YEARINREVIEW2025
Doc Edge Life Unscripted
Kaupapa/Purpose
To celebrate, support and showcase documentary.
Doc Edge is a not-for-profit charitable organisation serving as New Zealand’s national organisation for documentaries since 2005. It is also an Oscar® qualifying festival and the premiere Asia Pacific hub for all things documentary.
FromtheDirectors
Kia ora koutou,
2025 marked a defining year for Doc Edge our 20ᵗʰ anniversary and a celebration of two decades championing documentary and impact storytelling in Aotearoa and beyond. It was a year of reflection, renewal, and remarkable achievement, reaffirming Doc Edge’s place as a global leader in the documentary landscape.
We are immensely proud of what our team, partners, and community accomplished together. The Doc Edge Festival 2025 set a new benchmark for innovation and engagement, presenting 33 World Premieres and expanding our reach across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and nationwide online. The festival’s blend of cinematic, immersive, and industry experiences drew record participation and showcased the creative energy that defines New Zealand’s storytellers.
Beyond the festival, Doc Edge continued to strengthen its position as a regional cultural anchor, advancing our vision through education, industry development, and international collaboration. We are especially grateful to our funders, sponsors, and supporters including the New Zealand Film Commission, NZ On Air, MBIE, Saatchi & Saatchi, Department of Post, Benefitz, Kōawa Studios, and Grand Millennium Auckland, whose confidence enables us to continue growing and innovating.
On a personal note, this milestone year reminded us why Doc Edge exists: to connect people through truth, empathy, and creativity. Seeing audiences, storytellers, and communities come together reaffirms the powerful role that documentary plays in shaping our shared understanding of the world.
As we look ahead to 2026, the final year of our MBIE Major Events Incubator journey, we are focused on expanding our international presence with the inaugural Doc Edge Singapore, and building towards major event status by 2027.
Thank you for being part of this journey for your belief, collaboration, and continued support in helping Doc Edge thrive as a home for stories that matter.
Ngā mihi nui,
Dan Shanan & Alex Lee
Co-founders / Directors Doc Edge December 2025
MBIE’sCreativeand CulturalEventsIncubator
In 2023, Doc Edge was honoured to be selected for the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)’s Creative and Cultural Events Incubator. This three-year programme supports events with significant potential for international growth.
In 2025, Doc Edge's second year of incubation, we focused on developing an international growth strategy and establishing stronger Māori engagement with our Māori matua, director Nathan Hutoroa Gray, and robust advisory process with our Board of Directors with a reinvigorated Board led by our Chair, Matthew Metcalfe.
These efforts aim to position Doc Edge as a leading cultural event in the Asia Pacific, fostering global connections as well as to ensure strong organisational compliance processes as we move towards major events status. Read media release here
Extended
Regular
AudienceStats
Auckland,Wellington,ChristchurchandOnlineNationwide
50,062
Total
11,610 In-cinema
16,857 VirtualCinema
20,444 Exhibition
831 Schools
320 Industry
DocEdgeFestival
The 20th anniversary edition of Doc Edge Festival was held from 25 June to 24 August 2025 across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and online nationwide. This milestone year featured 90 films and immersive projects, including a record-breaking 33 world premieres, showcasing powerful storytelling across personal narratives, cultural identity, and global issues.
We proudly hosted 50+ international guests, whose presence enriched screenings, Q&As, and industry events throughout the festival.
A major highlight was our Gala Night at SkyCity Theatre, where filmmakers, partners, and supporters gathered to celebrate our 20th birthday. The evening brought together the local and international community for an unforgettable celebration of creativity and impact.
The Industry Forum continued to strengthen Doc Edge’s role in positioning New Zealand as the Asia Pacific documentary hub, with panels, workshops, and networking sessions that fostered new collaborations. Our Immersive Exhibition presented 12 cutting-edge projects, attracting strong attendance and demonstrating the growing importance of immersive storytelling.
The Doc Edge Schools Programme engaged classrooms across Aotearoa, inspiring our rangatahi (young people) and nurturing the next generation of documentary storytellers.
FestivalTimeline
2
28
25June-13July
25June-13July
30June-1July
5,792
3,039
2,185
594 SpecialScreenings
TheSapiosexyCampaign
A major highlight of our 20ᵗʰ anniversary year was welcoming Saatchi & Saatchi back on board - a full-circle moment, as the agency supported the very earliest editions of Doc Edge. Their return brought creative energy, bold thinking, and a fresh design approach that helped elevate the festival’s public presence.
The Saatchi & Saatchi team developed Sapiosexy, a term used to describe those who’ve become so smart it’s downright sexy. The campaign celebrating intelligence, curiosity, and the irresistible appeal of real stories well told. The concept positioned documentary as something smart, sharp, and desirable.
A special highlight was Sapiosexy, the documentary, a 7-minute short film created as part of the campaign, which had its world premiere during the Gala Night at SkyCity Theatre in Auckland.
