Deadline: 30-Jun-2026
The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) Filmmaker International Travel Grant provides funding of up to NZD 6,500 plus GST per trip to support New Zealand directors and producers attending major international film festivals, film markets, and industry events. The grant helps filmmakers build international partnerships, meet distributors and financiers, showcase their films globally, and advance feature film projects through strategic international engagement.
Eligible applicants must be New Zealand directors or producers with a qualifying feature film or short film and a strong business case demonstrating how the travel will generate tangible professional and commercial outcomes.
About the Filmmaker International Travel Grant
The Filmmaker International Travel Grant is designed to help New Zealand filmmakers expand their international presence and create opportunities for their projects within the global screen industry.
The program supports attendance at major international film festivals, film markets, and industry events where filmmakers can:
- Present their work to international audiences
- Meet distributors, sales agents, and financiers
- Build relationships with international collaborators
- Promote New Zealand filmmaking talent
- Advance feature film development and financing opportunities
- Increase international visibility for New Zealand screen content
The grant focuses on travel that delivers measurable industry outcomes rather than general attendance at events.
Funding Available
Successful applicants may receive:
- Up to NZD 6,500 plus GST per trip
- Support for approved international travel expenses
- Funding for attendance at eligible festivals, markets, and industry events
Applications may be submitted throughout the year via the NZFC application portal.
Program Objectives
The grant aims to:
- Increase international exposure for New Zealand filmmakers
- Support global distribution opportunities
- Facilitate international co-production relationships
- Strengthen industry networks
- Encourage feature film development and financing
- Promote New Zealand stories and creative talent internationally
- Generate business opportunities through strategic travel
Focus Areas
Supported travel activities include:
- International film festival attendance
- Film market participation
- Industry networking events
- Meetings with distributors and sales agents
- Co-production discussions
- Financing and investment meetings
- Project development opportunities
- Global audience engagement activities
Why This Grant Matters
International film festivals and markets play a critical role in the global film industry. They provide opportunities for filmmakers to secure distribution agreements, attract investment, identify co-production partners, and establish long-term professional relationships.
For New Zealand filmmakers, international exposure can help:
- Expand global reach
- Increase project visibility
- Strengthen financing opportunities
- Open access to new markets
- Build sustainable international careers
- Support the growth of New Zealand’s screen industry
The grant reduces financial barriers that may otherwise prevent filmmakers from participating in important international industry events.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must be:
- New Zealand directors, or
- New Zealand producers
Applicants must also meet one of the following requirements:
Feature Film Applicants
Applicants must have:
- A completed feature film
- The feature film premiering at an eligible international festival or market
Short Film Applicants
Applicants must have:
- A short film selected in competition at an eligible festival
- At least one feature film in advanced development
Eligible short film festivals include:
- Berlin International Film Festival
- Cannes Film Festival
- Sundance Film Festival
- Toronto International Film Festival
- Venice Film Festival
- Hawai’i International Film Festival
- imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival
Eligible Activities
Supported activities may include:
- Festival screenings
- Market participation
- Industry networking
- Distribution meetings
- Sales representation meetings
- Co-production discussions
- Development meetings
- Financing and investment discussions
- Strategic industry relationship building
Applicants must demonstrate clear and measurable business outcomes linked to the travel.
Ineligible Activities
The following are generally not eligible:
- Series drama projects
- Non-feature-related events
- Travel to Australia
- General networking trips without clear outcomes
- Travel lacking a detailed business case
- Activities unrelated to feature film advancement
Funding Restrictions
Due to limited funding availability:
- Two or more producers for the same project are generally not funded to attend the same event
- Multiple producers from the same company are generally not funded for the same festival or market
- Applicants may receive a maximum of two grants per NZFC financial year
- Additional grants may only be approved in exceptional circumstances
The NZFC financial year runs from:
1 July to 30 June
Application Requirements
Applicants must provide:
- Evidence of eligibility
- Details of the qualifying film
- Travel objectives
- Expected outcomes
- Detailed travel itinerary
- List of meetings and industry contacts
- Business rationale for attendance
- Information about project development goals
Applications should clearly demonstrate how the trip will benefit both the applicant and the wider New Zealand screen industry.
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Verify that you meet all applicant and project eligibility requirements.
Step 2: Prepare a Business Case
Clearly explain:
- Why attendance is necessary
- What opportunities will be pursued
- Expected professional outcomes
- Potential commercial benefits
Step 3: Develop a Travel Plan
Include:
- Event details
- Meeting schedule
- Target industry contacts
- Project objectives
- Expected deliverables
Step 4: Gather Supporting Materials
Prepare documentation related to:
- Film selection or premiere status
- Project development stage
- Industry meetings
- Travel objectives
Step 5: Submit Through the NZFC Portal
Complete and submit your application through the official NZFC application system.
How Applications Are Assessed
Applications are typically evaluated based on:
- Eligibility compliance
- Strength of the business case
- Quality of the project
- International opportunity potential
- Strategic value of attendance
- Likelihood of measurable outcomes
- Industry impact
- Alignment with NZFC objectives
Tips for a Strong Application
- Present clear commercial and professional objectives
- Schedule meaningful industry meetings before applying
- Demonstrate strong market potential for your project
- Explain how attendance supports long-term career development
- Show how outcomes will benefit New Zealand’s screen sector
- Provide realistic and measurable targets
- Include confirmed invitations or festival selections where possible
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting applications without a detailed meeting plan
- Providing vague networking objectives
- Applying for ineligible events
- Failing to demonstrate commercial outcomes
- Requesting support for multiple producers from the same project
- Applying without sufficient evidence of project readiness
- Submitting incomplete travel plans
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much funding is available?
Successful applicants may receive up to NZD 6,500 plus GST per trip.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants are New Zealand directors and producers who meet the qualifying film requirements.
Can short filmmakers apply?
Yes. Applicants with qualifying short films may apply if their short film has been selected in competition at an approved festival and they have at least one feature film in advanced development.
Are applications accepted year-round?
Yes. Applications can be submitted at any time through the NZFC application portal.
Is travel to Australia eligible?
No. The grant does not support filmmaker travel to Australia.
How many grants can an applicant receive?
Applicants may receive up to two grants during a single NZFC financial year unless special approval is granted.
What makes a strong application?
Strong applications include a clear business case, confirmed industry meetings, measurable outcomes, strategic travel objectives, and strong potential for international industry impact.
Conclusion
The New Zealand Film Commission Filmmaker International Travel Grant provides valuable support for New Zealand directors and producers seeking to build international careers and advance feature film projects. With funding of up to NZD 6,500 plus GST, the program enables filmmakers to attend leading international festivals and markets, establish global industry connections, explore distribution and financing opportunities, and strengthen New Zealand’s presence in the international screen industry.
For more information, visit New Zealand Film Commission.