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Central City, 8013, New Zealand
Doc Edge Festival 2025 – Life Unscripted
Celebrating 20 Years of Documentary Excellence
Doc Edge, New Zealand’s national documentary organisation, marks its 20th anniversary with an exciting festival from 25 June – 24 August 2025.
As an Oscar®-qualifying festival, Doc Edge is a global platform for bold, diverse, and impactful storytelling — featuring films, immersive experiences, industry events, and more.
📍 Festival Dates & Location:
Christchurch: 16 – 27 July
Lumiere Cinemas
Tūranga
Christchurch Art Gallery
University of Canterbury
Virtual Cinema (Nationwide): 28 July – 24 August
✨ Festival Highlights:
– A curated selection of local & international documentaries
– Doc Edge Awards honouring excellence in storytelling
– Schools Programme for Year 5 to tertiary students
– Immersive Exhibition showcasing cutting-edge digital work
– Industry Events: Forum, Pitch – Wayfinding, and Market (Auckland only)
This milestone year also celebrates the filmmakers, audiences, and partners who have shaped Doc Edge into a cultural cornerstone for Aotearoa and the Asia Pacific region.
Join us in person or online for a powerful journey through documentary — connecting, reflecting, and celebrating the stories that matter.
https://docedge.nz/festival-2025/
#docedge #lifeunscripted

Wellington Doc Edge Festival 2025
2025-07-16 - 2025-07-27 | The Roxy Cinema, 5 Park Road, Miramar, Wellington, 6022
Doc Edge Festival 2025 – Life Unscripted
Celebrating 20 Years of Documentary Excellence
Doc Edge, New Zealand’s national documentary organisation, marks its 20th anniversary with an exciting festival from 25 June – 24 August 2025.
As an Oscar®-qualifying festival, Doc Edge is a global platform for bold, diverse, and impactful storytelling — featuring films, immersive experiences, industry events, and more.
📍 Festival Dates & Location:
Wellington: 16 – 27 July
The Roxy Cinema
Virtual Cinema (Nationwide): 28 July – 24 August
✨ Festival Highlights:
– A curated selection of local & international documentaries
– Doc Edge Awards honouring excellence in storytelling
– Schools Programme for Year 5 to tertiary students
– Immersive Exhibition showcasing cutting-edge digital work
– Industry Events: Forum, Pitch – Wayfinding, and Market (Auckland only)
This milestone year also celebrates the filmmakers, audiences, and partners who have shaped Doc Edge into a cultural cornerstone for Aotearoa and the Asia Pacific region.
Join us in person or online for a powerful journey through documentary — connecting, reflecting, and celebrating the stories that matter.
https://docedge.nz/festival-2025/
#docedge #lifeunscripted

WLG South African Short Film Night
2025-07-16 19:00 - 20:30 | Southern Cross Garden Bar, 39 Abel Smith Street, Wellington, 6011

Outrageous Fortune – In Conversation with the Creators: Rachel Lang & James Griffin
2025-07-18 18:00 - 20:30 | Kōmanawa Theatre – Te Puna Creative Hub, 8/14 Henderson Valley Road, Te Kōpua Henderson, Auckland
Celebrate 20 Years of Outrageous Fortune – With Its Creators!
Before Cheryl ruled the family and Van stole our hearts, two brilliant minds brought the Wests to life:
Rachel Lang & James Griffin.
Join us for a one-night-only live conversation as the writer’s share behind-the-scenes stories, iconic clips from the show, wild moments, and the writing magic that made Outrageous Fortune a cultural phenomenon.
Whether you’re a diehard fan, a writer, or just love great Kiwi TV – this night’s for you.
Join us in the heart of West Auckland at the Kōmanawa Theatre, Te Puna Creative Hub, Henderson.
Details:
🗓️ Friday 18 July 2025
🕕 Doors open 6pm – drinks and nibbles included in your ticket price
🎤 6.30pm–8.30pm – In conversation with Rachel & James
📍 Kōmanawa Theatre – Te Puna Creative Hub, 8/14 Henderson Valley Road, Te Kōpua Henderson, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
👗 Prize for Best Dressed… bring out your best leopard print & mullet!
Tickets:
🎟️ $20 – NZWG Members
🎟️ $30 – General Admission
🔞 18+ Event | Open to the Public
Spots are limited, book now to avoid heartbreak!

