This wacky and heartfelt comedy, from popular French standup Artus, follows two criminals on the lam who lay low at a summer camp for young adults with disabilities. A runaway hit at the French box office last year.

A long overdue documentary tribute to one of nation’s best loved songwriters, charting Don McGlashan’s storied career from arty punk upstart to one of the strongest voices in the chorus of Aotearoa’s national identity.

A washed-up songwriter drowns his sorrows as his former collaborator triumphantly opens Oklahoma! on Broadway. A career-peak performance by Ethan Hawke powers Richard Linklater’s theatrical drama.

After searching for her estranged father online, a people-pleasing young woman unexpectedly forms a close bond with a grieving, childless man with the same name as her father on Facebook. Inspired by a true story.

Set amongst the rugged countryside of Western Ireland, Christopher Abbot (Poor Things) and Barry Keoghan (Saltburn) deliver standout performances in a thriller that is as shocking as the landscape is serene.

A woman navigates the experience of motherhood as a deaf person in a hearing world in Eva Libertad’s crowd-pleasing, feel-good drama which collected the Panaroma Audience Award at Berlin this year.

Ahmet stumbles upon a forest rave at the edge of his local village, where he finds the escape he’s been desperately seeking in Georgi M. Unkovski’s loveable debut, the first ever Macedonian film to be awarded at Sundance.

A teenage girl recounts her crush for her teacher through the pages of a memoir. The winner of the Golden Bear 2025 is a lucid and tender chronicle of the unforgettable experience of first love.

When a murder shatters the fragile order of a town on lockdown in the summer of 2020, residents turn violently on each other as Sheriff Joe Cross (Joaquin Phoenix) and Mayor Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal) face off in a battle that threatens to rip the town apart. Brought to life by a powerhouse ensemble cast (Emma Stone, Austin Butler) and with filmmaker Ari Aster at the helm, EDDINGTON is a culture-shaking event film – provocative, urgent, and impossible to ignore – that unpacks the forces that led to where we are today. Described as a must-see cinematic lightning bolt, EDDINGTON is only in cinemas August 21.

Magical, lyrical and deeply romantic, Niall Williams' Four Letters of Love moved readers the world over and became an international bestseller. Now a feature film starring Pierce Brosnan, Helena Bonham Carter and Gabriel Byrne, Four Letters of Love is a life-affirming tribute to human folly, to fate, love and destiny. Nicholas and Isabel are soulmates bound by destiny, yet unaware of their fate. As ghosts, magic, and the power of true love pull them together, life itself conspires to keep them apart. A glorious, uplifting story of faith, seizing the moment, and trusting your instincts, this sweeping cinematic journey celebrates the courage to follow your heart—no matter the odds. Four Letters of Love is a life-affirming tribute to human folly, to fate, to miracles, love and destiny.

Suburban dad Craig falls hard for his charismatic new neighbor, but Craig’s attempts to make an adult male friend threaten to ruin both of their lives.

A portrait of one of Aotearoa’s greatest living artists by one of our greatest documentary filmmakers. You should expect something special, and that’s what you get.

Opening Night Film - Drinks and Canapes from 6.15pm Screening follows from 7 pm A masterpiece of cinematic invention and political bravery, Jafar Panahi’s rousing new film deservedly won the Cannes Palme d’Or and opens NZIFF 2025 on a powerful and inspiring note.

KOKA is a powerful relationship drama following Maori elder Hamo (Hinetu Dell) and local delinquent Jo (Darneen Christian) who form an unlikely bond on a road trip in a Ford Falcon. Together they confront past traumas and each face their demons, their shared path becomes a journey of healing, community, and reconciliation.

Plunging through the corridors of a surgical ward, this frantic Swiss drama charts the pulse-racing worklife of an overstretched, underappreciated nursing professional.

Produced by the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and Belmont Productions, Master of Motion celebrates the life and work of Len Lye and his longstanding relationship with Aotearoa, Taranaki and the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery. Alongside vintage footage of the artist and interviews with experts in hi art, Master of Motion includes a wealth of recently uncovered archival materials telling the Len Lye’s story in his own voice. The new 30 minute documentary introduces audiences to the Len Lye story, showcasing his visionary work in film and sculpture, his monumental ambitions for his work beyond his own life and his legacy in the Len Lye Centre.

Set in a gay-laxy far, far away this crowd pleasing and proudly queer Aussie adult animation delights with its vivid, candy-coloured palette, kinky sense of humour and catchy, upbeat musical numbers.

What is love? Through the stories of a straight woman and a gay man, Haugerud defies conventions with humor and compassion, in an eloquent and moving masterwork on human relations in the 21st century.

In the wake of a traumatic incident, a young woman forms a surrogate mother-daughter relationship with her rescuer. As emotional walls come down, doubts arise: is there more to the care offered than simple kindness?

Returning from the Aotearoa French Film Festival 2025 France. End of the 19th century. Louise Violet, a Parisian teacher, is sent on a mission to the French countryside. She has to impose the free, compulsory and secular school of the Republic.

