ShowNews

Full Moon, Baby! - campaign closes
2024-07-19
Haunted by disturbing visions that his fiancée, Lily may be a werewolf, Mike struggles to express his fears to their therapist, Dr. Silverman.
Despite the advice from his therapist and Mike’s own efforts to forget about his irrational fears, Lily constantly does things in their everyday life that further affirm them. Eventually leading to a comedic encounter with an exorcist and an unexpected climax. This story is a bizarre and lighthearted tale about trust—no matter how many times Lily tells Mike that she is not a werewolf, it never seems to help.
Dead Slate Studios is a production company made up of film school graduates. Our members specialize in Producing, Directing, Acting, Camera, Lighting, Audio, Post Production, and Art Design. We are a group of collaborators who thrive off each other’s creativity. As aspiring creatives, our team will cherish any contribution from you that helps this film get made. We’re excited to tell this story and would love to have you on board. You’ll also be credited as a special thanks at the end of the film.

Goners, campaign closing
2024-07-18
After a failed suicide attempt, a man finds himself stuck in a hospital room with a terminally ill child, where he is forced to reconsider his perspective on life and must decide whether to live or continue down his suicidal path.
Writer-director Caleb Aiono’s Goners is an action packed drama short film that aims to bring awareness about mental health. This short film provides the viewer with a compelling narrative that not only entertains but gives you a positive outlook on life.

Doc Edge Festival 2024 - Nationwide Online
2024-07-15 - 2024-07-31 | online
An Oscar® qualifying international documentary festival, Doc Edge is poised to become a major cultural event in the Asia Pacific region showcasing the best films and immersive projects from New Zealand and around the world.
The 19th edition in Christchurch, Auckland, Wellington, and Nationwide online from 19 June to 31 July 2024.
Nationwide / Online
15 – 31 July all films are available on the Doc Edge Virtual Cinema

Future Vision Melbourne
2024-07-15 - 2024-07-17 | online
FUTURE VISION brings together the best of Australian and international storytellers and commissioners currently working in the worlds of premium television drama and narrative comedy.
The first two days of this global television summit are closed-door and invite-only sessions, but tickets are available for July 17, which is a wider industry conference on courage in storytelling.

Far North filmmaking workshops, Kerikeri
2024-07-14
Script to Screen is presenting a 1-day adult scriptwriting workshop in Kerikeri.
This is a rare opportunity for local story tellers to work with renowned writer, director and author, Michael Bennett (The Gone, In Dark Places).
The morning will be spent delving into character, story structure, key moments and writing fundamentals and then in the afternoon you will develop your own original story idea and write a scene.
Not to be missed, this is a practical and interactive workshop that will help you find the momentum you need to initiate a screen story, or move your project forward. If you’re a new or emerging filmmaker or a local creative wanting to reinvigorate a screen idea or explore writing for film and television, this workshop is for you.

Queer Story Workshop, Auckland
2024-07-13 10:00 - 16:00 (Pacific/Auckland)
Join us for a one-day workshop with writer/director and Professor Welby Ings (Punch) on how to write an impactful short film.
Topics covered include pitching your idea, what elements make a story, understanding your story idea’s impact on budget and production, and being flexible and responsive to the dynamics of your story as they develop.
Attendees are encouraged to come with at least one short film idea in mind to get the most out of the workshop.

What Once Was, campaign closing
2024-07-12
What Once Was is an LGBTQ+ coming of age short film being made by a group of young queer film students here in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Aotearoa.
We want to contribute to the growing pool of queer media by creating a story that is personal, authentic and wholeheartedly kiwi.
After returning to her childhood farmhouse, Abigail must find the courage to come out to her close-minded parents, before the relationship with her girlfriend crumbles and she loses her family forever~
We’re raising funds to provide our awesome crew with food and transport, as well as going toward locations costs, production design, props, costumes, paying our talented actors, and for entering into film festivals further down the track!