The resulting creative was striking, contemporary, and beautifully crafted. From posters to digital assets, trailers to social materials, the campaign brought a fresh visual identity that resonated strongly with audiences and helped mark the 20ᵗʰ anniversary as a milestone year.
We are incredibly grateful for Saatchi & Saatchi’s support and collaboration.
Watch the trailer here
Watch the film here
JordanMooneyandNeilWaka
CampaignHighlights
MediaCoverage
MediaCoverage
MediaCoverage
FilmFestReport
SocialMediaCoverage
KeyHighlights
Auckland
The 20th anniversary festival opened in Auckland with three New Zealand world premieres: No Tears on the Field, Devils on Horses, and Three Days in February, screened across The Capitol and Bridgeway cinemas.
The following evening, our Gala Night at SkyCity Theatre brought together filmmakers, partners, and supporters for a special celebration featuring the screening of Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror, presented by director Linus O’Brien and the star of the film and New Zealand icon Richard O’Brien. It was one of the most memorable gala events in Doc Edge’s history, setting an exciting tone for the festival.
Wellington
The festival opened at The Roxy Cinema with another world premiere screening of Mana Moana Mana Tangata, celebrating powerful Indigenous storytelling from Aotearoa and the Pacific. The capital once again proved to be a hub for thoughtful discussion, with strong attendance at screenings and Q&As.
Christchurch
The world premiere of Mighty Indeed continued at Hoyts EntX. The screening drew an enthusiastic Ōtautahi audience and was followed by meaningful discussions with the filmmakers and subjects of the film. The main venue in Christchurch was the iconic and much loved Lumière Cinemas.
GalaPhotos
WorldPremieres
We proudly hosted the World Premieres of the following films/projects:
Features (14)
A Quiet Love
Before the Moon Falls
Carrousel
Click the Link Below
The Dancer
Devils on Horses
Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea
Mana Moana Mana Tangata
Mighty Indeed
No Tears on the Field
Numakage Public Pool
Os Barcos
Shayni in the Sky
Three Days in February
Immersive (5)
Hikairo AR Cards
Illuminated Horizons
PEPE Moth Dance
Te Rerenga o Muriwai
The Visitor Book
Shorts (14)
A Good Question
Alofa
Feel It from My Words
Home
Hou Rongo: Reviving Moriori Culture
I Know I'm Going to Paint
Ko Tātou Te Wai: We Are the Water
Nothing is Impossible: The Primanavia Story
Old Men Build a Bridge
Onwards
Pee Shy
Pōneke Classical Sessions
Shepherd Boy
Where is Home?
AucklandPhotos
WellingtonPhotos
ChristchurchPhotos
FestivalSurvey
The 2025 Doc Edge Festival delivered strong audience satisfaction, reinforcing its position as Aotearoa’s leading documentary festival. Survey results show high approval of the programme, the overall festival experience, and the festival’s contribution to cultural, social, and storytelling landscapes. Audience sentiment highlights Doc Edge as an inspiring, meaningful, and professionally delivered event that continues to offer unique value nationally.
Programming & Film Quality
Strong appreciation for the breadth and depth of stories, including both international and local works.
Films were widely described as high-quality, thought-provoking, and impactful.
Repeated praise for curation, with audiences recognising Doc Edge for bringing world-class storytelling to New Zealand screens.
This endorsement supports the festival’s continued commitment to championing diverse global voices and exceptional documentary filmmaking.
“Amazing selection of films.”
“Exceptional filmmaking and storytelling.”
“A great vibe – welcoming and well run.”
“Insightful and inspiring Q&As.”
“Loved the mix of international and local stories.”
FestivalSurvey
Audience Experience
Friendly, warm, and professional staff.
Smooth operations across venues and sessions.
High satisfaction with cinema facilities and technical quality (sound, projection, seating).
Online viewing options appreciated for accessibility and flexibility.
The experience is consistently described as welcoming, engaging, and enriching.
Engagement & Community Impact
The festival as a hub for cultural dialogue.
Documentaries offering new perspectives, learning, and emotional resonance.
Special events and Q&As adding value through insight and connection with filmmakers.
Doc Edge as a space to explore important social issues, innovative storytelling, and global viewpoints.
Audience sentiment strongly positions Doc Edge as a contributor to New Zealand’s cultural infrastructure.
“Highly impactful films – they stayed with me.”
“Friendly and supportive festival team.”
“Thought-provoking and emotionally powerful.”
“An essential cultural event for Aotearoa.”
GrandMillennium
DocEdgeAwards
The 20ᵗʰ annual Doc Edge Festival Oscar®-qualifying Awards was held on Thursday, 3 July 2025, at Grand Millennium Auckland, with 180 people in attendance.
We presented a total of 24 awards, including two sponsored by NZ On Air: Best NZ Feature, awarded to the film Mighty Indeed, directed by Vanessa Wells, and Best NZ Short, awarded to the film Little Potato, directed by Chen Chen.
