The event offered guests insight into the talent emerging from the Master of Design Technology (MDT) and the Master of Fine Arts (Creative Practice) in Film and Music (MFA (CP)) programmes taught at the Miramar Creative Centre.

The standout films showcased were "Cat Hair Allergy," "The Journey of Cooking," "Extra Rice," "Bill Tito: The Unread Story," "An Interview with Death," and "Blackout.” The broad range of films offered a glimpse into the diverse perspectives and technical talents of graduating students, showcasing everything from scriptwriting to storytelling, music, and visual effects.

Nan O'Sullivan, Head of the School of Design Innovation, says, "The Graduate Showcase did more than just celebrate the creativity, skills, and expertise our students bring to the film industry—it highlighted their capacity as creative and compassionate collaborators. Their storytelling surprised, tugged at the heartstrings, empathised, and made us laugh—all while being visually compelling."

Attendees were treated not only to screenings of the student-produced films but also to exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses, offering a deeper understanding of the creative process.

Behind the Scenes with Journey of Cooking from VUW Master of Design Technology on Vimeo.

The evening reached its pinnacle with an address from esteemed New Zealand actor and  filmmaker Shane Rangi (Ngāti Porou). Known for his diverse acting roles in blockbuster hits such as Avatar: The Way of Water, the Chronicles of Narnia series, and the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Rangi's speech served as inspiration for the aspiring filmmakers in attendance.

Following the screenings graduates networked with industry professionals, including many alumni now working at esteemed film studios.

Three distinct but equally innovative programmes

The Miramar Creative Centre serves as the incubator for budding talents from the MFA (CP) Film and Music and the MDT, fostering an environment where creativity thrives alongside innovation. Located close to film industry elites like Wētā Workshop and Park Road Post Production, the Centre provides students with unparalleled access to industry resources.

"The wonderful thing about the Miramar Creative Centre is that our facility is 'fit-for-purpose.' With the exceptional fit out done in 2017, our modest facility has everything needed to do professional-level production and postproduction all under one roof," says Kevin Romond, Director of the Miramar Creative Centre.

The MDT programme offers students a comprehensive curriculum covering visual effects, animation, narrative design, 3D Graphics, performance, and immersive design. Under the guidance of world-leading professionals, students built a professional portfolio and gained hands-on experience crafting narrative works.

Senior Lecturer in Design Visual Effects Areito Echevarria has been working with the students throughout their degrees.

"I was extremely proud of the films made by the MDT students. They took creative and technical risks, worked hard, came together, and produced a fantastic result. Not only is the work of a very high technical standard, but it also pushes the boundaries of what kinds of stories can be told through the medium of narrative art."

Also taught at the Miramar Creative Centre, the MFA (CP) in Film and Music programmes provide platforms for aspiring filmmakers and musicians to hone their creative and business skills. With a focus on practical experience and industry connection, students emerge equipped to navigate the competitive landscape of New Zealand's creative industries.

Senior Lecturer Raqi Syed has been leading the MDT programme for several years and is not surprised by the high employability rate of graduates from the programme.

"Narrative and human-centred design will continue to be the key skill in the future of filmmaking.

"Our students are great at adapting new technologies to the filmmaking process, but their real superpower is their ability to use animation as a vehicle for personal and emotional storytelling."

As the credits rolled on the 'Expanding Cinema' showcase, The evening concluded with a sense of celebration about the bright future of New Zealand cinema.

Behind the Scenes with Cat Hair Allergy from VUW Master of Design Technology on Vimeo.

Master of Fine Arts (Creative Practice) films

Extra Rice

Precious Marie, or Rie, is your average teenage girl who overachieves, overthinks, and is overwhelmed. Throughout her day, we witness her navigate through the challenge of being the eldest daughter and try to reconcile her family's Christian values with a new feeling of having a crush from the church. She also has to prepare for her strict Filipina grandmother's (Lola Cora) birthday dinner, adding another layer of pressure to her day. Once she lets go of her inhibitions and fears, she's surprised with the joy of letting things be, all while enjoying an extra serving of rice.

