The Capitol

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival 2025 - Bill Nighy plays an aging literary superstar in this adaptation of David Gilbert’s critically acclaimed novel, co-written by Oscar-winner Sarah Polley (Women Talking). Andrew Dyer (Nighy) hasn’t written a word - or left the house - in 20 years. In that time he’s fathered a child outside of his marriage, lost his wife (Imelda Staunton) and become estranged from his other sons. Struggling with alcoholism, Andrew’s sense of his own mortality sets in, especially following the news of the death of an old friend. In an attempt to right his relationship with his sons with the time he has left, Andrew decides to bring together all of his children for the first, and likely last time. Elder brothers Richard (Johnny Flynn, One Life) and Jamie (George MacKay, 1917) reluctantly return home to make amends, only for their father to reveal a secret about their half brother Andy Jr. (Noah Jupe, A Quiet Place) that rewrites their family history in a fascinating way. With brilliant performances from the ensemble cast, anchored by Nighy in fine form in the central role, & Sons is an original and entertaining must-see.

A Room With a View captured the attention of the world upon its release, bringing the novel by E.M. Forster to dazzling life in the Florentine countryside and in the well-appointed homes of the English Edwardian upper classes. A comedy of manners with a quick wit and impeccable comic timing, A Room With A View is also a portrait of the quiet solitude that lies beneath Forster’s characters, and of the need for human connection in a world of rigid convention. The young Englishwoman Lucy Honeychurch (played by Helena Bonham Carter), arrives in Florence on a Baedecker-style grand tour with her aunt Charlotte Bartlett (Maggie Smith). Through a series of events involving English expatriates Miss Eleanor Lavish, an unflappable novelist (Judi Dench), and the Emersons, a free-thinking father and son (played by Denholm Elliot and Julian Sands), Lucy’s life is changed forever under a loggia in Florence and in the Tuscan countryside. Ivory’s delicate and playful direction spirits us from an adventure in the back alleys of Florence, lost with Dench and Smith, to the lace-parasolled rigidity of English lawn parties. Shot on location in and around Florence (including unforgettable scenes in the Piazza della Signoria and at Giotto’s frescoes in Santa Croce), A Room With A View made stars not only of Bonham Carter, Day Lewis and Sands, but of the Tuscan landscapes and Puccini arias (as sung by Kiri Te Kanawa) featured throughout.

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Dublin International Film Festival 2025 - Beat the Lotto is a rip-roaring tale about the mathematician who, along with a ragtag syndicate, plotted to fix Ireland’s National Lottery in 1992, captivating the nation and sparking rabid debate. In Ireland, the public became obsessed when the National Lottery arrived, none more so than mathematician and avid stamp-collector Stefan Klincewicz. Using mathematical analysis, he reckoned the system could be beaten if he could just gather enough people to form a syndicate to buy every single ticket combination – and front up all the cash, of course. Director Ross Whitaker fashions this unbelievable true story into a gripping thriller, mirroring the tension felt by the public as the lottery authorities caught wind of the plan. With insightful interviews and fantastic archival footage, Beat the Lotto is a look back at Ireland in the 1990s and a compelling tale of one man’s attempt to outsmart the system.

Broken English is a bold and imaginative documentary portrait of the inimitable singer, songwriter and icon Marianne Faithfull. A survivor, provocateur and true original, Marianne spent more than six decades defying expectations, releasing over thirty-five albums while constantly reinventing herself. Made with her full involvement, Broken English is an intimate and unflinching exploration of a fractured yet unbreakable life shaped by fame, creativity and relentless public scrutiny. The film unfolds within the “Ministry of Not Forgetting”, an imagined, cinematic institution where memory and mythology collide. The Ministry is presided over by Tilda Swinton as The Overseer, and George MacKay (also starring in & Sons at this year’s Festival) serves as The Record Keeper, poring over Faithfull’s life and career. Broken English is a genre-defying act of resilience and rebellion — Marianne Faithfull’s final fearless declaration, her defiant swan song.

Stop Making Sense Remastered Newly restored in 4K to coincide with its 40th anniversary, the 1984 film was directed by renowned filmmaker Jonathan Demme and is considered by critics as the greatest concert film of all time. Stop Making Sense stars core band members David Byrne, Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz, and Jerry Harrison along with Bernie Worrell, Alex Weir, Steve Scales, Lynn Mabry and Edna Holt. The live performance was shot over the course of three nights at Hollywood's Pantages Theatre in December of 1983 and features Talking Heads' most memorable songs.

Seventeen years after joining forces as the backing band for rockabilly cult hero Ronnie Hawkins, Canadian roots rockers The Band call it quits with a lavish farewell show at San Francisco's Winterland Ballroom on Nov. 25, 1976. Filmed by Martin Scorsese, this documentary features standout performances by rock legends such as Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell and Muddy Waters, as well as interviews tracing the group's history and discussing road life.

A widower has his film producer friend organize a fake audition as a means of helping him find a new girlfriend, but the woman he selects is not who she appears to be. Director: Takashi Miike Writers: Ryû Murakami Daisuke Tengan Stars: Ryô Ishibashi Eihi Shiina Tetsu Sawaki

Stay for the Q&A with Dame Gaylene Preston and Chelsie Preston-Crayford When Meg buys a used Jaguar from a shady car dealer so she can visit her parents on their rural farm, she gets a lot more than she expects. Soon after getting it, she starts hearing choking sounds coming from the back seat. Things get even weirder when she picks up a pair of hitchhikers who mysteriously disappear into thin air. Cast Heather Bolton (Meg) , David Letch (Mr Wrong) , Margaret Umbers (Samantha) , Suzanne Lee (Val) , Gary Stalker (Bruce) , Danny Mulheron (Wayne) , Perry Piercy (Mary Carmichael) , Philip Gordon (Clive) , Michael Haigh (Mr Whitehorn) , Kate Harcourt (Mrs Alexander)

Poor Cow is a slice-of-life drama portraying a young mother’s repeated attempts to find love, stability, and dignity in a world stacked against her—outlined by poor choices and unfulfilled dreams.

