Current Films
Tickets are $14.00 across the board, not bad eh!
She Shears
STARTS 18 OCT
New Zealand documentary on five women with a passion for sheep shearing - two of whom are legends, three of whom are stars on the rise.
"When a Kiwi girl sets her heart on becoming a shearer there’s not a lot that’s going to stop her, as the five women profiled in this lively doco happily testify. Central Otago’s Pagan Karauria admits it was tough getting a gig at the start, but with her champion dad staunchly behind her, she’s made the shearing shed the focus of her career, not just as a competitive shearer, but as an ace wool sorter and mentor to other young women. Catherine Mullooly, from the King Country, packs her skills for some enterprising OE. With whānau solidly backing them, each of these women strive, more than anything, to better themselves.
"For legends, Jills Angus Burney and Emily Welch, personal bests have been world records. Encouraged to quit in her 50s by her orthopaedist, Angus Burney found a second career as a High Court barrister and solicitor, but you can’t keep her away from the Golden Shears, the world’s top shearing competition.
"There’s no special category for women in this sport. For Ruawai’s Hazel Wood, busting to escape the world of dairy conversion, the competition represents a first foot on the ladder. Pagan’s student Anne Maree makes good on her promise to look good and have fun on the competition floor. Pagan herself claims she’s bent on placing ‘first or second’, though her true determination lies in beating the terrible internal injuries suffered in a road accident." (New Zealand International Film Festival)
New Zealand documentary on five women with a passion for sheep shearing - two of whom are legends, three of whom are stars on the rise.
"When a Kiwi girl sets her heart on becoming a shearer there’s not a lot that’s going to stop her, as the five women profiled in this lively doco happily testify. Central Otago’s Pagan Karauria admits it was tough getting a gig at the start, but with her champion dad staunchly behind her, she’s made the shearing shed the focus of her career, not just as a competitive shearer, but as an ace wool sorter and mentor to other young women. Catherine Mullooly, from the King Country, packs her skills for some enterprising OE. With whānau solidly backing them, each of these women strive, more than anything, to better themselves.
"For legends, Jills Angus Burney and Emily Welch, personal bests have been world records. Encouraged to quit in her 50s by her orthopaedist, Angus Burney found a second career as a High Court barrister and solicitor, but you can’t keep her away from the Golden Shears, the world’s top shearing competition.
"There’s no special category for women in this sport. For Ruawai’s Hazel Wood, busting to escape the world of dairy conversion, the competition represents a first foot on the ladder. Pagan’s student Anne Maree makes good on her promise to look good and have fun on the competition floor. Pagan herself claims she’s bent on placing ‘first or second’, though her true determination lies in beating the terrible internal injuries suffered in a road accident." (New Zealand International Film Festival)
Westwood
STARTS 11 OCT
Sundance Grand Jury Prize-nominated documentary on the undisputed queen of British fashion, Dame Vivienne Westwood.
"Told in her own words, Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist is a sharp-witted look into Westood’s creative process and her life’s journey from 1970s punk protests to fierce independent global figure. Westwood sits alongside Gucci, Dior, and McQueen — but only Westwood still owns and runs her empire. Today she fights to maintain her brand’s integrity and legacy as it expands to open flagship stores in fashion capitals Paris and New York in the face of global consumerism." (Sundance Film Festival)
Sundance Grand Jury Prize-nominated documentary on the undisputed queen of British fashion, Dame Vivienne Westwood.
"Told in her own words, Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist is a sharp-witted look into Westood’s creative process and her life’s journey from 1970s punk protests to fierce independent global figure. Westwood sits alongside Gucci, Dior, and McQueen — but only Westwood still owns and runs her empire. Today she fights to maintain her brand’s integrity and legacy as it expands to open flagship stores in fashion capitals Paris and New York in the face of global consumerism." (Sundance Film Festival)
American Animals
STARTS 25 OCT
Evan Peters (X-Men: Apocalypse) and The Killing of a Sacred Deer's Barry Keoghan star in this true story heist thriller, told in part by the actual men who committed the crime. Nominated for the Sundance Grand Jury Prize. From the director of 2012's The Imposter.
