Ngā Whanaunga: Aotearoa New Zealand’s Best — brings together the most compelling short films from across the motu, honouring both legacy and innovation.
From a pool of 88 submissions, 13 exceptional finalists have been handpicked by talented curators, promising a showcase that’s bold, diverse, and deeply resonant. It’s a cinematic journey through the heart of New Zealand — one story at a time.
Check out Ngā Whanaunga: Aotearoa New Zealand’s Best - Programme One for more films!
Mirumiru (2025)
Director: Allan George
In this captivating animation, a koro leads a desperate chase after the mirumiru (bubbles) of memories that escape his deteriorating wife before they’re gone forever. — HH
Mirumiru NZIFF 2025
Puti (2024)
Director: Aroha Awarau
It is a hard life on the street for Puti; perhaps she best not follow her mother’s footsteps. With hope, there is another journey, another possibility. — LK
Puti NZIFF 2025
Nausea (2025)
Director: Elliott Louis McKee
Two isolated strangers find an unexpected connection in this pungent short. Immersive handheld camerawork draws us into a world of rural desolation before dropping the hammer blow. — MM
Nausea NZIFF 2025
Growing Still (2025)
Director: Alyx Duncan
An elderly woman wilting away in a retirement home longs to commune with the vibrant natural world outside. This magical short offers a positive spin on our impending mortality. — MM
Growing Still NZIFF 2025
Womb (2024)
Director: Ira Hetaraka
A young filly struggles to break from the stable in this absurd and wildly original fable, starkly reminding us of the past dehumanisation of Indigenous whānau. — LK
Growing Still NZIFF 2025
I Am Not Your Dusky Maiden (2025)
Director: Vea Mafile'o
Exceptional as the many; each guide shares the same journey – forcing you to choose a path. — CF
I Am Not Your Dusky Maiden NZIFF 2025
Let's Settle This (2025)
Director: Jack Woon
Two kung fu masters meet in a Chinese diner via a dating app and turn to the art to settle scores. — CG
Let's Settle This NZIFF 2025