Wednesday
24
Sep
2025
Pike River: Crafting Authenticity

Pike River: Crafting Authenticity

Posted Thursday 28 Aug 2025

Toi Pōneke Art Centre, WIFT and Massey University are proud to host a special presentation from director Rob Sarkies (Out of the Blue, Scarfies) and screenwriter Fiona Samuel (Piece of My Heart, Consent: The Louise Nicholas Story) to launch the Wellington Write Room Screenwriter's Residency for 2026. 

Proceeding the highly anticipated release of Pike River on 30 October,  Rob and Fiona will share how they brought this film to life, honouring the real people at the heart of the story.  This presentation will offer a rare look at how these two experienced storytellers crafted a dramatic piece of cinema based on a true story with integrity, courage and deep emotional truth.  

A version of this session was one of the highlights of the 2025 Big Screen Symposium and should be of interest to all Pōneke writers, dramatists, filmmakers, and artists interested in the intersection of truth and drama.  

The session will include the launch of the 2026 Toi Poneke Wellington Write Room programme (in its 8th consecutive year) and a chance for writers considering applying to discuss requirements with Write Room co-founders Vicky Pope and Rob Sarkies.

About our guests:

Rob Sarkies made his feature debut with black comedy Scarfies (1999), premiering at Sundance and becoming an enduring hit in NZ. His sophomore feature, Out of the Blue (2006) premiered at TIFF to critical and NZ box office success. His latest feature Pike River premiered at the Sydney Film Festival in June and will release in NZ cinemas on 30 October 2025. Rob’s television projects include acclaimed tele-features Consent: The Louise Nicholas Story and Jean about the early life of aviator Jean Batten. Rob has also directed episodic television including episodes of The GulfOne Lane Bridge, Australian series Wanted and many well known commercials.

Fiona Samuel is a writer and director for television, theatre and film, an NZ Arts Foundation Laureate, and a Member of the NZ Order of Merit for services to television and theatre. She has made a body of work that puts the female experience front and centre, starting with her groundbreaking drama series The Marching Girls, featuring ten young female leads at the helm. Continuing through her acclaimed Sunday Theatre telefeatures is Piece of My Heart and Bliss – The Beginning of Katherine Mansfield. Fiona wrote & directed both films, which won high ratings and multiple awards.

📅 Date: Wednesday 24th September
📍 Location: National Academy of Screen Arts cinema, Dominion Museum Building, Tokomaru, Block 10, Massey University, Wallace Street, Wellington
🕠 Time: 6.00PM – 8.30PM

Presentation followed by nibbles & drinks. Cash bar available.

Free to WIFT members, Massey Students & Staff. $10 for non-members.

BOOK HERE VIA HUMANATIX

Date: Wednesday 24 Sep 2025
Location: National Academy of Screen Arts cinema, Dominion Museum Building, Tokomaru, Block 10, Massey University, Wallace Street, Wellington
Time: 6pm - 8:30pm

Wednesday
24
Sep
2025

Upcoming events...

Thursday 12 Mar 2026

WIFT Awards 2026

The Women In Film & Television (WIFT NZ) Awards will take place on 12th March 2026 at St Matthew-in-the-City, Auckland.

A time for us to celebrate the achievements of the wonderful women in our screen industry!

Date: Thursday 12th March 2026
Time: 7pm - 11pm
Venue: St Matthew-in-the-City, Auckland

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS VIA HUMANITIX

Forget everything you think you know about awards ceremonies. Yes, we're celebrating incredible women across our industry. From emerging talents to legends who've shaped New Zealand screen. But this is no stuffy gala!

You walk into the stunning St Matthew-in-the-City, welcome drink in hand. The room is buzzing. MC Kate Rodger brings the laughs and the heart. Surprises unfold throughout the night (we're not spoiling them, you'll have to be there). And when the formalities wrap? The dance floor opens and we raise the roof.

Your ticket gets you:

  • Entry to an unforgettable night of celebration

  • Open bar (yes, really! Thanks to the legends at FAT Lighting)

  • Delicious canapés courtesy of Little Wolf Catering

  • Surprise appearances

  • A room full of brilliant, inspiring screen industry people

  • A chance to dust off that formal outfit 

  • All for a price that won't break the bank

Whether you're flying solo or bringing your crew (all genders welcome), this is THE place to be.