Four university students (Peters, Keoghan, Blake Jenner, and Jared Abrahamson) living an ordinary existence brazenly attempt to execute one of the most audacious art heists in US history. But not everything is as it seems, and as the daring theft unfolds through each of their perspectives, each of them starts to question whether their attempts to inject excitement and purpose into their lives is simply a misguided attempt at achieving the American Dream.
Evan Peters (X-Men: Apocalypse) and The Killing of a Sacred Deer's Barry Keoghan star in this true story heist thriller, told in part by the actual men who committed the crime. Nominated for the Sundance Grand Jury Prize. From the director of 2012's The Imposter.
Four university students (Peters, Keoghan, Blake Jenner, and Jared Abrahamson) living an ordinary existence brazenly attempt to execute one of the most audacious art heists in US history. But not everything is as it seems, and as the daring theft unfolds through each of their perspectives, each of them starts to question whether their attempts to inject excitement and purpose into their lives is simply a misguided attempt at achieving the American Dream.
Born Racer
STARTS 25 OCT
A powerful and inspirational story of dedication, danger, fear, and the rare ‘will’ some of us have to defy all personal limitations.
Experience the fastest motorsport on earth through the eyes of five-time champion Scott Dixon and the Chip Ganassi Racing team. Filmed with an access all areas lens, ‘Born Racer’ follows the people who are passionate about the world of auto racing and asks why some individuals feel compelled to face danger and risk their lives in order to win.
Both action-packed and highly-intimate, it features an intense blend of up close and personal filming with never-before-seen spectacular, cutting-edge racing footage to explore a sport that defines the very people who inhabit it, and pushes them to the edge in their desire for success.
A powerful and inspirational story of dedication, danger, fear, and the rare ‘will’ some of us have to defy all personal limitations.
Experience the fastest motorsport on earth through the eyes of five-time champion Scott Dixon and the Chip Ganassi Racing team. Filmed with an access all areas lens, ‘Born Racer’ follows the people who are passionate about the world of auto racing and asks why some individuals feel compelled to face danger and risk their lives in order to win.
Both action-packed and highly-intimate, it features an intense blend of up close and personal filming with never-before-seen spectacular, cutting-edge racing footage to explore a sport that defines the very people who inhabit it, and pushes them to the edge in their desire for success.
Together
STARTS 4 OCT
TOGETHER is a powerful drama about an elderly couple who get separated into different care homes against their will, inspired by real life stories of elderly couples caught up in the social services system.
After 60 years of marriage, Rosemary (Sylvia Syms) and Philip Twain (Peter Bowles) are happily sharing their golden years taking care of one another. When Rosemary is taken to hospital for a routine procedure their perfect retirement starts to unravel. Philip is admitted to a care home and even when his wife is returned to the marital home he is not allowed to join her. Frustrated by the system they take their lives in to their own hands and fight back. Even if they have to take a test to prove they are capable of independent living they will do it. They will do anything to be TOGETHER.
TOGETHER stars Peter Bowles (Victoria, To The Manor Born) and Sylvia Syms (Ice Cold in Alex, Victim, The Queen, Eastenders).
TOGETHER is a powerful drama about an elderly couple who get separated into different care homes against their will, inspired by real life stories of elderly couples caught up in the social services system.
After 60 years of marriage, Rosemary (Sylvia Syms) and Philip Twain (Peter Bowles) are happily sharing their golden years taking care of one another. When Rosemary is taken to hospital for a routine procedure their perfect retirement starts to unravel. Philip is admitted to a care home and even when his wife is returned to the marital home he is not allowed to join her. Frustrated by the system they take their lives in to their own hands and fight back. Even if they have to take a test to prove they are capable of independent living they will do it. They will do anything to be TOGETHER.
