Funding
He Kauahi - Catalyst Short Film Funding
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He Kauahi Catalyst supports New Zealand filmmakers to progress to the next stage. This fund helps you create exceptional narrative short films that can ignite the flame and be a catalyst for your career progression.
Application Process
One
Before
Before applying, read the Short Film He Kauahi Catalyst Fund Guidelines
Two
Three
When
2026 application rounds are now closed.
For more information on Short Film funding, refer to the Short Film Pod Fund page.
Supporting resources and guidelines
Application info
Application info
Up to $90,000 is available for the production of scripted live-action or animated short films that demonstrate:
Talent development – supporting New Zealand writers, directors, and producers to create exceptional work.
Critical potential – projects with strong potential for film festival success, offering cathartic or provocative cinematic experiences with cultural specificity and artistic excellence.
Innovation – projects that forge new ground in film technology, storytelling, or talent development.
Notes: Projects must not be documentary or episodic in format. This fund no longer includes additional support for early feature film development.