The first six films confirmed for the 2013 programme includes the world premieres of four from New Zealand.

The latest trio of works in Vanguard shows what an extraordinary depth of talent that company has to offer.

I was completely startled by the Auckland Theatre Company’s exquisite production of The Glass Menagerie.

The play Patua – about what should happen to people like the family of the Kahui twins – will become a New Zealand classic. It surprises, inspires and satisfies.

War Witch is an extraordinary African tale of 14-year-old Komona, who is plucked from her village by local freedom fighters.

Coming up next month are two films which deal with social, political and personal issues of living in Israel.