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Friday 8 October 2021
Kia Ora Koutou Katoa
I have now been in the CEO role for three months and I have to say, it has been a robust introduction to the work of the NZFC.
COVID-19 remains a major challenge for us all, and I am very aware of the hardships the industry is experiencing. The NZFC team is working closely with the government (Ministry for Culture and Heritage and Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment) and industry partners to support the screen sector while the pandemic continues to disrupt production. Myself and Board Chair Dame Kerry Prendergast have met with Minister Nash and Minister Sepuloni in the past two weeks, and both Ministers have reiterated their strong support for the screen industry and the value it brings to the economy.
Last week's announcement of additional funding to projects at risk of abandonment, and the extension of the Screen Production Recovery Fund until June 2022 is most welcome.
We are also very aware of the challenges facing local and international productions in getting cast and crew into New Zealand or through regional borders. While maintaining New Zealand's border control is a priority for the government, the screen sector relies on key personnel to be able to move freely around New Zealand or come into the country from overseas. In our conversations with government, we are prioritising the issues around closed regional borders and MIQ, and the impact it is having on the sector.
We are focused on keeping the production pipeline running, locally and internationally. We recognise the need to get back to work fast and set up productions for 2022. To assist with this, an interim production round of Te Puna Kairangi – The Premium Fund was launched in mid-September with decisions being made in November.
I remain positive about the future. This is a passionate and creative industry familiar with disruption. I am confident in the resilience of the sector and those that work in it, and will ensure the NZFC's programmes and practices continue to support the industry's current and future needs.
We are very aware how difficult things are at the moment, especially for those of you in Auckland. We are thinking of you, and want you to know that we are here if you would like to talk about your projects, your concerns, or the industry in general.
COVID-19 has obviously stymied my ability to get around to meet everyone, but I look forward to meeting you all face to face as soon as Alert Levels allow.
Ngā mihi,
- David Strong, NZFC CEO.
Screen Production Emergency Relief Fund (SPERF)
As announced by the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Hon Carmel Sepuloni on 29 September, the NZFC has been awarded $1 million for a Screen Production Emergency Relief Fund (SPERF).
This fund will be open to NZFC-funded and NZSPG-New Zealand productions that have been shut down, delayed or otherwise impacted by the August 2021 COVID-19 lockdown. It is a fund of last resort to prevent abandonment once all other funding sources have been exhausted
Further information and guidelines for the Screen Production Emergency Relief Fund will be available on our website today and the portal will open to applications next week.
Extended Screen Production Recovery Fund
The NZFC welcomes an extension to the Screen Production Recovery Fund to 30 June 2022. The Extended Screen Production Recovery Fund will support selected NZFC-funded and NZSPG-New Zealand productions impacted by a change in New Zealand's COVID-19 alert level status with notable changes to the original fund’s eligibility criteria.
In this version of the Fund, funding offered to a production will be capped at 4.2% of the original production budget. The 4.2% cap applies every time COVID-19 alert levels move above Level 1. Short films are excluded from the 4.2% funding cap; funding offered to short films will be capped at $10,000 per project. Some costs that were previously covered by the Screen Production Recovery Fund are now considered “business as usual” and are excluded.
The new guidelines and Terms of Trade can be found the website here. Please read the Extended Screen Production Recovery Fund guidelines and register your intention to apply via email to, screenrecovery@nzfilm.co.nz, before making your application.
Ara ki Te Puna Kairangi Premium Development Fund Round 2
After delays brought on by the shift in COVID-19 Alert Levels in August, we were pleased to open the second round of Ara ki Te Puna Kairangi Premium Development Fund on 23 September 2021.
Ara ki Te Puna Kairangi – The Premium Development Fund (‘Premium Development’) is designed to support projects that are ambitious and bold with significant international appeal and should represent a step change to support high quality productions.
Bevin Linkhorn has joined the team on a short-term contract as a Funding Advisor to assist the Premium Team with the next Development round. Bevin has 20 years’ experience working in and leading creative teams. He has previously worked at Pūkeko Pictures and Gibson Group.
