LIVE CINEMA: THE PINK PANTHER
Directed by Friz Freleng and Hawley Pratt. Live Soundtrack by James Milne.
It's a Pink-tastic Birhday Party! Celebrate The Pink Panther's sixtieth anniversay with six swanky cartoons and a live soundtrack.
The Pink Panther is paws-down the world’s best-loved cartoon panther—and unquestionably the pinkest. The sleek, witty, and silent pink-inked feline became an instant hit after debuting in the opening credits of Blake Edwards’ caper film, then went on to star in his Oscar-winning short film THE PINK PHINK, and later had his own successful TV series.
To mark six ink Panther decades we’re presenting six six-minute cartoons with a swinging live soundtrack, composed and performed by the one and only Lawrence Arabia.
“The Pink Panther’s timeless gags meet brand-new music from Lawrence Arabia. We’re going to party like it’s 1964.”
Animated Cartoons
45 minutes
United States 1964-1969
Rating: G
Recommended for: All Ages
MINI SIZED SQUARE EYES: TEENS & TWEENS
Directed by Various Directors
Artistic ingenuity and visionary storytelling combine in these remarkable animated shorts, selected especially for teens and tweens.
This collection of brand spanking new animated short films from around the globe has been carefully curated to land with our older Square Eyes friends, while also sparking inspiration for aspiring filmmakers and grown-up creatives.
“A beautiful blend imagination and emotion, these animated gems are a testament to boundless creative smarts the world over.”
Animated Shorts
60 minutes
Various countries and Various production years.
Rating: PG
Recommended for: Ages 9+
LANDFILL HARMONIC
Directed by Brad Allgood and Graham Townsley. Co-direction by Juliana Penaranda-Loftus.
This remarkable true-story of the Recycled Orchestra shines a light on the transformative power of music, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Subtly addressing poverty and waste pollution, while showing the good that comes from taking what others discard to create something of beauty and value, this award-winning big-hearted documentary is the true-story of the Recycled Orchestra of Cateura, a group of talented teens who play instruments made entirely of rubbish. As the group takes its inspiring spectacle of trash-into-music around the world, we follow their lives at home in a Paraguayan slum, alongside their soaring international rise—including an appearance with their musical heroes, Megadeath!
This extraordinary story isn’t just about music—it’s a testament to human creativity and fortitude. Through making instruments from rubbish, these young musicians show us that hope can arise from unexpected places. Their journey from Cateura’s landfill to the world stage is nothing short of remarkable, underscoring the profound impact of art and community.
“The world sends us garbage, we send back music.”
Documentary Feature
84 minutes
Paraguay/United States, 2015
Rating: PG
Recommended for: Ages 10+
SUPERWORM + THE SMEDS AND THE SMOOS
Directed by Jac Hamman, Sarah Scrimgeour, Samantha Cutler and Daniel Snaddon.
Not one, but two, animated long shorts based on the much-loved stories by powerhouse picture book duo Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
Animated by our pals at Magic Light Pictures—who have won countless awards for their brilliance—and featuring the voice talent of Adjoa Andoh, Bill Bailey, Meera Syal, Matt Smith, Olivia Colman, and Rob Brydon, to name but a few, this rhyme-filled double bill is a terrific screen escapade for littlest super-book-worms.
Superworm is super-long and super-strong with many super-skills. But what happens when Superworm gets super-cocky and starts to ignore his friends? The red Smeds and the blue Smoos must learn to overcome their differences and work together, in an out-of-this-world story of tolerance and acceptance.
“Julia, Axel, and Magic Light Pictures have once again created total book-to-screen smash hits. ”
Animated Long Shorts
52 minutes
United Kingdom, 2021/2022
Rating: G
Recommended for: Ages 3+
KENSUKE’S KINGDOM
NEW ZEALAND PREMIERE
Directed by Kirk Hendry and Neil Boyle.
A beautiful, bittersweet, and visually stunning story of survival, courage, and the power of human connection.