From visionary British director Gurinder Chadha (Bend It Like Beckham, Blinded By The Light), Christmas Karma sees ones of history’s greatest novels - Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol transformed into a joyous, colourful, feel-good Christmas musical that celebrates modern-day London and all of its vibrant communities and cultures. With an all-star cast and music from Gary Barlow, Nitin Sawhney and Shaznay Lewis, the film features an eclectic soundtrack influenced by gospel, bhangra, carols, rap and classic pop songs. Christmas Karma is a festive British classic for our times, and for generations to come, that promotes a strong message to be kind, choose love and celebrate the present.

- WINNER: Grand Prix, Berlin International Film Festival Generation - - WINNER: Best Irish Film, Galway Film Fleadh - Seventeen-year-old Christy is at a crossroads. He’s just been thrown out of his pleasant suburban foster home and moved in with his estranged older brother Shane. As far as Shane is concerned this is a temporary arrangement, but Christy begins to feel at home on Cork’s working class north side. As he makes friends and begins to let the community in, he also reconnects with his past through his seemingly more corrupting extended family, despite Shane’s efforts to steer him away from this crowd. Shane wants something better for Christy at any cost – even if it means he has to push him away. After so many years apart, the brothers need to now reconcile their turbulent past whilst deciding what the future looks like. Christy draws inspiration from the lived experiences of the young people involved, assembling much of its ensemble cast from the Kabin Studio in Cork, a non-profit community space that has grown out of a love for hip hop and art. Winner of The Grand Prix at this year’s Berlin International Film Festival, as well as Best Irish Film at the Galway Film Fleadh, Christy is a punchy drama not to be missed.

DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE, the cinematic return of the global phenomenon, follows the Crawley family and their staff as they enter the 1930s. As the beloved cast of characters navigates how to lead Downton Abbey into the future, they must embrace change and welcome a new chapter.

- WINNER: Audience Award, BFI London Film Festival 2024 - Edward (James McArdle, Mary Queen of Scots, Mare of Easttown), a novelist saddled with caring for his elderly mother, Alma (Fionnula Flanagan, Waking Ned Devine) finally finds himself on the brink of literary success. With pressure to go on a US book tour mounting, the last thing Edward needs is his friends jetting off to Spain for an impromptu Pride holiday, leaving their mothers on his doorstep! Over a chaotic weekend, he has to juggle his burgeoning career with the care of four eccentric, combative, and wildly different ladies. An Irish twist on the acclaimed Italian hit Mid-August Lunch, this uplifting comedy and tender drama takes an unlikely found family on an emotionally charged journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Book your tickets now for this Irish charmer, winner of the BFI London Film Festival Audience Award!

- WINNER: Best International Documentary, Galway Film Fleadh - Irish republican leader Gerry Adams is one of the most controversial political leaders and visionaries of our time, having led the people of the North of Ireland from conflict to peace. Adams was a critical voice in the decision taken independently by the IRA to lay down their arms after their twenty-five-year war against the British. Imprisoned and shot, he was demonised and censored by dominant media as a subversive and a terrorist. Ultimately, the British and their allies were forced to recognize his legitimacy and negotiate with him - and his party Sinn Féin - the Irish peace accord known as ‘The Good Friday Agreement’. Today, Adams supports the next generations on their peaceful and inclusive path toward Irish unity. An intensely private man, protecting his family from the public eye, Adams tell his story for the first time in this eye-opening documentary. Interwoven with his words, a wealth of imagery of what is one of the most documented conflicts of our time gives an insight into Adams’ world - relaxed, informal, and uncensored.

The legendary Brian Cox makes his directorial debut with this compelling family drama, set in the stunning Scottish Highlands and co-starring Alan Cumming. When his beloved Chicago blues club burns down, Donal (Cumming) returns to his family-owned whisky distillery in the Scottish Highlands for the first time in nearly 40 years. Donal didn’t leave Scotland on the best terms, having wound up in a violent exchange with his brother Sandy (Cox) and their father on the day of their mother’s funeral. Joined by his daughter Amy (Alexandra Shipp, Barbie), Donal returns to his homeland in the hopes of making amends with his brother. But with old wounds running deep and the fate of the family business on the line, can inner peace finally be found before it’s too late? Written by David Ashton (The Last King of Scotland) and accomplished TV writer Jeff Murphy (Hinterland), Glenrothan explores the complexities of familial bonds, set against the proud and timeless tradition of whisky making. Cumming gives one of his best on-screen performances, opposite Cox who brings gravitas to every scene - both in front of and behind the camera.

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival 2025 - Funny, moving, and deeply human, I Swear tells the remarkable true story of John Davidson, a Tourette Syndrome campaigner whose humour and honesty helped the world better understand the disorder. Robert Aramayo (The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power) plays Davidson, whose life was irrevocably changed at 15 years old when he developed uncontrollable vocal and physical tics. Tourette Syndrome was barely understood at the time - even by doctors - causing John years of isolation, anxiety and shame. It wasn’t until Davidson reached his late twenties that things started to change. After meeting Dottie, the mother of a former school friend, who had recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer, a strong bond formed between the pair. With Dottie’s unwavering support, John discovered the confidence to be himself. Written and directed by Kirk Jones (Waking Ned Devine), I Swear features an astonishing lead performance from Aramayo, joined by the excellent supporting cast of Maxine Peake (Funny Cow), Shirley Henderson (Bridget Jones’s Diary) and Peter Mullan (Trainspotting). A frank, funny and touching story about the transformative power of friendship and community, I Swear is a crowd-pleaser you can’t miss in this year’s line-up.