TOGETHER stars Peter Bowles (Victoria, To The Manor Born) and Sylvia Syms (Ice Cold in Alex, Victim, The Queen, Eastenders).
Stray
STARTS OCT 4
Set in the chilly environments of New Zealand's South Island, this stark drama follows a self-confined man reeling from an act of violence.
"Jack (Kieran Charnock, The Rehearsal), a taciturn young man on parole for grievous bodily harm, holes up in a cabin somewhere in Central Otago. It’s not clear whether he’s trying to forget the past or reconcile with it, although his hesitancy with locals suggests he’s much closer to the scene of the crime than he’d care to admit. Locked away in a prison of his own making, Jack one evening encounters Grace, very far from home and seeking refuge. Played by the captivating Arta Dobroshi, star of the Dardenne brothers’ Lorna’s Silence, Grace’s own private struggles linger beneath her attraction to Jack. These lonely, enigmatic strangers drift into a relationship that promises to either heal or hurt." (New Zealand International Film Festival)
As well as breaking a local crowd-funding record, Stray became the first New Zealand film to be selected to play at the prestigious Moscow International Film Festival. Better yet, Charnock won Best Actor.
Set in the chilly environments of New Zealand's South Island, this stark drama follows a self-confined man reeling from an act of violence.
"Jack (Kieran Charnock, The Rehearsal), a taciturn young man on parole for grievous bodily harm, holes up in a cabin somewhere in Central Otago. It’s not clear whether he’s trying to forget the past or reconcile with it, although his hesitancy with locals suggests he’s much closer to the scene of the crime than he’d care to admit. Locked away in a prison of his own making, Jack one evening encounters Grace, very far from home and seeking refuge. Played by the captivating Arta Dobroshi, star of the Dardenne brothers’ Lorna’s Silence, Grace’s own private struggles linger beneath her attraction to Jack. These lonely, enigmatic strangers drift into a relationship that promises to either heal or hurt." (New Zealand International Film Festival)
As well as breaking a local crowd-funding record, Stray became the first New Zealand film to be selected to play at the prestigious Moscow International Film Festival. Better yet, Charnock won Best Actor.
Brimstone and Glory
SPECIAL SCREENING - NOV 1
The ritual, danger and the beauty of fireworks is on display here in this award-winning documentary that captures a Mexican city's annual pyrotechnic festival.
"Tultepec is what you might call an “explosive” Mexican city — over two-thirds of its residents manufacture fireworks. Each year, the town’s inhabitants cautiously begin the dangerous work of crafting handmade fireworks for the annual National Pyrotechnic Festival that attracts thousands of spectators ... Director Viktor Jakovleski uses GoPros and a flying drone that soar high above, abstracting and widening the vista of the festival and taking viewers on a magical cinematic journey through the sparks and flames that ignite the night skies." (Hot Docs Festival)
The ritual, danger and the beauty of fireworks is on display here in this award-winning documentary that captures a Mexican city's annual pyrotechnic festival.
"Tultepec is what you might call an “explosive” Mexican city — over two-thirds of its residents manufacture fireworks. Each year, the town’s inhabitants cautiously begin the dangerous work of crafting handmade fireworks for the annual National Pyrotechnic Festival that attracts thousands of spectators ... Director Viktor Jakovleski uses GoPros and a flying drone that soar high above, abstracting and widening the vista of the festival and taking viewers on a magical cinematic journey through the sparks and flames that ignite the night skies." (Hot Docs Festival)
Yellow is Forbidden
STARTS 8 NOV
New Zealand documentarian Pietra Brettkelly (A Flickering Truth) chronicles designer Guo Pei's attempt to break into the exclusive and mostly European club of elite fashion designers.
New Zealand documentarian Pietra Brettkelly (A Flickering Truth) chronicles designer Guo Pei's attempt to break into the exclusive and mostly European club of elite fashion designers.
