Grow Special: Bring a can of food to a screening and swap it for a small popcorn. All food will be donated to the local food bank Welcome to the pumpkin capital of the world, where the pumpkins are epic, the rivalries are fierce, and the competition is anything but garden variety. Dinah Little, a no-nonsense farmer with a tough-as-a-pumpkin exterior, reluctantly takes in her abandoned niece, Charlie. Dinah is not quick to affection, and Charlie is not one for sitting still. So she throws her into farm life, sleeves rolled up and hands in the dirt. Then comes the town’s biggest spectacle, the annual pumpkin-growing contest, a Halloween season tradition that brings out wild stunts, eccentric characters, and record-setting drama. But Charlie has something no one else does, a special knack for connecting with plants that quietly reflects her own longing to feel just as seen and loved. But as both pumpkin and plot thicken, and rival growers pull every trick in the book, will Charlie and Dinah’s unlikely entry stand tall against the fiercest competition the town has ever seen? As her pumpkin grows bigger, so does her bond with her aunt Dinah. Together they discover that the real prize is not measured in pounds, but in joy, laughter, and community. What begins as a seed blossoms into an exuberant and hilarious story of crazed competition, found family, and love that grows as boundless as the pumpkins themselves.

From the team behind the Kiwi hit Uproar, Holy Days is a hilarious, heartwarming 1970s dramedy with a star-studded cast: Judy Davis, Miriam Margolyes, and Jacki Weaver. When young Brian discovers plans to close a convent of delightfully eccentric nuns, he sets off on a wild road trip across New Zealand to save them. Packed with laughs, quirky characters, and heart, this is a joyful adventure the young at heart will adore.

This music-packed documentary tells the story of Pene Pati and his brother Amitai Pati, and their against-the-odds journey from Samoa to platinum-selling success in the trio Sol3 Mio and on to the world’s greatest opera stages. Bursting with humour, heart and soaring performances, the film reveals the resilience born of adversity, the richness of family and culture, and the rewards that come from following an unlikely dream.

Will, a small goat with big dreams, gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot to join the pros and play roarball – a high-intensity, co-ed, full-contact sport dominated by the fastest, fiercest animals in the world. Will's new teammates aren't thrilled about having a little goat on their roster, but Will is determined to revolutionize the sport and prove once and for all that "smalls can ball!" He has to do something he has never done before.

Disowned at birth by his obscenely wealthy family, blue-collar Becket Redfellow will stop at nothing to reclaim his inheritance, no matter how many relatives stand in his way.

From Maggie Gyllenhaal and starring Academy Award-nominee Jessie Buckley and Academy Award-winner Christian Bale comes The Bride! A bold, iconoclastic take on one of the world's most compelling stories. A lonely Frankenstein travels to 1930s Chicago to ask groundbreaking scientist Dr Euphronious to create a companion for him. The two revive a murdered young woman and The Bride is born. What ensues is beyond what either of them imagined: Murder! Possession! A wild and radical cultural movement! And outlaw lovers in a wild and combustible romance!

Science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up on a spaceship light years from home with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. As his memory returns, he begins to uncover his mission: solve the riddle of the mysterious substance causing the sun to die out. He must call on his scientific knowledge and unorthodox ideas to save everything on Earth from extinction… but an unexpected friendship means he may not have to do it alone.

When a highly contagious, mutating fungus escapes a sealed facility, two young employees, joined by a grizzled bioterror operative, must survive the wildest night shift ever to save humanity from extinction, as the microorganism spreads and destroys everything in its path.

In New Zealand’s heartland, teams of aspiring female rugby players must shatter glass ceilings both on and off the field to achieve their improbable dream of international glory. Directed by Doc Edge alumna Burd (Changing Gear, Monterey, Let’s Talk About Sex), the film is more than rugby, it is about resilience and authenticity at its best; young women daring to dream big but taken out by curveballs that leave you gasping, belly laughing, and ultimately feeling like anything is possible. It follows a season of women’s grassroots rugby in Taranaki from club players to sporting superheroes Michaela Blyde. You will be cheering from the sideline.

Sisters Nora and Agnes reunite with their estranged father, Gustav, a once-renowned director who offers Nora a role in what he hopes will be his comeback film. Nora turns it down, but soon discovers he's given the part to an eager young Hollywood star.

Will, a small goat with big dreams, gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot to join the pros and play roarball – a high-intensity, co-ed, full-contact sport dominated by the fastest, fiercest animals in the world. Will's new teammates aren't thrilled about having a little goat on their roster, but Will is determined to revolutionize the sport and prove once and for all that "smalls can ball!" He has to do something he has never done before.

1859. Mary Stevens (Ariana Osborne), a young Maori woman, is summoned from New Zealand to North Yorkshire by a mysterious note. To survive, she becomes the governess Mary at Hawkser Manor under the seemingly benevolent eye of Sir Nathaniel Cole (Toby Stephens), a charming landowner whose fortune was forged in the South Seas. Cole speaks her language and insists he can help her. But the walls of his home are hung with Maori taonga, and by night Mary finds herself haunted by memories that are not her own. In a bid to discover the truth about herself and Cole, Mary realises she must face a bloody reckoning if she ever wants to be free of Hawkser Manor.

Grow Special: Bring a can of food to a screening and swap it for a small popcorn. All food will be donated to the local food bank Welcome to the pumpkin capital of the world, where the pumpkins are epic, the rivalries are fierce, and the competition is anything but garden variety. Dinah Little, a no-nonsense farmer with a tough-as-a-pumpkin exterior, reluctantly takes in her abandoned niece, Charlie. Dinah is not quick to affection, and Charlie is not one for sitting still. So she throws her into farm life, sleeves rolled up and hands in the dirt. Then comes the town’s biggest spectacle, the annual pumpkin-growing contest, a Halloween season tradition that brings out wild stunts, eccentric characters, and record-setting drama. But Charlie has something no one else does, a special knack for connecting with plants that quietly reflects her own longing to feel just as seen and loved. But as both pumpkin and plot thicken, and rival growers pull every trick in the book, will Charlie and Dinah’s unlikely entry stand tall against the fiercest competition the town has ever seen? As her pumpkin grows bigger, so does her bond with her aunt Dinah. Together they discover that the real prize is not measured in pounds, but in joy, laughter, and community. What begins as a seed blossoms into an exuberant and hilarious story of crazed competition, found family, and love that grows as boundless as the pumpkins themselves.