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Berlin International Film Festival 2025 - Tom (Sam Riley, Control) is the tennis coach at a luxurious island hotel, filling his time between lessons with booze and brief affairs. The arrival of the Maguire family pulls Tom out of his normal routine and he strikes up a relationship with Anne (Stacy Martin, The Brutalist), her husband Dave (Jack Farthing, Spencer) and their son Anton. Tom is unable to shake the feeling that he has met Anne before, and this tension grows between them until one night, Dave goes missing and the police investigation points to both Anne and Tom as suspects. With Islands, Festival audiences are in for a “scorching, sun-frazzled Hitchcockian delight” (The Standard).

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Edinburgh International Film Festival 2024 - In this absorbing drama, Posy Sterling (The Outrun) delivers a powerful performance as Molly, a young mum from East London who has lost everything while in prison. After serving four months, Molly assumes it will be a matter of hours before she can collect her kids from foster care - but she now faces a longer ordeal than anticipated... Molly finds herself in the mother of all catch-22s: she can’t get housing because she doesn’t have her kids living with her; but she can’t get them back without a roof over her head. Molly has just six months to get housing and turn her life around before a judge in the family court makes the final determination whether her children will remain in long-term foster care, or return to live with her. A glimmer of hope in Molly’s world is reconnecting with her best friend from school, Amina, who also finds herself on hard times. Leaning on their friendship, can Molly and Amina beat the system and take destiny into their own hands? Book now for this incredibly passionate and moving tale.

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: BFI London Film Festival 2025 - Ellie Bamber (also starring in Words of War at this year’s Festival) and Derek Jacobi bring the respective supermodel and painter to life in this exquisite drama. Set in 2002, Kate Moss is at the height of her success and at a moment of transition as she prepares for motherhood. After revealing that one of her life goals is to have her portrait painted by Lucian Freud, the enigmatic artist invites Moss to his studio. Infamously private and fiercely guarded, Freud begins to unravel Moss’ hidden depths, and as the two British cultural icons converge, a lasting bond is formed. As their mesmerising rapport develops, Kate discovers her true self, and Freud finds his eternal muse. Bamber and Jacobi wonderfully portray these iconic figures, enabling audiences to witness the personal interaction that took place behind closed doors. This impressive feature debut from Oscar-winning New Zealand writer/director James Lucas (the film is a UK/NZ co-production) is a tender portrait of self-reflection and an unexpectedly transformative friendship. Don’t miss the gorgeous visuals, elegant writing and captivating performances of Moss & Freud!

From Warner Bros. Pictures and Academy Award-nominated, BAFTA-winning filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson comes “One Battle After Another,” starring Academy Award and BAFTA winner Leonardo DiCaprio. Oscar and BAFTA winners Benicio del Toro and Sean Penn also star alongside Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor and Chase Infiniti, as well as Wood Harris and Alana Haim. Anderson directs from his own screenplay, and produces alongside Oscar and BAFTA nominees Adam Somner and Sara Murphy, with Will Weiske executive producing. The creative team behind the camera includes several frequent collaborators, among them directors of photography Michael Bauman and Anderson; Oscar-nominated, BAFTA-winning production designer Florencia Martin; BAFTA-nominated editor Andy Jurgensen; Oscar and BAFTA-winning costume designer Colleen Atwood; casting director Cassandra Kulukundis; and with music by Oscar- and BAFTA-nominated composer Jonny Greenwood. Warner Bros. Pictures Presents A Ghoulardi Film Company Production, A Paul Thomas Anderson Film, “One Battle After Another.” Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, the film will be in cinemas nationwide on September 25, 2025.

Pitchblack Playback: Queens Of The Stone Age 'Songs For The Deaf' *Please arrive by event start time as latecomers will not be admitted and refunds will not be offered* Immerse yourself in this stoner rock classic at Pitchblack Playback's listening session in the dark. Hear this immense record played loud in uncompressed audio on a powerful cinema 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, Metro and Newsweek. This event is not affiliated with Queens Of The Stone Age or Universal Music. Duration: 60 minutes

In August 2017, in the lead-up to national elections, Jacinda Ardern unexpectedly became New Zealand’s opposition party leader. She had just turned 37. Two frenetic months later, she was Prime Minister. Just before the final vote was in, she discovered she was pregnant. She would become only the second head of state in history to give birth while in office. Ardern quickly became one of the most recognizable leaders in the world. She drew global attention from people craving a sensitive and compassionate approach to the critical issues of our time. In private, she struggled with being a mother and proving herself to a public skeptical of women’s leadership. A series of crises - the Christchurch massacre, pandemic lockdowns, and disinformation-fueled protests outside Parliament - would test that leadership and the feminine touch she brought to it. She resigned from office in January 2023, shocking her supporters and critics alike. Going behind the scenes of her administration and her private life, PRIME MINISTER follows Jacinda for seven years as she is catapulted to the top of New Zealand politics, becomes a feminist political icon, resigns suddenly from office and continues to champion the fight against isolationism, fear, and the distortion of truth. Intimate home footage shot by her husband and audio interviews that Jacinda did while in office give us unparalleled access. Along with in-depth contemporaneous interviews, these form the emotional backbone of the story, giving viewers an unfiltered window into her years in power. The world is at a perilous political crossroads. Trust in institutions, expertise, and liberal democracy itself are under dire strain. Which direction will we go? PRIME MINISTER leaves viewers wondering what the world might be like with more Jacindas at the helm.

