Point Of View

Point of View Podcast – Ep.13 with Samuel Van Grinsven (dir.) & Dacre Montgomery (star)

This month on Point of View, host Tom Augustine sits down with Samuel Van Grinsven and Dacre Montgomery to discuss their new film Went Up the Hill — a psychological drama inspired by Van Grinsven’s memories of childhood in New Zealand’s South Island.
An intimate, modern ghost story, Went Up the Hill explores the extremities of grief and the haunting struggle of letting go.
When Jack travels to remote New Zealand to attend the funeral of his estranged mother, he encounters her grieving widow, Jill. But his mother’s spirit soon returns — inhabiting each of their bodies to speak to the other — sparking a life-threatening nocturnal dance of grief, love, and possession.
🎬 Went Up the Hill is now showing in cinemas across New Zealand.
 
What to Expect
Samuel Van Grinsven on his creative journey bringing Went Up the Hill to life
A spooky, emotional drama set in New Zealand
Dacre Montgomery on stepping into complex, emotionally charged roles
Exploring grief, love, and the supernatural through a modern lens
 
View on Screen in Octuber
The Smashing Machine
Shelby Oaks
Him
Avatar: The Way of Water (Re-release)
Went Up the Hill
Tron Ares
Eleanor the Great
A House of Dynamite
Ballad of a Small Player
Twinless
Roofman
The Black Phone 2
Regretting You
Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere
Pike River
Begonia
 
Best of Streaming Coming Out
Chap Power
Play Dirty
The Lost Bus
Steve
Monster: The Ed Gein Story
John Candy: I Like Me
Hedda
 
View Box:
Rialto Channel Exclusive Series – Families Like Ours
Every Tuesday at 8:30 PM | Episode 1 – Premieres October 21
 
Stay Connected
Don’t miss next month’s updates—follow us on social media:
Facebook: @viewmagnz
Instagram: @viewmagnz
Website: www.viewmag.co.nz
Speakers
Tom Augustine - @thaugustine
Samuel Van Grinsven - @svgrinsven
Dacre Montgomery - @dacremontgomery
Stay tuned for more exciting episodes!

Behind the Film: PRIME MINISTER with Michelle Walshe

Join Tom Augustine in conversation with Michelle Walshe, co-director of the documentary PRIME MINISTER, as they dive into the making of the film that follows Rt Hon Dame Jacinda Ardern over seven years—from her meteoric rise to Prime Minister to her historic leadership and sudden resignation.
Get an inside look at the challenges of leading a nation through crises, balancing motherhood, and redefining global expectations of politics.
✨ Listen to this exclusive capsule interview – link in bio!
#PrimeMinister #JacindaArdern #MichelleWalshe #TomAugustine #CapsuleInterview #Documentary #Politics #ViewMagazine #PointOfViewPodcast

Point of View Podcast – Ep. 12 with Gina Dellabarca

This month on Point of View, host Tom Augustine sits down with Gina Dellabarca.
Gina co-founded Show Me Shorts in 2006 and has been the driving force behind the festival ever since. She is an experienced marketing and communications professional as well as a film programmer. Gina also serves as Vice-Chair of the Board for the Short Film Conference – a global organization that promotes the status of short films and unites the international short film community.
Her background includes providing publicity for films, co-owning a cinema, and leading marketing for major attractions such as Stardome Observatory, Auckland Zoo, and Regional Facilities Auckland. In 2019, she was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to the film industry.
 
Show Me Shorts Turns 20!The fabulous Show Me Shorts Festival is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a special programme.
From 7–27 October, audiences can enjoy 127 screenings and events at 40 cinemas and community venues across Aotearoa. The programme features 83 short films divided into 11 themed collections.
👉 Explore the full lineup: showmeshorts.co.nz
 
What to Expect
Gina Dellabarca’s journey as co-founder and director of the Show Me Shorts Festival
The 20th anniversary of Show Me Shorts
A sneak peek at the Show Me Shorts Film Festival 2025
 
