25K Level Up Grant from NZFC is back!

Posted 11th June 2025

48Hours + NZFC Level up grant

Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga / The New Zealand Film Commission is excited to celebrate the creativity and innovation that comes out of the Vista Foundation 48Hours. 

In 2025 they will offer the Grand Final winning team an opportunity to pitch for a grant of up to $25,000 to go towards a new film.

The grant must go towards the development and production of a short film or proof of concept for a feature film.

The NZFC Industry Support team and the 48Hours team will support the winning team with check-ins at key steps as they progress from script to delivery of the project.

 

Liam Maguren and his crew used the 25k Level Up Grant and his Wingnut/Park Road Post prize package to create animated short - The Charm of the Magpies.

Terms and Conditions

  • The winning team will have the opportunity to pitch to the NZFC Vista Foundation 48Hours team for a grant of up to $25,000 to make a new project.
  • There will be an informal pitching and workshopping process with the NZFC and 48Hours to agree on the concept and details of the new project. The NZFC must be comfortable with the project and the project must meet its funding requirements.
  • The NZFC and 48Hours will check in with the team throughout the project as well as providing guidance and advice for short film festival marketing.
  • The project must be a short film or proof of concept for a feature film.
  • A percentage of the grant will be used for project development and mentoring, and the majority of the grant will be utilised for production. The NZFC will determine how the grant will be allocated in consultation with the winning team.
  • The winning team can use other 48Hours prizes to support the project at their discretion.
  • If the winning team chooses not to take up this opportunity or a project is not agreed that meets the NZFC’s requirements, the opportunity will be offered to the first runner up team, and following that, the second runner up team.
  • The NZFC and the winning team will enter into an agreement setting out further terms and conditions of the grant and mentoring support. The terms and conditions will be at the NZFC’s discretion.