The 2025 jury includes a diverse panel of esteemed local and international industry professionals: Alex Behse (Auckland, NZ), David Tingey (Wellington, NZ), Doug Dillaman (Auckland, NZ), Emile Guertin (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), Kate Cresswell (Auckland, NZ), Kathy Susca (California, USA), Kenneth Tan (Singapore), Mark Cochrane (Auckland, NZ), Meg Smaker (California, USA), Sally Chesher (Sydney, Australia), and Sam Witters (Christchurch, NZ).
Geeling Ching and Doc Edge Ambassador Neil Waka MCed the event, with awards presented by jury members and Doc Edge staff. This year, we honoured celebrated film advocate and producer Ruby Chen (Taiwan) as the Doc Edge Superhero 2025.
Watch the Awards Live Streaming here.
See the full list of winners here.
GeelingChingandNeilWaka
DocEdgeSuperhero
Doc Edge proudly honoured Ruby Chen, Co-Founder and CEO of CNEX Foundation, as the 2025 Doc Edge Superhero —recognising her extraordinary contribution to the world of documentary storytelling.
Chen has been a tireless champion for filmmakers across the Asia Pacific, playing a pivotal role in elevating Chinese and Asian documentaries on the global stage.
“As we all believe in the importance of documentaries and the power of moving visuals, I am honoured to be part of this circle of professionals who work hard to create impact and inspire people of all walks to lead their lives with positive energy.” – Ruby Chen
Chen is also a Professor at the School of Film Art,China Academy of Art, and has produced and executive produced dozens of award-winning films including Island in Between, 1428, KJ: Music and Life, Chinese Mayor, A Young Patriot, Plastic China, I’m So Sorry, and Four Journeys.
Since co-founding CNEX in 2006, an organisation whose name means both "Chinese Next" and "See Next", Chen has been dedicated to producing and promoting Chinese documentaries that spark dialogue and foster cultural exchange. CNEX’s influence extends through its Chinese Documentary Forum (CCDF), launched in 2010 to support emerging talent and contemporary storytelling.
AlexLee,NeilWakaandRubyChen
AwardsWinners
We take pride in spotlighting the following filmmakers, now on the consideration list for the 2026 Academy Awards: Best New Zealand Feature: Mighty Indeed, Dir. Vanessa Wells. Best New Zealand Short: Little Potato, Dir. Chen Chen. Best International Feature: The Pool, Dir. Ian Darling . Best International Short: On Healing Land, Birds Perch, Dir. Naja Phạm Lockwood
NEW ZEALAND COMPETITION
Best New Zealand Feature (sponsored by
NZ On Air): Mighty Indeed (Dir. Vanessa Wells)
** Special Mention: Devils on Horses (Dir. Edward Sampson)
Best New Zealand Short (sponsored by NZ On Air): Little Potato (Dir. Chen Chen)
** Special Mention: Hou Rongo: Reviving Moriori Culture (Dir. Brady Clarke)
Best New Zealand Director: Vanessa Wells (Mighty Indeed)
Best New Zealand Editing: Wildboy
Best New Zealand Cinematography: Wildboy
Best New Zealand Sound: Three Days in February
Best New Zealand Emerging Filmmaker (sponsored by Department of Post): Caleb Young (Nothing is Impossible: The Primanavia Story)
INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION
Best International Feature (sponsored by Park Road Post): The Pool (Australia, Dir. Ian Darling)
** Special Mention: The Dating Game (United States, Dir. Violet Du Feng)
** Special Mention: Before the Moon Falls (United States, Dir. Kimberlee Bassford)
Best International Short: On Healing Land, Birds Perch (USA, Vietnam, Dir. Naja Phạm Lockwood) (sponsored by Park Road Post)
** Special Mention: Shepherd Boy (Portugal, Qatar, Dir. Joao Queiroga)
Best International Director: Violet Du Feng (The Dating Game)
Best International Editing: The Pool
Best International Cinematography: The Pool
Best International Sound: In Waves and War
NEW AWARD
The Raye Freedman Legacy Award (sponsored by The Raye Freedman Trust): Julia Parnell
FESTIVAL CATEGORY
The Art of Storytelling: Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror
Being Oneself: A Quiet Love
The Edge of Impact: Yurlu | Country
Facing the Edge: In Waves and War
In Truth We Trust: Blame
Tides of Change: Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea
NZ STUDENT AWARDS
Best Tertiary Film: Ally (Dir. Evienne Jones), University of Canterbury, Christchurch
** Special Mention: Don’t Forget Us (Dir. Maria Hewison), South Seas Film School, Auckland
IMMERSIVE EXHIBITION
Best New Zealand Impact Project: The Visitors Book (Created by Rewa Rendall)
Best International Impact Project: Kapwa (USA, Created by Michaela Ternasky-Holland, Aaron Santiago)
AwardPhotos
2026Oscar EligibleFilms ®
Remaining Native
In Waves and War
The Dating Game
Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror
Mighty Indeed Facing War
The Pool
Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea
Child of Dust
Mr Nobody Against Putin Folktales
Ai Weiwei's Turandot
Experiencethefuture ofstorytelling.
exhibition
Auckland 25June-13July
Wellington 21-27July
Auckland 21-27July
DocEdge ImmersiveExhibition
Imagine & Re-Imagine
New ways of seeing the world. Stories told digitally.
