TBC
Find out why China's movie industry is experiencing an unprecedented boom. The talent and creativity of their filmmakers shines with these six short films. The stories touch on the ties between grandparents and their grandchildren, the importance of protecting our literary heritage, and our connection with nature. Journey from the fields to the highest learning institutes, back to ancient China and forward into the technological future. The stories include comedy, animation, drama, science fiction and fantasy. There is something for everyone in this collection, which is bound to inspire. We’re also playing a Chinese-New Zealander film which won multiple awards last year at our festival, Lǎo Lao Lǎo Le. Lǎo Lao Lǎo Le follows a young boy left home alone with his increasingly unwell grandmother and he’s forced to come to terms with her deterioration. Xiaohui and His Cows - When a boy's grandfather plans to sell his much loved calf, he tries every possible way to hide it in the mountains. 秋实 (Harvest) - A grasshopper diligently stores enough food for the autumn, facing threats from predators and teasing from companions. 风月变 (Butterflied Lover) - A husband and wife agree to spend New Year's Eve together, but a "soul transformation" riot breaks out in the city, which triggers a series of stories. 块石头 (A Piece of Stone) - The film imagines university life and education in the era of AI and expresses the theme of "the world is changing, but the inheritance of ideas remains unchanged at Peking University." 大妈的世界 (The World of Aunts) - Two retired aunts, physically old but mentally young, entered a university for Seniors to keep up with the pace of society.
Exempt
Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre and the British Council New Zealand and the Pacific are delighted to host a special screening of Five Films For Freedom, the world's widest-reaching LGBTQIA+ online celebration. A partnership between the British Council and BFI Flare, London’s LGBTIQ+ film festival, Five Films For Freedom makes five LGBTIQ+ short films available to watch online for free anywhere in the world. Running annually since 2015, Five Films For Freedom has received more than 23 million views in over 200 countries. Through the British Council’s global network in more than 100 countries, people everywhere are encouraged to watch and share the films from 13-24 March 2024 in solidarity with LGBTIQ+ communities in places where freedom and equal rights are limited. Join us alongside Pride Taranaki as we celebrate with this year's selection of heartwarming and personal stories from India, the Philippines, Spain, the USA and the UK. The screening will begin at 3pm, followed by a panel discussion and Q & A with members of Pride Taranaki and friends.
MAdult themes
Across the divides of rich and poor, Muslim and Christian, north and south, light-skinned and dark, Mona and Julia become friends.. Two women forge an unusual friendship across devastating divides in an engrossing Sudanese drama. Wracked by guilt after covering up a murder, Mona — a northern Sudanese retired singer in a tense marriage — tries to make amends by taking in the deceased’s southern Sudanese widow, Julia, and her son, Daniel, into her home. Unable to confess her transgressions to Julia, Mona decides to leave the past behind and adjust to a new status quo, unaware that the country’s turmoil may find its way into her home and put her face to face with her sins.
R16
A timeless masterpiece from legendary director Federico Fellini Middle-aged Giulietta (Giulietta Masina) grows suspicious of her husband, Giorgio (Mario Pisu), when his behavior grows increasingly questionable. One night when Giorgio initiates a seance amongst his friends, Giulietta gets in touch with spirits and learns more about herself and her painful past. Slightly skeptical, but intrigued, she visits a mystic who gives her more information -- and nudges her toward the realization that her husband is indeed a philanderer.
Exempt
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.
Exempt
Pitchblack Playback: Tame Impala 'Currents' *Please arrive by event start time as latecomers will not be admitted and refunds will not be offered* Pitchblack Playback album listening sessions in the dark return to one of their most in-demand albums: Tame Impala's flawless, widescreen epic 'Currents'. Hear these incredible records in all their glory played loud in uncompressed 24-bit audio through every speaker of our cinema sound system for you to hear and feel every nuance. No distractions; just you and the music. 'Currents' has sold out every time they've done it in the past... "This sounds great” — Rick Rubin "It’s the way I remember experiencing music when I was a teenager, turning out the lights and just allowing myself to be carried away by the music" — Steven Wilson "A fabulous idea" — Jay Kay, Jamiroquai "I have an out-of-body experience every time I go" — Jonny, artist manager Ticket includes Pitchblack Playback eye mask for extra darkness. As recommended by The Guardian, GQ, Time Out, Metro and Newsweek. Duration: 52 minutes
R13Bloody violence & cruelty
A lay preacher arrives at a British settlement in the 1830s. His violent past is soon drawn into question and his faith put to the test, as he finds himself caught in the middle of a bloody war between Maori tribes.
PG
The Mountain is a heartfelt drama about three children on a mission to find healing under the watchful eye of Taranaki Mounga (mountain) and discover friendship in the spirit of adventure.
PG
The Mountain is a heartfelt drama about three children on a mission to find healing under the watchful eye of Taranaki Maunga, and discover friendship in the spirit of adventure. The Len Lye Cinema in conjunction with Madman films are proud to host a special preview screening of The Mountain. At the conclusion we will welcome Director Rachel House and Producer Desray Armstrong for a Q + A Session hosted by our public programmes curator.
PG
Led by one-eyed evil mastermind Emilio Largo (Adolfo Celi), the terrorist group SPECTRE hijacks two warheads from a NATO plane and threatens widespread nuclear destruction to extort 100 million pounds. The dashing Agent 007, James Bond (Sean Connery), is sent to recover the warheads from the heart of Largo's lair in the Bahamas, facing underwater attacks from sharks and men alike. He must also convince the enchanting Domino (Claudine Auger), Largo's mistress, to become a key ally.
MOffensive language & nudity
When hundreds of obscene letters mysteriously blight the picturesque British seaside town of Littlehampton, it is up to some foul-mouthed ladies to exonerate the innocent suspect and catch the real culprit. This is a hysterical and honest account of the women who get imprisoned because of their nonconforming behaviour, but still keep fighting for justice in the legal system that completely excludes them: They are demanding to be themselves in a society that advocates a specific kind of female behaviour.