The deadline for applications is 1pm. 14 October 2021. Funding decisions will be made in late January 2022. For further Premium Development Fund information, guidelines and Terms of Trade, visit the website.
Te Puna Kairangi Premium Productions Fund Interim Round
An extra opportunity for funding for the screen industry, supported by the guilds was announced on 30 August 2021 by the NZFC, Te Māngai Pāho and Irirangi te Motu (NZ On Air). The aim was to distribute money quickly to stimulate the domestic screen industry to recover from COVID-19 and generate employment. The interim round was for projects that could clearly demonstrate ‘production readiness’ while maintaining the overall purpose of the Fund which is to ‘deliver high-quality New Zealand stories for international audiences.
The Fund closed at 1pm, Tuesday 5 October. Eleven applications were received with a total ask of over $33 million. Funding decisions will be made by the Premium Productions Fund for International Audiences Panel, chaired by independent chair Christina Milligan, in mid-November.
The Interim Round will not significantly impact the amount available for the Final Premium Fund Round, due to open December 2021 for a Q1 2022 deadline (date to be advised).
To assist with the management of the Interim Round, we are pleased that Matthew Horrocks has joined on a short-term contract as a Funding Advisor. Matthew was most recently at Screen West, Australia serving as Head of Screen Investment & Strategic Projects.
More information on the Interim Round can be found on our website here or you can direct any enquiries to Polly Fryer, Kaihautū-Te Puna Kairangi Co-Head Premium Production Fund (polly.fryer@nzfilm.co.nz).
New Round of Boost Funding Announced
Boost Funding supports the growth of producers and screen businesses who have a slate of strong projects to develop, along with a strategic vision and a plan to deliver on it. We fund a slate of up to four projects, including one lead project that you can make most progress on in the short and immediate term. Applicants can apply for a grant of up to $75,000.
The next round of Boost will open for applications on 29 November 2021, with an application deadline of 17 January 2022. For further information, visit our website.
Production Funding Decisions
At the September Board Meeting, the NZFC Board approved three projects for production financing totalling just over $2.8M.
The Letting Go
Tess must connect with and counsel her daughter Eva who faces an uncertain future due to a degenerative disease affecting half of the world’s teenagers.
Produced by Nadia Maxwell, written and directed by Nic Gorman.
Joika
Joy Womack, a fifteen-year-old American ballerina from Texas moves to Moscow and pushes herself to her absolute limits in her pursuit of becoming a Prima Ballerina.
Produced by Belindalee Hope and Tom Hern, written and directed by James Napier Robertson
Additional equity was also approved for The Guinea Pig Club (produced by Tim Sanders, directed by Roger Donaldson, written by Mike Riddell).
Screen Production Recovery Fund
Final applications to the original Fund saw a further two screen productions approved grants of up to $13,153. To date approximately $6M has been awarded.
FEATURE FILMS
Balance of the Five Elements produced by James Heyward, directed by Jan Hinrik Drevs and Mike Single, written by Marilyn McFadyen.
SHORT FILMS
Hunters (fka Asaro) produced by Joshua Rollo and Nua Finau, written and directed by Helmut Marko.
Feature Film Finishing Fund
The Feature Film Finishing Fund supports independent filmmakers with post production costs to allow a cinema release. In the lead up to the submission deadline for the 2021 Whānau Mārama New Zealand International Film Festival (NZIFF), we saw an increase in the number of applications.
With the assistance of staff in the Marketing department, seven applications were successful, resulting in just under $300k being approved. Many of these projects will premiere at NZIFF 2021.
The fund is now closed for the remainder of the financial year and the grant is no longer accessible until 1 July 2022. Please contact Joel Rudolph, Production Coordinator (joel.rudolph@nzfilm.co.nz) if you have any queries about alternative post production funding opportunities the NZFC offers.
Projects funded are:
A Mild Touch of Cancer
If you are saved from dying, how do you live? David Downs was cured of cancer after entering a clinical trial in Boston, and on recovering, has dedicated himself to others on a similar journey.
