Holy Days (film)
| Holy Days | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Nathalie Boltt |
| Written by | Nathalie Boltt |
| Based on | Holy Days by Dame Joy Cowley |
| Produced by | Roxi Bull Victoria Dabbs Sushant Desai Michelle Morris Emma Slade |
| Starring | Judy Davis Miriam Margolyes Elijah Tamati Jacki Weaver |
| Cinematography | Thomas Burstyn |
| Edited by | Carly Turner |
| Music by | Karl Sölve Steven |
Production companies | Velvet Moss Lily Pictures |
| Distributed by | Photon Films (Canada) Kismet Movies Rialto Distribution[1] (New Zealand and Australia) |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 101 minutes[2] |
| Countries | Canada New Zealand |
| Language | English |
Holy Days is a 2026 comedy drama film[3] directed and written by Nathalie Boltt, in her feature directorial debut. A Canadian-New Zealand co-production, the film follows a lost young boy and three nuns who embark on a road trip.
The film had its world premiere at the 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival on 5 February 2026, which will be followed by a Canadian premiere at the Kingston Canadian Film Festival on 26 February, and will be theatrically released in New Zealand on 26 February, and North America on 27 March.
Cast
- Judy Davis
- Miriam Margolyes
- Elijah Tamati
- Jacki Weaver
Production
On November 1, 2024, Judy Davis, Miriam Margolyes, Jacki Weaver, and Elijah Tamati joined the cast of the film, directed and written by Nathalie Boltt, which is based on the novel of the same name by Dame Joy Cowley.[4] Principal photography began on 11 November,[5] taking place in Christchurch in Canterbury, Akaroa, and Aoraki,[6] with some scenes being filmed in St. Mark's Church at Rakaia,[7] and Okains Bay,[8] and wrapped on 22 December.[9] The Canadian-New Zealand co-production is produced by Velvet Moss and Lily Pictures.[10] Emma Slade, Michelle Morris, Victoria Dabbs, Roxi Bull and Sushant Desai, along with Tainui Stephens, produced the film, with Micah Winiata and Eva Trebilco serving as associate producers. The film was made with financial support from the New Zealand Film Commission, New Zealand Screen Production Rebate, Telefilm Canada, Creative BC, CBC Films and Elemental Post.[4]
Release
In November 2024, Blue Fox Entertainment acquired worldwide sales to the film,[4] who also handled the distribution in the United States.[10] Kismet Movies handled distribution rights in Australia and New Zealand, while Photon Films handled the Canadian distribution.[4] The film was screened for distributors in the Industry Selects program at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival on September 5, 2025.[11] The film had its world premiere at the 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival on 5 February 2026,[10] which will be followed by a Canadian premiere at the Kingston Canadian Film Festival on 26 February.[12]
It will be released theatrically in New Zealand on 26 February.[13] The film is also scheduled to be released in North America on 27 March,[10] and in Australia on 28 May.[14]
References
- ^ "Holy Days". Rialto Distribution. Retrieved 8 February 2026.
- ^ "Holy Days [PG]". Australian Classification Board. 8 January 2026. Retrieved 4 February 2026.
- ^ "Holy Days". New Zealand Film Commission. Retrieved 2 February 2026.
- ^ a b c d Ritman, Alex (1 November 2024). "Judy Davis, Miriam Margolyes and Jacki Weaver to Play Quirky Nuns in Nat Boltt's Comic Adventure 'Holy Days' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 4 February 2026.
- ^ "Productions". Kahurangi Toi Atea. Retrieved 4 February 2026.
- ^ Casemore, Jamie (6 November 2024). "Blue Fox Entertainment acquires Nat Boltt's Holy Days". Playback. Retrieved 4 February 2026.
- ^ Boltt, Nathalie (26 November 2024). "Trying to be good. In the presence of angels today". Instagram. Retrieved 4 February 2026.
- ^ Boltt, Nathalie (22 January 2025). "Small town New Zealand meant lots of fascination from the locals when shooting". Instagram. Retrieved 4 February 2026.
- ^ Boltt, Nathalie (22 December 2024). "And that's A WRAP on Holy Days! This film is in the can!! The story of a boy in search of his mum and the raucous nuns who get him there - that started nearly eleven years ago, when I first adapted the book. What a wild and joyful roller coaster ride it's been. Pictured here, at our wrap party, is Elijah Tamati (and a random friendly cat) who you will meet soon. The boy not the cat. He did a wonderful job, along with three incredible, seasoned film stars; Miriam Margolyes, Judy Davis and Jacki Weaver. I look forward to sharing this film, my debut feature, with you. It's into the edit now and lots and lots of time spent looking at the beautiful faces I spent the last 2 months directing, whilst working with the unbelievably dedicated and tenacious souls who helped make the film possible. Grateful doesn't begin to describe it. 🙏🏽❤️ 🏔️". Instagram. Retrieved 4 February 2026.
- ^ a b c d Vlessing, Etan (23 January 2026). "Judy Davis' 'Holy Days' Headed to U.S. Theaters Via Blue Fox (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 4 February 2026.
- ^ "Holy Days". Toronto International Film Festival. Retrieved 4 February 2026.
- ^ "From teens to hockey to rock and roll: this year's Kingston Canadian Film Festival has something for everyone". Kingston Daily, 29 January 2026.
- ^ "'Holy Days' (Trailer)". IF Magazine. 9 December 2025. Retrieved 4 February 2026.
- ^ "Holy Days | Movie session times & tickets in Australian cinemas". Flicks. Retrieved 4 February 2026.