Mistaken identities, forbidden love, and one very inconvenient corpse turn the grand English manor of Fackham Hall into total bedlam in this comedy of class, romance, manners, and mischief.

FACKHAM HALL is the hilarious story of a pickpocket (Ben Radcliffe) who blags his way into service at a grand family estate, only to fall for the Lord’s (Damien Lewis) rebellious daughter (Thomasin Mckenzie) who is betrothed to marry her cousin (Tom Felton) to keep the family from financial ruin.

Marty Mauser, a young man with a dream no one respects, goes to hell and back in pursuit of greatness.

Vahid, an Azerbaijani auto mechanic, was once imprisoned by Iranian authorities. During his sentence, he was interrogated blindfolded. One day, a man named Eghbal enters his workshop. His prosthetic leg creaks, and Vahid thinks he recognizes one of his former torturers.

Science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up on a spaceship light years from home with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. As his memory returns, he begins to uncover his mission: solve the riddle of the mysterious substance causing the sun to die out. He must call on his scientific knowledge and unorthodox ideas to save everything on Earth from extinction… but an unexpected friendship means he may not have to do it alone.

Science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up on a spaceship light years from home with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. As his memory returns, he begins to uncover his mission: solve the riddle of the mysterious substance causing the sun to die out. He must call on his scientific knowledge and unorthodox ideas to save everything on Earth from extinction… but an unexpected friendship means he may not have to do it alone.

From Academy Award-winning writer-director Chloe Zhao, Hamnet tells the powerful love story that inspired the creation of Shakespeare's timeless masterpiece, Hamlet.

1859. Mary Stevens (Ariana Osborne), a young Maori woman, is summoned from New Zealand to North Yorkshire by a mysterious note. To survive, she becomes the governess Mary at Hawkser Manor under the seemingly benevolent eye of Sir Nathaniel Cole (Toby Stephens), a charming landowner whose fortune was forged in the South Seas. Cole speaks her language and insists he can help her. But the walls of his home are hung with Maori taonga, and by night Mary finds herself haunted by memories that are not her own. In a bid to discover the truth about herself and Cole, Mary realises she must face a bloody reckoning if she ever wants to be free of Hawkser Manor.

In New Zealand’s heartland, teams of aspiring female rugby players must shatter glass ceilings both on and off the field to achieve their improbable dream of international glory. Directed by Doc Edge alumna Burd (Changing Gear, Monterey, Let’s Talk About Sex), the film is more than rugby, it is about resilience and authenticity at its best; young women daring to dream big but taken out by curveballs that leave you gasping, belly laughing, and ultimately feeling like anything is possible. It follows a season of women’s grassroots rugby in Taranaki from club players to sporting superheroes Michaela Blyde. You will be cheering from the sideline.

From the team behind the Kiwi hit Uproar, Holy Days is a hilarious, heartwarming 1970s dramedy with a star-studded cast: Judy Davis, Miriam Margolyes, and Jacki Weaver. When young Brian discovers plans to close a convent of delightfully eccentric nuns, he sets off on a wild road trip across New Zealand to save them. Packed with laughs, quirky characters, and heart, this is a joyful adventure the young at heart will adore.

Sisters Nora and Agnes reunite with their estranged father, Gustav, a once-renowned director who offers Nora a role in what he hopes will be his comeback film. Nora turns it down, but soon discovers he's given the part to an eager young Hollywood star.

From Maggie Gyllenhaal and starring Academy Award-nominee Jessie Buckley and Academy Award-winner Christian Bale comes The Bride! A bold, iconoclastic take on one of the world's most compelling stories. A lonely Frankenstein travels to 1930s Chicago to ask groundbreaking scientist Dr Euphronious to create a companion for him. The two revive a murdered young woman and The Bride is born. What ensues is beyond what either of them imagined: Murder! Possession! A wild and radical cultural movement! And outlaw lovers in a wild and combustible romance!

Disowned at birth by his obscenely wealthy family, blue-collar Becket Redfellow will stop at nothing to reclaim his inheritance, no matter how many relatives stand in his way.

Sisters Nora and Agnes reunite with their estranged father, Gustav, a once-renowned director who offers Nora a role in what he hopes will be his comeback film. Nora turns it down, but soon discovers he's given the part to an eager young Hollywood star.

Marty Mauser, a young man with a dream no one respects, goes to hell and back in pursuit of greatness.

Mistaken identities, forbidden love, and one very inconvenient corpse turn the grand English manor of Fackham Hall into total bedlam in this comedy of class, romance, manners, and mischief.

FACKHAM HALL is the hilarious story of a pickpocket (Ben Radcliffe) who blags his way into service at a grand family estate, only to fall for the Lord’s (Damien Lewis) rebellious daughter (Thomasin Mckenzie) who is betrothed to marry her cousin (Tom Felton) to keep the family from financial ruin.

Will, a small goat with big dreams, gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot to join the pros and play roarball – a high-intensity, co-ed, full-contact sport dominated by the fastest, fiercest animals in the world. Will's new teammates aren't thrilled about having a little goat on their roster, but Will is determined to revolutionize the sport and prove once and for all that "smalls can ball!" He has to do something he has never done before.

When a highly contagious, mutating fungus escapes a sealed facility, two young employees, joined by a grizzled bioterror operative, must survive the wildest night shift ever to save humanity from extinction, as the microorganism spreads and destroys everything in its path.

Science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up on a spaceship light years from home with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. As his memory returns, he begins to uncover his mission: solve the riddle of the mysterious substance causing the sun to die out. He must call on his scientific knowledge and unorthodox ideas to save everything on Earth from extinction… but an unexpected friendship means he may not have to do it alone.

From Academy Award-winning writer-director Chloe Zhao, Hamnet tells the powerful love story that inspired the creation of Shakespeare's timeless masterpiece, Hamlet.

