Filmmakers to Watch: Day One Challenge 2026 - Round 2

Filmmakers to Watch: Day One Challenge 2026 - Round Two

The Round Two shortlist is here, meet some of the people who made them. We asked how they got started, what gets them through the hard days, and what they'd tell anyone thinking about giving it a go. They were refreshingly honest.

Shanna Paese

she/her · 24 · Tāmaki Makaurau · Director, actor, writer, sound recordist

Shanna makes films about the place that made her. "There's a lot of humour, pain, and heart here, and the nuances of our people intrigue me," she says of the South Auckland and Pasifika culture she grew up in. She wants to tell the stories that haven't been told yet, "especially through the female gaze."

With her latest film, she hopes audiences come away understanding the emotional and cultural weight of leaving home for better opportunities, and feeling a bit less alone if they've been through it themselves.

On set, she keeps things human. Check in between takes, stick together, and don't take it all too seriously. "It's important to never lose the humour even when facing challenges, and to remember the kaupapa we're serving together."

If you're just starting: "Watch movies and see what you like! Even watch the ones you think you wouldn't like. Then make something small with whatever you have."

Taiaroa Tait

he/him · 25 · Auckland · Cinematographer

Taiaroa was halfway through a philosophy degree he didn't want to be doing when he realised film was the thing. He tried directing first, then figured out that light and image were what really pulled him in. Now he teams up with directors who have stories to tell. "Their perspectives are the fresh ones, and I am lucky enough to help them realise that vision."

On Shanna's film he swapped his usual DP role for gaffer, worked alongside another DP for the first time, and had, by his account, a great time doing it. Shanna, he says, is "an absolute blast to work with."

His morale trick is simple: remember you're doing your favourite thing in the world. "Imagine the alternative to filmmaking, whatever it may be... it'll be worse."

If you're just starting: "The first films are going to be terrible so you may as well just go out and make them. Have fun imagining that your films are going to go places and then don't be too disappointed when they don't."

Clark Lewis

they/them · 27 · Auckland · Writer/director, production designer

Clark is doing an MA in Screen Production at the University of Auckland and training as a director. Years of community theatre art department work kept pulling them toward production design. On Tofā, they built the film's dining room from scratch in an empty garage, using props from Taro Patch Creative and memories of their grandmother's house in Papatoetoe. "Seeing how it looked in the final shot was a joy."

Their storytelling comes from lived experience. "As a nonbinary and queer person, as an immigrant to New Zealand, as a Jewish person... my experiences define me, and are part of my unique identity that in turn produce unique filmmaking."

They're also honest about how hard the industry can be, and about the gap between student work and getting paid. "As a student filmmaker, I worry most about how to make a living. I hope the screen industry can continue to open up paid opportunities to emerging filmmakers in all fields and departments, so that the work we love doing is indeed work, and not just a hobby."

What keeps them going: "All struggles are temporary, but art is permanent."

Abigail Field

she/her · 25 · Christchurch · Actor

Abigail did drama and theatre at high school, then drifted away. What brought her back? "My wonderful friend Felix!" Not knowing anyone in the industry was her biggest barrier, and having a friend with connections gave her the confidence to start reaching out herself.

As an actor, she digs deep into character motivation, and she loves being pushed. "My director also loves to challenge my interpretation, which I think leads to a really well rounded character."

She doesn't need audiences to feel anything specific, just something. "Whether it's panic or sadness or wonder at the small world we created, that would make me so happy."

If you're just starting: "Ask your friends! No matter what, if you work with your friends, you'll always have a good time."

Felix

she/her · 25 · Christchurch · Production designer, screenwriter

Felix has the most philosophical answer to why they make films. "I've always struggled to find a lot of joy in the world previous generations have built for us. The cinematic medium is one of few that places the artist in control of time."

They were also the most candid about confidence. "My confidence has lowered a lot. I haven't made anything for artistic purposes in a long while, but my ambition has only increased." It's a real insight. Confidence and ambition don't always move together, and sometimes the second is what gets you back to the first.

They learned something many filmmakers find out the hard way: "It's better to compromise your personal creative vision than to compromise your stress levels." Now they're chasing funding and looking for a collaborator to make something big. They also have a clear view on what the industry needs: studios that build lasting teams, instead of relying on the gig model.

If you're just starting: "My fondest memories are as a child making LEGO stop motion and hand drawn animation. These are great mediums to learn the practicalities of visual storytelling."

