Drama aplenty at New Zealand International Film Festival: Laura Vodanovich

The New Zealand International Film Festival at the MTG Century Theatre, runs from August 28 to September 7. Photo / NZME

Opinion

Laura Vodanovich is MTG’s director

We’re really looking forward to hosting 2025’s New Zealand International Film Festival (NZIFF) at the MTG Century Theatre, running from August 28 to September 7.

Opening film, It Was Just an Accident, was best feature film at Cannes this year, winning the Palme d’Or, and looks perfect to set the scene for a great festival. In this slow-building thriller, director Jafar Panahi explores violence, morality and revenge.

What would a film festival be without drama - have no fear, there’s plenty on offer from around the world in the programme.

Films based on true events, movies that challenge past and present regimes, stories of hope, despair and grit – so many I won’t try to list them here, but there are a number on my watchlist! Comedy and satire make an appearance as well, along with dystopian tales, stories of love and sexuality, thrillers, and documentaries. Horror classic, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, even makes a return to the big screen, celebrating its 50th gory anniversary.

This year, there’s plenty of Aotearoa/New Zealand content to watch, with seven films, including two by legendary Dame Gaylene Preston, who will be at the screenings and for question and answer sessions afterwards.

Preston’s films are Grace: A Prayer for Peace, portraying another legendary New Zealander, Dame Robin White, and screening on August 31 at 1pm; and War Stories Our Mothers Never Told Us, screening on September 6 at 10.45am. Other New Zealand content includes Prime Minister, looking at the ups and downs of Jacinda Ardern’s leadership of the country; Anchor Me – The Don McGlashan Story, revealing the man behind the music; Not Only Fred Dagg, providing an intimate glimpse into John Clarke’s life; Went up the Hill, a thriller filmed in Christchurch; and Ngā Whanaunga: Aotearoa New Zealand’s Best 2025, a selection of the best in a series of short films.

Closing film, Sentimental Value, explores the complex relationship between daughter Nora, and her estranged father and film director Gustav, who resurfaces after Nora’s mother dies.

In an attempt to boost his declining career, Gustav tries to coerce his daughter, now a famous actor, to star in his new film about his mother (Nora’s grandmother), who, haunted by the torture she suffered under the Nazis, eventually took her own life in the family home where Nora and her sister were raised.

Between It Was Just an Accident and Sentimental Value bookending the festival, it feels sure we are in good and well-considered hands, with a selection of films offering all the drama, excitement, laughs, and thought-provoking content you want from a film festival.

Over just 11 short days, there are 34 different films, showing over 48 screenings, providing a smorgasbord of treats with something for everyone.

Programmes are available at the museum and in various cafes and venues across Napier, Hastings and Havelock North. We look forward to welcoming you to the Century Theatre to enjoy your picks.

Tickets for the New Zealand International Film Festival are now available online through the MTG website (mtghawkesbay.com), or at the museum counter, for purchase.