A discussion with Rob Sarkies and Fiona Samuel presented by WIFT, Toi Pōneke Arts Centre and Massey University
6 - 8:30pm, Weds 24 Sept
A cash bar is available after the presentation
Main Cinema, National Academy of Screen Arts
Dominion Museum Building, Tokomaru, Block 10, Massey University, Wallace Street, Mount Cook, Wellington
$10 entry*
*Massey Film students & staff and WIFT members free
Rob Sarkies and Fiona Samuel
Still from Pike River
Toi Pōneke Art Centre, WIFT and Massey University are proud to host a special presentation from director Rob Sarkies (Out of the Blue, Pike River, Scarfies) and screenwriter Fiona Samuel (Piece of My Heart, Consent: The Louise Nicholas Story, Pike River) 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.
For tickets book here
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.
Click here for more information and to apply for the Write Room.
Presenter’s Biographies
Rob Sarkies
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
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.
