Registrations are open for the OnScreen film competition 2025
NZ On Screen have partnered with RQP — the team behind Smokefreerockquest, Smokefree Tangata Beats, Showquest, Rockshop 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)
2025 Prizes
- 1st Place Short Film: $2000 cash
- Best Documentary: $1000 cash
- Best Music Video: $1000 cash
The national first place winner will have their film published on NZ On Screen, plus, there are individual awards and prizes for Best Director, Producer, Editor, and more!
How to Enter:
- Register by 3 September 2025
- Films due by 17 September 2025
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.
You can check out previous first place-winning films here
OnScreen is proudly presented by the Wright Family Foundation and RQP, and supported by NZ On Screen, Vista Foundation, SAE Creative Media Institute, ZM, Smokefreerockquest and Academy Cinemas.
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