Latin American & Spanish Film Festival Lights Up Tauranga: A Cultural Feast by the Bay

Photo Mount TV

From the golden sands of Mount Maunganui to the bustling heart of Tauranga, our Bay of Plenty community just wrapped up a cinematic extravaganza that's left everyone buzzing with stories from across the seas. As a local journalist soaking up the salty air here in Mount Maunganui, I had the privilege of diving into the second annual Latin American & Spanish Film Festival, held from September 26 to October 4. If you missed it, don't worry—this vibrant event turned our harborside city into a gateway to Latin cultures, smashing attendance records and weaving threads of connection in ways that feel as timeless as the tides.

Photo Mount TV

The festival kicked off with an inclusive bang at the Tauranga Library, where the opening night gala unfolded entirely in English. It was a smart move to welcome the wider Tauranga crowd, spotlighting the rich tapestry of Latin America beyond the usual suspects like Mexico or Colombia. From there, the magic spilled over to Luxe Cinemas, where intimate screening rooms—each seating just 58—hosted eight powerhouse films. We’re talking over 750 attendees in total, blowing past the expected 450. Hits like Mexico's poignant The Promise on opening night, Chile's evocative Maria, and Spain's gripping Out in the Open packed the houses, sparking lively post-film discussions on identity, resilience, and the human spirit.

But let's talk about the heartstrings it tugged at families. The children's screening of Argentina's Giants of La Mancha—a delightful animated riff on Don Quixote—drew a joyful mix on October 3 morning. Nearly half the audience were non-Spanish speakers, yet Latin kids lit up, reconnecting with their heritage language through whimsical tales of windmills and dreams. One mum shared with me how it felt like "a little piece of home," her child still chattering about the giants long after the credits rolled.

The real showstopper, though, was the closing ceremony at the Papamoa Surfing Life Saving Club. Perched by the beach, this spot was chosen for its soul-stirring symbolism—a "home away from home" for the Latin community, evoking sun-drenched shores far from New Zealand's winter chill. Conducted fully in Spanish, it drew about 140 revelers for an evening of pure corazón: tables groaning under traditional dishes from Venezuela's arepas to Peru's ceviche, with flavors from Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile mingling in the air. Folk dances swirled under the stars, live music pulsed, and kids' entertainment kept the energy high, fostering that deep cultural reconnection we all crave in a new land.

What elevated this beyond a film fest? The collaborations. Shoutout to partners like the

Tauranga City Council, embassies, local non-profits, multicultural groups, Welcoming Communities Tauranga, and our fantastic City Library. Free entry meant democratic access for all—Latin and Spanish expats rubbing shoulders with Kiwi locals, researchers eyeing international trade, and everyday families hungry for diverse perspectives. Artists brought dances and tunes to life, volunteers kept the wheels turning, and the result? A stronger cultural identity blooming right here in the Bay, expanding Tauranga's cinematic horizons one reel at a time.

A special highlight came from Karen, President of the Latin American Community Tauranga, who extended a massive thanks to the festival's major sponsor in Tauranga, the Ministry for Ethnic Communities. "Their unwavering support made this dream possible," Karen shared with me post-event. "From funding the screenings to amplifying our voices, they've been the heartbeat behind bringing our cultures to the forefront. ¡Mil gracias—from all of us!"

As we ease into spring—sorry, our endless summer—events like this remind me why I love calling Mount Maunganui home. It's not just about the views; it's the stories that bridge worlds. Can't wait for round three. In the meantime, catch festival highlights and more on the Mount TV blog.

Have a festival memory to share? Drop it in the comments below. Follow me for more Bay vibes at @MountMaunganuiTV on instagram.