ShowNews

Doc Edge: late submission deadline
2024-01-15
Doc Edge is a highly competitive festival with various award categories. As an Academy Awards® qualifying festival, the winners of the Best NZ & International Short and Feature categories will receive consideration for an Oscar in 2025.

Loading Docs: EOI closes
2024-01-08 17:00 (Pacific/Auckland)
Loading Docs 10 has opened a call for Expressions of Interest.

E ngā reo, e ngā mana, i runga i te reo rāhiri o Loading Docs tēnei te karanga, nau mai, kuhu mai, tono mai rā. Loading Docs is now accepting expressions of interest from talented filmmakers ready to embark on a journey of cinematic storytelling and professional growth.
This is your opportunity to join a new cohort of Loading Docs filmmakers. An award-winning short documentary initiative, Loading Docs, has amassed over 19 million views globally, contributed to the creation of multiple feature documentaries, and propelled the career progression of over a hundred filmmakers.

We invite you to submit a short synopsis and treatment for up to three documentary concepts.
Kei ngā ringa whatu kupu, kei ngā arero pounamu, kia kawea e te reo – whītiki tauā! Loading Docs seeks two projects expressly told through te reo Māori (one documentary 100% in te reo, the other at least 30%), ensuring that distinctly Māori perspectives, values, and stories are woven into the fabric of the kaupapa.
Engage with us early to gain constructive feedback and insights on your ideas before the full proposal deadline. By connecting with Loading Docs now, you will better understand our ethos, the commitment we seek, and the kind of stories that resonate with us and our audiences.
Expressions of interest will be accepted until 5 pm, Monday, January 8, 2024.
We encourage you to reach out early and welcome opportunities to engage with filmmakers prior to the summer break.

C.O.C. Squad - campaign closes
2024-01-04
Kickstarter campaign for Oscar Felix Andrews and Mark Wowk’s animated show C.O.C. Squad

Doc Edge Pitch: early bird deadline
2023-12-31
In 2024, Doc Edge Pitch’s theme is “Truth, Impact and Reconciliation”.
We are looking for New Zealand and international projects in the following formats:
• Feature theatrical or TV one-off
• Series (web or TV)
• Immersive (VR, AR, and XR) with an accompanying short or long form documentary
Selected projects will join our whanau (family) and go through a series of workshops on pitching presentation and coaching from mentors as well as post-pitch follow-ups.

The Siege of Cinema 3 - campaign closes
2023-12-22
Crowdfunding campaign for Paul Barlow’s underdog story, set in a smalltown cinema, closing 22 Dec

Doc Edge: regular submission deadline
2023-12-22

Navigating the Narrative
2023-12-19 16:00 - 17:00
Key Considerations When Crafting Screenplays with CHATGPT
Join us on Zoom for the final online event of the year! This session will be recorded if you aren’t able to join us.
Listen to Executive Directors Sandy Gildea (SPADA) & Alice Shearman (NZWG) discuss the tricks and traps for new players when attempting to work with AI language and content tools for scripted projects.
Get access to the session via the link.

Stories About My Body: campaign closes
2023-12-19
Morgana O’Reilly’s Stories About My Body is a solo show, seeking support to be turned into a film.
Sitting somewhere in the wonderland of stand-up comedy, spoken word and storytelling, Stories About My Body has moved audiences to laughter and tears everywhere it’s toured.
Since its first emergence into the world in March 2022, it’s been performed over 50 times between Australia and New Zealand and won Best In Fringe Award at Whangārei Fringe Festival 2022 along the way.
It will be a comedy special filmed on stage, but cinematically elevated to make it sing louder. Use of projection, animation, camera and stage tricks, costume changes in the flick of a cut, set and location shifts, sound design, home movies and photos from my youth all make Stories About My Body a multimedia comedy-special feature-film as unique unto itself, as your body is to you.

Road to Tea Party: campaign closes
2023-12-18
‘Road to Tea Party’ is a mini-documentary series filmed and edited by Jack Robinson and Daniel Davy focusing on the life of rising Neosoul musician and University of Canterbury student Tusekah.
This documentary follows Tusekah leading up to her first big stage performance at UCSA’s Tea Party Festival was held on the 21st of October being attended by 3500 students. This year’s Tea Party Festival sold out and was an amazing day of performances from international and local artists.

