wairarapa film festival (2025)

Now in its fifth year, the Wairarapa Film Festival, curated by Film Talks founder Jane Ross, has become a vibrant celebration of cinema that brings bold films, premieres, and inspiring conversations to stunning venues across the region. The festival has showcased unforgettable New Zealand stories alongside rare cinematic gems, with filmmaker Q&As that invite reflection and community connection.

Designed for dedicated film lovers and those passionate about our people, places, history, and stories, the festival continues to spark meaningful dialogue and a strong sense of community spirit.

Film Talks is proud to present this milestone festival, welcoming audiences to experience cinema that connects us all.

21-25 May, 2025

VIGIL (1984)

VIGIL is a powerful atmospheric drama set in a primeval valley where four characters live and farm in an uneasy coexistence. The story unfolds through the eyes of the central character Toss, an 11-year-old girl caught up in the tragedy of her father’s death and the arrival of a stranger, Ethan. Ward spent five years making this mystical testimony to the beauty and immutability of nature's laws and the circle of life and death.  - NZ Film Commission

Film Talks proudly presents VIGIL (1984) - our 40th Anniversary Screening and Q&A with Vincent Ward, Fiona Kay, and John Maynard. We are proud to partner with the Carterton and Wellington Film Societies. 

Photo Credit: Vincent Ward Films

19 November, 2024

FAUST (1926)

This Halloween, dive into the eerie world of silent cinema! Join us at Aratoi Museum of Art and History for a special Halloween screening of the iconic 'FAUST' (1926).

In one of the great classics of German expressionist cinema, Goethe’s famous tale of the man who makes a pact with a demon is brought to life by FW Murnau.

Our special Halloween screening of FAUST is presented as a free community screening in cooperation with the Geothe-Institut New Zealand, Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History, and the Masterton District Creative Communities Scheme.

Photo Credit: Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau Stiftung

31 October, 2024

MARIMARI (2024)

Evelyn Kunda is a teacher, mother, a human rights defender, and the only woman from her village who doesn’t believe that she is surrounded by witches.

MARIMARI takes audiences on a cinematic journey into the villages, towns, and urban slums of Highlands Papua New Guinea, where Evelyn fights to rescue and rehabilitate the survivors of sorcery violence. 

Film Talks is proud to partner with Regent 3 Cinemas and Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival for a special screening and panel discussion with Director Paul Wolffram, Co-Producer Shu Run Yap, Editor Annie Collins, and the film's subject, Evelyn Kunda.

This partner event was made possible with generous funding support from the Wellington UNESCO City of Film Strategy.

31 August 2024

HUMANIST VAMPIRE SEEKING CONSENTING SUICIDAL PERSON (2024)

Sink your teeth into this deadpan quirky romantic comedy about a sensitive teenage vampire who meets a depressed teenage boy, and together they make an unexpected connection.

7:30 PM Arrive in the foyer for drinks and nibbles
7:45 PM Photos and spot prizes! 
8:00 PM Movie starts in Cinema 2.

Film Talks is proud to partner with Regent 3 Cinemas, Whānau Mārama; New Zealand International Film Festival, and Wairarapa College Drama Department for our special Dress Up Night with spots prizes for best dressed. 

This partner event was made possible with generous funding support from the Wellington UNESCO City of Film Strategy.

30 August 2024

THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI (1920)

The mysterious Dr. Caligari (played by Werner Krauss) arrives in a rural German village with his companion Cesare (Conrad Veidt), a man in an eternal state of sleep who can be ordered to perform his master's commands. A series of gruesome murders lead some to believe that the doctor and his strange “assistant” may well be to blame.

Our special Halloween screening is presented as a free community screening in cooperation with the Geothe-Institut New Zealand, Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History, and Masterton District Council.

Photo Credit: Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau Stiftung

31 October 2023

MS. INFORMATION (2023)

As the nation plunges into pandemic, Gwen Isaac’s observational documentary delves into the trenches with Siouxsie Wiles, the fuchsia-haired microbiologist who emerged as a national hero and a witch in the minds of a divided New Zealand.

