ShowNews

Doc Edge Festival 2026 - Regular Submission Deadline
2025-12-15
NZ filmmakers — submissions for Doc Edge Festival 2026 are now open!
Doc Edge invites Aotearoa’s documentary community to submit films for the 21st edition of the festival. They are looking for powerful New Zealand stories across shorts and features, as well as immersive, from emerging voices to established creatives working in the factual and hybrid space.
Selected films will screen as part of New Zealand’s Oscar®-qualifying documentary festival, and top local awards include major cash prizes and Oscar® consideration for 2027.
🏆 Best NZ Feature: $10,000 cash prize + Oscar® consideration
🏆 Best NZ Short: $2,500 cash prize + Oscar® consideration
Submissions via FilmFreeway.
📅 Regular deadline: 15 December 2025
📅 Late deadline: 31 January 2026
Be part of Aotearoa’s leading documentary platform and showcase your work to local and international audiences.

Combined Guilds Xmas Party WELLINGTON
2025-12-18 18:00 - 22:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | Southern Cross Garden Bar, 39 Abel Smith Street, Wellington, 6011
It’s been another interesting year for Aotearoa’s screen industry, now it’s time to reflect, raise a glass, and celebrate together!
Join the writers, directors, editors, actors, stunties, crew, producers, postproduction and VFX magicians and all the screen creators who keep the cameras rolling and the stories flowing.
The Combined Guilds Xmas Parties are your chance to reconnect with old friends, meet new collaborators, and enjoy a well-earned festive catch-up with good people who get it.
What’s included:
Your $10 ticket covers a bar tab and snacks
A warm, welcoming mix of industry whānau across all screen guilds
The perfect chance to unwind, swap stories, and toast to another creative year
Whether you’ve been on set, in post, behind the scenes, or in front of the camera, come celebrate the people who make Aotearoa’s screen industry what it is, one big circus family.
Tickets: $10 per person – includes bar tab + snacks
Dress code: Come as you are (festive flair welcome!)

Doc Edge Pitch 2026 - Early bird Submission Deadline
2026-01-16
Submissions are now open for Doc Edge Pitch 2026 — New Zealand’s premier platform for developing and showcasing new documentary projects.
Doc Edge is seeking compelling factual projects (shorts, features, and series) in development, production or rough-cut stage. Selected teams will pitch to international and local decision makers and receive mentoring, industry access, and networking opportunities during the festival.
Open to both NZ and international filmmakers.
📅 Early Bird deadline: 16 January 2026
📍 Pitching takes place during Doc Edge Festival 2026
🔗 Full details & application: https://docedge.nz/programme/industry/pitch/

ShowNews Academy - The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
2026-01-27 19:30 - 22:00 | Academy Cinema, 44 Lorne St, Auckland, New Zealand
Directed by John Ford
Starring Vera Miles, James Stewart, John Wayne, Lee Marvin, John Carradine
Come along and hear Chris Short introduce John Ford’s Oscar-nominated western, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, starring John Wayne, James Stewart and Lee Marvin as Liberty.
Why this film? Because the screening is a tribute to Lee Tamahori, and the film was a favourite of his – in fact it was the last film he watched before passing away last month. The Academy will be donating the evening’s takings to the Vista Foundation.
“Director Ford brings us to the lawless frontier village of Shinbone, a town plagued by a larger-than-life nemesis, Liberty Valance (Marvin). Stewart plays the bungling but charming big-city lawyer determined to rid Shinbone of Valance, and he finds that he has an unlikely ally in the form of a rugged local rancher (Wayne). The two men also share the same love interest (Miles). But when the final showdown becomes inevitable, one of the two will attempt to get the gunman . . . and the other one will wind up getting the gal.”

Doc Edge Festival 2026 - Late Submission Deadline
2026-01-31
NZ filmmakers — submissions for Doc Edge Festival 2026 are now open!
Doc Edge invites Aotearoa’s documentary community to submit films for the 21st edition of the festival. They are looking for powerful New Zealand stories across shorts and features, as well as immersive, from emerging voices to established creatives working in the factual and hybrid space.
Selected films will screen as part of New Zealand’s Oscar®-qualifying documentary festival, and top local awards include major cash prizes and Oscar® consideration for 2027.
🏆 Best NZ Feature: $10,000 cash prize + Oscar® consideration
🏆 Best NZ Short: $2,500 cash prize + Oscar® consideration
Submissions via FilmFreeway.
📅 Late deadline: 31 January 2026
Be part of Aotearoa’s leading documentary platform and showcase your work to local and international audiences.

