Event

Day One Film Fest 2026: Celebrating Aotearoa’s Rising Screen Storytellers

Day One Film Fest returns to Auckland on 29 November, celebrating emerging filmmakers with short film screenings, awards and filmmaker conversations.

Published on:

October 29, 2026

Day One Shorts

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Day One Film Fest returns to Auckland on Sunday 29 November 2026, celebrating the next generation of Aotearoa’s screen storytellers.

Presented by Day One Hāpai te Haeata, the festival brings together emerging filmmakers and audiences for a day of short film screenings, awards and conversations.

The programme begins with Filmmaker Kawhe & Kōrero at Auckland Central City Library, where this year’s award recipients will be announced, followed by a discussion with the filmmakers.

Audiences can then head to Academy Cinemas for three short film programmes: For the Whānau, Real Talk and Hope for a Generation. Together, the screenings showcase a range of stories and perspectives from young filmmakers across Aotearoa.