The Twelfth Aussie & Kiwi Film Festival Opens in Prague with New Zealand Drama "Tinā"

The Twelfth Annual Aussie & Kiwi Film Fest is set to officially commence in Prague, bringing a vibrant selection of contemporary cinema from Australia and New Zealand to Central Europe. The festival kicks off on Friday, November 14, 2025, at the historic Lucerna Cinema, running for a week until November 21. Screenings will also take place across two other prominent Prague venues: the Edison Filmhub and Ponrepo. Festival founder Martina Vackova, whose dedication stems from an eight-year stay in Australia, established the event to foster a cultural bridge between the Czech Republic and Oceania. Vackova notes the significant growth of the festival, which began 12 years ago with a modest showing of just three films, but now boasts a diverse palette spanning numerous genres.

The prestigious opening ceremony will feature the New Zealand drama "Tinā," directed by Miki Magasiva. This powerful film has already achieved significant recognition, notably becoming the highest-grossing local film of 2025 in New Zealand. "Tinā" is a poignant narrative centered on a Samoan choir director grappling with profound grief following the loss of her daughter during the devastating Christchurch earthquake. The story delves deeply into themes of cultural identity and coping with tragedy. The production involved a collaborative effort, with Magasiva serving as a producer alongside Mario Jaya, Effron Heather, Dan Higgins, Gene Kielen, and Jamie Hilton.

The program features several other highly anticipated titles. Among these is "Dangerous Animals," a dark survival thriller infused with horror elements, directed by Shaun Byrne. This feature premiered at the esteemed Cannes Film Festival, timed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the classic film "Jaws." Having had its global premiere on June 5, 2025, the film starkly examines human cruelty, suggesting that people themselves are the most dangerous creatures. Further enriching the lineup are the historical drama "Endless Fight," helmed by Mike Jonathan, and the satirical comedy "Spit," directed by Jonathan Teplitzky, ensuring a broad appeal for festival attendees.

Beyond the main features, the festival incorporates an important educational component. This includes the documentary "Azure," which focuses on the critical issue of global ocean pollution and is specifically targeted towards high school students. The entire event is managed by the non-profit organization AKFF, which secures essential support through grants provided by the Prague administration and various international embassies, underscoring the festival's significant intercultural role. All films are presented in their original language, accompanied by Czech subtitles, maintaining authenticity for the audience. A distinctive characteristic of the volunteer-run event is the screening of a short film before every feature-length presentation.

The Aussie & Kiwi Film Fest serves as a crucial platform, offering the Czech public a unique opportunity to explore current trends in Oceanian filmmaking. According to Vackova, the screenings showcase both the region's natural beauty and aspects of its everyday life, which she believes share similarities with the Czech lifestyle. To enhance the festival experience, attendees presenting a valid screening ticket are entitled to a 10% discount at the partner bar, Champagneria, throughout the entire duration of the event.