The New Zealand International Film Festivals are a longstanding highlight of the New Zealand arts calendar, showcasing the best in contemporary and retrospective cinema hand-picked from the international film festival circuit and New Zealand. The Festivals are held in 16 cities across New Zealand, starting in Auckland this year on July 10, and finishing in Whangarei on November 26.

2008 sees a wonderful line-up of films from across the Asian continent. From the Japanese Pacific Rim to the Asian subcontinent, films by illustrious directors like Hou Hsiao-hsien and Edward Yang stand alongside first-time directors Yung Chang, Liew Seng Tat and Faramarz K-Rahber in a sparkling programme.

The Festivals also host international and local filmmakers, giving our audiences a chance to get insights into what motivates and inspires those who work behind the camera.  This year organisers hope to host Yung Chang from China, director of Up the Yangtze.

Download a full list of Asian Films at the Festivals, with descriptions and festival dates

Download a schedule of the Asian films, with dates, times and venues

New Zealand International Film Festivals website

_{above - images from Vexille, Japan; Sparrow, Hong Kong.}