Richa Chadha-Ali Fazal To Launch TIFFNZ With A Special Screening Of Production Venture Girls Will Be Girls

Actors Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal are set to bring a touch of Bollywood to New Zealand as they attend the official launch of the country's first-ever Indian film festival, The Indian Film Festival of New Zealand (TIFFNZ) on June 2nd, 2026.

The actor-producer duo will headline the launch event, which will also include a special screening of their first every production, the internationally celebrated film Girls Will Be Girls, a title that has earned acclaim at global festivals including Sundance and the Independent Spirit Awards.

Set to debut in October 2026, TIFFNZ marks a major milestone as New Zealand's first dedicated Indian film festival. Founded by Petrina D'Rozario, the festival aims to celebrate Indian cinema while creating stronger creative ties between India and New Zealand.

The spotlight is firmly on Richa and Ali, whose presence brings both star power and credibility to the launch. Known for backing meaningful cinema alongside mainstream successes, the couple have consistently championed independent storytelling and global collaborations through their work as actors and producers.

Sharing their excitement about being part of the launch, Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal said in a joint statement, "We're very happy to be part of the launch of TIFFNZ. Film festivals play an important role in building 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're looking forward to supporting this new chapter and engaging with audiences there."

The festival itself is envisioned as a four-day celebration of Indian stories across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch with screenings, workshops, cultural events, and industry conversations designed to connect filmmakers, audiences, and creatives from both countries. The inaugural edition is expected to showcase around 30 films across feature and short formats, highlighting the diversity and global appeal of Indian cinema while also amplifying South Asian voices in Aotearoa.