Film Festivals
Throughout the year the Len Lye Centre Cinema presents a number international and themed film festivals.
To get the full programme, sign up to our Cinema updates email, check out our listings online, or pop into the Gallery to pick up the regular Cinema Guide.
Here’s a snapshot of some of our regular festivals:
Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival
21 August - 4 September 2024
Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival is our premiere national cinema event, presenting a selection of contemporary and classic cinema and capturing the best of the global festival circuit. Presenting curated progammes in locations nationwide, the Festival screens in Taranaki at the Len Lye Centre Cinema from 21 Aug to 4 Sept.
Cinema Italiano Festival
20 May - 9 June 2024
The Italian Film Festival | Cinema Italiano Festival New Zealand presents its ninth edition in 2024, with a curated programme that combines the best in contemporary Italian cinema with masterpieces from Italy’s rich cinematic tradition, giving a glimpse into Italian society past and present. Supported by the Italian Embassy in New Zealand, Cinema Italiano screens at the Len Lye Centre Cinema from 20 May to 9 June 2024.
French Film Festival Aotearoa
20 June - 3 July 2024
The French Film Festival presents together the best in contemporary and classic French cinema across a multitude of genres. French film is unlike any other and this is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique culture and world view. In 2024 the Festival marks its 18th year, and will be screening in Taranaki at the Len Lye Centre Cinema from 20 June – 3 July.
Kiriata Māori Film Festival
2 February - 6 February 2024
New in 2024 is the Kiriata Māori Film Festival, a partnership between the Wairoa Māori Film Festival and the Gallery. Presenting recent and classic Māori cinema, spanning short and feature films, the festival was an chance for the Gallery to support the east cost event, which was disrupted by the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle.
British and Irish Film Festival
24 October - 6 November 2024
The Len Lye Centre Cinema will again be hosting the British and Irish Film Festival in 2024, showcasing the best of British and Irish cinema in an incredible selection of films from festivals around the world, including New Zealand premieres.
Aotearoa Surf Film Festival
13 March 2024
The Gallery this year welcomes the Aotearoa Surf Film Festival on its national tour, celebrating the best of surf culture, surf cinema and our connection with the environment. The 12th annual festival presents a curated selection of international and domestic surf feature films, documentaries and short films from Aotearoa, Australia, Hawaii, and Ireland. One night only – 13 March 2024 – get your tickets at www.asff.co.nz
Latin American and Spain Film Festival
2024 Dates TBC
The Latin American and Spain Film Festival (LASFF) is a cultural event dedicated to contemporary cinema from Latin America and Spain. The Festival is run by the Latin American and Spanish Embassies’ residents in Wellington, spanning (in 2023) Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, Peru, and Spain.
Stay tuned to the Gallery’s Cinema page or subscribe to our regular Cinema email update to get advance notice of this year’s festival lineup at the Len Lye Centre Cinema.
Or pop into the Gallery shop to collect one of our cinema brochures.