Photo caption: Kōawa Studios’ sound stage during filming for Holy Days
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC)’s Kōawa Studios, the first commercial studio of its kind to open in Aotearoa New Zealand’s South Island, have partnered with leading New Zealand production company Firefly Films on their latest international feature film Holy Days. The New Zealand-Canadian co-production wrapped filming in late 2024 and stars Judy Davis, Miriam Margolyes, and Jacki Weaver. Holy Days marked the first commercial use of Kōawa’s state of the art facilities.
The partnership with Firefly Films is a significant milestone for Kōawa Studios. Director of Kōawa Studios, Sam Witters, said they couldn’t have asked for a better debut production than Holy Days to mark the beginning of what they hope will be many more projects at Kōawa, Ōtautahi Christchurch’s cutting-edge new production and studio facility.
“Working closely with Firefly Films, we were thrilled to host an exceptional cast and crew, who fully utilised our extensive facilities—from production offices to the art department mill and workshop—throughout pre-production and production,” commented Witters. “A particular highlight was the debut use of our state-of-the-art virtual production soundstage for pivotal scenes in the film. We can’t wait to see Holy Days come to life on the big screen.”
Kōawa aspires to co-create the future of the global screen and creative technology industries through collaboration, innovation and education that supports not only the growth of its students but the industry in Waitaha Canterbury, Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.
Alongside production, Kōawa Studios provided office space for Firefly Films’ not-for-profit education and mentoring organisation Share the Knowledge, in collaboration with Kahurangi Toi Ātea, which aims to grow skills for the New Zealand screen industry and provide pathways into employment. Five Digital Screen students completed the Share the Knowledge course, and two stand-out students were selected as paid crew interns for the Holy Days shoot.
Emma Slade, Producer, Firefly Films said: “Having the opportunity to work with UC Kōawa Studios was a highlight for our production. The facilities and personnel were fantastic and what would normally take weeks to shoot, only took days, it was incredible. We worked closely with the Kōawa Studios team to prepare ourselves for a seamless shoot period on the volume stage and it went ahead without a hitch. We were very pleased with the outcome, the footage looks fantastic. Also, having use of the campus offices, art and costume spaces within walking distance of the Studios was very helpful and made it easier for cast and crew. Firefly Films considers itself fortunate to have been the first ones to try out the state-of-the-art facilities.”
UC Digital Screen Programme Student and Grip Trainee on the shoot Daniel Davy was blown away at the opportunity to work on Holy Days, alongside one of New Zealand’s most experienced Grips, Tony Keddy (Bookworm, King Kong): “It was awesome, I had the best time and learnt so much. Tony and the whole team were so great at teaching me about everything involved in the job. I can’t believe I had this opportunity, I feel very lucky.”
As UC’s Kōawa Studios reputation continues to grow, it plays a key role in supporting aspiring filmmakers and industry professionals, helping to build a vibrant creative community in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond. UC’s partnership with Firefly Films builds on its recent agreements with Stretchy Productions (Kiri and Lou Rarararara!), Aardman Academy (Oscar ® winning producers of Wallace and Gromit) and Doc Edge. As well as previous film productions We Were Dangerous (Piki Films) and Head South.
Based on beloved author Dame Joy Cowley’s novel of the same name, Holy Days is the feature directorial debut from renowned Canadian-South African actress Nat Boltt (Riverdale, District 9), who also wrote the screenplay and stars in the film.
Holy Days will be distributed in New Zealand and Australia by Kismet Entertainment and in Canada by Photon Films. The film is produced by New Zealand-based production company Firefly Films and Canadian producers Lily Pictures. Blue Fox Entertainment have acquired worldwide rights excluding New Zealand and Canada. Holy Days is made with financial support from the Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga New Zealand Film Commission, New Zealand Screen Production Rebate, Screen CanterburyNZ Production Grant, Angel Investors Marlborough, the Percasky Family, University of Canterbury’s Kōawa Studios, Telefilm Canada, Creative BC and the Province of British Columbia, CBC Films and Elemental Post.