VOX365NZ: campaign closes
2023-12-18
We are embarking on a journey to engage with 365 remarkable artists, each contributing their distinctive voice to the cultural landscape of Aotearoa. Our endeavour is simple yet profound: to capture the essence of New Zealand’s contemporary art scene through 365 artist interviews.
Each artist we feature adds a unique brushstroke to the vibrant canvas of Aotearoa’s cultural heritage.
Each interview is a step towards fostering collaboration, inclusivity, and understanding in our diverse society.

No More A Victim: campaign closes
2023-12-18
Boosted campaign for Tanya Wheeler’s short.
It is about a Victim and her Killer, but aims to subvert the audience’s expectations.
This is an ambitious project that requires 7-8 days of shooting, plus a number of complex locations and transport. All donors will get their names in the credits of this short film, which will be submitted to film festivals around the world in 2024-25.

It's in Bloom - campaign closes
2023-12-18
Boosted campaign for Lucy Timmins’ MV for Guy McRae’s song

The Garden Room - campaign closes
2023-12-16
Boosted campaign for Kirsty Cameron’s documentary about one family’s experience of a stillbirth

The Climate Canary (stretch goal): campaign closes
2023-12-16
THE CLIMATE CANARY is a 90 minute feature documentary about three remarkable women and their scientific work in Antarctica, due for release in 2024, and we need your help!
Help us reach our STRETCH GOAL to make our animation sing!
We’ve just managed to raise the funds we need to get into the edit suite and we’ve been overwhelmed and humbled by all the support and messages. We will be starting the rough cut as soon as we can – and we can’t wait to take this film to the world!
Since the rough cut campaign people have asked us – how can we help further?
Well – animation is rather expensive, and we have some great ideas. Every dollar of this extra “stretch” campaign will go directly to the animation budget. Thank you!

Oceania Impact Pitch: submission deadline
2023-12-15
Since its creation, FIFO has become a regional event that fosters a dialogue between the islands and territories of Oceania, providing an unparalleled window into the region! It is dedicated to showcasing Oceanian cinema and filmmakers on a global scale. An annual meeting with the Pacific held in Tahiti. A must in our country, our region and far beyond our shores, our festival innovates, creates and brings together year after year.
The OCEANIA IMPACT PITCH for INDIGENATION is a unique opportunity for committed documentary filmmakers to present their pitches to a panel of professionals and decision makers from Oceania and Europe (festivals, producers, funders, broadcasters).
Whether you want to raise awareness for a cause, denounce an injustice, or inspire collective action, and find partners and funding for your next documentary: this event is for you. You will have the opportunity to present your vision, strategy and goals to create a social, environmental or political impact with your film.
Your documentary project must be in line with FIFO’s values and contribute to the preservation and celebration of the indigenous cultures of Oceania.

FilmicFest: submission deadline
2023-12-15 | online
FilmicFest launched four years ago as a way to inspire a whole new generation of filmmakers to create and share their vision – via mobile phone filmmaking. There has never been a better opportunity to empower the voices of emerging and established indie filmmakers.

Combined Guilds Xmas Party, Auckland
2023-12-13 17:30 - 22:00
It’s that time again already and you are cordially invited to join us at the annual Combined Guild’s Christmas Party! ?
‘Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to celebrate than to gather together for Christmas drinks and nibbles and share events of our last year!
– Nibbles will be provided on the night
– Drinks will be available for purchase at the bar.
– Book your spot now as our spaces are limited!
We look forward to seeing you all there and hosting the creative forces of our hard working guild members all together under one roof!

