FILM Promotion – BSS 2025
Although BSS was originally focused on the BIG screen, for many years it has been a screen agnostic hui, meaning we have had hundreds of conversations, panels, keynotes and masterclasses focusing on the full range of screen and their creatives.
Having said that, the big screen, feature films, movies, the talkies, are still an incredibly important part of Big Screen Symposium.
On day two of BSS 2025, we again have an address from the major funder of films in Aotearoa, Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga the NZ Film Commission, with their – Everything, Everywhere, All At Once presentation.
This will be a summary of the wild year of change that was at the NZFC, and how we are looking to the future. Hear from CEO, Annie Murray who will give a brief overview followed by a moderated session with Head of Funding, Ainsley Gardiner and Development Lead, Esther Cahill-Chiaroni as they discuss priorities for the funding team.
And then to round off this hectic two-day hui we have a BSS favourite, the SNEAK PEEKS. This is a unique look into soon-to-be-released New Zealand films, as we hear from the directors of these eagerly anticipated films.
Be the first to check out these films, and what it took to bring them to the big screen.
SNEAK PEEKS
WORKMATES
Lucy and Tom are best mates running a theatre. When an accident threatens to close the doors, they find out just how far they’ll go for the theatre and each other.
Speaker: director Curtis Vowell
MĀRAMA
When a young, Māori woman is mysteriously summoned from New Zealand to North Yorkshire in England, she uncovers the horrific truth of her colonial whakapapa, and she must destroy the titled Englishman who has devastated her family. MĀRAMA is a Māori Gothic story of retribution.
Speaker: writer/ director Taratoa Stappard
HOLY DAYS
A lost boy in search of heaven, three odd nuns on a mission, a car powered by God (and stolen money). This is a road trip like no other. A comedic near-tragedy that just keeps going South.
Speaker: writer/ director Nat Boltt
POP
A talented American musician finds himself entangled in a chaotic film project led by a relentless Kiwi director determined to complete his disaster piece at all cost.
Speaker: director Tim Hamilton
WENT UP THE HILL
When Jack ventures to remote New Zealand to attend the funeral of his estranged mother, he meets her grieving widow, Jill. But his mother’s spirit returns, inhabiting each of their bodies to speak to the other one, instigating a life-threatening three-way nocturnal dance.
Speaker: co-writer/ director Samuel Van Grinsven
MUM I’M ALIEN PREGNANT
When a messy millennial accidentally gets alien pregnant, she must overcome sceptical doctors, a useless baby-daddy, and her oversharing mum in order to survive and reclaim her life.
Speakers: Co-directors THUNDERLIPS
PIKE RIVER
The true story of Anna Osborne (Melanie Lynskey) and Sonya Rockhouse (Robyn Malcolm), whose friendship empowered them to fight for justice after the 2010 Pike River Mine explosion took the lives of 29 men underground.
Speaker: director Rob Sarkies