Panel: Working with AI - the good, bad and ugly for writers
2025-07-19 16:00 - 18:30 | Toi Tu Studio One – Ponsonby, 1 Ponsonby Road, Auckland, 1021, New Zealand
A fascinating, informative panel discussion about the good, bad and ugly of working with AI.
AI offers many exciting opportunities for speed, creativity and enhanced productivity but it also introduces tricky questions around copyright, ownership, and collaboration that writers need to understand.
Whether you embrace it or reject it, or just find it perplexing, AI isn’t going anywhere anytime soon and there is a lot to unpack. Does it offer exciting choices for writers or is it something we should shun outright? And what are creative industries doing to future proof themselves?
Join facilitator Kathryn Burnett, NZ Writers Guild Executive Director, Alice Shearman, Novelist & Copywriter Scott Butler at Saturday 19th July to dig into the good, bad and ugly of working with AI. Followed by networking drinks.

Writefest 2025
2025-07-20 | Toi Tu Studio One – Ponsonby, 1 Ponsonby Road, Auckland, 1021, New Zealand
Hey Writer, looking to improve your craft, learn new skills, shift the dial or just connect with a writing community?
This event is so for you.
Writefest annually brings an amazing group of tutors and wordsmiths together under one roof to inspire and teach you a broad range of writing skills over one creatively stimulating day AND this year we’re opening Writefest on Saturday night with a panel and networking drinks – DOORS OPEN 4.00pm 19th July.
Our Hot Topic: Working with A.I – the good, bad and ugly.
All of the Writefest tutors are successful, working writers so this is a great opportunity to learn, upskill and get inspired by the best whether you’re brand new or you’ve been writing for a while.
8 WORKSHOPS, 6 TUTORS , 3 COFFEE BREAKS OVER ONE AWESOME DAY.

ShowNews Academy - The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964)
2025-07-22 20:00 - 22:00 | Academy Cinema, 44 Lorne St, Auckland, New Zealand
Directed by Jacques Demy
Starring Catherine Deneuve, Anne Vernon, Nino Castelnuovo, Marc Michel
Each month ShowNews presents a film at Academy Cinemas picked by a special film industry guest. For July, the chosen film is Jacque Demy’s musical masterpiece THE UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG, chosen by Geoff Fiebig who works in the Art Department!
Happy Hour drinks from 7:00pm.
Screening 8:15pm.
The angelically beautiful Catherine Deneuve was launched to stardom by this dazzling musical heart-tugger from Jacques Demy. She plays an umbrella-shop owner’s delicate daughter, glowing with first love for a handsome garage mechanic, played by Nino Castelnuovo. When the boy is shipped off to fight in Algeria, the two lovers must grow up quickly.
Exquisitely designed in a kaleidoscope of colors, and told entirely through lilting songs by the great composer Michel Legrand, THE UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG is one of the most revered and unorthodox movie musicals of all time.

NZ International Film Festival
2025-07-31 - 2025-08-10
The Biggest Films of 2025 — Your city’s biggest film event is here — sessions are filling. Book your picks today. See the best films of 2025 right here in Auckland. Tickets selling fast — book now.

MIFF - 37° South Market
2025-08-07 08:00 - 2025-08-10 17:00 | Melbourne
A selective event for producers to pitch their script-stage screen projects to potential financiers.
MIFF 37°South Market also includes screenings for buyers, modules for publishers and IP owners pitching their manuscripts/creative assets to producers for potential screen adaptations, writers pitching their screenplays to producers, and panel discussions.
MIFF 37ºSouth Market is the exclusive South Pacific partner of London’s Production Finance Market (PFM).

