We’re pleased to announce the return of the Māoriland Indigenous Co-Lab (MICL) - a Māori-led feature film development lab supporting Indigenous feature film projects to move confidently toward production and the global screen stage.
Following the success of the inaugural Co-Lab delivered in 2024–2025, applications are now open for the 2026 programm
MICL supports Indigenous creative teams to develop feature films that are culturally grounded, industry-ready, and internationally connected.
For the first time, the Co-Lab will accept participants from Western Australia, supported by Minderoo Pictures, while continuing our longstanding partnership with Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga – the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC).
“Māoriland have made significant impact in the film community with their programmes for filmmakers, from rangatahi to emerging filmmakers. The first MICL cohort has been a great success, with participants progressing their projects closer to production. We are proud to support the second iteration of the programme that seeks to connect culturally specific stories to the world,” said Ainsley Gardiner (Head of Funding, NZFC).
“The Māoriland Indigenous Co-Lab is an exciting pathway for talented First Nations storytellers from WA. Minderoo Pictures is thrilled to partner with Māoriland Charitable Trust and Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga – the New Zealand Film Commission on this unique opportunity to support and amplify distinctive voices and narratives that deserve to be celebrated on the world stage,” said Minderoo Pictures.
Delivered by the team behind the Māoriland Film Festival, the Māoriland Indigenous Co-Lab is designed for Indigenous writers, directors, and producers with feature film projects ready to enter advanced development.
The programme combines kaupapa Māori frameworks, international Indigenous mentorship, and practical industry pathways to strengthen creative vision, build financing-ready materials, and produce proof-of-concept scenes.