We had our holiday brain on last month, so many of you will already know this... but we still want to give a huge shout-out to long-time WIFTer Leanne Pooley, who was named an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for "Services to Documentary Filmmaking" in the New Year's Honours List 2017.
Her documentaries have illuminated fascinating Kiwi characters and stories, from Haunting Douglas and Topp Twins - Untouchable Girls to Beyond the Edge. She continues to create innovative and acclaimed work: her latest, 25 April (pictured), made the 2017 Oscars longlist for best animated feature, and it's also making waves on the international festival circuit. Congratulations, Leanne!