Wairarapa Film Festival 2025

Wairarapa Film Festival is a vibrant celebration of film and storytelling held annually in the heart of Aotearoa’s stunning Wairarapa region.

Join us in celebrating our 5th Birthday! For 2025, we’ve curated an exciting and bold programme that truly captures the essence of storytelling, featuring world premieres, retrospectives, and powerful new works that connect people to their place and their stories.

Waifilmfest Highlights include:
* Annie Collins Retrospective: A stunning tribute to one of Aotearoa’s most revered film editors.
* Lily Branscombe: Silent Film Actress: A celebration of a Carterton-born trailblazer whose legacy continues to resonate in the world of cinema.
* World Premiere of Never Forgotten directed by Mark Pacey: Be the first to experience this powerful new documentary from a local filmmaker.
* 40th Anniversary of The Neglected Miracle directed by Barry Barclay: A remarkable film that celebrates seed sovereignty and honours a pioneering indigenous filmmaker.

A Sense of Place: Stories of Connection
We’re also proud to introduce Sense of Place: Stories of Connection, a captivating new section that delves into the deep bonds between people and the places they call home. Through these films, we honour the diverse landscapes, cultures, and stories that shape our identites. It’s a celebration of the unbreakable connections we share with our environment and one another.

Industry and Talent Development
Wairarapa Film Festival is about watching incredible films AND it’s about learning, networking, and growing. Participate in Film Talks, Panel Discussions, Masterclasses, and Workshops offering industry insights, creative inspiration, and valuable opportunities to connect with professionals in the field.

The 50 Hour Film Project
We’re thrilled to introduce the 50 Hour Film Project, a high-energy filmmaking competition for youth up to 25 years old. Emerging filmmakers will have just 50 hours to create a short film, pushing their creativity, teamwork, and skills to the limit. It’s an exciting chance to showcase the next generation of talent and spark new cinematic voices.

At the heart of the Wairarapa Film Festival is whakawhanaungatanga — the spirit of connection. We’re dedicated to fostering inclusivity, celebrating local talent, and creating memorable experiences that resonate with everyone who participates in Waifilmfest.

Join us for the Wairarapa Film Festival 2025 as we honour the power of storytelling, celebrate the vibrant voices shaping our cultural landscape, and forge connections between people, places, and stories from across Aotearoa New Zealand.

NOTE: The Full Programme will launch in early April 2025. Tickets go on sale early in May 2025.
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