One year ago, Entangled Curiosities became official. But in my messy, tangled rollercoaster of life, it's been alive for much longer. It invisibly existed in every angry, nerdy, griefy message you've sent, every post you've shared, every quiet nod of recognition that said, "Yes. This. Finally."

This evening is for you: the readers, supporters, curious minds, and invisible co-conspirators who made this year possible. We'll reflect on what we've built together, and share a glimpse of what's coming next (spoiler: it involves more questions, more rituals, and definitely more creative trouble).

I'm thrilled to be celebrating this occasion with filmmaker Jolin Lee, whose work does what the best stories do: it unsettles, lingers, and asks the questions we've been too careful to speak aloud. We'll screen her incredible film, Chrysanthemum, which screened at this year's NZIFF amongst Aotearoa's best short films. It will be followed by a conversation about craft, narrative courage, and the brilliance of telling stories that refuse to be polite.

Plus, a sneak peek at a collaboration that braids grief, systems, and a refusal to let certain truths stay quiet.

This is a fundraiser for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. All proceeds will be split between Pet Refuge, a kiwi charity providing temporary shelter for the beloved animal companions of domestic abuse survivors until they can safely reunite, and local arts initiatives like the Statue of Peace to engage communities about gender-based violence.

Flexible pricing: pay what you can. Cost should never be a barrier to celebrating in solidarity. Give what feels right, don't think twice. I am just keeping the number of registrations for catering purposes :)

And for my neurodivergent whānau: there'll be a quiet corner if the crowd gets too much. I got you.

The Evening:

5:00pm Doors open
5:30pm Welcome & what we've achieved together
5:45pm Chrysanthemum screening + Q&A with Jolin Lee
6:30pm What's next for Entangled Curiosities
7:00pm Kai & korero