DEGANZ Members Celebrate World Premieres with Doc Edge

Doc Edge kicks off its 20th anniversary by announcing the first 15 films selected for this year’s festival, including Devils on Horses and Mighty Indeed (former working title The Climate Canary) from DEGANZ members Edward Sampson, Vanessa Wells, and Emma Smart.

Doc Edge is Aotearoa’s leading documentary film festival with the prestigious Oscar-qualifying status. The 20th-anniversary programme will be screened in-person in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch and through Doc Edge’s Virtual Cinema for those unable to attend in person. This year promises a diverse range of bold and impactful films covering climate change, social issues, human rights, and the arts.

Festival Director, Dan Shanan, commented on this year’s festival saying,

Doc Edge’s 20th anniversary is not just about celebrating the past—it’s about pushing the boundaries of what documentary can achieve. This year’s festival is a celebration of bold storytelling, with films that challenge, inspire, and ultimately transform how we see the world.

Both Devils on Horses and Mighty Indeed are making their world premieres are Doc Edge this year.

Devils on Horses

Directed by Edward Sampson

Exploring the deep bond between soldiers and their horses in the harsh desert, showing how these animals provided comfort, security, and emotional stability during the horrors of war.

Mighty Indeed

Directed by Vanessa Wells

Edited by Emma Smart

Former working title The Climate Canary. A character-driven film set in Antarctica, blending stunning wildlife and scenery while addressing climate change with wit and warmth. It follows three women over four decades as they push the boundaries of science.

Congratulations Edward, Vanessa, and Emma! You can find the rest of the first selections here.

Last updated on 9 April 2025