Produced, directed and written by Annie Goldson.
Milked
A young activist goes deep into dairy land and takes on the giants of New Zealand’s most powerful industry.
Produced, directed and written by Amy Taylor.
(continued...)
Feature Film Finishing Fund (continued...)
Woodenhead
Florian Habicht's first dramatic feature, a musical fairy tale, was released in black and white in 2003. Woodenhead will be presented at the 2021 Whānau Mārama New Zealand International Film Festival in colour and restored to HD.
Produced, directed and written by Florian Habicht.
Juliet Gerrard: Science in Dark Times
Science in Dark Times follows the work of a remarkable woman, Dame Juliet Gerrard, Jacinda Ardern's Chief Science Advisor, through three years of dramatic crises, including the Whakaari White Island eruption and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Produced, directed and written by Shirley Horrocks.
Mark Hunt: The Fight of his Life
A documentary feature depicting the life and career of Kiwi-Samoan MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighter Mark Hunt. Growing up, Mark left an abusive family household and a life of crime and violence in South Auckland to become one of the most successful UFC heavyweight fighters in the world along and the K1 world champion in less than two years.
Produced and written by Bettina Hollings, directed by Peter Bell.
Ayukawa: The Weight of A Life
Ayukawa takes us to a whaling town with an uncertain future, to meet a community who sees itself as a part of an ecology it hunts within. It’s an uncommon portrait of Japanese whaling at its ground zero, which asks how environmental progress might recognise the desire for self-determination.
Produced by Sue Thompson, Tuataroa Rapana Neill and Jim Speers, directed and written by Tuataroa Rapana Neill and Jim Speers.
Rohe Kōreporepo: The Swamp, the Sacred Place
Rohe Kōreporepo, swamps, springs, fens and wetlands, are home to 40% of the world's species, hold between 20 - 30% of the earth's estimated global soil carbon, and are our sacred places which sustain life.
Produced by Kathleen Gallagher, directed and written by Kate Goodwin and Dylan Pyle.
Upcoming Funding Deadlines
All applications must be received by 1pm on the deadline day. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Catalyst He Kauahi Deadline: 11 October 2021
Short Film Fund (Kōpere Hou- Fresh Shorts) Deadline: 11 October 2021
Ara ki Te Puna Kairangi – The Premium Development Fund Deadline: 14 October 2021
Feature Film Production Investment: Deadline 18 October 2021
Early Development/Documentary Development/Hāpaitia I te Kaupapa Kiriata: Māori Feature Film Support and Tuhinga Reo Māori: Te Reo Māori Development Fund: Deadline 8 November 2021
International News
Foes Spike Spiegel (John Cho) and Vicious (Alex Hassell) duel in Netflix’s Cowboy Bebop.
Made in New Zealand
Filmed entirely in New Zealand, Cowboy Bebop is a live action version of the popular Japanese anime following vagabond bounty hunters tracking down the solar system’s most dangerous criminals. Showrunners André Nemec and Jeff Pinkner of Midnight Radio based production of the series in Auckland working with local executive producer Tim Coddington, line producer Simon Ambridge and a majority New Zealand crew including production designers Grant Major and Gary Mackay, and costume designer Jane Holland.
New Zealand’s Rachel House features as crime boss Mao and other local cast include Lucy Currey and Arlo Green.
The series will debut on Netflix on 19 November 2021.
Coming Soon
Coming Soon
The Power of the Dog
In New Zealand cinemas from 11 November. You can view the trailer here.
Coming Soon
NZIFF 2021
The Whānau Mārama New Zealand International Film Festival runs across New Zealand (except Auckland) from 29 October 2021. You will find dates for your city and programme details here.
