Actors Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal are set to attend the official launch of New Zealand’s first Indian film festival, The Indian Film Festival of New Zealand (TIFFNZ) on June 2, 2026. There will also be a special screening at the launch event girls will be girlsIt is the first feature film produced by the actor-producer duo, who have previously been recognized at several international film festivals, including Sundance and the Independent Spirit Awards.
Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal to launch New Zealand’s first Indian Film Festival; Girls Will Be Girls screening is planned for June 2
TIFFNZ is scheduled to launch in October 2026 and is being positioned as New Zealand’s first dedicated Indian film festival. Founded by Petrina D’Rozario, the festival aims to celebrate Indian cinema while encouraging strong creative and cultural collaboration between India and New Zealand.
The launch event is expected to have a significant focus on Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal, who have rapidly expanded their presence in filmmaking beyond acting. Over the years, the pair have supported projects that balance mainstream appeal with independent storytelling, while also supporting content-driven cinema with global reach.
Speaking about their participation in the launch event, Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal said in a joint statement, “We are very pleased to be a part of the launch of TIFFNZ. Film festivals play a vital role in creating dialogue and creating space for diverse stories. The idea of bringing Indian cinema to New Zealand in a structured, celebratory way feels both timely and meaningful. We look forward to supporting this new chapter and connecting with audiences there.”
The festival is envisioned as a four-day event that will take place in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Apart from film screenings, TIFFNZ is also expected to host workshops, cultural events and industry conversations aimed at connecting filmmakers, audiences and creative professionals from both the countries.
According to the organisers, the inaugural edition of the festival is expected to screen around 30 films in the feature-length and short film categories. The programming will focus on highlighting the diversity of Indian cinema as well as promoting South Asian voices in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
During this time, girls will be girls It remains an important milestone in Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal’s journey as producers. The film attracted attention on the international festival circuit for its fresh storytelling and has helped establish the duo’s production ambitions on the global stage.
As TIFFNZ prepares for its first edition later this year, the launch event featuring Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal is expected to herald a new cultural and cinematic exchange between the Indian and New Zealand film industries.