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Tribeca Film Festival 2025 - Part courtroom drama, part true crime documentary, the extraordinarily inventive Re-Creation delves into one of Ireland’s most shocking unsolved crimes. In 1996, French filmmaker Sophie Toscan Du Plantier was murdered at her holiday home in West Cork. English journalist Ian Bailey was investigated by Irish authorities, but never faced trial in Ireland - despite the fact he was tried and convicted in absentia by the French government. Re-Creation directors Jim Sheridan (My Left Foot, In the Name of the Father) and David Merriman have constructed a fascinating mix of fiction and reality that explores the question: what if Bailey had been tried in Ireland? The film skilfully brings audiences into the room as a fictional jury sorts through the facts, inconsistencies and inconvenient truths that make the case so intriguing to this day. With spectacular performances from the ensemble cast, headed by the remarkable Vicky Krieps (Phantom Thread), Re-Creation is an unmissable entry in this year’s line-up.

Based on an unbelievable true story, Roofman follows Jeffrey Manchester (Channing Tatum), a former Army Ranger and struggling father who turns to robbing McDonald’s restaurants by cutting holes in their roofs, earning him the nickname: Roofman. After escaping prison, he secretly lives inside a Toys “R” Us for six months, surviving undetected while planning his next move. But when he falls for Leigh (Kirsten Dunst), a divorced mom drawn to his undeniable charm, his double life begins to unravel, setting off a compelling and suspenseful game of cat and mouse as his past closes in.

Join us at The Capitol Cinema for Show Me Shorts 2025: Aotearoa New Zealand filmmakers are known for their iconic coming-of-age stories, lush farmland locations and rich cultural traditions. They are also celebrated for their innovative world-building and bold, original ideas. The short films in this collection demonstrate all of that and more. Classic Kiwi actors Rawiri Paratene, Ginette McDonald, Nathanial Lees and Katlyn Wong headline. Meanwhile magical realism and science fiction worlds creep into the lexicon of Aotearoa. Run Time: 103 min Rating: M Pītiti (Peaches) Drama, 17m, New Zealand Farm Drama, 15m, New Zealand Hifi Ulu Documentary, 11m, New Zealand Valle - Hold Me Music Video, 5m, New Zealand Chrysanthemum Drama, 12m, New Zealand Are You Still There Drama, 10m, New Zealand Temporal Science Fiction, 12m, New Zealand Ace Drama, 15m, New Zealand

Join us at The Capitol Cinema for Show Me Shorts 2025: The Sampler Highlight short films from the festival are collected in this tasty package. Inspiring and thoughtful stories include a boxing nun, an AI robot, a dedicated teacher and a Palestinian man trying to return home. Much loved stars Hugh Bonneville, Marlon Williams, Thomas Sainsbury and Alison Bruce make an appearance. We have some fun with an out-of-his-depth dad at a twirling competition and a maniacal ice-cream seller on the beach. Run Time: 99 min Rating: M Aua Atu Rā - Marlon Williams Music Video, 3m, New Zealand Sister Josephine True Story, 7m, New Zealand Regarding Our Previous Conversation Comedy, 7m, New Zealand Help Me Tom Animation, 14m, China Qaher Drama, 20m, Poland, State of Palestine, Egypt, A Sisyphean Task Drama, 17m, United Kingdom Allez Ma Fille (My Little Girl) Comedy, 15m, France Oasis Comedy, 14m, Australia, New Zealand

Join us at The Capitol Cinema for Show Me Shorts: Whānau Friendly In this collection of short films for children and their families, cute animals and natural environments come to life in vibrant animations; An aspiring young warrior goes on a valiant quest; A much loved soft toy comes to life; And gnomes declare war on an unsuspecting golf course. Find out why this is one of the most popular sections of Show Me Shorts. Run Time: 69 min Best for: ages 7-12 years Rating: PG Forevergreen Animation, 13m, United States Snow Bear Animation, 11m, United States Éiru Fantasy, 13m, Ireland Echoes of the Wild Fantasy, 8m, New Zealand Forever Comedy, 6m, France Rajskie Ptaki (Birds of Paradise) Animation, 9m, Poland, France Wednesdays With Gramps Family, 8m, United States

The long-awaited sequel to the comedy classic This is Spinal Tap is here to turn the Festival up to 11! Forty-one years after the release of the original groundbreaking mockumentary, the now estranged bandmates David St. Hubbins, Nigel Tufnel, and Derek Smalls (Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer) are forced to reunite for one final concert. Spinal Tap II: The End Continues also marks the resurrection of documentarian Marty Di Bergi (Rob Reiner), who once again tries to capture his favourite metal gods as they contemplate mortality—and the hope that their 12th drummer doesn’t join them in The Great Beyond. Joined by music royalty Paul McCartney and Elton John, Spinal Tap wrestles with their checkered past to put on a concert that they hope will solidify their place in the pantheon of rock ’n’ roll.

Bruce Springsteen's journey crafting his 1982 album Nebraska, which emerged as he recorded Born in the USA with the E Street Band. Based on Warren Zanes' book.

