Sunaina talked about the Indigenous Animation Exchange, a collaboration between Wellington, Galway, and the Māoriland Film Festival as part of their shared status as UNESCO Cities of Film.

The exchange highlights the strength of indigenous storytelling and the connections being built between Aotearoa and other creative hubs. It’s also a great example of how local artists are working in te reo Māori and digital media to build international networks and long-term opportunities.

One of those artists is Kāpiti Coast animator Seth Parata Stewart, who has recently completed a creative residency in Galway, and travelled to France to present at one of the world’s key events for the animation industry, the Annecy International Animation Festival.