NZFC has announced the appointment of Esther Cahill-Chiaroni to the role of Development Lead and Morgan Waru (Ngāti Porou) to the role of Exec – Development and Investment.
Esther was Executive Director at Script to Screen for 8 years where she co-created and directed Big Screen Symposium and a number of high impact programmes, including FilmUp and Story Camp Aotearoa. In 2019 Esther helmed Raupapa Whakaari Series Drama Lab, and programmed the Power of Inclusion Summit for NZ Film Commission and Walt Disney Studios. From 2021-2024 she co-led Te Taumata Toi A-Iwi Creative Leadership Programme, and in 2023 she launched Rupture: a development programme for series writers funded by NZ On Air.
Morgan has worked with Piki Films in development and production since 2017. After having produced Jessica Hansell’s animated television show Aroha Bridge, she produced Baby Done in 2019, 2023 Kiwi hit Red White and Brass, The Mountain in 2024, and We Were Dangerous which is opening the 2024 New Zealand Film Festival after winning the Special Jury Award for Filmmaking at SXSW.
Ainsley Gardiner, NZ Film Commission’s Head of Funding, says “As we focus on a more rigorous development and decision-making process so that filmmakers can focus on the business of making their films, Esther will play a key role in developing the strategies to achieve that. Morgan is a filmmaker with vast experience in development and production. Both have excellent relationships across the local industry and internationally and bring a huge amount of passion and integrity to the process of development and filmmaking.”
Esther says, “It is a privilege to take up this role with Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga New Zealand Film Commission. I am looking forward to working with our community of makers – and am so excited to join Annie, Ainsley and the team in service to this vital kaupapa at a time of change.”
Morgan says “I couldn’t be more excited to be part of this hard-working team. Aotearoa has a wealth of incredible storytellers, and I’m humbled to be joining the Commission’s ambition to bring more outstanding films to the screen.”
Because Morgan enters the organisation as a recently active filmmaker, a robust Conflict of Interest management plan has been put in place, according to policy.
Esther and Morgan start on 12 August with a pōwhiri for new staff on 13 August.
Photo by Evie McKay 2024.
