A Competition for Every Storyteller

Posted 11th June 2026

For more than 23 years, Vista Foundation 48Hours has helped filmmakers across Aotearoa discover their creative voice, build their skills, and take the next step in their screen storytelling journey. 

We want as many people as possible to have that opportunity, which is why we're working to make the competition welcoming, inclusive, and accessible.

Our Accessibility Journey

We're proud to be working alongside Arts Access Aotearoa as we continue improving accessibility across the competition for filmmakers, audiences, judges, and volunteers. 

Working with this organisation helps us better understand the challenges some filmmakers and audience members face, and find real ways to make the competition easier to access.

Current initiatives include:

  • Providing accessibility information about screening venues.
  • Increasing the use of captions across promotional content.
  • Working with people who specialise in accessibility to find ways we can do better.
  • Including judges with a wide range of experiences and viewpoints.
  • Offering awards that celebrate people whose stories and experiences aren't always seen on screen.

As part of our commitment to accessibility, our "How It Works" video (scripted and captioned with advice from Arts Access Aotearoa) makes it easier for more filmmakers to learn about the competition. 

Supporting Diverse Voices

Accessibility is just one part of making a competition where everyone feels welcome. We also work to support a wider range of voices and experiences on screen.

Through Community Love entries, partnerships with industry groups and local screen offices, and reduced entry fees for school and university students, we work to make it easier for more people to take part in the competition.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

A safe and inclusive competition helps everyone do their best work and creates a stronger filmmaking community for all.

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