Fam Is Back: Film Festival Edition: Karangahape Road Becomes A Living Cinema

After the first FAM celebration lit up Karangahape Road in May, it’s back this winter with a brand-new twist. On Saturday 2 August, the street transforms into a living, breathing cinema with films popping up in arcades, alleyways, shopfronts, and around all kinds of unexpected corners. FAM: Film Festival Edition will fill the street with screenings, live performances, and music from 2pm ‘til late and it’s all completely free.

This full-street takeover, inspired by the spirit of the New Zealand International Film Festival, has a very K’ Road flavour. At East Street, catch Homeward Bound with your dog (yes, furry friends are welcome), or sing your heart out at Cult Classic with Kita, an interactive, glitter-soaked evening hosted by the fabulous drag superstar Kita Mean. Settle in for a John Carpenter horror double feature at Whammy Bar. Expect big sounds outside Pitt Street Church, including a set from the one and only Bub, led by Priya Sami, will be rocking the street. Add to that nostalgic shorts, underground premieres, music videos, and showtunes from the pink piano on Pitt Street, and you’ve got yourself a cinematic street party like no other.

“FAM is all about bringing people together on K’ Road and using all the weird and wonderful spaces we’ve got on this iconic street,” says Ella, Creative Producer at the Karangahape Road Business Association. “It’s fun, it’s a bit chaotic, and there’s something for everyone.”

Other highlights of the day include

• Guerilla Filmmaking Workshop with Julia Reynolds (2:30pm to 4pm)
  A hands-on session for aspiring storytellers looking to make films.
• Kiri & Lou Takeover at St Kevins Arcade (2pm - 5pm) Join SMALL RAVE for a playful afternoon of Kiri and Lou magic at St Kevins Arcade. Activities include clay animation, storytime, hands-on crafts, and screenings of the BAFTA-nominated kids show. Free fun for all ages — come get silly and creative!
• Day One short films, local music videos, and live performances from Bub, Goodspace and dān dān (4pm - 7pm) Top of the Pitts Stage outside Pitt St Church
• Everything Everywhere All At Once - Step into the K’ Road laundromat to watch this epic movie which will play on a loop all evening (2pm - 6pm)
• Beyond the Familiar: Artist Talk at RM Gallery (4pm)
  Beyond the Familiar is a portrayal of an in-between world, shaped by the movements of migration. Featuring Tāmaki Makaurau-based artists from South-East Asian and Pasifika backgrounds, the exhibition reflects on their diasporic experiences, where identity, belonging, and memory intersect across shifting cultural landscapes.
• Paraidolia: Immersive Art Exhibition at The Button Factory (from 6pm)
  Wander through a world of abstract paintings and sculptural lamps that play with perception and emotion.
• Queer Night Club CHURCH: at Neck of the Woods (10pm) An offering of sound, movement and connection, this edition features a special collaboration with illustrator and poet Māori Mermaid (Jessica Hinerangi Thompson-Carr).

This event celebrates the creativity, boldness and independent spirit of Karangahape Road, where every corner has a story to tell.

Full programme is launching soon!

https://www.karangahaperoad.com/FAM

Proudly supported by Karangahape Business Association, Auckland Council and the city centre targeted rate.

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