Registrations are open for the OnScreen film competition 2026
NZ On Screen has partnered with RQP — the team behind Smokefreerockquest, Smokefree Tangata Beats, Showquest, Bandquest, Toi and Stills — for their OnScreen short-film programme.
OnScreen is a nationwide challenge for intermediate and high school students to create an original short film, documentary, or music video. It’s free to enter and open to all students across Aotearoa.
To take part, get a team together and register via the OnScreen website – entrants will then receive the OnScreen Manual with information on planning a shoot, key dates, rules and tips.
Throughout the year, students will be able to develop their filmmaking skills with free access to workshops, learning resources and mentorship from experts in the film industry.
OnScreen is designed to be student-led, with students working in groups of 1-30 and assigning creative leadership roles (eg. Producer, Director, Performer, Editor, Choreographer). Schools can submit multiple films.
Competition Sections
- Senior: Narrative Short Film, Documentary, Music Video (7 minutes max)
- Intermediate: Short Film (5 minutes max)
2026 Prizes
- 1st Place: $1000 cash & $1000 Photogear prize
- 2nd Place: $500 cash & $750 Photogear prize
- 3rd Place: $500 & $500 Photogear prize
- Best Documentary: $750 Photogear prize, $250 cash prize & a shoot-day experience with Aotearoa Science Agency
- Runner Up Documentary: $500 cash
- ZM Best Music Video: $500 cash, $500 Photogear prize and a ZM concert pass
- Smokefreerockquest Runner Up Music Video: $500 cash
The national 1st Place winner will have their film published on nzonscreen.com, plus, there are individual awards and prizes for Best Director, Producer, Editor, and more!
How to Enter
- Register by 3 September 2026
- Films due by 16 September 2026
- Register via the OnScreen website
OnScreen launched in 2020 and is run by the team at RQP. RQP is a youth development company, committed to creating opportunities for rangatahi nationwide to participate in high-quality arts experiences and develop their skills.
Check out the previous first place-winning films here
OnScreen is proudly presented by the Wright Family Foundation, and supported by the Vista Foundation, Yoobee, NZ On Screen, Photogear, ZM, Aotearoa Science Agency, and RQP.
Useful resources for filmmakers
Tips and tricks Curtis Vowell, director of Fantail, Baby Done and Workmates.
Tips and tricks from film reviewer and journalist Kate Rodger
Tips and tricks from journalist Paula Penfold
Tips and tricks from editor Richard Shaw, whose credits include We Were Dangerous, Baby Done, and Fantail.