It’s astounding, let's do the Time Warp again. From humble origins as a London fringe theatre play to its meteoric rise, fall and resurrection as the biggest cult film of all time, this is the definitive story of the Rocky Horror Show. With intimate access to its creator Richard O’Brien and other major players such as Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, and Lou Adler, the film explores what makes the play and film so singular. Its groundbreaking and transgressive themes, iconic performances and epic songs took over popular culture. The cult phenomenon that sprung around it is unparalleled, and created not only the midnight screenings which continue to this day, but also a safe haven for those who ever felt different or marginalised. Director: Linus O’Brien Duration: 89 min| Doc Edge Festival Category Winner - The Art of Story Telling

World Premiere + Q&A This homegrown gem is a love letter to crime thrillers, keeping you on the edge of your seat all the way. Be the first in the world to see this Terror-Fi exclusive! This screening will be followed by a special Q&A. -- It is 1992. Louis is released on home detention after serving six years for his involvement in a botched heist. Trapped in suburbia, he fears he is now a sitting duck with his psychotic ex-boss, Prescott, on the hunt for some missing money, and the person responsible. A few doors away lives Madeleine, a blind woman, once vibrant and outgoing, but now fearful even to step out the front door. As Madeleine takes her first steps to re-connect with the outside world, she meets her new neighbour. Though nervous around new people, and oblivious to Louis’ circumstances, a friendship develops. A heat wave engulfs the neighbourhood, and things heat up between the two. But Madeleine soon finds herself caught up in Louis’ past, and in an impossible predicament: Bound, gagged and alone, while Prescott draws closer and closer... Genre: Thriller, Crime Country: New Zealand Runtime: 86 minutes Rating: R16 – violence, offensive language & drug use Directors: Mark Willis Cast: Ralph Johnson, Erroll Shand, Jodie Hillock, Simon Phillips

World Premiere + Q&A In Terror-Fi's first ever series screening, be the first in the world to see this side-splitting zombie apocalypse animated series, from New Zealand's best upcoming animation talent. This screening will be followed by a special Q&A. This Terror-Fi exclusive will be your only chance to see the series in a cinema! In the rural back blocks of New Zealand, a father and son battle a zombie apocalypse and some annoying neighbours, all while taking care of their pet lamb, Lambie, and zombified Mum Julie. Genre: Thriller, Crime Country: New Zealand Runtime: 86 minutes Rating: R16 – violence, offensive language & drug use Directors: Mark Willis Cast: Ralph Johnson, Erroll Shand, Jodie Hillock, Simon Phillips

First Public Screening – Opening Night The new masterpiece from Yorgos Lanthimos opens Terror-Fi 2025. 90% on Rotten Tomatoes and best enjoyed in a cinema full of people! "...you’ll find much to enjoy in the heightened performances, pitch-black humor, bursts of gory violence, and bizarre twists, including a mind-melting final sequence." - Radhika Seth, Vogue Two conspiracy obsessed young men kidnap the high-powered CEO of a major company, convinced that she is an alien intent on destroying planet Earth. Festivals: Venice 25, Beyond Fest 25 Genre: Comedy, Satire, Crime, Sci-Fi Country: USA Runtime: 120 minutes Rating: TBC Festivals: Venice 25, Beyond Fest 25 Director: Yorgos Lanthimos Cast: Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Aidan Delbis

NZ Premiere + Q&A The sequel to the cult Kiwi splatter-metal classic is finally here! Let's enjoy the blood-soaked carnage together. We'll crank this one up to 11 for ya! "...brings the metal, drowns viewers in spectacularly sloppy violence, and does so with a mischievous smile." - Matt Donato, Daily Dread This Terror-Fi exclusive will be your only chance to see the film in a cinema! Brodie is washed-up, broke, and stuck in small-town purgatory. But when he learns that 'NoizeQuest', a battle-of-the-bands competition is coming to his town, he sees a shot at redemption - and maybe even a second chance with Medina. One problem: his drummer is missing an arm, and the rest of his band is, well... dead. Luckily, Brodie still has the pages of The Black Hymn, so raising his bandmates from the great beyond is just a riff away. But with every chord comes blood, guts, and the kind of apocalyptic chaos only DEATHGASM can unleash. Festivals: Fantastic Fest 25, Monster Fest 25 Genre: Horror, Comedy Country: New Zealand Runtime: 106 minutes Rating: R16 – graphic violence, offensive language, sexual references & content that may disturb Festivals: Fantastic Fest 25, Monster Fest 25 Directors: Jason Trost Cast: Jason Trost, Aina Dumiao, Tallay Wickham, Nick Principe, Bru Muller

New Zealand Premiere Wild, hilarious, unexpected, and truly original ... FLUSH is that festival gem you tell all your friends you found. "A breath of fresh air ... subverting convention in plenty of ways to ensure maximum audience enjoyment." - Kat Hughes, THN This Terror-Fi exclusive will be your only chance to see the film in a cinema! Middle-aged coke fiend Luc is having a pretty terrible night. Having gone to confront his ex at the club where she works, determined to somehow win back her love, one thing leads to another and he soon finds himself wedged firmly in a toilet, effectively trapping him in a bathroom stall. Trapped, we should mention, with a heap of coke that he stole from the bar's resident dealer. He's soon found, setting off an increasingly crazy series of circumstances that veer from the hilarious to the intensely grotesque as Luc's world is assailed from every conceivable direction in a bizarre race against time that will have you gasping. Festivals: Fantasia 25 (Audience Award Winner) Genre: Thriller, Crime, Comedy Country: France Runtime: 70 minutes Rating: R16 – graphic violence, drug use & offensive language Festivals: Fantasia 25 (Audience Award Winner) Directors: Grégory Morin Cast: Jonathan Lambert, Élodie Navarre, Elliot Jenicot, Rémy Adriaens

