Day One Hāpai te Haeata unveiled eight new short films by emerging filmmakers from Aotearoa New Zealand as part of Show Me Shorts 2026, and you can now watch all of them below.
Developed through the Day One programme, the films explore a range of cultural, social and political issues, reflecting the experiences, perspectives and creativity of a new generation of storytellers. Day One Hāpai te Haeata provides up and coming filmmaker with the tools, guidance and opportunities to develop their craft and bring their ideas to life. Through mentoring, support and funding, the programme helps emerging filmmakers navigate the journey from concept through to screen.
“Day One exists to create opportunities for creatives to tell the stories that matter to them,” says Chris Widdup, Day One Executive Producer. “Each year we see filmmakers bring unique perspectives, challenge ideas and start important conversations through their work. The Day One Shorts Collection is an opportunity to celebrate those voices and share them with audiences across Aotearoa.”
Anna Duckworth, Day One Consulting Producer, says the programme continues to play an important role in nurturing emerging talent. “These filmmakers represent the future of New Zealand screen storytelling. Through Day One, they are able to access the support, knowledge and industry experience needed to create meaningful work and build confidence in their creative practice.”
Day One Shorts Collection 2026 films
He Kōrihi
Director / Writer: Jordi Webber
After suddenly losing his father, a Māori music producer returns home to Kāpiti Island. In his grief, he finds solitude and guidance in the songs of the birds that surround him.
Silver Lining
Director / Writer: Harriet Maire
Approaching 25 years with type 1 diabetes, Harriett Maire reflects: How do you honour milestones in a lifelong condition? How do you keep moving forward on a journey with no end?
Men of Light
Director / Writer: Simeon ‘Uce Gang’ Fiapule
When the Men of Light start taking families in an Auckland suburb, 13-year-old Ioane uncovers a dark secret no one was meant to find.
Baby Tooth
Director/Writer: Raphaella Holder-Monk
All set to be the perfect bridesmaid, May finds herself battling a grotesque dental crisis - threatening her closest friendship and forcing her to battle her innermost insecurities - tooth and nail.
Mutually Assured Destruction
Director / Writer: Connor Amor-Bendall
Two couples, now exes & once best friends. One night to hash over the past. What could go wrong?
Kuia: For Those Who Come After
Director / Writer: Kelsey Chapman
A young filmmaker sets out to capture her kuia’s memories and soon discovers the story is not only about where she comes from, but who she must become.
Tāpū
Director: Grace Chan, Writers: Grace Chan and Mahana Dexter
Teheani hopes her Chinese-Malaysian boyfriend, David, will charm her Tahitian family with a homemade feast. But the biggest fight of the night isn’t over food – it’s over his foreskin. Now they must confront tradition, family, and whether love can survive the cut.
My Journey with FASD
Director/Writer - Isaac Giles
A slice of life animated documentary following a teenager in Aotearoa living with FASD.
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