New Zealand Film Commission Update

On the recent release of our 2021/2022 Annual Report, I was reflecting on how agile, resilient, and tenacious the screen sector has been through this uncertain couple of years. It is quite remarkable how our screen industry has continued to develop, create, produce, and release world-class films.

In spite of the challenges presented by COVID-19 over the last financial year, the NZFC actually recorded the highest level of expenditure in a single financial period, $67.7M. The vast majority ($57.8M) of this spend went towards screen production made up of up to $20.6M to 16 projects through our discretionary investment programme, $35.3M of Te Puna Kairangi Premium Fund investments to 13 new projects, and COVID-19 recovery grants of over $1.9M to 15 screen projects.

Locally, we saw the reopening of cinemas after COVID-19 closures, and Kiwi audiences showed support for local content on the big screen. Thirteen NZFC-funded films were released in cinemas in the 2021/2022 financial year and were seen by around 160,000 people. In the 2022 calendar year, NZFC-financed films performed strongly at the New Zealand box office. Muru surpassed $1.51M, Whina totalled $1.33M, and Mister Organ achieved the highest-grossing documentary.

Internationally in 2022, we saw The Power of the Dog pick up an Academy Award, BAFTAs, and Golden Globes; The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power broke viewership records on Amazon Prime; and the long-awaited Avatar: The Way of Water received critical acclaim. All were made with the assistance of the NZSPG. As always, a multitude of New Zealanders received nominations for film awards around the world.

This month we kick off the festival year with Punch and Juniper screening at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, and Bad Behaviour and short film Hawaiki premiering at Sundance. New Zealand continues to punch above its weight when it comes to screen industry talent.

Internally at NZFC in 2022, we bade farewell to CEO David Strong and Board Chair Dame Kerry Prendergast, and welcomed our new Board Chair, Alastair Carruthers. Applications have been sought for the new CEO role, and we look forward to welcoming a new leader to our organisation this year.

Looking ahead, 2023 may bring change with the Screen Sector Funding and the DIA Lottery reviews. NZFC will continue to work with the industry, Ministries, and Government as the review processes move forward.

2023 offers some certainties. We will continue to see New Zealand filmmakers, actors, and crews excel in their work. Our stories will continue to entertain people locally and around the world.

I’m proud of the role that the NZFC plays in this industry and am looking forward to what we collectively are able to achieve over the next year.

Mladen Ivancic (NZFC Acting CEO)