New Zealand Premiere A gritty and powerful European folk horror, with stunning performances and 'Carrie' vibes. "...a tale of transgressive women in unwelcoming places, and what it takes to survive." - Alan Hunter, Screen International This Terror-Fi exclusive will be your only chance to see the film in a cinema! Nawojka, 20, dreams of escaping her harsh life working at the family farm. Under the influence of the free-spirited Sandra, Naw experiences trance-like episodes and strange powers, just like her dead mother before her. Festivals: Cannes Directors' Fortnight 25 Genre: Folk Horror, Drama Country: France Runtime: 99 minutes Rating: tbc Directors: Julia Kowalski Cast: Ralph Johnson, Erroll Shand, Jodie Hillock, Simon Phillips

New Zealand Premiere If you love the unique comedies Terror-Fi brings you, like 'Hundreds of Beavers'' and 'Greener Grass', this gem is for you! 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and not to be missed in a crowded cinema! "Consistently hilarious and mesmerizing in its sheer audacity and execution. There has never been a movie like this before, and I have a hard time imagining there ever will be again." - Nathan McVay, HeyUGuys In a harebrained attempt to get their band booked at a local dive bar, two lovable losers convert an old RV into a time machine taking a temporal road trip leaving behind a trail of destruction, alternate timelines and a broken friendship. Festivals: SXSW 25, Melbourne 25 Genre: Comedy Country: Canada Runtime: 100 minutes Festivals: SXSW 25, Melbourne 25 Director: Matt Johnson Cast: Matt Johnson, Jay McCarrol

World Premiere Be the first in the world to see New Zealand filmmaker Tim Hamilton's meta love-letter to independent filmmaking, and the emotional impact of losing a best friend. A truly unique story and vision from one of the most talented upcoming filmmakers we have in Aotearoa. This wasn’t supposed to be a true story, but it became one. American actor Gene came to Aotearoa to be in a movie. His role? A wannabe influencer on a quest to restart the internet. Simple concept. Easy to execute. Yeah, nah. The no-budget indie flick quickly spirals out of control when his Kiwi director's unprocessed grief wreaks havoc on the production. Tensions boil over. The cast refuses to stay in character. The fourth wall is smashed to pieces. Genre: Comedy, Mockumentary, Documentary Country: New Zealand Runtime: 120 minutes Directors: Tim Hamilton Cast: Trenton Colbert, Tim Hamilton, Sarah Munn, Peter Sugden, Raymond Hamilton

New Zealand Premiere – Closing Night See the film that sent the Fantastic Fest crowd wild at its World Premiere … and won’t be in cinemas until 2026. What a way to finish Terror-Fi 2025! "If you wish that Nope had just doubled-down on the chimp violence, Primate is absolutely the blood-flavored popcorn flick you've been waiting for." - Richard Whittaker, Austin Chronicle After returning home to Hawaii for summer break, Lucy is reunited with her father Adam, sister Erin and their pet chimpanzee Ben. Lucy and her friends Kate, Hannah and Kate's older brother Nick decide to throw a pool party to take advantage of an empty house after Lucy's father is called away for work. Unbeknownst to them, Ben is bitten by a rabid animal and the gentle chimpanzee they once knew is no more. The group is forced to barricade themselves in the pool, but with no means of calling for help, they must work together to figure out how to outsmart the now ferocious Ben and survive their ordeal. Festivals: Fantastic Fest 25 (Secret Screening), Fright Fest UK 25 Genre: Horor Country: USA Runtime: 89 minutes Festivals: Fantastic Fest 25 (Secret Screening), Fright Fest UK 25 Director: Johannes Roberts Cast: Jessica Alexander, Troy Kotsur, Johnny Sequoyah

New Zealand Premiere A delightfully twisted tale that has you hooked from the first scene and leaves you with a smile on your face. One of those indie gems you love to discover at a festival. "...a compelling, darkly comedic thriller..." - Douglas Davidson, Elements of Madness This Terror-Fi exclusive will be your only chance to see the film in a cinema! -- A struggling writer in the midst of a divorce befriends a retired serial killer who incidentally becomes his marriage counselor by day, and killing counselor for his next book by night. -- Festivals: Tribeca 25, Monster Fest 25 Genre: Crime, Black Comedy, Noir Country: USD Runtime: 103 minutes Rating: R16 – violence & sexual violence references Festivals: Tribeca 25, Monster Fest 25 Directors: Tolga Karaçelik Cast: Steve Buscemi, John Magaro, Britt Lower

New Zealand Premiere Enjoy a special secret screening with us! We can't say much ... other than it's a horror, a New Zealand premiere, and one of the first screenings in the world! Shhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!

NZ Premiere – Opening Night Do not miss the wildest action film of 2025 on the big screen. 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and the perfect way to open Terror-Fi 2025! "...builds off the gleeful, comic-level brutality of the original with an inventive, more direct sequel." - Jeff Ewing, Collider This Terror-Fi exclusive will be your only chance to see the film in a cinema! Returning to the house where his family was brutally murdered during the war, 'the man who refuses to die' dismantles it, loads it on a truck, and is determined to rebuild it somewhere safe in their honor. When the Red Army commander who killed his family comes back hellbent on finishing the job, a relentless, eye-popping cross-country chase ensues - a fight to the death, full of clever, unbelievable action set pieces. Festivals: Fantastic Fest 25, Beyond Fest 25, Toronto After Dark 25 Genre: Action, War Country: Finland Runtime: 88 minutes Festivals: Fantastic Fest 25, Beyond Fest 25, Toronto After Dark 25 Director: Jalmari Helander Cast: Stephen Lang, Richard Brake, Jorma Tommila

