The Doc Edge International Documentary Film Festival is back for its 18th year and is set to make a massive impact with an exciting line-up of films, a captivating XR Exhibition, the prestigious Doc Edge Awards, an engaging Schools Programme and live events.

The festival will run from May 24 to July 9. It starts in Auckland at The Capitol Cinema running from May 24 – June 5, then Wellington at The Roxy Cinema from June 7 -18, and nationwide online at docedge.nz from June 19 – July 9.

No matter where you live in the country, Doc Edge is here to entertain, inform and expand your mind, says a Doc Edge spokesperson.

Doc Edge has become a vital platform for local and international filmmakers to showcase their unique stories and perspectives through the art of documentary filmmaking.

This year's festival promises to be even more remarkable, with a diverse range of films that explore topics such as social justice, environmental challenges, human rights, arts, and much more.

With a line-up of around 60 films, the festival will provide audiences with an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Sailau. Photo: Supplied.

Highlights include the world premieres of ‘Sailau' directed by Thor F Jensen, which follows the world's first circumnavigation of the Island of New Guinea in a traditional sailing canoe; ‘All Static & Noise' by David W Novack, the film exposes the mass brutality against Uyghurs oppression in Western China; ‘Frances Hodgkins, Anything But a Still Life' by New Zealand/French filmmaker Blandine Massiet du Biest, which unveils the life and art of one of New Zealand's most revered painters; and ‘Taking Back our Beach' by Kiwi filmmakers Anton Steel, Rosalie Liddle Crawford and Claire Rogers, which is about the response by a community to New Zealand's largest environmental disaster, the MV Rena grounding on Astrolabe Reef.

Taking Back our Beach

Executive producers and Sun Media directors Claire and Brian Rogers joined forces with Rosalie Liddle Crawford and Anton Steel to make the 87-minute documentary ‘Taking Back Our Beach'.

Sun Media publishes online news website SunLive and The Weekend Sun.

SunLive was the first media to break the news to the world of the Rena coming aground on Astrolabe Reef on October 5, 2011.

The Rena came aground on Astrolabe reef in 2011. Photo: SunLive.

Brian, who sadly passed away in 2022, remembered that it was a 'reasonably calm day”.

'We got there pretty quick. The scene that unfolded when we arrived was indescribable, and we could tell straight away that this was going to be a major environmental problem,” says Brian in the film.

In the days and weeks that followed, Brian and his news team covered everything, from containers and oil coming ashore, to the clean-ups and community response.

The footage and thousands of photos that Sun Media have archived from 2011 have been made available for the documentary and Sun Media provided initial funding to launch the project.

The little blue penguin release. Photo: Professor Kerri Morgan.

Footage and photos have also been provided from Kim Westerskov, Vision Media, Tessa Blackett, Film Bay of Plenty, Glen Ladkin, Mike Torr, Paul Cuming, Hibiscus Surf School, and Kevin Judkins

Funds were raised and contributed from the community during a crowdfunding campaign, as well as from Bay of Plenty Regional Council, HOBEC, Bay Conservation, and many individuals.

Full festival programme

The full programme will be launched on Wednesday, April 26.

As part of the festival, the Doc Edge XR Exhibition will feature a collection of immersive experiences, virtual reality documentaries, and installations, which will give audiences a chance to explore topics in a new and interactive way.

This year's exhibition will showcase around 20 various innovative and experimental works by local and international artists.

The Doc Edge Awards, one of the highlights of the festival, will recognise and celebrate the best documentary films and filmmakers from around the world.

The award categories include Best New Zealand Feature Documentary, Best New Zealand Short Documentary, Best International Feature Documentary, and Best International Short Documentary.

All four winners will receive an Oscar consideration for the Academy Awards in 2024.

Alongside the film screenings and exhibitions, the festival will also host a series of live events, including Q&As, an Industry Forum with panel discussions, and workshops with industry experts and filmmakers.

These events will provide a unique opportunity for audiences to engage with the creative minds behind the films and explore the impact of documentary filmmaking on society.

"Doc Edge Festival is more than just a showcase of great documentaries. It's an opportunity to connect with a community of people who are passionate about storytelling and the power of film to inspire change,” says Doc Edge Executive Director Dan Shanan.

'We're thrilled to be bringing together some of the most talented filmmakers from around the world to share their stories with our audience, and we can't wait to see the impact these films will have on our communities.”

Tickets for the festival are on sale from April 26 and can be purchased through the festival's website. For more information and updates, visit docedge.nz and follow Doc Edge on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

2023 KEY DATES
Tickets on Sale: April 26
Auckland Festival: May 24 – June 5, The Capitol Cinema
Wellington Festival: June 7 – 18, The Roxy Cinema
Virtual Festival Nationwide: June 19 – July 9