Robert Kingsley

he/him · 25 · Christchurch · Composer

Robert got into film the most straightforward way possible. "I make music and I wanted to help my friends with the project." He writes scores that fit the world on screen, "where both mediums enhance each other."

Getting his project in front of an audience at the Day One screening made him want to do more of this kind of community work. Next, he's working toward a steadier role making music, and he'd like the industry to feel a little more relaxed and low-pressure for people finding their way in.

If you're just starting: "Starting is the hardest part. Focus on what you love and who cares if it's not perfect. It will never be perfect anyways, so just have fun with it."

The Round Two shortlisted films are available to watch now.

Clark Lewis

they/them · 27 · Auckland · Writer/director, production designer

Clark is doing an MA in Screen Production at the University of Auckland and training as a director. Years of community theatre art department work kept pulling them toward production design. On Tofā, they built the film's dining room from scratch in an empty garage, using props from Taro Patch Creative and memories of their grandmother's house in Papatoetoe. "Seeing how it looked in the final shot was a joy."

Their storytelling comes from lived experience. "As a nonbinary and queer person, as an immigrant to New Zealand, as a Jewish person... my experiences define me, and are part of my unique identity that in turn produce unique filmmaking."

They're also honest about how hard the industry can be, and about the gap between student work and getting paid. "As a student filmmaker, I worry most about how to make a living. I hope the screen industry can continue to open up paid opportunities to emerging filmmakers in all fields and departments, so that the work we love doing is indeed work, and not just a hobby."

What keeps them going: "All struggles are temporary, but art is permanent."

Abigail Field

she/her · 25 · Christchurch · Actor

Abigail did drama and theatre at high school, then drifted away. What brought her back? "My wonderful friend Felix!" Not knowing anyone in the industry was her biggest barrier, and having a friend with connections gave her the confidence to start reaching out herself.

As an actor, she digs deep into character motivation, and she loves being pushed. "My director also loves to challenge my interpretation, which I think leads to a really well rounded character."

She doesn't need audiences to feel anything specific, just something. "Whether it's panic or sadness or wonder at the small world we created, that would make me so happy."

If you're just starting: "Ask your friends! No matter what, if you work with your friends, you'll always have a good time."

Felix

she/her · 25 · Christchurch · Production designer, screenwriter

Felix has the most philosophical answer to why they make films. "I've always struggled to find a lot of joy in the world previous generations have built for us. The cinematic medium is one of few that places the artist in control of time."

They were also the most candid about confidence. "My confidence has lowered a lot. I haven't made anything for artistic purposes in a long while, but my ambition has only increased." It's a real insight. Confidence and ambition don't always move together, and sometimes the second is what gets you back to the first.

They learned something many filmmakers find out the hard way: "It's better to compromise your personal creative vision than to compromise your stress levels." Now they're chasing funding and looking for a collaborator to make something big. They also have a clear view on what the industry needs: studios that build lasting teams, instead of relying on the gig model.

If you're just starting: "My fondest memories are as a child making LEGO stop motion and hand drawn animation. These are great mediums to learn the practicalities of visual storytelling."

Robert Kingsley

he/him · 25 · Christchurch · Composer

Robert got into film the most straightforward way possible. "I make music and I wanted to help my friends with the project." He writes scores that fit the world on screen, "where both mediums enhance each other."

Getting his project in front of an audience at the Day One screening made him want to do more of this kind of community work. Next, he's working toward a steadier role making music, and he'd like the industry to feel a little more relaxed and low-pressure for people finding their way in.

If you're just starting: "Starting is the hardest part. Focus on what you love and who cares if it's not perfect. It will never be perfect anyways, so just have fun with it."

The Round Two shortlisted films are available to watch now.

Filmmakers to Watch: Day One Challenge 2026 – Round Two

The Round Two shortlist is here, meet some of the people who made them. We asked how they got started, what gets them through the hard days, and what they'd tell anyone thinking about giving it a go. They were refreshingly honest.

Shanna Paese

she/her · 24 · Tāmaki Makaurau · Director, actor, writer, sound recordist

Shanna makes films about the place that made her. "There's a lot of humour, pain, and heart here, and the nuances of our people intrigue me," she says of the South Auckland and Pasifika culture she grew up in. She wants to tell the stories that haven't been told yet, "especially through the female gaze."