The Chair, campaign closing
2024-07-10
Brooke Benton (Writer, Director) and Kate Goodwin’s (Producer) The Chair was amongst 12 films shortlisted for Kōpere Hou Fresh Shorts, but unfortunately wasn’t one of the three films selected to be funded. We received feedback that it’s shoot-ready.
The Chair is a 14-minute comedy drama based on a true story about Steph, a self-sabotaging yo-pro who discovers period blood on her office chair, setting off a chain-of-events that impact a major client meeting and deeply ruffle the office power dynamics.
And warning: there will be blood.

Write Room, Wellington
2024-07-08 18:00 - 20:00
Write Room 2025 launches with the panel discussion “Screenwriting Partnerships”, featuring 2 different screenwriting partnerships:
emerging team Amelia Addis and Ebed Pohl who are the 2024 residents on the Write Room programme, and
established filmmakers Rob and Duncan Sarkies who have collaborated on numerous projects including Scarfies and Two Little Boys.
This is also a chance for establishing directors to hear a bit more about supporting the writing process.

Static Noises - campaign closes
2024-07-08
A young Filipina living in New Zealand discovers her father’s dark past after her journalist ex-lover is murdered, and must choose between loyalty to her family or risking it all for justice.
Static Noises delves into the detachment experienced by Filipinos living abroad, challenging the prevailing notion that personal comfort suffices as they are shielded from the chaos of the world. This story is important and timely, urging viewers to confront the realities often chosen to be ignored.
Young Filipina writer/director Jomz Ramirez wrote this 8 minute film about her experience living out of reach from the political turmoil of the Philippines, the connection and disconnection of family, and the true cost of loyalty.
Static Noises emphasises the critical need for empathy in a world desperate for connection, and encourages audiences to reflect on the profound echoes that resonate when empathy breaks the silence of detachment, sparking change one living room at a time.

ReUnion, campaign closing
2024-07-07
When a young woman has a chance meeting with an old school friend, she must consider what it means to truly connect with someone, no matter the circumstances of their reunion.
ReUnion is a short film that invites us to examine what we believe to be normal about relationships.
Nothing in the world of ReUnion is normal – but is that so different to our world?

PISA Writers Room, Auckland
2024-07-06 10:00 - 15:00
Our next Writers Room for 2024 will be in Auckland led by award winning writer & director Mia Maramara [[Albularyo, Foodie, Candy, Grafted]. The topic of focus for this Writer’s Room will be: Choosing what idea to take to script.
As always there will also be opportunities for personal writing time and to have discussions. A light lunch and snacks will be provided because we are PISA, and you are our honoured guests.

Women in Camera, Auckland
2024-07-04 18:00 - 20:00
Join WIFT for an enlightening exploration through the lens of women in camera. Join these talented women, Cinematographers Tammy Williams, and Nani Conforte with 1st AC Kirsten Green, Moderated by Managing Director of FAT Lighting, Tracey Cochrane.

Opportunities and challenges for women cinematographers.
Their thoughts of the evolving landscape of cinematography and the avenues for career advancement.
How their lived experiences and perspectives as women bring depth and authenticity to their craft.
What initiatives they feel are needed to balance the scales in their field.

Québecois Short Film Night - Christchurch
2024-07-04
The creativity of filmmakers from the Québec region of Canada is on display in this vibrant collection of short films. Animation, comedy and drama abound as children begin to grow up, social norms are challenged, and the location for a park bench is proposed.
Christchurch
6.15pm, Thursday 4 July, Alice Cinemas
The short film night also runs in
Auckland
7pm Tuesday 2 July, The Kingslander
Wellington
7pm Wednesday 3 July

Little Cinema Queenstown
2024-07-03 19:00 - 21:00
After a successful first edition in February, Little Cinema Queenstown is back for another round.
Supported by Film Queenstown Lakes and Film Otago Southland, this spectacular short film showcase night supports filmmaking at grassroots levels in the Queenstown Lakes District area and beyond.
From sketches, documentaries, music videos, animations and more, this promises to be a fun night for all lovers of film.