Reo Māori Content Co-Fund: webinar
2023-12-13 13:00 - 14:00
Te Māngai Pāho and Irirangi Te Motu | NZ On Air have joined forces to support the Māori media sector and work collectively to improve the outcomes of the Maihi Karauna, the Crown’s strategy for Māori language revitalisation.
We are now calling for proposals for a Reo Māori Content Co-Fund and invite applicants creating high-end, te reo Māori Scripted content to apply for funding.
Applications for the Reo Māori Content Co-Fund will be managed and processed by Te Māngai Pāho. You can find the RFP with general eligibility guidelines here.
We will be hosting a webinar on Wednesday 13 December from 1-2pm to introduce the co-fund and answer any questions you may have about the guidelines. This will be hosted by Nadia Marsh from Te Māngai Pāho and Kelly Davis from NZ On Air. If you are interested, you will need to pre-register for the webinar by emailing funding@nzonair.govt.nz. A Zoom link for the webinar will then be sent to you closer to the time.
Questions or to apply
If you are interested in submitting an application or have any questions about eligibility, you can reach out to Juneea Silbery at juneea@tmp.govt.nz or the NZ On Air Funding Team at funding@nzonair.govt.nz.

NZ TV Awards 2023
2023-12-05 18:00 - 23:30
The New Zealand Television Awards recognises excellence in television and honours the special skills and unique talents of the companies and individuals who create, produce, and perform in television programmes in New Zealand.
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The Awards are open to linear, subscription and digital broadcast platforms.

Auckland Screening of "Into the Spotlight" + Q&A
2023-12-03 14:30 - 16:30 | The Capitol Cinema, 610 Dominion Road, Auckland
Doc Edge screening of the film ‘Into the Spotlight’ (USA, 2023) followed by a Q&A with director Thaddeus D. Matula.
About the film
A heartfelt story of how a script, a stage, and a theatre programme composed of adults with disabilities celebrate their creativity, explore life’s complexities, and empower a community, in their own words and their own way.
“Into the Spotlight” follows a Dallas-based theatre troupe, composed of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who are determined to write, rehearse, and perform their 11th annual original musical during the 2021-22 season. The film is crafted entirely from the point of view of the individuals giving them a voice.
Ticket prices:
Full $25
Concession $21
Doc Edge Members $12.50
Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1579083622497945

Miranda Harcourt Seminar
2023-12-03 | Auckland
In this practical seminar Miranda will teach tools and tricks she has developed for use on set for both actors and directors. She will show some case studies so you can see how you can apply the tools. And you will have practical experience during the workshop/seminar.

Christchurch Screening of "Into the Spotlight" + Q&A
2023-12-02 16:30 - 18:30 | Lumiere Cinemas, 26 Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Central City, 8013, New Zealand
Doc Edge screening of the film ‘Into the Spotlight’ (USA, 2023) followed by a Q&A with director Thaddeus D. Matula.
About the film
A heartfelt story of how a script, a stage, and a theatre programme composed of adults with disabilities celebrate their creativity, explore life’s complexities, and empower a community, in their own words and their own way.
“Into the Spotlight” follows a Dallas-based theatre troupe, composed of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who are determined to write, rehearse, and perform their 11th annual original musical during the 2021-22 season. The film is crafted entirely from the point of view of the individuals giving them a voice.
Ticket prices:
Full $25
Concession $21
Doc Edge Members $12.50
Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/164148870054290

Unreal Engine Bootcamp
2023-12-02 - 2023-12-03 | online
This two-day, instructor-led, hands-on Bootcamp is designed to introduce you to the emerging world of Virtual Production Filmmaking using Unreal Engine 5.
During 6 hours of intensive training, we take a deep dive into real-time tools included in Unreal Engine 5 with a view of Virtual Production Cinematography.

MDGA Xmas Meetup
2023-12-01 18:00
MDGA Xmas!
6pm Friday, December 1st
Morningside Tavern
Come along and celebrate the end of the year with some fellow motioneers. For all those freelancers who don’t get a Xmas do, here it is.

Otago & Southland Film Community Christmas Function
2023-12-01 16:00 - 20:00
When: Friday 1 December
Time: 4pm – 8pm
Where: Cargo at Gantley’s, Arthurs Point, Queenstown
How to get there: Parking is available both on site and on street.
Or, via local bus 2 – Arrowtown to Arthurs Point stopping 100m from the venue.
This is a chance to bring the local film community together to catch up, and celebrate, the year that’s been. The evening will include some casual nibbles and drinks, as well as a chance to challenge yourself to some high spec lawn games in a competitive Christmas spirit.
PLEASE RSVP to nadia@filmotagosouthland.com by 5pm Thursday 23rd November to let us know if you’ll be attending!

