13 NZIFF Films As Outfits

Cinephiles unite!

With the Whānau Mārama New Zealand International Film Festival (NZIFF) starting today (29th July), we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate the vibrant world of local & international cinema than by curating outfits inspired by 13 featured films. From on-the-nose to everyday attire, these ensembles capture the essence of each movie, offering a fashionable tribute to the stories that will grace the big screen.

Whānau Mārama New Zealand International Film Festival (NZIFF) features 86 feature films and 19 shorts in the 2024 line-up.The festival will open in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington on 31 July before touring nine other centres across the country until 4 September.

The 2024 programme includes 12 New Zealand films, plus a special 30th anniversary screening of Peter Jackson’s Heavenly Creatures.

NZIFF 2024 Artistic Director Paolo Bertolin says, “This year’s programme is a celebration of the diversity and plurality of contemporary cinema. Our audiences will enjoy films that move, thrill and keep them on the edge of their seats, while also having the opportunity to experience films that open conversations about the reality of the world today, asking necessary questions and probing into uncomfortable truths. Cinephiles will rejoice with the latest efforts from world-class masters and discoveries that signal new talents of tomorrow.”

So without further ado, BRING OUT THE FILM FITS.

We Were Dangerous 2024

Directed by Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu

Winning the Special Jury Prize at SXSW this year, Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu’s electric debut launches our festival with a fiery trio of delinquent schoolgirls railing against the colonial system in 1950s New Zealand.

“At its heart We Were Dangerous is about hope, girlhood, and a celebration of female friendships. It’s a film about our power and having autonomy over our own bodies. Layered underneath this, we also examine the impacts of colonisation on young women and our indigenous Aotearoa New Zealand communities.” — Director Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu

The Speedway Murders 2023

Directed by Luke Rynderman, Adam Kamien

First-time filmmakers Luke Rynderman and Adam Kamien present a stylistically unique and visually stunning feature that delves into the unsolved 1978 Speedway Burger Chef murders while shifting away from the traditional true crime documentary format.

“Highly engaging and visually stunning, Speedway is remarkable not only for its unusual stylistic choices, but also for the rare accomplishment of having effectively and respectfully honoured victims and their families. Presented with deep care and authenticity, right down to actual 1970s Burger Chef uniforms the directors sourced from a deceased estate, this is an incredibly impressive debut.” — Louise Adams

Outfit details: Ruby Rae Coat in Java, $349 | Acne Studios Striped face Sweater, $579 | Marle Curve Seam Jeans in Washed Plum, $140 | Collective Canvas Veld Hemp Sneakers in Coffee/Ecru, $161 | Bailey Nelson Delphi Glasses, $199

Heavenly Creatures 1994

Directed by Peter Jackson

Returning to the Festival is Peter Jackson’s sublime 1994 film about the notorious Parker-Hulme murder drew rapturous acclaim and brought the former splatter king a newfound mainstream respectability. “We’re delighted to present special 30th Anniversary screenings of Heavenly Creatures back where we first presented the World Premiere of Peter Jackson’s ground-breaking film.”

There is not the space here to enumerate the security and vividness with which the performances are etched into an apparently insecure surface. The two young leads embody their characters indelibly: the film seems to swirl about them. Alun Bollinger’s breathtaking CinemaScope is an equally crucial player and may start an international tourist stampede to the Port Hills when Heavenly Creatures becomes the sensational new movie from New Zealand in cinemas around the world. There is no debate; this one was nourished all the way to startling fruition in New Zealand. And it is, in the best possible way, sensational. The Festival is privileged to host the world premiere.”— Bill Gosden, Wellington Film Festival 1994

Outfit details: Florence and Fortitude Aria Dress in Floral, $1,150 | Deadly Ponies Balmerino Flat in Milk Patent, $499 | Caitlin Crisp Backstreet Bolero in Ivory, $180 | Deadly Ponies Mr Maximese in Indigo, $879 | Karen Walker Girl With All The Pearls Necklace in Silver, $1,059 | Karen Walker Girl With All The Peals And Chain Bracelet in Silver, $599 | Cendre Phoebe Watch, $239

Brief History of a Family 2024

Jia ting jian shi

Directed by Lin Jianjie

Equally mysterious and revealing, Lin Jianjie’s debut feature Brief History of a Family provides a dispassionate, almost analytical look into the dynamics of estranged family relations in contemporary China.

