In May, 570 teams across Aotearoa competed in the prestigious Vista Foundation 48 Hours which culminates in the City Finals event across the county this month and into early July. Find your region below and join for an electrifying showcase of the top films from the highly anticipated 2024 challenge. Prepare to be captivated by the unparalleled talents of local filmmakers!
National Manager Ness Patea said “Each year the competition grows in a multitude of ways and this year it has taken on a life of its own. We are really proud of our national competition which is providing a solid platform to showcase and recognise our home-grown filmmakers.”
Filmmakers are recognised with awards and ultimately vie for the prestigious title of Grand National Champion! The competition culminates in a spectacular Grand Finals event, which for the first time will be held at the Embassy Theatre in Wellington on 27th July.
The 2024 National Judging Panel includes Sir Peter Jackson, Dame Gaylene Preston, Elijah Wood, Mette-Marie Kongsved, Viva La Dirt League, Jess Hong, Jon Kroll, James Ashcroft, Damon Fepulea’i, Desray Armstrong, Jill McNab, Emma Slade, Brian and Julie Cadzow, Abba-Rose Vaiaoga-Ioasa and Stallone Vaiaoga-Ioasa.
WIFT is offering an award with Gaylene Preston for the Best Female/gender diverse filmmaker!
Good luck everyone. We wait with bated breath for the finalists!
Auckland City Finals
Date / time - Saturday 29th June, 7pm
Venue - SkyCity Theatre, Corner Hobson and Wellesley Streets, Auckland CBD
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Hamilton / Taranaki City Finals
Date / time - Thursday 27th June, 7pm
Venue - Event Cinema Chartwell, Westfield Chartwell, Corner Hukanui & Comries Rd.
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Gisborne City Finals
Date / time- Friday 21st June, 7pm
Venue - Dome Cinema, Childers Rd & Customhouse Street, Gisborne.
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Wellington City Finals
Date / time - Friday 5th July, 8pm
Venue - Embassy Theatre, 10 Kent Terrace, Mt Victoria, Wellington.
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Christchurch City Finals
Date / time - Thursday 27th June, 7pm
Venue - Hoyts EntX, 617 Colombo Street, Christchurch Central City.
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Dunedin City Finals
Date / time - Monday 1st July, 7pm
Venue - Rialto Cinema, 11 Moray Place, Central Dunedin
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