The New Zealand Independent Film Festival is a yearly film competition for filmmakers from all over the world and films up to 100min in length and of all genres. Our jury of international judges evaluates all submitted films and awards the best films with nominations, quarter finalist, semi finalist, finalist and winner awards.
The winners of each category for best film will then be screened in New Zealand.
The awards will be presented in Nelson at our annual ceremony.
Our mission is to promote films, rewarding filmmaker for their work and to be the next step in their career.
All submitter are invited to participate in interviews for our podcast series which will be published on social media.

Best International Feature Film,
Best International Short Film,
Best New Zealand Feature Film,
Best New Zealand Short Film,
Best Documentary,
Best Student Film,
Best Comedy,
Best Animation,
Best Micro Short Film
Best Trailer
Best Poster

- In order to submit a film, you must own the rights or have permission from the owner, which needs to be clearly indicated.
– Multiple submissions and multiple category submissions are accepted.
– Resubmissions in following years are allowed.
– Any foreign film that is not in English must have English subtitles.
– Films can be submitted in multiple categories in order to become a multi-award film.
– By submitting your movie, you authorize us to use, distribute and share the poster, trailer, synopsis and movie stills in our social media, online.
– By submitting your movie, you authorize us to use, distribute and screen your film in associated cinemas. This authorisation cannot be withdrawn after the final deadline. The selection for the screenings does not necessarily include award winners but rather films that fit well into the program. Only films that are uploaded to Filmfreeway directly can be screened (Youtube links etc cannot be used for downloads).
- All feature films must be less than 100 minutes
- All short films must be less than 20 minutes.
- All micro short films must be less than 4 minutes.
- Not all the submissions are selected for the official competition and it is up to the discretion of our Judges to make the decisions. The finalists with the highest rating in each category will receive a best film award at the end of the season in July 2026
- All fees are non-refundable.
– A submission can be disqualified when there is a copyright breach or if some content is considered inappropriate, for example pornography or depiction of abuse of people or animals.
- The festival reserves the right to change the event’s date and the date of the deadline for submissions.
- Submissions cannot be withdrawn after the official selection announcement of each season.
- Films are only made available online if the submitter gives explicit permission.
- The filmmaker has unlimited liability for any claims that may occur in result of screening the film either live or online.
- Short films under 20 min in length can only be submitted to the short film categories!
- Films will only be screened if they are not publicly available online in the period of 4 weeks before our festival screenings.
- Submissions must have a download option via Filmfreeway in order to be screened (for example no cloud or youtube links for download) and films must be available to view on Filmfreeway directly, without having to be downloaded.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Priyanka Tiona

    Our heartfelt thanks to the NZ Indie Film Festival team for awarding Matahari — The Sun of Tiganderket an Honorable Mention in the Inspirational Feature category at the 2025 edition of the festival.

    We are deeply grateful for the recognition and for the space the festival creates for independent voices and stories that resonate on a human level. We hope the festival continues to flourish and to support films that highlight important cultural and social narratives.

    We also hope this acknowledgment allows the film to connect with more viewers and inspire meaningful conversations.

    April 2026
  • Nepenthes Sloth

    Thank you so much NZ Indie Film festival for making my animated film 'Trainspired' a finalist in your festival. It is truly a great honour and I think I speak for most amateur film makers that I really appreciate the hard work you must all do getting a festival function and viewing all the entries. Just to let you know it is so inspirational for aspiring film makers to get any sort of recognitions - it keeps us going!!

    December 2025
  • We are very happy that our feature film PIECE FOR SOLO SOLITUDE has been selected by the Festival and win a Honorable Mention.
    It is truly an honor for the entire Persona Pictures team.
    Thank you so much for the opportunity!

    October 2025
    Response from festival:

    Thank you very much for your great review. We are looking forward to more great films from your team.

  • Lanny Joe Shoots

    Awesome sell out screening of international and local gems great time by all, recommended :)

    October 2025
    Response from festival:

    Thank you very much for your great review. We are looking forward to more great films from your team.

  • Raymond A. Porter

    A great little NZ Film Festival, which I believe is on the rise. This festival will become one of the top local and international indie events. I will definitely submit films to future events.

    October 2025
    Response from festival:

    Thank you very much for your great review. We are looking forward to more great films from your team. Please let us know how we can improve our networking.