New Zealand International Film Festival (NZIFF) has today announced the winners of the New Zealand’s Best and Ngā Whanaunga Māori Pasifika Shorts awards for 2024, as well as the winners in the unique 2024 Fresh and Frames strand comp
The five finalists for New Zealand’s Best were selected by Guest Selector Gerard Johnstone and the six finalists for Ngā Whanaunga Māori Pasifika Shorts were selected by curators Leo Koziol (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Rakaipaaka) and Craig Fasi (Niue), as announced earlier this year.etitions.
The NZIFF Patrons Award for Best Film was awarded to director Vea Mafile’o for her film Lea Tupu’anga/Mother Tongue.
Vea says, “I feel incredibly honoured and proud to receive such a prestigious award, especially on the eve of Uike Kātoanga’i ‘o e lea faka-Tonga – Tonga Language Week. This film represents the different cultural journeys we are all on. There are many paths and different experiences. Everyone’s cultural identity and sense of belonging looks different. But it’s what you feel in your heart that counts the most. This is loto-māfana.”
The jury awards were presented following the Auckland screenings at ASB Waterfront Theatre, as part of the festival’s Aotearoa Film Focus Weekend on Sunday 18 August.