Co-directed by New Zealand-born Kirk Hendry and featuring the voices of Cillian Murphy, Sally Hawkins, and Ken Watanabe, this captivating castaway adventure reimagines Michael Morpurgo’s beloved novel, weaving connectedness, hope, and discovery into its emotionally resonant narrative.
Michael and his pup, Stella, are shipwrecked after a huge storm strikes their family boat off the English coast. Struggling to survive on his own, Michael is invited into a treetop world by a mysterious Japanese stranger, where he not only learns invaluable lessons, but also uncovers poignant details of the old man’s past. As Kensuke and Michael’s bond deepens, their newfound tranquillity is interrupted when both their existence and the world around them, is challenged.
NOTE: Contains scenes of peril, as well as themes related to war, loss, and isolation that may be intense for younger viewers.
“KENSUKE’S KINGDOM holds its young audience with the utmost respect. It doesn’t underestimate them, or shield them, or hide the truth of the world from them. Instead, it’s brutally honest and therefore all the more enrapturing. It reveres its audience, and feels privileged to be telling them its story.”
Animated Feature
80 minutes
United Kingdom, 2023.
Genre: Animated Feature
Rating: PG
Recommended for: Ages 8+
TONARI NO TOTORO—MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki.
There’s nothing quite like Hayao Miyazaki’s Totoro. This gentle and affirming study of childhood, is an astonishing achievement of handcrafted animation.
This iconic all ages masterpiece from legendary Studio Ghibli and beloved director Hayao Miyazaki is a timeless tale of friendship and wonder that continues to captivate hearts around the world.
When Satsuki and her sister Mei move to a new home in the countryside with their father while their mother convalesces, they discover that life is not quite as simple as it first seemed. In the nearby woods, they encounter strange and delightful creatures, including a gigantic but gentle forest spirit called Totoro, adorable little Susuwatari Sootsprites, and the most incredible form of public transport ever—the Cat Bus!
“Here is a children’s film made for the world we should live in, rather than the one we occupy.”
Animated Feature
86 minutes
Japan, 1988. In Japanese with English subtitles.
Rating: G
Recommended for: Ages 6+
VI ÄR BÄST!—WE ARE THE BEST!
Directed by Lukas Moodysson.
Hilarious, tender, and shot through with palpable joy, this infectious coming-of-age story is a joyous celebration of friendship, punk, and, most of all, 13-year-old girls.
Coco, Klara, and Mathilda have been friends since primary school, where they first met in a folk dancing class. Now, they’re newly teenagers, their raw energy, rebellious spirit, and dreams of forming a world-beating punk band set them apart from the other girls at school. They can’t play any instruments, practice with pillows and pans, and keep getting told that punk is dead. But they’re not going to let any of that stop them!
Based on Coco Moodysson’s graphic novel, this story follows the trio as they rock out and take chances, fight and make up, and discover themselves amidst all the beautiful chaos and camaraderie—reminding us all that the only things you really need in life are your best friends, and three killer chords.
NOTE: Contains strong language, and scenes depicting teenage antics, including underage drinking and smoking.
“There is hardly a shortage of movies about rock’n’roll, but there are few as perfect — which is to say as ragged, as silly, as touching or as true—as WE ARE THE BEST!”
Live-Action Feature
102 minutes
Sweden, 2013. In Swedish with English subtitles.
Rating: PG
Recommended for: Ages 13+
MINI-SIZED SQUARE EYES: STOP MOTION COMMOTION
Directed by Various Directors.
Get ready to be wowed by our sparky collection of spectacular stop-motion as we showcase the artistry and innovation of this remarkable artform.
Discover some of the coolest stop-motion animation from around the world! These imaginative films are full of impressive technique, frame-by-frame brilliance, and meticulous cleverness that will ignite your imagination and get you firing on your own stop-motion make-a-thons.
“These stop-motion favourites continue to amaze with their incredible attention to detail, showcasing the limitless possibilities for expressing big ideas through tiny motion.”
Animated Shorts
50 minutes
Various Countries, Various years.
