The Capitol

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

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?

I Swear follows the true story of Tourette Syndrome campaigner John Davidson's journey with Tourette's through his troubled teens and early adulthood, having been diagnosed at 15 years old in 1980s Britain - a time when the condition was little known and entirely misunderstood. Initially alienated from his peers and his family, Davidson perseveres in his attempt to live a 'normal' life against the odds, finding some unlikely champions along the way. The Capitol Cinema recommends I Swear for its powerful, honest portrayal of resilience and the unlikely champions who helped him pursue a normal life.

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

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.

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

Pitchblack Playback: Massive Attack 'Blue Lines' (35th Anniversary) Please arrive by event start time as latecomers will not be admitted and refunds will not be offered! Immerse yourself in Massive Attack's incredible 1991 debut at Pitchblack Playback's listening session in the dark, celebrating 35 years of 'Blue Lines'. Hear this immense record played loud in uncompressed audio on our powerful Screen One sound system. 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 and BBC 6 Music. Album duration: 45 minutes This event is not affiliated with Massive Attack or Universal Music.

Science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up on a spaceship light years from home with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. As his memory returns, he begins to uncover his mission: solve the riddle of the mysterious substance causing the sun to die out. He must call on his scientific knowledge and unorthodox ideas to save everything on Earth from extinction… but an unexpected friendship means he may not have to do it alone. The Capitol Cinema recommends this thrilling, big-idea sci-fi adventure for its clever science, high stakes, and an unexpected friendship that proves hope can come from the most unlikely places.

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’).

Dust yourself off ... this NZ Premiere's gonna be huge! Be the first to see LEE CRONIN’S THE MUMMY – plus Live Q&A with the Editor, Cinematographer, and Set Designer! This seriously creepy tale, from the director of ‘Evil Dead Rise’ and ‘Hole in the Ground’, is going to have you squirming like a scarab beetle’s crawling up your leg! Come early to enjoy our themed cocktail and custom pre-show. -- 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. -- Directed by Lee Cronin, the film stars Jack Reynor (‘Midsommar’), Laia Costa (‘Victoria’), May Calamawy (‘Moon Night’), Natalie Grace (‘1923’), and Veronica Falcón (‘Imaginery’).

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.

Serena Giovanna Stevenson | 2025 | 74 min | New Zealand Special Splore Screening – Three Days in February After an overwhelming response from the Splore community following this year’s festival, we are thrilled to present a special screening of Three Days in February at The Capitol Cinema — with a little extra Splore spirit in the room. Filmed over seven years, Three Days in February is a non-conventional documentary set against the backdrop of Aotearoa’s most colourful and diverse outdoor music and arts festival, Splore. Through long-held cinematic shots and a uniquely crafted multi-genre score, the film invites audiences to slow down, breathe, and notice the space between each other, ourselves, and the natural world. Immersive, playful, and quietly profound, the film captures the raw, vibrant essence of collective celebration - a gentle reminder of connection, creativity, and what it simply means to be human. Join fellow Splorers for this special one-off screening and step back into the magic. YEAR OF PRODUCTION 2025 GENRE: DOCUMENTARY DURATION: 80 MINUTES COUNTRY FILMED: NEW ZEALAND PREMIERE: DOC EDGE NEW ZEALAND LANGUAGE: ENGLISH FORMAT: 16:9 Director Serena Stevenson Producer Serena Stevenson Producer Lani Feltham Creative Producer Susan Leonard Executive Producers Serena Stevenson, Suzanne McNamara, John Minty Editor Sarah Grohnert Cinematography Mark Lapwood NZCS ACS, Conan Fitzpatrick, Ainsley Calderwood Composer & Music Director Michael Hodgson Composer & Composition Engineer Paddy Free Composers Ed Zuccollo, Nikita 雅涵 Tu-Bryant, Dylan Chase, Jessie Leov with the Arcus String Quartet, Takerei Komene with the New Zealand Youth Choir, Charles Royal

The host of a popular paranormal podcast becomes haunted by terrifying recordings mysteriously sent her way.