Misty Flicks Film Festival is an independent New Zealand film festival that champions bold, original storytelling from across Aotearoa, with strong roots in the Waikato and central North Island.

Founded in 2018, Misty Flicks was created to strengthen screen culture beyond the main metropolitan centres while contributing meaningfully to the national filmmaking landscape. We curate a diverse programme of live-action, documentary, animation, experimental work and short-form content that reflects the range and ambition of New Zealand filmmakers.

This is more than a screening event.

Misty Flicks integrates development, connection, and community into the festival experience. Through our panels, Q&As and facilitated networking, there are opportunities for filmmakers to develop their knowledge and build professional relationships.

We welcome emerging and established filmmakers alike. Our programming prioritises creative integrity, distinctive voice, and strong execution.

Misty Flicks is IMDb-accredited. Selected films are eligible for listing on IMDb, supporting professional visibility within the global screen industry.

If you’re looking for a festival that combines thoughtful curation with genuine industry engagement, Misty Flicks offers a platform designed to support both your film and your future work.

Awards & Prizes

Best Feature
IMDb accreditation + award trophy presented to the producer + SPADA One Year membership

Best Director Feature
IMDb accreditation + award trophy + DEGNZ One Year membership

Best Short Film
IMDb accreditation + award trophy presented to the producer + Daillies full day studio hire, valued $600 + SPADA One Year membership

Best Documentary
IMDb accreditation + award trophy presented to the producer

Best Music Video
IMDb accreditation + award trophy presented to the producer

Best Director
IMDb accreditation + certificate + DEGNZ One Year membership

Best Score
IMDb accreditation + certificate

Best Cinematography
IMDb accreditation + certificate

Best Actor
IMDb accreditation + certificate

Best Screenplay (short or feature)
IMDb accreditation + certificate + NZ Writers Guild One Year membership

Best Production Design
IMDb accreditation + certificate

Best Editing
IMDb accreditation + certificate

Audience Favourite
IMDb accreditation + certificate + Film Society year membership +$100 Rubber Monkey Gift Voucher + Short Film Presentation and Q&A at 2027 Hamilton Film Society event

Outstanding Female Filmmaker (award for annual recognition)
IMDb accreditation + certificate + one year WIFTNZ membership

YOUTH AWARDS
Best Youth Film Collaboration (has had adult assistance)
IMDb accreditation + trophy + certificates presented to the youth involved

Best Youth Film (has had no adult assistance)
IMDb accreditation + trophy + certificates presented to the youth involved

Best Youth Actor
IMDb accreditation + trophy + certificate presented to the actor

Honourable and Special Mentions
The festival may present Honourable Mentions or Special Mentions to recognise outstanding work that deserves special acknowledgement outside the primary award winners. Submitters will be notified if they are receiving an award, which may include an honourable or special mention.
IMDb accreditation

Rules & Terms

1. Film origin
80% of selected films will be made in or have a clear connection to the Waikato region.
10% will be from Central New Zealand, which includes regions such as Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay, Taranaki, and Manawatū.

A film may qualify if it was filmed (fully or partially) in these regions, features a local cast/crew, or if filmmakers are willing to participate in a workshop at the festival. We will ask for details about your film’s regional ties during the submission process.

The remaining 10% may be from outside these areas, but in order to be included, a representative must attend the festival.

2. Film completion date
Films from any year may be submitted, provided they are available in a suitable screening format.

To ensure a fresh and diverse programme, we will limit the number of older films selected.

3. Festival history & achievements
Films can have been screened at other festivals.

We encourage filmmakers to highlight other festivals at which their film has appeared and share any awards or accolades received by the cast and crew.

4. Audience appropriateness
Misty Flicks reserves the right to withdraw any film from certain venues if it is deemed inappropriate for the expected audience.

5. Submission format
Please submit your film via a low-resolution link (e.g., Vimeo or YouTube) for the selection process.

If your film is selected, you will be asked to provide a high-resolution .mov file or a DCP format for screening.

By submitting your entry to the Misty Flicks Film Festival, you agree to the following:

You grant Misty Flicks permission to screen your film at any Misty Flicks Film Festival and/or Misty Flicks Labs event.

You authorize Misty Flicks to use any images, posters, electronic press kits (EPKs), or videos submitted with your application for marketing and promotional purposes related to Misty Flicks.
16 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Phillida Perry

    Misty Flicks Film Festival in Te Awamutu Aotearoa is terrific. Over three days it celebrates filmmakers, showcases new work in the Challenge & Youth programmes, sharpens ideas in Pitch-the-Producer event & screens seriously good films. I loved being a part of it and was thrilled to come away with Best Short Documentary & Outstanding Female Filmmaker awards for my films Good Kunst & Breaking the Mould. Make sure you submit and go to #MFFF. You won’t be disappointed.

    April 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    We're so happy you were part of Misty Flicks Phillida. Loved seeing your work and the energy you brought. Congrats on the much deserved wins.

  • DC Swain

    Awesome festival with great support for young film makers

    April 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thanks for the review, we're striving to make it one of the go to film festivals for people of all ages.

  • Suburban Fury

    Misty Flicks is a wonderful festival celebrating and promoting filmmaking in the Waikato. I loved that it was small and that they really celebrated each filmmaker and their film. I also appreciated all of the different categories included and the awards that were given out- especially the ones that were for films made by young people. It is a wonderful way to encourage kids to get involved in filmmaking and rewarding them. Communication with the festival staff was exceptional as is their social media presence. Local involvement t and sponsorship of the festival is exemplary. Attendance was very good, especially considering that the festival takes place in Te Awamutu, a town of fewer than 15,000 people. What Paige has done with this festival since its inception is truly remarkable. Cudos to everyone involved.

    November 2025
    Helpful
  • Helen Thomas

    Excellent film festival. Very welcoming and encouraging especially to the youth entries!!

    November 2025
    Helpful
  • Chris Lambert

    Thanks to Paige/Sam and the gang at Misty Flicks, Te Awamutu, New Zealand. It was a lot of rewarding fun for three days. Loved our Honorable Mention for our film Tomorrow

    November 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thanks for entering Chris and being part of the event. We're glad you enjoyed yourself. Looking forward to what you create next.