Fans, friends, family, cast and crew gathered at the grand Hollywood Cinema in Avondale last week for the New Zealand premiere of Bookworm, the heartwarming new local film starring Elijah Wood and Nell Fisher as a dysfunctional father-daughter combo on a wilderness adventure. Directed by Ant Timpson (Ensemble co-founder Rebecca’s husband!), the PG-rated family film – complete with twists and turns, gorgeous landscapes and a hilarious mushroom scene – will be released in cinemas across Aotearoa on August 8.

pineapple sticks and a cake in the form of the film’s elusive Canterbury panther, plus a roaming illusionist that entertained grown ups and kids (a reference to Elijah’s role as the illusionist dad). Elijah and Nell were unable to make the packed out preview due to filming overseas – Yellowjackets and Stranger Things respectively – but each sent a sweet message that played before the movie began to cheers.

Well-known faces in the crowd included TikTok star Theo Shakes (who appears in the film, and has been touring Aotearoa currently with director Ant), Jazz Thornton, fashion designer Kate Sylvester, author Stacy Gregg, The Spinoff founder Duncan Greive, reporter Kate Rodger, Stuff’s Tova O’Brien, Listener editor Kirsty Cameron, and actors Shavaughn Ruakere and Claire Chitham (acting coach for Nell). Abigail Dell'avo was there, and captured some of the stylish guests.