When satirist John Clarke died in 2017, the world mourned an icon. A defining comedic voice who wrote and appeared in numerous films and TV productions, and who – in a beloved double act with Bryan Dawe – skewered political hypocrisy for almost 30 years on current affairs shows, he gave away very little about his own life. At home, by contrast, he was an open book. In a remarkable series of recorded conversations between John and his daughter, writer/director Lorin Clarke, he traces his steadfast resistance to authority back to his childhood and offers delightful insights into his four decades in the entertainment industry. Weaving together personal anecdotes, a rich television archive, tales from international comedy greats and riches from more than 200 boxes of Clarke’s work and letters, this MIFF Premiere Fund–supported documentary is a deeply personal insight into a legend of the antipodean screen, and a tribute to the disruptive power of creativity.

This immersive portrait of the time John and Yoko spent living in Greenwich Village is a vivid time capsule of America in the early 70s. A time of extreme political polarisation which may seem uncannily familiar.

Raoul Peck, the acclaimed documentary chronicler of power in America, looks to George Orwell’s writing of 1984 as a prescient guide to our modern era of Trumpian rule and reality manipulation.

Matthias is a master of his profession. Do you need a 'cultured boyfriend' to impress your friends? A 'perfect son' to influence your business partners' opinion of you? Or maybe just a sparring partner to rehearse an argument? Whatever it is, just rent Matthias. While he excels at pretending to be someone else every day, just being himself is the real challenge.

Pitchblack Playback: Joy Division 'Closer' (45th Anniversary) *Please arrive by event start time as latecomers will not be admitted and refunds will not be offered* Immerse yourself in Joy Division's brooding classic 'Closer' at Pitchblack Playback's listening session in the dark, celebrating 45 years of this incredible album.. Hear this immense record played loud in uncompressed audio on our powerful sound system. No distractions; just you and the music. This has been one of the most popular Pitchblack Playback albums of all-time, so don't sleep on tickets. "This sounds great” — Rick Rubin "A fabulous idea" — Jay Kay, Jamiroquai "The optimal way to listen to an album" — Max Richter "This might just be my favourite new thing to do" — Nihal, BBC Radio 5 Live Ticket includes Pitchblack Playback eye mask for extra darkness. As recommended by The Guardian, GQ, Time Out, Metro and Newsweek. 25% of Pitchblack Playback's profits from this event go to Hope Epilepsy, a London-based charity who support families who have children with epilepsy, Duration: 45 minutes

Pitchblack Playback: The Beach Boys 'Pet Sounds (5.1 Mix)' *Please arrive by event start time as latecomers will not be admitted and refunds will not be offered* Immerse yourself in one of the greatest albums of all-time at Pitchblack Playback's listening session in the dark. Hear the stunning 5.1 surround sound mix played loud in uncompressed audio on a powerful cinema sound system, followed by 20 minutes of alternative mixes, bonus tracks and studio acapellas. No distractions; just you and the music. "This sounds great” — Rick Rubin "A fabulous idea" — Jay Kay, Jamiroquai "The optimal way to listen to an album" — Max Richter "This might just be my favourite new thing to do" — Nihal, BBC Radio 5 Live Ticket includes Pitchblack Playback eye mask for extra darkness. As recommended by The Guardian, GQ, Time Out, Metro and Newsweek. 25% of Pitchblack Playback's profits from this event go to Dementia UK. Duration: 57 minutes

The uncharted highs and crashing lows of Jacinda Ardern’s time at the helm of Aotearoa get their due in an intimate-access international documentary about state power and human vulnerability.

One of the standouts of Cannes 2025, Carla Simón’s personal exploration of the restlessness of a young woman without parents is a poignant example of the healing power of cinema.

Joachim Trier’s follow-up to his arthouse hit The Worst Person in the World, this piercing and ecstatically moving reflection on family and memory stars Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, and Elle Fanning.

Returning from last year’s Festival to screen alongside the rest of his Sex Dreams Love trilogy, Dag Johan Haugerud’s comic drama takes a candid and refreshing look at modern gender roles.

What would you do if you won the lottery? Charles answers the age-old question by inviting his favourite former folk duo to his remote island, where the estranged band members prove that some flames never die...

In a future world where senior citizens are banished from society, a rebellious matriarch instead embarks on a fantastic Amazon adventure. Gabriel Mascaro’s film is an ode to life and freedom with no age restrictions.

While covering the news desk in Cairo for a colleague over the Christmas holidays, Australian journalist Peter Greste is arrested and accused of terrorism. He has become a pawn in the middle of a deadly game full of corrupt officials and ancient rivalries. Now the subject of his own worldwide news story, with only his wits and unlikely allies keeping him alive, Greste’s very survival means staring down a brutal regime. THE CORRESPONDENT is a gripping thriller and a compelling true story about the relentless defence of the truth and triumph of the human spirit. Starring Richard Roxburgh as Peter Greste and directed by Kriv Stenders (Red Dog).

A romantic biopic about the world’s first diva. Known as “La Divine”, French actress Sarah Bernhardt left an indelible mark, shattering societal norms thank to her daring personality and performances. This decadent film explores her passionate relationship with actor Lucien Guitry whilst she navigates stardom, wealth, scandals and sickness.

