EXPERIENCE.
PASSION.
INDUSTRY INSIGHT.

MIRIAMA MCDOWELL

Miriama McDowell (Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi) is an award-winning actor, director and speaker who has been a leading force in New Zealand's screen and theatre industry since graduating from Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School in 2002. Her extensive screen credits include Whina, The Dark Horse, Coming Home in the Dark, Creamerie, Outrageous Fortune, The Brokenwood Mysteries, and This Is Not My Life. Miriama won Best Actress at the New Zealand Television Awards for her performance as Renee in Head High, and received the Best Actress Moa for The Great Maiden's Blush. We are incredibly honoured to have Miriama join the BOP Actors Studio & Rātā Studios Film Festival as our Head Judge, bringing her exceptional experience, insight and passion for storytelling to help inspire the next generation of New Zealand filmmakers and actors.

JULIAN ARAHANGA

Julian Arahanga is an acclaimed New Zealand actor, director and producer of Whanganui and Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga descent, renowned for his powerful storytelling both in front of and behind the camera. He first gained international recognition as Nig Heke in the iconic film Once Were Warriors, before building an impressive career across film and television. As the founder of Awa Films, Julian has gone on to create and produce acclaimed documentaries including Songs from the Inside, Mana Moana Mana Tangata, and The Stolen Children of Aotearoa, championing Māori stories and indigenous voices. We are honoured to welcome Julian as a judge for the BOP Actors Studio & Rātā Studios Film Festival, where his passion for authentic storytelling and commitment to developing the next generation of filmmakers will be an inspiration to all involved. Follow AWA Films for more info about Julian.

BECS ARAHANGA

Becs Arahanga (Kai Tahu, Waitaha, Ngāti Raukawa) is an award-winning writer, director and filmmaker whose work celebrates heartfelt storytelling and authentic New Zealand voices. She co-wrote and co-directed the internationally acclaimed feature film Vai and the award-winning short film Hinekura, which received the Audience Choice Award and Civic Award at the New Zealand International Film Festival. Her debut short film Laundry was selected for NZ Best at NZIFF and earned four nominations at the Show Me Shorts Film Festival. Passionate about telling meaningful stories, Becs is dedicated to championing women, Māori and Indigenous voices through film. We're delighted to welcome her as a judge for the BOP Actors Studio & Rātā Studios Film Festival, where she'll help inspire the next generation of New Zealand storytellers.

TANDI WRIGHT

Tandi Wright is a multi-award-nominated New Zealand actress whose career spans more than 25 years across film, television and theatre, both in New Zealand and internationally. Her recent screen credits include Evil Dead Rise, Went Up the Hill, Pearl, Love and Monsters, and Spartacus: House of Ashur, alongside acclaimed television series including Creamerie, The Wilds, The Sounds, 800 Words, and Shortland Street. Renowned for her versatility and powerful performances, Tandi continues to be one of New Zealand's most respected screen actors. We are honoured to welcome her as a judge for the BOP Actors Studio & Rātā Studios Film Festival, where she will help inspire and celebrate the next generation of New Zealand talent.

TIKI TAANE

Tiki Taane is one of Aotearoa's most respected musicians, producers and composers, renowned for his innovative work across music, film and live performance. In 2025, Tiki and Arli Liberman won the APRA Best Original Music in a Film Award for their score to Ka Whawhai Tonu – Struggle Without End. He continues to produce and collaborate with some of New Zealand's leading artists while creating award-winning music for film and television. We are honoured to welcome Tiki as a judge for the BOP Actors Studio & Rātā Studios Film Festival, where his passion for storytelling, creativity and artistic excellence will help inspire and celebrate the next generation of filmmakers.

RACHEL AXIS-TAANE

Rachel Taane is a registered social worker, consent educator, youth advocate and accomplished DJ, recognised for using both music and education to create positive change in communities across Aotearoa. Holding a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Waikato, Rachel is passionate about empowering young people through consent education, wellbeing initiatives and mentoring. Alongside her advocacy work, she has built a respected career as a DJ, bringing creativity, connection and energy to festivals and events throughout New Zealand. We're delighted to welcome Rachel as a judge for the BOP Actors Studio & Rātā Studios Film Festival, where her passion for empowering young people and supporting the creative arts makes her a valued part of our judging panel.

JANNINE SPIERS

Jannine Spiers is an award-winning New Zealand Production Designer, Art Director and Creative Director of Black Arrow Art, with nearly 30 years of experience across feature films, television, commercials and the creative arts. Passionate about developing emerging talent, Jannine has mentored young filmmakers, coordinated youth filmmaking initiatives, and has been a driving force behind New Zealand's creative community through Film Bay of Plenty, Tauranga Independent Film, and the International Youth Silent Film Festival. With decades of experience bringing stories to life on screen, we're delighted to have Jannine joining the BOP Actors Studio & Rātā Studios Film Festival as one of our industry judges, sharing her expertise and helping celebrate the next generation of New Zealand storytellers.

TANYA HORO

GRAEME TUCKETT

Graeme Tuckett is one of New Zealand’s most recognised film reviewers, writers and broadcasters, with more than 15 years spent reviewing and discussing film for some of the country’s leading media platforms, including Stuff, The Post, the Sunday Star-Times and RNZ. But Graeme’s connection to film goes well beyond reviewing it. He has also worked within the New Zealand screen industry, including in grip and locations departments, giving him a rare perspective from both sides of the screen — understanding how films are made as well as what makes them connect with an audience. With years spent watching, analysing and writing about everything from major international releases to independent and homegrown New Zealand films, Graeme brings an incredible depth of knowledge about storytelling, performance and filmmaking. We are incredibly fortunate to have Graeme joining our judging panel. For our acting students to have their work watched and considered by someone who has dedicated so much of his career to film is a fantastic opportunity, and we’re thrilled to have him involved.