Rating: G
Recommended for: Ages 5+
THE MUPPET MOVIE
Directed by James Frawley.
They’re irresistible! They’re irrepressible! They’re The Muppets and we’re celebrating the 45th Anniversary of their first full-length movie!
Jim Henson’s Muppets hit the big screen for the first time in this 1979 gag-filled musical extravaganza. It’s an origin story of sorts, with Kermit the Frog setting off from his swampy home in search of fame and fortune in Hollywood. Along the way he teams up with many of his Muppet pals; Fozzie the Bear, Scooter, Gonzo and, of course, Miss Piggy. Unfortunately, his talents also attract the attention of the dastardly restaurant impresario Doctor Hooper, who wants to exploit Kermit’s singing and dancing ability to promote his chain of fried frog legs eateries.
THE MUPPET MOVIE left an indelible mark on cinematic history, receiving two Academy Award nominations—four and a half decades later it continues to delight audiences of all ages, proving that the Muppets’ legacy is truly timeless.
“Life’s like a movie, write your own ending. Keep believing, keep pretending. We’ve done just what we set out to do. Thanks to the lovers, the dreamers and you.”
Live-Action Puppet Feature
95 minutes
United States, 1979.
Rating: G
Recommended for: All Ages
THE BREADWINNER
Directed by Nora Twomey.
An inspiring and luminously animated tale of hope about the power of stories to sustain hope and carry us through dark times.
Executive producer Angelina Jolie and Academy Award-nominated director Nora Twomey bring Deborah Ellis’ bestselling YA novel to the big screen with authenticity and heart, sharing a remarkable story of undaunted courage and strength that is equal parts thrilling and enchanting.
Meet Parvana, an 11-year-old girl growing up under Taliban rule in Afghanistan. After the wrongful arrest of her father, Parvana cuts off her hair and dresses like a boy to support her family, soon discovering a new world of freedom—and danger. Drawing strength from the fantastical stories she invents, Parvana embarks on an epic quest to find her father and reunite her family.
PLEASE NOTE: Some scenes may be intense for young viewers, including children in danger, a brief scene with a dog being hit, a woman being beaten, men with guns, and instances of violence and conflict.
“A glorious demonstration of the power of myth to deal with brutal reality, and the power of truth to animate myth.”
Animated Feature
94 minutes,
Canada/Ireland/Luxembourg, 2017.
Rating: PG
Recommended for: Ages 13+
PUFFIN ROCK AND THE NEW FRIENDS
NEW ZEALAND PREMIERE
Directed by Jeremy Purcell.
Life is sweet on beautiful Puffin Rock! Brave hearts unite in this elemental, gentle, and delightful tale—ever-charmingly narrated by Chris O’Dowd.
It’s another glorious morning on Puffin Rock! With an action-packed story that celebrates nature, belonging, courage, and friendship, this newest feature from the Oscar-nominated geniuses at Cartoon Saloon (THE SECRET OF KELLS, SONG OF THE SEA, and WOLFWALKERS) is perfect for our youngest Square Eyes friends.
Based on the award-winning TV series, our family favorites Oona, Baba, May, and Mossy are now joined by a new cast of characters, including Isabelle, Phoenix, and Marvin, who have arrived on the island. When the last Little Egg of the season disappears under mysterious circumstances, Oona and her new friends race against time to bring the Little Egg home before a big storm hits Puffin Rock and puts the entire island in danger.
“Welcome news for preschool puffin fans and for parents who fancy losing themselves in a gentle, gorgeously animated balm of a film.”
Animated Feature
80 minutes
Ireland, 2023.
Rating: G
Recommended for: Ages 3+
ERNEST & CÉLESTINE, LE VOYAGE EN CHARABIE—A TRIP TO GIBBERITIA
Directed by Julien Cheng and Jean-Christophe Roger.
Joie de vivre courses through every meticulously composed frame, as Ernest & Célestine return in this joyous follow-up to their first Academy Award-nominated adventure.