Based on the bestselling novel, writer and teacher Iris (Naomi Watts) finds her comfortable, solitary New York life thrown into disarray after her closest friend and mentor (Bill Murray) bequeaths her his beloved Great Dane, Apollo. The regal yet intractable dog immediately creates practical problems for Iris, from furniture destruction to eviction notices, as well as more existential ones. Yet as Iris finds herself unexpectedly bonding with Apollo, she begins to come to terms with her past, and her own creative inner life in this story of healing, love, and friendship. THE FRIEND stars Academy Award nominees Naomi Watts and Bill Murray, and a 150-pound Great Dane named Bing making his big screen debut.

As beloved Broadway star Lillian Hall (Jessica Lange) pours her heart, soul, and time into preparing for her next big role, she finds herself blindsided by confusion and forgetfulness. Battling against all odds to make it to opening night, while holding on to her fading memories and identity, she must navigate a tumultuous emotional journey -- balancing her desire for the spotlight and the stark demands of the real world.

In a bid to secure his family’s legacy, an international tycoon brings his nun-daughter into his most daring scheme yet in the latest film from legendary filmmaker Wes Anderson - THE PHOENICIAN SCHEME. Benicio del Toro stars as Zsa-zsa Korda, one of the richest men in Europe; Mia Threapleton as Liesl, his daughter/ a nun; Michael Cera as Bjorn, their tutor. Also featuring Riz Ahmed, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Mathieu Amalric, Richard Ayoade, Jeffery Wright, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Rupert Friend and Hope Davis.

A young girl scrambles to prepare a high-stakes birthday cake for a dictator amidst the dangers and deprivations of the Gulf War in this irresistibly scrappy Caméra d'Or-winner from Iraq.

Oh hi Mark! Join us for a special evening inside The Room with GREG SESTERO, Live in Person! The Room has been slaying audiences now for more than 20 years throughout the world with rabid fans called Roomies screaming out lines and tossing plastic spoons in the air. Why? No matter what you’ve already heard, nothing can prepare you for this big-screen experience! Greg's coming to the party with a Q & A after the film screening as well as a meet and greet opportunity! You can also expect a few surprises and teasers for upcoming projects. *Greg Sestero is the New York Times best-selling author of the Oscar - nominated The Disaster Artist and Co-Star of the ultimate cult classic The Room. Greg also recently wrote and produced Best F(r)iends Volume 1 and Volume 2 (Lionsgate) and was recently seen in Netflix's popular gothic-drama mini-series The Haunting of Bly Manor. His directorial/ horror genre debut, Miracle Valley, was released in 2023. It is the first very first film to ever shoot at Frank Lloyd Wright’s world renowned masterpiece Falling Water. His next project is a UFO abduction movie entitled Forbidden Sky.

Confined to a secluded rest home and trapped within his stroke-ridden body, a former Judge must stop an elderly psychopath who employs a child's puppet to abuse the home's residents with deadly consequences.

A progressive teacher brings new methods to a village in Burgos on the eve of the Spanish Civil War, whilst in present day Catalonia a woman searches for answers as to the whereabouts of her great-grandfather’s remains.

A grieving brother finds an unlikely connection at a support group for siblings who have lost a twin, but his burgeoning bromance threatens to turn into something darker in this uncomfortably sharp-witted comedy.

In a mysterious & surreal interzone somewhere between Tehran & Winnipeg, the lives of multiple characters interweave with each other in surprising & mysterious ways. Gradeschoolers Negin & Nazgol find a sum of money frozen in the winter ice & try to claim it. Meanwhile, Massoud leads a group of increasingly-befuddled tourists through the monuments & historic sites of Winnipeg. Matthew quits his meaningless job in a Québecois government office and sets out upon an enigmatic journey to visit his mother.

Seven women reflect on the emotional cataclysm of World War II in Dame Gaylene Preston’s landmark contribution to the collective memory of Aotearoa, which has lost none of its raw power on its 30th anniversary.

An unsettling, sinister slow-burn thriller, Samuel Van Grinsven unites rising star Dacre Montgomery with Phantom Thread’s Vicky Krieps and New Zealand’s own Sarah Peirse for a supernatural chiller like no other.

Panic around a new digital Big Brother era underpins a clever, absurdist send-up of bourgeois hypocrisy, as a married couple are put on the spot by their daughter’s all-pervasive telepathy.

When Fall is Coming is an evocative drama-thriller from the acclaimed director François Ozon (In The House, Frantz, Swimming Pool). The film follows loving grandmother Michelle (Hélène Vincent, The Extraordinary) who enjoys her peaceful retirement in a small village in Burgundy. When her terse daughter Valérie (Ludivine Sagnier, Swimming Pool) drops off grandson Lucas for the school holidays, nothing goes to plan.

Lucy and Tom are best mates running a tiny, broke theatre. When an accident forces them to shut down and Tom threatens to leave, Lucy realises she would do anything to save the theatre and keep her friend… who she might be in love with.

The Dardenne brothers return with a deeply affecting drama exploring the lives of five teen mothers. Hopes and fears steer the young women towards bettering their lives for themselves and their children.