Latest news with #TheCivic
NZ Herald
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
What To See At The Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival
The Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival returns from this August, bringing international and local stories to the screen. It's a magical time of year when The Civic opens its door to moviegoers for the Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival, which begins in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on July 31. That grand corner theatre will celebrate opening night with a screening of Palme d'Or winner It Was Just An Accident. This film, directed by Jafar Panahi, is a revenge thriller that contemplates the rewards of such a quest. Another centrepiece of the festival is the much-anticipated documentary Prime Minister, which catalogues the six years Jacinda Ardern spent in office (from the perspective of those closest to her). On Auckland's closing night, there's another genre shift: Sentimental Value directed by Joachim Trier – a comedy-drama with acclaimed performances from a sparkling cast (think Renate Reinsve, Elle Fanning and Stellan Skarsgård). The 2025 programme goes far beyond features too – you'll find lots to love among the short films and director discussions slated for the schedule. After its Auckland schedule, the festival heads to centres around New Zealand, from Kirikiriroa Hamilton to Ōtepoti Dunedin. From local stories that wander Auckland's inner city streets to impactful international films, these are a few of the films to add to your watchlist now. The Weed Eaters In this absurd local horror-comedy, a mellow New Year's holiday in the rolling plains of North Canterbury devolves into a nightmarish trip. The celebration, marked with the sharing of a joint, is suddenly troubled with accidental killing, cannibalistic munchies and high-stakes friendship fallouts. Callum Devlin (of indie-rock band Hans Pucket) and Annabel Kean comprise the film-making duo Sports Team who have brought this feature to life, collaborating with a constellation of other stars from our creative scenes. You'll spot singer-songwriter Delaney Davidson, The Bats' Paul Kean and comedian David Correos among the tight cast. Will likely give new meaning to the phrase 'nightmare blunt rotation'. Cactus Pears A wistful romance shot in inland Maharashtra, India, explores a budding romance between two childhood friends. Dealing with the grief of losing his father, Anand travels from Mumbai to the countryside, where he reunites with Balya, who has become a farmer. Both are facing pressure as unmarried men in their 30s. Their history of affection unravels as they spend time together in the natural surroundings and they begin to imagine what a future together could look like. Director Rohan Parashuram Kanawade has been congratulated for his tender and precise debut: Cactus Pears won the World Cinema Dramatic Competition at Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. Workmates Performance fans who frequent the inner-city streets of Tāmaki Makaurau for gigs, shows and pageantry will find affectionate representations of its greatest creative venues in this sweet rom-com. Largely shot in the Basement Theatre, the film follows two theatre managers working tirelessly to keep the lights on while managing the tensions developing in their outlooks on the creative arts. Luminaries of our local scene make up a delightful cast too, including Chris Parker, Zoë Robins, Matt Whelan and Arlo Green. The film is written by Sophie Henderson (who also plays the lead) and directed by Curtis Vowell – the duo previously worked on the Rose Matafeo comedy Baby Done. Workmates promises to deliver the same amount of heart. This souring and silly satire amplifies and degrades the shock humour (and ethics) of new-generation media companies by dropping an insensitive video crew in rural Argentina. The incompetent creators fumble their hot lead and instead search the surrounding town for other content that might fulfil their click-hungry quotas. Chloë Sevigny plays an increasingly disillusioned host, while Alex Wolff assumes the role of producer. It's said to be a colourful and messy exploration of exploitative productions, from Argentine-Spanish director Amalia Ulman. Magellan Director Lav Diaz tackles the myth of the great explorer in this epic historical drama (it's two and a half hours long), which follows the journey of Portuguese coloniser Ferdinand Magellan and his exploits in Southeast Asia. Filipino