Celebrating New Zealand Film Sector Wins At 2025 Global Production Awards In Cannes
Māoriland Charitable Trust took out the Economic and Social Inclusion category, while the Impact Leadership Award went to Craig Gainsborough – showcasing the creativity and innovation Aotearoa is famed for.
'We're delighted for Craig and the Māoriland Charitable Trust. To be recognised at the Global Production Awards demonstrates the reputation Aotearoa has as a leading film sector that celebrates indigenous storytelling and exceptional leaders,' says Annie Murray, NZFC Chief Executive.
'These awards celebrate those behind the scenes of what we see on screen. It's incredibly heartening to see New Zealanders ranked alongside some of the most well-regarded international names in the industry,' she added.
Renowned for celebrating excellence in film production around the world, the Global Production Awards recognise the people, places and projects that drive the film industry forward.
NZFC representatives attended the Global Production Awards as part of their global trade mission in Cannes.
Murray added, 'These awards were made all the more special by the NZFC being in attendance alongside Māoriland Charitable Trust and Craig Gainsborough as they were announced. Our global trade mission is focused on building creative and commercial partnerships to elevate New Zealand within the international screen industry – to be recognised by our peers at these awards solidifies the depth of talent and skills Aotearoa has to offer.'
About the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC)
The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) is the government agency responsible for supporting and promoting New Zealand's vibrant screen industry. It invests in the development, production, and marketing of New Zealand films, both locally and internationally, and works to grow the country's reputation as a world-class destination for screen production.
The NZFC provides production financing for New Zealand feature and short films, offers talent development initiatives, and administers the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate (NZSPR) – a key driver in attracting major international productions. It also supports official co-productions and offers resources to connect New Zealand filmmakers with global partners.
Through its dual focus on nurturing local storytelling and bringing international productions to New Zealand's shores, the NZFC plays a vital role in the economic and cultural growth of the screen sector.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scoop
7 hours ago
- Scoop
Went Up The Hill Heads Stateside, Opening On Over 130 Screens
Press Release – New Zealand Film Commission New Zealand-Australian co-production Went Up The Hill released over the weekend across more than 130 screens in the United States, marking a major international milestone for the critically acclaimed feature. Premiering as a Special Presentation at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, director Samuel Van Grinsven says the film's journey from Aotearoa to North America has been deeply meaningful. 'From its haunting landscapes to its emotional core, this film is deeply personal. I'm honoured by the response it's received and excited for American audiences to experience it.' A co-production between local producer Vicky Pope (Savage, upcoming Pike River) and her Australian counterparts, Sam Jennings and Kristina Ceyton of Causeway Films (Talk To Me, The Babadook), the film highlights the strength of trans-Tasman collaboration and genre storytelling. Pope says the film's growing international reach is a proud moment for the team, noting, 'to see Went Up The Hill reach audiences across the US is incredibly rewarding. This film has been a labour of love, and we're thrilled to see it resonate so widely.' NZFC CEO, Annie Murray, says the release signals continued progress for New Zealand storytelling. 'The release ofWent Up The Hillmarks another step forward for New Zealand film, building on a wave of creative momentum. With Tinā soon to reach US audiences and Mārama premiering at Toronto, our storytelling continues to evolve and resonate. Co-productions like this highlight the power of collaboration — bringing together talent, resources, and vision to create something truly special.' Starring Vicky Krieps (Corsage, The Phantom Thread) and Dacre Montgomery (Stranger Things), Went Up The Hill premiered in Aotearoa at Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival in Auckland, attended by Van Grinsven along with Montgomery and his New Zealand whānau. Currently, screening nationwide as part of the festival, the film offers local audiences an early opportunity to experience it on home soil. It's also showing at the Melbourne International Film Festival, where Van Grinsven is nominated for Best Director. Inspired by the director's childhood memories of South Island, the film blends psychological drama with supernatural tension. Jack (Montgomery) travels to New Zealand for the funeral of his estranged mother, Elizabeth. He claims to have been invited by her widow, Jill (Krieps), though she has no memory of doing so. Jill nonetheless welcomes Jack into her striking South Island home. As night falls, Elizabeth's spirit begins to stir, revealing unfinished business that binds both Jack and Jill. Went Up The Hill was made with investment from the New Zealand Film Commission, Screen Australia, and the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate, along with support from ScreenCanterburyNZ and Screen NSW Vendetta Films is distributing the film in New Zealand and Australia, while Greenwich Entertainment is handling distribution in North America. Bankside Films is managing international sales and co-representing North American rights alongside CAA Media Finance. About the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) is the government agency responsible for supporting and promoting New Zealand's vibrant screen industry. It invests in the development, production, and marketing of New Zealand films, both locally and internationally, and works to grow the country's reputation as a world-class destination for screen production. The NZFC provides production financing for New Zealand feature and short films, offers talent development initiatives, and administers the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate (NZSPR) – a key driver in attracting major international productions. It also supports official co-productions and offers resources to connect New Zealand filmmakers with global partners. Through its dual focus on nurturing local storytelling and bringing international productions to New Zealand's shores, the NZFC plays a vital role in the economic and cultural growth of the screen sector.
