The Capitol

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Festival de Cannes (Out of Competition - Based on the incredible true story and autobiography of Commander Mohamed Bida, 13 Days, 13 Nights is an intense and profound thriller. Kabul, August 15, 2021. As US troops prepare to withdraw from Afghanistan, the Taliban storm the capital and seize power, plunging the city into chaos. Thousands of Afghans flock to the last safe haven: the French Embassy, where Commander Mohamed Bida (Roschdy Zem, The Innocent) and his elite crew ensure security. Inside the compound, Bida and his team scramble to hold the line as the world outside descends into chaos. With the help of Eva (Lyna Khoudri, The French Dispatch) - a young French-Afghan humanitarian worker - they must negotiate with the Taliban to organize a convoy in a last-ditch attempt to evacuate. Thus begins a race against time to reach the airport and flee the hell of Kabul before it’s too late... With 13 Days, 13 Nights, director Martin Bourboulon (The Three Musketeers, Eiffel) has crafted a breathless, edge-of-your-seat experience that simply must be seen on the big screen.

This exciting debut feature from Maël Piriou follows a delightful cast of characters on a road trip that will change their lives. Julia Piaton (also starring in Colours of Time) plays Mélanie, a gifted lawyer suffering from a terminal illness. Deciding it’s time to live life on her own terms, she convinces her old school friend Benjamin (Quentin Dolmaire, also starring in The Money Maker) to accompany her on a road trip to Spain. Joining them as their burly chauffer is Lucas (Grégory Gadebois, also starring in Jean Valjean), one of Mélanie’s clients who has recently been released from prison. In exchange for her legal services, Mélanie ropes him into taking the wheel. The unlikely trio embark on an unforgettable journey across stunning vistas that will lead them to understand more about themselves, and each other. Mélanie is driven by urgency, while Benjamin lingers over every detour, stretching out the miles in an attempt to somehow slow down the clock. What began as an impulsive getaway becomes a poignant exploration of friendship, intimacy, and the true meaning of independence. A Dash of Love is a tender and deeply human reminder for us to embrace joy while we can. This is a trip you will most certainly want to take!

After twenty years of devotion to her convent, Sister Lucie’s (Marilou Berry) quiet life is upended when she is separated from her sisterhood during a group outing. While trying to find her way home, she spots a familiar face on a television screen: her teenage sweetheart, now accused of a high-profile murder. Convinced of his innocence, she makes the impulsive decision to try to help him. Lucie’s disappearance has caused panic back at the convent, and the formidable Mother Superior Henriette (Isabelle Nanty, Amélie) sends two nuns to track her down and bring her back. A Nun in the City is a heartwarming, comedic story where faith, freedom and past love collide with surprising results.

Director Pascal Bonitzer (Maigret and the Dead Lover) brings this charming tale from the late Sophie Fillières brilliantly to life. French acting legend Fabrice Luchini plays popular performer Robert Zucchini, who has built his career on a stage act that lauds the works of the famous writer Victor Hugo. Robert’s bold reverence of Hugo’s ‘male genius’ doesn’t always play well with more enlightened modern audiences, and he finds himself not only at odds with a feminist theatre troupe, but with his adult daughter Lisbeth (Marie Narbonne, The Count of Monte Cristo), who has recently reappeared in his life. Robert wrestles with how art meets with politics - but more importantly, with his real-life relationships. Where he once took refuge in texts of the past, Lisbeth demands his presence in the moment. Little by little, with his daughter’s help, Robert begins to reconnect with his past, open up to others and relearn the practice of his craft. Pascal Bonitzer has crafted a slick, emotional, funny account of modern problems playing out on and off stage. Centred by a brilliant performance from the always-exceptional Fabrice Luchini, An Evening with Victor Hugo is a must-see at the 2026 Festival.

A story of power. A story of defiance. A story still unfolding. Captain Ibrahim Traoré: The Last African Hero reimagines the rise of Burkina Faso’s young president through a bold dramatic lens, capturing a moment when history feels immediate and urgent. Drawing on the legacy of figures such as Thomas Sankara and Kwame Nkrumah, the film channels a spirit of resistance, self-determination, and cultural pride that continues to resonate across the continent. Shot in Ghana with a dynamic local cast, and already the most-watched film of the year there, this is cinema that speaks directly to its audience, unapologetic, energised, and alive with purpose. Provocative, timely, and impossible to ignore, this is a film that invites conversation long after the credits roll. Director: Frank Gharbin, GHANA, 2025 Duration: 94MIN drama feature Akan/Tui/English/English subtitles

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Festival de Cannes (Competition) - - CÉSAR AWARD WINNER: Best Actress – Léa Drucker - Léa Drucker took home the Best Actress César award for her performance in this gripping thriller from Dominik Moll (Only the Animals), selected for official competition at Cannes International Film Festival 2025. Drucker plays Stéphanie, an Internal Affairs police officer who is assigned the case of a young man severely wounded during a tense and chaotic demonstration in Paris. When she discovers that the victim hails from her hometown of Saint-Dizier, the case suddenly becomes far more personal. While nothing initially points to police misconduct, Stéphanie soon finds herself isolated in a system hellbent on protecting its own. With officers refusing to talk, Sophie turns to housekeeper and reluctant witness Alicia Mady (Guslagie Malanda, Saint Omer), whose testimony holds the key to the truth - but puts them both in danger. This compelling crime drama highlights themes of loyalty and justice that resonate long after the final scene, anchored strongly by Lea Drucker’s commanding role.