auteur Lav Diaz has been making feature films for more than 25 years, and this chronicle will likely showcase the best of his long-honed lens. It should make a compelling watch when considered alongside the history of Aotearoa New Zealand. Put Your Soul On Your Hand & Walk This documentary sees director Sepideh Farsi piece together news footage, photographs and video call interviews with Palestinian 25-year-old photojournalist Fatma 'Fatem' Hassona, to capture life on the ground in Gaza under Israeli military attack. In the production of the film, Sepideh travelled to Cairo to meet Palestinian refugees, where someone suggested she connect with Fatma. The two women connected on a daily basis and these video calls are the throughline of Put Your Hand On Your Soul And Walk. Sepideh has expressed that this film became 'my personal way not to lose my sanity.' In April, an Israeli airstrike killed Fatma along with ten other members of her family. Sepideh says this has 'forever changed its meaning.' The Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival opens in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on July 31, before touring the motu until September 10. More on film Zendaya's method dressing to a costume designer in local cinema. From 'Dune' To 'Challengers': Zendaya Says Goodbye To Sandworms, Hello To Skorts. Zendaya is known for thematic dressing to promote her movies. After her Dune desert epic comes a tennis love triangle, Challengers. The Costume Designer Behind Netflix's Bingeable Love Story 'One Day' On The Power Of 90s Style. Designer Emma Rees shares the nostalgic fashion trends she revived for the Netflix romcom One Day, from scrunchies to Levi's 501s. Kate Sylvester Reviews The Fashion Of 'Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans'. 'Hats, gloves, and effete homosexuals' is the name of one episode in Feud: Capote vs. the Swans. Fashion designer Kate Sylvester unpacks them all. 'Killers Of The Flower Moon' & Martin Scorsese's Bride Like No Other. Martin Scorsese's epic drama about killings in Osage territory in the 1920s showcases the unparalleled wedding wear and culture of the tribe. . Bookworm has charmed audiences with its sweet and mythical father-daughter tale.
NZ Herald
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Viva Street Style: The Best Looks From Princess Chelsea's Midwinter Ball, Where Music Fans Followed The Fantasy
Princess Chelsea's Midwinter Ball turned the city centre of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland into a chimerical and jubilant jamboree. The gentle plucking of an electric harp beckoned guests to a magical, misty realm on Friday night at The Civic's Wintergarden. Anyone descending the stairs found themselves immersed in a crowd of fantastical characters and creatures, staring into crystal balls or having a moment of slumber atop a fluffy, silver-scaled snowy dragon. There was even a setting where Arthurian legend came to life, and attendees could try to pull Excalibur from a stone. The otherworldly occasion marked the return of Princess Chelsea's Midwinter Ball, themed 'Swords & Sorcery: Fantasy On The Big Screen' (the event also took over the venue on the following Saturday). The gig, which Princess Chelsea headlined, welcomed comedian Tom Sainsbury, techno duo Grecco Romank and 'party noise' band Golden Axe to the stage – the latter playing for the first time in 10 years. Music played beyond the main stage too, with the flute and strings of the 'Bard Rock Cafe' performing a little jig in the velvety entrance way. The other main attraction was the guests arriving in full costume. They used their outfits to travel elsewhere, and to arrive some place merrier. Here, those travellers explain the origins of their outfits and the ambitions of their ensembles. Jasmine Mallinger A peek of lacy frill at the wrist, tidy Maison Margiela oxfords and icy blue eyeshadow – it's the subtle touches that make this ensemble a little more fantastical. They're all found in Jasmine's everyday wardrobe, save for one piece, showcasing an economical approach to costume dressing. 'My flatmate lent me this shirt to wear tonight.' Inura Fernando and Alastair Priestley Inura, pictured above left, shares that the pair are attending as 'Georgian English gentlemen'. 'It's a bit of a regal look,' Inura says, then points to Alastair's necklace. 'This is supposed to be a Maharaja jewel.' Duncan McKenzie, Sharee McKenzie and Finley McKenzie Advertisement Advertise with NZME. Film inspirations reign for the McKenzie clan. The matching swords were carved by blacksmith Duncan. 