The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) is deepening its ties with India's screen industry, opening doors for creative and economic collaborations beyond Bollywood to include Tollywood and other regional cinemas.
Major Film Releases Mark a New Chapter
For the first time, a major Indian film and a New Zealand film will be released in India back-to-back, fostering cultural exchange. Ka Whawhai Tonu - Struggle Without End, last year’s top-grossing Māori-language historical drama, is set for release in India. This follows Kannappa, a high-profile Telugu epic that premiered in India on April 25. Filmed extensively in New Zealand, Kannappa showcased the country’s skilled crews, strong Māori partnerships, and breathtaking landscapes.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's visit to India further reinforced these growing partnerships and highlighted new opportunities for collaboration.
Photo: Supplied
A Two-Way Film Exchange
NZFC CEO Annie Murray noted the increasing film exchange between the two countries, strengthening cultural ties.
"Notable New Zealand films screened in India include Kāinga (IFFI 2022), Perianayaki (Dharamshala International Film Festival 2022, Best Short Film at IFFI Film Bazaar Recommends 2022), and Vai and Waru (Dharamshala International Film Festival 2020 and 2018)," she said.
Indian films are also thriving in New Zealand. In 2023, 128 Indian films grossed over $9.8 million at the Kiwi box office, with Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam films regularly screened in local cinemas.
The exchange has been further enriched by collaborations like the 2021 IN->NZ Indigenous Connections film week, where six films from both countries were showcased. More recently, Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light featured at the New Zealand International Film Festival ahead of its 2024-25 commercial release.
Photo: Supplied
"These collaborations highlight the growing relationship between our film industries—connections we’re excited to keep building," said Murray.
Building Bridges Through Film
Chris Payne, Head of Co-Production and Incentives at the NZFC, emphasized that these partnerships benefit both industries.
"Our work with India’s screen sector creates opportunities that flow both ways. Indian filmmakers gain access to New Zealand’s locations and talent, while Kiwi creatives engage with India's dynamic film industry," Payne said.
"With a clear push for international partnerships, the doors are open—we just need to walk through them," he added.
The NZFC also supports Indian New Zealand filmmakers like Shuchi Kothari and works with organizations such as the Pan-Asian Screen Collective (PASC) to further strengthen ties.
As these partnerships grow, NZFC remains committed to fostering long-term opportunities for filmmakers in both nations.
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