New Zealand Premiere This stunning fantasy adventure from A24 is a beautiful piece of magical escapism. Not to be missed on the big screen. "...a rare triumph of analogue effects and spellbinding spectacle." - Linda Marric, HeyUGuys This Terror-Fi exclusive will be your only chance to see the film in a cinema! In a remote village on the island of Carpathia, a shy farm girl named Yuri is raised to fear an elusive animal species known as Ochi. But when Yuri discovers a wounded baby Ochi has been left behind, she escapes on a quest to bring him home. Festivals: Sundance 25, Melbourne International Film Festival 25 Genre: Fantasy, Adventure Country: United States Runtime: 95 minutes Rating: M – content may disturb Festivals: Sundance 25, Melbourne 25 Directors: Isaiah Saxon Cast: Emily Watson, Willem Dafoe, Finn Wolfhard, Helena Zengel

New Zealand Premiere Be the first in New Zealand to see this truly fresh and emotional take on the zombie genre ... and it's not coming to cinemas until February 2026! "Just when you thought nothing original could come to the zombie genre director Zak Hilditch proves that wrong with the brilliant We Bury The Dead." - David Griffiths, Subculture Entertainment Ava, a desperate woman whose husband is missing in the aftermath of a catastrophic military experiment, joins a "body retrieval unit," but her search takes a chilling turn when the corpses she's burying start showing signs of life. Festivals: SXSW 25, Melbourne 25 Genre: Horror, Drama Country: Australia Runtime: 94 minutes Rating: R16 – violence, horror, drug use & offensive language Festivals: SXSW 25, Melbourne 25 Directors: Zac Hilditch Cast: Daisy Ridley, Matt Whelan, Brenton Thwaites, Mark Coles Smith

Enjoy all 17 screenings at Terror-Fi 2025 for just $199 ... that's under $12 each! Every Fan Badge holder also receives a special Swag Bag full of goodies! This year's line-up has a stunning range of blockbuster hits and indie gems ... World and New Zealand Premieres ... across a wide range of genres! 16 Feature Films and our first ever Limited Series! Fan Badges are limited so get in quick!  For full schedule, please visit terrorfifest.com * PLEASE NOTE: In Auckland the three bonus screenings take place at Event Queen St

Terror-Fi Presents: BLACK PHONE 2 (First Public Screening) The Grabber returns! We’re excited to bring you the first public screening of BLACK PHONE 2, the highly anticipated sequel to 2021’s horror hit ‘The Black Phone’ Ethan Hawke’s terrifying Grabber channels his inner Freddy Krueger as he seeks vengeance on Finn and Gwen from beyond the grave. Upping the stakes and pushing things in a new direction, BP2 is a ‘must see’ in a dark cinema full of poeple. So grab your popcorn and be prepared to lose a lot of it to the horror gods! Come to the cinema early to enjoy our exclusive cocktail and custom pre-show. We’ll also be previewing some of the upcoming Terror-Fi 2025 films, ahead of the festival launch at the end of the month! “Determined to solve the mystery and end the torment for both her and her brother, Gwen persuades Finn to visit the camp during a winter storm. There, she uncovers a shattering intersection between The Grabber and her own family’s history. Together, she and Finn must confront a killer who has grown more powerful in death and more significant to them than either could imagine.”

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Toronto International Film Festival 2025 - From BAFTA-and-Tony-winning writer Alan Bennett and director Nicholas Hytner, the team behind The History Boys and The Lady in the Van, The Choral explores the humour and humanity at the heart of a community facing an uncertain future. Academy Award® nominee and BAFTA-winner Ralph Fiennes heads up a cracking cast of character actors in this touching period piece. As war rages on the Western Front, the Choral Society in Ramsden, Yorkshire has lost most of its men to the army. The Choral’s ambitious committee, determined to press ahead, decides to recruit local young males to swell their ranks. They must also engage a new chorus master, and despite their suspicions that he has something to hide, their best bet seems to be Dr. Henry Guthrie (Fiennes) – driven, uncompromising, and recently returned from a career in Germany. As conscription papers start to arrive, the whole community discovers that the best response to the chaos that is laying waste to their lives is to make music together. With a knockout performance from the always-reliable Fiennes, and a compelling story to boot, The Choral is guaranteed to be a hit at this year’s Festival. Book your tickets quickly to avoid disappointment!

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Locarno Film Festival 2025 - Witness British screen-legend Emma Thompson as you’ve never seen her before in this tense, gripping, and icy thriller... When she’s unexpectedly hit by a blizzard, grief-stricken loner Barb (Thompson) gets lost among the backroads near a Minnesotan lake. While stopping to ask for help at a remote cabin in the woods, Barb discovers a young woman (Laurel Marsden), who has been kidnapped by an armed and desperate couple (Judy Greer, Marc Menchaca), intent on murder. Isolated in the desolate frozen wilds and without cell service, Barb realises she is this woman’s only hope of survival. From Irish director Brian Kirk (My Boy Jack) and featuring a career-best performance from Thompson, this gritty, pulse-pounding trip is guaranteed to have you on the edge of your seat.

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Edinburgh International Film Festival 2025 - - OFFICIAL SELECTION: Telluride Film Festival 2025 - Dating back to neolithic times, few culinary traditions have survived as long as the hearty bowl of morning porridge. Despite its simple recipe of oats, salt and water there is a lot that can vary. Each year the sleepy highland village of Carrbridge awakens with excitement as locals and competitors from around the globe vie for the honour of winning The Golden Spurtle in the World Porridge Making Championships. For ageing, charismatic, and soon-to-retire protagonist Charlie Miller, this competition means so much more than just a bowl of steaming oats. With ailing health but a responsibility to his fellow porridge committee members, Charlie is on a mission to secure the future of the championships – and his own legacy. Against the backdrop of the breathtaking Scottish Highlands and infused with whimsical humour of an eclectic cast, The Golden Spurtle captures the humanity of village life and those who visit with spurtle in hand.