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Festival de Cannes (Out of Competition) - Director Cedric Klapisch has crafted a genuine crowd pleasing story that blends the excitement, wonder and art of Belle Epoque France with present day themes around identity, legacy and connection. In 1895, young Adele (Suzanne Lindon) leaves Normandy for Paris, a city alive and buzzing with invention, photography and the rise of Impressionism. In the present day, her descendants inherit an unexpected legacy : a country side house in Normandy, abandoned for decades and suspended in time. Four of Adele’s descendants arrive to survey the Estate, and together end up piecing together the story of Adele’s unexpected life. Colours of Time is a charming and fascinating family saga, and is sure to be a hit at this year’s Festival. Book your opening night tickets now!

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival - - OFFICIAL SELECTION: San Sebastian Film Festival - Angelina Jolie turns in a career-best performance in this immaculate drama set in the high stakes fashion world. Taking place during the frenzy of Paris Fashion week, Jolie plays American filmmaker Maxine Walker, commissioned to direct a film for a prestigious label. After receiving sudden, life-changing news, Maxine crosses paths with two other women: Ada (Anyier Anei), a young South Sudanese model who has escaped her predetermined destiny to make a name for herself, and makeup artist Angéle (Ella Rumpf, Marguerite’s Theorem) who quietly dreams of a different life. While their backgrounds couldn’t be more different, the three women form a strong bond. Amid the glamorous scenes of haute couture, each must make choices small and significant, and confront major career decisions. Anchored by Jolie’s memorable portrayal, the intertwining journeys of these three women are supported by excellent turns from Louis Garrel (The Three Musketeers) and Vincent Lindon (Another World).

Elsa Zylberstein (Simone: Woman of the Century) and Didier Bourdon (The Scammers) star in this inventive time travel comedy that sharply explores societal roles. It’s 1958 in quiet suburbia. Hélène (Zylberstein) and Michel (Bourdon) live a simple but happy life with their two children. Michel works in a bank, while Hélène focuses her efforts on their home and family life. Through an unexpected and unlikely series of events, the couple find themselves catapulted into the 21st century. The year is 2025, and everything they know has changed. Hélène and Michel grapple with new technology, social rituals, and the frantic pace of modern life. Hélène now finds herself a successful bank manager and the sole breadwinner, while Michel has become the stay-at-home-husband. As they navigate this unfamiliar world, the pair must confront new ways of thinking, loving and living. Hélène and Michel are left wondering not how they will survive in their new reality, but whether they even want to... Propelled by hilarious performances from Zylberstein and Bourdon, Cycle of Time is a delightfully subversive comedy that will have you rediscovering the present through the eyes of two characters from a bygone era.

Direct from the world premiere in France comes De Gaulle: Tilting Iron. June 1940. France collapses and signs the Armistice. In the midst of the chaos, one man, Charles de Gaulle, refuses to give up. Taking the ultimate gamble he flees to London and seeks to convince the world that the battle for France is neither over or lost. What follows next is a triumphant story of faith, audacity and an unshakeable quest for freedom. Antonin Baudry has crafted a powerful and dramatic view of a man at the very centre of a turning point in history, on his path to becoming a 20th century leader and cultural icon. The reality of intense politics, family struggles and the impact of war are deftly drawn in this geopolitical thriller, which has been more than five years in the making. Sure to be a talking point of the Festival, don’t miss out on seeing this keenly anticipated film.

Based on the global hit video game created by KOTAKE CREATE, this mind-bending psychological thriller comes to cinemas on April 23 in Australia and New Zealand. A man becomes increasingly desperate when he finds himself trapped in an endless, sterile subway passageway with no way out. He finds a set of rules: do not overlook anything out of the ordinary. If you discover an anomaly, turn back immediately. If you don’t, carry on. Then leave from Exit 8. When even a single mistake will send him back to the beginning, will he ever escape this purgatory?

In this tense psychological thriller, Pierre Niney (The Count of Monte Cristo) delivers a chilling performance as a popular life coach with a dedicated following. Mathieu Vasseur (Niney) delivers electrifying seminars, promising empowerment and transformation to his loyal fanbase. But behind his carefully curated image lies a more sinister reality. As Vasseur’s reach grows, the bonds he forms with his followers tighten into chains of control. Self-growth is traded for emotional reliance, and subtle influence becomes total psychological domination. What began as a quest for enlightenment for all involved becomes a predatory hierarchy. As scrutiny from skeptics and the law pushes Vasseur’s organisation towards obsession and collapse, he faces the question: how far can he go before his promise of freedom becomes a prison? Niney’s outstanding turn is bolstered by the excellent supporting cast of Marion Barbeau, Anthony Bajon (Beating Hearts), Christophe Montenez (also starring in 13 Days, 13 Nights) and Holt McCallany (Mindhunter). Guru is a razor-sharp examination of power dynamics that masterfully explores the thin line between mentorship and manipulation. Already a box office hit in France with over $16 million USD at the box office, make sure you don’t miss it!

When reclusive novelist Ohm Bauman (Scott) retreats to a remote Irish inn to scatter his parents’ ashes, the staff’s tales of an ancient witch haunting the honeymoon suite take hold of his mind. Soon, disturbing visions and a shocking disappearance draw him into a nightmarish confrontation with the darkest corners of his past. In cinemas April 30.