For much of the confined population, regular media appearances by scientist Siouxsie Wiles were a calming and enlightening presence amid the fear and confusion of Covid-19. While she was cooly urging the populace not to panic, Siouxsie herself was the target of hate and hysteria from certain groups who took issue with her work protecting the population’s health.

Film Talks is proud to partner with Regent 3 Cinemas and Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival for a special screening and Q&A with director Gwen Issacs.

26 August 2023

TWO IDIOTS AND A TIN WHISTLE (2021)

This heartwarming mockumentary follows a musical talent quest in rural New Zealand where talented musicians compete for a scholarship to the prestigious Elmville Music Academy in London.

Eli Hill and Jason Ellis are NZ born filmmakers. They describe themselves as "two film-mad kiwis and their creative compatriots, doing things their own way, working on everything."

With this special screening you'll get a bonus filmmaking workshop on how to self-fund a film in Aotearoa NZ, based on their own experiences with 'Two Idiots'.

This event is presented at The Globe Theatre, Palmerston North and supported with funding from the Palmerston North Creative Communities Scheme.

20 November 2022

THE PERFECT HOST (2018)

While sorting her dead grandmother's affairs, a young woman boards in an eerie, southern mansion and soon discovers the matriarch may desire more than just her company.

Meet the Filmmaker: Derrick Sims is an American-born director of photography/editor who made the move to New Zealand following production on The Perfect Host: A Southern Gothic Tale. Sims directed and co-wrote the film and completed post production at Palmy’s Square Edge Community Arts Centre while serving as Massey University’s Artist in Residence in late 2016.

This event is presented at The Globe Theatre, Palmerston North and supported with funding from the Palmerston North Creative Communities Scheme.

13 November 2022

Nosferatu (1922)

Vampire Count Orlok expresses interest in a new residence and real estate agent Hutter's wife.

F.W. Murnau’s Nosferatu (1922) is one of the silent era’s most influential masterpieces, which pioneered techniques and tropes of the horror genre still used today. 

To mark 100 years since the release of the German Expressionist classic, we are presenting this film screening to coincide with Halloween.

This event is presented at the Trust Lands Trust Education Centre, Masterton in partnership with the Geothe-Instiut New Zealand and Masterton District Council.

Photo Credit: Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau Stiftung

31 October 2022

TARARUA FILM FESTIVAL (2021)

The first annual Tararua Film Festival is coming to The Regent Pahiatua on October 21st!

This year, see two films - one by Pahiatua native Tim Hamilton and one by Pahiatua import Derrick Sims. Both filmmakers will be in attendance, and after the programme there will be a Q&A hosted by Film Talks' Jane Ross.

LINE UP:
Short Film: ZERO
Feature Film: COME MORNING

This event is supported with funding from the Tararua District Creative Communities Scheme and the Trust House Foundation.

21 October 2022

poi e: The Story of our song (2017)

‘Poi E’, a simple song with a catchy beat released 32 years ago, has become New Zealand’s unofficial national anthem. With humour, energy and emotion, the movie Poi E is the story of how that iconic song gave pride to generations of New Zealanders. From Taika Waititi giving Stan Walker his quirky take on life in the 1980s to Pātea Māori Club members’ straight-talking and funny memories of the song’s visionary originator Dalvanius Prime, director Tearepa Kahi (Mt Zion) captures a unique story that taps into the heart of the nation.

Special Guest: Waka Attewell, the co-director and cinematographer of the iconic Poi E Music Video will talk with the audience at our free community screening of Poi E: The Story of Our Song.

Film Talks is proud to partner with Sony Pictures NZ, The Screening Room, Masterton, the NZ Film Commission, and Masterton District Council. 

17 September 2022

PUNCH (2022)

Parental pressure, sexual perplexity and small-town bigotry are the simmering undercurrents of Kiwi filmmaker Welby Ings’ beautifully shot feature debut, featuring Oscar-nominee Tim Roth. 