What can VFX offer, Wellington
2024-07-03 18:00 - 20:00
WIFTNZ and DEGANZ have teamed up for this exciting Wellington workshop. Here’s your chance to understand the transition from live action to animation or VFX. Demystifying the creative process, the art form and the terminology, this workshop will give you the information you need to expand your vision successfully!
Join for an illuminating evening with this talented group of panelists: Senior Lecturer Lala Rolls, Director Jo Luping, Director Loren Taylor and Director and Technical Artist, Raqi Syed.

Are you looking to include animation or VFX into your next project?
Do you want to save time and money by learning what you need to know beforehand?
Would you like to ask all your questions now, so you can be smart when the times comes?

This is a workshop for directors, producers, the production team, and anyone else who wishes to increase their knowledge!

Doc Edge Festival 2024 - Wellington
2024-07-03 - 2024-07-14 | The Roxy Cinema, 5 Park Road, Miramar, Wellington, 6022
An Oscar® qualifying international documentary festival, Doc Edge is poised to become a major cultural event in the Asia Pacific region showcasing the best films and immersive projects from New Zealand and around the world.
The 19th edition of in Christchurch, Auckland, Wellington, and Nationwide online from 19 June to 31 July 2024.
Wellington / In-Person
3 – 14 July Screenings at The Roxy Cinema, Miramar
3 -14 July Immersive Exhibition at Te Auaha Gallery, CBD
Doc Edge Immersive Exhibition showcases digital interactive storytelling projects featuring top international and local virtual/augmented reality installations.

Doc Edge Festival 2024 - Auckland
2024-07-03 - 2024-07-14 | The Capitol Cinema, 610 Dominion Road, Auckland
An Oscar® qualifying international documentary festival, Doc Edge is poised to become a major cultural event in the Asia Pacific region showcasing the best films and immersive projects from New Zealand and around the world.
The 19th edition in Christchurch, Auckland, Wellington, and Nationwide online from 19 June to 31 July 2024.
Auckland / In-Person
3 – 14 July Screenings at The Capitol Cinema, Balmoral
8 -14 July Immersive Exhibition at Auckland Central Library and Silo 6
Doc Edge Immersive Exhibition showcases digital interactive storytelling projects featuring top international and local virtual/augmented reality installations.

Québecois Short Film Night - Wellington
2024-07-03
The creativity of filmmakers from the Québec region of Canada is on display in this vibrant collection of short films. Animation, comedy and drama abound as children begin to grow up, social norms are challenged, and the location for a park bench is proposed.
7pm Wednesday 3 July
The short film night also runs in
Auckland
7pm Tuesday 2 July, The Kingslander
Christchurch
6.15pm, Thursday 4 July, Alice Cinemas

Québecois Short Film Night - Auckland
2024-07-02
The creativity of filmmakers from the Québec region of Canada is on display in this vibrant collection of short films. Animation, comedy and drama abound as children begin to grow up, social norms are challenged, and the location for a park bench is proposed.
7pm Tuesday 2 July, The Kingslander
The short film night also runs in
Wellington
7pm Wednesday 3 July
and Christchurch
6.15pm, Thursday 4 July, Alice Cinemas

Nuku’alofa Film Festival - campaign closes
2024-06-30
The Nuku’alofa Film Festival was founded in 2015, by artistic director Sisi’uno Helu and other filmmakers from New Zealand of Tongan descent. It’s aim is to empower Tongan and Tagata Pasifika artists to tell their own stories by amplifying their voices through film.
With 4 past iterations, The Nuku’alofa Film Festival has screened a wide tapestry of award winning films, including Leitis in Waiting, The Head and the Hand, Lady Eva, For My Father’s Kingdom and more. The Film Festival has served as one of few platforms to highlight both local and international screen artistry within the Pacific. With humble beginnings, the NFF rallied support of local partners on a grassroots level. Creating intimate and meaningful relationships with filmmakers and local organisation in Tonga. Since its hiatus, there has been interest for the Festival’s return.
Our goal is to re-establish the presence of the Nuku’alofa Film Festival in Tonga.