With unprecedented access to the official archives and intimate recollections from the band, both current and past, Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition invites fans to experience one of the most iconic journeys in music history. Spanning five decades, this electrifying documentary charts the band’s rise from the pubs of East London to the world’s biggest stadiums. Featuring exclusive interviews with band members and contributors such as Javier Bardem, Lars Ulrich and Chuck D, as well as all- new animated sequences of the band's legendary mascot, Eddie, the film offers a rare and intimate look at Iron Maiden’s uncompromising vision and unwavering connection with their truly global army of fans. Director: Malcolm Venville Producers: Dom Freeman, Greg Hobden, Ben Smallwood Writer: David Teague

Never-before-seen footage, exclusive voice messages, and accounts from Jeff Buckley's inner circle paint a captivating portrait of the gifted musician who died tragically in 1997, having only released one album.

Never-before-seen footage, exclusive voice messages, and accounts from Jeff Buckley's inner circle paint a captivating portrait of the gifted musician who died tragically in 1997, having only released one album.

Bread and Tulips Pane e Tulipani After being forgotten at a highway service station during a family vacation, a housewife decides to start a new, independent life in Venice. She finds a new job, friends, and romance, forcing her to choose between her old life and her newfound freedom. DIRECTOR: Silvio Soldini CAST: Licia Maglietta, Bruno Ganz, Giuseppe Battiston, Marina Massironi, Felice Andreasi COUNTRY: Italy 2000 GENRE: Comedy LANGUAGE: Italian with English subtitles PRESENTED BY: Mediterranean Foods PREMI (Awards) Winner – Best Film, David di Donatello Awards Winner – Best Actress, David di Donatello Awards Winner – Best Actor, David di Donatello Awards Winner – Best Director, Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists Winner – Best Screenplay, Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists

After the global success of 2016’s Perfect Strangers, writer/director Paolo Genovese has struck gold again with his record-breaking hit Somebody to Love, an hilarious, all-star romantic comedy that reveals the innermost thoughts and uncertainties of an Italian couple on their awkward first date. DIRECTOR: Paolo Genovese CAST: Edoardo Leo, Pilar Fogliati, Emanuela Fanelli, Maria Chiara Giannetta, Claudia Pandolfi, Vittoria Puccini, Marco Giallini, COUNTRY: Italy 2025 GENRE: Romantic/Comedy LANGUAGE: Italian with English subtitles PRESENTED BY: Island Gelato Co. PREMI (Awards) Winner – Best Comedy, Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists Winner – Best Actress Comedy, Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists Winner – Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy, Filming Italy Venice Awards Winner – Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy, Filming Italy Venice Awards

Set in the 1970s, this film follows the lives of the Canova sisters and their employees in a prestigious Roman dressmaker's shop. It explores their personal and professional struggles within a world of high fashion and glamour. DIRECTOR: Ferzan Özpetek CAST: Luisa Ranieri, Jasmine Trinca, Stefano Accorsi, Geppi Cucciari, Anna Ferzetti, Kasia Smutniak COUNTRY: Italy 2024 GENRE: Drama/Comedy LANGUAGE: Italian with English subtitles PRESENTED BY: Studio Italia PREMI (Awards) Winner – David of The Spectator Award, David di Donatello Awards Winner – Film of The Year, National Syndicate of Film Journalists Winner – Best Actress, Golden Ciak Awards Winner – Best Director, Golden Ciak Awards Winner – Best Director, Filming Italy Venice Award

Against the racy backdrop of Italy in the 1980s and ‘90s, Riccardo Schicchi and his agency translate free love into the phenomenon of porn. This raunchy comedy follows antics at porn studio Diva Futura as fresh-faced ‘girls next door’ such as Ilona Staller, Moana Pozzi, Eva Henger and others become stars thanks to the video tape boom. Staller – better known as ‘Cicciolina’ – gets elected to Parliament and Pozzi runs for Mayor of Rome, with the film offering a fascinating insight into Italian society. DIRECTOR: Giulia Louise Steigerwalt CAST: Pietro Castellitto, Barbara Ronchi, Denise Capezza, Tesa Litvan, Lidija Kordić COUNTRY: Italy 2024 GENRE: Comedy LANGUAGE: Italian with English subtitles PRESENTED BY: Edit

Giuseppe Tornatore (Cinema Paradiso NZIFF 1990) pays tribute to legendary composer Ennio Morricone and his prolific career that spanned over seven decades and included the scores to more than 70 award-winning films. “INSIGHTFUL & ENTERTAINING.” SIGHT AND SOUND “THERE’S SO MUCH TO ENJOY HERE” HOLLYWOOD REPORTER Revolving around an interview between Tornatore and Morricone recorded shortly before his death in 2020, aged 91, ENNIO - THE MAESTRO is a “fantastically entertaining deep dive” on one of the world’s most beloved composers, whose discography exceeds a mind-blowing 500 soundtracks. Skilfully weaving through interviews and footage of Ennio’s star studded filmography and collaborators, including Bernardo Bertolucci, Dario Argento, Oliver Stone, Clint Eastwood and Quentin Tarantino, Tornatore explores Ennio’s staggering career in intimate detail, starting with Morricone’s early works in TV commercials and pop music, to his iconicwork Sergio Leone’s Spaghetti Westerns and Dario Argento’s Giallo films and finally his move to Hollywood, which saw mainstream success. An intimate look inside the musical genius that was Morricone, Ennio intimately recounts details and inspirations behind his most beloved works. Leaving viewers with dozens of films to add to their watchlist, ENNIO - THE MAESTRO is a must for all cinema and music fans alike. DIRECTOR: Giuseppe Tornatore CAST: Ennio Morricone, Dario Argento, Bruce Springsteen, Bernardo Bertolucci, Lina Wertmüller, Marco Bellocchio, Joan Baez COUNTRY: Italy 2021 GENRE: Documentary LANGUAGE: Italian with English subtitles PRESENTED BY: Istituto Italiano di Cultura Sydney PREMI (Awards) Winner – Best Documentary, David di Donatello Awards Winner – Best Sound Design, David di Donatello Awards Winner – Best Editing, David di Donatello Awards Winner – Silver Ribbon, National Syndicate of Film Journalists Winner – Best Documentary, Golden Globes Italy

