Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival (NZIFF)

Experience the magic of world-class cinema as Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival (NZIFF) 2026 returns to Ahuriri Napier!

Celebrating the very best in local and international filmmaking, NZIFF brings an extraordinary programme of acclaimed feature films, captivating documentaries, thought-provoking dramas, inspiring stories, and festival favourites from around the world. Whether you're a dedicated cinephile or simply looking to discover something new, there's a film to surprise, challenge, and delight you.

Screening at the Century Theatre from 27 August to 6 September, this year's festival offers audiences the chance to experience award-winning cinema, exciting New Zealand premieres, and unforgettable storytelling on the big screen. Browse the programme, gather your friends, and immerse yourself in one of Aotearoa's premier cultural events.

Important dates:

Thursday 23 July: Programmes released and available to pick up from the foyers at Hawke's Bay Museum and Century Theatre.

Thursday 30 July: Tickets go on sale through the Hawke's Bay Museum website.

Preview events:

Sunday 2 August, 11am & Tuesday 4 August, 5.30pm

Your NZIFF starts here!
The New Zealand International Film Festival is back with another world-class line-up. Skip the scrolling, find the films you'll be thinking about long after the credits roll.
From crowd-pleasers and Cannes winners to unexpected gems, there's a lot to discover. Join the Hawke’s Bay Museum events team for a whistle-stop tour through this year's programme. We'll screen trailers, share stories behind the films, and help you uncover your must-sees. Then snap up tickets to your picks while everything is still fresh in your mind.
Entry is FREE but email bookings are essential at events@hawkesbaymuseum.com

More info is available at the NZIFF website: https://www.nziff.co.nz/2026/ahuriri-napier/

This year we are pleased to announce that Friends of the Museum will gain exclusive access to special pricing per film - renew your membership or join in plenty of time by emailing: info@hawkesbaymuseum.com

Opening night:
Thursday 27 August at 7pm: Big Girls Don't Cry (2026)
Premiering at Sundance earlier this year, Paloma Schneideman’s coming-of-age debut launches our festival with a tender portrait of 14-year-old Sid, as she tentatively traverses insecurity, identity and desire during the summer of 2006. Playing out during the era of dial-up internet, dubstep and MSN, Big Girls Don’t Cry is a raw, lingering reflection on the clumsy bravado that is growing up, exploring queer adolescence, female shame and burgeoning sexuality. From the casual cruelty of teenagers to the indignity of being caught in a white lie told to seem cool, Sid’s search for approval is excruciatingly recognisable for anyone who has ever felt confused, isolated, desperate to fit in or terrified to be found out.