Across Aotearoa

 

In 2025, the Vista Foundation 48Hours is launching a new Across Aotearoa region—bringing together all teams outside Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. This means that there will be one combined regional final bringing together all the talent from across Aotearoa. 

We know its really important for teams to get together and watch their films so we will be focussing our resources on making sure that we run heats screenings in all the previous regions - Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Taranaki, Hamilton and Dunedin, as well as adding in additional locations where we have a number of teams entering, but who are currently missing out on in-person screenings. If your community or local film office is interested in a local heat, then we’d love to hear from you.

The finals will be screened online so that teams from across the country can tune in together to watch and celebrate the best of regional filmmaking. All winners in each award category will be elevated into the national finals, where they’ll compete for top honours.

We acknowledge this is a significant change, especially for the many teams who’ve helped shape the identity of the Vista Foundation 48Hours in their areas. We're hoping that this change will create more opportunities for networking, collaboration, and showcasing regional talent on a bigger stage—while still keeping that local spirit alive through watch parties and online interaction.

Regional Manager

Francesca Carney

 

Born in rural Hawke’s Bay, Francesca (Te Ātihaunui-a-Pāpārangi) has over 20 years’ experience in film and television, with a strong focus on uplifting under-served voices. At the NZ Film Commission, she helped lead key initiatives including Fresh Shorts and Te Rautaki Māori.

Alongside her husband Ben Powdrell, she co-directs Suite Habana Productions, creating theatre, radio, and short films, their recent work includes co-producing the NZ On Air-funded animated series Bloke of the Apocalypse. A long-time 48Hours participant, Francesca now brings her passion to the role of ‘Across Aotearoa’ Manager, supporting the next wave of regional filmmakers—while raising three tamariki.

Contact

Francesca Carney - acrossaotearoa@48hours.co.nz

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Filming guidelines

Filming guidelines from councils will be posted here closer to the shoot weekend.

Heats

All heats in 2025 will be screened online so teams can watch all entries. 

In 2025 we will be running heats in the following locations:

  • Bay of Plenty - Tauranga
  • Gisborne
  • Napier
  • New Plymouth
  • Hamilton
  • Nelson
  • Dunedin
  • Invercargill

You will be able to select your location when you register. If you are unable to attend any of these locations you can select 'online only'.

Regional Final

Date / time - 7pm, Saturday 27th September

Venue - VF48Hours YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@48Hoursnz

Judges

Our team of judges will be selecting the Finalists and Winner. 

Judges will be announced as they are confirmed. You can find out about the judging process on the Judging page.