Waheeda Rehman to Grace NZ's Inaugural Indian Film Fest

New Zealand will soon experience its first-ever Indian Film Festival, a significant cultural event spanning three days and three cities. This inaugural festival promises an extensive program of 30 film screenings, industry discussions, and networking opportunities, aiming to foster collaboration between New Zealand and India's screen industries.

The festival will showcase a diverse range of Indian cinema, featuring 10 feature films, 16 short films, and 4 special screenings in 11 languages. A special focus will be placed on celebrating restored films by the Film Heritage Foundation and NFAI-NFDC. The opening night on October 22 will feature the recently restored classic 'Teesri Kasam,' starring Waheeda Rehman and Raj Kapoor.

Legendary actress Waheeda Rehman is slated to attend the opening night to be honored for her immense contribution to Indian cinema. The festival will close with the iconic 1972 film 'Pakeezah,' also recently restored. Festival director Petrina D'Rozario highlighted the event's role in bridging cultures and bringing Indian stories to a global audience.

This annual event seeks to strengthen the connection between India and New Zealand, promoting cultural exchange and creating new screen opportunities. Further details on attending directors, actors, and specific film selections are expected to be announced soon.