WIFT NZ Events

Trust, technology and storytelling in Aotearoa’s screen industry 

As AI becomes part of everyday screen production, what choices remain in our hands, and where can Aotearoa lead the conversation?

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the screen industry at remarkable speed, with new tools influencing the workflows of every department. At the same time, storytellers, audiences and funders are grappling with questions about transparency, trust, authorship and creative autonomy.|

It is necessary that we discuss the implications for our industry. Just a few years ago, debate often centred on whether AI had been used at all. Today, the questions are more nuanced: how is AI being used, when does it matter, what should be disclosed, who benefits, and how do we maintain trust between audiences and creators as technology evolves?

WIFT NZ hosts a conversation with director and researcher Caroline Bell-Booth, whose Master’s research explores the categorisation and disclosure of AI-generated screen content, Amie Mills, Head of Funding at NZ On Air, and Steven Finnigan from award-winning Post Production house Images & Sound.

Moderated by producer and audience strategist Gemma Gracewood, together they’ll explore a central question: how can Aotearoa’s screen industry retain agency, build audience trust, and make thoughtful choices about the stories we tell and the technology we use? 

CLICK HERE TO BOOK

Date: Tuesday 15th September
Time: Drinks from 6pm, panel from 6:30pm - 8pm.

Location: Images & Sound, 113 Grafton Road, Grafton, Auckland.

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

Trust, technology and storytelling in Aotearoa’s screen industry 

As AI becomes part of everyday screen production, what choices remain in our hands, and where can Aotearoa lead the conversation?

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the screen industry at remarkable speed, with new tools influencing the workflows of every department. At the same time, storytellers, audiences and funders are grappling with questions about transparency, trust, authorship and creative autonomy.|

It is necessary that we discuss the implications for our industry. Just a few years ago, debate often centred on whether AI had been used at all. Today, the questions are more nuanced: how is AI being used, when does it matter, what should be disclosed, who benefits, and how do we maintain trust between audiences and creators as technology evolves?

WIFT NZ hosts a conversation with director and researcher Caroline Bell-Booth, whose Master’s research explores the categorisation and disclosure of AI-generated screen content, Amie Mills, Head of Funding at NZ On Air, and Liam Craig, Programme Manager, Technology & Research, Wētā FX.

Moderated by producer and audience strategist Gemma Gracewood, together they’ll explore a central question: how can Aotearoa’s screen industry retain agency, build audience trust, and make thoughtful choices about the stories we tell and the technology we use? 

CLICK HERE TO BOOK

Date: Wednesday 16th September
Time: Drinks from 6pm, panel from 6:30pm - 8pm.

Location: Wētā Workshop Space, 129 Park Road, Miramar, Wellington

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

Miss it at NZIFF? Now's your chance to catch Big Girls Don't Cry (2026) before it hits cinemas in October. And you better believe the hype - the film is FANTASTIC!

Co-Produced by WIFT member Vicky Pope, Big Girls Don't Cry played to a full house at the Civic for its NZIFF debut. It has travelled to some of the most competitive festivals on the international circuit including Sundance and SXSW and received the Grand Prix at the 2026 Biarritz Film Festival.

WIFT and Madman are hosting an exclusive preview screening, followed by a Q&A with Writer and Director Paloma Schneideman and lead actor Ani Palmer, moderated by Kate Rodger.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK

A glass of bubbles will be included on entry.

WIFT Members: $20, Non-Members: $25

Please note: The annual Moon Festival will be happening on on Dominion Road on this day, so please allow extra time for travel and parking.

Unfortunately, The Capitol Cinema is not wheelchair accessible. We sincerely apologise for this inconvenience.