WIFT NZ News (97)
Stephen Follows: What it costs to self-distribute and promote an independent film
Posted Tuesday 11 Aug 2026
We here at WIFT NZ love to cherry-pick and share with you any relevant and compelling data information that film industry data-guru Stephen Follows has to offer, and his latest one on indie films is a fascinating one. Not that of course his numbers are in USD - dive into the story preview below then…
Producer Opportunity through NZFC: Berlinale’s EFM Toolbox Programme 2027
Posted Tuesday 11 Aug 2026
There is an amazing opportunity on offer for a New Zealand producer.
The New Zealand Film Commission is partnering with Berlinale’s EFM Toolbox Programme 2027 to support one emerging producer through the next iteration of the Toolbox Programme from Nov 2026 to Feb 2027.
They are currently accepting Expressions of Interest in the NZFC portal…
Moe Mai Rā Leo Koziol
Posted Monday 10 Aug 2026
In 2011, Wairoa Māori Film Festival director Leo Koziol and his mother Huia Koziol approached WIFT NZ to initiate a new award in recognition of wāhine toa in the Aotearoa screen industry.
This became the WIFT Mana Wāhine Award which recognises and supports the achievements of Māori Women in film and television who work tirelessly…
Calls for Submissions (29)
Sundance/Sandbox Documentary Project Film Grant
Posted Monday 10 Aug 2026
Calling all filmmakers!
The Sandbox Fund offers grants, engagement events, and other opportunities for independent artists seeking to explore the intrinsic link between science and culture through innovative storytelling. The program is administered by the Sundance Institute Documentary Fund, in collaboration with Sandbox Films.
U.S. and international feature-length nonfiction projects are eligible.
Applicants from any…
Women's International Film & Arts Festival Is Accepting Film Submissions
Posted Monday 10 Aug 2026
WIFF is are now accepting film submissions for the 2026 Women's International Film & Arts Festival, taking place October 21–25, 2026 in New York City.
This submission period is open for a limited time only.
Submit your film by midnight (EST) on August 21 for the opportunity to be considered.
Click the link below for…
Seed & Seed Advanced: NZWG + NZFC Funding Rounds Open
Posted Monday 10 Aug 2026
New Zealand Writers Guild and New Zealand Film Commission are excited to announce that Seed & Seed Advanced is now open, and this round there's something a little extra to celebrate.
Seed & Seed Advanced are screenwriter-only feature film script development grants.
For the first time since the programme began in 2014, Seed & Seed…
On our Radar (69)
The Animation Matchmaking Online Series 2026: Registration Open
Posted Monday 10 Aug 2026
Looking for your next animation collaborators?
Calling all writers, directors, producers, animators, studios and emerging creators from Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world!
Featuring: Craig Bartlett (Hey Arnold!), Rebecca Gibson (Eagle Vision), Ricard Cussó (Cosmic Dino), Colin Bennett (Toon Boom), Dave Mullins and Brad Booker (ElectroLeague), Joseph Bell (VFX World Atlas), Arman Haque (Glitch Productions),…
Waitaha Canterbury Script Accelerator: Applications Now Open
Posted Monday 10 Aug 2026
Have you got a Feature Film or TV Series script and want to take it to the next level?
Te Puna Matarau | The Canterbury Screen Industry Association has successfully run creative screen incubator programmes for Waithaha Canterbury-based filmmakers over the last 3 years, focusing on creative development of long-form feature film and TV series scripts.…
NZFC - Filmmaker Cuppa Tea Events
Posted Monday 10 Aug 2026
The NZFC is running their Filmmaker Cuppa Tea Event in Auckland and Wellington to chat with the funding team and other fellow filmmakers.
Wellington
4 September, 10.00am-12.00pm: NZ Film Commission, Level 1, 2-12 Allen Street, Te Aro
Auckland
11 September, 10.00am-12.00pm: Location TBC
To RSVP for either event, please click here.