'Out of some decking,' he says. Eliza Butler and Natasha Munro Hurn Eliza's ensemble, made up of vintage velvet and bookish plaid came together quite last minute. 'I thought I'd dress like a librarian who knows about medieval things. I'm unrolling the tapestries.' Natasha, donning silver tones, looks to draw on a '90s silhouette. 'I reckon it's giving Barbarian warrior princess.' Keiko Iino Dressing to support a friend playing that evening, Keiko wears textural layers, donning a fur vest, lacy corset and a billowing white dress. Jaycee Martinez Jaycee, cloaked in shimmering blue, stands out. The swish of the skirt and the popcorn top make for a rich textural combination. 'I was going for a pirate/bar maiden, because I'm an androgynous character.' Starr Ratapu and Regan Harrison Starr and Regan made tentative first steps into The Civic, before finding reassurance in the festive crowd to pull their pointed ears and flowing cape from their bags. 'I think we were worried about how people would be dressing. We thought these ears, which we already had, would be quite subtle,' Regan says. They turned to textures of the medieval world for their ensembles, choosing leathers and earthy colours. 'Seeing everybody's outfits now, I wish I'd gone harder,' Starr says. Acacia Flewitt, Maia Flewitt and Amethyst Harris This trio relied on Acacia's wardrobe to ensure they were dressing to match the theme, looking for fanciful combinations. 'I think when you put the right pieces together they become closer to the vibe,' explains Acacia. They point to Maia's cape as a costume-y outlier. Koro Sciascia A velvety cape adorns Koro's shoulder, recalling a cinematic scene. 'I was inspired by Princess Bride, Inigo Montoya.' A sword is swapped for a wooden walking stick, drawing out the earthiness of the leather boots. Brendan Appleby Brendan, clutching at a belted sword, cosies into plush fur for the midwinter gig. Courtney O'Connor and Chichi Nyangoni Courtney, cloaked in lace, responds to the 'Bard Rock Cafe' outfit prompt included in event details. 'I'm playing Boulders Gate 3 right now and I'm a gay bard on there, so I thought 'I've got to get a little of her in here'.' Chichi assumes the role of knight-princess hybrid, with metallic embellishments. 'I used what I had already, and made a little crown for my necklace. Lincoln Jackson and Nicola Searle Lincoln and Nicola uncovered treasures from the Waiheke's Artworks Theatre to bring their enchanted outfits to life. 'Apparently they bought all of the Xena [Warrior Princess] costumes.' Rish Shankar, Charlotte Bunce and Cait Johnson Each of the three flatmates giggled over the deep character work they had done in preparation to step into this new realm. Cait: 'I'm a bandit. I go in and raid villages, steal from the rich. A bit of a trickster.' Charlotte: 'I'm from a middle-class family, who has had a bit of a hard time, and I'm looking for a prince to marry - to sort of bring back my family's name.' Rish: 'And I am that prince.' Adriana Bamberger and Peter Bamberger For their father-daughter outing, Adriana and Peter are going big. Adriana's ballgown, which she made, was originally worn to her 21st. It has been updated to suit the grandeur of this event (as well as Armageddon), drawing on the Snow Queen ballet and the Lord Of The Rings. Peter's royal rags were pinched from the Pop-Up Globe theatre. Princess Chelsea's Midwinter Ball will come to Meow Nui in Wellington on July 26. More Viva Street Style Across Aotearoa, what we choose to wear is a reflection of our values. Viva Street Style: At Diwali Festival, Politics, Pride And Fashion Take Centre Stage. Vibrant colour, a mix of tradition and modernity and a celebration of New Zealanders from all walks of life were on full display at the annual Diwali Festival in Tāmaki Makaurau. Viva Street Style: At Oamaru's Steampunk Festival, Victorian Cosplay & Alter Egos Steal The Spotlight. The weird and wonderful converge in a postapocalyptic take on self-expression at the home of Steampunk in Aotearoa — Oamaru. Viva Street Style: On World Climbing Day Boulderers Look To Balance Function & Swagger. As a dexterous and distinctive sports scene celebrated World Climbing Day, award-winning photographer Dean Purcell teamed up with writer Madeleine Crutchley to document the sporty stylings of boulderers in Tāmaki Makaurau. The world's first online fashion museum welcomed fashion lovers in real life this past weekend. Here's what people wore and why.
