Behind the camera
Vanessa Wells is bringing the scenes of Antarctica to the big screen.
After a visit to Antarctica inspired her most proud piece of work to date, local filmmaker Vanessa Wells knows how meaningful stories can make a difference in the world. It’s one of the many reasons she loves working in the film industry.
With 25 years in the arts industry under her belt, Vanessa’s early career saw her more often in front of the camera than behind it. From performing on The Court Theatre stage to running her own voice business and working as a TV presenter, Vanessa later progressed into producing and directing. Her impressive directing portfolio includes a local social media profile series Braveheart Christchurch, as well as a number of short films for Sesame Street.
“I love watching films! They can move you on an emotional level that can be really quite profound. And I adore making them; the variety in my job is immense. I particularly love doing something adventurous to get a really great yarn told!”
Adventure has definitely been at the fore of her latest project. Mighty Indeed will transport viewers to Antarctica, the icy continent where the harsh climate has a lot to teach us. Alongside the important messaging about the planet, it’s the human element Vanessa is most excited about sharing.
“My first trip to the ice introduced me to the indomitable Dr Natalie Robinson and the idea for a feature film grew. Natalie totally smashed my preconceptions of what an ‘Antarctic scientist’ should be. Over a few years, the story grew to be more about the wonderful humans who work there than the climate crisis, but of course, climate change underpins everything.”
As a board member for WIFT NZ (Women in Film and Television), Vanessa is proud she can champion the groundbreaking work of three wāhine in her film.
“We share a portrait of three incredible women doing amazing mahi at the bottom of the planet. We humanise our scientists beyond the usual soundbites on the news. We get to know them and understand the toll working on the ice can have on them and their families.”
With her roots firmly in Canterbury soil, premiering her proudest work in her home city is incredibly meaningful.
“Ōtautahi Christchurch is my home. This beautiful city has changed much across my lifetime, but I adore it as a wonderful place to raise a family, to work, and to live.
“It’s been such a long haul to get this film made; I can’t wait to share it with the people who are in it – they are my absolute heroes! To have others be able to share their story is going to be really special. This is a window into a world few will experience.”
Mighty Indeed will be shown as part of Doc Edge, an Oscar® Qualifying Documentary Film Festival. Dan Shanan, Director of Doc Edge, says, “Doc Edge’s 20th anniversary is not just about celebrating the past – it’s about pushing the boundaries of what documentary can achieve. This year’s festival is a celebration of bold storytelling, with films that challenge, inspire, and ultimately transform how we see the world. We are honoured to host the world premiere of Mighty Indeed.”
Doc Edge Festival will be on in Christchurch from 16 to 27 July 2025.
For more information, go to docedge.nz/festival-2025