NZIFF accepts submissions only from films from Aotearoa and the wider New Zealand Territory.
Submissions will be accepted from Aotearoa New Zealand and the following islands and territories: Cook Islands; Fijian Islands; Kiribati (f/k/a Gilbert Islands, including Ocean Islands); Niue; Phoenix Islands; Rarotonga; Samoan Islands (excluding American Samoa); Tokelau Islands; Tuvalu (formerly Ellice Island); and Tonga.
International films are screened by invitation only.
1. The purpose of NZIFF.
- To present an invited season of new films in a wide variety of styles and genres.
- To demonstrate the development of the art and contribute to a knowledge of new styles and trends in filmmaking.
- To encourage the screening of films which might not otherwise be seen in cinemas in New Zealand.
- To encourage and promote widespread discussion of these films.
NZIFF presents its most comprehensive programme in Auckland and Wellington. A substantial amount of this programme is subsequently presented in Christchurch and Dunedin, with a selection of available titles programmed to screen in several further towns and cities around New Zealand. Films may be invited to participate in NZIFF at all cities, individual cities or selected cities.
2. Film selection and eligibility. NZIFF will only screen films which have not previously been screened publicly or broadcast in New Zealand. Films that have already screened in New Zealand or that are available in New Zealand for purchase or rental on DVD, Blu-Ray or VOD are ineligible. Invited archival and retrospective programmes are exempted from this requirement, but any other exemptions are entirely at the discretion of NZIFF. Private screenings for cast and crew do not disqualify your film, but wider industry screenings or private fundraisers may do so. NZIFF prefers to screen DCI compliant DCP whenever possible, but can also screen from 35mm and Blu-Ray. Films must screen in their original language with, where appropriate, English subtitles. Feature films, documentaries and shorts are all accepted.
Short films by Aotearoa New Zealand and/or Pasifika filmmakers are eligible for Ngā Whanaunga: Aotearoa New Zealand’s Best if the film is a narrative fiction short under 20 minutes.
If your work is invited to screen at NZIFF you will be contacted before 15 June 2026.
3. Payments.The main strand of NZIFF is non-competitive and has always observed the principle that all participating films should receive a measure of financial reward. We return 25% of the box office from all feature-length screenings to entrants. We may ask you to waive this payment if we are meeting substantial travel and accommodation costs relating to your screenings. Box office declarations and payment can be expected within six weeks of screening.
4. Entries for films from New Zealand and Pacific Islands*. If you would like us to consider your work for our programme, we’d like to know about it. Please complete our entry form online, including appropriate supporting documentation and an online screener of your film.
Early submissions are encouraged. The deadline for submissions is 24 April 2026. Due to the large volume of entries every year we cannot guarantee consideration for any submissions received after these deadlines.
*Submissions will be accepted from Aotearoa New Zealand and the following islands and territories: Cook Islands; Fijian Islands; Kiribati (f/k/a Gilbert Islands, including Ocean Islands); Niue; Phoenix Islands; Rarotonga; Samoan Islands (excluding American Samoa); Tokelau Islands; Tuvalu (formerly Ellice Island); and Tonga
5. Preview screeners. NZIFF organisers are able to preview submissions online. We prefer entrants to submit their secure online links via Vimeo if possible. Please ensure that your password stays active until at least 1 July 2026. Please always check that your online links work correctly before submitting them.
6. Screening material. Screening materials for films accepted for NZIFF must be available to reach NZIFF by 1 July 2026 unless other arrangements have been made.
7. Transportation of selected films. Despatch of screening materials for films selected for NZIFF must be co-ordinated with our Film Logistics Manager(s).
8. Censorship.With the exception of some documentaries, all films screened in NZIFF must be classified by New Zealand film censorship authorities. NZIFF will meet all censorship charges and associated costs. If your film has been approved by the Films Censorship Board of Australia (M or lower) or by the British Board of Film Classification (12 or lower) it will likely be spared examination by censorship authorities in New Zealand. If your film is invited and falls into this category we will request a .pdf of the classification certificate.
9. Information and publicity.NZIFF expects entrants to supply the submission material and information listed on the entry form. Entrants whose films are selected for participation in NZIFF will be asked subsequently to supply high resolution images, posters, a trailer and scene clips, and make themselves available for interviews where requested.
10. Scheduling.Film screening dates and sessions will be determined by NZIFF.
11. Media coverage.Filmmakers are expected to participate in NZIFF arranged publicity where possible.
12. NZIFF retains the right to promote films for the benefit of its screenings. NZIFF will provide audience statistics and reports on all screenings.
13. NZIFF can be contacted at:
New Zealand International Film Festival
PO Box 9544 Marion Square Wellington 6141
NEW ZEALAND
Phone + 64 4 385 0162
Email: submissions@nziff.co.nz
Website: www.nziff.co.nz