Sharon Menzies

Market Edge — Cannes 2026 Hinterland held a Market Edge session for NZ producers heading to the Marché du Film at Cannes — a focused discussion on current market conditions, financing realities, and negotiation dynamics. The key signal was clear: optimism is returning, but only for clearly positioned, distinctive films. Signals from Sundance, Berlin, SXSW and into Cannes suggest buyers are back, but market realism is essential. Cast value matters more than perceived profile; cultural films require directors with a proven international brand. Mid‑budget independent films are the most exposed, as buyers increasingly favour genuinely low‑budget projects or fully packaged, A‑level cast films to protect downside. The mood is improving — but it is cautious and highly selective. #Cannes2026 #MarchéDuFilm #IndependentFilm #FilmFinance #ScreenIndustry

We love cinema. This local showing of the Antarctica Film Festival at @thevillagecommunitycinema is a simple example of why we love cinema. No distractions. Full engagement. Bringing people together for a shared experience — one that carries beyond the screening and into conversation after the lights come up. #localcinema #cinema #filmcommunity

In Australian cinemas from 30 April. @wolframfilm is a powerful new Australian feature film from director Warwick Thornton, set in the same frontier world as his acclaimed film Sweet Country. Set in Central Australia in the early 1930s, Wolfram follows Aboriginal children forced to work in remote tungsten (wolfram) mines under colonial control. As violence and exploitation escalate, they attempt to escape across an unforgiving landscape in search of safety, family and freedom. Inspired by lived histories and family stories, the film confronts the realities of child labour, displacement and survival on Australia’s colonial frontier. Wolfram premiered In Competition at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, placing it among a small group of films selected for one of the world’s most significant cinematic stages. Produced by Greer Simpkin and David Jowsey of @bunyaproductions . Written by Steven McGregor and David Tranter. Directed by Warwick Thornton. Hinterland is proud to have helped finance this production and to support creative teams bringing bold, independent Australian stories to the screen. Image: Courtesy of @bunyaproductions Photography: Dylan River #australianfilm #independentcinema #filmfinance Hinterland — flexible finance for independent screen media projects in New Zealand and Australia.

Attending festivals like @maorilandfilm helps us listen closely to how Indigenous stories are being developed, supported and sustained. These signals directly inform how we think about financing, partnerships and pathways to audience. Producers developing projects with international potential can reach us through our website. #Hinterland #MāorilandFilmFestival #IndigenousFilm #NZFilm #IndependentFilm #FilmFinance

Now streaming in Australia on Stan. @whalesharkjackmovie is a beautiful Australian movie, perfect for the whole family these school holidays. Whale Shark Jack follows Sarah (Alyla Browne), a young girl who grows up at sea with her parents, researching whale sharks and forming a deep bond with Jack, a whale shark she rescued as a pup. After an unexpected tragedy forces her back to land in the coastal town of Exmouth, WA, Sarah clings to the hope that Jack’s annual migration will bring her back to the life she’s lost. When Jack doesn’t return, she embarks on a brave and risky journey of her own — a heartfelt story of friendship, resilience, and learning how to move forward when all hope seems lost. Produced by Timothy White of Southern White Films and Miranda Edmonds of Cottesloe Films. Hinterland is proud to have helped finance this production and support creative teams to bring bold, independent stories to the screen. Bottom image: Alyla Browne as Sarah Photography: David Dare Parker & Caitlin Grace @stanaustralia #australianfilm #filmfinance Hinterland — flexible finance for independent screen media projects in New Zealand and Australia.

Park City, Utah — closing a chapter for Sundance.

Attending markets is a key step in our ability to understand the industry. Producers with projects approaching market can reach us directly via our website. #Hinterland #NZFilm #AustralianFilm #IndependentFilm #FilmFinance #SundanceFilmFestival

CONGRATULATIONS to… 🏆 Vea Mafile’o — Tongan–Kiwi filmmaker, director and producer. Vea has built a standout career across Tagata Pasifika, Fresh and The Panthers, with work grounded in authenticity, connection, and community-led storytelling. Her feature documentary For My Father’s Kingdom premiered at the 2019 Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), marking her arrival on the international stage. More recently, her short Lea Tupu’anga / Mother Tongue was selected for the 2024 Sundance Film Festival — a major milestone for Tongan-led storytelling on the world stage. 🧡 Acknowledging legacy and future — why this award matters: The Hinterland-sponsored WIFT NZ Woman to Watch Award recognises emerging leaders who are not only creating outstanding work but actively reshaping the future of the screen industry through bold, globally relevant storytelling from Aotearoa. Vea joins an incredible group of past recipients, including: Abba-Rose Vaiaoga-Ioasa, Shoshana McCallum, Hweiling Ow, Casey Zilbert, Desray Armstrong, Kerry Warkia, Julia Parnell, Chelsea Winstanley, Roseanne Liang, Rachel Gardner, Gemma Gracewood, Jane Andrews & Melanie Rakena, and Niki Caro, Ainsley Gardner & Leanne Saunders. ✨ Finalists for the 2026 WIFT NZ Woman to Watch Award: Rosie Hole Rosie is building strong momentum as a future leader in Aotearoa’s screen industry, with sharp commercial acumen and cross-industry insight driving projects from concept through to production and marketing. Annabel Kean Annabel has carved out a fiercely independent, community-driven path in Aotearoa’s screen industry, a multi-hyphenate creative whose work spans The Weed Eaters, Taskmaster, and music videos for The Beths and Marlon Williams. 👏 Huge thanks to Patricia Watson and the team at @wiftnz for another powerful evening celebrating the world‑class talent of wāhine working in the Aotearoa screen industry. Award accepted on Vea’s behalf by her son, Maliso Tauamiti. #HinterlandNZ #WIFTNZ #FilmFinancing #FilmFinance #AotearoaFilm #NZFilm #FilmProducers #ScreenProducers