From the team behind the Kiwi hit Uproar, Holy Days is a hilarious, heartwarming 1970s dramedy with a star-studded cast: Judy Davis, Miriam Margolyes, and Jacki Weaver. When young Brian discovers plans to close a convent of delightfully eccentric nuns, he sets off on a wild road trip across New Zealand to save them. Packed with laughs, quirky characters, and heart, this is a joyful adventure the young at heart will adore.

Science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up on a spaceship light years from home with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. As his memory returns, he begins to uncover his mission: solve the riddle of the mysterious substance causing the sun to die out. He must call on his scientific knowledge and unorthodox ideas to save everything on Earth from extinction… but an unexpected friendship means he may not have to do it alone.

When a highly contagious, mutating fungus escapes a sealed facility, two young employees, joined by a grizzled bioterror operative, must survive the wildest night shift ever to save humanity from extinction, as the microorganism spreads and destroys everything in its path.

Grow Special: Bring a can of food to a screening and swap it for a small popcorn. All food will be donated to the local food bank Welcome to the pumpkin capital of the world, where the pumpkins are epic, the rivalries are fierce, and the competition is anything but garden variety. Dinah Little, a no-nonsense farmer with a tough-as-a-pumpkin exterior, reluctantly takes in her abandoned niece, Charlie. Dinah is not quick to affection, and Charlie is not one for sitting still. So she throws her into farm life, sleeves rolled up and hands in the dirt. Then comes the town’s biggest spectacle, the annual pumpkin-growing contest, a Halloween season tradition that brings out wild stunts, eccentric characters, and record-setting drama. But Charlie has something no one else does, a special knack for connecting with plants that quietly reflects her own longing to feel just as seen and loved. But as both pumpkin and plot thicken, and rival growers pull every trick in the book, will Charlie and Dinah’s unlikely entry stand tall against the fiercest competition the town has ever seen? As her pumpkin grows bigger, so does her bond with her aunt Dinah. Together they discover that the real prize is not measured in pounds, but in joy, laughter, and community. What begins as a seed blossoms into an exuberant and hilarious story of crazed competition, found family, and love that grows as boundless as the pumpkins themselves.

In New Zealand’s heartland, teams of aspiring female rugby players must shatter glass ceilings both on and off the field to achieve their improbable dream of international glory. Directed by Doc Edge alumna Burd (Changing Gear, Monterey, Let’s Talk About Sex), the film is more than rugby, it is about resilience and authenticity at its best; young women daring to dream big but taken out by curveballs that leave you gasping, belly laughing, and ultimately feeling like anything is possible. It follows a season of women’s grassroots rugby in Taranaki from club players to sporting superheroes Michaela Blyde. You will be cheering from the sideline.

Join us for a special screening of Five Films For Freedom, the world’s widest reaching LGBTQIA+ online celebration. A partnership between the British Council and BFI Flare, London’s LGBTIQIA+ film festival, Five Films For Freedom makes five LGBTIQ+ short films available to watch online for free anywhere in the world. Since its launch, the films featured in the programme have been watched online by over 26 million people in more than 200 countries and principalities, celebrating global stories in support of LGBTQIA+ communities around the world. Hokitika Regent Theatre is delighted to host this free public screening in collaboration with the British Council New Zealand and the Pacific. The films selected for this year’s programme are from the UK, USA/Mexico, France, Vietnam and Brazil. I HATE HELEN (Dir. Katie Lambert, UK, 7 min) PG Priya hates Helen. She hates her in the canteen. Hates her in science. Especially hates her at swimming. Mostly, Priya hates the way Helen makes her feel. A short film about the tidal wave of gay lust some girls feel in school and letting those feelings just wash over you. RAG DOLLS (Dir. Amy Adler, USA / Mexico, 12 min) U Married couple Rosalinda (born with spina bifida) and Diana (who has cerebral palsy) navigate life in Puebla, Mexico, where disability intersects with discrimination and poverty. Abandoned by family, underserved by government support systems, and facing persistent homophobia, the women have built a life centred on mutual care and protection. Observing a single ordinary day, the film follows their routines, a romantic date, and moments of reflection on their enduring love. ROOM 206 (Dir. Laurie Bisceglia, 16 min, France) PG After undergoing gender-affirming surgery, Clair no longer cares what the world thinks. Reclaiming his body becomes a path toward self-recognition for the first time in his life. This documentary accompanies him not only through physical change, but towards emotional renewal and a new beginning. SWEAT (Mô Hôi) (Dir. Edward Nguyen, Vietnam, 15 min) U On the eve of leaving rural Vietnam, farm worker Hung prepares to illegally cross the border in search of refuge abroad. Defined by routine and labour, his final day with Hoang, a fellow worker, reshapes his understanding of desire, intimacy and selfhood. THEO (Dir. Monica Palazzo & Joana Galvão, Brazil, 15 min) U Brazil, 1986. During the World Cup, seven-year-old Theo quietly navigates school life while defying rigid gender expectations. Between silence and rebellion, they begin inventing their own way of existing.

This music-packed documentary tells the story of Pene Pati and his brother Amitai Pati, and their against-the-odds journey from Samoa to platinum-selling success in the trio Sol3 Mio and on to the world’s greatest opera stages. Bursting with humour, heart and soaring performances, the film reveals the resilience born of adversity, the richness of family and culture, and the rewards that come from following an unlikely dream.

From the team behind the Kiwi hit Uproar, Holy Days is a hilarious, heartwarming 1970s dramedy with a star-studded cast: Judy Davis, Miriam Margolyes, and Jacki Weaver. When young Brian discovers plans to close a convent of delightfully eccentric nuns, he sets off on a wild road trip across New Zealand to save them. Packed with laughs, quirky characters, and heart, this is a joyful adventure the young at heart will adore.

Mistaken identities, forbidden love, and one very inconvenient corpse turn the grand English manor of Fackham Hall into total bedlam in this comedy of class, romance, manners, and mischief.

