Curtain up on Indian cinema in New Zealand

Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal. Pics/By Special Arrangement, Youtube

Indian movies are travelling far and wide, and New Zealand seems to be their next stop. On June 2, the Indian Film Festival of New Zealand (TIFFNZ) will be announced in Auckland. Hindi film actors and producers Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal will headline the announcement gala, which will also include a screening of their maiden production, Girls Will Be Girls (2024).

‘Girls Will Be Girls' will be screened at the event

In a joint statement, Chadha and Fazal expressed their joy to take homegrown stories to a new set of audience, as they said, "Film festivals play an important role in building dialogue and creating space for diverse stories. The idea of bringing Indian cinema to New Zealand in a structured, celebratory way feels both timely and meaningful. We're looking forward to supporting this new chapter."

TIFFNZ will host its first edition in October 2026 that will include screenings, workshops, and industry conversations.

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Indian films that will be screened at the festival's inaugural edition in October

The four-day festival will be held across:

. Auckland
. Wellington
. Christchurch