Starting from Day One

Are you a budding young filmmaker (under 25) or do you know anyone who might be?

Entries are now open for the Day One Challenge, an opportunity for youth with a flair for moviemaking and storytelling to share a short film and potentially win some cool prizes (camera gear, mentorship and cash).

Says Day One Hāpai te Haeata director, Anna Duckworth, "This awesome opportunity is all about giving filmmaking a try and making your voice heard. Your short doesn't have to be flash, experimenting is highly encouraged, and entry is free". Anna is one of this year's Ockham Collective and a short-film maker herself.

Films are accepted in five categories: Impact Shorts ("stories for a better tomorrow"), Short Shorts (under one minute), Phone Shorts (shot entirely on a phone), 'How To' Shorts (sharing knowledge) and Music Shorts (music videos for songs you have permission to use). Traditional short films, Instagram reels and TikTok videos are all welcome as long as they meet the entry requirements.

The round one submission deadline is 26 July. All the details are on their website.