The Doc Edge Immersive Exhibition continues to cement Doc Edge as the Asia–Pacific home for digital storytelling and immersive nonfiction. The 2025 theme, Imagine & Re-Imagine, presented 12 impact-driven projects, six from Aotearoa New Zealand and six from around the world, curated across two distinct categories: Digital Storytelling and Interactive Non-Fiction. Doc Edge provides New Zealand’s only dedicated platform for public exhibition of curated immersive projects including the opportunity to talk with the filmmakers.
Digital Storytelling
These works used VR, animation, AR, and multimedia to expand narrative possibilities. Immersive soundscapes, striking visual design, and imaginative structures offered audiences new lenses through which to explore real-world issues.
Interactive Non-Fiction
Through live performance, sensory installations, and audiencedriven interfaces, these projects broke the boundary between observer and participant. Visitors engaged physically and emotionally, creating deeply personal connections to the work.
ExhibitionLocations
Across all three cities, the immersive exhibitions were free and open to the public, ensuring equitable access. Each venue featured dedicated spaces for audiences to interact with the works, meet artists, and participate in special events, reinforcing Doc Edge’s commitment to innovation, education, and empowering diverse voices through storytelling.
Auckland – Silo 6, Wynyard Quarter
Silo 6’s industrial space became a multi-sensory playground, hosting the full suite of immersive works. Special events included artist talks, a curator tour, and a Wrap Party. Auckland saw the exhibition’s strongest attendance, reflecting the city’s growing appetite for boundary-pushing creative media.
Wellington – The Roxy, Miramar
At The Roxy Cinema, the exhibition transformed the theatre’s upstairs spaces into an intimate hub for discovery. A large exhibition container was installed in the square outside The Roxy, creating an eye-catching public hub that drew strong foot traffic from locals and visitors alike.
Christchurch – Tūranga (Christchurch Central Library)
Christchurch’s central library, Tūranga, provided an accessible and welcoming environment for people of all ages. Special highlight included an intimate Fireside Talk featuring two bold voices at the intersection of immersive storytelling and social change: Michaela Ternasky-Holland (USA) – award-winning creative director and XR storyteller and Rewa Rendall (NZ) – filmmaker and creative producer working across virtual reality and impact-driven media.
20,444 TotalAudience
10,419
12 Projects
3,020
3 Cities 18 TūrangaLibraryTours
5 World Premieres
ExhibitionPhotos
Documentariesthat inspire,educateand explore.
Auckland 25–27June
Wellington 17–25July
Christchurch 17–25July
DocEdgeSchools
In-Cinema Programme (25 June – 25 July)
Students from Year 5 to Tertiary experienced a curated selection of documentaries on the big screen free of charge. Screenings in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch offered teachers an accessible way to integrate real-world stories into their curriculum, sparking conversations on identity, social issues, science, and global perspectives.
Student Short Documentary Competition (3 July)
The annual competition celebrated emerging young filmmakers, with entries across two categories Secondary and Tertiary. Finalists’ work was showcased during the Doc Edge Festival, and winners were recognised at the Doc Edge Awards ceremony on 3 July, highlighting the next generation of creative talent.
Virtual Classroom (Year-Round)
Accessible to schools nationwide, the Virtual Classroom provides ongoing access to curated documentaries and accompanying education kits. This digital platform enables teachers to bring highquality storytelling into the classroom at any time of year, supporting learning in media studies, social sciences, English, and beyond.
DocEdgeSchools
Doc Edge Schools 2025 delivered a rich, engaging educational programme designed to inspire students across Aotearoa through the power of documentary storytelling. Students participated through in-cinema screenings in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, and via our nationwide Virtual Classroom. Doc Edge Schools 2025 continued to strengthen its mission of empowering young people through documentary, giving students across the country new ways to engage with the world and their place within it.
SelectedFilms
Quiet Love Remaining Native Three Days in February
A
Mana Moana Mana Tangata OCEANIA: Journey to the Centre Devils on Horses
Mr Nobody Against Putin
No Tears on the Field Mighty Indeed Wildboy
NZ Shorts
YUMI: The Whole World
VirtualClassroom
The Virtual Cinema is an online platform offering schools across New Zealand curated documentaries and accompanying education kits, to inspire, educate and enhance the learning experiences of students.
These films serve as a powerful supplement to lesson plans, enabling educators to amplify their teaching with engaging visual content. With a Virtual Classroom Subscription, educators gain the freedom to select films that closely align with the New Zealand curriculum, thereby enriching their students’ understanding of relevant topics.
We provided comprehensive education kits tailored to each film, aiding educators in the integrating of these documentaries into their lessons. These kits offered a diverse range of supplementary materials and resources, ensuring that educators can optimise their students' benefit from the documentaries, fostering a deeper understanding of the explored subjects.
