The festival is a joint initiative by Helen Marie O'Connell of the Whanganui Film Society, and photographer Tia Huia Ranginui, both of whom have backgrounds in the film and cinema industry.
"We wanted to bring people together to show films that reflect the diversity of our culture in Aotearoa, as well as showcasing the breadth of talent we have here in Whanganui," Miss O'Connell said.
"To also be able provide a space for local filmmakers to not only meet each other but to learn from other practitioners in the industry has been an unexpected bonus. The response from both the local and visiting filmmakers has been overwhelmingly positive."
The festival is funded through the Creative Communities Scheme, supported by the Whanganui Film Society, Double Farley Creative Partners, Whanganui District Council, and in association with the Wairoa Maori Film Festival.
Puanga Pictures screens over two venues: the Concert Chamber at the Whanganui War Memorial Centre, with the filmmakers sessions held at the Double Farley Learning Space across the road in Watt Street. Admission to the Kia Ora Shorts and Local Shorts programmes, and Sunday's filmmakers sessions, is by koha, with the feature films Great Maiden's Blush and Orphans & Kingdoms ticketed at $10 each. The festival is open to the public (censors ratings apply).
Full info and updates can be found at the website puangapictures.nz or contact puangapictures@gmail.com for more info.