NZCS 2025 AGM and Catch Up
2025-08-12 18:00 - 20:00 | Horse & Trap, 3 Enfield Street, Mount Eden, Auckland
This is your chance to be heard, make a difference, and help shape the future of our Society.
Over the past year, we’ve been busy – hosting well-attended events, processing LONO and accreditation applications, running workshops, supporting internships, and preparing for the 8th NZCS Awards. Behind the scenes, we’ve also been building a new cinematic-look website. But we’re just getting started, and we need your voice to keep moving forward.
Your support and participation in this year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) is essential as we continue to grow, evolve, and deliver on the needs of our members.
All NZCS members are warmly invited to attend. Come ask questions, share ideas, nominate someone for our committee, or even put your own name forward!
To thank you for your time and engagement, we’ll be shouting drinks and warm kai. It’s also a great chance to reconnect with your peers in a relaxed setting.
Registration is optional, yet we kindly ask that you do so in order to aid with planning. If you are not attending you may register your apologies and/or appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf. Simply follow the registration process and fill in the relevant fields.

From Warships to Dinosaurs: VFX Prep with Shelly Johnson ASC
2025-08-23 14:00 - 17:00 | Metrofilm, Unit 1/43A Linwood Avenue, Mount Albert,, Auckland, 1025
From the tense confines of a WWII destroyer’s bridge to the thunderous world of dinosaurs, Shelly Johnson ASC has navigated some of cinema’s most complex VFX challenges.
Join him in Auckland on Saturday 23 August for a behind-the-scenes look at how meticulous preparation, inventive lighting, and seamless collaboration bring large-scale visual effects to life. Shelly will share stories and insights from Greyhound, Jurassic Park III, Captain America: The First Avenger, and more.
We thank Shelly for making the trip from Wellington, where he is currently doing Mo-Cap and V-Cam work in preparation for sequences from Greyhound 2 at WETA, to spend the afternoon sharing his knowledge with the NZCS community.
This relaxed, show-and-tell style session will cover how thorough prep shapes both the creative and technical approach to a VFX shoot.
WHEN: Saturday 23 August. Doors open 2 PM for drinks and pizza. Presentation starts 3 PM sharp.
WHERE: Metro Film, Unit 1/43A Linwood Avenue, Mount Albert, Auckland 1025
Free for NZCS members | $40 for non-members
Attendance limited to 50 places — reserve your seat now.

African Film Festival
2025-09-18 - 2025-09-28 | The Capitol Cinema, 610 Dominion Road, Auckland
AFFNZ is a charitable trust bringing the best of African cinema to New Zealand. Dedicated to advancing an enhanced understanding of African cultures through film and increasing visibility and recognition for African filmmakers in New Zealand.
Celebrating 10 years of African cinema at The Capitol

New Zealand Game Developers Conference
2025-09-25 - 2025-09-27 | Tākina Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre, 50 Cable St, Wellington
The NZGDC, is an annual conference that brings together industry professionals, students, and enthusiasts to share knowledge, network, and celebrate the best of New Zealand game development.
The conference features keynote speeches from international and local industry experts, panels and workshops on topics such as game design, programming, and business development, as well as a showcase of new and innovative games from New Zealand developers.
The NZGDA also provides resources and support to its members, including access to other industry events, networking opportunities and benefits and resources. Through its efforts, the NZGDA aims to foster a thriving and sustainable game development community in Aotearoa.