Seventeen-year-old Jim (Jordan Oosterhof) has his sights on professional boxing glory under the relentless tutelage of his alcoholic father (Roth), but his path to hometown sporting heroism is unexpectedly complicated when the young boxer begins to fall for outcast takatāpui Māori schoolmate, Whetu (Conan Hayes). 

Film Talks is proud to partner with Regent 3 Cinemas and Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival for a special screening and Q&A with director Welby Ings. This screening is supported with funding from the Masterton District Creative Communities Scheme.

20 August 2022

The Art Of Christian Nicolson aka Auckland Guy With a Brush! (2022) 

Welcome to The Art of Christian Nicolson exhibition; featuring local landscapes, popular culture, and sci-fi themed paintings and sculptures. 

Come along and experience unique and bespoke contemporary NZ art at Square Edge, Palmerston North.

Meet the Artist: Christian will be at the gallery space on Saturday 7th May, 10am - 11AM. Come say "HI!"

Film Talks is proud to partner with Christian Nicolson and Square Edge Community Arts.

This exhibition is supported with funding from the Palmerston North Creative Communities Scheme.

6-30 May 2022

This Giant Papier Mache Boulder Is Actually Really HeavY (2016)

Three ordinary guys are thrust into a parallel world of an old sci fi movie. Trapped in a low budget universe they must somehow fight their way home before it is too late.

Come along to this free community screening of This Giant Papier Maché Boulder is Actually Really Heavy Friday 6 May at 7:15 PM and Saturday 7 May at 3:15 PM at Square Edge Community Arts.

This exhibition and screening is supported with funding from the Palmerston North Creative Communities Scheme.

6-7 May 2022

pop up DOOGIE sculptures in the square (2022)

Come along and experience The Art of Christian Nicolson - including our free pop-up doggie exhibition for everyone to enjoy!

Meet the artist, Christian Nicolson, and his friendly pack of doggie sculptures in The Square, Palmerston North, on Friday 6 May and Saturday 7 May, 12-2PM

This exhibition is supported with funding from the Palmerston North Creative Communities Scheme.

6-7 May 2022

THIS GIANT PAPIER MACHE BOULDER IS ACTUALLY REALLY HEAVY (2016)

This Giant Papier Mache Boulder Is Actually Really Heavy is the biggest low-budget sci fi film ever made in New Zealand - and it was partially shot in South Wairarapa! 

Come along to this special community screening in the Supper Room at the Waihinga Centre, Martinborough, Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th April at 3PM.

Meet the Filmmaker, too, and hear how this epic film was self-funded through art sales!

This pop-up exhibition is supported with funding from the South Wairarapa Creative Communities Scheme.

9-10 April 2022

Pop Up Doggie Sculptures in the Square (2022)

Come along and experience The Art of Christian Nicolson - a free pop-up doggie exhibition for everyone to enjoy! 

Meet the artist, Christian Nicolson, and his friendly pack of dog (sculptures) in the Martinborough Town Square, Saturday 9 April and Sunday 10 April, 12-2PM

This pop-up exhibition is supported with funding from the South Wairarapa Creative Communities Scheme.

9-10 April 2022

THE ART OF CHRISTIAN NICOLSON: meet the artist (2022)

Come along to this special Meet the Artist event at Schmid Gallery/Workshop.

Christian will be present at the gallery on Saturday 9th April, 10-11 am. 

Christian's art includes local landscapes of the Wairarapa, as well as sci fi and pop culture themed artworks and sculptures. The Art of 

This exhibition is supported with funding from the South Wairarapa Creative Communities Scheme.

9-30 April 2022

crock of gold: a few rounds with shane mcgowan (2021)

"Documentarian Julien Temple explores the close ties between Shane MacGowan, Ireland’s beloved punk poet, and his home country’s tumultuous history."

Come along to this special festival screening of Crock of Gold: A Few Rounds with Shane MacGowan (2020). This illuminating documentary is part of the programme for the 2021 Whānau Mārama New Zealand International Film Festival (NZIFF).

