Ngā Pakiaka Incubator Programme – Call for applications from rangatahi aged 16 – 30

Turn your idea into a production ready project... Does this sound like you?

In May 2020 Māoriland launched the first Ngā Pakiaka Incubator Programme (NPIP), an opportunity for rangatahi filmmakers to make their first or second professional film. Eight rangatahi were selected for the programme; Bailey Poching, Ariah Kapa, Kararaina Ngatai-Melbourne, Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne, Te Waiarangi Ratana, Oriwa Hakaraia, Tiana Trego-Hall and Te Mahara Tamehana. In September 2021 they will premiere their completed films.

Māoriland is seeking applications for rangatahi with a strong interest/experience in writing, directing and/or producing to participate in the second Ngā Pakiaka Incubator Programme. 

During this year-long programme you will receive one-on-one mentorship from industry experts from across the Indigenous filmmaking sector, craft development workshops, script development and the opportunity to produce your film with Māoriland Productions. You will grow your craft working tuakana-teina within the E Tū Whānau Rangatahi Film Challenge.

Ngā Pakiaka Incubator Programme aims to have:

  • Rangatahi produce professional films for the festival market, to be shared widely with their peers inspiring more youth filmmaking and for platforms including television and web.

  • Rangatahi are transitioned from new to emerging OR emerging to established filmmakers. 

  • Connect rangatahi filmmakers to significant mentors within the industry enabling industry placements. 

  • Rangatahi grow an international profile and opportunities by working with international Indigenous filmmakers.

  • Rangatahi pathway to employment in the industry.

  • Production-ready films.

E Rangi Rā - Dir. Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne
E Rangi Rā – Dir. Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne
The Voyagers Legacy - Dir. Bailey Poching
The Voyagers Legacy – Dir. Bailey Poching

Ngā Pakiaka Incubator Programme Details

Only 6 places are available for rangatahi Māori aged 16-30 yrs old. Two places were awarded at the  Māoriland Film Festival 2021 Pitch to Te Hira Horua and Kararaina Ngatai Melbourne.  The programme runs from June 2021 – June 2022.  If selected, you will receive;

Phase One: Development

  • One-on-one mentorship with Māoriland Productions 

  • Craft workshops with international Indigenous filmmakers

  • Script Development 

  • The opportunity to pitch your project to be produced by Māoriland Productions. 

Participants can be based anywhere in Aotearoa. Workshops will predominantly take place on Zoom as well as in-person wānanga. Dates will be arranged with participants according to the needs of each project. 

Phase Two: Production

  • If selected for phase two, your project will be produced by Māoriland Productions. 

  • Māoriland Productions will distribute and promote your completed work.

  • All participants selected for the Ngā Pakiaka Incubator Programme will be required to participate as a tuakana facilitator in a minimum of two E Tū Whānau Rangatahi Film Workshops. These workshops are held in communities across Aotearoa and are for rangatahi aged 12 – 24. By participating in these workshops as a tuakana facilitator, you will grow your own skill and expertise as a storyteller.

Filmmakers Workshop with Zoe Hopkins
Filmmakers Workshop with Zoe Hopkins
BTS of Ngā Riwha a Tama - Dir. Kara Ngatai-Melbourne
BTS of Ngā Riwha a Tama – Dir. Kara Ngatai-Melbourne
E Tū Whānau Workshop
E Tū Whānau Workshop

What we’re looking for:

The Ngā Pakiaka Incubator Programme is open to Māori, Pasifika and Indigenous filmmakers based in Aotearoa aged 16 – 30. 

You must be passionate and committed to your growth as a screen storyteller.

You must have a short film idea or script that you are excited to tell.

Register to pitch your idea. Pitches will be held online on May 29.

What we’re looking for in your idea: 

TAHI – Quality of Story
RUA – Quality of Pitch
TORU – Overall Entertainment Factor

Registrations close May 26. Only invited filmmakers will be able to pitch on the day. 

REGISTER TO PITCH YOUR IDEA HERE