NZFC Funding Update: October 2026

Strand 1

Understory 2027 Immersive Story Development
A process for creative teams to see, feel and step into the living story material of their screenplay. Led by Brita McVeigh.

Directors Workshop with Niki Caro
A five-day intensive workshop with Niki Caro focused on craft, communication, collaboration and leadership for debut feature filmmakers in advanced development.

The Approach 2027
Helping our most promising short filmmakers chart tangible pathways from shorts to their first feature. Led by Rob Sarkies.

MIFF Accelerator Lab and Express 2027
This supports New Zealand filmmakers to attend the Accelerator Lab - an acclaimed talent ‘hothouse’ for emerging short film directors to hone their skills, craft and contacts as part of their transition to feature filmmaking. Facilitated and supported by DEGANZ.

First Market II
A professional development initiative supporting and mentoring up to five emerging New Zealand film producers to attend their first international financing market, centred on the 37 South Film Market at the Melbourne International Film Festival. Led by Vicky Pope.

Show Me Shorts Short Film Lab 2027
The Short Film Lab is an intensive script development workshop for short filmmakers, with ongoing mentoring for all eight participants and the opportunity to fund the production of two of the films.

Doc Edge Pitch Programme
This programme invites creators of compelling factual screen projects to pitch their ideas to local and international industry decision-makers. Selected teams receive mentoring, industry access and networking opportunities during the annual Doc Edge Festival.

Māoriland Indigenous Co-Lab
A kaupapa Māori-led development programme that empowers Māori and Indigenous filmmaking teams to strengthen their projects and prepare for financing.

Strand 2

PISA Block Battle
A practical directing programme that gives Pacific directors a rare opportunity to refine their director’s voice using the fundamental craft of blocking - strengthening how they interpret a script, communicate with actors and camera, and translate creative intention to screen through repeated practice, peer comparison and direct industry feedback.

Toward Authenticity: Wonder, Risk, Story
Petra Brett-Kelly and the Critics deliver a programme steered by the logline of their film Crocodile, ‘Dreaming is Our Rebellion’. It captures the energy, enthusiasm and can-do spirit they hope to bring to storytellers throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.

Private Investment Summit
WIFT NZ presents Private Investment Summit - In Practice, a three-day intensive programme for established New Zealand producers focused on unlocking private capital for screen production.

Feature Film Development Funding - August to September 2026

• Aroha (FKA Forget Me Not) - Katie Wolfe, Rachel Jean, Tim Balme
• Crooks - Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu, Carthew Neal
• Finding Eden (working title) - Rebecca Tansley, Catherine Madigan, Sue Marshall
• Holes - Kingi Rummler
• Hūkerikeri - Tainui Tukiwaho, Alix Whittaker, Kahukore Bell
• I’m Not Alone Anymore - Chris Dudman, Bridget Hackshaw
• Man Alone - Esteban Jaramilo-Ulloa, Simon London, Emma Mortimer, John Sibanda
• Ovlov - Tom Furniss, Luke Sharpe
• Painmaker - Judah Finnigan, Rachel Forman, Olivia Shanks
• The Desert Road - Ella Gilbert, Vicky Pope, Poppy Serano
• The Offing - Amy Roberts, Jessica Hobbs, Carthew Neal, Charlotte Walls
• Tiny Ghosts - Paloma Schneidmann

‍