Auckland 30June-3July
DocEdgeIndustry
Doc Edge Industry prioritises learning and connections for media professionals. It includes the annual Forum, Pitch and Market events.
Doc Edge Forum fosters networking and career development for storytellers.
Doc Edge Pitch allows filmmakers to present their projects to industry experts.
Doc Edge Market facilitates connections between New Zealand films and potential buyers. Doc Edge Year-Round delivers advocacy, mentorship, strategy and leadership in documentary and immersive storytelling. This includes supporting filmmakers, industry and government to ensure that documentary and immersive storytelling continues to grow.
Throughout the year, Doc Edge delivers advocacy, mentorship, strategy and leadership in documentary and immersive storytelling. This includes supporting filmmakers, industry and government to ensure that documentary and immersive storytelling continues to grow.
Industry2025
Doc Edge Industry 2025 delivered a vibrant four-day programme for screen professionals (30 June – 3 July), attracting 320 attendees. The event was structured across two key components: two days dedicated to Doc Edge Pitch and two days focused on the Doc Edge Forum, creating a dynamic environment for project development, dialogue, and industry exchange.
Centred around Transformative Conversations at The Edge, the Forum offered a space for bold ideas, fresh thinking, and candid discussions about the future of documentary, storytelling, and the wider media landscape. Across panels, talks, and networking sessions, participants were encouraged to challenge assumptions, interrogate emerging shifts, and explore new creative and business opportunities. The programme featured leading international voices, including Ruby Chen (Co-Founder & CEO, CNEX Taiwan), Ryan Harrington (Director of Film Programming, Jacob Burns Film Center), and Courtney Sexton (EVP, Jigsaw Productions), whose contributions helped shape insightful and forward-looking conversations.
Designed to spark innovation and strengthen industry connections, Doc Edge Industry 2025 reaffirmed our commitment to developing Aotearoa as a key hub for documentary professionals in the Asia–Pacific region.
InternationalConnections
Doc Edge International comprises of networking and working with international partners and industry as well as promoting our filmmakers and their content to global festivals, buyers and funders consolidating our role as the leading Asia-Pacific documentary hub.
Doc Edge has established Memoranda of Understanding with CNEX (CNEX Chinese Doc Forum), Chinese Documentary Forum, Australian International Documentary Conference (AIDC), Dhaka Doc Lab (Bangladesh), International Festival of Oceanian Documentary Film Tahiti (FIFO), Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA) and its Taiwan Creative Content Festival (TCCF). We are also working closely with Fresh Pitch China and Cinema by The Sea (Okinawa).
Through exchange of prizes and opportunities, NZ and international filmmakers are awarded opportunities to participate in market and pitch at our partner events overseas and their prize winners attend Doc Edge (see list of Wayfinding prizes and international opportunities for Pitch Wayfinding Winners below).
Since 2010, Doc Edge set up an internship partnership with Asia NZ Foundation and Beach House Pictures (Singapore) enabling one New Zealand documentary filmmaker to be selected to work with Beach House Pictures, the leading production company in Singapore.
Links to reflections by interns here and here.
Industry Promotions
DocEdgePitch-Wayfinding
In 2025, 24 projects were pitched over two days (30 June–1 July) at the Grand Millennium Auckland as part of the Doc Edge Pitch programme. Delivered under the Doc Edge’s Wayfinding model, the event reimagines traditional pitching by prioritising collaboration over competition.
Filmmakers engaged directly with local and international decision-makers, our Wayfinders, through a mix of formal pitches, roundtable discussions, and collaborative feedback sessions. This mentorship-driven approach provided filmmakers with practical, strategic guidance to strengthen their projects and move them closer to production. The programme also featured a Docs-in-Progress session, where teams presented rough cuts and received tailored input to support festival readiness and global market access. Overall, the 2025 edition fostered meaningful connections and advanced a diverse slate of emerging documentary work.
