“The tiny desert town of Asteroid City (population 87) plays host to brilliant students and their parents as they gather for the 1955 Junior Stargazer/Space Cadet convention encouraging fellowship and scholarly competition. Amongst the parents are war and sports photographer Augustine (Schwartzman), who’s avoiding dealing with a family crisis, and the glamorous film star Midge (Johansson). The students, while geniuses, have to overcome social awkwardness as they show off their incredible inventions. The inevitable flirtations and fledgling romances are rudely disrupted by a shocking world-changing event."

Credit: Sydney Film Festival

View the full NZIFF 2023 programme at nziff.co.nz.