In the aftermath of WWII, free-spirited journalist Juliet Ashton (Lily James) forms a life-changing bond with the delightful and eccentric Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, when she decides to write about the book club they formed during wartime.

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: Festival de Cannes 2025 - Based on the acclaimed book by Ben Shattuck, Paul Mescal (Aftersun, All of Us Strangers) and Josh O’Connor (The Crown, Challengers) play star-crossed lovers in this sweeping, moving and tender romance from Oliver Hermanus (Living). In 1917, Lionel (Mescal) — a young, talented music student — meets David (O’Connor) at the Boston Conservatory, where they bond over a deep love of folk music. Years later, Lionel receives a letter from David, leading to an impromptu journey through the backwoods of Maine to collect traditional songs. This unexpected reunion, ensuing love affair, and the music they collect and preserve, will shape the course of Lionel’s life far beyond his own awareness. Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor’s star turns received rave reviews when The History of Sound premiered at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, making this quiet but powerful drama a must-see at the British and Irish Film Festival 2025.

Prepare to be transported to the striking beauty of the Scottish wilderness in The North, a visceral journey through sheets of rain, craggy cliffs and lonesome beaches. A decade after being best friends and roommates, Chris and Lluis set out on a 600 kilometre hike through the Scottish Highlands. Following the West Highland Way and The Cape Wrath Trail, they spend 30 days together in nature - hoping to rekindle their once-powerful friendship. But while Chris remains preoccupied with work and life back at home, Lluis is determined to finish the trail to prove he can do it. The solitude and silence of the Highlands forces them to confront harsh truths about themselves, their friendship, and what it truly means to stand still and listen. Set against the pace and demands of long-distance hiking, The North depicts the intricacies and challenges of both friendship and internal human struggles against the backdrop of the beautifully stark landscapes of the Highlands. Director Bart Schrijver was inspired to make the film after walking New Zealand’s own Te Araroa hike.

Maggie Smith earned her first Academy Award for this beloved period drama, originally released in 1969. Smith plays the titular Jean Brodie, a headstrong and liberated young teacher at a private school in 1930s Edinburgh. Eccentric but inspirational, Miss Brodie prefers to avoid any sort of curriculum in favour of what she feels her young female charges should know about life. Outside of class, a small group of girls compete for her favour, but their initial devotion eventually leads to jealousies, betrayal and tragedy. Based on the acclaimed novel and stage play by Muriel Spark, make time during this year’s Festival to revisit Maggie Smith’s award-winning performance.

Purchase tickets to THE PROMISE and support FREE WEST PAPUA ACTION TAMAKI MAKAURAU fundraising for a speaking tour of West Papua guests, covering air fares and related costs. Film maker Daan Veldhuizen exposes the betrayal of West Papua by the Netherlands, the United Nations and the United States. A forgotten struggle, a lost future. In the 1960s, West Papua was on the path to independence. But international interests, geopolitical power struggles, and economic motives dictated otherwise. Through uniquely restored and colourised 35mm archival footage, the film brings this untold history back to life, revealing how an entire people is systematically betrayed and oppressed.  West Papua activists in exile tell their gripping stories as they explain why their struggle for self-determination continues despite more than 60 years of suffering and the world’s neglect. Mix and Mingle 2:15pm and the movie will screen at 3pm after a short introduction from Maire Leadbeater who will outline Aotearoa’s role in this story. Tickets are $25 each. Director: Daan Veldhuizen Duration: 115 min When West Papua was betrayed, the world looked away.

Celebrating 50 Years since its release in 1975. A newly engaged couple have a breakdown in an isolated area and must pay a call to the bizarre residence of Dr. Frank-N-Furter.

- OFFICIAL SELECTION: BFI London Film Festival 2024 - An intimate, star-studded dive into the birth of an icon, and everything that followed, Twiggy is a look at the life of the greatest ‘it-girl’ of all time. Director Sadie Frost follows up her 2021 documentary Quant with another deep dive into the story of a fashion legend. This time it’s the model and cultural icon Dame Lesley Lawson - better known as Twiggy. This slick documentary features a combination of fascinating archival footage and new interviews with stars such as Dustin Hoffman, Paul McCartney, Charlotte Tilbury, Joanna Lumley, and many more. Telling her story for the first time herself, Twiggy is an exploration of the model’s upbringing, career, relationships, and everything else that has made her the woman she is today.

When people in Littlehampton start receiving scandalous and obscene letters, suspicion immediately falls on fiery Rose, who might lose the custody of her daughter. A group of women set out to solve the mystery.

From James Strong, director of the acclaimed mini-series Mr Bates vs The Post Office, Words of War tells the powerful true story of world-renowned journalist and human rights activist Anna Politkovskaya. Maxine Peake (also starring in I Swear at this year’s Festival) expertly portrays Politkovskaya’s brave crusade, putting her life in jeopardy by fighting to be an independent voice of truth for the Russian people. She refused to give up reporting on the war in Chechnya despite numerous acts of intimidation and violence, including being poisoned. Sparring with Peake on the silver screen is Jason Isaacs, in the role of Politkovskaya’s husband Sasha - a TV journalist who can barely hide his jealousy of his wife’s success. Irish screen legend Ciarán Hinds also joins the cast as Dmitry Muratov, Anna’s editor of the independent paper Novaya Gazeta. Politkovskaya’s legacy lives on, and her story serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the right to report the news without fear of death or reprisal.