Writer and Director: Louise Evia Toledo

Producer: Nikky Nemzer

Executive Producers: Paul Wolffram and Lala Rolls

Cinematographer and Colourist: Dini Aristya Wulandari

Editor: Kush Patel

Sound Designer: Patrick Simmons

Music Composer: Lian Dyogi

Script Consultant: Dean Hewison

Bill Tito: The Unread Story

A story of an eccentric book doctor finding joy between pages, against all odds, and against the world with his wife. Humans are like books, each with their distinct covers, shapes, and sizes. But the real treasure lies in the stories within, tales that make each of us unique. And one of these exceptional stories belongs to a man named Bill Tito.

Writer and director: Dini Aristya Wulandari

Producer: Shaun Swain

Executive Producers: Paul Wolffram, Lala Rolls

Cinematographer: Kush Patel Editor: Beñat Antoñana

Sound designer: Roco Moroi Thorn

Music Composer: Ha Xuening

Colourist: Louise Toledo

Graphic Designer: Miko Awangyudha

Animator: Ady Setyawan Cast: Bill

Tito & Jane Tito

An Interview With Death

An accomplished journalist is forced to confront his shortcomings when he finds himself having a conversation with Death.

Written & Directed by Nikky Nemzer

Producer: Caitlin Robinson

First Assistant Director: Shaun 'Cloud' Swain

Art Director: Louise Toledo

Director of Photography: Max Norwood

Gaffer: Kush Patel

Sound by: Angus Webb

Editor: Beñat Antoñana

VFX Director: Rita Close

Colourist: Nikky Nemzer

Music Composer: Liam Hotter

Cast:

Journalist - Matt Ruglys

Death - Thomas SinclairCas

Death (Additional Voices) - Caitlin

Robinson, Shaun' Cloud' Swain

Blackout

Benny, an emerging performer, is rehearsing his first solo show. They are playing a drinking game – one drink for every line flub. But the exercises unsettle Benny as he gets increasingly intoxicated. A dance gets too intimate, Benny runs into the wings, and Jason gives chase. Jason, offended, gives Benny an Ultimatum: SHOW OR NO SHOW? And everyone knows the show must go on… right?

Writer and Director: Shaun "Cloud" Swain

Producer: Caitlin Robinson

Executive Producers: Paul Wolffram and Lala Rolls

Cinematographer: Louise Toledo

Editor: Beñat Antonana

Sound Design: Caitlin Robinson

Music Composer: Liam Hotter

Colourist: Nikky Nemzer

Cast: Joel Blakely-Clark as Benny, Martin Tidy as Jason

Master of Design Technology films

Cat Hair Allergy

Lexi, a young student grappling with the loneliness of living in a new country, adopts a cat named Long. This newfound companionship triggers a chain of allergic reactions, compelling Lexi to ultimately put Long up for adoption. As Lexi's reality is upended, her one-room apartment transforms - becoming a conduit to a cosmic world.

Co-Writers: Qinxin Yang, Quinn Dacre

Director: Qinxin Yang

Producer: Quinn Dacre

Production Designer: Quinn Dacre

Cinematographer: Caitlin Hall

FX Designer: Johnny Lyu

Editor: Max Helbick

Cast: Motion Performance: Jen Francisco

Lulu: Qinxin (Lulu) Yang

Lexi: Tian Yixing

The Cat Hair Allergy Behind the Scenes film was also shown at the event.

The Journey of Cooking

Thrilled by the prospect of fresh, delicious food, a robot couple relocates from a dystopian city to a vibrant forest. However, their excitement is dashed when they discover that all the food they've bought with their remaining money has gone mouldy. This leads to a culinary revelation.

Director: Echo Sun

Performance Artists: Allan Henry, Branka Vikich

Technical artists: Daline Taing, Echo Sun, Jacob Karam, Gyro Jiang, Niranjan Kottukal

Composer: Blue Ha

Sound designer and mixer: Blue Ha

The Journey of Cooking Behind the Scenes film was also shown at the event.