Christchurch screenings of Whānau Mārama - The New Zealand International Film Festival begins tonight, showcasing critically-acclaimed home-grown and international films at the Isaac Theatre Royal, Lumière and online for film-buffs to stream at home

Lumière’s programme will open with the Australian film, True History of the Kelly Gang screening concurrently with the online premiere tonight. The film, directed by Justin Kurzel (Snowtown, NZIFF11) and based on the Booker Prize winning novel by Peter Carey, is a surreal adaptation of the outlaw legend featuring high-profile New Zealand actors including Thomasin Harcourt McKenzie (Leave No Trace, NZIFF18 and Jojo Rabbit), musician Marlon Williams and Russell Crowe.

The Isaac Theatre Royal’s programme begins with The Truth; the first film acclaimed Japanese director Kore-eda Hirokazu (Shoplifters) has made outside of his home country, featuring French film icons Catherine Deneuve and Juliette Binoche.

One to watch out for online, having its world premiere at Whānau Mārama, is Steelers – The World’s First Gay Rugby Club, a debut documentary from New York-based Australian news reporter Eammon Ashton-Atkinson. The film tells the 1995 story of the world’s first gay rugby club. Sixty clubs have since formed around the world, coming together to play for the Bingham Cup every two years.

Four New Zealand films will form some of the highlights at this year’s NZIFF: Before Everest, about Edmund Hilary’s tense relationship with fellow climber Earle Riddiford (August 1, Isaac Theatre Royale), LOIMATA, The Sweetest Tears, which honours the last voyage of the great waka maker, sailor and mentor Ema Siope (August 1, Isaac Theatre Royale), The Girl on the Bridge, an inspiring documentary tracking one woman’s path from suicide survivor to mental health advocate (July 26, Lumiere), and Tupaia’s Endeavour – The Director’s Cut, which expands on the Māori TV series about the Tahitian navigator (online).

Screenings at The Isaac Theatre Royal and Lumière continue through until Sunday 2 August and Monday 3 August respectively, and both of their programmes are packed with thought-provoking, compelling titles. Online titles are available on varying dates – so be sure to check ASAP.

lumierecinemas.co.nz
isaactheatreroyal.co.nz