At long last, they’ve returned! Ernest & Célestine, the charmingly mismatched best friends—a big gruff bear and a little plucky mouse—are back with another instant classic following their Oscar-nominated debut in 2013. Based on the glorious series of children’s books by author and illustrator Gabrielle Vincent, this poignant story speaks to the necessity of artistic freedom and the power of standing up for what you believe in.
When Ernest and Celestine discover music has been banned in the land of Charabie, they set out to take on the oppressive rule and restore lost harmony to their world. Speaking to the pang of leaving home and returning after having found your chosen family, and the expectations that come from those who raised you, this latest Ernest & Célestine sojourn beautifully builds on their whimsical world with intricate detail and deep artistry.
“There are big ideas woven through this lively, twisty narrative, offering powerful
insight amid the thrillingly goofy antics.”
Animated Feature,
80 minutes
France, 2022. In French with English subtitles.
Rating: G
Recommended for: 7+
MINI-SIZED SQUARE EYES: CINÉ FANTASTIQUE!
Directed by Various Directors.
Kick-start Bastille Day with a collection of both new and much-loved animated French-language short films.
Join us for a selection of très brilliant animated shorts, selected to ignite and engage both Francophiles and indie-animation lovers of all ages. C’est magnifique!
“Some of the most inventive animation in the world can be found in the short films developed and made in France. Here are just some of them.”
Animated Shorts
45 Minutes.
France, Various Years. In French with English Subtitles.
Rating: G
Recommended for: Ages 5+
YELLOW SUBMARINE SING-ALONG
Directed by George Dunning.
All aboard the Yellow Submarine! Come sing your heart out with the Fab Four, and bring the next generation of Beatles admirers along for the ride.
This icon of psychedelic pop culture and historic animation landmark is an unmissable animated musical spectacle filled to overflow with visual invention, optical illusions, word play, and glorious, glorious music. Featuring Heinz Edelmann’s inspired art direction, YELLOW SUBMARINE showcases a non-stop parade of wildly different styles and techniques. From the paper-doll residents of Pepperland to the kaleidoscopic color-splashed rotoscoping of Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, and the triumphant euphony of the It’s All Too Much finale—the film is a total eyes and ears treat.
Once upon a time...or maybe twice...there was an unearthly paradise called Pepperland. A place where beauty, happiness, and song reign supreme. But this harmony is shattered when the Blue Meanies arrive. It’s The Beatles to the rescue, as the fab four journey across seven seas to make peace with the Meanies, and restore music, colour, and love to the world.
“The message is loud and clear… love is still all you need.”
Animated Feature
90 Minutes
United Kingdom, 1968.
Rating: G
Recommended for: All Ages
TV ON THE BIG SCREEN: KIRI AND LOU + BLUEY
Directed By Harry Sinclair, Rich Jeffery, Joe Brumm.
Oh my goshinkles! Get ready for some larger-than-life Saturday morning viewing with Kiri and Lou + Bluey!
See Kiri and Lou’s forest shenanigans and Bluey’s extraordinary adventuring in this super special 8-episode collection, offering up a brilliant big-screen experience for our littlest screen fans.
“These prehistoric buddies and the Heeler family have taken the world by storm, capturing little (and big) imaginations by portraying the kaleidoscope of human emotions and family life onscreen like few have done before.”
Episodic TV
48 minutes
New Zealand + Australia
2022 + 2023
Rating: G
Recommended for: 3+
Whale Rider: 20th Birthday Party
Rā Whānau ki a Whale Rider! Join us in a rousing rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ and help director Niki Caro blow out twenty candles in celebration of Whale Rider’s 20th anniversary screening.
FREE EVENT
Whale Rider (20th Anniversary Screening)
Genre: Feature
Rating: PG
Recommended for: Ages 9+ years
In partnership with South Pacific Pictures and the New Zealand Film Commission
Q&A with Niki Caro, Director
Set at the East Coast town of Whāngārā, and coupling a specific sense of place and Māori culture with a universal coming-of-age story, Whale Rider tells the tale of Pai, who challenges tradition and embraces the past in order to find the strength to lead her people forward.
