We give top billing this issue to a wonderful man who has given his life to supporting and celebrating the creative output of the industry we all work in.
You will probably have already seen this press release but there are very few, if any, people who can be credited with having such an impact on the careers of so many of you, so we reprint it with gratitude for the life of the marvelous Bill Gosden.
Bill's memorial service will be held at the Public Trust Hall, 131-135 Lambton Quay, Wellington, on Monday 16 November, at 2pm.
You can share your own tributes to Bill on this page which will continue to be populated with your memorial words over the coming days and weeks. Or you can email something you'd like to share to tribute@rememberingbillgosden.co.nz.
The New Zealand Film Festival Trust and New Zealand International Film Festival (NZIFF) is deeply saddened at the passing of former Director Bill Gosden (ONZM). Bill died peacefully early yesterday (Friday 6 November), five days shy of his 67th birthday.
At this time, Bill's family and close friends have asked for privacy while they come to terms with their loss.
Bill helmed NZIFF for almost 40 years before retiring last year due to ill health. His promotion of, and commitment to, New Zealand film and filmmakers is one of his enduring legacies.
New Zealand Film Festival Trust Chair Catherine Fitzgerald said Bill's contribution to New Zealand's film culture through film festivals is indelible. "Bill lived and breathed film from his earliest years, working tirelessly to create a demand from New Zealand audiences for the highest quality films from around the world."
Film Festival Director Marten Rabarts said the news of Bill's passing was a sad day for the film industry in New Zealand and worldwide. "The film festival and film community in New Zealand owes Bill a huge debt of gratitude for the decades of work and passion he committed to develop and champion a world-class festival experience for audiences and filmmakers alike."
The New Zealand Film Festival Trust and the New Zealand International Film Festival extend their condolences to Bill's wide circle of family, friends, and colleagues.