FACKHAM HALL is the hilarious story of a pickpocket (Ben Radcliffe) who blags his way into service at a grand family estate, only to fall for the Lord’s (Damien Lewis) rebellious daughter (Thomasin Mckenzie) who is betrothed to marry her cousin (Tom Felton) to keep the family from financial ruin.

Marty Mauser, a young man with a dream no one respects, goes to hell and back in pursuit of greatness.

Based on The Faraway Tree series of novels for children, The Magic Faraway Tree follows Polly and Tim Thompson and their children, Beth, Joe, and Fran, who find themselves forced to relocate to the remote English countryside. There, the children discover a magical tree and its extraordinary and eccentric occupants. Playing the family are Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy as Tim and Polly, respectively. The Thompson children will be played by newcomers Delilah Bennett-Cardy, Billie Gadsdon, and Phoenix Laroche and The inhabitants of the tree, capable of transporting visitors to fantastical far-off lands, will be played by Nicola Coughlan, cast as beloved woodland fairy Silky; Nonso Anozie as self-appointed group leader Moonface; Jessica Gunning as Dame Washalot; and Dustin Demri-Burns as Saucepan Man. Rounding out the cast of the magical denizens of the woodlands will be Mark Heap as Mr Oom Boom Boom and Oliver Chris as Mr Watzisname, Hiran Abeysekera as the Angry Pixie. British icons Sirs Lenny Henry, Michael Palin, and Simon Russell Beale will play a trio of mystical wise men from the Land of Know-Alls, and Rebecca Ferguson joins the cast in the role of Dame Snap, the story's terrifying headmistress, one of Blyton's most iconic villains. The the role of the kids ruthless Grandma is played by Jennifer Saunders 2, with Pippa Bennett-Warner as her assistant, Hannah.

1859. Mary Stevens (Ariana Osborne), a young Maori woman, is summoned from New Zealand to North Yorkshire by a mysterious note. To survive, she becomes the governess Mary at Hawkser Manor under the seemingly benevolent eye of Sir Nathaniel Cole (Toby Stephens), a charming landowner whose fortune was forged in the South Seas. Cole speaks her language and insists he can help her. But the walls of his home are hung with Maori taonga, and by night Mary finds herself haunted by memories that are not her own. In a bid to discover the truth about herself and Cole, Mary realises she must face a bloody reckoning if she ever wants to be free of Hawkser Manor.

Science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up on a spaceship light years from home with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. As his memory returns, he begins to uncover his mission: solve the riddle of the mysterious substance causing the sun to die out. He must call on his scientific knowledge and unorthodox ideas to save everything on Earth from extinction… but an unexpected friendship means he may not have to do it alone.

What if you could talk to animals and understand what they're saying? In Disney and Pixar's all-new feature film Hoppers, scientists have discovered how to "hop" human consciousness into lifelike robotic animals, allowing people to communicate with animals as animals! The adventure introduces Mabel, an animal lover who seizes an opportunity to use the technology, uncovering mysteries within the animal world that are beyond anything she could have imagined.

Science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up on a spaceship light years from home with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. As his memory returns, he begins to uncover his mission: solve the riddle of the mysterious substance causing the sun to die out. He must call on his scientific knowledge and unorthodox ideas to save everything on Earth from extinction… but an unexpected friendship means he may not have to do it alone.

When a highly contagious, mutating fungus escapes a sealed facility, two young employees, joined by a grizzled bioterror operative, must survive the wildest night shift ever to save humanity from extinction, as the microorganism spreads and destroys everything in its path.

In New Zealand’s heartland, teams of aspiring female rugby players must shatter glass ceilings both on and off the field to achieve their improbable dream of international glory. Directed by Doc Edge alumna Burd (Changing Gear, Monterey, Let’s Talk About Sex), the film is more than rugby, it is about resilience and authenticity at its best; young women daring to dream big but taken out by curveballs that leave you gasping, belly laughing, and ultimately feeling like anything is possible. It follows a season of women’s grassroots rugby in Taranaki from club players to sporting superheroes Michaela Blyde. You will be cheering from the sideline.

This music-packed documentary tells the story of Pene Pati and his brother Amitai Pati, and their against-the-odds journey from Samoa to platinum-selling success in the trio Sol3 Mio and on to the world’s greatest opera stages. Bursting with humour, heart and soaring performances, the film reveals the resilience born of adversity, the richness of family and culture, and the rewards that come from following an unlikely dream.

Based on The Faraway Tree series of novels for children, The Magic Faraway Tree follows Polly and Tim Thompson and their children, Beth, Joe, and Fran, who find themselves forced to relocate to the remote English countryside. There, the children discover a magical tree and its extraordinary and eccentric occupants. Playing the family are Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy as Tim and Polly, respectively. The Thompson children will be played by newcomers Delilah Bennett-Cardy, Billie Gadsdon, and Phoenix Laroche and The inhabitants of the tree, capable of transporting visitors to fantastical far-off lands, will be played by Nicola Coughlan, cast as beloved woodland fairy Silky; Nonso Anozie as self-appointed group leader Moonface; Jessica Gunning as Dame Washalot; and Dustin Demri-Burns as Saucepan Man. Rounding out the cast of the magical denizens of the woodlands will be Mark Heap as Mr Oom Boom Boom and Oliver Chris as Mr Watzisname, Hiran Abeysekera as the Angry Pixie. British icons Sirs Lenny Henry, Michael Palin, and Simon Russell Beale will play a trio of mystical wise men from the Land of Know-Alls, and Rebecca Ferguson joins the cast in the role of Dame Snap, the story's terrifying headmistress, one of Blyton's most iconic villains. The the role of the kids ruthless Grandma is played by Jennifer Saunders 2, with Pippa Bennett-Warner as her assistant, Hannah.

Marty Mauser, a young man with a dream no one respects, goes to hell and back in pursuit of greatness.

What if you could talk to animals and understand what they're saying? In Disney and Pixar's all-new feature film Hoppers, scientists have discovered how to "hop" human consciousness into lifelike robotic animals, allowing people to communicate with animals as animals! The adventure introduces Mabel, an animal lover who seizes an opportunity to use the technology, uncovering mysteries within the animal world that are beyond anything she could have imagined.

