From the producers of Talk to Me and The Babadook, a new nightmare is coming. LEVITICUS hits NZ cinemas June 18 — read the full media release for all the chilling details.

It’s official, Big Girls Don’t Cry will open NZIFF 2026!

The debut feature from Auckland-based director Paloma Schneideman, Big Girls Don’t Cry is a tender coming-of-age portrait of girlhood, set in early 2000s Matakana.

Big Girls Don't Cry will be this year's Opening Night film at the 2026 Whānau Mārama New Zealand International Film Festival, kicking off with the NZ premiere of the film on July 29 in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. To celebrate this announcement, we have released our official teaser trailer to give you a first look at Paloma Schneideman's debut feature film.

World Press Photo and Doc Edge unite for the first time in Aotearoa, bringing world‑leading photojournalism and immersive storytelling together in a single exhibition. Running 24 June–12 July 2026 at Smith & Caughey, this flagship Doc Edge Festival event showcases award‑winning global photography alongside cutting‑edge VR and interactive documentary experiences. Tickets available from 15 May

Be one of the first to watch new trailer for LOMU.

LOMU is a complex and nuanced portrait of Jonah Lomu, the most adored son of the Pacific, a legendary All Black. More than a sports biography, this documentary is a Pasifika story of identity, faith, collective responsibility and vulnerability behind legend. In NZ cinemas September 3.

Aotearoa’s next wave of independent performance hits Q Theatre from July 2026, with nine new works supported through the Q Season Support programme — giving artists affordable access to space, resources and 80% of box office. Expect bold theatre, dance, comedy and touring favourites including Sharp Teeth, Over and Out, Every Kind of Weather and An Enemy of the People.

In this scrum, sisterhood is the strategy.

An inspiring story of family, community and sisterhood set against the backdrop of a season of grassroots club rugby in Taranaki. Filmed over two years, it follows two local teams and several individual players - including Sevens Superstar Michaela Brake, as they navigate ambition, community and personal challenges.

No Tears on the Field is now available to buy or rent from the online retailers

At Last Laughs! Awards Gala last night, the NZ International Comedy Festival with Best Foods Mayo honoured the outstanding talent from this year's Comedy Fest programme, rewarding Aotearoa comedy excellence with the New Zealand Comedy Trust awards: The Fred Award for Best New Zealand Show and the Billy T Award and more.

Pacific Dance Festival 2026 marks a bold new era for Pacific Dance NZ — a future‑focused, pan‑Moana celebration of identity, innovation, and the communities shaping modern Aotearoa. Spanning South Auckland to Te Tai Tokerau, this reimagined festival elevates emerging Indigenous voices and spotlights artists from Micronesia, Melanesia, and Polynesia.

The Michael Hill International Violin Competition is transforming into a nationwide festival in 2026 (25 events, four centres, 17 days) taking world‑class violinists from Queenstown to Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington for an unprecedented celebration of music, talent and community.

With one month until its nationwide cinema release, Sgt. Haane has dropped a powerful new trailer: a fierce, emotional glimpse into the story of 28th Māori Battalion hero Haane Manahi and the legendary charge on Takrouna.

THE WEED EATERS team is hitting 21 cinemas across Aotearoa this April with advance Q&As, chaos, and cult‑classic energy ahead of the April 30 release. Fresh off international festival wins, the Kiwi comedy‑horror brings ancient cannabis, accidental cannibalism, and full‑tilt mayhem to screens nationwide.

A new 30‑second, Sam Neill–voiced tribute to Aotearoa filmmaking will play before the 10th‑anniversary cinema re‑release of Hunt for the Wilderpeople, uniting industry groups to champion local stories and encourage audiences back to the big screen.

Tim Batt returns to the 2026 NZ International Comedy Festival with Eternal Optimist, a sharp and hopeful hour about New Zealand politics, parenthood and staying positive in a chaotic year. Blending biting satire with genuine reflection, Batt brings the same energy that’s made him a Billy T nominee and co‑host of the global hit podcast, The Worst Idea of All Time.

Dreamer is a brand‑new indoor light festival transforming the NZICC into a huge, all‑day world of colour, sound and interactive installations these April school holidays. Designed for families and fully weatherproof, it runs 3-12 April with affordable tickets and free entry for under‑5s. A bright, creative, easy day out in the heart of the city.