Industry Gathering in Memory of John Barnett
2025-09-28 15:00 - 20:00 | Longroom, 114 Ponsonby Road, Auckland

ShowNews Academy - Eraserhead
2025-09-30 19:30 - 22:30 | Academy Cinema, 44 Lorne St, Auckland, New Zealand
Directed by David Lynch
Starring Jack Nance, Allen Joseph, Charlotte Steward, Jack Fisk, Jeanne Bates, Laurel Near
Each month ShowNews presents a film at Academy Cinemas picked by a special film industry guest. For September, the chosen film is David Lynch’s haunting masterpiece ERASERHEAD, chosen by director James Fink-Jensen!
“Henry Spencer tries to survive his industrial environment, his angry girlfriend, and the unbearable screams of his newly born mutant child.”

SXSW Sydney
2025-10-13 - 2025-10-19
SXSW Sydney brings together professionals from business, tech, government, health, marketing, creative industries and more for seven days of ideas, innovation and inspiration.
At its heart, the Conference offers 550+ sessions including keynotes, panels, workshops, and conversations to help you uncover emerging trends, challenge your thinking, and gain practical insights.
But SXSW Sydney is more than a conference. The city comes alive with parties, 300+ live music gigs, 120+ indie games and 95 film screenings, creating the perfect backdrop to forge new friendships, spark collaborations and keep the conversations flowing.

The New Zealand Cinematographer Awards 2025
2025-10-18 08:00 - 17:00
The 8th New Zealand Cinematographer Awards shines a spotlight on the craft, creativity, and talent behind the wide ranging and world-class cinematography in Aotearoa.
This year you will see more opportunities to cinematographers at all stages of their careers with an extended AL Guildford Awards for emerging cinematographers. With each entrant limited to one award per category the podium is further opened to a wider range of cinematographers.

Lighting through the Lighting Board
2025-10-18 12:30 - 17:00 | Pullman Hotel, Meeting room 2, Auckland
NZCS and Xytech Group invite you to an afternoon in Auckland exploring ‘Lighting through the Lighting Board’ with DP Richard Bluck NZCS, Gaffer Giles Coburn, and Lighting Console Operator Abby Clearwater.
This session is designed to give cinematographers and crew working on productions of all scales valuable insight into this evolving space, focusing on how lighting board workflows can streamline time on set and be integrated into future projects.
The panel will delve into how productions can harness the power of lighting control systems to achieve creative vision, optimise workflows, and secure budget support for the process. Richard, Giles, and Abby will share their experiences across high-profile projects, examining both the advantages and challenges of integrating a lighting board into modern production.
Expect discussion around:
Practical strategies to plan and manage lighting board workflows on set.
How to communicate the creative and budget benefits of a lighting board to production.
Pitfalls to avoid when adopting this approach.
Real-world insights from recent projects, supported by stills, clips, and lighting setups.
RSVP required. Free for NZCS Members. Non-members $45.
If you’re not yet a member, now is the perfect time to join NZCS and gain access to this event and many more at no cost. Learn more about joining here.
When: Saturday 18th October 2025, 12:30 PM
Where: Meeting Room 2, Pullman Hotel, Auckland

NZ Production Designers Muster 2025
2025-10-18 17:00 - 23:30 | AUT School of Art & Design, 40 Pauls St, Auckland
‘Production Designers translate scripted words into visual reality to build cinematic worlds’
Under the auspices of the International Production Designers Collective and as part of its International Production Design Week, New Zealand film and commercial Production Designers, Art Directors, Set Decorators and Props Masters will come together for their bi-annual gathering in Auckland on October 18th.
This will serve to celebrate and publicise the amazing professions that we work in and the variety of productions operating here in Aotearoa.
It’s rare that our profession assembles in one place and this sharing of recent experiences, technological innovations, current standards and future expectations of our industry are highly topical in these turbulent times. We will have four speakers representing a variety of levels within the profession each of whom will illuminate their specific viewpoint.
Held in association with AUT we will be gathering on their campus and sharing the event by inviting post-graduate students interested in joining the industry.

