New Zealand International Feature Film Submission Process

New Zealand's official submission is determined by a Selection Committee approved in accordance with the Academy's International Feature Film Award requirements.

The Selection Committee:

• Is established and administered by the New Zealand Film Commission.
• Consists of a minimum of five members.
• Includes majority participation from artists and/or craftspeople working in the motion picture field.
• Includes members who are citizens, residents, or otherwise eligible under Academy requirements.
• Must be approved by the Academy before serving on the committee.

Selection Committee members must declare any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest.

Any individual with a professional relationship to a film under consideration will not participate in the assessment of that film.

In accordance with Academy requirements, the names of Selection Committee members are not publicly disclosed.

Filmmakers wishing to have a film considered for New Zealand's official International Feature Film submission should provide the information requested by NZFC, including any supporting eligibility documentation required by the Selection Committee.

Required materials may include:

• Production and eligibility information.
• Evidence of qualifying theatrical release.
• Dialogue and language documentation.
• Creative control and production origin information.
• Screening materials.
• Cast and crew credits.
• Any additional information required by the Academy or Selection Committee.

Submission requirements may be updated from year to year to reflect changes to Academy rules.

Films submitted for consideration will be reviewed against the Academy's current International Feature Film rules and eligibility requirements.

The Selection Committee may consider factors including, but not limited to:

• Eligibility under the Academy's International Feature Film rules.
• Compliance with language requirements.
• Production origin and creative control requirements.
• Qualifying theatrical release requirements.
• Submission materials required by the Academy.
• Any other requirements outlined in the Academy's rules or guidance.

The Selection Committee may request additional information or supporting documentation from filmmakers at any stage of the process.

The submission timeline will align with the Academy's annual deadlines.

Key dates for the 99th Academy Awards (2027 ceremony) include:

• 14 August 2026 – Selection Committee information due to the Academy.
• 30 September 2026 – Deadline for official International Feature Film submissions to the Academy.

Applicants are encouraged to make contact as early as possible if they believe their film may be eligible.

For enquiries regarding New Zealand's International Feature Film submission process:

• Email: marketing@nzfilm.co.nz
• Please include "International Feature Film Submission" in the subject line.

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• This page is provided solely to explain New Zealand's submission process and does not imply endorsement, approval, sponsorship, nomination, or eligibility by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.