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

– In order to submit a film, you must own the rights or have permission from the owner.
– Any foreign film that is not in English must have English subtitles.
– All fees are non-refundable.
– Not all the submissions are selected for the official competition and it is up to the discretion of our Judges to make the decisions.
– A submission can be disqualified if some content is considered inappropriate, for example pornography or depiction of abuse of people or animals.
– Films can be submitted in multiple categories in order to become a multi-award film.
– By submitting your movie, you authorize us to share info about the film, posters, trailer, synopsis and movie stills on our social media, online and screen the film for the festival.
– Multiple submissions and multiple category submissions are accepted.
– All films must be less than 20 minutes.
- 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- Submissions cannot be withdrawn after the official selection announcement of each round.
- If films are publicly available online during the month of our public screenings then they will be excluded from the those screenings.
- The filmmaker has liability for any claims that may occur in result of screening the film either live or online.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jayde Hudson

    We’re so grateful that "Bingo" was awarded Best Student Film. Although I was sadly unable to attend the screenings, it’s wonderful to know our film reached enthusiastic audiences. Thank you to Jo and the entire festival team for their excellent communication and support throughout.

    November 2024
  • Daniel Betty

    The South Pacific Film Festival was a great opportunity to showcase FRISKY to a broad audience. Thank you for selecting our film to be shown we are privileged to have been part of the festival.

    October 2024
  • Great event. Thank you for including Woven Together. Till next time.

    October 2024
  • Timothy Lindenfelser

    We need more festivals like this to help save the planet! Film and festivals are the way to build community and get the word out about climate change and what humans can do to help! New Zealand is AMAZING!!

    October 2024
  • Thanadol Chuashuwongse

    Thank you so much for recognising our film "The Charming Leopard Sharks". We're thrilled that the film has won an Award and thank you so much. Great communication, keeping us up to date with the latest news.

    October 2024