About
The New Zealand Youth Film Festival (NZYFF)
is a not-for-profit initiative dedicated to finding, celebrating, and empowering the next generation of New Zealand filmmakers and creators. Open to young creatives aged 15-24, the festival provides a national platform for emerging talent to showcase their work, gain industry exposure, and access invaluable learning opportunities.
Founded by Ryan Chow in 2022, NZYFF is the New Zealand counterpart to the Australia Youth Film Festival (AUYFF). Together, the festivals serve as a launchpad for young filmmakers, supporting the long-term sustainability of the screen industry by nurturing new talent and creativity. The program is entirely free to enter, ensuring accessibility to aspiring filmmakers across the country.
What People Are Saying
About Our Festival
Tory Whanau (Mayor of Wellington)
“The future of our film industry relies on the support of our younger filmmakers coming through and developing new talent. And that's what New Zealand Youth Film Festival is all about, and that's why I love it!”
Katie Hinsen (Marvel Studios Director of Technology) | 2022 Judge
“New Zealand Youth Film Festival is a fabulous event, and the quality of filmmaking from rangatahi youth as young as 15 really blew me away! I can't wait to know many of these folks as colleagues on the world stage.”
Charlie Tait (Wētā FX Visual Effects Supervisor) | 2023 Judge
“It was amazing to see the work, I was very grateful to be asked to be involved. Looking at the work, I was so inspired, and I've been inspired by the Festival. We are very interested in you youth, and we need you.”
Our Entries (2024)
Entries
The total number of entries received
509
Includes all types of entries
Geography
Where our entries have come from
Gender
Genders our nominees identify with
