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Day One Hāpai te Haeata Today Premieres Eight New Short Films by Emerging Filmmakers

Eight emerging filmmakers bring fresh stories and perspectives to the screen in the 2026 Day One Shorts Collection.

Published on:

October 12, 2026

Day One Hāpai te Haeata premiered eight new short films by emerging filmmakers as part of Show Me Shorts 2026 over the weekend, marking the latest milestone for the talent development initiative supporting rangatahi to tell stories on screen.

The films debuted at Academy Cinemas in Auckland on Saturday 10 October, followed by a Wellington screening at Light House Cuba on Sunday 11 October.

Developed through the Day One programme, the films explore a range of cultural, social and political issues, reflecting the experiences, perspectives and creativity of a new generation of storytellers.

The films received a strong response from audiences across the two weekend screenings, with the premieres giving audiences their first opportunity to experience the breadth of storytelling and fresh perspectives coming through the Day One programme.

Following their festival premiere, all eight films are now available to watch from today, Monday 12 October via dofilm.co.nz, MĀORI+, RNZ and YouTube.

Day One Hāpai te Haeata provides up and coming filmmaker with the tools, guidance and opportunities to develop their craft and bring their ideas to life. Through mentoring, support and funding, the programme helps emerging filmmakers navigate the journey from concept through to screen.

“Day One exists to create opportunities for creatives to tell the stories that matter to them,” says Chris Widdup, Day One Executive Producer. “Each year we see filmmakers bring unique perspectives, challenge ideas and start important conversations through their work. The Day One Shorts Collection is an opportunity to celebrate those voices and share them with audiences across Aotearoa.”

Anna Duckworth, Day One Consulting Producer, says the programme continues to play an important role in nurturing emerging talent.

“These filmmakers represent the future of New Zealand screen storytelling. Through Day One, they are able to access the support, knowledge and industry experience needed to create meaningful work and build confidence in their creative practice.”

The Day One Shorts Collection 2026 features eight films from emerging filmmakers and creative teams across Aotearoa:

He Kōrihi
Director / Writer: Jordi Webber

After suddenly losing his father, a Māori music producer returns home to Kāpiti Island. In his grief, he finds solitude and guidance in the songs of the birds that surround him.

Silver Linings
Director / Writer: Harriet Maire

Approaching 25 years with type 1 diabetes, Harriett Maire reflects: How do you honour milestones in a lifelong condition? How do you keep moving forward on a journey with no end?

Men of Light
Director / Writer: Simeon ‘Uce Gang’ Fiapule

When the Men of Light start taking families in an Auckland suburb, 13-year-old Ioane uncovers a dark secret no one was meant to find.

Baby Tooth
Director/Writer: Raphaella Holder-Monk

All set to be the perfect bridesmaid, May finds herself battling a grotesque dental crisis - threatening her closest friendship and forcing her to battle her innermost insecurities - tooth and nail.

Mutually Assured Destruction
Director / Writer: Connor Amor-Bendall

Two couples, now exes & once best friends. One night to hash over the past. What could go wrong?

Kuia: For Those Who Come After
Director / Writer: Kelsey Chapman

A young filmmaker sets out to capture her kuia’s memories and soon discovers the story is not only about where she comes from, but who she must become.

Tāpū
Director: Grace Chan, Writers: Grace Chan and Mahana Dexter

Teheani hopes her Chinese-Malaysian boyfriend, David, will charm her Tahitian family with a homemade feast. But the biggest fight of the night isn’t over food – it’s over his foreskin. Now they must confront tradition, family, and whether love can survive the cut.

My Journey with FASD
Director/Writer - Isaac Giles

A slice of life animated documentary following a teenager in Aotearoa living with FASD.

The collection highlights the breadth of storytelling emerging from Aotearoa’s next generation of filmmakers, with each project developed under Day One’s guidance and support.