Scoop
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Prepare To Fall In Love: Trent Dalton's Love Stories Comes To The Civic, Auckland, This October
Press Release – 818. Auckland Live, in association with Auckland Writers Festival, proudly presents the New Zealand exclusive season of Love Stories — the critically acclaimed stage sensation by Trent Dalton, direct from standing ovations and five-star raves in Australia. This heart-expanding theatrical gem plays just five performances at The Civic, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, from Thursday 16 October to Sunday 19 October. Adapted for the stage by award-winning playwright Tim McGarry and directed by Sam Strong (the creative team behind the smash-hit page-to-stage adaptation of Boy Swallows Universe), Love Stories invites audiences into Dalton's world: a city street corner, a battered Olivetti typewriter, and a single question posed to strangers passing by – ' Can you please tell me a love story?' ' In a time when we need joy more than ever, Love Stories lifts the spirit.' – Arts Hub From strangers to soulmates, parents to children, friends to lifelong companions, the stories collected and celebrated in this remarkable production traverse the full spectrum of human love. Weaving real-life encounters with music, laughter, movement, and tenderness, Love Stories is an unforgettable tribute to the beauty, fragility, and fierce resilience of the human heart. 'It dives into the chaos of love – the joy, the pain, the laughter, the heartbreak … sending you back to the streets feeling just a little more alive' – The Guardian Trent Dalton reflected on the production's journey from the streets of Brisbane to The Civic in Auckland: 'Early this year, the extraordinary gang from Auckland Live walked me into that hallowed Civic theatre in the heart of that glorious city. They showed me exactly what it will feel like to walk into Love Stories come showtime. The theatre ceiling literally shimmered with a blanket of stars. That theatre – that city, their writer's festival – embodies everything the play is about … community, dreams, storytelling, connection, love in all its tricky and wondrous forms. I kinda lost my mind with the joy and possibility of it all. It's a dream come true for me, to create a piece of art that adds to a history of NZ culture – theatre, books, film, music, art – that has inspired me since I was a teenage writer wannabe who could only dream of having something he wrote travelling across the ditch, all the way to paradise. Thank you Auckland Live, from the bottom of my heart. And thank you dear Auckland!' Daniel Clarke, Director of Performing Arts at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, leading Auckland Live commented: 'I saw the very first pitch of this work at idea stage and knew that it would be a winner. And it has been. Thousands of people across Australia have seen this play since its world premiere at Brisbane Festival. This is a beautiful work, full of heart and innovatively staged; we can't wait to share this stunning production with the audiences of Aotearoa. It is the perfect spring show – love will be in the air!' Love Stories was originally commissioned and produced by Brisbane Festival and Queensland Performing Arts Centre. The production features additional writing and story by Trent Dalton and Fiona Franzmann, with choreography by Nerida Matthaei, design by Renee Mulder, lighting by Ben Hughes, and original music and sound design by Stephen Francis. Don't miss this moving celebration of humanity, connection, and the stories that bind us. Presales are on now, ahead of the general onsale on Thu 3 July, 9 AM. With just five performances, audiences are encouraged to book tickets early to secure their seats for this strictly limited season. For more information, go to Auckland Live is the premiere organisation for performing arts, culture, entertainment and events in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. As Aotearoa New Zealand's largest performing arts entity, we proudly present a programme of live arts and entertainment across our iconic venues: Aotea Centre, The Civic, Auckland Town Hall, The Cloud, Shed 10, Viaduct Events Centre, Bruce Mason Centre, and Aotea Square. Auckland Live is part of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, a Council-Controlled Organisation.
