Arts – Arts across Auckland

The much-anticipated winter comfort, the International Film Festival, is just around the corner. The Auckland schedule starts on July 29 and runs till August 9, with an array of films of all genres and tastes and live events bring an array of filmmakers into the spotlight.

The festival runs across a number of Auckland venues, including The Civic Theatre, Academy, Rialto, Bridgeway, Hollywood and Lido cinemas, and it will also have a season at Matakana Cinemas between August 27  and September 9. 

Some notable films are the opening night feature Big Girls Don’t Cry, a coming-of-age tender portrait of 14-year-old Sid, as she tentatively traverses insecurity, identity and desire during the summer of 2006; closing night Coward, an inspirational love story about fate against all odds;  and Kiwi comedy-horror Mum, I’m Alien Pregnant. Programmes are available at many libraries and venues around Auckland, and you can find all the information at www.nziff.co.nz/2026/tamaki-makaurau-auckland

The Auckland Art Show will take place from Friday, July 31 to Sunday, August 2 along the waterfront at the Viaduct Events Centre in the CBD.

With thousands of artworks, paintings from all genres, vibrant wall art, stunning ceramics, object art, jewellery, textiles, and large-scale sculpture, this is a major event in the Auckland arts scene and the biggest of its kind for buyers keen to invest in original art, whether you’re an experienced collector, or simply love art. 

Tickets options include the extra special VIP Preview, weekend pass, children 16 and under go free with an adult. All information is at www.aucklandartshow.co.nz

Hibiscus Matters has five free double passes to give away for the weekend of August 1 and 2. Email us by Thursday, August 30, 1pm to enter.