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 enter the final round and receive awards as quarter finalist (rank4), semi-finalist (rank 3) and finalist (rank 2). 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 2026. Our curators will select a range of films which will be screened during the festival in October 2026 at theatres in New Zealand.

Awards & Prizes

Best narrative short
Best New Zealand short
Best debut filmmaker short
Best student short
Best documentary short
Best animation short
Best music video short
Best micro-short
Best trailer
Best poster

Rules & Terms

– 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.
- All films need to pass the NZ Film and video Labelling Body qualification for the ratings G, PG or M in order to be screened.
– 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.
- Repeated submission in the following year is also 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.
- Films must be available to view on Filmfreeway directly without downloading
- Submissions must have a download option via Filmfreeway in order to be screened (for example no youtube or cloud links for download)

16 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Ellen Ancui

    The South Pacific Film Festival is still new, but it already has a good following. The theater we screened in was lovely - in a good part of town and nice screen, and there was a big crowd, so that was wonderful. We were thrilled and honored to win BEST DEBUT SHORT for our film. One thing I would say is that this festival is still young and in need of funds. Even the filmmakers even had to purchase tickets to see their own films. But the vibe was lovely and hopefully they can get some sponsors and give this festival more presence on the circuit.

    October 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Hello Ellen, it was lovely to meet you. Thank you for your review. As to the issue of purchasing tickets, since we are an independent film festival we do not have funding or sponsorship and we prefer to stay independent. All the ticket sales went directly to the cinema which has support us for years now and since cinemas are struggling in NZ we want to support them. Since all online bookings were through the cinema directly it is just not logistically feasible to keep seats for all the submitters free since some do not show up and the screening on Monday was sold out completely. So keeping seats empty for filmmakers that do not attend is just not working. The cinema also does not have the personnel to have a zero cost ticket option and then check each booking name with the film directors. Because the screening in other towns are not as popular and therefore not sold out, filmmakers can attend these a no cost. I hope you enjoyed the festival anyway. Nga mihi nui.

  • 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
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thanks Jayde. It was a pleasure to watch your film. Great story and excellent acting.

  • 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
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thanks Daniel. We enjoyed watching your film. Excellent acting and very engaging story.

  • Marcelo Bengoechea

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

    October 2024
    Helpful
  • 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
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you Timothy. This was a well crafted student film with a very important topic. Thanks for making people aware of our oceans issues. Keep up the good work.