Thursday
08
Aug
2024
Black Box Diaries, Q & A with Director

Black Box Diaries, Q & A with Director

Posted Tuesday 30 Jul 2024

On Thursday, 8th August, following the screening of Black Box Diaries (*at 4:15 PM at The Lighthouse Cinema*), walk on over to the venue of Southern Cross in Te Aro, for a special Q & A with Japanese director, Shiori Ito, in conversation with Gwen Issac and Missy Molloy. This will be one illuminating and activating conversation. Don't miss it! Cash bar. Free event. Nibbles provided.

This event is a collaborative effort between WIFT, NZIFF, Japan Aotearoa Film Exchange Program and Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington.

Location: Southern Cross, in The Guest Room

Date & Time: 8th August, 6:00 PM

When 28-year-old aspiring journalist Shiori Ito goes public in May 2017 with her rape allegation against a well-known media figure and biographer of then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, she feels she has no other choice but to try to change Japan’s antiquated sexual assault laws. In a society where speaking up on such matters is considered shameful, her press conference shocks the public.

Directed by Ito herself, Black Box Diaries captures her tumultuous, heart-wrenching, and ultimately triumphant journey, going behind the headlines to reveal what has been like to walk in her shoes. It reveals the toll that politics, media, and technology takes on the humanity of individuals. Being both a victim and a journalist, the documentary shows that Ito did this to not only create a great social change, but to keep herself alive.

Gwen Isaac is a documentary and factual filmmaker. Her most recent feature film, Ms. Information, was selected for Whanau Marāma 2023 (NZ International Film Festival) and FIFO Tahiti 2024. 

Missy Molloy is Senior Lecturer in film at Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington. With specializations in women’s, alternative and activist cinemas, she has written widely on women filmmakers, including Lucrecia Martel, Susanne Bier and Jane Campion. 

Date: Thursday 08 Aug 2024
Location: Southern Cross, Wellington
Time: 6:00 PM

Thursday
08
Aug
2024

Upcoming events...

Wednesday 12 Nov 2025

Co-Productions: An In-Depth Dive with the NZFC

Co-Productions: An In-Depth Dive with the NZFC

Navigate the world of international co-productions with confidence. New Zealand has 18 official co-production agreements globally, with another on the horizon. But what do these agreements actually mean for filmmakers?

This comprehensive presentation demystifies the concept of co-production and the 18 co-production arrangements, breaking down the practical benefits and requirements of official co-productions versus unofficial co-productions. You'll gain clarity on how these agreements work, which opportunities could align with your project, and how to leverage them effectively.

Delivered by: Co-Production & Incentives and Funding kaimahi

With extensive experience overseeing New Zealand's co-production landscape, they will share insider knowledge on international co-production.

Following the workshop, the NZFC team will offer virtual one-on-one sessions for filmmakers who want to discuss their specific projects and explore potential co-production pathways. You will be able to sign up for these at the workshop.

- NEW DATE: Wednesday 12th November
- Time: 6pm-7:30pm
- Location: St Columba Centre, 40 Vermont Street Ponsonby, Auckland

Free for WIFT & Ngā Aho Whakaari members, $20 for non-members. Drinks & nibbles provided.

Special thanks to the New Zealand Film Commission and Ngā Aho Whakaari for supporting this event.

 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Wednesday 12 Nov 2025

(Wellington) Framing The Film: The Unit Stills-Producer Collaboration

Framing the Film: The Unit Stills Photographer-Producer Collaboration

Brought to you by the New Zealand Film Commission, Sony New Zealand, WIFT & Topic Rentals

Great stills don't just happen. They require planning, collaboration, and understanding their value from day one.

Publicity stills are how you sell your film. They're also a contractual requirement for funders, yet they're often an afterthought in pre-production. This session explores how to approach unit stills strategically: building them into your budget and schedule, meeting funder requirements with high-quality imagery, and creating a collaborative process that delivers compelling promotional assets.

Join us for an insight into the crucial relationship between unit stills photographers and producers, featuring Matt Grace (Pike River, Time Bandits, The Rings of Power) and Vicky Pope (Producer, Pike River, Went Up the Hill, Savage).

Matt and Vicky will share how they approached unit stills on productions (including working together on Pike River and Savage), to capture outstanding stills that served both the creative vision and the practical demands of distribution and publicity.

Whether you're a producer planning your next project or a photographer looking to work in unit stills, this is an opportunity to understand what makes this collaboration work.

Date: Wednesday 12th November
Time: 6pm-8pm
Venue: Wētā Workshop Group Space, 129 Park Road, Miramar, Wellington

Free for WIFT members, $20 for non-members
Drinks & nibbles provided

REGISTER HERE

Programme is brought to you with generous support from the NZ Film Commission and Foundation North.