Arts

Pierce Brosnan stars in a heist picture where a group of criminals are enlisted to break into a high-tech prison to steal gold bars from Islamic terrorists. Reviewed by Dan Slevin Audio

Dan Slevin reviews a new Disney adventure based on one of Disneyland’s oldest and best loved attractions and starring Emily Blunt and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. Audio

Essie Davis stars in the debut feature from Gaysorn Thavat about a homeless solo mum battling to be reunited with her kids. Reviewed by Dan Slevin. Video, Audio

Dan Slevin is filling in for Simon Morris and watches three new films in cinemas and at home. He reviews the gritty New Zealand drama The Justice of Bunny King; Jungle Cruise, an adventure inspired by… Audio

Father and daughter Nelson filmmakers Pete and Betsy Blasdale make a formidable team. Their names feature in the credits of more than half a dozen films in the upcoming Top of the South Film Festival… Audio

Poems about farm life - both the harsh realities and the simple joys of living off the land - are found in a new poetry collection by Horowhenua farmer Janet Newman. Unseasoned Campaigner touches on… Audio

Wellington musician Isabella Thomas originally wanted to play the saxophone, then the trombone, until finally she settled on the trumpet. Since then she's had no regrets. The 23-year-old has become… Audio

Tamaki Makaurau-based artist Emily Parr feels a strong connection with the ocean and specifically with whales. At the same time she's exploring whale migration for her PhD, she's also presenting an… Audio, Gallery

Playwright and director Shriya Bhagwat is tackling the taboo topic of sex in the South Asian community in her first full-length play The Kamasutra Chronicles. The premise is simple: can the Kamasutra… Audio

The independent Maori theatre and dance sectors are overflowing with people wanting to create work. But what's often holding them back is a lack of experienced producers, and somewhere to go for… Audio

The public was asked to chip in for remedial work on an historic oil painting of the iconic White Terraces. It's held in the Alexander Turnbull Library collection, and the crowd-sourcing appeal has… Audio, Gallery

James Ashcroft's debut feature film Coming Home In The Dark hasn't even hit New Zealand cinemas yet, but the director has already been shoulder-tapped for at least one big budget Hollywood flick. Video, Audio

Creative New Zealand is calling for more infrastructure projects to include elements of arts and culture. The organisation has made a submission to Te Waihanga: New Zealand Infrastructure Commission… Audio

The third annual Tairawhiti arts festival featuring Aotearoa's top artists and performers is set to spark the east coast alight.

The festival has been growing in numbers and performers since it began… Audio

A performance about the Waikeria Prison uprising has taken out this year's national school performing arts competition Showquest.

The event replaced Stage Challenge a few years ago with the main… Audio

NZ made television comedy Wellington Paranormal has topped the most popular new streaming shows in the United States according to Just Watch. Just Watch is the equivalent of the TV Guide for streaming… Audio

Maggie's Garden Show was a ratings hit for over a decade, from 1991 until 2003. Maggie and Jack Hobbs, curator of the Auckland Botanic Gardens join Jesse to reminisce about the beloved gardening show.

For 6 years, on and off, Amy Wheeler has been documenting our unusual and unexpected obsession with statue seals. She talks to Jesse about what she's uncovered so far. Audio