Filmmaker Opportunities
Upcoming Finance & Co-Production Markets
Berlinale Co-Pro Series Projects
Online and in Berlin
12-16 February 2022
Application Deadline: 15 October 2021
Apply here
SEASCREEN Project Market
Online
1-3 December 2021
Application Deadline: 15 October 2021
Apply here
Hong Kong - Asia Film Financing Forum
Hong Kong (at this stage; otherwise online)
14-16 March 2022
Application Deadline: 1 November 2021
Apply here
Applications are now open for 'Episode One', a high-end development initiative from the Pan Asian Screen Collective (PASC) that builds creative and professional capacity within our community of Pan-Asian screen practitioners.
This initiative takes six teams with a web series idea through a development and training programme to create a series bible, pitch deck, and the production of a high-quality pilot.
Six selected teams will receive structured tuition, individual mentoring, up to $15,000 for development expenses, and up to $70,000 for the production of the pilot episode.
The deadline for applications is 1pm, Thursday 25th November 2021.
Click here for more information such as eligibility, application requirements, and FAQs, and how to apply.
WIFT Awards 2022
The WIFT AWARDS are a biennial event. They will be held on 7 April, 2022, at ASB Waterfront Theatre, Auckland.
Anyone can nominate any female, female-identifying, or non-binary person. Nominees must be women in the New Zealand screen industry - though they do not have to be WIFT members. You can nominate yourself!
Nominations close at 5pm on Monday 22 November. This is your opportunity to celebrate and profile the work of women in the screen industry. Please take the time to make the best justification possible for your nominees – do not assume that the judges will know them.
2022 Merata Mita Fellowship
Applications for the Sundance Institute 2022 Merata Mita Fellowship close on 11 October. Named for Aotearoa’s pioneering Māori (Ngāti Pikiao/Ngāi Te Rangi) filmmaker, the fellowship serves to continue Merata Mita’s legacy and to cultivate a stage for other Indigenous women around the world to tell their stories, by providing financial support and mentorship. Indigenous artists who identify as women and are endeavouring to direct a feature film, are inviting to apply.
Click here for eligibility, application requirements, and how to apply.
Upcoming Festival Deadlines
Ann Arbor Film Festival – Late deadline October 15
SXSW Film Festival – Final deadline October 19
Hot Docs Film Festival – Early deadline October 20 / Regular deadline November 18 / Late deadline December 16
Tampere Short Film Festival – Regular deadline October 31 / Final deadline December 1
Female Eye Film Festival – Regular deadline October 31 / Late deadline December 31
ReelAbilities Film Festival: New York – Regular deadline November 1 / Late deadline December 15
Fantaspoa International Fantastic Film Festival - Deadline November 1
Palm Springs International Shortfest – Early deadline November 1 / Regular deadline December 31
Berlin International Film Festival - Feature film deadline November 3 / Short film deadline November 17 / Series deadline November 24
Tribeca Film Festival – Feature film, Tribeca Now, Immersive, Games & Podcasts early deadline November 3 / Official deadline December 8 / Final deadline January 19. Short film early deadline December 1 / Official deadline January 5 / Final deadline February 16
Atlanta Film Festival - Late deadline November 4 / Regular deadline December 15
DOXA Documentary Film Festival – Early deadline November 5
Visions du Réel - Films completed by end of Oct 2021 deadline November 8 / Films completed by end of March 2022 deadline December 17
Hong Kong International Film Festival – Early deadline November 11 / Regular deadline December 31
Dreamspeakers International Indigenous Film Festival – Deadline November 15
New York International Children’s Film Festival – Late short film deadline November 15 / Extended short and feature film deadline December 1
Films de Femmes - Creteil International Festival of Women's Films – Deadline November 15
DOCVILLE International Documentary Film Festival - Regular deadline November 20 / Late deadline December 20
Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia – Regular deadline November 30
ANIMAZE - Montreal International Animation Film Festival - Fall deadline December 10
Doc Edge Festival – Regular deadline December 15 / Late deadline December 31
Rooftop Film Festival New York – Early deadline December 15
Roze Filmdagen Amsterdam LGBTQ+ Film Festival – Deadline December 15
Heartland Indy Shorts Film Festival – Early deadline December 19
Indielisboa International Film Festival – Regular deadline December 23
Co-ordinators’ Course
Supported by the NZFC and with thanks to Screen Canterbury, this is an exclusive, specialised training course with a focus on excellence, designed for committed, hard-working individuals who want to take their career to the next stage to learn Television and Film Co-ordinating procedures and how to co-ordinate across productions and departments effectively and efficiently.