JAMIE SELKIRK

Jamie Selkirk is an Academy Award-winning editor and producer, and one of New Zealand’s most accomplished filmmakers. His longstanding collaboration with Peter Jackson began with Jackson’s first feature, Bad Taste, and continued through films including Heavenly Creatures, The Frighteners, The Lord of the Rings trilogy and King Kong. Jamie won the Academy Award for Best Film Editing for The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, having also co-produced the trilogy and supervised the editing of the first two films. Beyond his extraordinary career in film, Jamie has been a strong supporter of emerging filmmakers. In 2015, he founded the Roxy5 Short Film Competition in Wellington, giving young creatives the opportunity to experience filmmaking and storytelling firsthand. To have someone of Jamie’s calibre, experience and understanding of story involved with our competition is incredibly special. Our actors are being given the opportunity to have their work seen by someone who has helped shape some of the most significant films ever made in New Zealand — and internationally. We are incredibly lucky and very grateful to have him involved.

ERROLL SHAND

Erroll Shand has built a prolific international career with diverse, character-driven roles. Erroll stars in Warwick Thornton's WOLFRAM, which premiered at Berlinale 2026; alongside Sarah Snook in ALL HER FAULT (Peacock), and opposite Jason Momoa in the historic Hawaiian epic CHIEF OF WAR (Apple TV+). He plays the chilling Uncle Jack in Taratoa Stoppard's gothic thriller MĀRAMA, which debuted at TIFF 2025. Coming up, Erroll will be seen alongside Hugo Weaving in SBS series THE AIRPORT CHAPLAIN, and the latest installment of the Evil Dead franchise, EVIL DEAD BURN.

TINA CLEARY

Tina Cleary is one of New Zealand's most accomplished Casting Directors, with a career spanning some of the country's most celebrated film and television productions. An Emmy Award-nominated Casting Director for Jane Campion's Top of the Lake, Tina also worked alongside Campion on the Academy Award-winning The Power of the Dog. Her impressive body of work includes Boy, What We Do in the Shadows, Time Bandits, Big Girls Don't Cry, Cousins, Millie Lies Low, After the Party, Wellington Paranormal, Pike River, and more than 40 acclaimed screen productions. Renowned for discovering exceptional talent and helping shape some of Aotearoa's most iconic films and series, Tina has played a pivotal role in the careers of countless New Zealand actors. We are incredibly honoured to welcome her as a judge for the BOP Actors Studio & Rātā Studios Film Festival, where her wealth of industry knowledge and passion for authentic performance will inspire the next generation of screen talent.

ILANA LLOYD

Ilana is an actor and creative, based in Tāmaki Makaurau. She is a proud member of the Equity Youth Committee and runs their social media account, give us a follow!!! @equityyouthaotearoa Since graduating The Actor’s Program in 2023, Ilana has been lucky enough to work over a range of projects across screen ( Klara and the Sun, Daisy May Hate You, alongside various commercials) and is excited to be making her professional stage debut in ’The Horror of Macbeth’ later this year alongside fellow Equity Youth Committee members.

HAMISH BOYLE

Hamish is an actor, graphic designer, writer and editor from Te Whanganui-a-Tara. Since starting in voice acting in 2011, he has 15 years of experience across stage, screen and VO. He's performed on stages across Australia and New Zealand (while primarily working in either Tāmaki Makaurau or Te Whanganui-a-Tara) and while performing is his main verb, has dabbled in dramaturgy, assistant directing, publicity, tech design/operating, photography, and acting coaching. Hamish is an AuDHD mental health advocate, a member of EYC, and is also doing 'The Horror of Macbeth' with lovely lovely people.

TAWHI THOMAS

Tawhi Thomas is an acclaimed playwright, director, actor and mentor with more than 30 years of experience in New Zealand's performing arts industry. Throughout his career, he has written award-winning plays, directed numerous stage productions, and delivered powerful performances across theatre, film and television. Passionate about authentic storytelling and developing emerging talent, Tawhi has dedicated much of his career to mentoring actors and supporting Māori and New Zealand voices in the arts. His wealth of creative experience, deep understanding of performance, and commitment to excellence make him a highly respected figure within the industry. We are honoured to welcome Tawhi as a judge for the BOP Actors Studio & Rātā Studios Film Festival, where his insight and passion for storytelling will help inspire and celebrate the next generation of New Zealand filmmakers and actors.

POROAKI MERRITT-MCDONALD

Poroaki Merritt-McDonald is a New Zealand actor represented by TMH Management and CSM Management (Australia). Of Māori heritage, he has built an impressive body of work across film and television, including Muru, Savage, Kairākau, The Gone, and the award winning film, Big Girls Don't Cry. He first gained recognition for his performance in My Brother Mitchell, with later roles in Muru and Savage establishing him as one of New Zealand's leading young screen actors. His work in The Gone introduced him to international audiences through Acorn TV and Prime Video. His performance in Big Girls Don't Cry received critical acclaim: "Poroaki Merritt-McDonald is perfectly cast... an extremely on-point and vulnerable performance." — Film-Book.com