Sennheiser Spectera & Merging Technologies Hands-On Showcase
2025-10-22 18:00 - 21:00 | The Oakroom, Auckland, 17 Drake Street, Auckland, 1010
Do you have an unwavering curiosity to increase your knowledge of Audio over IP? A niggling itch to hone your understanding via the latest trends, witness pioneering tech including interfaces and software solutions?
Or, do you have interest in the latest in bidirectional RF technology and how it can be applied to your current and future audio workflows?
Well, Broadtech in partnership with the Sennheiser Group has curated one single event to fulfill these desires!
Join Sennheiser ANZ Technical Applications Engineer, Brock Whitton as he delivers you the most up-to-date and groundbreaking tech in a hands on interactive arena.
We will have Exclusive Giveways, Exclusive Offers, and both Broadtech and Sennheiser experts on hand to give you the most hands-on experience of Spectera and Merging Technologies in New Zealand!

ShowNews Academy – The Naked Kiss
2025-10-28 20:00 - 22:00 | Academy Cinema, 44 Lorne St, Auckland, New Zealand
Each month ShowNews presents a film at Academy Cinemas picked by a special film industry guest. For October, the chosen film is Samuel Fuller’s classic THE NAKED KISS!
“A former prostitute works to create a new life for herself in a small town, but a shocking discovery could threaten everything.”
This month our guest is Geoff Fiebig from the Art Department

TEQ Talks Auckland
2025-10-30 18:00 - 21:00 | Media Design School, 10 Madden St, Auckland
Don’t miss TEQ Talks Auckland, our next big night for creatives working in VFX, animation, and storytelling!
Join us Thursday 30 October from 6pm at Media Design School for drinks, networking, and three sharp talks from industry leaders pushing boundaries in Aotearoa and beyond.
Speakers
Alexander Moruo, Filmmaker
Talk: Through Snow and Spirit – Crafting Winter Stories
Discover how Alex creates richly layered animated worlds blending culture, design, and snow-drenched storytelling.
Hweiling Ow, Filmmaker
Talk: The Accidental Horror Maker
From not watching horror to becoming one of NZ’s boldest horror voices — Hweiling shares how contradiction fuels creativity.
Amanda Davison, Executive VFX Producer
Talk: People Over Pixels: A Producer’s Path Through Visual Effects
Hear why people skills matter most in VFX from one of the country’s leading producers.
Doors open for networking and drinks at 6:00pm | Talks begin at 7:00pm | After-party from 9:00pm at The Blue Frog (next door)
Drinks and nibbles at MDS. After-party at The Blue Frog next door.
Free for VFXG, VES, and MDS members. $10–$20 for others.
Brought to you by:
VES NZ | Media Design School | VFX Professionals Guild | St Leonards Brewery

American Film Market
2025-11-11 - 2025-11-16 | Los Angeles
Every November, the entire global film industry converges for the American Film Market.
AFM is the premier film acquisition, development and networking event where more than $1 Billion in distribution and film financing deals are closed each year on completed films and those in every stage of development. More business-oriented than any other motion picture event, thousands of professionals from all corners of our industry come together at AFM to develop, showcase, discover, finance and license 1000s of independent films and projects destined for the world’s audiences.
At AFM, participants can also attend The AFM Sessions – 30+ world class conferences and panels, and connect with the independent film community’s decision makers, all in one convenient location.
AFM is the only sales market produced by the Independents for our industry.

Ngā Aho Whakaari AGM
2025-11-25 17:30 - 20:00 | The Bank, Cnr of Tūārangi Road & Great North Road, Grey Lynn., Auckland
Join us at our Annual General Meeting either in person or online. Following the AGM, join us for kai and whakawhanaungatanga!
Kei aku nui, kei aku rahi, kei aku whakatamarahi ki te rangi, nei rā te reo mihi a Ngā Aho Whakaari e pari atu nei ki te tai whakarunga, ki te tai whakararo, ki ngā paringa tai tangata huri i te motu, tēnā koutou katoa.
Kaua e rangiruatia te hāpai o te hoe; e kore tō tātou waka e ū ki uta!
Date: Thursday 27th November, 5:30pm.
Location: The Bank, Cnr of Tūārangi Road & Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland.
Online: AGM link will be sent to all RSVP’d members closer to the date.