What if you could talk to animals and understand what they're saying? In Disney and Pixar's all-new feature film Hoppers, scientists have discovered how to "hop" human consciousness into lifelike robotic animals, allowing people to communicate with animals as animals! The adventure introduces Mabel, an animal lover who seizes an opportunity to use the technology, uncovering mysteries within the animal world that are beyond anything she could have imagined.

Grow Special: Bring a can of food to a screening and swap it for a small popcorn. All food will be donated to the local food bank Welcome to the pumpkin capital of the world, where the pumpkins are epic, the rivalries are fierce, and the competition is anything but garden variety. Dinah Little, a no-nonsense farmer with a tough-as-a-pumpkin exterior, reluctantly takes in her abandoned niece, Charlie. Dinah is not quick to affection, and Charlie is not one for sitting still. So she throws her into farm life, sleeves rolled up and hands in the dirt. Then comes the town’s biggest spectacle, the annual pumpkin-growing contest, a Halloween season tradition that brings out wild stunts, eccentric characters, and record-setting drama. But Charlie has something no one else does, a special knack for connecting with plants that quietly reflects her own longing to feel just as seen and loved. But as both pumpkin and plot thicken, and rival growers pull every trick in the book, will Charlie and Dinah’s unlikely entry stand tall against the fiercest competition the town has ever seen? As her pumpkin grows bigger, so does her bond with her aunt Dinah. Together they discover that the real prize is not measured in pounds, but in joy, laughter, and community. What begins as a seed blossoms into an exuberant and hilarious story of crazed competition, found family, and love that grows as boundless as the pumpkins themselves.

Will, a small goat with big dreams, gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot to join the pros and play roarball – a high-intensity, co-ed, full-contact sport dominated by the fastest, fiercest animals in the world. Will's new teammates aren't thrilled about having a little goat on their roster, but Will is determined to revolutionize the sport and prove once and for all that "smalls can ball!" He has to do something he has never done before.

When a highly contagious, mutating fungus escapes a sealed facility, two young employees, joined by a grizzled bioterror operative, must survive the wildest night shift ever to save humanity from extinction, as the microorganism spreads and destroys everything in its path.

Based on The Faraway Tree series of novels for children, The Magic Faraway Tree follows Polly and Tim Thompson and their children, Beth, Joe, and Fran, who find themselves forced to relocate to the remote English countryside. There, the children discover a magical tree and its extraordinary and eccentric occupants. Playing the family are Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy as Tim and Polly, respectively. The Thompson children will be played by newcomers Delilah Bennett-Cardy, Billie Gadsdon, and Phoenix Laroche and The inhabitants of the tree, capable of transporting visitors to fantastical far-off lands, will be played by Nicola Coughlan, cast as beloved woodland fairy Silky; Nonso Anozie as self-appointed group leader Moonface; Jessica Gunning as Dame Washalot; and Dustin Demri-Burns as Saucepan Man. Rounding out the cast of the magical denizens of the woodlands will be Mark Heap as Mr Oom Boom Boom and Oliver Chris as Mr Watzisname, Hiran Abeysekera as the Angry Pixie. British icons Sirs Lenny Henry, Michael Palin, and Simon Russell Beale will play a trio of mystical wise men from the Land of Know-Alls, and Rebecca Ferguson joins the cast in the role of Dame Snap, the story's terrifying headmistress, one of Blyton's most iconic villains. The the role of the kids ruthless Grandma is played by Jennifer Saunders 2, with Pippa Bennett-Warner as her assistant, Hannah.

Science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up on a spaceship light years from home with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. As his memory returns, he begins to uncover his mission: solve the riddle of the mysterious substance causing the sun to die out. He must call on his scientific knowledge and unorthodox ideas to save everything on Earth from extinction… but an unexpected friendship means he may not have to do it alone.

Disowned at birth by his obscenely wealthy family, blue-collar Becket Redfellow will stop at nothing to reclaim his inheritance, no matter how many relatives stand in his way.

Marty Mauser, a young man with a dream no one respects, goes to hell and back in pursuit of greatness.

Will, a small goat with big dreams, gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot to join the pros and play roarball – a high-intensity, co-ed, full-contact sport dominated by the fastest, fiercest animals in the world. Will's new teammates aren't thrilled about having a little goat on their roster, but Will is determined to revolutionize the sport and prove once and for all that "smalls can ball!" He has to do something he has never done before.

Based on The Faraway Tree series of novels for children, The Magic Faraway Tree follows Polly and Tim Thompson and their children, Beth, Joe, and Fran, who find themselves forced to relocate to the remote English countryside. There, the children discover a magical tree and its extraordinary and eccentric occupants. Playing the family are Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy as Tim and Polly, respectively. The Thompson children will be played by newcomers Delilah Bennett-Cardy, Billie Gadsdon, and Phoenix Laroche and The inhabitants of the tree, capable of transporting visitors to fantastical far-off lands, will be played by Nicola Coughlan, cast as beloved woodland fairy Silky; Nonso Anozie as self-appointed group leader Moonface; Jessica Gunning as Dame Washalot; and Dustin Demri-Burns as Saucepan Man. Rounding out the cast of the magical denizens of the woodlands will be Mark Heap as Mr Oom Boom Boom and Oliver Chris as Mr Watzisname, Hiran Abeysekera as the Angry Pixie. British icons Sirs Lenny Henry, Michael Palin, and Simon Russell Beale will play a trio of mystical wise men from the Land of Know-Alls, and Rebecca Ferguson joins the cast in the role of Dame Snap, the story's terrifying headmistress, one of Blyton's most iconic villains. The the role of the kids ruthless Grandma is played by Jennifer Saunders 2, with Pippa Bennett-Warner as her assistant, Hannah.

In New Zealand’s heartland, teams of aspiring female rugby players must shatter glass ceilings both on and off the field to achieve their improbable dream of international glory. Directed by Doc Edge alumna Burd (Changing Gear, Monterey, Let’s Talk About Sex), the film is more than rugby, it is about resilience and authenticity at its best; young women daring to dream big but taken out by curveballs that leave you gasping, belly laughing, and ultimately feeling like anything is possible. It follows a season of women’s grassroots rugby in Taranaki from club players to sporting superheroes Michaela Blyde. You will be cheering from the sideline.

