Apply for Mumbai International Film Festival (New Zealand)

The Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono invites applications from emerging New Zealand screen creatives to join a delegation to the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) 2026, held in Mumbai, India. This opportunity is designed for early-career professionals in the screen industry who are looking to expand their international networks and deepen their engagement with Asia’s dynamic film ecosystem.

Who is Eligible?

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.

• Currently residing in New Zealand and in good health.

• Must be available for the full duration of the delegation program in mid-June 2026.

• Must be an emerging screen creative who has demonstrated professional success through completed and publicly presented screen works such as:

  • Festival screenings

  • Broadcasts or streaming

  • Commissions

  • Awards

  • Recognized development programs

• Must not have had sustained international market exposure.

• This opportunity is not for students or established industry figures with significant international market experience.

The program is aimed at practitioners at a pivotal growth stage, including:

• Documentary filmmakers

• Short fiction filmmakers

• Animators

• Directors and writer-directors

• Screenwriters, editors, and cinematographers

• Creative producers developing screen-led work

• Artists working in experimental, hybrid, or interactive screen forms

Why It Matters

The Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) is one of South Asia’s premier platforms for documentary, short films, and animation, and offers emerging filmmakers exposure to contemporary Indian and international work, as well as opportunities for networking and collaboration with global screen professionals. This program helps New Zealand creatives expand their international networks, engage with new markets, and strengthen their creative practice through immersive experiences and industry exposure in one of Asia’s most vibrant screen ecosystems.

Program Highlights

• Mumbai Orientation: Context-setting on India’s screen industry and ecosystem.

• Curated Festival Screenings: Attend selected screenings at MIFF.

• Discussions and Reflection Sessions: Engage in discussions with fellow practitioners and mentors.

• Networking: Structured opportunities to meet Indian and international screen creatives.

• Sector Visits: Visit key institutions and organizations within Mumbai’s screen industry.

• Engagement with Emerging Indian Creatives: Collaborate and share knowledge with the local creative community.

• Pre-Departure Briefings: Preparation for cultural context and strategic engagement.

Funding Details

The Asia New Zealand Foundation will cover:

• Flights to and from India

• Accommodation and transport while in India

• Entry to scheduled activities

• A per diem for daily expenses

Note: Applicants are responsible for arranging their own travel insurance, travel documentation (including visas), and transfers to and from their nearest New Zealand airport.

How to Apply

1. Complete the Online Application: Fill out the online form with personal and project details.

2. Provide a Short Professional Bio: Up to 200 words, summarizing your career achievements and creative work.

3. Motivation Statement: Explain why you want to take part in the delegation, what engagement you’ve had with Asia, and what concrete outcome you hope to achieve.

4. Submit by Deadline: Applications close at 5pm on Friday, 13 March 2026.

Common Mistakes and Tips

• Unclear Focus: Ensure your application clearly demonstrates your emerging career status and professional success, with specific examples of your publicly presented works.

• Incomplete Application: Double-check that your professional bio, motivation statement, and engagement with Asia are clear and detailed.

• Eligibility Confusion: Confirm that you meet the international exposure criteria and are not an established industry figure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for the delegation?

   • The program is for emerging New Zealand screen creatives with a track record in documentary, short fiction, animation, or similar moving-image storytelling practices.

2. What does the program cover?

   • The Foundation covers flights, accommodation, transport, and entry to activities, while a per diem is provided for expenses.

3. Do I need to have international experience to apply?

   • No, this program is specifically for those who have not had sustained international market exposure.

4. What is the deadline for applications?

   • The deadline for submitting your application is 5pm, Friday, 13 March 2026.

5. What are the selection criteria?

   • Applicants will be assessed on their professional success, motivation for participating, and potential for international collaboration at this stage of their career.

Conclusion

The Asia New Zealand Foundation’s MIFF Delegation provides a unique opportunity for emerging New Zealand screen creatives to expand their international networks, engage with Asia’s film industry, and grow their creative practice. If you’re looking to deepen your international exposure and take your screen career to the next level, this delegation is a fantastic opportunity to be part of one of South Asia’s leading film festivals and foster meaningful cross-cultural exchanges.