Vote for Day One Challenge: Round One 2026 People's Choice
Vote for the Day One Challenge Round One 2026 People’s Choice Award:
We received heaps of amazing entries in our last round and we are happy to announce that we've got 10 shortlisted films who stand to win prizes and awards. We need your help to decide who will win the coveted People's Choice Award.
Now get to voting if you want your fave to win!
Vote for your favourite Day One Challenge Round One 2026 shortlisted films!
- Each vote = 1 point
- Every 10 views = 1 additional point
Here are our 10 shortlisted films! Voting starts NOW!
Pengi Lights
Directed and Produced by Orson Lamarr
WATCH "Pengi Lights": An alien visitor lands in a small town, confirming what the main character has always suspected: we are not alone.
Dubiety
Directed and Produced by Jude Caudeville
WATCH "Dubiety": A poet reflects on the struggles of a creative life, facing rejection and self-doubt while searching for his authentic voice.
Bedroom Studies
Directed and Produced by Ezekiel Taumoepeau
WATCH "Bedroom Studies": This film is a documentary. It showcases someone who is trying to go big in the music industry through rap/music.
Bark and Bone
Directed and animated by Matthew Viljoen
WATCH "Bark and Bone": A loyal companion shows that caring and connection can come in the smallest, cutest packages.
Wallowing, Willowing
Directed and Produced by Judy Zhang
WATCH "Wallowing, Willowing": A contemplative journey into personal wellbeing, using basket weaving as a metaphor for life’s twists and turns.
Forget It
Directed by Ashley Pye and Produced by Ethan Morais
WATCH "Forget It": A beautifully shot portrait of Alzheimer’s, showing how the disease reshapes the life of a loved one and those around them.
Everything you want
Directed by JJ Farry and Produced by Jave Lafuente
WATCH "Everything you want": In a local music scene scarred by harassment, a man confronts his behavior and the consequences it brings, facing shame and self-awareness.
Ruminations
Directed and Animated by Desiree Head
WATCH: "Ruminations": An animated journey through life’s big questions, following a character as they search for purpose and meaning.
Active Imagination
Directed by Olive Cato and Produced by Unique Florence Viernes
WATCH "Active imagination": A young artist takes a “neurological enhancement” pill to finish a crucial painting - only to discover the disturbing cost of art without soul.
My Brain Sings Too
Directed by Maria Franceschina and Samuel Burton-Harris
WATCH "My Brain Sings Too": An uplifting look at how singing and music therapy help people of all ages, even while living with illness, find moments of clarity, joy, and connection.
VOTE NOW and help us choose a People's Choice award winner!
Voting is open from Wednesday 8 April to Wednesday 15 April at midnight.! 🗓️
We’re announcing Judges’ Favourite and People’s Choice winner in our socials soon after, so stay tuned!
Day One Challenge is made possible with the generous support of funders like Foundation North, Te Māngai Pāho, Next Gen, Vista Foundation, and Hynds Foundation.