TV on The Big Screen
Genre: Collection of TV Episodes
Rating: G
Recommended for: Ages 3+ years
It’s time for Saturday morning TV like never before, with our selection of brilliant TV episodes from some of our favourite small screen creators, shared on the Embassy’s glorious big screen — including Kiri and Lou and Bluey.
My Life As A Courgette
Genre: Feature
Rating: PG
Recommended for: Ages 11+ years
Q&A — with Ant Elworthy, Animator
A young boy, with the brilliant nickname ‘Courgette’, is sent to a children’s home in this frank, affecting and expressive stop-motion animation about kids finding strength through solidarity.
Kubo and The Two Strings
Genre: Feature
Rating: PG
Recommended for: Ages 9+ years
Q&A — with Ant Elworthy, Animator
This remarkable LAIKA studio feature boasts epic fantasy scope, and incredible stop-motion animation. Humble and clever Kubo accidentally summons a spirit from the heavens, and determined to fulfill an age-old vendetta, goes on the run.
Stop-Motion Commotion Workshop
Recommended for: For ages 9+
Discover the magic of stop-motion and the buzz of collaborative animation process in this hands-on workshop led by internationally acclaimed stop-motion animator extraordinaire Ant Elworthy (Kiri and Lou, Kubo and The Two Strings, My Life as a Courgette, Coraline, Isle Of Dogs, Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride). Design your very own character then bring it to animated life.
Animal Art Antics
Come and take a line for a walk in this guided art activity, and see what kind of illustrated animal it might turn into.
FREE EVENT
The Eagle Huntress
Genre: Documentary
Rating: G
Recommended for: Ages 7+ years
An empowering documentary on the barrier-breaking exploits of Aisholpan, a fierce 13-year-old girl learning to train hunting eagles against male-dominated Mongolian tradition.
Origami Goldfish Mobile Making
Phenomenal paper artist Takayo Ukai needs your help to complete her Ponyo tribute origami mobile installation. Join Takayo and see her meticulous mahi up close. Make one origami goldfish to take home with you, and leave another to become a special piece of Takayo’s collective artwork.
FREE EVENT
Ponyo
Genre: Feature
Rating: G
Recommended for: Ages 3+ years
A masterpiece of all-ages wonderment from Japanese animation genius Hayao Miyazaki, Ponyo is a magical seaside fairy tale utterly perfect for those aged three-100, and one of Studio Ghibli’s best ever animated films.
West African Drum N' Dance
The North Lounge will be jumping today, led by Koffie Fugah, founder of the Kadodo West African Drum and Dance School. Koffie, a master performer and story-teller from Ghana, will generously share his heart for African culture through traditional songs, dance and drumming. Feel the rhythm when you hear the drum speak.
FREE EVENT
Kirikou and The Sorceress
Genre: Feature
Rating: PG
Recommended for: Ages 5+ years
A super-loved favourite of past Square Eyes programmes, this West African fable from famed French animator Michel Ocelot is a feast for the eyes and the ears, and quite unlike anything you’ve seen before in western animation.
Curiously Good Book Nook
Find a cosy little North Lounge corner, and lose yourself in a brilliant book, thanks to our inspirational friends at Gecko Press and Verb Wellington. Independent publisher Gecko Press translates remarkable books for inquisitive kids by some of the world’s best writers and illustrators.
FREE EVENT
The Gruffalo + The Gruffalo's Child
Genre: Long Shorts,
Rating: G
Recommended for: Ages 4+ years
His eyes are orange, his tongue is black, he has purple prickles all over his back! Not one but two award-winning, animated films starring the beloved Gruffalo, based on the classic books by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
Moana Sing-Along
Genre: Feature
Rating: PG
Recommended for: Ages 6+ years
Feature Disney’s blockbuster tribute to Polynesian culture, beloved here and around the world, returns to the big screen as a special sing-along event.