New Zealand Film Commission announces two new nominations

The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) has announced two new appointments to its updated operational structure. Esther Cahill-Chiaroni and Morgan Waru (Ngāti Porou) will take on the roles of Head of Development and Director of Development and Investment respectively.

Cahill-Chiaroni served as Executive Director at Script to Screen for eight years, during which time she co-founded and directed the Big Screen Symposium and several high-impact programs including FilmUp and Story Camp Aotearoa.

In 2019 she directed the Raupapa Whakaari Series Drama Lab and programmed the Power of Inclusion Summit for the NZFC and Walt Disney Studios. From 2021-2024 she co-led the Te Taumata Toi A-Iwi Creative Leadership Program and in 2023 she launched Rupture: a development program for series writers funded by NZ On Air.

Cahill-Chiaroni said it was an honour to join the NZFC.

I look forward to working with our community of creators – and I’m thrilled to be joining CEO Annie Marrary, (Head of Funding) Ainsley Gardiner and the team serving this important kaupapa in times of change.”

Working with Piki Films in development and production since 2017, Waru’s production credits include: Aroha Bridge, Baby is ready, Red, white and brass, MountainAND We were dangerous.

She said she “couldn’t be more thrilled” about the nomination.

“Aotearoa has so many incredible storytellers and I am honoured to join the Commission in its ambition to bring more outstanding films to screens,” she said.

The appointments follow a shake-up of the organisation earlier this month, which saw 28 positions eliminated in favour of 15 new roles. Among those leaving was head of development and production Leanne Saunders, who joined the South Australian Film Corporation.

Ainsley Gardiner, head of funding at the NZ Film Commission, said the two new hires brought “tremendous passion and integrity to the film development and making process”.

“As we shift our focus toward a more rigorous development and decision-making process so filmmakers can focus on the business of making their films, Esther will play a key role in developing the strategy to achieve that. Morgan is a filmmaker with extensive experience in development and production,” she said.

Cahill-Chiaroni and Waru will begin their duties on August 12.