New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) / Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga
NZFC grant of up to $90,000 NZD for NZ filmmakers to produce exceptional narrative short films or animated proof-of-concept shorts.
He Kauahi Catalyst Fund — 'creating the spark to ignite the flame' — is a contestable grant from the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) that supports talented Kiwi filmmakers to create exceptional short films for the big screen.
You can apply for up to $90,000 NZD to produce and deliver a narrative short film (live action or animation), or an animated short intended as a proof of concept for an animated feature film.
Who can apply
To be eligible you must be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident who owns (or holds an option on) the rights to the short film project. You'll also need to be a writer, director, and/or producer with at least 80 minutes of cumulative scripted content released theatrically, broadcast, or screened at an NZFC-listed film festival — or a short film screened at one of those festivals. Experienced practitioners from related narrative disciplines (e.g. published novelists, playwrights) may also apply. Each director may only be attached to one application per funding round.
If your project has significant Māori content, you'll need Māori involvement commensurate with that content, and your application will be assessed in line with Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and Te Ao Māori.
What to submit
Assessment criteria
Applications are assessed on creative excellence, authentic and diverse Aotearoa narratives, and capability development with diversity, equity, and inclusion at the core. The NZFC team and at least one external industry practitioner review each application. Decisions take approximately six to eight weeks.
AI use
If you plan to use AI in your project, you must disclose this in your application. NZFC will assess AI use against principles of cultural authenticity, creative integrity, transparency, and ethical/industry impact.
Applications are submitted via the NZFC's online portal. Check the NZFC website for current round deadlines. Retrospective applications will not be considered.
