Film fans from across the capital flocked to Massey University Theatre on 16 August for screenings of both programmes of Ngā Whanaunga: Aotearoa New Zealand’s Best - aka, the country’s top short films. 

This year’s prizes were given out after the session, with Womb, by Ira Hetaraka, taking the top spot. See all the winners below, and check out the photos from the afternoon here.

Congratulations to everyone who entered a film this year, and applause to everyone who took home an award. Check back for this year’s Audience Award, to be presented on the final night (August 24) in Wellington.  

Umbrella Entertainment Best Short Film Award:
Womb by Ira Hetaraka

Auckland Live Spirit of the Civic Award:
Growing Still by Alyx Duncan

Wellington UNESCO Creative City of Film Emerging Talent Award: (to be presented on closing night - but announced on Saturday)
Stage Challenge by Stella Reid

Letterboxd Award for Maori Pasifika Talent:
Mirumiru by Allan George
Picking Crew by Tanu Gago

Best Performance Award:
Nora Aati for I Am Not Your Dusky Maiden by Vea Mafile'o

Best Artistic Contribution Award:
Michael Cong for the Cinematography of When the Geese Flew by Arthur Gay

Special Mention:
Nausea by Elliott Louis McKee

Audience Award: (to be presented on the final night in Wellington, with winning film screening before the Closing film)
Let's Settle This by Jack Woon
runner ups:
Chrysanthemum by Jolin Lee
Picking Crew by Tanu Gago