View on Screen in September
Fight or Flight 
Life in One Chord
Sorry Baby
The Roses (Disney)
Conjuring Last Rites
Splitsville
The Long Walk
A Big Bold Beautiful Journey
One Battle After Another
Prime Minister
 
Best of Streaming Coming Out
Pee Wee as Himself
My Mom Jayne
Highest 2 Lowest
The Paper
Task
Only Murders in the Building
Snack Shack
Gen V
The Morning Show
Slow Horses
View Box: Winter melts into spring on Rialto Channel
Every Saturday in September at 8:30 PM
Premiere Date:
Sing Sing- Premieres September 6, 8.30pm
Cottontail - Premieres September 13, 8.30pm
The Last Showgirl - Premieres September 20, 8.30pm
Queer - Premieres September 27, 8.30pm
 
Stay Connected
Don’t miss next month’s updates—follow us on social media:
Facebook: @viewmagnz
Instagram: @viewmagnz
Website: www.viewmag.co.nz
Speakers
Tom Augustine – @thaugustine
Gina Dellabarca – @ginadellabarca
 
Stay tuned for more exciting episodes!

Point of View Podcast – Episode 11 with Sophie Henderson & Curtis Vowell

On the latest episode of Point of View, host Tom Augustine chats with Curtis Vowell (director) and Sophie Henderson (writer/star) of Workmates. Inspired by real-life experiences, this romantic dramedy celebrates the legendary theatre spaces of Tāmaki Makaurau.
Workmates premiered in New Zealand at The Civic on 1 August 2025 during the New Zealand International Film Festival.
What to Expect
Curtis and Sophie’s creative journey and being part of NZIFF 2025
Insights into Workmates (in cinemas August 2025)
View on Screen in August
Weapons – 7 August 2025
Freakier Friday – 7 August 2025
Eddington – 21 August 2025
The Thursday Murder Club – 22 August 2025 (cinemas), 28 August 2025 (Netflix)
Nobody – 14 August 2025
The Naked Gun – TBC
The Shorunds – TBC
Caught Stealing – TBC
The Friend – TBC
The Toxic Avenger – TBC
Tom’s Top 10 – NZIFF 2025
It Was Just an Accident
Trenque Lauque
NZ Shorts
The Mastermind
Reedland
The Secret Agent
Megallan
Predators
Blue Moon
Magic Farm
Best of Streaming – NZ Release Dates
Chief of War – Apple TV+ – TBC
King of the Hill – Hulu – TBC
Wednesday S2 Part 1 – Netflix – 6 August 2025
Wednesday S2 Part 2 – Netflix – 3 September 2025
Alien: Earth – Disney+ – 13 August 2025
The Thursday Murder Club – Netflix – 28 August 2025
View Box Highlights – Rialto Channel 39, Sky TV
Godzilla Minus One – 23 August 2025, 8:30 PM
Niel Hussey Interview 
Bax and Beyond – 21 August 2025
The Great 90s Rewind – 28 August 2025
The Emmys – 26 August 2025 (NZ broadcast details TBC)
Follow UsFacebook: @viewmagnzInstagram: @viewmagnzWebsite: www.viewmag.co.nz
Speakers:
Tom Augustine – @thaugustine
Sophie Henderson – @sophiekatehenderson
Curtis Vowell – @curtis_vowell
 
Stay tuned for more exciting episodes!

Point of View Podcast – Ep.10 with Edward Sampson

This month On Point of View, Join host Tom Augustine in conversation with Edward Sampson — accomplished filmmaker and director of Devils on Horses (2025). With credits including The Story of Rugby and Turn of the Screw, Sampson discusses storytelling through film, historical memory, and the craft of documentary-making. Devils on Horses premiered at Doc Edge Festival 2025 and is now in cinemas around New Zealand.
 
