Linda Niccol is a writer and director who delivered her first feature film Poppy in 2021 – the realisation of a 10-year ambition to bring the story to the screen. She has previously written and directed four short films (two of which have screened at festivals in New Zealand and internationally) and a range of promotional videos. Her co-written feature film Second-Hand Wedding was a breakout success in New Zealand, making it into the Top 10 New Zealand films at the box office. Linda’s eye (and ear) for detail, visual style and elegance, witty juxtaposition and emotional metaphor is evident in her writing and directing. She has published two collections of short stories and her writing has been broadcast and widely anthologised. Her recent work and focus is on the female protagonist and she is concerned to  encourage audiences to identify with  characters faced with more than the usual challenges in life.