Doc Edge Festival 2026 - Extended Submission Deadline
2026-02-15
NZ filmmakers — submissions for Doc Edge Festival 2026 are now open!
Doc Edge invites Aotearoa’s documentary community to submit films for the 21st edition of the festival. They are looking for powerful New Zealand stories across shorts and features, as well as immersive, from emerging voices to established creatives working in the factual and hybrid space.
Selected films will screen as part of New Zealand’s Oscar®-qualifying documentary festival, and top local awards include major cash prizes and Oscar® consideration for 2027.
🏆 Best NZ Feature: $10,000 cash prize + Oscar® consideration
🏆 Best NZ Short: $2,500 cash prize + Oscar® consideration
Submissions via FilmFreeway.
📅 Extended deadline: 15 February 2026
Be part of Aotearoa’s leading documentary platform and showcase your work to local and international audiences.

The Approach - Feature Film Workshop (Applications Close Date)
2026-02-16 08:00 - 17:00
An inspiring workshop series has been launched for NZ Directors, Writers and Producers approaching production of their first dramatic feature.
Developed and led by Rob Sarkies (Pike River) The Approach has been designed to help bridge the gap for emerging feature filmmakers between experience on small or short-form productions and the demands of larger scale independent features.
The programme comprises in-person weekend workshops, follow-up sessions and targeted support for filmmakers. It is aimed at emerging NZ directors prepping for their first dramatic feature, development teams and producers seeing to build their creative producing skills.
Three Weekend Workshops are being offered in Auckland and Wellington between April and June:
Workshop 1: Holding the Film – Directing Process from Page to Picture (for directors)
Workshop 2: Development Craft and Collaboration for Creative Teams
Workshop 3: Shepherding Creativity for producers.
The series has been supported by the NZFC Industry Led Talent Development Fund and is offered at no cost to participants and applications close 16 February 2026

2026 Vincent Burke Scholarship
2026-02-16 08:00 - 2026-03-23 17:00
Spada is proud to open nominations for the 2026 Vincent Burke Scholarship, which aims to support the next generation of New Zealand producers by providing an annual grant of$5,000 to assist the advancement of their projects, companies, or careers.
2026 marks the second year this scholarship is offered with the inaugural 2025 Vincent Burke Scholarship awarded to Joyce Wong.
In loving memory of her brother, Wendy Pringle generously bequeathed proceeds from Vincent’s estate to Spada to establish this Scholarship, dedicated to supporting emerging producers—a cause Vincent championed throughout his remarkable career.
Spada would also like to thank Vincent’s longtime colleague Laurie Clarke for his help in establishing this Scholarship.
Vincent Burke worked in the New Zealand screen industry for over 30 years and was noted for addressing social issues and stories from everyday life. His production company Top Shelf created many award-winning documentaries and factual series including ‘All About Eve’ (1991), ‘Cinema of Unease’ (1996) and the ambitious ‘Frontier of Dreams’ (2004). Vincent also had a love of drama, producing ‘Flight of the Albatross’ (1995) and co-producing ‘Predicament’ (2010). In more recent years he produced feature documentary ‘100 Men’ (2017) and was an executive producer on the first Tongan feature film ‘For My Father’s Kingdom’ (2019).
Vincent was widely respected as an “elder statesman” of our industry. As President of Spada during its days as the NZ Film & Video Training Board, he made a lasting impact. In 2012, Vincent was awarded the Spada/Databook Industry Champion Award in recognition of his remarkable career and his dedication to mentoring, mediating, and supporting the industry, its people, and their stories.
Vincent’s enduring legacy lives on through the opportunity created by the Vincent Burke Scholarship, which aims to empower the next generation of New Zealand screen producers.

Screen Canterbury Production Grant Applications Open
2026-02-18 08:00 - 17:00
$67,500 will be distributed to eligible productions by an independent advisory panel made up of established members of industry.
If you have any questions, please email welcome@screencanterbury.nz to organise a chat.
We have also kicked off work on a refreshed long-term strategy. I am looking forward to building on the good work done to date and discovering new opportunities to grow and support the screen sector and the wider creative industries to deliver economic impact.

Doc Edge Pitch 2026 - Regular Submission Deadline
2026-02-20
Submissions are open for Doc Edge Pitch 2026 — New Zealand’s premier platform for developing and showcasing new documentary projects.
Doc Edge is seeking compelling factual projects (shorts, features, and series) in development, production or rough-cut stage. Selected teams will pitch to international and local decision makers and receive mentoring, industry access, and networking opportunities during the festival.
Open to both NZ and international filmmakers.
📅 Regular deadline: 20 February 2026
📍 Pitching takes place during Doc Edge Festival 2026
🔗 Full details & application: https://docedge.nz/programme/industry/pitch/