Film Talks is delighted to partner with the NZFF to offer a special screening with a dedicated Introduction from Mark Rogers, host of RNZ's Nashville Babylon.

19 November 2021

high tide, don't hide (2021)

In the race for existence, striking teenagers discover that activism, authority and awareness make for a steep learning curve. 

Come along to our Wairarapa Premiere of the award-winning NZ feature film High Tide, Don’t Hide. A film by The Rebel Film Collective.

This is a Film Fundraiser event for The Rebel Film Collective. The film is followed by a Film Talk with directors Emily McDowell and Phil Stebbing.

"Everyone, everywhere has to see High Tide Don’t Hide. It is the best, most important film I have seen in years, gives me hope for the future, kia kaha rangatahi mā, you can make a difference!!" - - Dr. Ella Henry, AUT

7 November 2021

this is new zealand (1972) 

This is New Zealand was the New Zealand National Film Unit's most successful production. It broke all records for audiences at home (over 400,000) and abroad (over two million). It created a new benchmark for innovative, compelling film-making, pushing the boundaries of film concept and technique in New Zealand at the time. 

Join us at Regent 3 Cinemas Masterton for a special screening of This is New Zealand and the documentary That was New Zealand plus Q&A with acclaimed filmmaker Hugh MacDonald.

This is New Zealand has been restored and available to view in cinemas for the first time since 1972!

8 August 2021

Lockdown film festival (2020)

My name is Jane Ross and I'm the Founding Director of Film Talks. I'm based in the Wairarapa and I've been inviting filmmakers here since 2017 for Wairarapa film premieres, as well as local and national film festivals.

I've asked my filmmaker friends to contribute a 'Must See' screen guide for viewing during Lockdown. The brief is that all recommendations must be NZ screen content and available to view at no or low cost. Everyone's a winner! I've added to the mix, curated around some themes, and BOOM we are good to launch from Monday 6th April 2020.

Lockdown Film Festival's creative curators are:
David Stubbs, Christian Nicolson, Florian Habicht, Chris Prior, Marc Chesterman, Sarah Bicknell, and Millen Baird, and Campbell Walker.

6 - 14 April 2020 

ThE GROUND WE WON (2015)

The Ground We Won is a cinéma-vérité study of manhood as observed through the rites and rituals of a rural New Zealand rugby club. 

With great bawdiness and backbone, an eclectic team of farmers strive to redeem themselves from a long run of bitter losses. In the face of the hefty demands of farming and fatherhood, the Saturday game becomes the focus of the men’s passions and the ground on which their worth is proved.  - NZFC

Film Talks was proud to host filmmakers Chris Pryor and Miriam Smith at Rialto Cinemas, Dunedin for the theatrical release of The Ground We Won in 2014.

In 2020, Film Talks supported a new partnership between Tū Ora Compass Health and the Wairarapa Bush Rugby Union to include a special screening of The Ground We Won.

26 February 2020

shooting portraits with available light (2019)

Photography Workshop with Volker Gerling of ‘Portraits in Motion’ flipbook cinema.

Workshop includes: how to shoot quality portraits with no extra light, different examples of portraits (based on Volker’s flipbooks), participants shoot portraits of themselves in different light situations – inside and outside, results and discussion.

Film Talks is proud to partner with the Kokomai Creative Festival and the Geothe-Institut New Zealand for this special photography masterclass.

This photography masterclass is supported with funding from the Masterton District Creative Communities Scheme.

17 October 2019

portraits in motion (2019)

Since 2003 Volker has walked some 4,000km on foot, inviting people to visit his travelling “thumb book cinema” exhibition and from time to time capturing the hidden magic of seemingly everyday encounters, transforming these into new photographic flipbooks.

In his show, Gerling moves through the flipbooks with his thumb underneath a video camera and projects the images onto a screen. In a series of enchanting moments with the people he has photographed he shares a gentle but profound reflection upon the transitory nature of the moment and the significance of interpersonal encounters.

After the screening Jane Ross of Film Talks will host a Q&A session with Volker Gerling.