When a highly contagious, mutating fungus escapes a sealed facility, two young employees, joined by a grizzled bioterror operative, must survive the wildest night shift ever to save humanity from extinction, as the microorganism spreads and destroys everything in its path.

What if you could talk to animals and understand what they're saying? In Disney and Pixar's all-new feature film Hoppers, scientists have discovered how to "hop" human consciousness into lifelike robotic animals, allowing people to communicate with animals as animals! The adventure introduces Mabel, an animal lover who seizes an opportunity to use the technology, uncovering mysteries within the animal world that are beyond anything she could have imagined.

From Maggie Gyllenhaal and starring Academy Award-nominee Jessie Buckley and Academy Award-winner Christian Bale comes The Bride! A bold, iconoclastic take on one of the world's most compelling stories. A lonely Frankenstein travels to 1930s Chicago to ask groundbreaking scientist Dr Euphronious to create a companion for him. The two revive a murdered young woman and The Bride is born. What ensues is beyond what either of them imagined: Murder! Possession! A wild and radical cultural movement! And outlaw lovers in a wild and combustible romance!

From the team behind the Kiwi hit Uproar, Holy Days is a hilarious, heartwarming 1970s dramedy with a star-studded cast: Judy Davis, Miriam Margolyes, and Jacki Weaver. When young Brian discovers plans to close a convent of delightfully eccentric nuns, he sets off on a wild road trip across New Zealand to save them. Packed with laughs, quirky characters, and heart, this is a joyful adventure the young at heart will adore.

Science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up on a spaceship light years from home with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. As his memory returns, he begins to uncover his mission: solve the riddle of the mysterious substance causing the sun to die out. He must call on his scientific knowledge and unorthodox ideas to save everything on Earth from extinction… but an unexpected friendship means he may not have to do it alone.

From Academy Award-winning writer-director Chloe Zhao, Hamnet tells the powerful love story that inspired the creation of Shakespeare's timeless masterpiece, Hamlet.

Marty Mauser, a young man with a dream no one respects, goes to hell and back in pursuit of greatness.

This music-packed documentary tells the story of Pene Pati and his brother Amitai Pati, and their against-the-odds journey from Samoa to platinum-selling success in the trio Sol3 Mio and on to the world’s greatest opera stages. Bursting with humour, heart and soaring performances, the film reveals the resilience born of adversity, the richness of family and culture, and the rewards that come from following an unlikely dream.

1859. Mary Stevens (Ariana Osborne), a young Maori woman, is summoned from New Zealand to North Yorkshire by a mysterious note. To survive, she becomes the governess Mary at Hawkser Manor under the seemingly benevolent eye of Sir Nathaniel Cole (Toby Stephens), a charming landowner whose fortune was forged in the South Seas. Cole speaks her language and insists he can help her. But the walls of his home are hung with Maori taonga, and by night Mary finds herself haunted by memories that are not her own. In a bid to discover the truth about herself and Cole, Mary realises she must face a bloody reckoning if she ever wants to be free of Hawkser Manor.

Disowned at birth by his obscenely wealthy family, blue-collar Becket Redfellow will stop at nothing to reclaim his inheritance, no matter how many relatives stand in his way.

From Maggie Gyllenhaal and starring Academy Award-nominee Jessie Buckley and Academy Award-winner Christian Bale comes The Bride! A bold, iconoclastic take on one of the world's most compelling stories. A lonely Frankenstein travels to 1930s Chicago to ask groundbreaking scientist Dr Euphronious to create a companion for him. The two revive a murdered young woman and The Bride is born. What ensues is beyond what either of them imagined: Murder! Possession! A wild and radical cultural movement! And outlaw lovers in a wild and combustible romance!

What if you could talk to animals and understand what they're saying? In Disney and Pixar's all-new feature film Hoppers, scientists have discovered how to "hop" human consciousness into lifelike robotic animals, allowing people to communicate with animals as animals! The adventure introduces Mabel, an animal lover who seizes an opportunity to use the technology, uncovering mysteries within the animal world that are beyond anything she could have imagined.

Mistaken identities, forbidden love, and one very inconvenient corpse turn the grand English manor of Fackham Hall into total bedlam in this comedy of class, romance, manners, and mischief.

FACKHAM HALL is the hilarious story of a pickpocket (Ben Radcliffe) who blags his way into service at a grand family estate, only to fall for the Lord’s (Damien Lewis) rebellious daughter (Thomasin Mckenzie) who is betrothed to marry her cousin (Tom Felton) to keep the family from financial ruin.

Science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up on a spaceship light years from home with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. As his memory returns, he begins to uncover his mission: solve the riddle of the mysterious substance causing the sun to die out. He must call on his scientific knowledge and unorthodox ideas to save everything on Earth from extinction… but an unexpected friendship means he may not have to do it alone.

Based on The Faraway Tree series of novels for children, The Magic Faraway Tree follows Polly and Tim Thompson and their children, Beth, Joe, and Fran, who find themselves forced to relocate to the remote English countryside. There, the children discover a magical tree and its extraordinary and eccentric occupants. Playing the family are Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy as Tim and Polly, respectively. The Thompson children will be played by newcomers Delilah Bennett-Cardy, Billie Gadsdon, and Phoenix Laroche and The inhabitants of the tree, capable of transporting visitors to fantastical far-off lands, will be played by Nicola Coughlan, cast as beloved woodland fairy Silky; Nonso Anozie as self-appointed group leader Moonface; Jessica Gunning as Dame Washalot; and Dustin Demri-Burns as Saucepan Man. Rounding out the cast of the magical denizens of the woodlands will be Mark Heap as Mr Oom Boom Boom and Oliver Chris as Mr Watzisname, Hiran Abeysekera as the Angry Pixie. British icons Sirs Lenny Henry, Michael Palin, and Simon Russell Beale will play a trio of mystical wise men from the Land of Know-Alls, and Rebecca Ferguson joins the cast in the role of Dame Snap, the story's terrifying headmistress, one of Blyton's most iconic villains. The the role of the kids ruthless Grandma is played by Jennifer Saunders 2, with Pippa Bennett-Warner as her assistant, Hannah.

