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| The Indian Film Festival of New Zealand (TIFFNZ), the first of its kind in New Zealand, is set to debut in October 2026.
Positioned as both a cultural and industry-led initiative, the festival aims to celebrate Indian cinema while strengthening creative and economic ties between India and New Zealand. Founded and directed by Petrina D’Rozario, TIFFNZ will be held across multiple cities in New Zealand, bringing Indian films and filmmakers to audiences across the country. The festival’s mission is to celebrate the richness and diversity of Indian cinema, amplify South Asian and diasporic voices in Aotearoa, and foster social cohesion through films. The inaugural edition will showcase a slate of approximately 30 films across feature-length and short formats. Alongside screenings, TIFFNZ will host industry workshops, masterclasses, networking events, and curated cultural programmes designed to encourage collaboration between the Indian and New Zealand screen sectors. With a Kiwi-Indian community of over 300,000 people, TIFFNZ is expected to draw strong local engagement while also contributing to cultural tourism and positioning New Zealand as a viable destination for screen production partnerships. The official brand launch of TIFFNZ will take place on June 2nd, 2026. Actors Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal will attend the launch event, which will also feature a special screening of the internationally acclaimed film Girls Will Be Girls which has previously won several awards including at Sundance Film Festival and Independent Spirit Award. As the festival aims to celebrate Indian Cinema and community in New Zealand, H.E Muanpuii Saiawi, High Commissioner of India spoke about the importance of cinema and art building social cohesion, “Cinema plays a profound role in the life of an Indian. It entertains, enthralls, educates, and has an enduring influence on society. It is no wonder that India has been producing the largest number of films in the world. I am delighted that the Indian Film Festival of New Zealand is being organized across various cities in New Zealand, as film is a powerful medium that brings our two peoples closer. I congratulate TIFFNZ for its commendable work and wish it every success.” Speaking about the vision behind the initiative, Festival Director Petrina D’Rozario said, “TIFFNZ has been envisioned as a bridge, between cultures, industries and communities. Indian cinema has a global footprint, and New Zealand is home to a vibrant and growing Indian community. This festival is about creating a meaningful platform where stories travel, collaborations begin, and audiences come together. We want TIFFNZ to be inclusive and rooted in genuine cultural exchange and we are truly grateful to our partners who share the same vision.” Sharing their thoughts on being part of the brand launch, Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal said in a joint statement, “We’re very happy to be part of the launch of TIFFNZ. Film festivals play an important role in building dialogue and creating space for diverse stories. The idea of bringing Indian cinema to New Zealand in a structured, celebratory way feels both timely and meaningful. We’re looking forward to supporting this new chapter and engaging with audiences there.” Jennifer Bensley, Partner at Saunders & Co, says, “Saunders & Co Lawyers is proud to support the launch of TIFFNZ and it’s endeavours to bring New Zealand its first Indian Film Festival. This sponsorship reflects our ongoing commitment to celebrating the arts and supporting the diverse communities we serve, particularly the Indian community, which is an important and valued part of our client base. We are delighted to play a role in bringing cultural milestones such as this to fruition.” Pascale Desrumaux, Director of Marketing and Communications, Cordis Auckland is rolling out the red carpet when it comes to true Kiwi- hospitality. She says, “At Cordis Auckland, hospitality is about creating meaningful moments that last long after check-out. Partnering with TIFFNZ allows us to celebrate diversity, culture, and connection—values that resonate deeply with our commitment to heartfelt service and exceptional guest experiences.” Further programming details, partnerships, and industry collaborations are expected to be announced in the coming months. LAUNCH SCREENING FOR TIFFNZ AUCKLAND: CHRISTCHURCH:
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