Film Talks is proud to partner with the Kokomai Creative Festival and the Geothe-Institut New Zealand for this special film and photography experience.

Our event is supported with funding from the Masterton Creative Communities Scheme.

16 October 2019

Helen Kelly - together (2019)

An intimate, inspirational portrait of Helen Kelly in the last year of her life, Together tells the story of a woman whose advocacy and generosity changed the lives of countless New Zealanders. Brilliant, funny and indefatigable, Helen Kelly was a giant of social justice movements in New Zealand.

Come along to our Special Screening and Film Talk for Helen Kelly - Together at Regent 3 Cinemas, as part of the Masterton programme for the New Zealand International Film Festival.

This Film Talks event is supported with funding from the Masterton District Creative Communities Scheme.

8 September 2019

A Seat at the table (2019)

For over a century France has reigned supreme over the wine world. What if one country took on the aristocracy and were “beating the French at their own game”. Watch and answer that one question. Has New Zealand earned a seat at the table?

Come along to our Special Screening of A Seat at the Table at Regent 3 Cinemas, as part of the Masterton programme for the New Zealand International Film Festival. Award-winning winemakers from Ata Rangi and Escarpment Vineyards & Winery will be in attendance.

Join us for free wine sampling pre-screening and for a Film Talk with the wine makers post-screening. It's going to be a really fun film event! 

1 September 2019

Amazing grace (2018)

Rescued from 45 years in legal and technical limbo, this extraordinary music film capturing Aretha Franklin in full flight deserves your respect – and the biggest screen and sound system possible.

Please join us for a special screening of Amazing Grace, as part of the Masterton gramme of the New Zealand International Film Festival.

Jane Ross of Film Talks and Mark Rogers of RNZ’s Nashville Babylon will introduce the screening on Friday 30 August at 6.00 pm 

30 August 2019

daffodils (2019)

Be one of the first audiences to see Daffodils! Come along to the Daffodils Masterton Premiere!

Join us for a special screening of Daffodils, followed by a Film Talk with Director David Stubbs, moderated by Jane Ross.

This Film Talks event is supported with funding from the Masterton District Creative Communities Scheme.

19 March 2019

Stray (2018)

"Two damaged strangers fall into a complex intimate relationship in Dustin Feneley’s beautiful and rigorous debut feature film, shot in Otago against the backdrop of the breathtaking Southern Alps." - Tim Wong, NZIFF

Join us for a special screening of Stray, followed by a Film Talk with filmmaker Dustin Fenely and award-winning lead actor, Kieran Charnock.  

Stray is presented at Regent 3 Cinemas, Masterton as part of the 2018 New Zealand International Film Festival.

7 September 2018

This Giant Papier Mache Boulder Is Actually Really Heavy (2016)

Sucked into a parallel universe of B-Grade sci-fi – three ordinary guys go on a perilous quest to find their way home.

Join us for a special screening of this sci-fi comedy action adventure film, followed by a Film Talk with filmmaker Christian Nicolson. Come dressed in your favourite spacesuit.

15 October 2017

no ordinary shiela (2017)

In Hugh Macdonald’s fascinating and inspiring doco, his cousin, writer and illustrator Sheila Natusch, retraces a long life dedicated to sharing her understanding and love of New Zealand’s nature and history.

Join us for a special screening of this documentary, followed by a Film Talk with filmmaker Hugh MacDonald, moderated by Jane Ross.

This Film Talks event is supported with funding from the Masterton District Creative Communities Scheme.

17 and 18 September, 28 October 2017

KOBI (2017)

This warm and humorous doco about Kobi Bosshard, widely regarded as the grandfather of contemporary New Zealand jewellery, explores his philosophy of life and work, as captured by his daughter Andrea Bosshard.

Join us for a special screening of this documentary, followed by a Film Talk with filmmakers Andrea Bosshard and Shane Loader, moderated by Jane Ross.

This Film Talks event is supported with funding from the Masterton District Creative Communities Scheme.

11 September 2017