Wao Film Festival expands to Queenstown

May 18, 2024

The Wao Film Festival, a celebration of environmental consciousness, has announced its expansion to Queenstown after an overwhelmingly successful run in Wānaka.

The festival, running in its second year, is dedicated to showcasing films about our wonderful world, that inspire climate thoughtfulness and promote behavioural shifts.

The festival will take place in Queenstown from June 7 to June 8 at Te Atamira and will feature four of the top films as well as a showcase of case studies of local businesses in the Southern Lakes putting regenerative practice into action.

The decision to bring the Wao Film Festival to Queenstown comes on the heels of its success in Wānaka, but also through demand in Queenstown.

With a mission to inspire, educate, and enable communities to take action for a sustainable future, the festival garnered significant attention for its thought-provoking lineup of films and engaging discussions.

"We are thrilled to bring the Wao Film Festival to Queenstown following the incredible response we received in Wānaka," festival director Aaron Thule says.

"The overwhelming support from the Wānaka community demonstrated a clear demand for this type of event, and we are excited to continue spreading our message of climate stewardship and sustainability to audiences in Queenstown."

The four featured films highlight a diverse range of environmental issues and solutions, providing audiences with both inspiration and actionable insights.

'Imprint' explores the intersection of humanity and nature through the lens of indigenous wisdom, while 'Living the Change' showcases individuals and communities leading the way towards sustainable living practices.

'Oceans from the Heart' takes viewers on a breathtaking journey beneath the waves to witness the beauty and fragility of marine ecosystems, while 'Common Ground' examines the importance of collaboration and cooperation in addressing environmental challenges, offering profound insights into the significance of soil health.

In addition to film screenings, the Wao Film Festival in Queenstown will feature a selection of short documentaries showcasing regenerative tourism in the district.

“Arts and culture play a vital role in supporting our region’s regenerative tourism ambition and it’s exciting to see the Wao Film Festival expanding its footprint to Queenstown this year," Destination Queenstown chief executive Mat Woods says.

"The festival provides a platform to inspire and educate communities about the importance of protecting people and place, while positioning Queenstown as a thriving creative and cultural centre.”

Tickets for the Wao Film Festival in Queenstown are available for purchase online, with various pass options available and single session tickets for only $15. For those who cannot make it in person, Wao is also running the full range of films from the Wānaka festival online for six weeks.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.wao.co.nz.