NZ Herald
14 hours ago
- NZ Herald
On The Up: Celebrity chef Al Brown has a taste for Hikurangi Home Cookery treats
Although he hit a speed bump when his card declined, much to his own amusement. Three failed cards and a bit of cash later he was back on track. He rated the pie a 'solid' 8.5 out of 10, saying there will be no 10s in his series. 'When you give anyone a 10 there's only one place they can go and that's down.' His next bite was into a baked piece 'of brilliance' - a raspberry bun and cream bun crammed into one. 'Oh my God, this is unbelievable. This is nine-and-a-half. Seriously,' the celebrity chef raved. Hikurangi Home Cookery manager Lenore Jellick says the bakery's secret to success is keeping the Kiwi classics on the shelves. Photo / Brodie Stone Brown's glowing review was proof to the bakery's manager, Lenore Jellick, that their dedication to keeping the old school classics on the shelves has paid off. When asked what it meant to have such great feedback, Jellick grew emotional. Chef Al Brown is a chef, restaurateur and TV presenter. Photo / NZME The bakery was a family affair and they were all passionate about what they did. So what does it take to capture the attention of one of the country's most revered chefs? Lenore Jellick, manager at Hikurangi Home Cookery, says their selection of pies tend to fly out the door. Photo / Brodie Stone 'It's old school,' Jellick said. 'They go, 'oh I remember this when I was younger'.' Perfectly golden pies line a warmer, none of the classics missing as steak and kidney, potato top, mince are all on offer. Expertly crafted cakes were ready to be purchased. So were a selection of quiches. Then there were the rows of doughnuts, buns, slices, cakes, lamingtons and more. It's a typical small-town bakery that New Zealanders love. Jellick said they had a loyal customer base who travelled from other suburbs or came in on their way north to sample a treat or two. Their other bakery in Tikipunga is another favourite for locals, she said. Lenore Jellick says the doughnuts are another popular staple at Hikurangi Home Cookery. Photo / Brodie Stone Al Brown's not the only celebrity they've had visit their Hikurangi spot either. Psychic Kelvin Cruickshank liked a bite to eat there and broadcaster Duncan Garner too. 'People just love their good old Kiwi pies and stuff,' Jellick said. Brown had come in a few months earlier, asking permission to start the video series. Customers had come in after the first video was posted, excitedly sharing they had seen their favourite spot featured, Jellick said. Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.
The Spinoff
3 days ago
- The Spinoff
The Weekend: A tribute to everyone's favourite stranger
Madeleine Chapman reflects on the week that was. We had an unlikely hero on The Spinoff this week. The anonymous 23-year-old who featured in Tuesday's Cost of Being described herself as 'broke with expensive taste' and didn't hold back when describing how she spends her, admittedly, little money. Savings? Forget about it. 'Given that the planet seems like it's a couple years away from plunging into a full grim dystopia, I'll be using every dollar I have to assert my vivacity and joie de vivre while I still can.' Grooming and beauty expenditure? Limited, but 'I buy a pair of falsies [lashes] pretty regularly since I'm always crying mine off.' I love this woman, and evidently so did readers. The comments are wholesome, asking for a full column from this anonymous legend (note: she is real, but even we don't know who she really is, she just filled out the form). I personally received two texts from different friends asking for more entries like hers. This is all very wholesome but a little surprising to me. In my four years in this role, it has proven impossible to predict how readers will react to other people's lives. In another year, I would've bet safely on Tuesday's readers scoffing at a young person living at home for free and spending $400 on boots. What was it that so enchanted readers? We've had 'spenders' feature in the series before, and plenty of participants have thrown in pithy one-liners about their situation and the world at large. But there was something beautifully hopeful in this young person's attitude to living her life (despite the dystopian view on saving money). I suspect many readers with full-time jobs and mortgages and responsibilities delighted in knowing that at least one young person was out there making the most of their early 20s. And most importantly, she was funny. Trust me, you can get away with a lot if it's decorated with humour. Nearly 700 New Zealanders have filled out the Cost of Being questionnaire and all are beautifully unique, but the majority inevitably fall into the 'doing my best to be responsible' category. So if you're someone who is living your best fun life and has a story to tell, I invite you to contribute to the series. Maybe you too could be someone's hero. The stories Spinoff readers spent the most time with this week Joel MacManus uses 10 graphs to analyse why homelessness Is worse under this government The cost of being: A retail assistant who's 'broke with expensive taste' Alex Casey rounds up all the celebrities* running in local elections around the country this year Former race relations commissioner Joris De Bres responds to the renaming of the Rongotai electorate Chlöe Swarbrick was barred from the House all week – is that even allowed? Andrew Geddis explains Feedback of the week 'As a 19 year old, I don't think education about the internet is enough to prevent harm (because I had internet education). In an ideal world, parents would be able to monitor what their children are doing on the internet, but they can't and most won't. It feels like a significant chunk of the internet is designed to make you feel worse, especially now with the polarised political landscape (see Andrew Tate). I personally think a restriction of the internet for youth is in order, but then the hard part becomes actually doing it without privacy concerns (like giving ID to private corporations who might sell or leak it) or the government caring enough to not half-ass it. I do think a ban is too extreme, but I think people need to consult youth more who actually are growing/ grew up with it.' 'It seems like an important point is being missed that Chloe didn't call anyone spineless, she called for MP's to have a spine. They are very different things, one is an insult, the other is an invocation to show courage. '
