We welcome filmmakers from all over the world and short films of all genres and especially first time filmmakers who have a passion for producing films that are well developed and have an interesting story-line. Our awards competition is dedicated to recognizing filmmakers and once a year we have screenings at several cinemas in New Zealand where a selection of the yearly winners will be shown to a live audience.
All submitted films will be previewed by a team of experienced judges who then evaluate the films during each season. The films with the highest ratings will receive a nomination award. Films that deserve a special recognition will receive an honourable mention award. The best film of each category will become award winner.
All winners of the year will receive the Official Laurels at the end of the season. These winners will be published through our social media and website in November 2025. Our curators will select a range of films which will be screened during the festival in September 2025 at theatres in New Zealand.
Best narrative short
Best New Zealand short
Best debut filmmaker short
Best zero budget short
Best student short
Best documentary short
Best sport documentary short
Best sci-fi short
Best horror short
Best animation short
Best dance short
Best music video short
Best micro-short
Best adventure short
Best Sea, River, Ocean short
Best Mountain short
Best comedy
Best satire short
Best film noir short
Best trailer
Best poster