Film Raro - submission deadline
2024-06-30
Developing nations such as the South Pacific’s Cook Islands need to learn more about telling their own digital stories to aid social and economic development.
To be able to see themselves on screen, hear their own language, preserve heritage, culture and identity, to have a voice in today’s audio visual digital world.
Film Raro2 is a world first concept in the way that it will link passionate film makers to indigenous peoples to collaborate in the production of international short films.

We are searching for up to eight great scripts to take into production at Film Raro2.

We are reviewing registered scripts now to establish a list of the best eight.

We will continue to take new scripts until June 30th, 2024.

Misty Flicks Challenge
2024-06-30
Join us in the inaugural Misty Flicks Challenge, New Zealand’s catalyst for short film mastery and collaborative filmmaking. We’re igniting the passion of our homegrown talent to tell stories that resonate both locally and globally. This is your calling card to showcase your skills, meet like-minded creators, and be part of a community that thrives on the art of cinema.
TL;DR – The Misty Flicks Challenge is a short film competition for New Zealand filmmakers where you have some months to complete a single-digit runtime short film. Finalists will be Screened at the Misty Flicks Independent Film Festival.
Registrations opened on 16 March and will close on 30 June. Submissions must be completed by 31 August. The festival runs 22-24 November.

Tympanic - campaign closes
2024-06-29
Tympanic is our take on the post apocalyptic story. Inspired by Movies and TV shows like A Quiet Place and The Last of Us. We wanted to make a universal thriller that can be enjoyed by all. It’s a small story, but one that we want to do beautifully.
Conceived a year ago by a group of young film crew workers (us) over an early morning coffee, a small seed of an idea turned into a rather serious script with real potential. A horror/thriller with real emotional stakes and a tragedy at heart.
A short visualizer captured the atmosphere and feel we were trying to achieve for the larger film. Using the actual main cast for the actual short, we’re super proud of this film even though there’s a much larger story to tell.
This has all carried us to the present. Myself, Jackson, and my DOP Michael are super excited to make this special short film we’ve been planning for so long. We’ve already secured a few locations for filming and are in an intensive pre-prod schedule designing the world.

Adaptive Boxing Event doco, campaign closing
2024-06-29
The Adaptive Boxing Event is the first one of its kind in New Zealand. The event was held on Saturday 23rd of March in South Auckland. The event featured adaptive, able, and exhibition matches, along with entertainment from local dancers. The audience and participants were provided with closed captioning, appropriate lighting, accessible rings, and boxing gear.
Dead Slate Studios were chosen to cover the match and the practices leading up to the event to form a Documentary that is now in Post-Production.
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Messie - campaign closes
2024-06-27
From Gisborne to Glastonbury, while managing friendship, whanau, and wellbeing the young, queer DJ Messie rises to fame, seen through the lenses of current club subcultures.
Our crew is looking for your support in bringing Messie: A Feature Length Documentary to life! This is a fast-paced story, made by the next generation of New Zealand Filmmakers.
Having self-funded this documentary for the last 5 months, our team is fully committed. We’re ready to go all in and capture this pivotal moment.Funds raised via Boosted will go towards the necessary costs for the crew to capture the next step in Tessa’s career. Your donation will also support keeping this story afloat until funding decisions and applications have been processed.

The Moon is Upside Down talk - Wellington
2024-06-26 18:30 - 20:30
Following the recent New Zealand release of The Moon is Upside Down, Loren Taylor (writer/director/actor) joins moderator and writer Duncan Sarkies (Scarfies, and Two Little Boys) to discuss her writing process, the challenges of creating stories and characters that come alive on screen, and how she and her team moved this unique and beautifully crafted feature from her initial idea to production and release.