What to Expect
Edward Sampson’s journey• Insights into his latest film Devils on Horses (2025)
View on Screen in July
Jurassic World: Rebirth – in cinemas from June 5• Superman – in cinemas from July 10• Smurfs – in cinemas from July 4• Bride Hard – in cinemas from July 11• Friendship – in cinemas from July 18• I Know What You Did Last Summer – in cinemas from July 25• Fantastic Four: First Steps – in cinemas from July 31• When Fall is Coming – in cinemas from July 18• Life of Chuck – in cinemas from July 25• Together – in cinemas from July 11
Best of Streaming Coming Out• The Old Guard 2 – Netflix (from July 19)• The Sandman Season 2 – Netflix (from July 25)• Too Much – Prime Video (from July 12) 
View Box
La Cocina – premieres July 26, 8:30 PM on Rialto Channel 39, Sky TV
Stay Connected
Don’t miss next month’s updates — follow us on social media:• Facebook: @viewmagnz• Instagram: @viewmagnz• Website: www.viewmag.co.nz
Speakers
Tom Augustine – @thaugustine• Edward Sampson – @edward.sampson.1974
 
Stay tuned for more exciting episodes!

Point of View Podcast – Episode 9 with Kath Akuhata-Brown

This month on Point of View, Tom Augustine chats with acclaimed New Zealand filmmaker 𝗞𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗸𝘂𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗮-𝗕𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 (Ngāti Porou), known for her powerful storytelling rooted in Māori culture.
In this episode, Kath shares insights into her latest film Kōkā — a moving story of healing, connection, and transformation. Kōkā follows Māori elder Hamo and local teen Jo, who form an unexpected bond on a road trip that confronts past wounds and unearths shared strength.
Kōkā is in cinemas now!
What to Expect
• 𝗞𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗸𝘂𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗮-𝗕𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻's journey• Insights into her latest film Kōkā
Best of Streaming Coming Out
• Mountainhead – NEON (from 1 June)• The Haka Party – AroVISION (from 1 June)• Echo Valley – Apple TV (13 June)• Love Me – NEON (25 June)• The Bear Season 4 – Disney+ (26 June)• Squid Game Season 3 – Netflix (27 June)• Stick – Apple TV (4 June)• We Are Liars – Prime Video (20 June)• Ironheat – Netflix (22 June)
View on Screen in June
• Materialists – 12 June• 28 Years Later – 19 June• Megan 2.0 – 26 June• Formula 1 – 26 June• Jurassic Park: Rebirth – 3 July• CCFC Presents: Diary of a Country Priest – 24 June• Ballerina – 5 June• Chuck Chuck Baby – 5 June• How to Train Your Dragon (Live Action) – 12 June• Dangerous Animals – 12 June• Elio – 19 June• Karate Kid: Legends – 26 June
View Box
The Embers – Exclusive French series on Rialto ChannelEvery Tuesday night in June at 8:30 PM
Stay Connected
Don’t miss next month’s updates — follow us on social media:• Facebook: @viewmagnz• Instagram: @viewmagnz• Website: www.viewmag.co.nz
Speakers
• Tom Augustine – @thaugustine• 𝗞𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗸𝘂𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗮-𝗕𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 – @kathakuhatabrown
 
Stay tuned for more exciting episodes!