Turning Up the Volume: launch
2023-11-30 18:30 - 20:30
For our official TUV launch event, we’ll have a panel talking about Screen Sector issues and solutions for the next Government. Discussion will focus on what the (new/next) Government means for post-production film workers in New Zealand, and for the broader screen sector. Industry representatives will discuss the most pressing issues for New Zealand’s post-production sector, such as the SIWA and available work, and challenge how the next Government can best implement necessary change.
The event runs at Miramar Creative Centre, 133 Park Road, Miramar, Wellington 6022

Nga Aho Whakaari AGM
2023-11-30 18:00 - 21:00 | Te Mahurehure Cultural Marae, 65/73 Premier Avenue, Point Chevalier, Auckland, 1022
Ngā Aho Whakaari’s annual general meeting.

Doc Edge Clinic: Local Lens, Global Reach: The Power of Place in Filmmaking
2023-11-30 10:00 - 16:00 | Lumiere Cinemas, 26 Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Central City, 8013, New Zealand
Join U.S. director Thaddeus D. Matula (“Into the Spotlight”) in “Local Lens, Global Reach: The Power of Place in Filmmaking” as he unravels the art of storytelling and the architecture of narrative structure. Discover how compelling stories thrive on the foundations of “but,” “therefore,” and “meanwhile.” Thaddeus, a storytelling vessel, compares his approach to carving out the transcendent truth hidden within reality, much like Michelangelo’s pursuit to free the angel from marble.
This talk isn’t just about filmmaking; it’s about the universal language of passion that resonates with all. Thaddeus will share insights on connecting with subjects’ passions, staying open to opportunities, and nurturing connections to illuminate the human experience through cinema.
For filmmakers in Christchurch and beyond, “Local Lens, Global Reach” is a beacon of inspiration, reminding you that the power to touch hearts and change minds through storytelling lies within you, no matter where you are. Thaddeus’s journey illustrates that with passion as your compass and storytelling as your craft, you can create films that resonate globally from your very location.
In addition to speaker Matula, full details of the day’s programme will be advertised soon.
Matula’s film, “Into the Spotlight,” takes the spotlight as our December Film of the Month in the Virtual Cinema. But here’s the exciting part: you can watch the film either on the big screen or online. Plus, you’ll have the chance to meet the director in person in Christchurch and Auckland.
Christchurch at Lumiere Cinemas on Saturday 2 December at 4.30pm
Auckland at The Capitol Cinema on Sunday 3 December at 2.30pm

MFF2024: submission deadline
2023-11-30
Māoriland Film Festival was founded in 2014 to celebrate Indigenous voices and storytelling in film.
The MFF has grown to be the largest presenter of Indigenous storytelling in the Southern Hemisphere with year-round screen and arts programmes that include; industry events, rangatahi filmmaking, creative technology (animation/VR/AR/XR), the NATIVE Minds lecture series, performing arts, music and theatre performances, a full visual arts programme at its art gallery Toi Matarau at the Māoriland Hub.
Māoriland Film Festival and the Māoriland Hub is based in Ōtaki, Aotearoa. The 11th Māoriland FIlm Festival – MFF24 will take place from March 20 – 24, 2024

Mother Tongue, campaign closes
2023-11-30
Motivated by things that are very tasty, Bhagya and Carl are travelling to the motherland of Sri Lanka to visit forest gardens, coconut mills, rice paddies, and Aachi’s house. We will also eat: leaning into the warm embrace of our home cuisine and learning some aunties’ secrets along the way.
In Sri Lanka they say “never arrive with your arms hanging,” an ode to the importance of reciprocity. So we will share what we find: not just a story but food to be proud of, produced with love for people and in concert with the island’s rich biodiversity.
ŌPCo Media Syndicate’s campaign closes 30 November.
