Misty Flicks Film FestivalShowcasing Short, Feature, Youth, and Challenge films from the Waikato and across Aotearoa New Zealand, celebrating independent voices and diverse stories.
The home of independent film in the heart of Aotearoa.
Misty Flicks supports, promotes and celebrates independent filmmaking in New Zealand, fostering a community where creativity and storytelling thrive.
Join us at our annual film festival, come along to a lab, or connect at one of the events throughout the year.
Setting the scene
Misty Flicks was founded in 2018 by a group of passionate Waikato filmmakers who believed independent films and filmmakers deserved a place to be seen, celebrated, and shared.
Born in the Waikato and shaped by the stories, creativity, and communities of the region, Misty Flicks began as a short film showcase dedicated to highlighting local filmmaking talent. Since then, it has grown into a festival that celebrates and shares Aotearoa New Zealand's diverse stories with each other and the world.
Today, filmmakers, audiences, industry professionals, and the independently curious gather in the Waikato to experience feature films, short films, youth films, Pitch the Producers, The Challenge, Q&As, panels, workshops, and opportunities to connect.
While our reach continues to grow across Aotearoa and beyond, the Waikato remains at the heart of Misty Flicks — a place where independent voices are amplified, stories are shared, and connected cinema culture continues to grow.
Vision
Create a platform that showcases and elevates Aotearoa’s diverse independent films — sharing New Zealand stories with the world and contributing to a thriving screen industry.
Mission
Champion Aotearoa’s independent filmmaking community by showcasing diverse work, creating pathways for development, and providing experiences that connect filmmakers with audiences, industry, and opportunity.
Purpose
Cultivate a connected cinema culture that amplifies Aotearoa’s independent filmmakers through the power of screen.
We support, promote, and celebrate independent filmmaking in New Zealand, fostering a community where creativity and storytelling thrive. What that means to us:
— Grow a vibrant film ecosystem in the Waikato and Central NZ and uplift New Zealand stories on screen.
— Create meaningful opportunities for filmmakers to be seen, supported, and celebrated.
— Put the Waikato on the filmmaking map—one story, one screening, one connection at a time.
More than a film festival
From screenings and filmmaker development to creative challenges, Misty Flicks creates opportunities for filmmakers, audiences, and the independently curious to connect through the power of screen.
Misty Flicks LabsFrom Pitch the Producers to workshops and networking events, the Labs are designed to foster connection, learning, and opportunity.
Misty Flicks ChallengeThe Challenge is a filmmaking opportunity where filmmakers create an original 1–9 minute film incorporating two required elements.
Meet our team
Misty Flicks board
Tracey Hancock - Chair
Paige Larianova - Founder / Festival Director
Adrienne Clothier - Treasurer
Andrea Haines - Audience development
Misty Flicks team
Sam Elton-Walters - Ops Manager
Chris Hanlon - Challenge Coordinator
Pamela Kaval - Youth Coordinator
Leon Hemara - Tikanga Pou (Cultural Advisor)
Rod Petsef - Programmer and Photographer
Beverly Clunies-Ross - Funding & Grant Advisor
Monique Venn - Front of House Manager
Photographers/Videographers:
Chris Hillock
Dean Black