Point of View Podcast – Episode 8 with Diana Wichtel

This month on Point of View, host Tom Augustine sits down with Diana Wichtel—acclaimed journalist, author, and beloved cultural commentator. For 36 years, Diana’s sharp wit and moving prose illuminated the pages of the Listener, earning her a place as one of New Zealand’s most distinctive voices.
She is the author of the award-winning memoir Driving to Treblinka: A Long Search for a Lost Father, which won the Ockham New Zealand Book Award, and her latest collection Unreel, a rich and witty anthology of her finest television writing.
In this episode, Diana reflects on her storied career, the experience of being on the other side of the interview, and why television once felt like magic.
Diana will appear on Friday 16 May 2025 to discuss Unreel: A Life in Review as part of the Writers Festival 2025 programme.
Explore the full lineup: writersfestival.co.nz/programmes/main-programme
What to Expect
Diana Wichtel’s journey as a cultural critic
Highlights from Driving to Treblinka and Unreel
A look back at New Zealand’s media landscape
A sneak peek of her appearance at Writers Festival 2025
Best of Streaming Coming Out
Another Simple Favour – Prime Video (from 1 May)
The Four Seasons – Netflix (from 1 May)
Overcompensating: Season One – Prime Video (from 15 May)
The Reserve: Limited Series – Netflix (from 15 May)
Nine Perfect Strangers: Season 2 – Prime Video (from 22 May)
Fear Street: Prom Queen – Netflix (from 23 May)
Fountain of Youth – AppleTV+ (from 23 May)
Bono: Stories of Surrender – AppleTV+ (from 30 May)
Andor – Still streaming on Disney+ (Premiered in April)
View on Screen in May
Thunderbolts – 1 May
Bob Trevino Likes It – 1 May
Marlon Williams: Nga Ao E Rua – Two Worlds – 1 May
The Wedding Banquet – 8 May
Clown In A Cornfield – 8 May
Tall Tales – 8 May
Forgive Us All – 8 May
Final Destination: Bloodlines – 15 May
Hurry Up Tomorrow – 15 May
The Salt Path – 15 May
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning – 22 May
Lilo & Stitch – 22 May
CCFC Presents: Orson Welles' The Trial – 28 May
When Fall Is Coming – 28 May
The Phoenician Scheme – 29 May
Bring Her Back – 29 May
Karate Kid Legends – 29 May
View Box: Musical Notes on Rialto Channel
Every Thursday in May at 8:30 PM
Welcome to the Darkness – Premieres Thursday, 1 May
Catching Fire: The Story of Anita Pallenberg – Premieres Thursday, 8 May
Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus – Premieres Thursday, 15 May
Mozart's Sister – Premieres Thursday, 22 May
Mutiny In Heaven: The Birthday Party – Premieres Thursday, 22 May
Stay Connected
Don’t miss next month’s updates—follow us on social media:
Facebook: @viewmagnz
Instagram: @viewmagnz
Website: www.viewmag.co.nz
Speakers
Tom Augustine – @thaugustine
Diana Wichtel – www.writersfestival.co.nz
Stay tuned for more exciting episodes!

Point of View Podcast – Episode 7 with Paolo Rotondo

This month on Point of View, join host Tom Augustine as he sits down with Paolo Rotondo, an award-winning director, writer, and actor with over 20 years in the film industry. Paolo’s screen credits include feature films The Ugly and Stickmen, as well as television series like Shortland Street, The Making of the Mob: Chicago, and the BBC’s The Luminaries. His successful acting career has paved the way for his work behind the camera, with his debut film Orphans & Kingdoms earning international recognition and multiple festival accolades.
Beyond his contributions to film and television, Paolo, along with Renée Mark, co-founded the Italian Film Festival—a beloved tradition that has brought the best of Italian cinema to Aotearoa for the past decade. Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, the festival continues to captivate audiences with a carefully curated selection of Italian films.
The full 2025 programme is now live! The festival will run from April 2025 to January 2026.
🎬 Explore the full lineup and get your tickets at www.italianfilmfestivalnz.com.
What to Expect
Paolo Rotondo’s journey
Italian Film Festival 2025
Insights about the Italian film industry
View on Screen in April
Queer – In Cinemas 3 April
Emmanuelle – In Cinemas 3 April
Grand Tour – In Cinemas 17 April
Warfare – In Cinemas 17 April
Death of a Unicorn – In Cinemas 10 April
The Penguin Lessons – In Cinemas 17 April
Small Things Like These – In Cinemas 24 April
Best of Streaming Coming Out
Dying for Sex – Disney+
Your Friends and Neighbors – Apple TV
Black Mirror – Netflix
View Box: Cinema Italiano on Rialto Channel
Every Monday in April at 8:30 PM
There’s Still Tomorrow – Premieres Monday, 7 April
To Chiara – Premieres Monday, 14 April
The Eight Mountains – Premieres Monday, 21 April
La Chimera – Premieres Monday, 28 April
Stay Connected
Don’t miss next month’s updates—follow us on social media:
Facebook: @viewmagnz
Instagram: @viewmagnz
Website: www.viewmag.co.nz
Speakers
Tom Augustine – @thaugustine
Paolo Rotondo – @italianfilmfestivalnz
Stay tuned for more exciting episodes!