Pitch Mentors and Workshop Speakers
Yulan Chang, Tareq Ahmed, Christina Milligan, Kathryn Graham, Shanon Service, Valeriya Golovina, Sacha
Handsaker, Steve Barr, Neil Waka, Rachael Penman and Lauren Tamayo
CherieLaceyPitchFinalist
PitchFinalists
NEW ZEALAND PROJECTS
The Fashionable Farmer – Sue Marshall, Rebecca Tansley
The White Thing to Do – Aidee Walker, Gabrielle Blackwood, Cass Avery, Laura Trevalyn
Ratso Against the Tide – Kent Belcher
Our Forgotten Home – Megan Blackwell, Peter Lee,
Karen Chang Workman
Taupo Amateurs – Ben Howard, Dan Graham
Live and Let Die – Kylie Cushman, Dan Hartley
Alien Nation – A Buried History – Lynda Chanwai-Earle,
Toby Mills, Peter Lee, Lily Lee
Public Nuisance: Smith vs. The Polluters – Annie Goldson,
Karen Sidney
Last Man Standing – Gabriel McArtney
DOCS-IN-PROGRESS
Sweet as Cuz – Peter Day
The Scream Test – Cherie Lacey, Peter Simpson,
Hee-seung Irene Lee
A Journey Never Told – Sharmin Doza,
Masrur Rahman Masud
Cutting the Curve – Julia Parnell
PitchFinalists
INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS
Atomic Paradise – Aline Jacques, John Harvey, Sally Aitken
Me, My Mother’s Favourite Monkey – Ivonne Kani
The Myth of Monsters – Beatrice Leong, Panuksmi
Hardjowirogo, Ineza Rousille, Sean McAllister
JJI Exile Brothers – Kusuma Santapoori, Devansh Mathur
The Moonwalkers – Haig Balian
Gotipua : Beyond Borders – Chintan Parekh
The Heartbreaker – Nicola Fan, Richard Fowler, Jonathan Duncan, Peter Yam
Nomads of the North – Piplu Khan, Ssam Seonkyu Park, Junjuni Chakma
Untitled Project
24 Strong – Kristian Van der Heyden, Rieneke Van Santen
The Chimney Sweeper – Shingo Ota, Kyoko Takenaka
PitchWinners
The following prizes were awarded by our Doc Edge partners.
Park Road Post prize: $10,000 value in kind services
Public Nuisance: Smith vs. The Polluters (NZ) – Annie Goldson,
Karen Sidney
Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA) prize: pitch at the Taiwan Creative Content Fair
Atomic Paradise (Australia) – John Harvey, Sally Aitken, Aline
Jacques
DOK Leipzig (Germany) prize: industry accreditation
Public Nuisance: Smith vs. The Polluters (NZ) – Annie Goldson,
Karen Sidney
The Heartbreaker (HK) – Richie Fowler, Nicola Fan
Sunny Side of the Doc (La Rochelle, France) prize: accreditation and pitch at SSD
Nomads of The North (Bangladesh) – Piplu Khan, Junjuni Chakma
AIDC (Australia) prize: accreditation and attendance at the FACTory
Public Nuisance: Smith vs. The Polluters (NZ) – Annie Goldson,
Karen Sidney
The Chimney Sweeper (Japan) – Shingo Ota, Kyoko Takenaka
PitchWinners
Dhaka Doc Lab (Bangladesh) prize: pitch at the Dhaka Doc Lab
The Chimney Sweeper (Japan) – Shingo Ota, Kyoko Takenaka
CNEX/CCDF (Taiwan) prize: pitch at CCDF
The Heartbreaker (HK) – Richie Fowler, Nicola Fan
Alexandra Johnes prize: consultancy
The White Thing to Do (NZ) – Aidee Walker, Gabrille Blackwood,
Cass Avery
JJ Exile Brothers (India) – Kusuma Santapoori, Devansh Mathur
Alexander Behse prize: consultancy
The Myth of Monsters (Malaysia) – Beatrice Leong, Panuksmi
Jardjwirogo, Ineza Rousille, Sean McAllieter, Rebecca Aaberg
Elemental Legal/The Doc Catcher prize: value in kind services
Our Forgotten Home (NZ) – Peter Lee, Karen Workman Chang,
Megan Blackwell
The Fashionable Farmer (NZ) – Sue Marshall, Rebecca Tansley
JJ Exile Brothers (India) – Kusuma Santapoori, Devansh Mathur
Doc Edge prize: accreditation to Doc Edge Forum 2026
Alien Nation – A Buried History (NZ) – Lynda Chanwai Earle, Toby
Mills, Peter Lee
The Fashionable Farmer (NZ) – Sue Marshall, Rebecca Tansley
PitchPhotos
PitchPhotos
DocEdgeForum – Day1
Doc Edge Forum took place on Wednesday 2 & Thursday
3 July with the following sessions on the theme Transformative Conversations at The Edge:
In Conversation with Ryan Harrington, The Future of Documentary – A Storyteller’s Revolution. Ryan is the Executive Producer of Documentary at BD4. An in-depth conversation about the transformative future of documentary filmmaking.
In Conversation with Linus O’Brien, Director, Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror as he reflects on the complex, intimate relationship between a filmmaker and the subject his father, Richard O'Brien, creator of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Linus shares insights into balancing affection with objectivity and the delicate art of filmmaking within family ties.
RyanHarringtonand AlexLee
Forum–Day1
In Conversation with Kimberlee Bassford & Linda Goldstein Knowlton, Director and Producer, Before the Moon Falls. The filmmakers share their experience pivoting the narrative and the challenges of creating a sensitive, nuanced film. Following the story of Samoan writer Sia Figiel, the film took an unexpected turn when Sia was charged with murder. Over the course of nine years, Kimberlee developed a personal relationship with Sia, and the filmmakers were forced to navigate a complex web of legal, cultural, and well-being issues.
In Conversation: What We Are Looking For with local and international commissioners and leaders discussing what they are looking for and why?
