Screen Wellington presents an exceptional collection of animated short films by female filmmakers from UNESCO Creative Cities of Film around the world. This exclusive screening provides audiences an opportunity to discover fresh and innovative, international animation.
The Female Landscape Project exemplifies the cultural exchange, shared learning and support Wellington benefits from as a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
Stay on after the screening for an inspiring talk with the featured filmmakers.
Moderated by Nic Marshall, the audience will gain insights into different career pathways, challenges and triumphs, as well as the creative process behind these works and the stories that shaped them.

A silent animated musical on an astronaut girl and her caring robot. The story embarks us in the journey of a young orphan girl and her dream to become an astronaut, nurtured and raised by a caring robot. As she successfully rises to the stars, her robot experiments with the very human feeling of attachment. An international festival favorite!

Production: Canada

In ancient times, part of the Thoriphants nation migrated north to escape humans. Today, Mosley the young Thoriphant rebels against this life of servitude and embark on a treacherous journey to find the fabled city of Uprights, where the ancestors live in peace.

Production: New-Zealand, China

This collection brings a distinct artistic perspective to the New Zealand program, enriching it through diversity of styles, narratives, and visual approaches. By presenting these films alongside local works, the Festival encourages dialogue between cultures and highlights the strength of new voices shaping the future of animation. Fun fact: the short film “Trash”, screened last year in our students collection, was recently selected for the Annie awards in the “Student Category”.

This award celebrates the next generation of animation talent across Aotearoa, celebrating emerging creators and offering young animators the visibility they deserve. This is a premiere in NZ!
“Our student screening will showcase the next generation of animation talents. Selected films will be screened at The Roxy Cinema in Miramar alongside the main festival program, offering emerging animators visibility within New Zealand’s thriving film community and connection to the international animation scene.”

The Awards ceremony will follow the screening.

The story centers on a Holocaust-surviving Jewish girl whose father throws her from a moving train heading to Auschwitz. Ultimately, she’s found by a woodcutter and his family…

Production: France/Belgium

First animated feature in Cannes Main Competition since 2008.
Opening film of Annecy 2024. NZ Theatrical Premiere.

In a future society where humans and mermaids coexist, Stephan, a regular office worker at a shipbuilding company, is suddenly proposed to by Chao – a princess from the mermaid kingdom! In the tradition of Studio Ghibli where imaginary world intertwines and create “more than human” situations.

Production: Japan