The course will focus on the role of Production Co-ordinator but also look at Co-ordinating for Accommodation, Travel, Transport, Cast and Creative Departments.
20 participants from across the country, will be accepted into the course which will take place in Christchurch across 3 days - Friday 29, Saturday 30 and Sunday 3 October 2021.
Click here for more information such as eligibility, application requirements, and FAQs, and how to apply.
Festival and Market News
The Power of the Dog, produced by Dame Jane Campion, Tanya Seghatchian, Emile Sherman and Iain Canning with co-producer Chloe Smith for New Zealand, and written and directed by Campion, had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival in September where director Campion was the recipient of the Silver Lion for Best Director.
The film then received the 2nd runner up for the Peoples' Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival. Actor Benedict Cumberbatch received the TiFF Tribute Actor Award and the TiFF Artisan award went to cinematographer Ari Wegner.
The Power of the Dog has also screened at Telluride Film Festival, New York Film Festival as Centerpiece Selection, Zurich Film Festival as Gala Premiere and San Sebastián International Film Festival. The film will soon screen at BFI London Film Festival as Headline Gala and has been announced as the Opening Night film at the Whānau Mārama New Zealand International Film Festival.
Reviews for the film have been positive, like this one from the Toronto Star and this one, from The Observer.
New Zealand-Canada co-production, Night Raiders. produced by Ainsley Gardiner, Georgina Conder and Chelsea Winstanley for New Zealand and written and directed by Danis Goulet, screened at the Toronto International Film Festival as a Gala Presentation. It followed this with screenings at the Nuuk International Film Festival, FIN: Atlantic International Film Festival and Vancouver International Film Festival as Special Presentation.
Night Raiders will also screen as the Opening Night Gala at imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival, with Cousins, short films Wind, Song, and Rain, Kahurangi, Haka Haha and interactive VR project Rangi Tuwhera Open Sky part of the 2021 festival programme. New Zealand audiences will get their first chance to see Night Raiders at the 2021 Whānau Mārama New Zealand International Film Festival.
Mothers of the Revolution, produced by Leela Menon and Matthew Metcalfe, directed by Briar March and written by Metcalfe and March, had its world premiere in the Journey Programme of the BFI London Film Festival. The film received a standing ovation and first reviews are extremely positive like this one from Screen Daily and this one from Film Carnage.
Thirteen New Zealand feature films will screen at 2021 Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival, including NZFC funded Millie Lies Low, There Is No “I” in Threesome, Whetu Marama – Bright Star, Fiona Clark: Unafraid and Mothers of the Revolution. Other New Zealand films to screen in the festival include Ayukawa: The Weight of a Life, A Mild Touch of Cancer, Milked, Rohe Kōreporepo – The Swamp, the Sacred Place, Mark Hunt: The Fight of His Life, and Signed, Theo Schoon. The NZIFF will also premiere the colourised version of Woodenhead (2003) and Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision restored Patu! (1983). Snakeskin (2001) will screen as part of the Bill Gosden Tribute Programme. As previously mentioned, The Power of the Dog will screen as the Opening Night Film.
Juniper, produced by Desray Armstrong and Angela Littlejohn and written and directed by Matthew Saville screened in the International Panorama Competition at the Bari Film Festival in Italy. The film stars Charotte Rampling and Márton Csókás with newcomer George Ferrier. Charlotte Rampling won the award for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the Bari Film Festival for her role as Ruth.
Juniper has also screened in Special Presentation at FIN: Atlantic International Film Festival, CINÉFEST Sudbury International Film Festival and Edmonton International Film Festival and will soon screen in the Connections programme in the Brisbane International Film Festival. New Zealand audiences can look forward to seeing Juniper in cinemas outside Auckland from October 28, with special sneak preview screenings at select locations over Labour Weekend, October 22-25. Juniper will open in Auckland cinemas on 25 November.
