DAY ONE SHORTS 2026 - Call for Applications from Māori filmmakers

DAY ONE SHORTS 2026 - Call for Applications from Māori filmmakers

Attention Māori filmmakers!

For Day One Shorts 2026, we will be aiming to commission at least two films that convey Māori perspectives and ideally have at least 50% te reo Māori content. This applies to both the scripted drama and factual documentary categories. All film genres are welcome - it could be anything from sci-fi and fantasy, to comedy or silent films.

Also, up-to two films will be selected as part of the 30+ sub-category.

Overview of Day One Shorts

Established in 2017 (formerly known as Someday Stories), this immersive talent development program offers workshops, mentoring and funding for filmmakers, and provides a pathway for new and emerging voices to break into the screen industry and forge sustainable careers.

Day One Shorts holds space for diverse creatives who haven’t received film or series production funding in the past.

Get into it!

Application Deadline

Applications due in no later than 12pm Monday 15 September, 2025.

Eligibility

The contracted production teams will need to include;

• a Director
• a Producer

There may be variations on the above (e.g Writer-Director or Co-Producers) but the team must include a producer who is separate to the director.

Applications are invited only from teams whose Director:

• Is aged between 18 - 29* when they make their film, between Jan - June 2026.
• Is currently a New Zealand citizen or resident
• Has not previously received production funding from NZ On Air, Te Māngai Pāho or the New Zealand Film Commission

*30+ Sub-Category

Again this year, we have a sub-category for applicants that can illustrate they are still new and emerging directors (with no record of production funding via NZFC, TMP or NZOA) who are older than 30 years. We will commission up to two films by filmmakers who fit this description. To apply for this category each director/writer or director must provide a brief one paragraph description of their filmmaking journey and how/why they are still a new filmmaker upon applying.

Te Reo Māori Category

We will be selecting and commissioning two films that meet the above criteria and also

• contain a minimum of 50% Te Reo
• are of Māori subject matter
• have a predominantly Māori team
  

Application Process

The full info with everything you’ll need to know about and apply for Day One Shorts is in our Application Toolkit

To apply you’ll need;

• A completed application google form
• A production budget
• A full script or a credible scripting plan
• A proposal (PDF preferred) of no more than 10 pages

Got a question? Check out our Frequently Answered Questions in the application toolkit, and if it’s not there, flick us an email to proposals@dofilm.co.nz

Please note as our selection panel is not fluent in reo Māori, we would require any applications that are in full reo Māori to be accompanied by any English translation.

Day One Shorts is generously supported by NZ On Air and Te Māngai Pāho. Our collaboration with these funders mean that we are committed to supporting the promotion of the Māori language and culture by providing funding for Māori content.

For more information see the Day One Shorts page.