Event

The Indian Film Festival New Zealand

The Indian Film Festival New Zealand (TIFFNZ) will launch this October, bringing Indian cinema, filmmakers and industry events to Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

Published on:

September 28, 2026

The Screen Guild

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The first dedicated Indian Film Festival New Zealand (TIFFNZ) will launch this October, bringing Indian cinema, filmmakers and industry events to audiences across Aotearoa.

The inaugural festival will feature more than 30 films, representing a wide range of languages, regions and perspectives from Indian cinema. Alongside screenings, the programme includes six workshops and masterclasses, filmmaker conversations and opportunities for audiences and screen practitioners to connect with visiting guests.

Legendary Indian actor Waheeda Rehman will attend as the festival’s Guest of Honour. Rehman will be in Auckland for the opening night screening of the restored 1966 classic Teesri Kasam, in which she stars alongside Raj Kapoor. Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap is also among the festival’s announced special guests.

Festival Director Petrina D’Rozario says the programme aims to show audiences the breadth of filmmaking coming out of India.

“Indian cinema is not one industry, and it is certainly not one language. There are hundreds of stories being made across India every year, representing different languages, regions, cultures and perspectives.”

The festival will close its Auckland programme with a screening of the restored 1972 classic Pakeezah. Other programme highlights include Nishaanchi 1, Nishaanchi 2, Baksho Bondi and Ekadesham.

TIFFNZ runs in Auckland from 22–25 October, Wellington from 23–25 October, with a Christchurch programme on 26 October. Auckland screenings will take place at HOYTS Sylvia Park, Wellington events at Massey University’s NASA Cinema, and Christchurch screenings at HOYTS Riccarton.