Scoop
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Kaylee Bell Announces Cowboy Up New Zealand Tour
Press Release – Eccles Entertainment New Zealand country-pop powerhouse Kaylee Bell is hitting the road this November for her biggest headline shows to date,announcing the 'Cowboy Up Tour', a five-date tour through some of the country's most iconic theatres. The announcement comes off the back of a whirlwind 18 months that's seen Bell cement her place as one of Australasia's leading artists. From winning Best Female Artist at the 2024 Golden Guitar Awards, winning Global Country Music Artist at the 2023 CMA awards, releasing her chart-topping album Nights Like This, to performing to her biggest ever live audience in March at CMC Rocks in Queensland, and becoming a first time mother, Kaylee's star power continues to rise. Beginning at Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington on Tuesday 4 November, the Cowboy Up Tour then heads north to The Civic in Auckland on Saturday 8 November, followed by three shows in the South Island. Thursday 13 November at the Civic Theatre in Invercargill, Friday 14 November at the Regent Theatre in Dunedin with the grand finale at the iconic Christchurch Town Hall on Saturday 15 November. Tickets for all dates go on sale Monday 7 July at midday. Fans can expect a full-throttle live show featuring Bell's biggest hits — from the viral, banjo infused 'Cowboy Up' and most recent single 'Red Dirt Romeo', to her smash radio singles 'Boots N' All' and 'Good Things', along with fan favourites. These shows mark a major milestone in Bell's touring career. It'll be her first Wellington headline performance since 2023, and the first time playing venues of this scale in all five cities. Kaylee Bell has carved out a career that bridges Nashville polish with Kiwi grit. This tour promises to be her boldest and most exciting yet, bringing people of all ages together for a night to remember. KAYLEE BELL COWBOY UP TOUR With special guests to be announced NEW ZEALAND NOV 2025 Presented by More FM and Eccles Entertainment. TICKETS ON SALE: Monday 7 July 12pm Tue 4 Nov Michael Fowler Centre | Wellington Sat 8 Nov The Civic | Auckland Thu 13 Nov Civic Theatre | Invercargill Fri 14 Nov Regent Theatre | Dunedin Sat 15 Nov Town Hall | Christchurch Content Sourced from Original url
Scoop
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Kaylee Bell Announces Cowboy Up New Zealand Tour
New Zealand country-pop powerhouse Kaylee Bell is hitting the road this November for her biggest headline shows to date, announcing the 'Cowboy Up Tour', a five-date tour through some of the country's most iconic theatres. The announcement comes off the back of a whirlwind 18 months that's seen Bell cement her place as one of Australasia's leading artists. From winning Best Female Artist at the 2024 Golden Guitar Awards, winning Global Country Music Artist at the 2023 CMA awards, releasing her chart-topping album Nights Like This, to performing to her biggest ever live audience in March at CMC Rocks in Queensland, and becoming a first time mother, Kaylee's star power continues to rise. Beginning at Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington on Tuesday 4 November, the Cowboy Up Tour then heads north to The Civic in Auckland on Saturday 8 November, followed by three shows in the South Island. Thursday 13 November at the Civic Theatre in Invercargill, Friday 14 November at the Regent Theatre in Dunedin with the grand finale at the iconic Christchurch Town Hall on Saturday 15 November. Tickets for all dates go on sale Monday 7 July at midday. Fans can expect a full-throttle live show featuring Bell's biggest hits — from the viral, banjo infused "Cowboy Up" and most recent single "Red Dirt Romeo", to her smash radio singles "Boots N' All" and "Good Things", along with fan favourites. These shows mark a major milestone in Bell's touring career. It'll be her first Wellington headline performance since 2023, and the first time playing venues of this scale in all five cities. Kaylee Bell has carved out a career that bridges Nashville polish with Kiwi grit. This tour promises to be her boldest and most exciting yet, bringing people of all ages together for a night to remember. KAYLEE BELL COWBOY UP TOUR With special guests to be announced NEW ZEALAND NOV 2025 Presented by More FM and Eccles Entertainment. TICKETS ON SALE: Monday 7 July 12pm Tue 4 Nov Michael Fowler Centre | Wellington Sat 8 Nov The Civic | Auckland Thu 13 Nov Civic Theatre | Invercargill Fri 14 Nov Regent Theatre | Dunedin
