Arohanui Film Festival showcases entertaining, unique and adventurous independent films in Te Aroha, a vibrant and historic spa town in rural New Zealand.
"This Waikato town may have the country's best little film festival" - TheWireless.co.nz
The event attracts film enthusiasts to the scenic town for a weekend of screenings, workshops and discussions, as well as some unique premieres.
"Some of these films are presented by the film-makers and will not be available to see in New Zealand again." - Flicks.co.nz
Te Aroha is fifteen minutes from Hobbiton Movie Set (Lord of the Rings), surrounded by the serene countryside seen in Ash Vs Evil Dead, while the cinematic Kaimai mountain range surrounding us leads to the beaches where the Pevensie children arrived in ancient Narnia (Prince Caspian).
"The Arohanui Film Festival is held at the Future Te Aroha Centre, Te Aroha. The building was once home to about 100 sewing machines and their operators, owned by Bendon." - Stuff.co.nz
"Living up to its name (which means “big love”), the festival is non-competitive, so everyone’s just there to kick back and enjoy the films." - The Wireless.co.nz
Although we are non competitive, in 2016 we gave away prizes to audience members including a waterproof tough camera. We work with our selected film-makers to get local press and reviews, and all films get mini reviews from the audience. We have also assisted some films get television distribution, which is an area we aim to expand on.
"Documentary Drive will be featuring coverage of some of the fantastic documentaries screening at this year’s fest." - DocumentaryDrive.com