Set in the late 19th century, this surreal Italian-American anti-Western follows Rosa and her lover, the outlaw-turned-folk-hero Santino, as they flee across the Italian wilderness after a deadly confrontation, pursued by an American showman (John C. Reilly). As their tale grows into a legend, it transforms into a whimsical, and sometimes ghostly journey that merges local folklore with the myth of the American Wild West. DIRECTOR: Alessio Rigo de Righi, Matteo Zoppis CAST: Nadia Tereszkiewicz, Alessandro Borghi, John C. Reilly, Peter Lanzani, Mirko Artuso, Gabriele Silli, Gianni Garko COUNTRY: Italy, USA 2015 GENRE: Western LANGUAGE: Italian with English subtitles PRESENTED BY: Rialto "A spectacularly photographed, wittily written, romantic Western ..." Carlos Aguilar, ThePlaylist (Cannes 2025 Review) PREMI (Awards) Winner – Best Film, Melbourne International Film Festival Winner – Best Directors, Tokyo International Film Festival Winner – Jury Prize, Festival du Film Italien de Villerupt Winner – Jury Prize, Fabrique du Cinéma Premiered – Un Certain Regard, Cannes Film Festival

OPENING NIGHT EVENT Opening Night Tickets $25. Includes Peroni, San Pellegrino, Prosecco, Island Gelato Outgoing Italian President Mariano De Santis navigates his final term while grappling with moral dilemmas, including a bill on euthanasia and personal petitions for presidential pardons. Amidst the political pressure, he faces intense personal grief and nostalgia for his late wife, bringing to light questions about love and memory. "Sorrentino has made some beauties in his career. This is one of his best." Pete Hammond, Deadline DIRECTOR: Paolo Sorrentino CAST: Toni Servillo, Anna Ferzetti, Orlando Cinque, Massimo Venturiello, Milvia Marigliano, Giuseppe Gaiani COUNTRY: Italy 2025 GENRE: Drama LANGUAGE: Italian with English subtitles PRESENTED BY: Embassy of Italy Wellington PREMI (Awards) Winner – Best Actor, Toni Servillo, Venice Film Festival Winner – Best Film PasinettiAward, Venice Film Festival Winner – Best Film Italian Film in Venice, Venice Film Festival Winner – Best Screenplay, Chicago Intern

The Sleeper - The Lost Caravaggio Il Caravaggio Perduto (2025) is a documentary-thriller tracking the frantic, high-stakes hunt for a lost Caravaggio masterpiece, Ecce Homo, discovered in 2021 in a Madrid home, valued at over €300 million. Directed by Álvaro Longoria, the film documents the intense, three-year process of authentication, restoration, and auction. DIRECTOR: Álvaro Longoria COUNTRY: Spain, Italy 2025 GENRE: Documentary Thriller LANGUAGE: English, Spanish, Italian with English subtitles PRESENTED BY:Bof "In this entertaining, thrillerlike documentary, Álvaro Longoria immerses us in the hushed yet ruthless world of international art dealing." Till Brockmann, Cinefile

Umberto Eco – A Library of the World Umberto Eco – La Biblioteca del Mondo The documentary serves as a loving portrait of a brilliant mind and a testament to the enduring power of literature and knowledge, often featuring scenes of the author navigating his labyrinthine, book-lined shelves. DIRECTOR: Davide Ferrario CAST: Giuseppe Cederna, Niccolò Ferrero, Paolo Giangrasso, Walter Leonardi, Zoe Tavarelli, Mariella Valentini COUNTRY: Italy 2022 GENRE: Documentary LANGUAGE: Italian with English subtitles PRESENTED BY: Istituto Italiano di Cultura Sydney "A doc about old books might sound stuffy, but A Library of the World is surprisingly fun." Pat Mullen, POV Magazine

Victor Hugo’s masterpiece Les Misérables is one of the most beloved novels of the 19th century, and now the superb Grégory Gadebois has re-teamed with his Delicious writer/director Éric Besnard for this authentic and emotionally affecting retelling that charts the origin story of the tale’s legendary protagonist. 1815. Provence, France. In the peaceful village of Digne, rumour spreads that a dangerous man has entered the area; indeed, the hulking Valjean (Gadebois) has just been released from prison after nineteen years of hard labour. Branded a criminal and ostracised, Jean is repeatedly turned away. Desperate for a bed, he knocks at the door of the house of Monseigneur Bienvenu (Bernard Campan), who lives simply with his ailing sister (Isabelle Carré) and dedicated – but suspicious – servant (Alexandra Lamy). Without judgement, Bienvenu invites him in. And on this crucial night, Jean will face a choice that will define his future… With this superbly filmed exploration of justice, empathy and moral redemption, Besnard’s reflective and intimate drama – and Gadebois’ towering performance – bring new depth to Hugo’s hero, a spurned man transformed by kindness and compassion. Admirers of the source text and rich historical drama will not be disappointed by Jean Valjean.

