Stage 3 of the Southern Documentary Accelerator is now open!
Applications are now open for Stage Three of the Southern Documentary Accelerator, inviting documentary makers from Otago and Southland to apply for production funding.
Filmmakers can apply for up to $10,000 in production funding per film, with applications assessed on the quality of the proposed documentary and the credibility of the team’s production plan.
One production grant is specifically allocated to fund a documentary based in the Queenstown Lakes region.
Applications must be submitted as one single PDF document under 20MB.
Submission documents
Applications should include:
- Outline or treatment
Maximum 1,500 words. - Production plan
Maximum 1,000 words. This is the producer’s opportunity to address practical elements such as health and safety, logistics, locations, stunts, effects, or any other production considerations. - Budget / fundraising plan
This should outline how the budget will be spent, and where any additional support will come from, such as sponsorship, in-kind donations or fundraising. - Team information and bios
One page only.
Key date
Applications close at 5pm on Monday 1 June 2026.
Further information, including eligibility criteria and application details, is available on the Short Film Otago website.
Questions about the Southern Documentary Accelerator can be sent to documentary@sfo.nz.
*Please note: One production grant is specifically allocated to fund a documentary based in the Queenstown Lakes region.
