Double Your Chances: One Film, Two Competitions!
Posted 16th June 2026
ABOUT ONSCREEN
OnScreen is your chance to create an original short film, music video, or documentary — up to 7 minutes (Senior) or 5 minutes (Intermediate).
This is a unique opportunity to run your own film project from start to finish, taking on key roles like Director, Scriptwriter, Editor, Producer or Animator. With minimal restrictions and loads of time to plan, you can explore your ideas freely and bring your vision to life.
You'll also get access to industry-relevant guides, resources, and mentorship from real filmmakers — helping you through every step from pre-production to post.
Whether you're new to film or ready to level up, OnScreen is the perfect platform to experiment, build your skills, and connect with others - plus be in to win over $11,000 in cash prizes and gear from Photogear at the national finals!
Presented by the Wright Family Foundation
Supported by the Vista Foundation, Yoobee College of Creative Innovation, NZ on Screen, Photogear and ZM
Produced by RQP (creators of Showquest, Smokefreerockquest, TOI and more)
- Free to enter!
- Register by: 3 September 2026
- Films due: 16 September 2026
- More info → www.rqp.co.nz/onscreen
ABOUT THE VISTA FOUNDATION 48HOURS
Shoot Weekend: 31 July - 2 August, 2026
The Vista Foundation 48Hours is New Zealand’s ultimate rapid-fire filmmaking competition — where school teams write, shoot, and edit a short film in just one weekend.
You’ll be assigned a surprise genre and must include some mystery elements — encouraging quick thinking, creative problem-solving, time management and teamwork.
You’ll be competing in an incredible film community that includes first timers and seasoned veterans, all screening films together in front of a supportive audience. The winning school teams in each region play at their city final, at a cinema like the Embassy in Wellington, and the Grand National School team winner walks away with a prestigious Apee trophy and $1000 cash.
And who knows where this might lead you? Alumni of the competition include Mukpuddy, Viva La Dirt League, Taika Waititi, Aidee Walker, Awa Puna, Tom Sainsbury, Laura Daniel, Joseph Moore and Nic Sampson.
It’s fast, fun, and incredibly rewarding — with chances to screen your film, compete for prizes, and gain real-world experience.
- 2-for-1 entry for school teams
- Early bird registration closes: 1 July 2026
- Register by: 31 July 2026
- More info for School teams → 48hours.co.nz
ENTERING BOTH? YOU CAN!
Yes — you can enter your VF48Hours film into OnScreen. In fact, we encourage it!
Each comp brings something different:
- VF48Hours: fast-paced, creative pressure cooker — great for sparking new ideas and building team momentum
- OnScreen: time to refine, plan, and develop your concept — with professional support along the way
Use one to inspire the other, or take what you’ve learned in August and level it up for your September submission. You can even access free mentorship through OnScreen after 48Hours to develop your initial film further.
More projects = more experience = better skills, stronger teams, and bigger chances to shine.
Ngā mihi nui to the Vista Foundation, proud supporters of both OnScreen and VF48Hours.