Day One New Filmmaker Awards
Aotearoa’s emerging filmmakers will take the spotlight later this month at the Day One New Filmmaker Awards, a full day dedicated to celebrating young and upcoming talent in our screen industry.
When: Saturday 29 November 2025
Where: Academy Cinemas, Auckland
🎟️ Purchase your TICKETS HERE with both standard and reduced-rate options available to make the event accessible to everyone.
The day is split into two sessions:
School-age Filmmakers (up to 18) — 2:00–3:30 PM
Industry-age Filmmakers (19–29) — 4:30–7:00 PM (including the main screening)
After the screenings, attendees are invited to Industry Drinks from 7:30–10:30 PM at Q Theatre, hosted in collaboration with Emerging Screen Alliance Aotearoa (ESAA), a relaxed evening for filmmakers and friends to connect and celebrate the year together. No RSVP required, just turn up and mingle.
The organisers are encouraging the industry to help make it a sold-out night by sharing the event and inviting whānau, friends, and film lovers to fill Academy Cinemas for what promises to be a vibrant celebration of emerging storytelling.
“A packed house creates incredible energy for these filmmakers — for many, it will be their first industry event,” says the Day One team.
The vibe is comfy classy, with a pink carpet, photo wall, and plenty of opportunities to meet new creatives.
Accessibility: If you have any accessibility needs, please contact organisers in advance so appropriate support can be arranged.
Featured Films Include:
- Echos of the Future Classroom
- FrankenAI
- Lost and Found
- The Unsent Letter
- SunPhase
This is a chance to see the future of Aotearoa filmmaking: raw, bold, and ready to take on the world.