Point of View Podcast – Episode 6 with Maddy Hakaraia de Young

This month on Point of View, join Tom Augustine as he chats with Maddy Hakaraia de Young (Ngati Kapu), a Producer at Maoriland Productions and Festival Director of Maoriland Film Festival. Maddy is a founding member of Maoriland and leads festival programming. Year-round, she supports the work of the MCT as a producer. Supported by a team of rangatahi, she has spent the last 10 years developing and overseeing the implementation of Te Uru Maire - the Maoriland Rangatahi Strategy. Te Uru Maire nurtures rangatahi to find their voice through film and develop the practical skills to tell their unique stories. Over 200 short films have been made through this programme over the last 10 years, with over 2,000 participating rangatahi, both in New Zealand and internationally. Maddy's work with Te Uru Maire was recognised at the 2021 New Zealander of the Year awards, where she was a semi-finalist for Young New Zealander of the Year.
Aotearoa’s International Indigenous Film Festival (https://maorilandfilm.co.nz/) – Check out the lineup and experience the best of Indigenous storytelling! March 26 – 30, 2025
What to Expect:
Maddy’s journey
Maoriland Festival – The MFF is the world’s largest celebration of Indigenous storytelling, with five days of screenings, interactive installations and art exhibitions, industry events, and more.
A personal reflection
View in Screen in Cinemas in March:
Mickey 17 – March 16
The Last Showgirl – March 20
The Rule of Jenny Pen – March 20
Black Bag – March 13
A Working Man – March 27
The Return – March 27
Snow White – March 20
Firebrand – March 13
Best of Streaming Coming Out:
Daredevil: Born Again (Disney+) – From March 4
Il Gattopardo/The Leopard (Netflix) – From March 5
The Electric State (Netflix) – From March 14
The Residence (Netflix) – From March 20
The Studio (Apple TV+) – From March 26
View Box:
Never Look Away – Premieres Saturday, March 22, at 8:30 pm. Review and interview with director Lucy Lawless.
Stay Connected: Don’t miss next month’s updates—follow us on social media:
Facebook: @viewmagnz
Instagram: @viewmagnz
Website: www.viewmag.co.nz
Speakers:
Tom Augustine – @thaugustine
Maddy Hakaraia de Young – @madicattt
Stay tuned for more exciting episodes!
 

Point of View Podcast – Episode 5: Katie Wolfe

This month on Point of View, join Tom Augustine as he chats with Katie Wolfe, a director, writer, and actor from Aotearoa New Zealand with an impressive career in film, television, and theatre.
Kiwi director Katie Wolfe discusses her powerful new film, The Haka Party Incident, coming to cinemas on January 30th.
Recently awarded the Human Rights Award at the LA Independent Women Film Awards, Katie shares the story behind her impactful latest project.
What to Expect:
The Haka Party Incident – A clash between two cultures
From theatre to cinema – “You were in the room that day… tell your truth.”
Arriving at a time of…
A personal reflection on her journey from Dargaville to New York, her love of music, and her powerful documentaries.
Featured Film:
The Haka Party Incident – In cinemas January 30
View in Screen in Cinemas in February:
Captain America: New World Order – February 13
I'm Still Here – February 20
The Monkey – February 20
Bird (Waitangi Day)
September 5 (Waitangi Day)
Alien Weaponry – September 5 (Waitangi Day)
Love Hurts – September 5 (Waitangi Day)
Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy – February 13
Tina – February 27
Vicious – February 27
Best of Streaming Coming Out:
The Gorge (Apple TV+ – February 14)
Reacher Season 3 (Prime Video – February 20)
Most Anticipated Films 2025:
Tom’s pick: Terence by Terrence Malick
Katie’s top picks: A Complete Unknown and Maria
View Box:
Best Interests (Rialto Channel on Sky – from February 25)
Stay Connected:
Don’t miss next month’s updates—follow us on social media:
Facebook: @viewmagnz
Instagram: @viewmagnz
Website: www.viewmag.co.nz
Speakers:
Tom Augustine – @thaugustine
Katie Wolfe – @katiewolfe.nz
Stay tuned for more exciting episodes!