From Eric Toledano and Oliver Nakache, the award-winning directors of The Intouchables and A Difficult Year comes Just an Illusion, a heartwarming and brilliant comedy set in the suburbs of Paris in 1985. The film follows Vincent (an incredible debut performance from Simon Boublil), a boy standing on the precipice of his 13th birthday and his Bar Mitzvah - a milestone that feels more like an identity crisis than a celebration. Vincent’s mother Sandrine (Camille Cottin, Three Friends) tries to hold the family together with her job as a secretary, while his father Yves (Louis Garrel, also starring in Couture) grapples with unemployment and a wounded ego. Caught between his parents’ frequent arguments and a distant older brother, Arnaud (Alexis Rosenstiehl), Vincent must find his own rhythm in a family that is out of sync. Simon Boublil is being hailed as a major discovery for his performance as Vincent, carrying this nostalgia soaked tale with a winning combination of vulnerability and dry humour. Meanwhile, French cinema stalwarts Cottin and Garrel deliver explosive but grounded chemistry. Directors Toledano and Nakache blend the infectious energy of a classic 80s soundtrack with their signature brand of heartfelt humour, for their most personal film to date. Book in quick to avoid disappointment!

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Festival de Cannes (Opening Film) - Making waves in 2025 as the first-ever debut feature selected to open the Cannes Film Festival, Amélie Bonnin’s joyously entertaining musical romance stars break-out singer/songwriter Juliette Armanet as a talented Parisian chef forced to reconnect with her small-town upbringing during an unexpected trip home. Cécile (Armanet) – a fan-favourite Top Chef winner – is about to finally realise her dream and open her own restaurant when her father, the cook at a small rural truck stop, falls unwell. Cécile must deal with a return to her roots that is more complicated than she imagined; when she runs into her teenage first love (César Award-winner Bastien Bouillon), old memories and sensations resurface... and then her fiancé, who senses something’s wrong, shows up. Evocatively depicting regional France and the complications of family life with tenderness and wit, Leave One Day interweaves music naturally into the story, blending several classics with more recent hits by artists such as Stromae and Céline Dion. Armanet, herself one of France’s most popular contemporary artists, performed John Lennon’s “Imagine” during the Paris Olympic Games’ opening ceremony and proves to be a shining discovery, in this warm-hearted and completely endearing gem.

Hot off the record-setting resurrection of EVIL DEAD RISE, writer/director Lee Cronin turns to one of the most iconic horror stories of all time with an audacious and twisted retelling: LEE CRONIN’S THE MUMMY. The young daughter of a journalist disappears into the desert without a trace—eight years later, the broken family is shocked when she is returned to them, as what should be a joyful reunion turns into a living nightmare. The film stars Jack Reynor, Laia Costa, May Calamawy, Natalie Grace, with Veronica Falcón. The film is written and directed by Cronin, and produced by James Wan, Jason Blum and John Keville. The executive producers are Michael Clear, Judson Scott, Macdara Kelleher and Lee Cronin. Cronin is supported behind the camera by a team of sterling film artisans, including director of photography Dave Garbett, production designer Nick Bassett, editor Bryan Shaw, costume designer Joanna Eatwell, music by Stephen McKeon and casting by Terri Taylor and Sarah Domeier Lindo. New Line Cinema, Atomic Monster and Blumhouse Present, A Wicked/Good Production, A Lee Cronin Film: LEE CRONIN’S THE MUMMY. The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, only in theaters and IMAX in North America on April 17, 2026, and internationally beginning 15 April 2026.

Live At The Void captures the DIY nature of the local music scene, with full sets filmed at a Mount Roskill flat during a 21st birthday bash. Featuring Neither Do I, Park Flyers, CCTV, and 花溪 Flowerstream, this concert film is a modern snapshot of the Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland City indie scene. It blends performance with on-screen commentary from film-makers Corey Fuimaono and Liam Hansen.

Following the break-out success of 2025 hit The Stolen Painting, acclaimed writer/director Pascal Bonitzer brings his unique perspective and panache to Simenon’s cherished Parisian detective - a French counterpart to Agatha Christie’s Poirot - as he attempts to solve the murder of a diplomat with a long-held secret. Inspector Maigret (four-time César nominee Denis Podalydès, in a tremendous performance) is urgently summoned to the Quai d’Orsay: a former ambassador has been found shot dead by his long-serving housekeeper (Anne Alvaro, The Taste of Others). But rather than contact the police, she has followed diplomatic protocols by first informing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Forewarned that he will find a series of salacious letters - and cautioned to be discrete - Maigret heads to the victim’s opulent apartment. He finds no forensic evidence at the crime scene, but certainly, the letters prove startling - secret, decades-spanning correspondence between the ambassador and the Princess of Vuynes, whose own husband, by strange coincidence, has also just died… Bonitzer, renowned for an intuitive and empathetic focus, finds a perfect match with a protagonist who relies on quiet observation. He delivers an absorbing, wholly compelling mystery that also serves as a thoughtful examination of modern life’s key concerns: hierarchy, aging, and the very different worlds that money creates. Best of all, the twist ending is… a killer.

When memory begins to fade, love is put to the test. Set in a run-down Wellington villa in 2003, Caterpillar follows three women living separate lives under one leaky roof. Sixteen-year-old Cassie is all bravado and vulnerability, drifting into risky territory as she searches for belonging. Her mother Maxine, 52, is a formidable single parent and filmmaker on the brink of a long-awaited breakthrough, finally offered a greenlight—if she can land a star. Holding everything together is Huia, Cassie’s grandmother, 80, whose life has been defined by quiet service to family and a private obsession with raising monarch caterpillars, dreaming of one day witnessing the legendary butterfly migration in Mexico.

