The Events to Digitally Attend & Do This Winter

1 July, 2020 Amy Thurlow

Dancing with the stars

Experience the work of some of the ballet world’s most acclaimed choreographers in the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s upcoming performance, Venus Rising.
A myriad of themes showcase the dancers as they leap and sping over an ocean of light or look for the beauty in that which is broken, offering audiences the chance to be inspired by the spirit and power of the brightest star.

Showing across New Zealand from 20 August. Tickets from rnzb.org.nz

Image by Ross Brown

NZ International Film Festival

Showing both in cinema and at home this year, the 2020 New Zealand International Film Festival will be celebrating the best of both local and global films with a little twist this time around. Due to obvious reasons, audiences will be able to view this year’s NZIFF from the comfort of their own home. The homegrown selection for the 2020 festival is looking strong, with four Kiwi films set to make their world premiere, showing both online and in selected cinemas. Before Everest is about New Zealand mountaineer, Earle Riddiford; while LOIMATA, The Sweetest Tears follows the journey of waka maker, sailor and mentor, Ema Siope. The Girl on the Bridge is an inspiring documentary about a suicide surviour’s advocacy for those in need; and for those looking for an historical story, Tupaia’s Endeavour – The Director’s Cut documents the travels of a Tahitian high priest and navigator from the Pacific and onwards to England aboard Captain James Cook’s HMS Endeavour.

Online and in cinemas nationwide, 24 July-2 August.

Dry(ish) July

Recognising the impact a global pandemic has had on our lives, Dry July has undergone a transformation for 2020. Supporting three charities this year – Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand, Bowel Cancer NZ and Look Good Feel Better NZ – Dry July is now calling on Kiwis to give up alcohol for any amount of time that suits them, whether that be 14, 21 or the full 31 days of July. Renaming the campaign Dry(ish) July, the event will help to improve the comfort and well-being of those affected by cancer and their loved ones. Marking its eighth year, Dry July has raised $5.1 million from 37,000 participants since conception.

1-31 July. Visit dryjuly.co.nz

What else is on: NZSO Podium Series, Wellington 6 Aug & Auckland 7 Aug. Nothing beats the talent of a full blown orchestra. Tempo Dance Festival, 4 May-13 December, tempo.co.nz;