Introducing Sam, Bonnie and De If you happened to attend the swanky NZ Screen Awards event, you might have spotted the new-look Hinterland team gathered at table 62. To better deliver on the Hinterland promise, Sharon Menzies and Rosie Hole are joined by: Sam Bonney: While he’s been with Hinterland for a while, it’s time to formally introduce our wizard of a Financial Controller. Producers love his exceptional skill at translating high-level financial insights into plain language and actionable information. Bonnie Mahon: Joining us to head up Legal Affairs for New Zealand, Bonnie brings valuable experience from her time at the New Zealand Film Commission. Producers will greatly benefit from her expertise in screen-sector financing, complex transactions, and multi-party closings. De Baynton: Rounding out the team to provide Production Operations support for closed projects, De works directly with Production Accountants and the wider Hinterland team to keep the milestones on track. For full information on our team, head over to www.hinterland.nz Thanks for the amazing headshots @_amandabilling_ #filmfinance #filmfinancier #filmfinancing #hinterlandnz

The dust has settled and the news articles are online – NZSA was a huge and momentous event, honouring screen greats such as the late Lee Tamahori and Sam Neil with the 2025 Screen Legend Award. This year Hinterland shared a table with the incredibly talented cohort from @libertinepictures . Thanks for being great company – we applauded loudly and proudly for your well-deserved wins. Congratulations to all the winners on the night, but also the finalists and the entire cast and crew behind every project. A special shout out to all the Producers of the projects listed below – thank you for letting Hinterland be part of your success. New Zealand On Air Best Drama Series – The Gone Season 2 Reikura Kahi, Timothy White, Karl Zohrab, Yvonne Donohoe, Katie Holly Kingfisher Films | Keeper Pictures | Southern Light Films | TVNZ1 & TVNZ+ Screen Auckland Best Director: Drama Series – Peter Meteherangi Tikao Burger The Gone Season 2 Kingfisher Films | Keeper Pictures | Southern Light Films | TVNZ1 & TVNZ+ Best Actor in a Feature – John Lithgow Best Supporting Actor – George Henare The Rule of Jenny Pen Hyenas Rule Ltd / 2025 Best Editing: Documentary/Factual: Series – Tim Woodhouse & James Brown Choir Games Spacific Films | Sky Open & NEON Best Editing: Drama Series – Bryan Shaw The Gone Season 2 Kingfisher Films | Keeper Pictures | Southern Light Films | TVNZ1 & TVNZ+ Best Contribution to a Soundtrack: Series – Secrets at Red Rocks Tom Miskin, Melanie Graham, Mike Bayliss, Steve Finnigan Libertine Pictures | Sky Open & Neon Best Contribution to a Soundtrack: Feature – The Rule of Jenny Pen John McKay and Matthew Lambourn Hyenas Rule Ltd/2025 Images and Sound Best Original Score: Series – Mahuia Brigman-Cooper The Gone Season 2 Kingfisher Films | Keeper Pictures | Southern Light Films | TVNZ1 & TVNZ+ Best Production Design: Series – John Allan Under the Vines Season 3 Libertine Pictures & Perpetual Entertainment | TVNZ1 & TVNZ+ Best Costume Design: Series – Sarah Voon My Life Is Murder Greenstone TV | TVNZ1 & TVNZ+ New Zealand Writers Guild Best Script: Feature – Eli Kent & James Ashcroft The Rule Jenny Pen Hyenas Rule Ltd/2025

Activator trip wraps in LA! This outstanding cohort maximised every opportunity during their industry meetings in London and Los Angeles. It was a privilege to spend time with them and to be part of the Activator journey – can’t wait to see what’s ahead for these talented creatives. Robyn Paterson - Sweet Productions Rachale Davies (Ngāti Māhanga) - Boxed Media Paul Yates - NZDB / Kitchen Table Productions Nigel McCulloch (Ngāti Whakaue) - The Down Low Concept Nicole Horan (Ngāti Maniapoto) - Hi Mama Productions Nua Finau – Tavake Mario Gaoa - The Brown Factory Georgina Conder - Miss Conception Films Cass Avery - Dark Doris Cam Bakker - Kevin & Co. Alexandra Reed - Bloom Pictures Alexander Behse - Monsoon Pictures International #filmfinance #filmfinancier #filmfinancing #hinterlandnz #activatorscreen #nzfilm #nz_on_air #te_mangai_paho #lifeatvistagroup #netflixanz #grantthorntonnz #libertinepictures