Coming Home in the Dark, produced by Catherine Fitzgerald, Desray Armstrong and Mike Minogue, directed by James Ashcroft and written by Ashcroft and Eli Kent screened at Loudon Arts Film Festival. The film was awarded the Midnight Jury Award: Best Cinematography Midnight Feature (Matt Henley) and the Narrative Feature Jury Awards for Best Narrative, Best Director (James Ashcroft) and Best Supporting Actor (Matthias Luafutu). The film is currently screening at Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival in the Official Fantàstic Competition and will screen later this month at Terror Molins Film Festival Barcelona.
Poppy, produced by Robin Laing and Alex Cole-Baker and written and directed by Linda Niccol, will have it’s North American premiere this month with LA Femme International Film Festival, platforming women filmmakers, ‘by women, for everyone’.
Cousins, Merata: How Mum Decolonised the Screen and Loimata, the Sweetest Tears screened for audiences in India in September as part of the IN–>NZ Indigenous Connections film week. A celebration of indigenous filmmakers, the programme consisted of three films each from Aotearoa New Zealand and India, with films from India available to view online from Aotearoa. IN–>NZ Indigenous Connections was a collaboration between Dharamshala International Film Festival and the New Zealand High Commission to India, Bangladesh and Nepal, in partnership with Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga NZ Film Commission, Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival and Asia Society India Centre.
Vai screened as part of the Dublin Feminist Film Festival.
High Tide Don’t Hide is selected to screen at Planet In Focus International Environmental Film Festival, screening online for audiences in the US.
James & Isey will have its North American premiere at the San Diego Asian Film Festival, screening in cinema as part of the Asia Pop! Programme: Films out of Asia.
Short Films
Seven Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga New Zealand Film Commission funded short films will screen in Whānau Mārama New Zealand International Film Festival’s 2021 programme. He Kauahi Catalyst Shorts funded Datsun, Wash Day and When We Were Kids and Kōpere Hou Fresh Short Hot Mother will screen in the NZ’s Best competition, and Kōpere Hou Fresh Short Sista will screen in the Ngā Whanaunga Māori Pasifika Shorts competition. Catalyst shorts The Meek and Topping Out will also screen as part of NZIFF’s Wellington programme.
Fetch will screen in Competition at Uppsala Short Film Festival, along with classic Kitchen Sink which is selected for the Favourites from 40 Years: 80s Programme.
Flip is screening at the Grimmfest International Festival of Fantastic Film Manchester in the Dystopia short film programme.
Pain has screened at Minikino Film Week – Bali International Short Film Festival, Visioni Corte International Short Film Festival and Filmfest Sundsvall Sweden.
Classic shorts Careful with that Axe, Careful with that Power Tool and Careful with that Crossbow screened at the Best of International Short Films Festival, La Ciotat. Careful with that Axe also screened at the OFF Odense International Film Festival in the OFF Favourites Retrospective Short Film Programme.
The 2021 Show Me Shorts programme, includes three NZFC funded short films. Catalyst He Kauahi funded Green and Kōpere Hou Fresh Shorts funded Blood and Gold and Fetch will screen for audiences around Aotearoa in October and November.
Daniel Gilles with Rhys Darby at the US premiere of Coming Home in the Dark
Congratulations go to...
The Coming Home in the Dark team on the film's US premiere at the London Cinema in West Hollywood on 24 September. Reviews for the film have been extremely positive with the film receiving a 92% fresh rating from Rotten Tomatoes. Reviews include this one from Eye for Film and this one from the Los Angeles Times
Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, who was named as a TIFF Rising Star at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival for his work on TV series, The Panthers.
Celebrating its 10th year, with alumni such as Kiwi actor Vinnie Bennett (a TIFF Rising Star in 2017 who has gone on to star in the likes of Fast and Furious 9); the prestigious programme provides up-and-coming actors with an exclusive opportunity to engage with the Festival and industry. More..
