Liang Honoured with Gaylene Preston Filmmaker Award at Laureate Awards 2025
Massive congratulations to DEGANZ member Roseanne Liang for being the latest filmmaker to receive an Arts Foundation Te Tumi Toi Laureate Award. Roseanne was honoured with the Gaylene Preston Filmmaker Award alongside seven other Arts Laureates at this year’s Arts Foundation celebration, also marking 25 years of the organisation.
Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Laureates are practising New Zealand artists recognised for exceptional achievement in their field, a world-class body of work, and a lasting contribution to Aotearoa’s culture and communities. Each Laureate demonstrates artistic excellence, a deep commitment to their craft, and the potential for continued impact.
The selection panel commented on Roseanne’s work, saying,
From her groundbreaking debut feature My Wedding and Other Secrets to the cult web series Flat3, the dystopian television series Creamerie, and the internationally acclaimed action-horror Shadow in the Cloud, Roseanne Liang creates films with a strong – and often humorous – cinematic voice, frequently placing kick-ass women at their centre. As one of the co-founders of the Pan-Asian Screen Collective (PASC), she has provided much-needed support for the Asian filmmaking community and remains a steadfast advocate for equity and representation. Through talent, craft, tenacity, and unapologetically bold storytelling, Roseanne Liang has offered audiences fresh perspectives and profoundly enriched the tapestry of Aotearoa’s cinematic landscape.
In addition to the accolade, Roseanne will receive $50,000 as a nudge of encouragement to keep crafting.
In her acceptance speech, Roseanne honoured those who guided her path,
I want to dedicate this award to another great bulwark against imposter syndrome – and that is to my teachers. […] Some of the my teachers are here, who have challenged me, expanded my horizons, invested their time and souls and energy into making me better not because it’s their job but because their vocation is rooted in uncommon generoisty that inspires and floors me everyday. Thank you with all my heart.
Last updated on 23 October 2025