ScreenSafe's Professional Respect Training
2026-02-20 08:45 - 17:00
ScreenSafe’s Professional Respect Training Project was developed to support WORKSAFE’s health & safety guidelines around harassment.
The course will address predominately sexual harassment and also includes bullying, harassment, definitions, disclosures, and respectful behaviours in the workplace. Be a part of this screen sector culture change and help make the sector a safe environment for everyone.
The initiative is designed and implemented by ScreenSafe and we are very grateful for the ongoing financial support from the New Zealand Film Commission and NZ on Air.
ScreenSafe encourages everyone in a position of responsibility to upskill accordingly.
Numbers for each workshop are limited to 20, so book your space now

WIFT Awards 2026
2026-03-12 19:00 - 21:00 | St Matthew-in-the-City
Forget everything you think you know about awards ceremonies. Yes, we’re celebrating incredible women across our industry. From emerging talents to legends who’ve shaped New Zealand screen. But this is no stuffy gala…
You walk into the stunning St Matthew-in-the-City, welcome drink in hand. The room is buzzing. MC Kate Rodger brings the laughs and the heart. Surprises unfold throughout the night (we’re not spoiling them; you’ll have to be there). And when the formalities wrap? The dance floor opens, and we raise the roof.
Your ticket gets you:
Entry to an unforgettable night of celebration
Open bar (yes, really! Thanks to the legends at FAT Lighting)
Delicious canapés courtesy of Little Wolf Catering
Surprise appearances
A room full of brilliant, inspiring screen industry people
A chance to dust off that formal outfit
All for a price that won’t break the bank
Whether you’re flying solo or bringing your crew (all genders welcome), this is the highlight of our social calendar.
Check out some of the nominees here:

Shooting A Remarkable Place To Die: A Conversation with Dave Cameron NZCS ACS
2026-03-17 18:00 - 22:00
Join us in Queenstown for a relaxed evening with cinematographer Dave Cameron NZCS ACS, as he talks through his work on the TV series A Remarkable Place To Die.
In a rare opportunity, the producers have generously allowed us to host this event on the actual set at The Remarkables Studio. Dave will walk through how the opening sequence from Season 1 was shot and share some of the practical realities of filming in one of the most beautiful, and sometimes challenging, parts of the country.
While big international productions can throw huge resources at a project, New Zealand drama often has to work a little differently. Dave will discuss how he approaches shooting within those constraints and the techniques he uses to achieve strong results on a local drama budget.
For our South Island members especially, it’s a great chance to catch up in person, hear directly from one of our leading cinematographers, ask a few questions, and spend a bit of time on a working studio set. There may even be a chance for a quick wander through the set if time allows.
WHEN: Tuesday 17 March. Doors open 6 PM, with presentation kicking off at 7 PM
WHERE: Remarkables Studios, Hawthorne Drive, Frankton, Queenstown
Free for NZCS members | $40 for non-members
Attendance limited – reserve your seat now.
Not a member yet? Join now and attend this and other great events for free.
Learn more about membership here.
REGISTER HERE
With support from Film Queenstown Lakes and Film Otago Southland

Where We Come From: The Writers' Journey
2026-03-18 19:00 - 21:00 | The Cinema at Massey University, Block 10, Buckle Street, Entrance D from Tory Street, Wellington
Where We Come From: The Writers’ Journey brings together practitioners, academics and critics to reflect on the role of film and television in helping us understand ourselves and each other. Each city in the series (Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland) will feature a different line-up of panellists, highlighting the unique heritage of our storytellers.
Screenwriters shape the stories that appear on our screens. This conversation examines where those stories came from, how the industry evolved, and where storytelling may head next.
Full Wellington line-up:
Dave Armstrong – playwright, screenwriter and television writing mentor
Dr Trisha Dunleavy – academic specialising in television and screen industries
Whetū Fala – Māori language storyteller with Pasifika heritage. Producing work across television and documentary
John Smythe – writer, critic and former NZWG National President
Rosie Howells – screenwriter and script editor working across contemporary television development
Join us for an evening reflecting on the whakapapa of screenwriting in Aotearoa.
Secure your ticket now and join the conversation!
Wednesday 18 March 2026, 7pm
The Cinema at Massey University
Wellington
Ticket Information:
NZWG, Ngā Aho Whakaari, PASC & PISA Members: $25.00 each
General Admission: $40.00 each
Student Admission: $10.00 each

MĀORILAND FILM FESTIVAL
2026-03-24 08:00 - 2026-03-28 17:00
MĀORILAND CHARITABLE TRUST OPERATES FROM THE MĀORILAND HUB IN ŌTAKI, A CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN MĀORI AND INDIGENOUS SCREEN AND CREATIVE ARTS.
Māoriland is a Māori-led organisation grounded in a holistic, kaupapa Māori worldview. We believe in the power of the arts to uplift, connect, and transform lives.
We deliver a year-round ecosystem of events and programmes that support artists to thrive, share their stories, and grow their practice.
Through these activities, we contribute to a vibrant global Indigenous creative sector and a future where communities thrive socially, culturally, and economically.
Māoriland is nurturing a generation of confident, connected storytellers – strengthening cultural identity, improving wellbeing, and building a more inclusive Aotearoa.
Our social investment through the Māoriland Film Festival alone delivered $23 million into the local community (2014-2024 data).
Our activities are guided by the pou, the ridgepoles that underpin all our activities; koakoa, ohooho, manaakitanga & kōtahitanga.

