Who we are
Day One Hāpai te Haeata is a supportive community which provides rangatahi with the tools, guidance and opportunities to share stories on screen.
Learn
Tips and How to guides for budding filmmakers, resources and templates to build from, entry toolkits for our programmes and FAQ’s
Do
Looking to get into filmaking? Check out our Challenge and Shorts
Watch
Dive into our archive and watch work from our talented alumni.
Shorts
A series of funded short films made by young emerging filmmakers that explore cultural, social and political issues.
Day One Shorts 2027 applications are now open.
Challenge
A filmmaking challenge for anyone up to the age of 29 to tell stories for a better tomorrow.
Entries for March 2027 deadline now open.
Latest Updates
Day One Film Fest 2026: Events Across the Motu
Day One Film Fest 2026 kicks off with our main event at Academy Cinemas in Tāmaki Makaurau on Sunday 29 November, then heads across the motu with events between 1 and 8 December, in Whakatū, Ōtautahi, Tāmaki Makaurau, Wairarapa and Pōneke. Whether you want to catch a screening, learn how to fund your next short, find your writing crew, or hear from one of the producers behind The Lord of the Rings, there's something on for every stage of your filmmaking journey. Here's what's coming up.
