Indian Film Festival NZ to boost trade and culture

The inaugural Indian Film Festival NZ is set to launch in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch from October 23 to 25. The event is designed to serve as a commercial platform to strengthen cultural and economic ties between India and New Zealand.

Organizers expect the festival to contribute approximately NZ$10 million annually to the New Zealand economy through tourism, screen production, and creative services. The initiative coincides with the implementation of a recently signed Free Trade Agreement between the two nations.

Beyond cinema, the festival aims to connect New Zealand exporters—particularly in the premium food and beverage sectors such as wine, fruit, and meat—with Indian consumers and distributors. Additionally, updated international screen production incentives in New Zealand are expected to attract Indian film productions to the country.