Te Taumata Toi-a-Iwi / Auckland Council
2026-03-26 09:00 - 13:00
Strengthening Governance in the Creative Sector event
Experienced creative sector governors are invited by Auckland Council and Te Taumata Toi-a-Iwi to join Strengthening Governance in the Creative Sector. If you are ready to take your leadership to the next level, this programme is an opportunity to refresh, learn, grow, and connect. It is designed to build on your governance foundations and strengthen governance practice across the sector.
Over three half-day, in-person sessions, you will have opportunities to:
• Deepen your understanding of effective governance
• Reflect on your own and your board’s governance practices, and identify ways to enhance these
• Explore current governance challenges and opportunities to strengthen impact
• Connect with peers and share insights through facilitated discussion
• Gain tailored insights from experienced governance professionals

Doc Edge Pitch 2026 – Late Submission Deadline
2026-03-29
Submissions are open for Doc Edge Pitch 2026 — New Zealand’s premier platform for developing and showcasing new documentary projects.
Doc Edge is seeking compelling factual projects (shorts, features, and series) in development, production or rough-cut stage. Selected teams will pitch to international and local decision makers and receive mentoring, industry access, and networking opportunities during the festival.
Open to both NZ and international filmmakers.
📅 Late deadline: 29 March 2026
📍 Pitching takes place during Doc Edge Festival 2026
🔗 Full details & application: https://docedge.nz/programme/industry/pitch/

MASTERCLASS: What You Need to Create a Series with Rachel Lang
2026-04-16 19:00 - 20:30 | online
Join Award winning screenwriter Rachel Lang MNZM as she walks us through the elements needed to create a fabulous TV series proposal.
If you want to make your idea a reality join our online masterclass to get tips from one of the best. Rachel’s name is all over New Zealand Television – Outrageous Fortune, Go Girls, Nothing Trivial, The Almighty Johnsons, Mercy Peak, the Blue Rose, Filthy Rich, to mention a few….
Come to this online Masterclass with Rachel as she shares her knowledge. Learn about the essential requirements of a television series proposal.
The session includes a presentation followed by dedicated time for Q&A.
Thursday April 16 2026
7 – 8.30pm, online.
Ticket Information:
NZWG, Ngā Aho Whakaari, PASC & PISA Members: $5.00 each
General Admission: $10.00 each
Purchase Tickets:
https://events.humanitix.com/masterclass-what-you-need-to-create-a-series-with-rachel-lang/tickets

Doc Edge Festival 2026 - Auckland
2026-06-24 - 2026-07-12
Experience the 21st edition of New Zealand’s premier, Oscar-qualifying Doc Edge Festival!
From 24 June to 12 July, Auckland will come alive across various venues with an extraordinary celebration of documentary storytelling.
This year’s festival features world-class screenings, thought-provoking talks, prestigious awards, industry networking events, and an immersive exhibition that pushes the boundaries of documentary art. Plus, the Doc Edge Schools Programme inspires the next generation of filmmakers and storytellers.
Stay connected for the latest updates: sign up for the Doc Edge newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Writefest 2026
2026-07-04 | Toi Tu Studio One – Ponsonby, 1 Ponsonby Road, Auckland, 1021, New Zealand
A jam-packed day of writing workshops and networking! Buy ALL DAY PASS or indiv workshops. NB: Improve Your Dialogue – selling fast.

VF 48Hours 2026
2026-07-31 08:00 - 2026-08-02 17:00
The Vista Foundation 48Hours is NZ’s largest guerrilla filmmaking competition! There is nothing quite like it. Over 10,000 short films have been produced in the 48Hours competition over the 22 years it has run.
Over 500 teams of filmmakers enter each year with just 48 hours to write, shoot and cut a film with a given genre and a collection of assigned elements. Filmmakers compete for awards in their regions, culminating in a grand final event where the national winner takes the title of Grand National Champion.
The Vista Foundation 48Hours aims to create a dynamic event that provides opportunities for emerging and established filmmakers to make short films in an environment that encourages innovation, creative risk-taking, and builds long term collaborations and community. We offer a screening opportunity and an enthusiastic inbuilt audience within the competition for teams to showcase their talent.
