Tuesday
21
Mar
2023
In Conversation with Pietra Brettkelly

In Conversation with Pietra Brettkelly

Posted Tuesday 21 Mar 2023

Intrepid, tenacious and dedicated, Pietra Brettkelly is a three-times Oscar selected and Sundance award-winning NZ filmmaker and we're thrilled she's agreed to head south for this documentary-focused workshop in Christchurch.
Pietra's documentary features include Yellow Is Forbidden, A Flickering Truth, Māori Boy Genius, The Art Star And The Sudanese Twins and Beauty Will Save The World. In 2019 she received the inaugural New Zealand Arts Laureate in Documentary, and at the 2020 WIFT NZ Awards, Pietra won the South Pacific Pictures Award for Achievement in Film "for creating unique, intimate, beautiful cinematic works that open a window into another world".

Christchurch director Vanessa Wells will facilitate the discussion where Pietra will be shedding light on:

  • Why she chose documentary as the medium for her storytelling; 
  • What makes a great documentary idea;
  • How to craft a powerful narrative within documentary;
  • How to navigate the funding process for documentary projects;
  • How to nurture a sustainable career as a documentary maker.

Pietra and Oscar nominated producer Chelsea Winstanley are running a Boosted campaign for her latest project, Crocodile, a coming-of-age documentary film about a group of Nigerian kids and young adults who are making their own sci-fi feature film. 

Click here to support the Crocodile Boosted campaign 

WIFT NZ members free; non members $15 cash; includes wine and nibbles.

The main entrance is off St Asaph St, but you're welcome to use the back door, off Welles St.

A note on parking: it should be easy on the street at that time of night, but take care of restrictions if you use the Wilsons or High St parking, they can be ruthless with tickets! You could park at the Smiths City park, behind The Welder after hours - but at your own risk.

RSVP essential to office@wiftnz.org.nz

Please note the earlier start time 5:30pm networking for a 6:00pm workshop start.

Date: Tuesday 21 Mar 2023
Location: Attraction Studio, 204 St Asaph St, Christchurch
Time: 5:30pm networking for a 6:00pm start

Tuesday
21
Mar
2023

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.