Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival (NZIFF) today reveals an impressive line-up of films for tamariki of all ages that are set to feature in its 2023 Square Eyes programme lighting up cinemas around Aotearoa this winter from 19 July.
“I’m jazzed to share this latest NZIFF Square Eyes collection of world cinema for both the youngest cinephiles in the whānau, and all young-at-heart audiences across the motu. This years’ selection continues to introduce young audiences to new ideas and cultural perspectives on beautiful big screens. I’m grateful to our filmmakers the world over for bringing us together in magical dark rooms to share their screen-stories” says Nic Marshall, Square Eyes programmer.
Judy Blume’s ground-breaking novel about puberty—and so much more—gets a heartfelt and poignant pitch-perfect adaptation in Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. Directed by Kelly Frenon Craig (The Edge of Seventeen), produced by James L. Brooks (Broadcast News, The Simpsons) and starring Rachel McAdams and Kathy Bates, this coming-of-age tale captures the essence of growing up, self-discovery, and the quest for identity, transcending decades and speaking to multiple generations.