Spy's Party People: Film Festival launch

Tristan Alfred and Kate Rodger attend the opening night of the New Zealand International Film Festival at The Civic. Photo / Norrie Montgomery

Actors, filmmakers and cinephiles flocked to Auckland's Civic Theatre last night, to celebrate the launch of the New Zealand International Film Festival.

The festival opened with the quirky sci-fi rom-com, The Lobster, which earned international acclaim when it won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year. An after-party followed downstairs in the Wintergarden.

Opening night of the New Zealand International Film Festival:

Image 1 of 7: Tristan Alfred and Kate Rodger attend the opening night of the New Zealand International Film Festival at The Civic. Photo / Norrie Montgomery

The festival runs until August 2, with more than 160 films from 44 countries on show.

For a full programme see nziff.co.nz.

- nzherald.co.nz