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APPLICATIONS CLOSE 29 JUNE 2025
Applications are now open for the
Ngā Aho Shorts Development Lab
A collaboration between Ngā Aho Whakaari & Caravan Carpark Films
Overview
The Aho Shorts Development Lab is a talent-development initiative seeking to support the growth of Māori writers, directors & producers through practical participation in the development and packaging of short film projects.
Through mentorship and wānanga, selected participants in teams (writer, director, producer) will refine a short film script, vision and pitch package in order to prepare for funding opportunities.
We’re looking for creatives who demonstrate a readiness for creative leadership as a Writer, Producer and/or Director. We’re also looking for distinct, self-aware voices that reflect the richness of Māori perspectives and the depth of Aotearoa storytelling. This opportunity is open to filmmakers of all levels but applicants should be confident in their interest in pursuing these roles beyond the lab.
The Lab aims to:
- Increase the number of production-ready Māori short films
- Upskill Māori creatives with potential
- Build a resilient and connected Māori filmmaking community
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Who Can Apply
Applicants must:
- Be of Māori descent.
- Be based in Aotearoa and a NZ citizen or permanent resident.
- Be 18 years or older at the time of submission.
- Be available to participate fully in all scheduled activities (See key dates section below)
- Be a member of Ngā Aho Whakaari: Māori in screen (if you’re not, it’s free. Join HERE)
The number of participants selected will be at the discretion of the selection panel.
Key Dates
- Applications Open: Tuesday, 20 May at 9am NZST
- Applications Close: Sunday, 29 June at 5pm NZST
- Successful Applicants Notified By: Thursday 17 July
- Initial Sessions: 1hr meeting between 18–20 July
- In-Person Wānanga: 27–29 July & 23 August
- Additional Commitments (completed in your own time):
○ Submit requested pre-wānanga materials by 24 July
○ Redrafting Scripts: 30 July–22 August
○ Redrafting Pitch Materials: 25 August–5 September
How to Submit
Applicants may apply as individuals or as part of a team (Writer, Director, Producer). Each person must submit an individual application.
To apply:
- Complete the Cover Sheet via this LINK
- Email the following to shorts@ngaahowhakaari.org with subject line:
Aho Shorts Development Lab Application – [Your Project Title]
○ The role-specific application materials listed below
○ CV incl. short bio, filmography, festivals your work has screened at and/or awards you've won.
Writer Application Materials
Please send your Draft Script (a treatment may be accepted in some cases but your application will be stronger if at scripted phase) and one PDF (max 5 pages) that includes:
- Project Title, Logline (max 2 sentences) & Short Synopsis (max 150 words)
- Reo Māori Statement (max 150 words) – Does your film have reo Māori in it? What percentage? Also include a short summary of any key Māori elements, themes, or tikanga within the story. We aim to support a range of projects.
- Writer’s Statement (max 300 words) – Why this story. And, why now?
- Long-Term Goals (max 300 words) – How does this short film fit into your bigger vision?
Producer Application Materials
Please send one PDF (max 5 pages) that includes:
- Producer Statement (max 300 words) – Your experience, approach, what type of stories you want to tell & what creatives you want to work with.
- Reo Māori Statement (max 150 words) – Tell us about a time you worked on a project with Māori elements incl. reo, themes, or tikanga both within the story and in production.
- Goals Statement (max 150 words) – What do you want to get out of this development lab?
- Career Statement (max 150 words) – What are your long-term career goals?
- A link to your previous work – If you don't have a completed work then provide a commentary on an aspect of your life that shares commonalities with producing and signals your readiness for this step.
Director Application Materials
Please send one PDF (max 5 pages) that includes:
- Director Statement (max 300 words) – Outline your experience so far as a director and what type of stories you want to tell.
- Director Creative Statement (max 300 words) – Statement on a director you admire incl. reference to the craft. Show an understanding of specific creative elements with examples from the director's work.
- Reo Māori Statement (max 150 words) – Tell us about a time you worked on a project with Māori elements incl. reo, themes, or tikanga both within the story and in production.
- Career Statement (max 150 words) – What are your long-term career goals?
- A link to your previous work – If you don't have a completed work then provide a commentary on an aspect of your life that is creative and signals your readiness for this step incl. imagery.
Selection Process
All applications will be reviewed by a panel made up of representatives from Ngā Aho Whakaari, Caravan Carpark Films, New Zealand Film Commission and at least one independent assessor.
Shortlisted applicants may be contacted for additional information or a brief interview.
Participant Benefits
Participants selected for the Aho Shorts Development Lab will receive:
- Tailored talent development in short-film writing, directing, and/or producing with a focus on crafting and packaging projects for funding opportunities
- Assistance (where applicable) to assemble a creative team of Writer, Producer and/or Director
- Two wānanga led by experienced industry professionals
- Creative guidance to refine your story into a production-ready short film script
- Support to create a compelling, funder-ready pitch package
- Opportunities to expand your professional network and strengthen your pathway to production
- A travel contribution for out-of-town participants may be provided
On completion of the Lab, each participant will also receive a $1,500 NZD participation fee, paid as a taxable contribution in recognition of your time and commitment to the Lab. This fee is intended to tautoko your development during the programme.
Applicants Checklist
✔ Completed Cover Sheet
✔ Submit via email (as applicable): CV, Role-specific PDF/s and Script or Treatment
✔ Submit your application by email to:
📩 shorts@ngaahowhakaari.org
Subject line: Aho Shorts Development Lab Application – [Your Project Title]
Deadline: Sunday, 29 June at 5pm NZST
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Any changes to the deadline will be announced via Ngā Aho Whakaari and Caravan Carpark Films platforms.
Questions?
For more information or pātai (questions), get in touch:
📧 shorts@ngaahowhakaari.org
🌐 www.ngaahowhakaari.org | www.caravancarparkfilms.com
Terms & Conditions
Can be found at:
🌐 www.ngaahowhakaari.org | www.caravancarparkfilms.com
Previous Recipients of Ngā Aho Shorts Funding
Ngā Aho Shorts have supported amazing stories and teams through this kaupapa, which have gone on to showcase at film festivals nationally and internationally.
The talent and connections fostered under Ngā Aho Shorts continue to forge important pathways throughout the local and international screen industry.
Could your vision contribute to our short film legacy?
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How to Apply
You’ll need to be a member of Ngā Aho Whakaari to submit an application for Ngā Aho Shorts funding. Ngā Aho Whakaari members gain access to a range of incredible opportunities including funding, industry support and networking events.
Check the funding criteria above.
Join Ngā Aho Whakaari and the Māori Screen Directory.
We're building a Directory by Māori, for Māori. The Māori Screen Directory is proudly brought to you by Ngā Aho Whakaari and Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga New Zealand Film Commission. It's our way of empowering Māori professionals within the screen industry to access opportunities in a way that is mana enhancing and part of a collective.