Based on the bestselling autobiography by Roland Perez, this exuberant and heartrending film pays tribute to a love like no other – a mother’s love for her child. In 1963, Roland is born to Esther, her sixth child in their close-knit Jewish immigrant family living in the Parisian suburbs. When Esther learns that Roland has been born with a club foot, she vows to ensure her son lives not just a normal life, but a fabulous one. She enlists the help of a determined specialist and the pop songs of Sylvie Vartan (who makes a cameo in the film) to help Roland defy all expectations and learn to walk. This joyful crowd-pleaser is vibrantly shot by Oscar-nominated cinematographer Guillaume Schiffman (The Artist) and features a powerhouse performance from Leïla Bekhti (Paris, je t’aime) as the fiercely devoted Esther. Once Upon My Mother absolutely smashed the French box office with over 1.5 million admissions, so is sure to be popular at this year’s Festival. Book your tickets now to avoid missing out!

Pitchblack Playback: Jeff Buckley 'Grace' (5.1 Mix) *Please arrive by event start time as latecomers will not be admitted and refunds will not be offered* Immerse yourself in Steven Wilson's stunning new 5.1 mix of Jeff Buckley's sublime 'Grace' at Pitchblack Playback's listening session in the dark, celebrating the release of the new Blu-Ray edition via Sony. Hear this stunning album played loud in uncompressed audio on our powerful cinema sound system. No phones; no talking; no signing; 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 recycled cotton Pitchblack Playback eye mask for extra darkness. As recommended by The Guardian, GQ, Time Out and BBC 6 Music. Duration: 57 minutes

Pitchblack Playback: Marvin Gaye 'What's Going On' (55th Anniversary) Please arrive by event start time as latecomers will not be admitted and refunds will not be offered! Immerse yourself in one of the most acclaimed albums of all time at Pitchblack Playback's listening session in the dark, celebrating 55 years of Marvin Gaye's enduring soul classic 'What's Going On'. Hear this immense record played loud in uncompressed audio on our powerful Screen One sound system. No phones; no talking; no singing; 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 and BBC 6 Music. Album duration: 36 minutes This event is not affiliated with the estate of Marvin Gaye

Auteur Régis Wargnier (director of the Oscar-winning Indochine) returns to filmmaking for the first time in over a decade with the masterfully crafted globe-trotting drama Redress. Renowned chef Paskal Jankovski (Clovis Cornillac, A Little Something Extra) is moments away from announcing his third Michelin star when he suddenly vanishes. Disappearing alongside him is Antoine (Julien de Saint-Jean, Lie with Me), his trusted sous-chef. Paskal’s daughter Clara (Julia de Nunez) suddenly finds herself the inheritor of the family restaurant at just 20 years old. Once a paragon of Gallic gastronomic excellence, the establishment now faces an uncertain future. The void left by Paskal’s absence feels inescapable, while the mystery of his and Antoine’s disappearance remains unsolved. The enigma deepens when years later, traces of Paskal’s cooking style crop up at a restaurant in Taiwan. Clara must embark on a journey to find the truth about her father’s fate. A story that covers continents, cuisines and cultures, Redress is brought to life by strong performances and immaculate cinematography. You’ll be drawn in by the intriguing mystery, lush environments and variety of sumptuous dishes - just don’t see it on an empty stomach!

Experience the breathtaking scenery of the Camino de Santiago in this life-affirming drama centred on an unforgettable pairing of characters. Adam (a powerful performance from up-and-comer Julien Le Berre) is a teenager who’s lost and heading in the wrong direction. After a run-in with the law, a judge hands over a surprising sentence: he must walk the 800 kilometre Camino de Santiago to think about his future. Assigned to walk the path with Adam is Fred (an excellent-as-always Alexandra Lamy, Miss Violet), a tough and outspoken woman coming to terms with her own chequered history. The two begin a journey that could change their lives. The pair make an unlikely team; Fred is looking to heal from her past, while Adam is struggling to channel his anger and feelings of abandonment. With every mile travelled, they inevitably endure exhaustion, clashes and arguments. But among the points of tension are moments of peace. As the miles rack up, Fred and Adam begin to form a strong bond. Walking The Way, they each discover an inner strengh they didn’t know they had. Will it be enough to accomplish the goals they set out to achieve? Santiago: The Camino Therapy is an uplifting and inspirational story with gorgeous vistas that deserve to be seen on the big screen.

German Short Film Night Join us at The Capitol Cinema for Show Me Shorts Winter Season. From humble beginnings, Show Me Shorts has expanded every year, forging connections and partnerships across the industry. They seek out top short films, collaborate with local cinemas, raise funds for a world-class festival, and advocate for the short film community. They are an Oscar® and BAFTA qualifying festival. Internationally, Show Me Shorts is considered one of the best and well respected short film festivals in the world. Admission Prices: General Admission $17.00 | Season Pass* $50 + booking fee https://events.humanitix.com/auckland-german-short-film-night Enjoy the boldness and beauty of German cinema with these six new short films. Celebrate special occasions, explore daily life in surprising ways, and find love and forgiveness. It's a ride through many emotions. The German Short Film Night is presented by Show Me Shorts in partnership with Goethe-Institut New Zealand. Book now as tickets will sell out. 9 Million Colors, a vibrant underwater animation, directed by Bára Anna Ein alltägliches Wunder (An Ordinary Miracle), a drama about a farming couple whose world is shattered by a freak accident, directed by Stefanie Reinhard Ben's Birthday, a coming-of-age story about a boy choosing birthday sweets at the supermarket, directed by Robert Decani Bad Grammar, a comedy about a friend visiting his formerly idolised buddy, directed by Daniel Holzberg High Spirits, a thriller based on a true story about a group of friends on a night out, directed by Faek Falak The Undying Pain of Existence, a comedic animation about a nude model struck by a mosquito bite, directed by Oscar Jacobson Language: German, with English subtitles Total run time: 78 minutes Rating: to be advised Proudly supported by: Goethe-Institut New Zealand Season Pass Save money and join us for our entire winter season for only $50, to watch the following programmes*, only available in Auckland and Wellington. Book via Humanitix: https://events.humanitix.com/auckland-german-short-film-night-show-me-shorts/tickets Italian Short Film Night – 31 March AKL / 1 April WLG German Short Film Night - 28 April AKL / 29 April WLG Turkish Short Film Night - 26 May AKL / 27 May WLG Spanish Short Film Night - 23 June AKL / 1 July WLG Cambodian Short Film Night - 21 July AKL / 22 July WLG *Dates and programmes subject to change.