Vermillion
STARTS 8 NOV
Celebrity composer Darcy (Jennifer Ward-Lealand) sees colours when she plays musical notes - synaesthesia. When she notices her vision is disrupted by the colour vermilion, she knows she needs help. While planning the wedding of her daughter Zoe (Emily Campbell), surrounded by her loving friends Sarah (Theresa Healey) and Sila (Goretti Chadwick), she secretly makes her own plans.
VERMILION, an intimate, character-driven drama written and directed by Dorthe Scheffmann and starring Jennifer Ward-Lealand, is a stunningly beautiful meditation on life, death and the strength of family and friends in a summer of crisis. Effortlessly multi-cultural and set in the lush domesticity of middle-class suburbia, VERMILION celebrates love and generosity in a richly female-centred household.
Celebrity composer Darcy (Jennifer Ward-Lealand) sees colours when she plays musical notes - synaesthesia. When she notices her vision is disrupted by the colour vermilion, she knows she needs help. While planning the wedding of her daughter Zoe (Emily Campbell), surrounded by her loving friends Sarah (Theresa Healey) and Sila (Goretti Chadwick), she secretly makes her own plans.
VERMILION, an intimate, character-driven drama written and directed by Dorthe Scheffmann and starring Jennifer Ward-Lealand, is a stunningly beautiful meditation on life, death and the strength of family and friends in a summer of crisis. Effortlessly multi-cultural and set in the lush domesticity of middle-class suburbia, VERMILION celebrates love and generosity in a richly female-centred household.
Kusama: Infinity
STARTS NOV 22
Sundance Grand Jury Prize-nominated documentary on celebrated Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, aka the ‘Princess of Polka Dots’.
"Frustrated by Japan’s conservative culture, Kusama moved to New York in 1958. Once there, she gained notoriety with her avant-garde sculptures, installations and performances – but little success. She was stymied by sexism and racism, and other artists adopted her ideas but failed to acknowledge her contribution. Disheartened, she returned to Tokyo in 1970, and voluntarily retired to a mental institution. Nonetheless, she continued to create, habitually visiting her nearby studio to work. Today, Kusama’s polka dot creations draw huge crowds at exhibitions around the world, from America to Australia." (Sydney Film Festival)
Sundance Grand Jury Prize-nominated documentary on celebrated Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, aka the ‘Princess of Polka Dots’.
"Frustrated by Japan’s conservative culture, Kusama moved to New York in 1958. Once there, she gained notoriety with her avant-garde sculptures, installations and performances – but little success. She was stymied by sexism and racism, and other artists adopted her ideas but failed to acknowledge her contribution. Disheartened, she returned to Tokyo in 1970, and voluntarily retired to a mental institution. Nonetheless, she continued to create, habitually visiting her nearby studio to work. Today, Kusama’s polka dot creations draw huge crowds at exhibitions around the world, from America to Australia." (Sydney Film Festival)
Pick of the Litter
STARTS 29 NOV
Meet Patriot, Potomac, Primrose, Poppet, and Phil — five determined puppies who, from the moment they’re born, begin an incredible journey to become guide dogs for the blind.
It’s a rigorous two-year process that will take them from the care of selfless foster volunteers to specialised trainers to, if they make the cut, a lifelong human companion.
At every step of the way, the puppies will be tested, challenged, and evaluated. But not just any dog makes it all the way to graduation, and only the best of the best will make the cut — who has what it takes to be the pick of the litter?
Meet Patriot, Potomac, Primrose, Poppet, and Phil — five determined puppies who, from the moment they’re born, begin an incredible journey to become guide dogs for the blind.
It’s a rigorous two-year process that will take them from the care of selfless foster volunteers to specialised trainers to, if they make the cut, a lifelong human companion.
At every step of the way, the puppies will be tested, challenged, and evaluated. But not just any dog makes it all the way to graduation, and only the best of the best will make the cut — who has what it takes to be the pick of the litter?