Doc Edge Industry 2024 – Christchurch
2024-06-26 - 2024-06-29 | Christchurch
A must-attend series of events for screen professionals, including Pitch, Awards, Forum, and Market. Join us in Christchurch for this exciting opportunity to share ideas, problem solve, and make great content.
Doc Edge Industry 2024
Join us in Christchurch 26 – 29 June for Doc Edge Industry 2024 – a must-attend series of events for screen professionals.
Pitch | 26-27 June: 21 finalists from around the world present their incredible stories to industry professionals.
Awards | 27 June: Celebrate outstanding achievements in documentary filmmaking at our prestigious awards ceremony.
Forum | 28-29 June: Engage in discussions with change-makers and decision-makers on the most compelling issues facing the industry today.
Market | 26-29 June: Network and connect with local and international filmmakers and industry professionals.
Don’t miss this opportunity to share ideas, problem solve, and make great content. Passes are limited, so secure yours now.
2-Day & 4-day passes are available.
We would like to acknowledge that times are uncertain for many in our industry and wish to show our support by offering half-price accreditations. Please book using the code ‘Community2024’. We have also partnered with several hotels to provide you with a special discounted rates, you can check out these offers and more information on our website.

ShowNews Academy - I Am Cuba
2024-06-25 19:00 - 22:00 | Academy Cinema, 44 Lorne St, Auckland, New Zealand
Directed by Mikhail Kalatozov
Starring Sergio Corrieri, Salvador Wood, José Gallardo, Jean Bouise, Luz María Collazo
Each month ShowNews presents a film at Academy Cinemas picked by a special film industry guest. For June, it is a 60th anniversary screening of the visually groundbreaking revolutionary triumph, I AM CUBA!
Both a landmark of radical political cinema and one of the most visually ravishing films ever made, this legendary hymn to revolution shimmers across the screen like a fever dream of rebellion. The result of an extraordinarily ambitious collaboration between the Soviet and Cuban film industries, director Mikhail Kalatozov’s I AM CUBA unfolds in four explosive vignettes that capture Cuban life on the brink of transformation, as crushing economic exploitation and inequality give way to a working-class uprising. Backed by Carlos Fariñas’s stirring score, the dazzling camera work by Sergei Urusevsky—an inspiration for generations of filmmakers to follow—gives flight to the movie’s message of liberation.
Tickets only $10!
Happy Hour drinks from 7pm.
Screening 8:30pm.

Catchlight Film Festival - submission deadline
2024-06-24 10:00
Now in its fourth year, Sony presents the Catchlight Film Festival to once again celebrate the best short-form filmmaking shot on Sony cameras across Australia and New Zealand. The Festival continues its mission to encourage filmmakers at all levels, from passionate amateurs to industry veterans, showcasing the exceptional talent and abilities of cinematographers and filmmakers who are using the Sony system to capture their stories.
What’s New in 2024?
In 2024, the prize structure for the major categories has been tweaked to better suit the needs of our prize winners. Where previous prize winners would take away $10,000 worth of Sony camera gear, that value is now split into $5,000 worth of gear and a $5,000 filmmaking grant, allowing our winners much more flexibility to make the most of their winnings. In addition, the Student Fiction category prize has been brought in line with the other major categories, now awarding the same split $5,000 gear / $5,000 grant prize pack.
Finally, 2024 sees the debut of the “Cinematic Social” category, designed to recognise striking and beautiful work created specifically for the small screen.
Cinematic Social is for the kind of short form evocative content that has risen to prominence on Social Media in recent years, most often in the form of travel and lifestyle Reels. This content does not follow a typical fiction or non-fiction story line. The sequence of content may follow a theme, idea, location, or concept. The key is the visual identity of the content remains the same which unifies the short film.
Competition Dates
Entries open at 09:00 AM AEDT on Wednesday, 21st February 2024 and close for submissions at 12:00PM AEST on Monday, 24 June 2024.