Be the first to see HOKUM … the chilling new Irish supernatural horror from writer/director Damian McCarthy (‘Oddity’) and starring the brilliant Adam Scott (‘Severance’, ‘Krampus’). With distinct ‘The Witch’ and ‘The Babadook’ vibes, this creepy Irish horror is not to be missed in a dark cinema. Come early to enjoy our limited-edition cocktail and custom pre-show. -- When reclusive novelist Ohm Bauman retreats to a remote Irish inn to scatter his parents’ ashes, the staff’s tales of an ancient witch haunting the honeymoon suite take hold of his mind. Soon, disturbing visions and a shocking disappearance draw him into a nightmarish confrontation with the darkest corners of his past. -- Directed by Damian McCarthy, the film stars Adam Scott, David Wilmot (‘Anna Karenina’), Austin Amelio (‘Hit Man’), Peter Coonan (‘Love Hate’), Mallory Adams (‘The Other Lamb’) and Florence Ordesh (‘Foundation’).

A couple, in the days leading up to their wedding, faces a crisis when unexpected revelations derail what one of them thought they knew about the other.

THE MAGIC FARAWAY TREE follows Polly and Tim and their children Beth, Joe and Fran – a modern family who find themselves forced to relocate to the remote English countryside. Soon after the family’s arrival in the countryside, the children discover a magical tree and its extraordinary and eccentric residents including treasured characters Moonface, Silky, Dame Washalot and Saucepan Man. At the top of the tree, they are transported to spectacular and fantastical lands and, through the joys and challenges of their adventures, the family learn to reconnect and value each other for the first time in years.

Based on an incredible true story, The Money Maker follows Jan Bojarski (Reda Kateb, The Extraordinary), a young Polish engineer taking refuge in France during World War II. Desperate to survive, he turns his talents to forging identity documents during the German occupation. Once the war ends, Jan still finds himself struggling to make ends meet. Stuck in underpaid jobs and denied citizenship, he is unable to patent his many inventions. Jan’s engineering expertise seems to be wasted, until a gangster recognises his skills and presents a risky opportunity - to produce counterfeit banknotes... So begins a thrilling and nail-biting series of events, as Jan begins to lead a double life. For over 15 years he runs a counterfeiting operation from his garden shed - unbeknownst to his family. Jan’s fakes are so precise he earns the moniker “the Cézanne of counterfeit money.” - but this also draws attention. Jan soon finds himself in the crosshairs of Inspector Mattéi (Bastien Bouillon, also starring in Leave One Day), one of France’s most determined detectives. Director Jean-Paul Salomé (The Godmother, The Sitting Duck) brings this fascinating and gripping tale to life, with an unforgettable performance from Reda Kateb as the man who shook the Bank of France. The film was a certified hit in France, with over 1.1 million admissions Make time for The Money Maker at this year’s Festival!

The enchanting new comedy of manners from acclaimed writer/director Grégory Magne (whose debut Perfumes was a success in the 2021 Festival), The Musicians stars Valérie Donzelli as a wealthy heiress whose plan to stage a landmark concert is derailed by the clashing egos of the virtuosos recruited for the performance. Astrid Thompson (Donzelli) is determined to honour her late industrialist father’s final wish: unite four priceless Stradivarius-stringed instruments for the premiere recital of a new composition by his favourite artist, to be live-streamed for music lovers globally. With just six days to rehearse, a quartet is assembled, but the dream quickly unravels: the musicians are at odds, blinded by their differences and prejudices, and seemingly incapable of working together. With the deadline fast approaching, Astrid tries to coax the reclusive composer of the score, Charlie Beaumont (Frédéric Pierrot), out from creative seclusion in the desperate hope of salvaging the event… As the film crescendos to a tender, exhilarating finale where harmony is found not only in music but human connection, The Musicians celebrates both the chaos and beauty of collaboration. Set amidst the villas, vineyards and chapels of the stunning Champagne region, with an exquisite original score by Grégoire Hetzel, this is sparkling entertainment for the heart (and ears).

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Festival de Cannes (Director’s Fortnight) - This entertaining black comedy follows Mehdi (Sami Outalbali, Lucky Winners), a recent law graduate from a modest background spending the summer at his girlfriend’s luxurious family villa. He soon finds himself caught in an escalating class conflict between the entitled Trousselard family and their mistreated caretakers. Hoping to secure an internship at his girlfriend’s father’s prestigious law firm, Mehdi attempts to mediate between the two sides, only to be trapped in a spiralling conflict over money, power and pride. The Party’s Over! is a biting satirical portrait of class privilege with a sensational comic cast including Laure Calamy and recent César award-winner Laurent Lafitte.

