Pike River: Crafting Authenticity
Event description
Toi Pōneke Art Centre, WIFT and Massey University are proud to host a special presentation from director Rob Sarkies (Out of the Blue, Scarfies) and screenwriter Fiona Samuel (Piece of My Heart, Consent: The Louise Nicholas Story) to launch the Wellington Write Room Screenwriter's Residency for 2026.
Proceeding the highly anticipated release of Pike River on 30 October, Rob and Fiona will share how they brought this film to life, honouring the real people at the heart of the story. This presentation will offer a rare look at how these two experienced storytellers crafted a dramatic piece of cinema based on a true story with integrity, courage and deep emotional truth.
A version of this session was one of the highlights of the 2025 Big Screen Symposium and should be of interest to all Pōneke writers, dramatists, filmmakers, and artists interested in the intersection of truth and drama.
The session will include the launch of the 2026 Toi Poneke Wellington Write Room programme (in its 8th consecutive year) and a chance for writers considering applying to discuss requirements with Write Room co-founders Vicky Pope and Rob Sarkies.
About our guests:
Rob Sarkies made his feature debut with black comedy Scarfies (1999), premiering at Sundance and becoming an enduring hit in NZ. His sophomore feature, Out of the Blue (2006) premiered at TIFF to critical and NZ box office success. His latest feature Pike River premiered at the Sydney Film Festival in June and will release in NZ cinemas on 30 October 2025. Rob’s television projects include acclaimed tele-features Consent: The Louise Nicholas Story and Jean about the early life of aviator Jean Batten. Rob has also directed episodic television including episodes of The Gulf, One Lane Bridge, Australian series Wanted and many well known commercials.
Fiona Samuel is a writer and director for television, theatre and film, an NZ Arts Foundation Laureate, and a Member of the NZ Order of Merit for services to television and theatre. She has made a body of work that puts the female experience front and centre, starting with her groundbreaking drama series The Marching Girls, featuring ten young female leads at the helm. Continuing through her acclaimed Sunday Theatre telefeatures is Piece of My Heart and Bliss – The Beginning of Katherine Mansfield. Fiona wrote & directed both films, which won high ratings and multiple awards.
📅 Date: Wednesday 24th September
📍 Location: National Academy of Screen Arts cinema, Dominion Museum Building, Tokomaru, Block 10, Massey University, Wallace Street, Wellington
🕠 Time: 6.00PM – 8.30PM
Presentation followed by nibbles & drinks. Cash bar available.
Free to WIFT members, Massey Students & Staff. $10 for non-members.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
