KEYNOTE ADDRESS: BIRD RUNNINGWATER
BSS 2025 keynote will be a powerful and inspiring address from one of our international guests, Bird Runningwater. A world leader of Indigenous screen storytelling, Bird brings a global perspective shaped by his 20-years as Indigenous Director of the Sundance Institute. In this rare Aotearoa appearance, this visionary producer, curator, and advocate, who has been at the heart of amplifying underrepresented indigenous voices in Film and TV for decades, will speak about Our Potential as a global screen community, and the role authentic indigenous stories and their creators will play in the future.
Don’t miss this keynote from a world leading changemaker and thought leader, whose work continues to shape the future of screen
BSS 2025 KAITIAKI KŌRERO: NIKKI SI’ULEPA
We’re thrilled to welcome award-winning actor, writer, and director Nikki Si’ulepa as our Kaitiaki Kōrero (guardian of speakers) for this year’s Big Screen Symposium in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland!
Nikki brings more than talent and experience to the role—she steps in as kaitiaki kōrero, a kaihautū guiding the wānanga forward with care, clarity, and collective purpose. With deep roots in storytelling and community, Nikki will create a safe, inclusive, fun, and uplifting environment for our speakers and attendees alike, holding space for them throughout the event.
With Nikki at the helm, expect a symposium that’s not only engaging and thought-provoking but also full of aroha, integrity, giggles, and momentum.
KAIKŌRERO: TIHINI GRANT
This year we are again led by our Script to Screen Rangatira, Tihini Grant, who is our Kaikōrero. Tihini will represent and guide us as Manuhiri (visitors) at our Pōwhiri with our Mana Whenua partners Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.
Tihini is an award-winning independent writer/director with over 20 years of experience in the NZ film and television industry. Raised in tribal traditions of his Ngāti Pikiao people, Tihini is a keeper of traditional histories and a fluent speaker of Te Reo Māori with a commitment to indigenous stories.
Tēnei te mihi ki te Rangatira ki tō tautoko i te kaupapa nei.
