Staff Picks: Tom Ainge-Roy

Being born into a family of documentary film makers, I like to think I was always destined to be involved in films and what better way than to work at New Zealand’s biggest and best film festival! There is nothing like being awake in the dark watching a new film direct from Cannes at the glorious Embassy and this year there is a cracker of a line up coming! I like to mix my festival experience between rich cinematic storytelling and a journey of discovery of new ideas, people and places. The best films mix all these elements and leave you reeling as you exit the cinema. Documentaries are stacked heavy this year and with good reason, from seasoned veterans to new debuts, there is no shortage of fascinating subjects to encounter and it certainly feels like the genre is moving from strength to strength in the last few years. Without further ado, I present my picks for the festival.