Day One Hāpai te Haeata: Get involved in filmmaking.
The first round of Day One Challenge shortlisted a poi tutorial, a visa application nightmare, and a burlesque documentary—all made by filmmakers under 29, some using borrowed university cameras.
It's this diversity of voices and stories that Day One Hāpai te Haeata has been nurturing for two decades. The organisation exists because, as 2024 Day One New Filmmaker Awards winner and University of Auckland alumna Alex Farley puts it
"There are a lot of people in New Zealand that don't have the resources to be in the arts, and I think that means there are a lot of voices—especially the ones we need today—that are going unheard."
Throughout this time, Day One has given many young people the opportunity to create their first funded short or screen their film to an audience for the first time. Connecting filmmakers with audiences and experiences related to the art of film, their main interest is finding and encouraging young voices to share their stories and concerns. Because when young people tell their stories on screen, they're not just expressing themselves—they're helping others see the world differently.
The Day One kaupapa runs several cornerstone programmes, like the Day One Challenge, a film competition for anyone up to 29 years of age. Prizes are up for grabs and shortlisted films are added to our extensive archive. It’s free to enter and there is even an awards ceremony at the end of the year. Choose from two deadlines for submissions throughout the year. Day One Round 2 submissions are due at midday, Monday 28 July. Head to www.dofilm.co.nz/challenge/ to enter.
Shortlisted participants of Day One Challenge 2025 Round One created works of fiction and documentary, some with just a phone camera or a camera on loan from uni. Themes included migration and moving away from family to study abroad, an instructional video on how to practice poi, a harrowing account of what it feels like to apply for a Visa and a documentary about the empowering art of burlesque.
Day One Shorts is a series of eight funded short films by selected rangatahi filmmakers. Shorts is an immersive talent development programme that offers workshops, mentoring, media training and provides a route for young voices to break into the screen industry and forge sustainable careers. 2025 is the first year there is a 30+ category for entrants who for whatever reason have not had any opportunities to develop their film career. Day One Shorts 2026 Call for Submissions are coming! Deadline 15th September with applications opening in August! More info here www.dofilm.co.nz/shorts/
As Farley advises young filmmakers: "find your people and work closely with them." You are not expected to show up as some polished professional. If you’re stuck and need some help creating, there is an existing community waiting for you to be involved. If you just want an opportunity (or a little nudge) to turn that idea into a reality, then Day One might just be your people.
How to find us:
Day One website - www.dofilm.co.nz
Day One Challenge 2026 Round One submissions are due Monday 16 March. www.dofilm.co.nz/challenge/
Day One has an extensive archive of all these films available to view on their website - www.dofilm.co.nz/watch/
Follow Day One’s socials for future updates - https://linktr.ee/dayone_nz