Drawing inspiration from Pier Paolo Pasolini’s Theorem (1968), the surreal tale of a stranger seducing every member of one family, Lin dissects the unspoken and unacknowledged dissolution of a bourgeois household, as an inconspicuous intruder insinuates himself among its members and reawakens their suppressed individualities.

Taki Rua Theatre – Breaking Barriers 2024

Directed by Whetū Fala

What began as an experience in biculturalism between Māori and Pākehā grew into Taki Rua Theatre, the unofficial national Māori theatre company. As we tour the motu with the latest ensemble of young artists, we witness the deeply personal and politically visionary story of the 30-year struggle to create a truly bicultural force, and the wāhine toa who agitated for change.

It’s hard to imagine a theatre scene in Aotearoa today that doesn’t include stories about ourselves. Taki Rua Theatre – Breaking Barriers is a reminder that they exist because people took chances and broke down barriers.

Outfit details: Adrienne Whitewood Patere Pango/Whero Kāmeta (black/red scarf), $99 | Acne Studios Textured Satin Wrap Skirt, $759 | Kowtow Pointelle Vest, $174 | La Tribe Woven Sling Black Heel, $339 | Ruby Rose Hair Claw, $19

Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus 2023

Directed by Neo Sora

Opus is a starkly intimate, self-performed elegy capturing a dying man’s genius.

If you’ve got no truck with a film featuring little else but a man at his piano, then think again. Filmed just months before Sakamoto’s death at 72, Opus is both a moving performance by a dying man and a chance for the composer to delve into the finely nuanced notes of a lifetime’s work; a one-time-only gift to fans that conveys the depth of emotion in a body of work that prizes Satie-esque gestures of minimalism and perfectly rendered, heartbreaking melodies over the electro-pop he played with the Yellow Magic Orchestra.

Outfit details: Twenty Seven Names Zodiac Pants, $288 | Helen Cherry Florence Jacket, 849 | Helen Cherry Cleo Blouse, $469 | Moscot Dahven Glasses in tortoise, $585 | Camilla and Marc Rhys leather Pump, $780 | Buttermilk Accessories Emily Hair Pin in Tortoiseshell, $19

Head South 2024

Directed by Jonathan Ogilvie

Christchurch-born filmmaker Jonathan Ogilvie returns home for this evocative coming-of-age story that brilliantly captures the feeling of growing up weird in the Garden City. Starring Ed Oxenbould, Márton Csókás and featuring Stella Bennett aka Benee in her acting debut, Head South will be the Opening Night film for the Christchurch leg of the festival.

Drawing from his own experience growing up in Christchurch in the 1970s and ’80s, Jonathan Ogilvie’s warmly engaging film delves beneath the city’s prim and proper exterior to portray its nascent post-punk underground. A scene which would later birth the record label Flying Nun, that would go on take South Island music to the world.

The House Within 2024

Directed by Joshua Prendeville

Filmmaker Joshua Prendeville’s sterling documentary holds a delicate lens to the fascinating life and work of one of Aotearoa’s literary treasures, Dame Fiona Kidman.

The keen support from readers, writers, and bookstores across the country is a sure sign that The House Within is a film we’ve been waiting for. — Manon Revuelta

“Fiona has spent her life standing up for the rights of others, and carving out a space for herself in industries where she was often the only woman in the room. The House Within… shines a long overdue light on one of our country’s most inspiring artistic figures and the fearless determination required to write the novels which have had such a lasting impact on our cultural identity.” — Joshua Prendeville

Outfit details: Elle & Riley Cashmere Luxe Cashmere Cardigan in Cream, $898 | Victoria Beckham Asymmetric Ruffle Blouse, $1,350 | Nili Lotan Shon Pant in Sandstorm, $749 | Bailey Nelson Wells Glasses, $299 | Storiarts Anne Of Green Gables Tote Bag, $44 | Birkenstock Zermatt Shoe, $200

Never Look Away 2024

Directed by Lucy Lawless

Lucy Lawless makes her directorial debut with a raucous documentary exploring the life of another warrior princess – fierce and fearless Kiwi war video journalist Margaret Moth.