Keynote: A Superhero’s Journey – Ruby Chen, a trailblazer in the documentary industry, for a captivating talk on her pioneering efforts in opening up China and Taiwan's documentary sectors to the global stage.
Session: The Rise of Asia – A Global Shift in DocumentaryRound tables with leaders from the region and join in the discussions at the roundtables with some of the most influential voices in documentary as to how we can work together.
Forum–Day2
Getty Images APAC Director of Sales (Production and Broadcast) Arran Birchenough hosted a breakfast for the conference delegates.
In Conversation: Be Festive and Socially Adept. Two essential skills: mastering social media to identify and capture your audience and understanding festival strategies to get your film in front of the right platforms - Featuring Kathy Susca, Director of Content & Operations, The Film Collaborative and Sophie Martin, Senior Social Manager, MBM - moderated by Sally Chesher, Investment and Development Manager Documentary, Screen Australia.
In Conversation with Courtney Sexton: Crafting Stories with Impact. Courtney Sexton, EVP of Film and Television at Jigsaw Productions, responsible for some of the world’s most compelling documentaries, for an engaging conversation about the art of storytelling that matters.
KathySuscaandSophieMartin
Forum–Day2
In Conversation: Broken News – Can Journalism be Fixed? Journalism has a credibility problem as economic disruption, political polarization, and the proliferation of new media platforms reset the whole industry. Our panel of journalists have recently experienced the chaos of being ripped away from their audiences and forced to re-think their storytelling. What can we do to save journalism, documentaries and ourselves? Panels include Amanda Gillies (Formerly Newshub, now podcaster), Mark Crysell (Formerly Sunday, now documentary maker) and Kim Baker Wilson (Formerly 1News) with moderator, Sharon Fergusson (Former 1News Bureau Editor)
Workshop with Peter Larsen, (AI Whisperer, Zed Works): In conversation with ChatGPT - From Pitch to Impact Pt 1. Bogged down by administration overload, messy schedules, and data chaos? This practical session cuts straight to the fixes, AIpowered tools you can use immediately to smooth your workflow. From tightening pitches and automating tedious tasks to managing impact campaigns, reclaim your creative headspace with smarter filmmaking strategies.
ForumPhotos
ForumPhotos
NetworkingPhotos
DocEdgeMarket
Doc Edge Market is our premier screening platform for content buyers & programmers. It enables you to explore diverse and compelling documentaries covering a wide range of topics and perspectives.
In 2025, we invited 200+ local and international buyers and programmers to join our platform for free. Their exclusive, nontransferable account gives them the opportunity to browse, watch, and directly acquire films from New Zealand and around the globe.
The Market includes 32 films from the 2025 edition of Doc Edge Festival.
IndustrySurvey
Doc Edge as the premier documentary hub
Seen as the standout, premiere documentary festival in NZ and the South Pacific.
The only fully documentary-focused event with strong global connections. High‐calibre speakers and international access
Strong praise for international decision-makers and experts.
Sessions are informative and globally relevant.
Networking, collaboration & career opportunities
Networking described as “invaluable,” “fantastic,” “gold.”
Connections already leading to new projects.
Doc Edge as advocate and champion for documentary
Seen as a powerhouse and essential advocate for documentary.
Provides a vital platform for documentary in NZ.
“Highlight of my year.”
“Best networking opportunity for documentary in NZ.”
“Doc Edge is an asset to New Zealand.”
“It felt like a family.”
“This event gives me hope.”
“One-of-a-kind in Aotearoa.” “Professionally life-changing.”
“Ambitious, caring, and committed to filmmakers.”
“The most supportive industry event I’ve ever attended.”
Film of the Month
In the lead-up to the festival, the Film of the Month programme brought exceptional documentary storytelling to audiences across Aotearoa. Each month, we curated a standout title available exclusively on the Doc Edge Virtual Cinema nationwide, as well as selected in-cinema screenings at The Capitol Cinema (Auckland) and The Roxy Cinema (Wellington).
Open to both Doc Edge members and non-members, each film was available for a limited one-month run, offering an accessible way for audiences to discover new films.
2025 Film of the Month line-up:
January: Shari & Lamb Chops
February: Watching You: The World of Palantir and Alex Karp
March: Eat / Sleep / Cheer / Repeat
April: The Donn of Tiki
Doc Edge Singapore
2025 laid down the path for Doc Edge Singapore, which will debut in March 2026. Following the signing of an MOU with the Singapore Film Society, the event was officially launched on 1 December with a special screening of A Quiet Love. The next day, Alex Lee led a masterclass, Festivals and Beyond, introducing the vision and opportunities behind this new international edition. Doc Edge Singapore marks an exciting step in expanding our reach across the Asia–Pacific region and strengthening cross-cultural connections through documentary storytelling.
See the Media Release here
Prelude Events
On 1 December, we kicked off with a sold-out screening of A Quiet Love, followed by a virtual Q&A with Director Garry Keane and Producer Anne Heffernan, facilitated by the Singapore Association for the Deaf.
