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October Pānui
E te whānau o Ngā Aho Whakaari,
Kei te mihi atu ki a koutou mō tō koutou tautoko me te mahi nui e kawea ana mō te ao pāpāho Māori. Ahakoa ngā piki me ngā heke o te wā, kei te tū kaha tonu tātou i runga i te aroha ki ngā kaupapa Māori.
Mauri ora ki a tātou.
It’s a very brief newsletter introduction from me as I’ve just returned from representing Ngā Aho Whakaari at the Public Broadcasters International Conference in Canada.
For the first time ever the conference had a full day dedicated to iwi taketake- Walking Together: Amplifying Indigenous Stories in Public Media.
I was invited and sponsored by the conference hosts CBC/Radio Canada, and participated in a panel session: Indigenous Storytelling: Championing
On-screen content creation across borders.
The conference provided a valuable opportunity to network with indigenous content creators, funders and network executives from Canada, Sami and Australia. Several indigenous delegates (including me) have committed to forming a working group to explore how we can work together to strengthen indigenous representation in Public Media globally.
I’ll report back more fully in the next newsletter regarding this initiative and the many contacts made with indigenous creatives open to exploring potential collaborations with Māori producers.
Ngā mihi maioha,
na Kay Ellmers
Te Tumu Whakarae
AHO Wānanga - Save the Date!
We are developing this programme in association with AcademyEX and with thanks to funding from NZ on Air. It's specifically designed for Ngā Aho Whakaari members.
What we're covering:
- an overview of the latest tools and applications of AI in the global film and screen industry.
- "On-the-tools" workshop with some of the most prevalent AI tools for creative writing, editing, research and video making.
- Panel discussion featuring leading advocates and voices for Māori in the field of AI
- Participant discussions on the opportunities and challenges AI poses for the Māori screen sector.
- Digital rauemi will be made available after the wānganga to all members.
This workshop is ideal anyone interested in the intersection of technology and indigenous storytelling on screen.
🗓 9.30 – 3pm Tuesday 26th November
⭐️ SAVE THE DATE – FULL PROGRAMME WILL BE RELEASED SOON
AHO Anniversary - Save the Date!
To celebrate Raumati and the Aho anniversary, we're hosting a Membership Update with kai and funtanga on Thursday 26th November.
As we celebrate, we're also keen to update everyone's profile details on our directory, so!
3 - 6 pm: Profile Updates
We'll have a few dedicated writers there to help you fill in your profiles and a photographer for free headshots. Of course, there will be spot prizes and a free drink on arrival for participating.
6 - 9 pm: Aho Anniversary
Our Board and Exec will fill you in on our activity over the year, have a kai and plug in the karaoke.
🗓 3 - 9 pm, Thursday, 28 Nov
⭐️ SAVE THE DATE - KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR THE SPECIAL PĀNUI FOR MORE INFO
NZFC Production Management Masterclass
End City Productions will be hosting a 90-minute online masterclass about the function of production management in the film industry. The masterclass will also be followed up with a 30 minute question and answer session.
The masterclass will be presented by Simon Ambridge, the Production Manager on the Minecraft film, who will share his personal experiences in the industry along with covering some of the topics of the topics below:
- Budgeting a major international film
- Interfacing with international studios
- Managing both foreign and NZ crew
- Day-to-day operations of a production manager
- Understanding HR policies in the film industry
🗓 9am - 11am, Thursday 1 November
⭐️ RSVP here
Aho Shorts 2024 in Post-Production
The 2024 Aho Shorts Collective are on the home run in post-production, having completed filming in Tāmaki Makaurau & Rotorua.
It has been great to be on set with each production rolling with creativity and a great essence of whanaungatanga, blending the talents of familiar faces with emerging voices.
The teams, the talent and their stories reflect the diverse tapestry of our hapori and make us proud to support this kaupapa. We are really looking forward to the premiere at the Rotorua Indigenous Film Festival in November 15-17 and hope to see you there too!
Aho Shorts is not just crafting films; it’s cultivating a vibrant space for indigenous storytelling, honouring our legacy while paving the way for future generations and our unique perspectives.
NRDC Storytelling Fellowship
The fellowship awards $20,000 each to three writers to support the revision of a feature screenplay or pilot that engages with climate change in a compelling way.
The fellowship also provides creative mentorship from established screenwriters. Mentors for the 2024 cycle are:
- Mike Schur (The Good Place, Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nine)
- Daniel Scheinert (Everything Everywhere All At Once, Swiss Army Man)
- Brit Marling (A Murder at the End of the World, The OA).
Check out the website for more information.
The finalists have been announced for the New Zealand Television Awards!
Congratulations to all the Māori finalists who have been nominated.
Check out the impressive full list of finalists on their website.
The New Zealand Television Awards will be held at Auckland’s Aotea Centre on Friday November 22. Buy your tickets to come along and celebrate with us all
NZ SPADA Award Winners
Congratulations to Angela Cudd and Jason Taylor on being award recipients at the 26th Spada Screen Industry Awards, held on the 10th October 2024.
Angela is currently producing two short films in this round of Aho Shorts.
Ki te tu!
Spada Independent Producer of the Year (Sponsored by Gallagher Insurance)
· Winner: ANGELA CUDD
Spada Emerging Producer Award (Principal Sponsor - Hinterland)
· Winner: JASON TAYLOR
Wairoa Māori Film Festival
Introducing: MOVIES AT THE MARAE
Wairoa Māori Film Festival is heading back to the hau kāinga. With a weekend of films at Kahungunu Marae in Nūhaka.
Screening as part of the programme are two Aho Shorts, Chatterbox and Shades of Blue and Green.
As a proud sponsor, Ngā Aho Whakaari are excited to tautoko such a heartfelt and wholesome kaupapa to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Wairoa Māori Film Festival.
Entry fee: Koha
Browse the schedule: Check it out here!
A decade of Loading Docs culminates in a tenth season
Loading Docs: The Tenth Collection presents six visually stunning short documentaries that highlight the best of New Zealand storytelling.
From a heart-pounding battle to protect ancient trees to a tender quest for extraterrestrial contact, this collection reflects the diversity of New Zealand storytelling. As a collection of films, it speaks to universal themes of social and environmental responsibility, connection to whenua, whānau and unity.
With support from NZ On Air, Te Māngai Pāho, and the New Zealand Film Commission, the Loading Docs initiative continues to empower storytellers to bring their visions to life, helping to shape the future of documentary filmmaking in New Zealand.
Ignite your imagination with six new LOADING DOCS films.
Out now on: Watch here
Upcoming Funds
TMPFUNDING
- General Audience R2, Stage 2 ITP/RFP, closes 03 December.
NZFC FUNDING
- Advanced Development: Applications accepted at any time
- International Co-Development Fund: Applications accepted at any time
- Feature Film Finishing Grant: Applications accepted at any time
- He Kauahi Catalyst: 21 Oct 1pm deadline
- Filmmaker International Travel: Applications accepted at any time
- He Pounamu Te Reo Māori Feature Film Initiative: To register interest email rautaki@nzfilm.co.nz
Industry News
As part of NZFC's He Ara Whakaurunga Kanorau | Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, they are undertaking their biennial survey to better understand the lived experiences of those working in the Aotearoa screen sector.
Please tautoko and fill out the survey
Want to share your events, initiatives, or announcements with us?
We'd love to feature them in future pānui! Drop us a line at admin@ngaahowhakaari.org