ShowNews Academy - Mood Indigo
2025-11-25 20:00 - 22:00 | Academy Cinema, 44 Lorne St, Auckland, New Zealand
Directed by Michel Gondry
Starring Romain Duris, Omar Sy, Audrey Tautou
Each month ShowNews presents a film at Academy Cinemas picked by a special film industry guest. For November, the chosen film is Michel Gondry’s epic romance MOOD INDIGO!
Wealthy, inventive bachelor Colin endeavors to find a cure for his lover Chloe after she’s diagnosed with an unusual illness caused by a flower growing in her lungs.

Combined Guilds Xmas Party CHRISTCHURCH
2025-12-09 17:00 - 21:00 | Dux Central, 144 Lichfield Street, Christchurch
It’s been another interesting year for Aotearoa’s screen industry, now it’s time to reflect, raise a glass, and celebrate together!
Join the writers, directors, editors, actors, stunties, crew, producers, postproduction and VFX magicians and all the screen creators who keep the cameras rolling and the stories flowing.
The Combined Guilds Xmas Parties are your chance to reconnect with old friends, meet new collaborators, and enjoy a well-earned festive catch-up with good people who get it.
What’s included:
Your $10 ticket covers a bar tab and snacks
A warm, welcoming mix of industry whānau across all screen guilds
The perfect chance to unwind, swap stories, and toast to another creative year
Whether you’ve been on set, in post, behind the scenes, or in front of the camera, come celebrate the people who make Aotearoa’s screen industry what it is, one big circus family.

Combined Guilds Xmas Party AUCKLAND
2025-12-11 18:00 - 22:00 | Longroom, 114 Ponsonby Road, Auckland
It’s been another interesting year for Aotearoa’s screen industry, now it’s time to reflect, raise a glass, and celebrate together!
Join the writers, directors, editors, actors, stunties, crew, producers, postproduction and VFX magicians and all the screen creators who keep the cameras rolling and the stories flowing.
The Combined Guilds Xmas Parties are your chance to reconnect with old friends, meet new collaborators, and enjoy a well-earned festive catch-up with good people who get it.
What’s included:
Your $10 ticket covers a bar tab and snacks
A warm, welcoming mix of industry whānau across all screen guilds
The perfect chance to unwind, swap stories, and toast to another creative year
Whether you’ve been on set, in post, behind the scenes, or in front of the camera, come celebrate the people who make Aotearoa’s screen industry what it is, one big circus family.
Tickets: $10 per person – includes bar tab + snacks
Dress code: Come as you are (festive flair welcome!)

Doc Edge Festival 2026 - Regular Submission Deadline
2025-12-15
NZ filmmakers — submissions for Doc Edge Festival 2026 are now open!
Doc Edge invites Aotearoa’s documentary community to submit films for the 21st edition of the festival. They are looking for powerful New Zealand stories across shorts and features, as well as immersive, from emerging voices to established creatives working in the factual and hybrid space.
Selected films will screen as part of New Zealand’s Oscar®-qualifying documentary festival, and top local awards include major cash prizes and Oscar® consideration for 2027.
🏆 Best NZ Feature: $10,000 cash prize + Oscar® consideration
🏆 Best NZ Short: $2,500 cash prize + Oscar® consideration
Submissions via FilmFreeway.
📅 Regular deadline: 15 December 2025
📅 Late deadline: 31 January 2026
Be part of Aotearoa’s leading documentary platform and showcase your work to local and international audiences.

Combined Guilds Xmas Party WELLINGTON
2025-12-18 18:00 - 22:00 | Southern Cross Garden Bar, 39 Abel Smith Street, Wellington, 6011