From Academy Award-winning writer-director Chloe Zhao, Hamnet tells the powerful love story that inspired the creation of Shakespeare's timeless masterpiece, Hamlet.

Science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up on a spaceship light years from home with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. As his memory returns, he begins to uncover his mission: solve the riddle of the mysterious substance causing the sun to die out. He must call on his scientific knowledge and unorthodox ideas to save everything on Earth from extinction… but an unexpected friendship means he may not have to do it alone.

From Maggie Gyllenhaal and starring Academy Award-nominee Jessie Buckley and Academy Award-winner Christian Bale comes The Bride! A bold, iconoclastic take on one of the world's most compelling stories. A lonely Frankenstein travels to 1930s Chicago to ask groundbreaking scientist Dr Euphronious to create a companion for him. The two revive a murdered young woman and The Bride is born. What ensues is beyond what either of them imagined: Murder! Possession! A wild and radical cultural movement! And outlaw lovers in a wild and combustible romance!

From the director of `Boy` and `What We Do In the Shadows`, Taika Waititi’s celebrated film is a hilarious and heartfelt adventure based on Barry Crump`s novel, ‘Wild Pork & Watercress`. Ricky (Julian Dennison) is a defiant young city kid who finds himself on the run with his grumpy foster uncle (Sam Neill). A national manhunt ensues and the two are forced to work together to survive.

This music-packed documentary tells the story of Pene Pati and his brother Amitai Pati, and their against-the-odds journey from Samoa to platinum-selling success in the trio Sol3 Mio and on to the world’s greatest opera stages. Bursting with humour, heart and soaring performances, the film reveals the resilience born of adversity, the richness of family and culture, and the rewards that come from following an unlikely dream.

From the team behind the Kiwi hit Uproar, Holy Days is a hilarious, heartwarming 1970s dramedy with a star-studded cast: Judy Davis, Miriam Margolyes, and Jacki Weaver. When young Brian discovers plans to close a convent of delightfully eccentric nuns, he sets off on a wild road trip across New Zealand to save them. Packed with laughs, quirky characters, and heart, this is a joyful adventure the young at heart will adore.

This music-packed documentary tells the story of Pene Pati and his brother Amitai Pati, and their against-the-odds journey from Samoa to platinum-selling success in the trio Sol3 Mio and on to the world’s greatest opera stages. Bursting with humour, heart and soaring performances, the film reveals the resilience born of adversity, the richness of family and culture, and the rewards that come from following an unlikely dream.

From the team behind the Kiwi hit Uproar, Holy Days is a hilarious, heartwarming 1970s dramedy with a star-studded cast: Judy Davis, Miriam Margolyes, and Jacki Weaver. When young Brian discovers plans to close a convent of delightfully eccentric nuns, he sets off on a wild road trip across New Zealand to save them. Packed with laughs, quirky characters, and heart, this is a joyful adventure the young at heart will adore.

Marty Mauser, a young man with a dream no one respects, goes to hell and back in pursuit of greatness.

From Academy Award-winning writer-director Chloe Zhao, Hamnet tells the powerful love story that inspired the creation of Shakespeare's timeless masterpiece, Hamlet.

Based on The Faraway Tree series of novels for children, The Magic Faraway Tree follows Polly and Tim Thompson and their children, Beth, Joe, and Fran, who find themselves forced to relocate to the remote English countryside. There, the children discover a magical tree and its extraordinary and eccentric occupants. Playing the family are Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy as Tim and Polly, respectively. The Thompson children will be played by newcomers Delilah Bennett-Cardy, Billie Gadsdon, and Phoenix Laroche and The inhabitants of the tree, capable of transporting visitors to fantastical far-off lands, will be played by Nicola Coughlan, cast as beloved woodland fairy Silky; Nonso Anozie as self-appointed group leader Moonface; Jessica Gunning as Dame Washalot; and Dustin Demri-Burns as Saucepan Man. Rounding out the cast of the magical denizens of the woodlands will be Mark Heap as Mr Oom Boom Boom and Oliver Chris as Mr Watzisname, Hiran Abeysekera as the Angry Pixie. British icons Sirs Lenny Henry, Michael Palin, and Simon Russell Beale will play a trio of mystical wise men from the Land of Know-Alls, and Rebecca Ferguson joins the cast in the role of Dame Snap, the story's terrifying headmistress, one of Blyton's most iconic villains. The the role of the kids ruthless Grandma is played by Jennifer Saunders 2, with Pippa Bennett-Warner as her assistant, Hannah.

Will, a small goat with big dreams, gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot to join the pros and play roarball – a high-intensity, co-ed, full-contact sport dominated by the fastest, fiercest animals in the world. Will's new teammates aren't thrilled about having a little goat on their roster, but Will is determined to revolutionize the sport and prove once and for all that "smalls can ball!" He has to do something he has never done before.

Science teacher Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) wakes up on a spaceship light years from home with no recollection of who he is or how he got there. As his memory returns, he begins to uncover his mission: solve the riddle of the mysterious substance causing the sun to die out. He must call on his scientific knowledge and unorthodox ideas to save everything on Earth from extinction… but an unexpected friendship means he may not have to do it alone.

The 13th annual Ocean Film Festival World Tour returns to Aotearoa this April with six inspiring films celebrating ocean adventure, conservation and surf culture. Highlights include The Raftsmen, chronicling a record-breaking raft journey across the world’s largest ocean; The Kelp Collector, an intimate Australian short about marine preservation; and Antarctica: Domain One, narrated by surfing legend Kelly Slater. The family-friendly 2026 tour promises breathtaking cinematography and powerful stories that connect audiences to the beauty and vulnerability of the sea.