Jessica Hobbs for receiving the Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series for her work on The Crown.
The Rūrangi team for being one of the three finalists for the "Diversify TV Excellence Awards" (LGBTQIA+/Scripted) at MIPCOM MIP Markets. The award ceremony will be held at MIPCOM in Cannes on Wednesday, October 13.
NZFC News
Te Aupounamu – Māori Screen Excellence Award Opening Soon
Te Aupounamu Māori Screen Excellence Award is an annual award that recognises and celebrates members of the Māori filmmaking community who have displayed a high-level contribution and/or achievement in filmmaking.
The Award will offer a maximum $50,000 grant to one recipient. Applications for this award are by nomination through the NZFC application portal. Anyone can submit a nomination, however, nominees must be Māori and actively participating in the film industry in New Zealand or overseas.
Key information:
- Applications open – Wednesday 13 October 2021
- Applications close – Monday 15 November 2021, 1pm
- Decisions made by – Wednesday 8 December 2021
Please check updates to the guidelines before submitting your application or contact the Rautaki Team for more information: rautaki@nzfilm.co.nz
Seed/Seed Advanced
Round 2 of Seed and Seed Advanced, run in collaboration with the New Zealand Writers’ Guild, opened on 1 September 2021. This round will allow for two additional Seed grants with six ready to be awarded.
The deadline is 15 October 2021, and the decisions will be announced 17 December 2021. To make a submission, visit the NZWG website for information and guidelines.
Staff News
Welcome to Cherie Mangu
Nā mātou te waimarie, kua tau mai a Cherie Mangu ki te whanau o Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga hei Kaiwhakarite Rautaki Māori. Nau mai haere mai e hine.
Welcome Cherie Mangu who joins the Rautaki Māori team. Cherie is of Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Whatua, Ngāti Hine, and Te Atihaunui ā-Pāpārangi descent.
Cherie brings a range of skills and experience from within the government environments of Te Māngai Pāho and Te Mātāwai and Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori. She achieved a conjoint degree - Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts and is fluent in Te Reo Māori and Spanish. Cherie was the Sportswoman of the Year at the University of Auckland in 2012 and 2013 and was awarded a Peace Ambassador Award from the United Peace Federation in 2016. She brings highly valued knowledge around mātauranga and te reo that adds further value to the organisation. She is based in our Head office in Te Whanganui ā Tara and helps to co-ordinate the Rautaki Māori Funds alongside Pouwhakahaere – Te O Kahurangi Waaka and Kaiwhakawhanake Hinonga – Kathryn Graham.
Jane Campion and See-Saw Masterclass Update
The two masterclasses, originally planned for August 2021 and initially postponed due to the closure of the travel bubble with Australia, are now subject to further delays due to the current COVID-19 Delta outbreak here in New Zealand. The ongoing uncertainty around New Zealand’s borders is having an impact on our ability to establish new dates.
The NZFC still hopes to present these masterclasses in 2022. As soon as we can confirm dates, fresh guidelines will be issued and applications will reopen. Filmmakers who had applied can keep their original submission for the new round, withdraw their application if they are no longer able to make the planned date, or resubmit. Previous applicants will be contacted directly with any new information.
NZ Film On Demand
NZ Film On Demand, the NZFC's transactional VOD platform offers over 290 feature and short films ranging from recent cinema releases to digitised back catalogue classics.
New releases to the platform include Coming Home in the Dark, Return to Gandhi Road, Le Ride and Cinema of Unease.
A new collection of films that have screened at the New Zealand International Film Festival has recently been added and includes all 10 of Tony Hiles' documentaries about artist Michael Smither, among many others.
In addition, a large number of short films have also been added, with more yet to come.
See the full NZ Film On Demand collection and sign up for an account here.
Thanks for keeping up with what's going on at the NZFC. Got a suggestion? Email us at feedback@nzfilm.co.nz.
Ngā mihi,
The NZFC Team