In these two 30-minute sessions we will learn how local filmmakers are creating new ways of working both in development and through to production.
The True Story Trap
“Workmates began as a true story—but the moment we let go of the facts, the emotional truth came into focus”
Workmates director Curtis Vowell, writer and star Sophie Henderson, and producer Sam Snedden talk about the inspiration for the story and how embracing fiction gave them the freedom to explore what mattered in the narrative. A talk about how, sometimes, what really happened can get in the way of what’s real.
Mum, I’m Making Movies
The Hot Candle Wave team will discuss innovations made throughout their production which prioritised mental health, community and sustainability while making Mum, I’m Alien Pregnant.
Join Alix Whittaker, Ilai Amar and Morgan Leigh Stewart as they lift the lid on the values, ideas & philosophies behind their unique production methodology.
Both productions are coming to cinemas soon and are sure to add to what has already been an incredibly exciting year for local cinema.
Workmates SPEAKERS
SOPHIE HENDERSON
Sophie Henderson is a New Zealand screenwriter. Her debut feature, Fantail, premiered at the Rotterdam Film Festival and won a People’s Choice Award at the Melbourne Film Festival. In 2021, Baby Done – produced by Taika Waititi’s Piki Films and starring Rose Matafeo – screened at the Toronto Film Festival and won audiences over both at home and and overseas.
That same year, The Justice of Bunny King, starring Essie Davis and Thomasin McKenzie, premiered at Tribeca, receiving a Nora Ephron Award Special Jury Mention. Her next feature, Workmates, is set for release in August 2025.
Sophie is the incoming Artistic Director of Auckland’s Silo Theatre.
CURTIS VOWELL
Curtis Vowell is a Cook Island Maori director who has worked in the New Zealand film industry for the last 15 years. His debut feature film Fantail won over crowds both at home and overseas screening at a number of international film festivals.
Fantail was nominated for 8 New Zealand Film Awards including Best Director and Best Film and was invited to have its international premiere at Rotterdam International Film Festival. The film was also selected for the Melbourne International Film Festival, winning a People’s Choice award.
His second feature film Baby Done with Taika Waititi and Carthew Neal’s Piki Films was released theatrically in the US and UK and stars Rose Matafeo and Matthew Lewis.
In 2023 Curtis directed 3 episodes of Stephen Merchant’s UK television comedy The Outlaws (Amazon/BBC). Between films and UK Television, Curtis has also directed
multiple blocks of New Zealand’s favourite hospital drama Shortland Street. In 2024 he released Seize Them! a UK medieval comedy starring Aimee Lou Wood and Nick Frost. Workmates is his 4th feature film funded by the NZFC, written by and starring Sophie Henderson.
Sam Snedden graduated from Toi Whakaari in 2006. His film and television credits include Westside, Fresh Eggs, Legend of the Seeker, Spartacus, Golden Boy, The Educators, Baby Done, The Keeper, Six Days and the Emmy Award winning iNSiDE.
He ran Auckland’s Basement Theatre from 2011-2017, and was instrumental in transforming it from a struggling theatre to a thriving, well supported artist development hub. Since leaving the Basement he has worked with dozens of independent artists and organisations advising them on strategy and fundraising.
He has worked extensively in the theatre as an actor, producer and director. He is the current head of acting at Unitec’s School of Performing and Screen Arts
Workmates is his first feature as a producer.
Mum, I’m Alien Pregnant SPEAKERS
ALIX WHITTAKER
