Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal to Launch New Zealand’s First Indian Film Festival
Actors Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal are gearing up to attend the official launch of New Zealand’s inaugural Indian film festival, the Indian Film Festival of New Zealand (TIFFNZ), scheduled for June 2, 2026. The launch event will showcase a special screening of Girls Will Be Girls, the first feature film produced by the talented duo. This film has already received acclaim at notable international film festivals, such as Sundance and the Independent Spirit Awards.
TIFFNZ is set to make its debut in October 2026, dedicated entirely to celebrating Indian cinema. Founded by Petrina D’Rozario, the festival aims to foster deeper creative and cultural ties between India and New Zealand.
The launch will highlight Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal’s evolving roles from actors to film producers. The couple has been involved in projects that merge mainstream interests with independent storytelling while supporting content-rich cinema with a global appeal.
In a joint statement, Chadha and Fazal expressed their excitement about the festival, saying, “We’re thrilled to be part of the launch of TIFFNZ. Film festivals are crucial for fostering dialogue and offering space for diverse narratives. Bringing Indian cinema to New Zealand in a structured, celebratory manner is both timely and meaningful. We look forward to supporting this new chapter and engaging with audiences.”
The four-day festival will take place in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Besides film screenings, TIFFNZ plans to host workshops, cultural events, and discussions aimed at connecting filmmakers and audiences from both countries.
Organizers expect the inaugural festival to showcase around 30 films, including both feature-length and short films, highlighting the diversity of Indian cinema and amplifying South Asian voices in New Zealand.
Meanwhile, Girls Will Be Girls stands as a pivotal achievement for Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal as producers. The film’s coming-of-age story has gained recognition on the international festival scene, affirming their ambitions in film production.
As TIFFNZ gears up for its first edition later this year, the launch event with Chadha and Fazal will mark a new era of cultural and cinematic collaboration between the Indian and New Zealand film scenes.