With her latest film, she hopes audiences come away understanding the emotional and cultural weight of leaving home for better opportunities, and feeling a bit less alone if they've been through it themselves.

On set, she keeps things human. Check in between takes, stick together, and don't take it all too seriously. "It's important to never lose the humour even when facing challenges, and to remember the kaupapa we're serving together."

If you're just starting: "Watch movies and see what you like! Even watch the ones you think you wouldn't like. Then make something small with whatever you have."

Taiaroa Tait

he/him · 25 · Auckland · Cinematographer

Taiaroa was halfway through a philosophy degree he didn't want to be doing when he realised film was the thing. He tried directing first, then figured out that light and image were what really pulled him in. Now he teams up with directors who have stories to tell. "Their perspectives are the fresh ones, and I am lucky enough to help them realise that vision."

On Shanna's film he swapped his usual DP role for gaffer, worked alongside another DP for the first time, and had, by his account, a great time doing it. Shanna, he says, is "an absolute blast to work with."

His morale trick is simple: remember you're doing your favourite thing in the world. "Imagine the alternative to filmmaking, whatever it may be... it'll be worse."

If you're just starting: "The first films are going to be terrible so you may as well just go out and make them. Have fun imagining that your films are going to go places and then don't be too disappointed when they don't."

Clark Lewis

they/them · 27 · Auckland · Writer/director, production designer

Clark is doing an MA in Screen Production at the University of Auckland and training as a director. Years of community theatre art department work kept pulling them toward production design. On Tofā, they built the film's dining room from scratch in an empty garage, using props from Taro Patch Creative and memories of their grandmother's house in Papatoetoe. "Seeing how it looked in the final shot was a joy."

Their storytelling comes from lived experience. "As a nonbinary and queer person, as an immigrant to New Zealand, as a Jewish person... my experiences define me, and are part of my unique identity that in turn produce unique filmmaking."

They're also honest about how hard the industry can be, and about the gap between student work and getting paid. "As a student filmmaker, I worry most about how to make a living. I hope the screen industry can continue to open up paid opportunities to emerging filmmakers in all fields and departments, so that the work we love doing is indeed work, and not just a hobby."

What keeps them going: "All struggles are temporary, but art is permanent."

Abigail Field

she/her · 25 · Christchurch · Actor

Abigail did drama and theatre at high school, then drifted away. What brought her back? "My wonderful friend Felix!" Not knowing anyone in the industry was her biggest barrier, and having a friend with connections gave her the confidence to start reaching out herself.

As an actor, she digs deep into character motivation, and she loves being pushed. "My director also loves to challenge my interpretation, which I think leads to a really well rounded character."

She doesn't need audiences to feel anything specific, just something. "Whether it's panic or sadness or wonder at the small world we created, that would make me so happy."

If you're just starting: "Ask your friends! No matter what, if you work with your friends, you'll always have a good time."

Felix

she/her · 25 · Christchurch · Production designer, screenwriter

Felix has the most philosophical answer to why they make films. "I've always struggled to find a lot of joy in the world previous generations have built for us. The cinematic medium is one of few that places the artist in control of time."

They were also the most candid about confidence. "My confidence has lowered a lot. I haven't made anything for artistic purposes in a long while, but my ambition has only increased." It's a real insight. Confidence and ambition don't always move together, and sometimes the second is what gets you back to the first.

They learned something many filmmakers find out the hard way: "It's better to compromise your personal creative vision than to compromise your stress levels." Now they're chasing funding and looking for a collaborator to make something big. They also have a clear view on what the industry needs: studios that build lasting teams, instead of relying on the gig model.

If you're just starting: "My fondest memories are as a child making LEGO stop motion and hand drawn animation. These are great mediums to learn the practicalities of visual storytelling."

Robert Kingsley

he/him · 25 · Christchurch · Composer

Robert got into film the most straightforward way possible. "I make music and I wanted to help my friends with the project." He writes scores that fit the world on screen, "where both mediums enhance each other."

Getting his project in front of an audience at the Day One screening made him want to do more of this kind of community work. Next, he's working toward a steadier role making music, and he'd like the industry to feel a little more relaxed and low-pressure for people finding their way in.

If you're just starting: "Starting is the hardest part. Focus on what you love and who cares if it's not perfect. It will never be perfect anyways, so just have fun with it."

The Round Two shortlisted films are available to watch now.