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Festival de Cannes (Out of Competition) - - CÉSAR AWARD WINNER: Best Actor – Laurent Lafitte - Few modern scandals have captivated France as the astonishing events surrounding Liliane Bettencourt, the billionaire heiress to the L’Oreal fortune and doyenne of Parisian society. Now writer/director Thierry Klifa has freely adapted the incredible story into a captivating dark comedy, featuring a jaw-dropping, tailor-made role for one of France’s most iconic stars. Marianne Farrère (Isabelle Huppert), the head of the Windler Group, is the richest woman in the world. Pierre-Alain Fantin (Laurent Lafitte, who won a César award for his performance) is a vivacious dandy, writer and photographer. After meeting on a photo shoot, the two quickly become inseparable. Their friendship surprises, amuses, intrigues, and eventually unsettles the billionaire’s entourage and family. Most of all, Marianne’s daughter (Marina Foïs) struggles with her mother’s sudden complicity with this younger man, but her husband (André Marcon) and loyal butler (Raphaël Personnaz) share her concerns. Surreptitious queries soon transition into a private investigation, resulting in extraordinary ramifications for all involved… With several twists too good to spoil, The Richest Woman in the World makes the most of its fabulous ensemble cast, but Huppert and Lafitte simply eat up the screen. This wildly entertaining film became an enormous box-office hit in France for good reason.

One week after a chaotic presidential election, France urgently needs a new Prime Minister. A hapless but ambitious young parliamentary assistant (Jean Chevalier) has a plan: convince his retired and highly erratic politician father (François Cluzet, The Intouchables) to return from exile and seize the top job. What follows is a breakneck political comedy that transforms into a razor-sharp portrait of power, ambition, and the flexibility of principle. With The Son Of, former political journalist Carlos Abascal Peiró makes an audacious debut, dynamically navigating the treacherous corridors of the French Republic, his camera stalking the backrooms where ideology evaporates and egos dominate, capturing politicians, fixers and media operators engaged in verbal warfare with astonishing ferocity. Filmed before France’s current political turmoil, the narrative hums with uncanny and prophetic resonance. Think Veep with a distinctly Gallic accent; anyone appreciative of Armando Iannucci’s savage political dissections and Succession will find much to savour here. Newcomer Chevalier is perfectly cast as the slippery modern opportunist, supported by an hilarious, never-better Cluzet’s reluctant patriarch, Karin Viard’s irresistible party operative and Alex Lutz (The Stolen Painting) rounding out a stellar ensemble. Sharp, unsparing, and mischievously satisfying, The Son Of is a winning satire.

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Venice International Film Festival - - CÉSAR AWARD WINNER: Best Supporting Actor – Pierre Lottin - The superb new drama from multi award-winning writer/director François Ozon (Swimming Pool, 8 Women, Under the Sand), The Stranger is a gripping adaptation of Albert Camus’ landmark novella about a detached young expatriate on trial for murder in French-colonised Algeria. Summer, 1938. Meursault (Benjamin Voisin, Lost Illusions), a quiet and unassuming clerk in his early thirties, attends his mother’s funeral. The next day he begins a casual affair with Marie (Rebecca Marder), a colleague randomly encountered at the local baths, and quickly slips back into routine. However, daily life is soon disrupted by his volatile neighbour (an excellent Pierre Lottin, who won a César award for his performance), who draws Meursault into a dispute involving an ex-lover. And then, one blisteringly hot afternoon, an inexplicable event occurs on a beach, one that will see Meursault’s very moral standing brought to question… Visually resplendent with sensuous black-and-white imagery, Ozon’s elegant and masterfully realized film shines a contemporary lens on Camus’ classic tale of dissociation and morality, capturing the beauty and heat of a charged society on the boil. Both impactful and mysterious, The Stranger is one of the major highlights of this year’s Festival and should not be missed.

When Jules joins her new boyfriend on a New Year’s Eve getaway with his old high school mates, she’s looking to get some peace and quiet, smoke a bit of weed, and make some new friends. But when the holidaymakers stumble across their host’s long-forgotten stash of ancient weed, things quickly take a turn for the nightmarish. By the time they figure out the weed’s strange effect - an insatiable hunger for human flesh - it’s too late, and the four would-be friends become accidental cannibals. Their efforts to cover up their crime trigger a darkly comic spiral of panic, blame, and even more cannibalism that Jules is determined to survive - even if she’s the only one.

What is Love? is an uplifting and comedic examination of relationships and new beginnings, brought to life by an all-star cast. Marguerite (Festival favourite Laure Calamy, How to Make a Killing) has long since moved on from her ex-husband Fred (Vincent Macaigne, also starring in Colours of Time), having established a new life with a different partner and a teenage daughter. Fred has also put the past behind him, intending to marry Chloé (Mélanie Thierry, Suddenly), the woman with whom he now shares his life. When Fred asks for Marguerite’s help in obtaining an annulment of their marriage from the Catholic Church, she is only too happy to oblige. However, the process turns out to be far more than a simple paperwork exercise, and the pair find out they must prove their union was doomed from the beginning. What begins as an administrative task soon becomes a deeply personal odyssey through their shared past. As Marguerite and Fred navigate old memories and rediscover genuine affection - as well as the tensions that broke them - long-buried feelings begin to surface. This charming and perceptive family comedy examines the complicated aftermath of breakups, featuring stellar performances from all involved.