The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) has published its Annual Report for the year ending 30 June 2025, reflecting a year of evolution introduced in 2023/24, while navigating dynamic change in the screen sector both locally and globally.
“It’s been a big year in the screen sector with, on the one hand, New Zealand’s biggest film in a decade, Tinā, breaking records and on the other a marked downturn in international production. This was a year of significant ups and downs, requiring a flexible and pragmatic approach to our mahi,” says, NZFC CEO, Annie Murray.
“We’ve lifted our gaze to open up new pathways and offshore opportunities through career placements for New Zealand filmmakers. We’ve focused on project and career development, helping scripts and creative ideas stand out and succeed commercially and creatively.”
Championing New Zealand storytelling and supporting diverse voices remains a core part of NZFC’s mission. The success of the Samoan-led drama Tinā reflects this commitment: its opening week ranked among the biggest for local films, and it’s now the fifth most successful New Zealand film of all time. Tinā has connected across cultures and generations, with releases in Australia and the United States showing how New Zealand stories resonate globally.
Another highlight was A Minecraft Movie, which reinforced New Zealand’s reputation as a world class international production hub. The international blockbuster film contributed over $194 million to the New Zealand economy, created more than 1,000 jobs, and employed a crew that was 89% local.
“Films like A Minecraft Movie show how important the screen industry is for New Zealand – not just in terms of jobs and spending, but in showcasing creativity and technical expertise,” says Murray.
Intense global competition and major shifts in studio and streamer strategies continue to affect the industry, and attracting international work remains challenging. Recent changes to the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate - International, alongside strong local capability, aim to keep New Zealand competitive and support stability in the sector.
International outreach to support New Zealand films has been a key focus. This year, NZFC launched its most ambitious offshore initiative yet – the NZFC Global Trade Mission – targeting markets in the United States, India, United Kingdom, Ireland, and France. Highlights included participation in Mumbai’s WAVES summit following New Zealand’s largest-ever government trade mission to India in March, and the debut of a national booth at Annecy’s Mifa in France, showcasing our animation sector and promoting creative collaboration.
For the year ending 30 June 2025, NZFC delivered a surplus of $4.03M, driven by a one-off boost from Lottery Grants Board profits and careful cost management. These funds are earmarked to fuel the next wave of filmmaking – supporting local production, script and talent development and international engagement. All aimed at building a stronger, more sustainable screen industry and helping New Zealand talent to thrive in a global market.
For the full NZFC Annual Report, click here, and for a summary of the Year in Review, click here.