After a successful run in Hong Kong, and a long hiatus, the Third Culture Film Festival is relaunching in Tauranga with pizzazz, and taking the town from 8 to 10 March 2024.
The festival is set to be a one-of-a-kind event for Tauranga, with multiple venues hosting screenings over the three days.
The event is being hosted by CRAFT Management Charitable Trust, and supported by TECT and the Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund, as well as a media partnership with MediaWorks.
The festival is set to show around 81 short films, from international submissions across multiple countries, showcasing talent from all over the globe as well as local kiwi flavors for a good mix.
The festival kicks off on 8 March with screenings at Luxe Cinemas (The Strand) and locations around Tauranga City Centre. Additionally, don’t miss our insightful panel discussion on the pivotal role of women in the film industry.
On 9 March, join us at United Cinemas Bayfair for an immersive experience featuring multiple screenings and captivating discussions. Dive into the vibrant intersection of business acumen and artistic flair within the filmmaking industry. Our dynamic panel of exceptionally talented filmmakers under the age of 25 will share insights, complemented by an enlightening talk from the esteemed Lee Murray as she explores the intricate art of storytelling through the lens of writing.
On 10 March the excitement continues with Luxe Cinemas (Papamoa) hosting multiple screenings, while the Village Community Cinema at The Historic Village showcases various alternative blocks. Join us for an enriching discussion panel exploring the profound impact of music in cinema.
There are a variety of screening blocks which have been designed for the festival including: Ethereal Threads, A Message to the World, Fantastical Realities, Adrenaline, and Secrets, each packed with unique pieces. There are also compilation blocks such as ‘Best Of The Fest’ and ‘Family Block’.
The event is set to have networking parties, opening and closing ceremonies and other events throughout the three days. There are also unique awards, which are going to be given out to recognise various achievements in the films being presented. From the usual categories like Best Actor and Best Director, there are also specialised awards like the Social Impact Award, given to the film with the best social commentary, or the Spirit Of New Zealand award, which recognises kiwi talent. There are 23 awards in total across the different categories. The trophies for the awards have been designed and 3D printed, in a design competition held by CRAFT. The winner of the competition was chosen as the designer for this year’s trophies.
The team behind the festival is excited for this year’s experience.
“The Third Culture Film Festival has always been a platform for showcasing diverse and innovative cinematic works that challenge and entertain. Our move to Tauranga represents not just a new location but a renewed commitment to cultivating a vibrant film scene in the Bay of Plenty region,” says founder and festival director, Harry Oram.
Festival goers can buy tickets through Humanitix here.
There are various categories for the tickets; audience members can buy tickets to only certain blocks, certain talks and networking events, or get venue passes for each day, or enjoy the whole experience with a full festival pass.
Come one, come all, and celebrate cinema and artistic talent in all its glory, and be a part of Tauranga’s very own international film festival, Third Culture Film Festival.