The next day, Doc Edge Director Alex Lee led an inspiring masterclass at LASALLE College of the Arts, sharing insights on building festivals, shaping global collaborations, and empowering bold storytelling.
Kenneth Tan, Chief Executive of the Singapore Film Society, summed it up perfectly:
“To the NZ team — you folks are amaaaaazing + awesomeeeeee… a full house for the opening five whole days before the opening itself. Woohoooooooooo!!!! Speaks volumes for how highly the Doc Edge name is regarded.”
These two events were a brilliant launch to the upcoming inaugural Doc Edge Singapore, happening 11–15 March 2026.
Board Update
Doc Edge was proud to appoint Matthew Metcalfe ONZM as Chair in May 2025. One of New Zealand’s leading screen producers, Matthew brings extensive experience across documentary and drama, and a strong commitment to supporting powerful, globally relevant storytelling. He takes over from Glenn Johnstone, whose steady leadership and support through recent years has been deeply appreciated.
We were also delighted to welcome Sharron Fergusson and Sarah Stuart to the board. Sharron brings over 30 years of television news experience, having reported on stories from Antarctica to Asia and across the Pacific, while Sarah adds decades of experience in media, strategic communications, and storytelling. Their appointments strengthen Doc Edge at a pivotal time of growth, both in New Zealand and internationally.
MatthewMetcalfe
SharronFergusson
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LookingAheadto2026
As we prepare for our 21 edition, Doc Edge enters 2026 with strong momentum and a clear vision for the future. The festival continues to grow as a leading platform for documentary and factual storytelling in Aotearoa and the wider Asia–Pacific region.
Next year marks a major milestone: our third and final year in MBIE’s Major Events Incubator. This support has enabled Doc Edge to build long-term capability, expand its national footprint, and take significant steps toward becoming one of New Zealand’s recognised major cultural events. In 2026, we will consolidate these gains and lay the groundwork for sustainable growth beyond the incubator programme.
A key part of this future is the launch of Doc Edge Singapore (11–15 March 2026), delivered in partnership with the Singapore Film Society. This new international edition positions Doc Edge firmly within the Asia–Pacific cultural landscape and strengthens our vision to become the regional hub for documentary storytelling, industry development, and education. This is a landmark event being the first New Zealand arts and cultural event (and more specifically, a film festival and market) to export and expand its brand outside New Zealand, creating a unique and proud moment for New Zealand.
Alongside this international expansion, we continue to deepen and grow our local programmes. The Doc Edge Festival, Industry, Immersive Exhibition, and Schools programme will all return in 2026 with enhanced programming and broader national reach. We will also present a dedicated French Focus, supported by the Institut Français and the Embassy of France in New Zealand, celebrating the richness and innovation of contemporary French documentary and immersive storytelling.
With strong foundations, a growing national audience, and a new international platform in Singapore, 2026 promises to be a landmark year in Doc Edge’s journey, building on two decades of innovation and setting the stage for an exciting new era.
He Waka Eke Noa
We're all in this together
Thankstoour Partners
Wewouldliketothankeveryonewho playedapartinmakingDocEdge2025 happen,supportingthefilmmakersand helpingtobringourcommunities togethertocelebratetheartof documentary.
2025Team
Executive Director: Dan Shanan
Director: Alex Lee
General Manager & Festival Producer: Rachael Penman
Operations & Projects Executive: Christian Jensen
Web and Digital Marketing Manager: John Lau
Design & Digital Media Coordinator: Jarrod Dobell
Marketing & Christchurch Coordinator: Imogen Mingos
Industry Producer & Christchurch Coordinator: Kim Georgine
Industry Programme Advisor & Moderator: Shannon Service
Web/UX Designer: Lilla Nikoletti
Customer Service & Ticketing Coordinator: Jing Jing Ke
Wellington Customer Service & Ticketing: Emma Fryer
Wellington Coordinator: Colleen Restieaux
Outreach Coordinator: Blandine Massiet du Biest
AV Editor Interns: Ryan Wood, Ashok James
Event Intern: Jan-Willem Van de Berg
Industry Interns: Cole Gerbhardt, Felix Rabenda
International Advisor: Corey Tong, Alexandra Johnes, Chris Gerbhardt, Yulan Chang
Media & PR (Elephant Publicity): Michelle Lafferty, Ali Nicoll van Leeuwen, Stephanie Butler
Photographer: Deane Cohen
Screening Support: Andreas Heineman, Benedict Reid,
Blandine Massiet du Biest, Bruce Foster, Cathy Woods,
Jasmine Herlt, Rowan Wernham, Sacha Handsaker, Simon
Mark-Brown, Trecia Smith
Board of Trustees / Ambassadors / Patrons
Chair: Matthew Metcalfe
Trustees: Cameron McGregor, Nathan Hoturoa Gray, Sharon Fergusson, Sarah Stuart, Alex Lee, Dan Shanan
Patron: Helen Clark
Ambassadors: Judy Bailey, Neil Waka
Legal Advisor: David Bigio Q.C.
Thank you to our supporters
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