Click here for the full press release and past winners.

Don't sleep, get your tickets now!

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

With thanks to our supporters: NZ On Air, Great Southern Film & Television, Perpetual Entertainment, Hinterland, Images & Sound, Sky, Professional Lighting Services, Queenstown Camera Company, SAE Creative Media Institute, South Pacific Pictures, Te Māngai Pāho, Wētā FX & FAT Lighting.

Sunday 15 Mar 2026

Screen Parents & Little Ones - Causal Industry Parents Meet-Up

WIFT and Tāmaki Makaurau Screen Industry Network (TMSIN) are super-keen to ensure parents of young children in our industry can remain connected to our community, at a time when that sense of professional and personal connection can be so important. 

We invite industry parents, especially those of babies and young children, to join us for a very casual catch up. Whether you're working, or taking an extended break from working, you're welcome to come along! Please register if you plan to come, so we can let you know about any changes like weather, etc.

Look out for Sam & James! (Photos in the banner above) We won't have a flag up, just come and introduce yourself.

We really encourage you to join us, so we can get a feel for whether there's an appetite for more of this. Come as you are, no fanciness required. Milk stains and sleep-deprivation all welcome. 

Date: Sunday 15th March

Time: 10am - 1pm

Location: Cornwall Park, meeting by the band rotunda (Click here for exact location via Google Maps)

Wet weather plans TBC

BYO children, blankets, snacks and games!

Please register with your phone numbers, in case of changes.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER VIA HUMANITIX

Wednesday 25 Mar 2026

Boost Your Work: Running A Successful Boosted Campaign (Christchurch)

Crowdfunding a film is one thing. Keeping a campaign alive, building momentum, finding your audience, and turning strangers into supporters is something else entirely. This panel brings together filmmakers for an honest conversation about what it actually takes to run a successful creative crowdfunding campaign in Aotearoa.

We will have Flynn Robson from Boosted, New Zealand's dedicated arts crowdfunding platform discuss how the platform works. He will be joined by Annabel Kean (The Weed Eaters) and Kim Georgine (A Son's Return Home), two filmmakers who have successfully been through the process themselves.

This session goes beyond the basics. Expect practical insights on platform optimisation, lateral thinking around outreach, and a frank discussion about what nobody tells you before you launch.

Whether you're mid-campaign, planning your first, or just crowdfunding-curious, this panel is your chance to learn from the people who've been through it, and come away with ideas you can use straight away.

We thank The Arts Foundation for collaborating with us on this event, as well as Kōawa Studios for hosting it. We are excited to be the first event held at the new theatre!

Date: Wednesday 25th March
Location: Kōawa Theatrette, University of Canterbury, Carpark 3, 21 Dovedale Avenue, Christchurch
Time: Drinks and nibbles from 6pm, workshop from 6:30pm-8:30pm

 

Free for WIFT members, $20 for non-members.

Wednesday 25 Mar 2026

Making It Work: Camera Up-Skilling with Tammy Williams (Wellington)

This event is BACK after a successful run in Christchurch, we are now bringing it to Wellington!

How do you create great visual work when resources are tight and you're working in a smaller market?

Join us for a practical workshop with Tammy Williams that explores the collaborative process between camera operators, directors, and producers. We'll dig into the real questions: What gear is essential (and what can wait)? How do camera operators and directors work together to achieve a shared vision? How do you balance creative ambition with budget realities?

This session covers both the technical and creative sides, from building camera skills and confidence to negotiating visual storytelling decisions and finding pathways to experience. Whether you're a camera operator, director, producer, or wearing multiple hats, this is about understanding how to work together effectively to create compelling content.

We will be using current industry standard camera gear thanks to Portsmouth.

Date: Wednesday 25th March
Location: Wētā Workshop Group Space, 129 Park Road, Miramar, Wellington
Time: Drinks and nibbles from 6pm, workshop from 5:30pm-8:00pm

Drinks and nibbles will be provided.
Free to WIFT members and $20 for non-members.

Click here to get your tickets via Humanitix

 

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