Celebration of cinema: Four film festivals come to town
by Metropol | May 27, 2026 8:33 am
For your watching pleasure, four international film festivals are coming to Canterbury.
28 May to 21 June, French Film Festival
One of New Zealand’s most celebrated international film festivals, the French Film Festival offers a curated programme of feature films spanning drama, comedy, romance, thriller, and historical genres. Aiming to introduce New Zealand audiences to acclaimed French directors, actors, and cinematic styles that differ from mainstream Hollywood productions. Many of the featured films have received critical recognition at major international festivals such as Cannes and César Awards ceremonies. See more at frenchfilmfestival.co.nz.
31 July to 2 August, Doc Edge
Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading documentary film festival and an internationally recognised platform for nonfiction storytelling, Doc Edge showcases films that explore social, political, cultural, and environmental issues from both local and global perspectives, hosts industry forums, pitch sessions, networking events, and educational programmes that support filmmakers and emerging talent across the Asia-Pacific region. The festival emphasises authentic stories that challenge, inform, and inspire audiences. See more at docedge.nz.
6 to 23 August, NZ International Film Festival
The Whānau Mārama New Zealand International Film Festival features documentaries, dramas, horror, heartbreak, history, comedy, and a healthy dose of the utterly unhinged.
This year, it brings more than 120 of the world’s best films including a backstage French farce (Comédie-Française), a star-studded comedy-drama about family complexities (Father Mother Sister Brother), and a wacky, New Zealand-made cosmic conception (Mum, I’m Alien Pregnant). This year’s centrepiece is Lomu, which tells the unseen story of the sporting legend. See more at nziff.co.nz.
October, Indian Film Festival of New Zealand
The first of its kind in New Zealand, TIFFNZ debuts in October. With a Kiwi-Indian community of over 300,000 people, the festival’s mission is to celebrate the richness and diversity of Indian cinema, while also contributing to cultural tourism and strengthening creative and economic ties. The inaugural edition will showcase about 30 films, host industry workshops, networking events, and more. The launch event on 2 June is attended by celebrity actors Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal with a special screening of the internationally acclaimed Girls Will Be Girls. See more at fiscnz.org.nz.
Source URL: https://metropol.co.nz/celebration-of-cinema/