Wairarapa Film Festival (May 21 – 25) marks five years of showcasing local film, art and storytelling in the heart of our stunning region. This milestone edition features world premieres, retrospectives, and thought-provoking films that connect audiences to their local heritage.
Festival highlights include a special Annie Collins Retrospective, honouring one of Aotearoa’s most influential film editors. Fun fact: Annie was born in Masterton! The festival also celebrates Lily Branscombe, a Carterton-born actress who graced over 50 Hollywood silent films. The festival will screen a selection of recently digitised films starring our Lily.
Highlight: the World Premiere of Never Forgotten, a compelling new documentary by local historian Mark Pacey that examines the U.S. Marines’ stay in Masterton during WW2.
Another key moment is the 40th Anniversary screening of The Neglected Miracle by Masterton-born director Barry Barclay, – a timeless exploration of seed sovereignty and indigenous filmmaking.
A major new addition this year is Sense of Place: Stories of Connection, a curated section dedicated to films that explore the bonds between people and the places they call home. This segment delves into diverse landscapes, cultures, and the connections that shape identity. Jane Ross noted Circus Cinema is not involved, but six other venues including two school colleges are holding events. In addition to world-class cinema, Waifilmfest presents industry development opportunities for aspiring filmmakers through Film Talks, panel discussions, masterclasses, and workshops – providing valuable insights and networking avenues.
The festival also launches the 50 Hour Film Project, a high-energy competition inviting youth up to 25 years old to create a short film in just 50 hours. At its heart, the festival embodies whakawhanaungatanga – the spirit of connection. Celebrate the vibrant voices shaping our cultural landscape and forging new bonds through the power of storytelling. More at: waifilmfest.co.nz
