Doc Edge Festival 2024 kicks off

AUCKLAND, Today: Doc Edge Festival 2024 is live, showcasing an impressive array of 43 features, 23 shorts, and 28 immersive projects. Check out the full program at docedge.nz.

The festival is in its 19th year and has made its way to Ōtautahi Christchurch for the first time. The city is buzzing with activities, including screenings, an awards ceremony, an immersive exhibition, and more, all happening from June 19-30 at various venues.

Thanks to a partnership with ChristchurchNZ and support from the University of Canterbury’s Kōawa initiative, Christchurch is hosting the festival.

Doc Edge will also be screening in Wellington at The Roxy Cinema and Te Auaha Gallery from July 3-14, and in Auckland at The Capitol Cinema and Auckland Central Library during the same dates. For those outside these areas, the Virtual Cinema experience will be available online from July 15-31.

This year, Doc Edge is thrilled to announce twelve world premiere features and ten immersive world premiere projects, marking a record year and reinforcing its status on the global film scene. The program also includes a mix of international, Asia-Pacific, Australasian, and NZ premieres, with exciting new additions just announced.

SHARKO
Luke Graham | 2024 | 88 min | Australia | World Premiere
Widely regarded as one of the greatest Rugby League players ever, kiwi hard-man Mark Graham was feared off and, on the field, though little knew the real man or the destruction behind his success.
Mark’s story is told through the in-depth lens and skewed perspective of his film-maker son, with Luke revealing a shared personal history scarred by pain and loss.

SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION

Bruce Robert Foster | New Zealand | 2024 | 70 min | World Premiere
Celebrating the legacy of Barry Brickell (1935-2016) and the realisation of his extraordinary dream, Driving Creek Railway: a productive pottery with numerous kilns, a bush railway, a native bird and bush sanctuary and a lively creative hub drawing artists from around the globe.

THE OTHER SIDE 

Sean Langan | UK | 2024 | 99min | World Festival Premiere
With extraordinary access to the Eastern frontlines, renowned journalist Sean Langan achieves an unprecedented ‘on the ground’ insight to the Russian side of the war with Ukraine.

RENEE GRACIE: FIREPROOF
Frances Elliott, Samantha Marlowe | Australia | 2024 | 88min | World Festival Premiere
At nineteen, Renee Gracie made history as Australia’s first female V8-Star, but sexism forced her out. Transitioning to OnlyFans, she soared financially. Now, she seeks a comeback, met with scepticism from V8s fearing promotion of her adult platform. This film delves into her journey, spotlighting gender bias in motorsport and the stigma against sex workers.

MAURI
Maurizio Benazzo, Zaya Benazzo | Italy, Bulgaria | 2024 | 70 min | World Premiere
Mauri unveils the profound ancestral wisdom woven into Māori healing traditions, illuminating a restorative path to mend the wounds inflicted by colonialism. The film is a testament to the radiant beauty and unbreakable resilience of Māori culture.
 
Other films on offer include:

TEACHES OF PEACHES
Philipp Fussenegger | 2024 | 101 min | Germany | New Zealand Premiere
Artist and musician Peaches is a feminist icon leaving an indelible mark on popular culture as proven
by this blend of archival gems, interviews and riveting tour footage from her 2022 Anniversary Tour.

RHINO MAN 

John Jurko II, Matt Lindenberg, Daniel Roberts | USA | 2023 | 96 min | Asia Pacific Premiere
This is the true story of the courageous field rangers who risk their lives every day to protect South Africa’s rhinos from being poached to extinction. Tragedy strikes when a ranger is assassinated at home by a poaching syndicate. Prince William and the international community cry out for justice.

RATHER BE ASHES THAN DUST 

Alan Lau | 2023 | 114 min | China | Australasian Premiere
Although journalism is not listed as one of the most dangerous professions, journalists have been killed, kidnapped, imprisoned, attacked, and accused of spying while doing their job. Using the Hong Kong protest movement in 2019 as a backdrop, this film follows a Hong Kong video-journalist who recounts his experience during the protest movement that leads to his decision to leave Hong Kong.


STANDING ABOVE THE CLOUDS

Jalena Keane-Lee | 2024 | 83 min | USA | International Premiere
Mauna Kea stands sacred for Hawaii, now Hawaii stands for Mauna Kea
.
When the massive Thirty Meter Telescope is proposed to be built on Mauna Kea, an uprising of kia’i (protectors) in Hawaii and around the world dedicate their lives to protecting the sacred mountain from destruction.

With many more films that explore politics, pop culture, human rights, adventure, environmental challenges, human rights, and the arts, Doc Edge is a testament to the power of life unscripted.

Doc Edge is currently confirming a delegation of international filmmakers that will be in New Zealand and available for interviews. Watch this space for further announcements.

Tickets are now available to book for all sessions via the festival’s website. Stay updated with the latest news and announcements by visiting docedge.nz and following Doc Edge on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
Film stills available here.

2024 KEY DATES & VENUES

Christchurch: 19 – 30 June, HOYTS, Lumiere Cinemas, Alice Cinemas,
Christchurch Art Gallery, Town Hall, Tūranga (Central Library), and other locations
Auckland: 3 – 14 July, The Capitol Cinema, Auckland Central Library
Wellington: 3 – 14 July, The Roxy Cinema, Te Auaha Gallery
Nationwide: 15 – 31 July, The Virtual Cinema

Stay tuned for more updates and announcements as we approach the festival’s launch.