The New Zealand Youth Film Festival (NZYFF) is the country's paramount free-to-enter national program dedicated to finding, celebrating, and empowering the next generation of creators. The Festival is on the lookout for Aotearoa New Zealand's next Taika Waititis and Jane Campions, offering thousands of dollars in rewards and pathway development opportunities for youth.

Each year, the Festival offers acclaimed programs and events including industry experiences, studio tours, and a signature red carpet Award Ceremony. The Festival is proudly supported by industry leaders including the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Adobe, Sony, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), and His Majesty’s King’s Trust Australia.

From 2026 onwards, the Festival is being jointly delivered alongside its sibling program, the Australia Youth Film Festival (AUYFF), creating a premier trans-Tasman platform for emerging talent.

Awards & Prizes

Best Overall Entry
Best Acting
Best Animation
Best Cinematography
Best Directing
Best Documentary
Best Editing
Best First Nations Creator
Best New Zealand Entry (Enter Via New Zealand Youth Film Festival)

Rules & Terms

By submitting my film, I agree to NZYFF’s rules and policies. In the event that I am nominated, I give permission to NZYFF to use an image of me and my team for its publicity in perpetuity. I also give permission to NZYFF to screen my film on its website and at its events, including at its annual festival and ancillary programmes. I understand that NZYFF does not guarantee that my film will be nominated or that it will win an award. I hold it and its management, agents, sponsors, and affiliates harmless from any and all claims of liability resulting from my entry. I own or have authorisation to all necessary copyrights, intellectual property rights and licenses in relation to my film as declared in the “Copyright Declaration”. I indemnify NZYFF for all liability it may suffer as a result of any claims made against it by any person that the film and/or NZYFF’s use of it breaches their intellectual property rights. On request, I will supply NZYFF with copies of such licenses and with copies of signed talent (actors/actresses) releases. If I am under 18 years of age, my parent/guardian consents and approves of my entry. I declare that the film I am submitting is a film that I have created as either its Director or Producer and own the rights to and am authorised to submit. I am also of the age that was declared in this submission. If nominated for an award I agree to be bound by NZYFF’s Nominee Terms and Conditions and confirm that I will be able to supply the full, original film as a soft copy in a digital format (.mp4/.mov). I understand that I may be disqualified if I am unable to supply the original film, am found to have supplied false information, or have violated any other part of this agreement.