Oscar-qualifying Doc Edge Festival, in partnership with Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC)’s Kōawa Studios and co-sponsored by Screen Canterbury, is bringing a curated selection of films from its 2026 programme to Ōtautahi Christchurch for a special three-day showcase at UC’s Jack Mann Theatre from 31 July to 2 August.
The Christchurch Showcase will feature 13 documentary features, a collection of New Zealand short films and a locally created immersive project, offering audiences the opportunity to experience a diverse range of stories from Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world.
“Kōawa Studios are delighted to welcome Doc Edge to the Jack Mann Theatre. The showcase is a wonderful opportunity to connect Ōtautahi Christchurch audiences with powerful documentary storytelling while highlighting UC and Kōawa as a home for creativity, innovation and screen culture in Aotearoa,” says Sam Witters, Director of UC’s Kōawa Studios.
Opening the showcase on Friday 31 July is Ranginui: Call of the Ice, a powerful New Zealand documentary exploring Antarctica’s fragile environment and the cultural significance of its dark skies.
Across the three days, audiences can experience stories spanning justice, conflict, creativity, technology, identity and the environment. International documentaries include The Trial of Alec Baldwin, which examines the tragic on-set shooting that led to one of the most closely watched legal cases in recent memory; Inside Gaza, a deeply human portrait of life amid conflict; Dance For Your Life, an intimate look inside the fiercely competitive world of commercial dance; Replica, which explores the growing role of artificial intelligence in modern relationships, and American Doctor, following three physicians from different faiths united by a commitment to saving lives in Gaza.
New Zealand stories feature strongly throughout the programme, including Finding Honk, a search for reconciliation shaped by truth and imagination; Music and the Mystical Experience, which explores the role of music in psychedelic therapy; There’s a Hole in My Bucket, following Royd Tolkien on an emotional and often humorous journey inspired by his late brother’s final bucket list, and Unlikely Kin, an exploration of Indigenous knowledge, conservation and whakapapa.
A special Christchurch Collection will present four films with local Ōtautahi connections, including one feature film: featherStrength and three short films: Girls’ Flight Out, Gloria, and Jacqueline Fahey: From Where I’m Looking.
Alongside the film programme, audiences will be able to experience Desiderium: What Stood Here, a Christchurch-created immersive project exploring memory, place and loss through innovative digital storytelling.
“Bringing part of Doc Edge to Ōtautahi Christchurch is a great opportunity for our sector and local audiences. The festival showcases world-class storytelling, and gives our industry a chance to engage with ideas and formats competing on a global stage, which is hugely valuable for growth. At the same time, it opens the door for local audiences to experience unique, non-mainstream stories they might not otherwise see.”
says Meg Huston, Screen Canterbury NZ Manager
The showcase will take place at the Jack Mann Theatre, a premium 171-seat auditorium within Kōawa Studios on UC’s Dovedale campus. The historic Jack Mann building was officially reopened in 2025 after being transformed into a state-of-the-art venue delivering world-class audiovisual experiences.
The Doc Edge Virtual Cinema will also be available online and nationwide from 27 July – 10 August, offering Christchurch audiences the chance to experience even more ground-breaking documentary storytelling.
Full programme and ticket information is available at docedge.nz
Event Details
Doc Edge Christchurch Showcase
31 July – 2 August 2026
Jack Mann Theatre
Kōawa Studios
University of Canterbury
Ōtautahi Christchurch
Public Relations
For interview requests and further info please contact:
Stephanie Butler/ Elephant Publicity
steph@elephantpublicity.co.nz / +64 20 4169 9087