Margaret Moth worked as a CNN video journalist in the 1990s, known in the industry for her willingness – or eagerness, even – to put her safety on the line in order to get amongst terrifying military action. Never Look Away features friends, lovers, and colleagues sharing their admiration, wonder, and fear over Moth’s unyielding determination in many of the world’s most dangerous warzones.

Outfit details: Iro Zefiro Studded Shirt, $599 | Agolde Luna Pierced Jean, $519 | Standard Issue Cotton Tulle Skivvy, $195 | R.M Williams Allora Belt, $149 | Isabelle Anselmi Epsom Combat Boot, $349

Grafted 2024

Directed by Sasha Rainbow Māhutonga

Mean Girls  meets  Face/Off   to absolutely wild results in Sasha Rainbow’s gory and uniquely Kiwi black comedy about a Chinese student who finds a new way of achieving popularity one body at a time.

To say this film packs a punch would be an understatement. Not for the faint of heart, Grafted deftly handles serious themes with care, humour and complete and utter carnage. - Louise Adams.

Outfit details: Maman Fringe Skirt, $289 | Paris Georgia Elemental Zoe Embellished Singlet, $290 | Bared Footwear Myza Red Heels, $319 | Deadly Ponies Mr Minimese Tomato Dewdrop Suede Bag, $499 | Meadowlark Dagger Band, $215 | Stolen Girlfriends Club Full Heart Mini Necklace, $249 | Holstere Everly IPhone Case, $169

A Mistake 2024

Directed by Christine Jeffs

On the eve of a move towards greater public health data reporting, a medical error throws life into a spin for a respected surgeon and her surgical team; the downward spiral threatening all in her orbit.

“A Mistake functions as both an empathetic character study and a thoughtful examination of professional ethics, culpability and forgiveness, showing equal compassion for people on both sides of a devastating situation. It also serves as a welcome reminder of Banks’ sturdy dramatic skills.” — David Rooney, Hollywood Reporter

Outfit details: Maggie Marilyn Signature Shirt in Cream and Blue Stripe, $495 | Frame Denim Sailor Wide Leg Jean, $550 | R.M Williams Wallan Long Liner Jacket, $449 | Birkenstock Boston Eva, $160 | Deadly Ponies Mr Breton in Moonstone, $1,099

Alien Weaponry: Kua Tupu Te Ara 2024

Directed by Kent Belcher

Even if you’re not a fan of heavy metal, you can’t help but admire Alien Weaponry. If not for their rise to fame on an international scale, then for being the first band of the genre to sing in te reo Māori.

If you think the three tāne that make up the heavy metal band Alien Weaponry are young now, Alien Weaponry: Kua Tupu Te Ara shows you that this project is actually over a decade in the making. The documentary takes you to the start of the band’s journey from its formation in 2010 by Henry De Jong and his brother Lewis, then just ten and eight years old respectively.

Outfit details: Kate Sylvester Fonda Coat, $1, 500 | Paris Georgia Hook Straight Leg Trouser, $250 | Leoleo Alien Tee, $35 | Dr Martens 1460 Atlas Boots, $399 | Stolen Girlfriends Club Dangerous Heart Bracelet, $799 | Stolen Girlfriends Club Dangerous Heart Ring, $739

Naughty Little Peeptoe 2000

Directed by Garth Maxwell, Peter Wells

Garth Maxwell and Peter Wells’ deeply personal ode to friend, fashionista and foot-fetishist Doug George who narrates the story of how high heels saved his life. Recently selected by MoMA for its permanent film collection.

Best known for his cultish debut feature, Jack Be Nimble, as well as prolific work in television across both sides of the Tasman, Garth Maxwell here offers a deeply personal film, co-directed by the late Peter Wells, in Naughty Little Peeptoe. An ode to friend, fashionista and foot-fetishist Doug George, Maxwell along with collaborator Debra Daley recorded the caustic, chaotic narration from George, retelling the story of how high heels saved his life.

The featurette was recently picked up by MoMA as part of its permanent film collection, with film curator Ron Magliozzi dubbing it a “witty testimony to the durable, liberating spirit of a queer perspective”. Peeptoe will be preceded by a screening of Maxwell’s first ever film Come With Us, a short collaboration with Simon Marler. — Matt Bloomfield

Tickets for all screenings are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online or in-person at the NZIFF Box Office on Allen Street, Wellington, and at The Civic on Wellesley Street West, Auckland.