Doc Edge Superhero 2023 Annie Goldson

Professor Annie Goldson, ONZM, FRSNZ is a highly accomplished filmmaker who has made invaluable contributions to the documentary genre. Her films are a testament to her passion for exploring complex social and political issues through the power of film, and she has garnered international recognition for her thought-provoking and insightful work.

Goldson's films are deeply personal yet broadly relevant, with a focus on individuals or communities that are often marginalized or misunderstood. Her best-known features include Punitive Damage, Georgie Girl, An Island Calling, Brother Number One and Kim Dotcom: Caught in the Web, all of which received multiple international festival awards, sales to broadcasters and streamers, and wide educational distribution. She produced Pacific Solution which premiered at Doc Edge in 2005. Her most recent completed film is A Mild Touch of Cancer, which is currently streaming on Neon, and she is finishing a new feature, Red Mole: A Romance.

Aside from her storytelling skills, Goldson is also a technically skilled filmmaker who produces, directs, records sound and often edits her films. She has an eye for capturing poignant moments that reflect the human experience and she is constantly pushing the boundaries of the documentary form by incorporating elements of fiction and animation into her work. Annie is also a professor at the University of Auckland, where she received her PhD. She was awarded an ONZM for her contributions to film and was recently awarded the Humanities Aronui Medal from the Te Aparangi/Royal Society of NZ.

“Eighteen years ago, Annie Goldson inspired me with the power of documentary filmmaking, her compassion and eye for authentic and insightful storytelling. She has inspired countless more documentary makers as well. This is a timely celebration and acknowledgement of her contribution to and generous support of documentary filmmaking in Aotearoa.”

Alex Lee Co-founder and director of Doc Edge