“New Zealand’s Loudest Mime” Mr Fungus is on tour across Aotearoa, with silly show that will amuse and delight kids of all ages. Featuring visual and verbal comedy, juggling and mime, with scrumptious and catchy backing soundtracks, Mr Fungus will bring the silliness and fun to your town. Thrillingly ridiculous and a seasoned pro, Mr Fungus has played to packed theatres and festival venues throughout Europe and Australisia, in a career spanning four decades.

Join us for an early screening of New Zealands fantastic up and coming film The Weed Eaters. Followed by a Q&A with the film makers. Jules (Alice May Connolly) is on a New Year's Eve trip with her new boyfriend and his two stoner friends in the wops of North Canterbury when they stumble across a long-abandoned stash in an old shed. After a quick session and an accidental murder, the marijuana turns them into enthusiastic cannibals. To cover the evidence of their murder, they decide to keep toking so they can devour the body. What will happen when the meat runs out? Who will be the next victim? WINNER of Best Feature at SXSW Sydney 2025.

Our Murder Mystery events are one of the world’s most interactive live theatre shows you will ever experience! Every guest in the theatre gets to become a Sheriff for the evening and try to solve the mystery of who killed the infamous cattle rustler Dooky Smuidge. A Western theme, with all guests encouraged to come dressed for the occasion in their finest Western attire! Dress up is not compulsory but it does add to the immersive experience. No acting is required as the cast members of the show are the suspects, and guests get multiple opportunities throughout the evening to interact with the suspects to work out which one of them is the Murderer. Get ready to laugh in the face of Murder, as this show is a side splitting comedy with some guests even complaining that their face hurt from laughing so much.

'Ao’, meaning ‘world’ in Te Reo Maori is at the epicentre of AOTANGO. Enjoy their seamless fusion of world music and tango, in an eclectic mix of styles presented by musicians who call Aotearoa their home. Based in Tamaki Makaurau, AOTANGO features violinist Andrew Beer (APO Concertmaster), pianist Somi Kim (NZTrio), double bassist Gordon Hill (APO Section Principal), jazz guitarist Sam Swindells and award-winning accordionist Grayson Masefield.

The Big Bike Film Night is on a mission - bringing the best short cycling films from around the world together for you. Showcasing 2.5 hours of mesmerizing bike films that have everything a cycle-centric audience could want, action, drama, humour, and plenty of inspiration. The evening is unashamedly and utterly, utterly, utterly designed and devised to delight the two-wheel devotee! The 2026 treasure chest of films includes: - a dazzling mountain bike ride exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Norway, embracing the magic of the midnight sun - a life-changing experience for two adventurous women as they embark to cycle to all the ski-fields in New Zealand in one gigantic attempt - an inspiring film that captures the wettest, most miserable riding conditions imaginable - a film that playfully delves into the world of those taking cycling to new heights - celebrating fun, silliness, and creativity that comes with pushing boundaries on two wheels - a compelling story about perseverance, showcasing the challenges and triumphs of navigating daily life following a life-altering injury, and how adaptive design has transformed and enriched the journey forward - a moving movie that follows a father and son’s journey as they take on one of life’s most meaningful milestones- riding a bike together as a family - a bold and uplifting story of an adventure activist, attempting to break the 24-hour Guinness World Record in downhill mountain biking- all to raise funds for reforesting foothills around Queenstown, New Zealand. Her relentless pursuit not only pushes the limits of endurance but also becomes a powerful symbol of resilience and environmental commitment - and crowning the night off- we all love an underdog tale. This charming, funny, heartfelt film inspires us to believe that we all have the capacity to be unlikely heroes in our own stories. The audience is transported back to the nostalgic 1990’s, to the slopes of the punishing Mont Ventoux, in Southern France, to witness the drama of a battle between two giants ALL in the mix! These short films are a great reminder of why we love to ride our bike; with stories that captivate us, stories that move us, and most importantly of all - inspiring us to get out and ride. All celebrate the fun, adventure, and joy that cycling enables. So...listen to the voice inside you; it’s telling you to go. Grab your mates, GO ON...grab your bike and come along for the ride!! PREVIOUS ATTENDEE’S COMMENTS: "One of the most inspiring events of the year" "If you only have one night a year out, make it this!!" "The Big Bike Film Night is always a wonderful, eclectic, wacky mix of films and I love it!" "If you haven’t experienced the cinematic excellence of The Big Bike Film Night - then YOU MUST!!!"

Irish folk music and stories, with old movies. Enjoy live Irish music played to the backdrop of Super 8 movies taken in Ireland, with Sean Kelly on vocals, whistles, bodhran and guitar, Jono Lonie on fiddle and mandolin and Maree Limpus on cello. Presented in association with Arts on Tour

Paul Ego ‘STICK’ – NZ Tour 2026 It's taken 30 years of performing comedy for PAUL EGO to get off his butt and do a solo NZ tour, so this is both very exciting and long overdue! Well known for his many years as Team Captain on the TV show 7DAYS, Paul has also been part of award winning Breakfast Radio shows for both More FM and The Rock. However, his crowning achievement now seems to be voicing "Stickman", for PAK’nSAVE - something he happily admits is "the best job he's ever had. STICK, is your chance to see "NZ's" Top Professional Comedian PAUL EGO, live onstage, delivering maximum laughs as he talks stickability, sticky situations and Stick-Men. Ego is undeniably the Master of Improv, his spells of banter with the audience showcasing his razor-sharp wit (Yahoo Entertainment) Paul Ego is a really funny man. A powerful performance by NZ;s top professional comedian and one of the highlights of my comedy festival (Theatreview) Paul Ego has proved to be 7DAYS quickest wit. He really should have his own fanclub (NZ Herald)

Australia’s premier bluesman returns to NZ after sold out shows in 2025! Renowned for his electrifying live shows, Ash Grunwald has inspired a generation to hit the road in an old van to ‘surf by day jam by night’. The festival favourite brings a high energy, vibrant live show with stacks of guitars and foot stomping blues. Part troubadour, part storyteller -Ash has been selling out shows all over the world! Don’t miss this chance to see live blues music at it’s finest! Thursday 20th August at Hokitika's Regent Theatre 7.00pm Doors / 7.30pm Show Family Friendly